Dalai Lama Charitable Trust gets FCRA nod

Trust not directly linked to the Dalai Lama, but associated with the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, says Trust official; fresh FCRA registration granted for religious purposes, among others

Yes, that was Virat bhaiya's bat: Akash Deep on follow-on saving knock in Oz

New Delhi: Who wouldn't want it, Bhaiyya?. It was all that a shy Akash Deep could blurt out when Virat Kohli asked if he would like to own one of his bats that ultimately scripted a rare happy memory in an otherwise devastating tour of Australia for Team India. The newest pace bowling workhorse in the Indian dressing room bowled nearly 88 overs (87.5 overs) for his five wickets across the two Tests that he played in the five-match rubber. But it was his follow-on and eventually match-saving 31 at the Gabba that garnered attention. India, however, lost the series 1-3 to surrender the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Yes, that was Virat bhaiya's bat, the one with MRF logo, everyone knows, Akash Deep said, breaking into a chuckle during an exclusive interaction with PTI. When asked about the sequence of events which led to that moment, the Bengal speedster fondly said, Bhaiyya (Kohli) ne khud mujhse pucha 'Tumko bat chahiye?' (Virat bhaiyya asked me, do you need a bat?). Maine bola 'Haan bhaiyya, aapka bat kaun nahi lena chahega duniya mein?' Then he presented it to me, Akash Deep recalled. The 28-year-old admitted that it was impossible for him to be upfront with a senior player of Kohli's stature and ask for his most precious equipment. I have been there with bhaiyya (Kohli) for some time now (they are teammates in Royal Challengers Bengaluru). But you always have that thing at the back of your mind, whether it is the right thing to ask for a bat from someone of Virat bhaiyya's stature. Especially during match time, when he is focussed and in his zone, you don't want to disturb him but bhaiyya, on his own, gave me the bat, he was a trifle chuffed about that bit. Asked to revisit his last-wicket stand of 47 with Jasprit Bumrah in the drawn Brisbane Test, the Sasaram-born cricketer said he was very clear with his plans. That day, my mindset was that I was ready to get hit and take any number of body blows but won't get out. I needed to score runs...I had to bat as long as possible. It wasn't as if (saving) follow-on was on my mind, Akash Deep explained his thought-process. In my mind, I knew the longer I would bat, our batters would have to bat for reduced amount of time in the second essay. That particular day, I was watching the ball well, he said. His effort was expectedly lauded by the entire team but what made Akash Deep more happy was the reaction of Indian fans. ...I would remember it forever. I didn't envisage that just because of that batting effort, how many millions felt relieved and happy that day. That evening, I got to know from social media how happy people were. The dressing room was obviously happy, he said. If I don't get wickets, I try to contain runs He might not have got more than five wickets but nearly 30 overs (29.5) in the first innings at the Gabba and another 26 overs in the first innings in Melbourne have earned him the workhorse tag. Akash Deep was unlucky that crucial catches ended up being dropped off some of his lethal deliveries. Rohit bhaiyya had a lot of trust in me that I can take wickets anytime, 'Woh bolte hai hai ki mujhko lagta hai tum har ball pe wicket le sakte ho' (You can take wickets with every delivery), he proudly said. The brief given to him by the skipper and team management was simple -- he would bowl one line consistently and let the pitch and batters do the rest. I would be given a brief that in case I am not getting wickets, I should do the holding job at one end, slow down the game and run-flow so that things are under control, he revealed. My endeavour was to maintain discipline, bowl in good areas and wait for the batter to make a mistake...doesn't matter if the ball is new, semi-new or old, said Akash Deep, who has 15 wickets from seven Tests in his nascent career. Watching world's best fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah operating at his peak at the other end was certainly a learning experience for him. ...you can learn a lot from what he is doing and what I should be doing from the other end. There are little things that he (Bumrah) kept on telling me and it became easier for me to operate. Labuschagne's dropped catch hurt Dropped catches are part and parcel of cricket but Akash Deep said he found it difficult to reconcile when Marnus Labuschagne was dropped off his bowling in the lost Melbourne Test when Australia were on the mat at 91 for 6. Labuschagne, who eventually scored a half century, had edged to slip where Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a regulation catch. ...no one drops catches intentionally and these things do happen but I did feel a little bad that if that catch would have been held and they could have been dismissed for 130 odd, may be we would have won in Melbourne. Coming into Sydney, we would have been 2-1 up and Australia would have been under pressure. I don't think that apart from India, other teams have been able to give them a decent fight consistently in recent years. Australia series has helped me grow He made his debut in Dharamsala but bowling on Australian tracks was a big learning curve for Akash Deep. Before Australia, I had played only in India and in India, fast bowlers don't have that kind of pressure as we know that we have world-class spinners in operation, who will get the opposition out, he said. But when you bowl for lengthy periods in overseas conditions, you tend to learn more about your own bowling, you understand how the pitch is behaving and what you need to do in specific situations. As a fast bowler, I feel that I have improved having bowled in these conditions. Waiting for NCA's instructions to start bowling Akash Deep was ruled out of the final Test in Sydney due to a stiff back and he is waiting for National Cricket Academy's green light to once again start bowling. Asked how is he feeling now, he replied, All good. My recovery is on course and since I had been playing non-stop cricket for a considerable period of time, I was advised to off-load (complete rest) for 15 days. I am following the advice of NCA and once they instruct me to start bowling, I will do so. Want to be the best version of myself His cricketing journey has just about started on the international stage and Akash Deep said he has been lucky to have a good support system. Asked if he could name a few people who have made contributions in his voyage from Sasaram to MCG, he replied: ...it is very unfair to take one or two names in particular. My brother who took me to Durgapur, my club coaches in Kolkata, my Bengal U-23 coach and my Ranji Trophy coaches, lot of people in Bengal cricket, who kept on supporting me, so everyone has had their contribution in my growth. What are the immediate and long-term goals he has set for himself? I would like to be the best version of myself and keep on adding skills as quickly as possible, he concluded.

Himachal seeks free land transfer, grant-in-aid for cantonment areas

CHANDIGARH: The process of bringing six cantonment areas in Himachal Pradesh under municipalities has hit a roadblock. The state government has requested the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) to transfer civilian area land along with its title rights free of cost to the state during the proposed excision of these cantonment boards. Additionally, it has demanded a special grant-in-aid from the Centre to cover establishment expenses. The move follows a new condition introduced by the ministry, stipulating that the land ownership rights would remain with the Union government even after transferring assets and liabilities from the army to the state governments. Sources revealed that Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Devesh Kumar, wrote to the Director, Defence Estates, Western Command, Yogesh Kumar, on November 27. The letter pointed out that the central government is only transferring the proprietary rights of the land to the state government for providing civic amenities and municipal services in the excised areas without transferring title rights. A copy of the letter, accessed by this newspaper, stated, In this context, on perusal of the guiding principles for excision of civil areas from cantonments and their merger with adjoining state municipalities issued by the Government of India, it seems that the Government of India is only transferring the proprietary rights to the state government over the assets for providing civic amenities and municipal services in the excised area without transferring the title rights over the land to the state government. You would agree that land is a basic factor for the socio-economic development of any area and, in the case concerned, due to rapid urbanisation in and around the cantonment boards, the ownership of land with MoD (GoI) may impede the development of social infrastructure (such as schools, anganwadis, hospitals). In addition, the laying of systems for better sanitation, drinking water, roads, and paths would also make the implementation process cumbersome. The letter further emphasised the need for full implementation of central and state-sponsored schemes for the welfare of civilians residing in these cantonments. It stated, The cantonment boards in the present scenario need the full-throttle application of the central and state-sponsored schemes for the welfare of the civilians residing in these cantonment boards, which requires the transferring of ownership over the built-up (except military stations) and vacant land to the state government, free of cost, on the analogy of cantonment board-khas Yol (Dharamsala) in the year 2023. Additionally, the state government highlighted the need for a special grant-in-aid from the Union Government to manage the establishment expenses, as the liabilities of the cantonment boards amount to Rs 30 crore annuallysix times higher than their revenue generation of Rs 5 crore. The letter also stressed the necessity of assessing the geotechnical feasibility before finalising timelines for separating assets. It stated that providing accessibility to military stations, alternate access to civilian areas, and joint civic amenitiesespecially in Jutogh and Dalhousie cantonmentsneeded careful planning. This correspondence was in response to a letter sent by the MoD to the Himachal Chief Secretary on July 5, asking for feedback on the proposed excision. Earlier, on June 25, the ministry had introduced the condition that land ownership rights would remain with the Union government even after transferring assets and liabilities to the state governments. This marked a shift from the ministrys earlier stance, under which proprietary rights over all assets in excised areas were to be transferred to state governments and municipalities free of cost. Himachal Pradesh has six cantonment boardsKasauli, Dagshai, and Subathu in Solan district; Jutogh in Shimla district; and Bakloh and Dalhousie in Chamba district. The separation of civil and army areas within these cantonments has been a longstanding demand of locals, as they lack ownership rights and are excluded from state-sponsored welfare schemes. Notably, on April 28 last year, Khas Yol Cantonment Board in Kangra district became the first in the country to be de-notified. Its civil area was excised from the cantonment and merged with the local panchayat body.

Alternative route to Leh-Ladakh: MoD seeks transport ministry nod for tunnel

CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approve the construction of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel. This tunnel will connect Jogindernagar in the Mandi district with the Kullu district via the Lag Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is proposed that this route be designated as a project of strategic importance, serving as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh. In its communication, the Defence Ministry emphasized the crucial role that this highway and tunnel will serve as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh, thereby greatly improving the operational readiness of the armed forces stationed in forward areas. In addition to its strategic importance, the tunnel is anticipated to provide significant socio-economic benefits to the region. Consequently, budgetary provisions for this project will now be made. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the path for the construction of the much-awaited tunnel in the state has been cleared. He reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the project. I personally met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritisation of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state. he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel aims to reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers. Once completed, it will also shorten the travel distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot. The tunnel will start in Kullu and connect to the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via the Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot, and Shilh-Badhwani. This project is expected to provide significant benefits to the local population, boost tourism in the region, and strengthen the economy of the people.

Defence Ministry recommends MoRTH approval for Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal Pradesh as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh to be designated as a project of strategic importance. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the critical role the highway and tunnel would play, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in forward areas. Apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel was expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the region and budgetary provisions for the project will now be made accordingly. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the he path for the construction of the much-awaited Bhubu Jot Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh has been cleared and he reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the Bhubu Jot Tunnel project. I personally met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritization of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state, he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel would reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers once it is completed, the distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot will be reduced. The road will begin from Kullu and join the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot and Shilh-Badhwaniand and will deliver immense benefits to the local population and boosting tourism in the region thereby strengthening the economy of the people. The state government was prioritizing tunnel construction to enhance road connectivity, promote sustainable development and minimize environmental impact. The construction of the Bhubu Jot Tunnel would be a transformative step for the development of Himachal Pradesh. This project would not only strengthen strategic infrastructure but also catalyze socio-economic growth in the region, Sukhu added. Bhubu Jot remains covered with heavy snow during winter and the proposed tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity. The tunnel is strategically important as it will reduce the distance from Pathankot to Manali by around 63 km and lessen the travel time by two hours. Former Chief Minister PK Dhumal had announced its construction in 2009.

Bangladesh acknowledges attacks on minorities; says 88 cases filed, 70 arrested so far

Bangladesh has confirmed 88 cases of communal violence targeting minorities, primarily Hindus, since the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Interim government head Muhammad Yunus press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, revealed the figures on Tuesday, adding that 70 individuals have been arrested in connection with the attacks, as reported by news agency PTI. The announcement follows a visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who raised concerns about the safety and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh during meetings with the countrys leadership. Misri expressed Indias apprehensions over the increasing number of attacks, urging for enhanced protection of vulnerable communities. He added that India seeks a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, emphasising the desire for a constructive and people-centric partnership. He expressed India's willingness to work closely with the current interim government in Bangladesh to achieve these goals. Cases and arrests Alam told reporters that 88 cases had been registered between August 5 and October 22. The incidents reportedly occurred across various regions, including Sunamganj in the northeast and Gazipur in central Bangladesh. The number of cases and arrests is likely to increase as new incidents of violence have been reported in Sunamganj, Gazipur, and other areas, Alam stated, according to PTI. Authorities believe that not all attacks were faith-based. Alam suggested that some victims were members or affiliates of Sheikh Hasinas former ruling party, the Awami League, and may have been targeted due to political affiliations or personal disputes. Some attacks targeted individuals who were former members of the ruling party or were the result of personal disputes. Nevertheless, since violence occurred, the police are taking appropriate action, he said. Bangladeshi trawlers caught for unauthorized fishing within Indian waters Pattern of attacks While the Bangladeshi government has maintained that many incidents were not driven by religious intolerance, the pattern of violence against minorities has raised alarm. Hindus, who comprise a small percentage of Bangladeshs population, have historically faced sporadic communal violence, often coinciding with political transitions. Alam also disclosed that details of incidents occurring after October 22 will be shared in a subsequent report, hinting at the possibility of additional cases coming to light. Regional and international concerns The confirmation of these incidents has intensified scrutiny from India. India has previously voiced concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly during periods of political instability. The Bangladeshi government has reassured both domestic and international stakeholders of its commitment to protecting minorities and maintaining law and order. Authorities have vowed to investigate each incident and bring perpetrators to justice. As the interim government continues to grapple with political turbulence, the safety of minority communities remains a critical concern, both within the country and in its diplomatic relations. Bangladesh minority Unity Council condemns attacks on Hindus The recent spate of violence against Hindus and other minorities, coupled with attacks on temples in Bangladesh, has heightened tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka, adding strain to the bilateral relationship. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das has further exacerbated concerns in India. Against this backdrop, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris visit to Dhaka for the annual foreign office consultations with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammad Jashim Uddin, assumes critical significance. As the first senior Indian official to engage with the caretaker administration since the change of government in August, Misris discussions with de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain and interim government head Muhammad Yunus underscored Indias focus on safeguarding minority rights in Bangladesh. The visit highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to address communal tensions, preserve harmony, and reaffirm the longstanding ties between the two nations amidst a challenging phase in their relationship. ISKCON Kolkata urges UNHCR to take note of atrocities on religious minorities in Bangladesh On December 10, Human Rights Day, ISKCON's Kolkata centre called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) to address the ongoing atrocities against religious minorities in Bangladesh , describing the human rights violations as deeply saddening. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das urged the interim government in Bangladesh to take decisive action against fundamentalists inciting violence, stressing the need for strong measures to build confidence among the country's minorities. Das expressed frustration over the UNHCR's silence on the issue, despite vocal criticism from MPs in countries like the US and the UK. News agency PTI reported that he shared a video, which the news agency could not independently verify, allegedly showed a fundamentalist threatening Hindu minorities and ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it an open call for genocide. Das emphasised that ISKCON serves and feeds all people regardless of their faith and called for the protection of minorities and the ISKCON community in Bangladesh. In a later post, he criticised the UNHCR for not responding to the plight of Hindus, saying, The snoring remains louder than the cries for justice, and urged the organisation to acknowledge the situation and act to safeguard the rights of Bangladesh's Hindu population. ISKCON says its centre in Bangladesh burnt down, deities and temple items destroyed Pan-India protests condemn alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh Protests were held across India on December 10, with members of Hindu organisations, civil society groups, and concerned citizens rallying against the alleged atrocities on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Demonstrations were held in major cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, Jammu, Dharamsala, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ranchi, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata, coinciding with World Human Rights Day. Protesters demanded the intervention of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and submitted memorandums to government officials and Bangladeshi representatives, urging action to safeguard the rights and safety of minorities. Hundreds protest in Delhi against atrocities on Hindus, other minorities in Bangladesh In Delhi, security was heightened outside the Bangladesh High Commission, where a large gathering condemned the alleged genocide of Hindus. Similar rallies featured speeches by prominent personalities like Sadhvi Ritambhara and former diplomats, who emphasised the need for India and the global community to intervene. From human chains in Ahmedabad to peaceful marches in Dharamsala and public rallies in Lucknow, the protests expressed solidarity with Bangladeshs Hindu community, highlighting concerns over increasing violence, forced conversions, and alleged state inaction. Speaking at one of the rallies, RSS' Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh Ramlal issued a stern warning to Bangladesh, demanding an immediate halt to the atrocities on Hindus. He cautioned that failure to act could lead to serious consequences, urging the Indian government to intervene to ensure the safety and rights of Hindus in the neighbouring country. LG: Launch drive against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants

Claude Arpi | Where the world is still one family: 50 years in Bharat

Fifty years is a long time. In October 1974, I left France, my country of birth. I had a dream: to settle in India to participate in a very special project. I travelled to India in a manner which would probably be unthinkable, almost impossible today: using the land route, living for two and a half months in a bus and three vans with 34 companions. On December 20, 1974, after more than two and a half months on the road and tracks across Italy, Yugoslavia (which no longer exists), Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, we arrived in Auroville, near Puducherry. Why Auroville? In 1972 and 1973, during my university summer holidays, I had visited northern India; it was probably my (good) karma to encounter poor, but smiling Tibetan refugees, happily building roads in the Himalayas! This would change my life. After meeting their leader, the Dalai Lama, in Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), I began to understand something that I had not grasped so far. These refugees had lost their material wealth, their family and their country, but they had not lost the deeper human qualities called peace of mind or compassion; their leader was the living example of these qualities. This was the first reason why I decided to come back to stay in India. Around that time, I had also come across the writings of Sri Aurobindo, the Great Rishi, who fought hard for the nations Purna Swaraj from the British (The most dangerous man we have to reckon with, wrote Lord Minto) and later from his room in Puducherry, opened new avenues for the Evolution of Mankind. Fifty years down the line, I have never regretted my decision to leave France and settle in India; Sri Aurobindos words continue to accompany me: India of the ages is not dead nor has she spoken her last creative word; she lives and has still something to do for herself and the human peoples. His short text, The Hour of God , still echoes in my mind: (Dont) let worldly prudence whisper too closely in thy ear; for it is the hour of the unexpected. The last 50 years have been a long journey. Not always easy, as many things are not as they should be in India and the world. When I meet Indian friends who are not aware of my background, I am often told: So many years in India! But why? I cant understand! My dream is to go to the US or Europe and you are living in this country! The next question is: What do you find in this country? It is dirty, hundreds of millions are poor, nothing works, please explain, I want to understand. It is not an easy proposition to explain what attracted me to India and why I have stayed here all these years. An easy answer could be: Karma. It is true that in Asia, this word can explain many things. It is a very practical concept which elucidates happenings that cannot be understood otherwise. But in 1974, to want to live in India, appeared to be a strange proposition, going against the tide. I still remember when I returned for the first time to France for a short visit to visit my family in 1982 (with my Indian wife), the old hair-cutter in my hometown questioned me: Oh, you were in India all these years, it seems there are a lot of elephants roaming around there. That was the extent of the knowledge many people had about India. It is true that India has changed so much, it has become a modern country, development has reached every nook and corner; I myself have extensively travelled in the Himalayas and seen the difference that the roads and good communication have made for the local populations in remote areas. Of course, there are still many things that I dont like in India. A decade ago, I wrote an article The 10 things I hate in India, and some readers commented: Go back to France, if you dont like India. They missed the point. India still has to tackle evils such as bigotry, casteism, babudom, filth, corruption, to cite only a few. I believe that if this is not remedied, the Indian nation will not be able to find its true place in the concert of nations. In the early 1970s, I remember staying a week in Manali (Himachal Pradesh). I was the only tourist in the then peaceful mountain village. There was no hotel, no travel agency, no guide; I slept on a charpoy , eating tasty momos from Tibetan refugees, who were not yet rich. The tiny village was an oasis of peace surrounded by high peaks and although the inhabitants, local paharis or Tibetans, were poor, they knew the meaning of hospitality; they were content, santosham , to use a Buddhist term. Today, after being put on the tourism world map, Manali is a different world. I hope that the local populations, far better materially today, have not lost their innate goodness in the process. Personally, during the last three years, I have gone through difficult times when government babus have tried to hijack the dream for which I have come to India (Auroville). It is not necessary to go into details. But I had never seen earlier from a close range, such nepotism, incompetence or worse. This, however, has not changed my determination to stay and work in India; after so many years in the country, one believes in the national motto, Satyamev Jayate (Truth will prevail). Ancient India, which today inspires many all over the world, has always been synonymous with personal freedom and decentralised local governance, bringing forth the amazing creativity of ordinary people. Whatever way India has evolved during the last 50 years, I believe it is ultimately for the good. Personally, I have never thought for a second to return to my native douce (sweet) France, though I am proud to have been born in the land of the Gaulish tribes, Joan of Arc or Napoleon. More than ever, I believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), but it should not be a mere political slogan, it should mean something deeply anchored in the everyday life of citizens of this country, whether one is born in India or elsewhere. India remains special to me because it is the only place where this ancient ideal can still bloom to the fullest.

Dharamshala's Gaggal Airport Gets Disdrometer To Predict Better Weather Models

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune on Saturday installed a cuttingedge disdrometer at Dharamsala's Gaggal Airport

Himachal HC orders closure of 18 loss-making HPTDC properties, BJP blames Congress

CHANDIGARH: BJP and the Congress are at odds after the Himachal Pradesh HC ordered the closure of 18 hotels run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) citing hefty loss and poor occupancy. In response, the state government has decided to seek a review of the HC order, adding that it would submit a plan to renovate these run-down units and make them profitable. A single-judge bench constitued by Justice Ajay Mohan Goel on Tuesday said that HPTDC properties should be shut down by November 25 while hearing a petition related to retired employees of the corporation not being given financial benefits. The judge directed that the Managing Director of the corporation would be personally responsible for ensuring the enforcement of the order. The HPTDC operates a total of 56 hotels in the state, many of which have been running losses for many years. The corporation has also had difficulties in paying salaries and pensions, and the matter of service benefits of pensioners is also pending in court. Lashing out at the Congress government, BJP MLA Randhir Sharma from Naina Devi alleged that the ruling government is promoting mafia activity in the state. The adverse court orders clearly indicate that the Congress regime has failed on all fronts during its two-year rule. The High Court order for closure of so many HP Tourism Development Corporation hotels is yet another reflection on the poor governance under Congress, he said. He further questioned whether the government will challenge the HC order or lease out the hotels in compliance. He sought an explanation from the CM regarding this issue. The HPTDC has initiated the process to hand over some properties -- loss-making and low-profit properties -- to private players on an Operate and Management basis to pull the corporation out of the red. The cumulative loss of the HPDTC stood at Rs 122.38 crore as on March 31, 2022. Currently 35 out of 55 HPTDC-run hotels and restaurants are operating at a loss. These properties are located at popular hill stations like Kasauli, Kullu, Manali, Dalhousie, Naldehra, McLeodganj and Dharamsala. Some known properties include The Palace (Chail), Kunzam and Log Huts (Manali), The Castle (Naggar), Hotel Meghdoot (Kiarighat) and The Bhagsu (McLeodganj). Principal Advisor, Media to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan said,It was during the Jai Ram led BJP Government that the proposal to outsource the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels was mooted ... even the ministers of the BJP didnt know about the move. He said that the issue of selling or leasing out the HPTDC hotels to private parties was objected in Vidhan Sabha. He blamed the BJP leaders for tarnishing the image of the State nationwide. Just to mark their presence in the media and to be in the limelight, five-six Central and State leaders of BJP escalated the issue, criticising the government for not fulfilling its promises and igniting issues as that of Himachal Bhawan in New Delhi and of other HPTDC properties, he said. They should rather have taken the adoptive measures during their tenure and it seems that they lacked the administrative and legal knowledge, he added. Chauhan said that on the issue of paying back the upfront premium to M/s Moser Baer for the hydel power plant proposed over the Chandra-Bhaga river, we want to clarify again that the company agreed upon to pay Rs 20 lakh per MW in a competitive bid and paid a premium of Rs. 64 crore. He alleged that the company went to court demanding repayment as it was unable to execute the arbitration agreement to start the project. We will fight a legal battle for the same wherein Himachal Bhawan was ordered to be attached. The options were open to the government to make a legal move, he said. In case of the closure of the HPTDC units, the government will look as to what alternative is more profitable: outsource or renovate projects. A committee has been formed and a senior IAS officer will table the suggestions soon, he said. The BJP was almost ready to lease out the tourism properties, particularly the hotels. One bidder was even asked to take over a few tourism units who, as per my knowledge, took a huge loan for the same. This is an issue that must be inquired, he stated. The BJP has been trying to defame Himachal in wake of elections being held in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and bye-polls in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, he said. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Chairman, Raghubir Singh Bali said, We will share the roadmap to enhance occupancy in these hotels to 90 per cent with the high court. The condition of these hotels, most of which were located in prime areas, had deteriorated over the past two decades.

KL Rahul bats at nets to allay injury worries

Perth: Seasoned KL Rahul on Sunday batted at India nets, allaying concerns surrounding his fitness ahead of the first Test against Australia starting here at the Optus Stadium from November 22. It will be a big relief for the Indian team management as they are already grappling with the possible absence of injured Shubman Gill and skipper Rohit Sharma, who has been blessed with his second baby. Rahul had left the field for medical attention on Friday after sustaining a blow on his elbow by pacer Prasidh Krishna while batting in an intra-squad practice match at the WACA ground. But on this day, the 32-year-old batted without any major discomfort and participated in all the drills during the three-hour net session and batted for a considerable time as well. He looks fine now, and the physio will continue to monitor him for the next few days to ensure that there is no discomfort, a BCCI source informed PTI. Rahul could open the innings at Perth as Gill is almost certain to miss the match because of a fractured thumb. The Indian bowlers led by vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah too put in some hard yards at nets here. The Indian team, meanwhile, finished the block of training at the WACA ground and the visitors will now move to the Optus Stadium for match drills from Tuesday, after a scheduled rest day on Monday. Devdutt to stay back in Australia Meanwhile, the Indian team management has decided to keep top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal in Australian as a batting back-up. Devdutt was part of the India A squad that played two four-day matches against their Australia counterparts recently. The left-hander, who was recently named in Karnataka's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, had lukewarm outings during the 'A' tour, making 36, 88, 26, 1. Top-order B Sai Sudharsan, who made a hundred against Australia at Mackay in the first match, too may be asked to stay back as the India A squad, under Ruturaj Gaikwad, is scheduled to leave Australia on Monday. It is more to do with the familiarity with the Australian conditions as they have played here recently, a source close to the development told PTI. Devdutt had made his Test debut against England earlier this year at Dharamsala and made a 65 while batting at No. 4. Sudharsan has played three ODIs against South Africa last year and one T20I against Zimbabwe in July this year.

Women of Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam conquer adventure trek

Visakhapatnam: Fifteen women employees from the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam successfully completed a seven-day Adventure-cum-Trekking Expedition, demonstrating remarkable physical and mental strength along with a spirit of adventure. This event was organized as part of the #YearofNavalCivilian activities and took place at Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The expedition was conducted by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), an institution known for its expertise in adventure sports training. Participants engaged in various activities that included rock climbing, rappelling, rope work, and survival skills training.