Himachal Pradesh snowfall: Heavy rain and snowfall has been predicted for Himachal Pradesh today by the IMD. Manali may freeze at 0 degrees today with the weather office predicting rainfall and snowfall for the day. An orange alert has been sounded for Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti with forecast of heavy snowfall along with rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Shimla might see heavy rain along with hail, cold day, thunderstorms and lightning today.
Heading To The Hills This Long Weekend? MeT Issues Heavy Snowfall Alert Across Himachal
Higher reaches including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur and Kullu are likely to receive snowfall, while a yellow alert has been issued for Mandi and other mid-hill regions
Army Vehicle Carrying Troops For Anti-Terror Operation Plunges Into Gorge In J&Ks Doda; 10 Killed
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 22: An armoured vehicle of the Army carrying troops for an anti-terror operation plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district on Thursday, killing 10 soldiers and injuring 11 others, officials said. The accident took place at the 9000-foot-high Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road around noon when the driver of the bulletproof vehicle, Casspir, lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge. The Casspir, also known as Casper, is a Mine-Resistant [] The post Army Vehicle Carrying Troops For Anti-Terror Operation Plunges Into Gorge In J&Ks Doda; 10 Killed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Army vehicle plunges into gorge in J&Ks Doda, 10 soldiers killed
Bhaderwah/Jammu: An Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, January 22, killing ten soldiers and injuring 11 others, officials said. The accident took place at the 9000-feet-high Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road around noon when the driver of a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
10 soldiers killed, 11 injured as Army vehicle plunges into gorge in J-K's Doda
Ten soldiers died and eleven were injured when an Army vehicle fell into a gorge in Doda district. The accident occurred on the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. A joint rescue operation was launched immediately. Injured soldiers were airlifted for specialized treatment. Officials confirmed the fatalities and injuries. Leaders expressed grief and condolences to the families.
Tragic Road Accident Claims 10 Indian Army Lives in J&Ks Doda
The accident occurred at Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, a challenging mountainous route often used for accessing high-altitude military posts between J&K and Himachal Pradesh
10 soldiers killed, 10 injured as Army vehicle plunges into gorge in Doda
Srinagar: At least soldiers died and as many were injured after an Army vehicle went down into a deep gorge at the Khannitop on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road in Doda district today morning, officials said. An official said that the Armys Casper vehicle fell into the gorge near the Khannitop when a team was heading []
Army vehicle plunges into gorge in J-Ks Doda, four personnel killed
BHADERWAH/JAMMU: Four Army personnel were killed and nine others injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said. The accident took place at Khanni top along Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. Officials said the bullet-proof Army vehicle, carrying a total of []
4 Soldiers Dead, Several Injured As Army Vehicle Plunges Into Deep Gorge In J&K's Doda
The Army Casper was moving on the Bhaderwah Chamba Road in Doda when the accident took place.
J&K: 4 Soldiers Killed as Army Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge in Doda
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 22: Four Army personnel were killed and nine others injured on Thursday after a bullet-proof Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The accident occurred at Khanni Top along the BhaderwahChamba interstate road while the vehicle was en route [] The post J&K: 4 Soldiers Killed as Army Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge in Doda appeared first on Northlines .
Army Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge In J&Ks Doda, Four Personnel Killed
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 22: Four Army personnel were killed and nine others injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said. The accident took place at Khanni top along Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. Officials said the bullet-proof Army vehicle, carrying a total of 17 personnel, was heading towards a high altitude post when its driver lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge. A [] The post Army Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge In J&Ks Doda, Four Personnel Killed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Casualties Feared As Army Vehicle Meets With Accident On Bhaderwah-Chamba Doda
Doda, Jan 22: Casualties are feared after an Army vehicle met witha an accident in the Khannitop area along the Bhaderwah-Chamba inter-state road on Thursday. Official sources said that the Army vehicle skidded off the road under unknown circumstances. Soon after the incident, rescue and response teams rushed to the spot and initiated relief operations. Casualties are feared in the incident, sources added. The exact number of casualties, is yet to be ascertained. (KNC) The post Casualties Feared As Army Vehicle Meets With Accident On Bhaderwah-Chamba Doda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Soldier Critically Injured After Army Vehicle Accident On Bhaderwah-Chamba Road
Doda, Jan 22: An Army soldier was critically injured after army vehicle met with an accident in the Khannitop area on the Bhaderwah-Chamba inter-state road on Thursday. An official said that the vehicle skidded off the road under unknown circumstances. Soon after the incident, rescue and response teams were rushed to the spot. The injured soldier was evacuated from the accident site and shifted to a nearby medical facility, where his condition is stated to be critical. Further details about [] The post Soldier Critically Injured After Army Vehicle Accident On Bhaderwah-Chamba Road appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Pradesh on orange alert as snowfall, rain forecast from January 22
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh from January 22 onwards, issuing an orange alert for Kullu, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti on January 23. Yellow alerts have been issued for the remaining districts as temperatures are expected to drop sharply over the next few days
3 from Himachal Pradeshs Chamba dead as pickup falls into gorge
Govt nod to Atal Progress-way connecting Delhi-Mumbai e-way to Bundelkhand e-way
The Atal Progress-way, or Chambal Expressway, has received in-principle approval, set to link the Delhi-Mumbai and Bundelkhand Expressways across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. This 420-km, 14,000 crore, six-lane project bypasses sensitive areas, promising to cut travel time significantly and boost connectivity for backward regions.
Army trains VDGs against terrorists in Chenab valley
Jammu Tawi, Dec 30 : Amid an intensive counter-terrorist operation in the higher reaches of Chenab valley, the Army has also stepped up efforts to strengthen grassroots security by imparting training to Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Doda district, officials said on Tuesday. Around 150 VDGs from 17 remote villages along the Doda-Chamba border, including [] The post Army trains VDGs against terrorists in Chenab valley appeared first on Northlines .
Army Trains Village Defence Guards In J&Ks Doda As Anti-Terror Ops Continue In Chenab Valley
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Dec 30: Amid an intensive counter-terrorist operation in the higher reaches of Chenab valley, the Army has also stepped up efforts to strengthen grassroots security by imparting training to Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Doda district, officials said on Tuesday. Around 150 VDGs from 17 remote villages along the Doda-Chamba border, including women volunteers, are undergoing intensive training in handling automatic rifles, minor tactics, self-defence, bunker construction and repelling enemy attacks, they said. The villages are located near the [] The post Army Trains Village Defence Guards In J&Ks Doda As Anti-Terror Ops Continue In Chenab Valley appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
UP boy who saved dad from crocodile wants to protect nation
A nine-year-old boy, Ajay Raj Nishad, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his bravery after saving his father from a crocodile attack in the Chambal river. Armed with a stick, Ajay struck the predator's eye, forcing it to release his father. Inspired by the award ceremony, Ajay aspires to join the defence forces.
Supreme Court ruling on Aravalli definition triggers huge protests in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: The Supreme Courts recent acceptance of the Union Environment Ministrys definition of the Aravalli hills -- restricting the range to landforms with an elevation of more than 100 metres -- has triggered widespread protests across Rajasthan. Political leaders, environmental activists, social media influencers and citizens have expressed strong opposition and warned that the move will entail serious ecological and economic consequences. Under the revised definition, nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, consisting of hills lower than 100 metres, will no longer be classified as part of the protected range. According to available data, only 1,048 out of nearly 1.6 lakh hillocks in the state meet the 100-metre criterion, effectively excluding the vast majority from regulatory safeguards. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster Laxmikant Sharma, professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, said the governments stance that only hills above 100 metres qualify as Aravalli would automatically exclude most of the range. In Rajasthan, the Aravalli hills are largely between 30 and 80 metres in height. This means nearly 90 per cent of the range is directly under threat, he said. Though the Supreme Court order states that new mining is not permitted, critics argue that illegal mining continues unabated. A 2018 report by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) revealed that around 25 per cent of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had already been destroyed. Against this backdrop, the Aravalli Heritage Peoples Campaign was launched a few days ago from Vinoba Gyan Mandir in Bapu Nagar in Jaipur. Kavita Srivastava, national president of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), urged the government to repeal the uniform definition of the Aravalli proposed by a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, calling it a threat to Indias ecological and cultural heritage. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions': Congress slams government over new Aravalli definition Activists have demanded that the Aravalli rangespread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhibe declared an Ecologically Critical Area and that the use of raw stone mined from the hills be stopped. Neelam Ahluwalia, founding member of People for Aravalli, said the recent court decision would leave more than 90 per cent of the range unprotected and vulnerable to mining. The situation is particularly alarming in Alwar district, where 31 of the 128 identified hills have reportedly been completely flattened due to mining. Environmental experts warn that excluding large parts of the Aravalli range from protection could further embolden mining mafias. Experts have also cautioned that extensive degradation of the Aravallis could alter regional rainfall patterns. Some warn that if the range is destroyed, monsoon moisture could shift westwards towards Pakistan, adversely affecting rainfall in Rajasthan. Nearly 80 per cent of the 700-kilometre-long Aravalli range passes through 27 districts of Rajasthan, forming the ecological backbone of eastern Rajasthan. Agriculture and farmers livelihoods in these regions depend heavily on the hills, as several seasonal riversincluding the Chambal, Banas, Sahibi, Sota, Katli, Kasavati, Gambhiri and Moreloriginate from the Aravallis. Modi government has 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli hills: Sonia Gandhi Rainwater stored in the hills flows through streams and underground channels, sustaining these rivers and supporting small-scale farming and animal husbandry throughout the year. The Aravallis are also home to diverse plant species and vegetation. As the worlds oldest mountain range, their rock formations have a strong water-holding capacity, allowing groundwater to be stored for long periods. Rajasthan has around 32 major potable water reservoirs, many of which depend on the Aravalli system. In a desert state like Rajasthan, environmentalists point out that nearly 22 per cent of the Aravalli hills have already been destroyed due to excessive mining. According to studies, the unique structure of the Aravallis helps recharge nearly two million litres of groundwater per hectare annually, making the range the largest source of water in the region. As protests intensify, environmental groups have demanded an immediate review of the definition, warning that Rajasthans ecology, water security and rural economy are at serious risk. It remains to be seen how the agitation unfolds in the coming days. On International Mountain Day, campaign launched to save India's oldest mountain range Aravalli
Genetic researchers probe nuclear genome to explain exceptionally high TB burden among MPs Sahariyas
BHOPAL: Genetic science researchers from across the country have turned their focus to genomic factors that may underlie the abnormally high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among the Sahariyas, one of the three Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Madhya Pradesh. The Sahariya population is largely concentrated in the GwaliorChambal region of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Gwalior, Morena and Bhind districts, with some presence in adjoining parts of Bundelkhand. Reported TB prevalence among the community ranges between 1,518 and 3,294 cases per 100,000 population, at least eight times higher than the national average of 187 per lakh. According to the World Health Organizations Global TB Report 2025 , India, despite remaining among high-burden countries, has recorded a 21 per cent decline in new TB cases, from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. Against this backdrop, the Sahariyas stand out as an extreme outlier. The ongoing research is being led by Prof Gyaneshwar Chaubey, a noted geneticist and biological anthropologist at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, in collaboration with researchers from several institutions, including the University of Calcutta and the Forensic Science Laboratory, Jabalpur. The team has already made a significant breakthrough by linking rare maternal mitochondrial haplogroups, N5 and X2, to heightened TB susceptibility among the Sahariyas. A haplogroup refers to a group of people who share a common ancestor, identified through specific mutations in mitochondrial DNA (inherited from the mother) or Y-chromosome DNA (inherited from the father). The findings, published in the international journal Mitochondrion in August 2025, were based on the analysis of complete mitochondrial genomes from 729 individuals, including 140 Sahariyas. The study revealed that the rare N5 and X2 haplogroups, absent in neighbouring populations, likely entered the Sahariya gene pool through ancient gene flow from western India during the early Iron Age. A subsequent founder effect may have compromised mitochondrial function, weakening immune responses to TB. Researchers noted that this genetic vulnerability, compounded by chronic malnutrition, poverty and limited access to healthcare, offers a compelling explanation for the tribes extraordinarily high TB burden. Building on these mitochondrial findings, the research team has now initiated whole-genome sequencing of Sahariya individuals to investigate the contribution of the nuclear genome to TB susceptibility. This phase aims to identify risk alleles or genetic variants in nuclear DNA that may act independently or in concert with mitochondrial factors to heighten disease vulnerability. The study is also examining long-standing patterns of endogamy within the community. High levels of marriage within the group, combined with a historically small effective population size, may have amplified harmful genetic variants through genetic drift and inbreeding. Preliminary analyses suggest that this demographic history could further intensify TB risk by concentrating deleterious alleles. Expanding from mitochondrial insights to nuclear genomics will give us a far more comprehensive understanding of genetic susceptibility among the Sahariyas, said Debasruti Das, the studys first author. This knowledge is crucial for designing targeted interventions for communities bearing the heaviest TB burden. Senior author Prof Prashant Suravajhala added that the ongoing work would also assess how genetic predisposition interacts with environmental and cultural factors. Such integrated insights can pave the way for personalised public health strategies and more effective TB control among tribal populations, he said.
Two from Chamba among 3 killed in Doda mishaps
Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Dec 12: Three persons lost their lives while two others were seriously injured in two different road accidents in the mountainous Doda district today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The first accident took place this morning on Bhaderwah-Chamba road in Thanhala village when a van with four persons onboard plunged into a gorge leaving one of the travellers dead on spot and three others injured. Immediately after the accident locals along with cops under the [] The post Two from Chamba among 3 killed in Doda mishaps appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: One Dead, Three Injured in Kishtwar Road Accident
JAMMU, Dec 12: One person was killed and three others were injured after an Alcazar vehicle met with a fatal accident at Jhinhini Nala near Thanalla Naka in Kishtwar district on Friday morning. Officials said the crash occurred near Thanalla, resulting in the death of Rinku Ram, son of Nandu Ram, a resident of Chamba. [] The post J&K: One Dead, Three Injured in Kishtwar Road Accident appeared first on Northlines .
J&K | 1 Killed, 3 Injured In Doda Road Accident
JAMMU, Dec 12: One person died and three others were injured in a road accident at Jhinhini Nala near Thanalla Naka in Doda district on Friday morning. Officials said the accident took place when an Alcazar vehicle skidded off the road, resulting in the on-spot death of one Rinku Ram, son of Nandu Ram, a resident of Chamba. The injured were identified as Kalash Kumar, 45, from Pota Chamba; Jairam Singh, son of Baghi Ram, and Chander Bani, son of [] The post J&K | 1 Killed, 3 Injured In Doda Road Accident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
1 Killed, Three Others Injured In J&Ks Kishtwar Road Accident
JAMMU, Dec 12: At least one person was killed and three others were injured in a road accident at Jhinhini Nala near Thanalla Naka in Kishtwar district on Friday morning. Officials said that an Alcazar vehicle was involved in a fatal accident near Thanalla this morning, leaving one person killed and three others injured. The deceased has been identified as Rinku Ram son of Nandu Ram resident of Chamba and injured have been identified as Kalash Kumar(41) resident of Pota [] The post 1 Killed, Three Others Injured In J&Ks Kishtwar Road Accident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP records higher stubble burning than 5 states
BHOPAL: As the country grapples with worsening air quality, it has been revealed that Madhya Pradeshthe home state of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhanis contributing the maximum to stubble burning. According to the recent statistics pertaining to monitoring paddy residue burning in the country via satellite remote sensing, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) detected as many as 33,028 active burning events in six study states. The six study states are: Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. As per the recent report, out of the 33,028 active fire events detected across the six states, a maximum 17,067 or 52% events was detected in MP. Importantly, these 17,067 active burning events detected in MP, between September 15 and November 30, 2025, were more than the collective 15,961 similar active events reported in the same period in the five other states. Among the five other states, 5,114 burning events were detected in Punjab, 662 in Haryana, 7290 in UP, just 5 in Delhi and 2,890 in Rajasthan. Similar picture was revealed when it came to 292 crop residue active burning events detected in the six study states on November 30. MP again attained the top position with 160 burning events, which was more than the total 132 burning events in the 5 other states. Burning events detected in the 5 other states on November 30, included 2 in Punjab, 3 in Punjab, 125 in UP, nil in Delhi, and just 2 in Rajasthan. Further analysis of the crop residue burning events detected through the satellite remote sensing technology recently revealed that the Gwalior-Chambal region contributed the maximum to stubble burning in the forest-rich central Indian state. Out of the 17,067 active burning events between September 15 and November 30, a maximum 2,643 were reported in Sheopur district, which borders Rajasthan. As many as 1,930 events were detected in Gwalior district, followed by 1,797 events in the adjoining Datia. Other districts of the same region where significant active burning events were detected included Ashoknagar (506) and 64 in Morena. Raging menace Using satellite remote sensing, ICAR detected 33,028 paddy residue burning events across six states between Sept 15 and November 20, 2025 The six states are Punjab, Haryana , Uttar Pradesh ,Delhi , Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh MPs 17,067 incidents exceeded the combined 15,961 fires reported by the other five states The other states reported Punjab - 5,114 Haryana - 662 Uttar Pradesh - 7,290 Delhi - 5 Rajasthan - 2,890 Burning events in the five states on Nov 30: Punjab 2, Haryana 3, UP 125 Delhi 0, Rajasthan 2.
ICAR data: Madhya Pradesh leads parali burning with 52% of fire events among six states
BHOPAL: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans home state, Madhya Pradesh, is contributing the maximum to parali burning (paddy residue/stubble burning) in the country, data showed. As per the recent statistics pertaining to monitoring paddy residue burning in the country via satellite remote sensing, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said as many as 33,028 active burning events in six study states. The six study states included Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. As per the recent report, out of the 33,028 active fire events detected across the six states, a maximum 17,067 or 52% events were detected in MP. Importantly, these 17,067 active burning events detected in MP, between September 15 and November 30, 2025, were more than the collective 15,961 similar active events reported in the same period in the five other states. Among the five other states, 5,114 burning events were detected in Punjab, 662 in Haryana, 7,290 in UP, 2, 890 in Rajasthan and just five in Delhi. A similar picture was revealed when it came to 292 crop residue active burning events detected in the six study states on November 30. MP again attained the top position with 160 burning events, which was more than the total 132 burning events in the five other states. Burning events detected in the five other states on November 30, included two in Punjab, three in Punjab, 125 in UP, zero in Delhi and just two in Rajasthan. Further analysis of the crop residue burning events detected through the satellite remote sensing technology revealed that the Gwalior-Chambal region contributed the maximum to stubble burning in the forest-rich central Indian state. 'Incorrect to pass burden onto farmers': SC questions blaming stubble burning for Delhi pollution Out of the 17,067 active burning events between September 15 and November 30, a maximum of 2,643 were reported in Sheopur district, which borders Rajasthan. As many as 1,930 events were detected in Gwalior district of the same Gwalior-Chambal region, followed by 1,797 such events in the adjoining Datia district. The other districts of the same region where significant active burning events were detected included Ashoknagar (506) and Morena district (64). Even when it came to the 160 active burning events detected on November 30 in the state, Gwalior district contributed the maximum at 62. At least 98 or 61% of the total 160 active burning events in MP as on November 30 were detected in districts of Gwalior-Chambal region. Jabalpur district in Mahakoshal region, adjoining Hoshangabad district of central MP and Satna district in Vindhya region were close behind the districts of Gwalior-Chambal region. According to informed sources, MP having the dubious distinction of being the leader in paddy stubble burning isnt a new phenomenon, but has been happening at least since the last two years. The state government tabled figures related to cases registered against those indulging in Parali burning since April 2020 in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday. A total of 546 such cases were registered against offenders in various parts of the state in little less than five years. Out of those 546 cases, as many as 506 cases were registered between December 2023 and November 2025. According to Gwalior district collector Ruchika Chauhan, the Parali burning incidents have declined significantly this year compared to last two years, due to multi-pronged efforts by authorities, including imposing penalties ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 based on area of cultivation, use of harvesters having machines to ensure that crop residue is negligible and sustained awareness campaigns.
47% rise in child marriages since 20, Bundelkhands Damoh dist hotspot
BHOPAL: Marriages of girls aged below 18 years continue to increase in Madhya Pradesh, despite the government claims of working against it in a focussed manner, especially through public awareness campaigns. Statistics tabled by Mohan Yadav government in the Assembly on Tuesday revealed a 47% increase in such cases in 2025, compared to corresponding figures from 2020. So far, this year, 538 child marriages have been reported across the state, a big rise from 366 in 2020. There were 366 such marriages reported in 2020, which increased by 19% to 436 in 2021, 519 marriages in 2022, 528 in 2023, and 529 in 2024. While Bundelkhand, central MP, Gwalior-Chambal region, besides some tribal dominated districts have reported the maximum number of such weddings, Damoh district of Bundelkhand region has emerged as the prime hotspot with maximum 115 such marriages in 2025. With 115 marriages, Damoh contributed 21% of the total 538 such marriages so far this year. The same district had reported 69 such marriages in 2021, 64 in 2022, 39 in 2023 and 33 in 2024. The other districts which reported significant number of such marriages this year, included Rajgarh with 44 marriages, 35 in Bundelkhands Chhatarpur, 28 in Gwalior-Chambal regions Guna, 24 each in Sagar & Dewas, and 23 in Narsinghpur district. A maximum of 115 weddings in Damoh this year is the first time in five years that any district has reported in 100 or more marriages annually. Concern raised The incidence of marriages involving girls below 18 years has risen from 366 in 2020 to 538 in 2025 Damoh dist in Bundelkhand has recorded 115 child marriages this year This is the first time in five years that a dist has seen over 100 cases in a year
Child marriages continue to rise in Madhya Pradesh; 538 cases reported in 2025
Marriages of girls aged below 18 years continue to rise in Madhya Pradesh, despite the governments claims of taking focused measures, particularly through public awareness campaigns to curb the practice. Statistics tabled by Mohan Yadav government in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, the second day of the assemblys ongoing winter session, revealed a 47% jump in child marriages in 2025 compared to 2020. As many as 538 child marriages have been reported across the state so far this year, up from 366 cases in 2020. The number of child marriages has been steadily increasing over the years: 366 cases were reported in 2020, rising by 19% to 436 in 2021, followed by 519 in 2022, 528 in 2023, and 529 in 2024. These figures were presented in response to a question raised by former minister and three-time Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh. While districts in Bundelkhand, central Madhya Pradesh, the GwaliorChambal region, and some tribal-dominated areas reported the highest number of cases, Damoh district in Bundelkhand has emerged as the biggest hotspot, recording 115 child marriages in 2025. This accounts for 21% of all cases reported in the state this year. The district had earlier reported 69 such marriages in 2021, 64 in 2022, 39 in 2023, and 33 in 2024. Other districts reporting a significant number of child marriages this year include Rajgarh (44), Chhatarpur (35), Guna (28), Sagar (24), Dewas (24), and Narsinghpur (23). The 115 cases reported in Damoh this year mark the first instance in five years of any district crossing the three-digit mark. Before this, the highest figure was 87 cases reported in Rajgarh in 2023. Damoh had also recorded the highest number of such cases in 2021 and 2022. Sagar district, also part of Bundelkhand, continues to report a substantial number of underage marriages: 48 in 2020, 33 in 2021, 27 in 2022, 36 in 2023, and 34 in 2024. Although the figures were shared by the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department in the Vidhan Sabha, the states WCD Minister Nirmala Bhuria told journalists that she had no such information. No such question was raised in the Vidhan Sabha. I dont have any such information. Ill find out from where the opposition obtained these figures, she said, despite the data being part of the House proceedings. Bhurias home district, the Bhil-dominated Jhabua, reported 68 child marriages in the last five years, while neighbouring Alirajpur, dominated by the Bhilala tribe, reported just seven cases since 2020. Reacting to the data, Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh slammed the government. In response to my question, the government claimed on Tuesday that public awareness on the issue is growing. But the continuously rising figures shared by the department itself paint a picture contrary to the governments claims, he said.
FDDI Hyderabad Hosts Three-Day Footwear Exhibition
Visitors were welcomed into a space that placed Mojari next to Jutti, Pulla near Chamba footwear, and Kolhapuri beside the Bharwadi Desi Joda and Pabu craft, there celebrating footwear as cultural memory and contemporary study.
Labourer killed, three injured as shuttering collapses at construction site in Himachal Pradesh
SHIMLA: A labourer died and three were injured when the shuttering of an under-construction indoor stadium collapsed in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, police said on Friday. The deceased was identified as Tarkeshwar (34) from Kishanganj district in Bihar, they said. The shuttering of the stadium collapsed on the four labourers at the construction site in the Bargaha area on Thursday night. Other labourers immediately swung into action and pulled them out, but Tarkeshwar died, police said. The body will be handed over to Tarkeshwar's family after post-mortem. The injured labourers -- Lalu Kumar, Deenbandhu and Balkeshwar -- are undergoing treatment at Chamba Medical College, they said. The multi-storey indoor stadium, which is being built at a cost of Rs 11.12 crore, will include modern amenities such as a swimming pool, elevator, boxing ring, gymnasium, badminton courts, and a table tennis hall once completed.
Bhopal: In a major breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction programme, the first Indian-born female cheetah has given birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP), marking a historic milestone in the countrys conservation efforts. Sharing the historic development on X on Thursday, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav posted visuals of 33-months-old female cheetah Mukhi and her newborn cubs. In a delightful breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative, Mukhi the first Indian-born female cheetah, aged 33 months has given birth to five cubs. This is the first time in recent history that an Indian-born cheetah has reproduced, making it a landmark achievement for Project Cheetah, Yadav mentioned in the post. Successful reproduction by an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species adaptation, health, and long-term prospects in Indian habitats. The mother and cubs are doing fine. This significant development reinforces optimism about establishing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in India, further advancing the nations conservation goals. Sharing the visuals, the MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, wrote on the same micro-blogging site, A historic milestone has been achieved in the Kuno National Park. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative. Importantly, Mukhi is the lone surviving first-Indian born cub of Namibian cheetah Siyaya. She was born in March 2023 to Siyaya, just two days after the death of another Namibian female, Sasha, due to renal failure, was reported from the KNP -- which had become the first home to African cheetahs in India, following the successful introduction of eight Namibian cheetahs on September 17, 2022. Though Mukhi was the lone survivor among the first four Indian born cubs of the Namibian cheetah Siyaya, the female cub at nine months of age had sustained serious limb injury. Her subsequent recovery and growth into an independent, healthy adult cheetah, who learnt to hunt on her own, exemplifies the continuous efforts of the team of veterinary experts at the KNP. Importantly, both Mukhi and Siyaya became mothers at nearly the same age in the national park located in Sheopur district of MPs Gwalior-Chambal region. Thursdays landmark development in Indias ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme, more than seven decades after the species went extinct from the wild due to rampant hunting, gains further significance as Kuno National Park is now preparing to receive eight cheetahs from Botswana by the end of this year or early next year. Currently, Kuno National Park houses eight adult Namibian and South African cheetahs and 21 cubs. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in western Madhya Pradesh, which became the second home for African cheetahs in India in April 2025, now holds a South African male coalition and a female, all translocated from Kuno.
Himachal BJP MLA Hans Raj booked under POCSO Act for alleged sexual assault on minor
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh BJP MLA Hans Raj has been booked by the state police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after a complainant accused him of assaulting her when she was a minor. The 42-year-old legislator of the saffron party from the Churah Assembly constituency in Chamba district was booked under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 69 (sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was lodged on Friday at the Womens Police Station. Last week, the woman went live on Facebook, leveling serious allegations of sexual exploitation and intimidation against the MLA and his aides, claiming to possess supporting evidence. She uploaded a seven-minute video alleging that the legislator had ruined her family and that she feared for her life. In response, Hans Raj released a video terming the allegations baseless and politically motivated. Subsequently, her father told the media that the MLAs aides had kidnapped them, broken their mobile phones, and threatened to burn down their house if they did not withdraw the case. A senior police officer said that a case was registered at the Womens Police Station in Chamba on Friday evening after the victim, who is in her early twenties, alleged that she was sexually abused by the MLA when she was a minor. Her statement was recorded before a magistrate, and a medical examination was conducted, he said. This development comes shortly after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Hans Raj on November 6 under Sections 140(3), 115(2), 351(2), 324(4), and 3(5) of the BNS at the Tissa Police Station for offences related to kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault, and criminal intimidation. The complaint, filed by the victims father, accused the legislator, his personal secretary Lekh Raj, and another associate, Muniyan Khan, of forcibly taking his daughter and him to Shimla and threatening them with dire consequences if they did not change their earlier statement. In August last year, a case had also been registered against the legislator at the Womens Police Station in Chamba on the complaint of the same woman, who had alleged that the MLA was sending obscene messages, demanding nude photos, and threatening her. However, a few days later, she went live on social media and withdrew her allegations, claiming she had made them under mental duress. Responding to the renewed allegations, Hans Raj described them as a politically motivated conspiracy aimed at maligning his image. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Womens Commission Chairperson Vidya Negi has sought a report on the case from the Chamba Police. Hans Raj is the third BJP leader from the state to face sexual assault charges in the past month. On October 11, the Solan police arrested 81-year-old Ram Kumar Bindal, elder brother of Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajiv Bindal, for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman. On October 14, a rape case was registered against Brijeshwar, son of former Shimla MP Virender Kashyap, for allegedly having physical relations with a woman on the pretext of marriage. She lodged the complaint after discovering that he was already married.
NHPC Jammu wins Inter-Regional Volleyball tourney
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 6: The Volleyball Team of NHPC Regional Office, Jammu, clinched the NHPC Inter-Regional Volleyball Tournament held at Chamera-II Power Station, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Teams from various NHPC Regional Offices across the country participated with great enthusiasm. In a thrilling final match, the Jammu team defeated the NHPC Faridabad team by 3-1, securing the championship title for the first time. The victorious team presented the trophy to Ram Swaroop, Executive Director, NHPC RO Jammu, who congratulated [] The post NHPC Jammu wins Inter-Regional Volleyball tourney appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amit Shah targets RJD and Congress at Bihar rallies, predicts massive majority for NDA
BETTIAH/MADHUBANI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday addressed election rallies in Bettiah, Motihari and Madhubani as 18 districts went to the polls in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections, accusing the Opposition, RJD, of having pushed Bihar into a mess about 20 years ago. At Bettiah, Shah made a confident prediction: The counting will begin at 8:00 am on November 14 and by 11:00 am, Lalu and Rahuls party will be finished. Under the leadership of Modi ji and Nitish ji, the NDA will once again form the government in Bihar with a massive majority. Cautioning voters, Shah said, If by some mistake our government does not form and the thugbandhan (referring to the Mahagathbandhan) comes to power, then our Champaran will once again become a mini-Chambal. Do you want to bring back jungle raj? Do you want murder, kidnappings, dacoities and extortion to start again? If you do not want that, then on November 3, press the button on the lotus symbol. Shah also said that if an NDA government was formed, it would make Bihar completely free from floods within five years. Referring to the Ram temple, Shah alleged that Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Congress wanted to stop its construction. Mother Sita was born right here in our Bihar. In Bihar, both of Rams sons, Luv and Kush, were born. The first meeting of Ram and Sita took place in Bihar. It was Ram who rescued Ahalya in Bihar. Dont worry two months ago, Nitish Kumar ji and I went to Sitamarhi for the bhumi pujan. Within two years, a grand temple to Sita Mata will be built at a cost of Rs 850 crore, he said, giving the campaign an emotional touch. Shah added that along with the temple, the doubling of the railway line from Sitamarhi to Ayodhya would be completed. On the day the temples pratishtha happens, we will start a Vande Bharat train running from Ayodhya to Sitamarhi, he said. Taking up the issue of infiltration, Shah asked, Should Bangladeshi infiltrators be removed from Bihars voter lists or not? Just now Rahul Baba led a Ghuspethiya Bachao yatra; he said keep infiltrators on the voter rolls. Should Bangladeshis decide who will be Bihars Chief Minister? Infiltrators take jobs from our youth, demand a share of rations meant for the poor, and make the country insecure. From the land of Ramnagar today I say: do as many yatras and press conferences as you like, Rahul Baba the Bharatiya Janata Party from all over the country and from Bihar will identify and remove every single infiltrator. Declaring that the election was dedicated to ending infiltration, Shah said, The upcoming election is an election to make Bihar free of infiltrators. In West Champaran at Kumarbagh, we have set up a Special Economic Zone. In Chanpatia, we are developing an industrial area and a startup zone. Chanpatias textiles are reaching global markets, and we will make the Kesriya Stupa a world heritage site. He also promised an airport in West Champaran. We have also built a Toy Park in West Champaran. The Tharu community was granted Scheduled Tribe status by our Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Modi ji has many schemes in mind for the Tharu community, but because of the election we cannot speak of them now. Once the NDA government forms, we will roll out major schemes for the Tharu community, he said. Recalling how West Champaran was once the sugar bowl of eastern India, Shah said, The chimneys of sugar mills used to billow smoke and farmers used to get paid. The sweetness of our sugar reached across the country. But under jungle raj, extortion caused these mills to shut down one after another locks were put on Champarans sugar mills too. We have restarted the sugar mill at Rega. He assured voters that the BJP and NDA would work to reopen all closed sugar mills in Bihar within the next five years. Shah also listed projects completed in West Champaran, including the PatnaBettiah four-lane road, the widening of National Highway 28 from Bagaha to Bettiah, and the four-lane road No. 139 from Digha to Bettiah. In Motihari, Shah said the Congress now wanted to rule Bihar again by sitting on Lalus shoulders. But I want to tell Rahul ji the one whose shoulders youre riding on is going to lose, and you are going to lose too. Do you want to bring back jungle raj again? Can kidnappings, murders, extortion, and dacoities ever do any good for Bihar? If the RJD candidate from here wins even by mistake, will jungle raj return or not? Only the team of Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi can stop jungle raj, he said. Lalu jis son raised the slogan, Shahabuddin amar rahe (long live Shahabuddin), and gave a ticket to his son. But I want to tell you, Lalu ji even if three generations of your family come to power, Bihar will never again see the rise of goons like Shahabuddin. In Madhubani, Shah said, A large airport is going to be built in Madhubani. In Benipatti, a medical college will be built. Recently, Rahul Baba said that we should find out how many people from each caste and each religion are in our Army. Rahul Baba, shame on you shame on you! You want to divide our Army on the basis of religion and caste. He criticised Rahul Gandhis comments about caste in the Army. In our Army, no matter which caste a brave soldier belongs to, we respect every single one of them. The PFI had spread all the way to Phulwarisharif. It was an anti-national organisation that wanted to break India into pieces. Modi ji, in just one night, banned PFI from Kerala to Phulwarisharif and put all its members behind bars. And Lalu Yadav says they should be released Lalu ji, let me tell you, they will never be released, he asserted.
Himachal woman alleges BJP MLA Hansraj of harassment; he says she is like my daughter
SHIMLA: A woman from Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh has accused BJP MLA Hansraj of harassing her and threatening her family, allegations the legislator has dismissed as an attempt to trigger communal tension. A purported video of the woman making the allegations has surfaced on social media. The woman had filed an FIR against the MLA last year, accusing him of sending obscene messages and demanding nude photographs. In the video, she alleged that some people were trying to defame her by claiming she had accepted money to level charges against Hansraj, who represents the Churah constituency in Chamba. She also claimed she was under pressure to withdraw her complaint. If any harm comes to my family members, I will not spare the MLA, she said tearfully in the clip. The woman further alleged that Hansrajs wife had been threatening that he would settle scores once he becomes a minister, claiming the MLA had ruined my life and that she had nothing to lose now. She said she took to social media because she had no faith in the police or other authorities, accusing them of taking no action and pressuring her to reach a compromise with the MLA. She also accused a doctor and a junior engineer of misbehaving with her father. Hansraj, a three-time MLA, later posted a video refuting the allegations, saying the woman was like my daughter and that she had made similar accusations last year as well. He claimed that the police had investigated the matter and submitted a closure report. The MLA said he was unable to understand her motive, alleging that the latest claims appeared to be a sinister move to trigger communal violence. He urged police to investigate the matter thoroughly and said he would file a defamation case to get to the root of the issue. Hansraj maintained that the allegations were an attempt to halt development work in Churah and tarnish his image as an emerging leader from Chamba.
'She Is Like My Daughter': Himachal MLA Rejects Harassment Allegations By Chamba Woman
A Chamba woman accuses BJP MLA of harassment, sharing videos and alleging police inaction, while Hans Raj denies all claims and calls it an attempt to incite communal tension.
She Is Like My Daughter: Himachal MLA Denies Allegations Of Harassment
A woman in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh has accused BJP MLA Hans Raj of harassing her and threatening her family members, even as the legislator dismissed the allegations.
Assam Police STF chiefs short film Ansuni Chinkhe wins Best Director Award
Ansuni Chinkhe, a moving short film written and directed by Dr Parthasarathi Mahanta, who serves as the Chief of the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police and Guwahati Police Commissioner, has once again brought acclaim to Assam, clinching the Best Director Award of Jury at the 16th Chambal International Film Festival 2025. The festival []
Snow leopard population in doubled Himachal; two new species recorded for first time
CHANDIGARH: The highly endangered snow leopard population in Himachal Pradesh has almost doubled, rising to 83 from 44 individuals recorded in 2021, according to the latest survey jointly conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation and the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. Significantly, for the first time, two new species, the Pallass cat and the woolly flying squirrel, have also been spotted during this survey. The second state-wide snow leopard assessment report, The Status of Snow Leopard in Himachal Pradesh 2025 , confirms the species strong presence across high-altitude landscapes, particularly in Spiti, Pin Valley, Upper Kinnaur and Tabo, which recorded the highest densities. The copy of the report, which is with this newspaper, reads, Our sampling resulted in 44 individual adult snow leopards identified from 262 independent detections across the six sites. At the level of the sites, our sampling from high occupancy stratum resulted in USL having 12 individual snow leopards from 90 detections, Tabo with 6 individual snow leopards from 46 detections, Pin with 8 individual snow leopards with 35 detections and Kinnaur having 9 individual snow leopards from 58 detections. From the low occupancy stratum, Lahaul-Pangi had 8 individual snow leopards from 32 detections, and Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) had 1 individual snow leopard from 1 detection. The survey found snow leopard density ranging from 0.16 to 0.53 individuals per 100 km. Using large-scale camera trapping across six representative sites covering nearly 26,000 km, researchers photographed adult leopards 262 times, leading to an estimated state-wide count of 83 adults, excluding cubs. At the state level, our SECR analysis resulted in the estimated snow leopard density of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.23 - 0.53) snow leopards per 100 km and abundance of 83 (95% CI: 67 - 103) adult snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh. Density and abundance in the high occupancy strata were 0.46 (0.37 - 0.57) snow leopards per 100 km and 59 (48 - 73) snow leopards. In the low occupancy strata, density and abundance were 0.18 (0.14 - 0.23) snow leopards per 100 km and 24 (19 - 30) snow leopards, it added. The report further stated that mountain ungulates such as blue sheep and ibex are key determinants of the snow leopard population. It is widely accepted that the availability of wild ungulates determines the population of large carnivores. We found fluctuations in wild ungulate abundance over the years, and the snow leopard density has largely remained constant. Blue sheep fluctuated in abundance from 786 in 2020 to 1,094 in 2024, whereas ibex fluctuated in abundance from 92 in 2020 to 146 in 2024, it read. It is not just snow leopards; during this survey, two new species the Pallass cat and the woolly flying squirrel were also recorded for the first time. This large-scale camera trapping exercise across the state also recorded other mammals residing in snow leopard landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. In 2024, we got a newer and first-time record for two species, the Pallass cat recorded near Nako in Kinnaur, and the Woolly flying squirrel recorded from Miyar Valley in Lahaul, stated the report. The survey states that blue sheep, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan ibex, common leopard, mountain weasel, Himalayan musk deer, red fox, stone marten and yellow-throated marten were also recorded. The incidental detections of these mammals contribute to refining range maps, documenting previously unrecorded occurrences, and identifying critical biodiversity hotspots within the landscape. These findings enhance understanding of species distribution, habitat use and potential ecological corridors, offering crucial data for conservation planning beyond snow leopards. As seen from the ensemble outputs, the two main prey species of the snow leopard, ibex and blue sheep, are found dispersed across the snow leopard landscape of Himachal Pradesh. The Ibex occurs primarily in rugged areas from around Pin Valley in Spiti going west, including regions of Kibber to Lossar in Spiti and large areas of Lahaul including Bhaga, Miyar and Chandra valleys. Parts of Chamba (Pangi and Bharmour) are also regions of high occurrence for them. The blue sheep on the other hand are a bit more restricted with high occurrence areas around Hangrang valley of Kinnaur and across the Spiti region, particularly Tabo and USL. They prefer more undulating areas with proximity to cliffs, it reads. It further added, Musk deer were predicted to occur predominantly across the Greater Himalayas with particularly high occurrence in Chamba (especially Pangi), parts of Lahaul, Kullu and lower Kinnaur. Musk deer detections were mostly in areas near tree cover. Brown bears were found to occur predominantly across the valleys in Lahaul, Chamba (Pangi and Bharmour), and parts of Kinnaur. Additionally, they were found to occur at the edge of Pin Valley connecting towards the Kullu and Kinnaur regions. They seem to prefer regions along the valley, especially near meadows. Wolves were seen to occur in more rolling, plateau-like areas around Spiti and Lahaul. Interestingly, common leopards were found to have high occurrence along the southern rims of the snow leopard distribution within Himachal Pradesh, with increased occurrence in parts of Kinnaur (upper and lower) and high elevations of Kullu and Chamba. They also were seen to occur in pockets of Lahaul, it concluded. The study followed the Snow Leopard Population Assessment of India protocol, developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in line with the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP). Talking to this newspaper, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Spiti Wildlife Division, Goldy Chhabra said, The Spiti landscape is one of Indias most ecologically significant and biodiverse regions. Going forward, our vision is to deepen scientific understanding of the movement ecology of the snow leopard, a keystone species and apex predator of this landscape. Simultaneously, we aim to document lesser-known species, including herpetofauna and amphibians, among others, to showcase the true species richness and ecological importance of the Spiti landscape to the world. Leopard sighting in Haryana A search operation for a leopard was launched and an alert sounded by the forest department in Dhulkot after receiving information about the big cats sighting in a village in Ambala district of Haryana. CCTV footage from the nearby area purportedly showed a wild animal resembling a leopard, they said, but the forest department is yet to confirm its presence. The forest department made an announcement in the village, urging residents to remain vigilant. A search for the animal is underway, according to officials.
MP CM Mohan Yadav transfers Rs 1,541 cr under Ladli Behna scheme, announces hike to Rs 1,500
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav transferred Rs 1,541 crore to over 1.26 crore women under the Ladli Behna Yojana, announcing an increase in monthly aid to Rs 1,500. He also highlighted the benefits of the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project for farmers and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 532 crore.
Himachal welcomes seasons first snowfall
CHANDIGARH: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass and Dhauladhar ranges, received the seasons first snowfall on Sunday morning, leading to a drop in the minimum temperature. The Kullu district administration has suspended vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass and advised commuters not to venture through this highway. A fresh spell of mild snowfall on the Dhauladhar ranges and overnight rainfall in parts of Kangra and Chamba districts brought a dip in temperatures across several hill towns of the hill state ushering in early winter-like conditions. As Dharamsala, McLeodganj, Kangra, Palampur, Dalhousie, Chamba and Bharmour witnessed a significant change in weather, with a sudden chill replacing the warm sunshine of the past few days. Intermittent showers continued through the morning in several parts of the region, leading to the formation of dense fog that blanketed the upper reaches of the mountains. Strong icy winds swept the higher and mid hills of the state followed by severe thunderstorm, lightning and intermittent rains. Also, there were reports of uprooting of trees due to storm and heavy downpour from several parts of the state. According to the Meteorological Department, Dharamsala and its twin town McLeodganj recorded 25.5 mm of rainfall during the night, while Palampur received 10.2 mm, Kangra 18.4 mm and Chamba 4 mm, Brahmani 26.4, Nangal Dam 23 mm, Malraon 22, Bilaspur 20.4 mm and Nainadevi 18.1 mm. Thunderstorm was witnessed in Kufri, Jot, Murari devi, Sundernagar, Bhunter, Kangra and Shimla while gusty winds with velocity of 30 to 61 Kmph lashed Reckongpeo, Tabo, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sundernagar and Kukumseri. The minimum temperatures dropped by one to three degrees across HP and Tabo was coldest with a low of 3.1 degrees, followed by Keylong 3.6 degrees, Kalpa and Kukumseri 6.2 degrees and Kufri and Narkanda 10 degrees each. An orange alert has been issued warning of hail, heavy to very rain, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places in six districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti districts on October 6.
Himachal Pradesh sees fresh snowfall and thunderstorms
CHANDIGARH: The high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass and the Dhauladhar ranges, received fresh snowfall on Sunday morning, bringing down the minimum temperature. The Kullu district administration has suspended vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass and urged commuters to avoid using the highway. A fresh spell of mild snowfall over the Dhauladhar ranges, along with overnight rainfall in parts of Kangra and Chamba districts, has led to a drop in temperatures across several hill towns, ushering in early winter-like conditions. Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Kangra, Palampur, Dalhousie, Chamba, and Bharmour experienced a sudden change in weather, with a sharp chill replacing the warm sunshine of the past few days. Intermittent showers continued through the morning in many parts of the region, causing thick fog to cover the higher mountain areas. Strong winds swept the higher and mid hills of the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and intermittent rain. Several reports also came in of trees being uprooted due to the storm and heavy rainfall across the state. According to the Meteorological Department, Dharamshala and its twin town McLeodganj recorded 25.5 mm of rainfall during the night, while Palampur received 10.2 mm, Kangra 18.4 mm and Chamba 4 mm, Brahmani 26.4, Nangal Dam 23 mm, Malraon 22, Bilaspur 20.4 mm and Nainadevi 18.1 mm. Thunderstorm was witnessed in Kufri, Jot, Murari devi, Sundernagar, Bhunter, Kangra and Shimla while gusty winds with velocity of 30 to 61 kmph lashed Reckongpeo, Tabo, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sundernagar and Kukumseri. Minimum temperatures fell by one to three degrees across the state. Tabo was the coldest at 3.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Keylong at 3.6 degrees Celsius. Kalpa and Kukumseri recorded 6.2 degrees Celsius each, while Kufri and Narkanda saw 10 degrees Celsius. The weather office has issued an orange alert for October 6, warning of hail, heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph in isolated areas across six districts: Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti. Tourist inflow has increased following the withdrawal of the monsoon, which had caused havoc in the state, resulting in losses of over Rs 4,800 crore. Shimla saw a rise in visitors, with a large number of foreign tourists spotted in the city.
Himachal Pradesh to procure naturally grown barley from Pangi at Rs 60 per kilogram
CHANDIGARH: To promote natural farming, the Himachal Pradesh government will, for the first time, begin procuring naturally grown barley from the remote Pangi region in Chamba district from October 8, at a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 60 per kilogram. An official said the Agriculture Department has completed all preparations for the procurement. Five centres have been set up across Pangi Valley at Hudan, Sechu, Sural, Killar, and Sach, and 80 farmers from the region have registered to benefit from the initiative. Promoting natural farming remains a key priority for the state government, which has already completed the procurement of naturally grown wheat from across Himachal Pradesh. Through 22 centres, a total of 2,123.587 quintals of wheat has been purchased from 838 farmers. The procured wheat is being processed into flour and porridge and will be marketed under the Him-Bhog brand. Farmers have received Rs 1.27 crore for their produce, along with an additional Rs 4.15 lakh as a transport subsidy. It is learnt that the government is committed to promoting naturally grown produce by offering MSPs for various crops: Rs 60 per kg for wheat, Rs 40 for maize, Rs 90 for raw turmeric, and Rs 60 for barley. This initiative not only provides chemical-free food products for consumers but also ensures better prices for farmers practising natural cultivation. State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the present State government is dedicated to strengthening the rural economy and putting money directly into the hands of villagers. To achieve this, the government has launched two new initiatives, the Milk Incentive Scheme and the Transport Subsidy Scheme, starting in the Arki Assembly constituency of Solan district. Under the Milk Incentive Scheme, farmers associated with a registered milk cooperative society will receive an incentive of Rs 3 per litre, while under the Transport Subsidy Scheme, private milk societies will also receive Rs 3 per litre as financial assistance for milk collection and transportation. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country where the state government is purchasing cow milk at the rate of Rs 51 per litre and buffalo milk for Rs 61 per litre through the Himachal Pradesh Milk Federation. Sukhu made these claims while launching the Doodh Protsahan Yojana and a freight subsidy scheme at Darlaghat in the Arki assembly segment of Solan district on Saturday.
Curve on Chambakkara-Petta stretch turns death trap
Two youths lost their lives after their bike rammed a metro pillar near Chambakkara market in the early hours of on Oct. 4, 2025; another accident at the same curve had claimed two lives in January
Suspected honour killing: Class XII girl shot dead, body found in MPs Kuwari river
BHOPAL: In a suspected case of honour killing, a 19-year-old Class XII student was allegedly shot dead inside her home and her body allegedly dumped in the Kuwari river in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district. Divya Sikarwar, who belonged to a caste Hindu Kshatriya family, was reportedly shot in the head at her home in Shiv Nagar on the night of September 24. According to reports she is believed to have had a friendship with a youth from a backward caste. Morena district police received a call on Saturday reporting the girls disappearance and possible killing. A team questioned Divyas parents, while her younger brother and sister, both minors, are reported missing. The parents repeatedly changed their statements, initially claiming she died after coming in contact with a ceiling fan and later suggesting suicide. Police subsequently took Divyas father, Bharat Sikarwar, to the Kuwari river near their native village under Bagchini police station, about 30 km from Morena city. He admitted transporting the body in a car, covering it with a plastic sheet, tying a stone to it, and dumping it in the river. The search operations started on Saturday evening but were halted due to darkness. They resumed on Sunday morning, and within a few hours the partially decomposed body was recovered, tied to a stone in the river, Morena district police superintendent Samir Saurabh told TNIE on Sunday. He added: As the body is partially decomposed, the autopsy will be conducted in Gwalior on Monday, and a detailed forensic opinion will be taken there. Our experts, who examined the body, strongly suspect the girl was shot at point-blank range. An inquest of unnatural death has been registered, and a murder case will be lodged based on autopsy findings. Sources familiar with the investigation said the case points to a possible honour killing, noting that the weapon remains untraced, the siblings are missing, and the parents have been inconsistent in their statements. Divyas relationship with a youth from a backward caste is being considered a possible motive. Honour killings over inter-caste relationships are not uncommon in MPs Gwalior-Chambal region, bordering Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. In June 2025, Sirnam Singh was arrested for allegedly killing his Class XI granddaughter Malishkha in Morena over her inter-caste relationship. In January 2025, 20-year-old Tanu Gurjar was shot dead by her father and cousin brother in Gwalior after refusing an arranged marriage. In June 2023, a young girl and her partner were murdered by her father and their bodies dumped in the Chambal river in Morena.
In a tragic incident, a 73-year-old theatre artist died on stage while performing as King Dashrath during the ongoing Ramleela in Chamba.
On Camera, 'Dashrath' Actor Has Cardiac Arrest During Ramlila, Dies On Stage
A real-life tragedy played out on a Ramlila stage in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba when a 70-year-old actor, who was playing King Dashrath, had a cardiac arrest during the performance and collapsed on stage
