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.

Zostels Pranavi Chhikniwala on tapping travel trends to inspire Gen Z & Millennials

In a world where social media scrolls are filled with wanderlust-inducing content, Gen Z and Millennials are constantly inspired to pack their bags and set off on new adventures. Travel trends are thriving, with a recent report highlighting how certain destinations like Mussoorie, Vietnam, Thailand, and occasionally offbeat destinations have captured the imagination of the younger generation. Travel trends show a 35% rise in bookings for unique destinations, with over 60% of travellers preferring peaceful landscapes, cultural experiences and adventure. For the travel industry, selling popular destinations is relatively easy. But the real challenge lies in highlighting what lesser-known, obscure locations can offer eager travellers. Enter Zostel, a hostel chain that has carved a niche by establishing unconventional locations and amplifying its allure through its storytelling. Pranavi Chhikniwala, Head of Marketing, Zostel, in an interaction, shares how social media trends find their way into the content the brand creates, and the focus is always on being informative and engaging. Zostel has consistently tapped into emerging trends that shape travel choices. One of the ways the brand spotlights lesser-known locations is using a series known as 'Top 50'. The campaign highlights the top 50 experiences across India, going beyond Zostel's properties. The result? Posts that often garner up to one to two million views, sparking curiosity and wanderlust among its audience. However, its not always smooth sailing. For the brand, certain niche campaigns sometimes go viral, but others dont perform as well, according to Chhikniwala, revealing the unpredictable nature of organic content marketing. While Zostel has a strong presence on Instagram with 859K followers, other channels have also emerged as effective tools in building its community. Chhikniwala shares that YouTube has been rewarding given its algorithm gives reach based on your SEO metrics and consistent presence, unlike Instagram. She comments that any marketer looking to tap into a Gen Z or Millennial audience should consider YouTube as a way to build a community. In this interview, Chhikniwala reveals how the brand is leveraging social media trends, its organic-first marketing strategy, and the lesser-known platforms that drive community growth. Edited Excerpts: What trends have you noticed among young Indian travellers that have influenced your marketing and advertising strategies? If we talk about trends in travel, its important to note that, apart from all the memes and funny stuff that circulate on social media, travel and food are usually at the top of everyones list. Even the brands that are doing well tend to fall into these categories. For me, the brand's journey has been shaped by these trends. After COVID, there was a whole revenge travel phenomenon, and travel content started going viral in 2021 and 2022. Those years were key for us, even though they werent particularly favourable for many brands. Despite that, we saw significant growth and social presence, and a lot of it can be attributed to that period. Travel has been a steady trend since then. If I talk about it in general, even our content and the things we talk about have been influenced by it. This trend has also impacted the kinds of products we've launched. For example, Zostel has always been known for establishing locations that arent conventional. We often enter places and, soon after, those places see a boost in tourism. This has happened with locations like Bir and Wagaman, which werent very popular initially, but after we set up, they became proper tourist destinations. Weve always tried to tap into emerging trends. For example, there was a shift toward experiential travel, where younger generations like Gen Z and millennials are looking to go beyond popular destinations like temples or sightseeing spots in Manali or Goa. Theyre interested in hiking, waterfall diving, and activities like surfing. Experiential travel has become a key trend, and its something we've embraced. Another trend weve seen is the rise of Southeast Asia as a travel destination. Places like Vietnam and Thailand were trending on social media last year. We also introduced Zotrux, a new travel offering where we take exclusive groups of 10 to 15 people on fully packaged tours with lots of inclusions. Our Vietnam and Thailand trips are selling really well right now. Because these trends also find their way into social media, the kind of content we produce tends to be informative. Unlike many other brands, this approach works for us. We focus on content that establishes us as industry expertssuch as informative reels or posts that highlight lesser-known parts of the country or unique seasonal phenomena. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) When it comes to social media, our target audience is a blend of Gen Z and millennials. Its sometimes a hit or miss, as it is for most brands, but what works for us is striking a balance between creating content that establishes us as experts and tapping into trending topics. For example, we use popular seasonal content, trending audio, and whatever is currently relevant in India to engage with the Gen Z audience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) What specific challenges have you encountered when adapting your marketing strategies to align with the influential role of Gen Z and Millenials in travel planning? Can you provide examples of campaigns that have succeeded or failed in capturing their attention? Some destinations are really favourites among travellers. For example, if we promote places like Bokarna or Mussoorie, it's very likely to go viral. However, when it comes to lesser-known destinations, especially obscure ones, we have to get really creative, or people just won't notice them. What works for us is a series we are currently running on Instagram, which is also performing well on YouTube Shorts. Its called Top 50, where we highlight the top 50 experiences anyone should have across India. This approach doesnt depend on whether Zostel has a presence in those destinations; its about showcasing the destination experience first, rather than focusing on our properties. When we do these Top 50 posts, they often cross one or two million views. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) As for content that hasnt worked, we focus primarily on organic content marketing, rather than paid promotions. While we do paid promotions when necessary, we mostly rely on organic content. When we run niche campaigns, they can go either waysome content pieces go viral, while others dont perform well. For example, during Children's Day in mid-2024, we launched a back-to-school campaign. This was aimed at our millennial audience, as nostalgic content resonates well with them. Its similar to how Paper Boat's entire strategy revolves around nostalgia, but we don't necessarily draw inspiration directly from them. We create nostalgic content, especially on Zostel Homes, another page we run on Instagram. However, when we do very niche campaigns, they are more likely to fall flat. The reason is that we don't always use trending audio or follow the current Instagram trends when running these campaigns. The general strategy would be to stick to whatever is trending, as thats what performs well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) But as a brand manager, I also have to ensure we stay true to what we stand for and maintain our identity through our content. So, we continue with these types of campaigns. For example, we launched T-shirts as part of our 10-year anniversary merchandise, and again for our 11-year anniversary this August. We try to be creative with the videos we make, but weve noticed that while such campaigns may perform well with creators, they dont necessarily go viral with our audience. Since we're not focused on the e-commerce side of things, such as selling T-shirts, that campaign didnt go viral as expected. Despite that, our sales remained unaffected, and people still bought our products. So, it can be a bit overwhelming at times, but I think its all part of the process. With reports indicating that Indian Gen Z and Millenn ials prefer travelling during off-peak seasons to save on costs and avoid crowds, how does Zostel position itself while catering to budget-conscious young travellers? I think more than the off-season, the shoulder season is what these travellers prefer. It's typically the period between the off-peak and peak season. Naturally, during this time, the dorm rates, experience costs, and even taxi fares are lower, which is beneficial for them. We are present in 85-90 locations across India, and the list is constantly growing. We dont specifically take extra measures to target certain seasons. However, for a few weeks every year, we offer long-stay discounts and packages, particularly for digital nomads who are working remotely or in a hybrid setup. They can benefit from discounts if they stay for three, five, seven, or even 15 days. This is usually part of our promotional activities for our mountain properties, which make up about 50% of our locations, particularly in Himachal and Uttarakhand. During peak season, though, things change, and we sell out a month or so in advance. Instagram seems to be a key platform for Zostel. How do you approach content curation to engage and grow your community? Apart from Instagram, what are the most effective marketing channels that you use to engage with Gen Z and Millennial travellers? Could you share examples of the kind of content that works on each channel? YouTube is really rewarding. Personally, I feel that YouTube is a more rewarding platform compared to Instagram. On Instagram, if you show consistency with the algorithm, it may or may not help you. With YouTube, we know for sure that if you're doing SEO correctly and posting consistently about relevant topics, you're far more likely to grow on the platform. For any marketer looking to tap into a Gen Z or Millennial audience, I definitely recommend YouTube. We also do newsletters, and we have an excellent email open rate and click-through rate. I think its because of the passion people have for the brand. When I first started with newsletter marketing, I didnt think it would be very successful because people often see it as an outdated channel, especially for a brand like Zostel. But it has given us surprising results. If we talk about social media or digital channels, these are the platforms we focus on: YouTube, Instagram, and newsletters. On newsletters, we try to do a mix of everything. For example, if theres something trending, like Diwali, we create content around it, but with a more wholesome approach compared to what we do on Instagram or YouTube. If its a two-minute read, it should be worthwhile and bring a smile to your face. Its not really important for us to sell our properties or talk about things in a forced way. Even though we dont use it primarily as a sales marketing platform, newsletters are excellent for community engagement. The audience cant respond directly like on YouTube or Instagram, where people comment or DM us, but the engagement we get is still very high. I can attribute this to excellent copywriting. We dont use any fancy tools for images; its a very basic newsletter. But the kind of response weve received has kept us going. I think when you try to talk to your audience in an authentic way, it really helps. My team is also part of the customer base, so when they write directly to the audience, it makes a difference. Would it be possible to share the numbers that you all are able to achieve through your newsletters and Instagram? For newsletters, we are growing our subscriber base. Its something that we started primarily this year. We have approximately 50K subscribers as of now. Considering that we only started this year and we are not doing anything unethical, like spamming people with newsletters they havent subscribed to, thats the situation. On Instagram, we have around 50K followers, and our reach is usually 20 to 30 times more than our community size. Organically, our monthly reach is anywhere between 27 million to 35 million, depending on how viral the content is. Given the traction that you have had, could you share any specific challenges that you all have had to navigate through while adapting your marketing strategies over these years? A very refined, detailed analysis goes into understanding what's working because the algorithms of these platforms keep changing. I'm mainly talking about social media, as content marketing is our primary way of building the community and reaching people. The challenge is doing your homework every day. If I go idle for even one week and let things run as they are, it's very likely that the content will stop performing because new trends have emerged. For example, there was a time when voiceover reels were working really well for us, where we would use some audio stimulus to guide the contentwhether funny, informative, or otherwise. It worked like crazy for two, three, even six months. Then suddenly, it stopped working. We had invested in all the gear, talent, and resources for this approach, and then Instagram changed its algorithm, demanding something different. This happens frequently, and its part of the jobthings will keep changing, and we have to stay updated with the trends. The challenge is that it can be demotivating when the numbers drop, especially after a month of hard work. But thats the reality we face. What innovative technologies have you integrated into your marketing approach to effectively engage young travellers? There have been significant upgrades in terms of the tools we use ever since AI became prominent. There are many amazing tools that help us with engagement, ORM, and even other areas. Apart from strategy, we use AI for almost everything else. Strategy is still something that we hold very close to our hearts; we don't want a robot to strategize or plan campaigns for us. Thats a big nostrategy comes from real, new ideas developed by the whole team. For example, in execution, we create mid-journey content, which is very experimental and usually works really well. To give you an example, we've posted something random like Zostel in different multiverses, imagining Zostel on an arid planet, or similar fun concepts. These kinds of experiments have worked for us. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) In terms of other technologies, we use automation tools, not for everyday tasks like handling DMs, but to assist with sales-focused content, such as when we are promoting trips or selling properties. There are tools that allow users to comment a word and receive the details directly in their DMs. Its a trend on Instagram right now, but weve been doing this for more than a year. Weve always been a tech-friendly company, and that is also part of the company ethos, as our founder is a big tech enthusiast. We are also looking at more AI integration moving forward, not just in marketing but across the board. Theres a major upgrade coming for our app, and were striving to become a more tech-first brand as we go forward. Can you share insights into Zostel's revenue performance last financial year and the projected growth for this year? As the hostel and travel industry grows, what does the brand's global expansion plan look like? As of now, we are experiencing a 50% year-on-year growth. While I cant share exact revenue figures, the growth has been steady for us. In terms of inventory and the number of destinations we're present in, it's consistently growing. November and December have been our best months, and the growth trend has been excellent. Looking ahead, I can say that we're expecting to continue this growth trajectory. For the upcoming year, youll see us expand into more international destinations. We're already present in Nepal and have some other destinations covered through our trips. Well also be launching properties in these international locations, so you'll see progress on that front as well.

Pilot project to clean air polluted by industries rolled out in Manali zone

CHENNAI: As a first step in its efforts to tackle the severe air pollution in industrial areas in the city, the Greater Chennai Corporation has placed monitoring devices to assess air quality parameters at two locations with high footfall in Manali and initial readings are being recorded. The pilot project will study and identify air pollutants in the industrial zone using monitoring devices, following which air purification systems will be installed to improve the ambient air quality, by the end of January. If the project turns successful, it will be replicated in other zones. Manali, a prominent industrial zone in north Chennai, accommodates heavy industries including oil refineries, chemical manufacturing units, fertilizer plants, and power generation facilities. Its proximity to Chennai and Ennore ports boosts the regions industrial importance, facilitating the transportation of raw materials and finished goods. However, the industries that fuel economic activity in the area contribute to severe air pollution, posing health risk to local population and contributing to environmental degradation. In response to the growing concerns about air quality, GCC launched the pilot project in collaboration with multiple stakeholders and a project management consultant. Speaking to TNIE, a senior corporation official said, For now, two locations in Manali zone, the urban primary health centre and the zonal office, have been identified. Monitoring devices have already been placed in these spots to assess air quality parameters, and initial readings are being recorded. By the end of January or early February, the purifying machines will be installed. These machines are designed to intake polluted air, filter out contaminants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and release purified air back into the environment. The collected pollutants will be safely removed from the system. To oversee the monitoring process, evaluate its effectiveness, and provide actionable recommendations, a consultant has been appointed. If the pilot project proves successful, similar systems can be implemented in other industrial zones in Chennai, he said. During last years monsoon, several pollution-related issues were reported in the region. Recently, residents raised several complaints about increasing pollution, prompting us to select this area for the pilot project, the official added.

Holiday travel trends 2024: Goa tops charts as India plans extended festive getaways

Goa tops travel searches for the upcoming holiday season. Hill stations like Manali and Mussoorie are also popular. Azerbaijan and Malaysia lead international searches. The travel rush peaks on December 21st, extending through Christmas and New Year. Make My Trip data reveals Indians are eager to travel both domestically and internationally.

Chennai rains: Civic negligence worsens flooding in city

Chennai's Manali and Madhavaram areas experienced flooding due to preemptive release of water from Puzhal and Poondi reservoirs. Civic negligence, including incomplete stormwater drain projects and missing bunds along the surplus channels, exacerbated the situation. Bottlenecks in the channels and delayed drainage projects further worsened the flooding impacting thousands of families.

Promise to evicted families in Chennai falls like house of cards

CHENNAI: Bakiyam T, a sweeper at a health clinic, earns Rs 6,000 a month and Rs 4,000 from it goes towards rent. With the remaining amount, the 37-year-old is faced with the impossible task of covering the education expenses of her two children and bringing food to the table. Bakiyams back-breaking struggle for the familys bare subsistence began in August 2022, when 229 families from Mahalakshmi Nagar and Kudusai Pagudhi, located in Manali New Town, were evicted by authorities for construction of a 9m canal. Over two years have passed, but, these families have still not been provided with the promised housing allocation from Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB). Manali New Town was one of the worst affected areas in the devastating 2015 floods and also the 2021 monsoon floods, prompting the Greater Chennai Corporation to initiate the construction of a 9m canal to mitigate inundation by connecting drains from various places, including Manali New Town, Vichoor and Division 16, to the Kosasthalaiyar River via the canal. To facilitate this, as many as 229 families who had been living along a narrow canal, which then existed in the area, for over four decades were evicted in 2022. They were given assurances of housing allocation in TNUHDB tenements within six months. The new canal in the area has since reduced flooding, providing significant relief to residents in the area. However, the evicted families are yet to receive houses. Initially, the families were told that they needed to pay `5.5 lakh as the beneficiary contribution to secure housing in the Manali New Town TNUHDB tenements built under the PMAY-HFA/AHP scheme comprising 3,600 units. However, the authorities are now asking them to cough up Rs 10.37 lakh, a sum that is completely out of bounds for the residents, most of whom are daily wage workers. A suggestion put forward by TNUHDB officials to the families is to wait until the construction of phases 4-7 tenements is completed in the same area, for which beneficiary amount will just be Rs 6.73 lakh for each unit. A TNUHDB official said the construction will take at least 10 more months to get over. Recalling the eviction, Santhanalakshmi D, a 39-year-old woman, said, When we were shifted out, the officials promised us housing within six months for payment of Rs 5.5 lakh. They also suggested loan options. Believing them, I moved to a house with Rs 4,000 monthly rent, which has now increased to Rs 5,000. We now survive on borrowed money, and our landlords are already asking us to vacate. We cant wait any longer for the housing allocation. Bakiyam said she is solely responsible for covering her kids school fee, house rent, and family expenses, as her husband is not employed. With just Rs 2,000 a month, it is impossible to manage everything. If allotted a house, the money spent on rent could be used for other essential needs. When contacted, TNUHDB Managing Director S Prabhakar told TNIE, If any department carries out an eviction process, they usually conduct an enumeration of beneficiaries and send it to our department for house allocation. It is not clear whether such a request has been received for this case. It will be checked and appropriate action will be taken. A senior corporation official said that the matter will be addressed.

Chennai on high alert as reservoirs fill to the brim

CHENNAI: Chennais major drinking water reservoirs, including Chembarambakkam, Poondi, and Red Hills (Puzhal), are nearing full capacity as of Friday. To manage the rising water levels, 16,500 cusecs of surplus water from Poondi have been released, with 4,500 cusecs from Chembarambakkam and 500 cusecs from Puzhal. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoir on Friday and instructed officials to prioritise public safety. A flood alert has been issued to nearly 75 villages located along the Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar river basins in Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and adhere to instructions from local authorities. In Tiruvallur district, areas like Thiruninravur, Indra Nagar, Balaji Nagar, and Nathambedu experienced waterlogging, causing inconvenience to residents. Waterlogging and the frequent power cuts due to this are the major issues here, said K Veerakannu (48), a resident of Indra Nagar. Students preparing for their exams are struggling due to these disruptions. The district administration must take immediate steps to pump out water from the streets and ensure the power supply. Adding to concerns, M Mariappan (32), another resident, highlighted health-related issues. People in this municipality are also suffering from seasonal diseases, he said. It would be helpful if medical camps are organised here to address these problems. Residents in low-lying areas, including Sirukalathur, Kavanur, Kundrathur, Thirumudivakkam, Vazhuthiyambedu, and Thiruneermalai along the Adyar river, have been alerted to potential flooding. Similarly, people living near Naravarikuppam, Vadakarai, Grandline, Puzhal, Vadaperumbakkam, Manjambakkam, Kosapur, Manali, and Sadayankuppam have been advised to evacuate if necessary. Villages along the Kosasthalaiyar river basin, such as Nambakkam, Krishnapuram, Attrambakkam, and Ennore in Tiruvallur district, have also received flood warnings. A senior official stated, The six reservoirs together hold 87.69% of their total capacity of 13.213 tmcft as of Friday afternoon. Reservoirs like Poondi and Chembarambakkam continue to receive steady inflows despite the absence of rainfall on Friday. The healthy storage levels provide reassurance for meeting Chennais drinking water needs during the upcoming summer months, according to officials. Meanwhile, many villagers near Poondi and Chembarambakkam reservoirs visited these sites in large numbers to witness water release. Authorities said they were ensuring safe handling of inflows.

Amaravathi full, 36k cusecs of water released from dam

TIRUPPUR: Due to heavy rain in the catchment areas, water level in the Amaravathi Dam reached its full capacity on Thursday night and for the first time, 36,000 cusecs of surplus water was released from it. Flood warning was issued to people living by the river banks. As per the data provided by the district disaster management department, Tiruppur received a total of 963.50 mm of rainfall in 24 hours ending 8.30 am Friday. The maximum rainfall of 138 mm was recorded in Dam area and the Amaravathi Dam area received 110 mm of rain. As a result, water level in Amaravathi dam reached 88 feet, against its full capacity of 90 feet. As a precautionary measure, officials discharged 2,000 cusecs of water from the dam which was gradually increased to 36,000 cusecs by Friday morning. The discharge was reduced to 8,000 cusecs by Friday evening. This is the third time surplus water is being released from the dam after July and November. Officials from the Water Resource Department (WRD) said rain is likely to intensify further in the dams catchment area. The catchment area for Amaravathi Dam is huge. Its water source is in Kodaikanal and Kerala. So, the dam always reaches its full capacity quickly. District Collector T Christuraj and WRD chief engineer S Murugesan (Coimbatore Region) inspected the dam on Friday. In a press release, Christuraj stated, The volume of water discharge is likely to increase in the Amaravathi River. Therefore, people should avoid activities like taking bath or washing clothes in the river. Murugesan said, 36,000 cusecs of surplus water was released for the first time in the history of Amaravathi dam. The previous high was 18,000 cusecs in the year 2017. Water level in Thirumurthy Dam has also increased. A senior WRD official for Thirumurthy Dam, said, On Friday evening, the water level in the dam was 52 feet against its full capacity of 60 feet . On Friday morning, it was 47 feet. Due to widespread rain, we reduced the amount of water released for the second zone of PAP irrigation as per the needs. Amanalingeswarar temple located at the foothills of Thirumoorthy Hills was flooded on Friday. Hence, tourists were banned from taking a bath at Panchalinga Falls. Further, the district collector declared a holiday to schools on Friday. Motorists were affected due to water stagnation, and most of the main roads in the city were waterlogged.

Whitestone inn and suites Redefines Luxury in the Himalayas with New 4-Star Resort in Manali

Manali, Dec. 13 Whitestone inn and suites, a leader in Indias luxury hospitality sector, proudly announces the opening of its new 4-star resort in Manali. This 45-room property offers a harmonious blend of opulence and comfort, designed to redefine the guest experience in one of Indias most picturesque destinations. This resort is a testament [] The post Whitestone inn and suites Redefines Luxury in the Himalayas with New 4-Star Resort in Manali appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Flood alert issued as water level in Chembarambakkam reservoir rises

CHENNAI: The Kanchipuram district administration has issued a flood alert for residents living along the Adyar river basin. This comes as the Chembarambakkam reservoir reached a water level of 23.29 feet against its full capacity of 24 feet at 6 am on Friday. The reservoir currently holds 3.502 tmcft of water, which is 94.73% of its total capacity of 3.645 tmcft. As a precautionary measure, 1,000 cusecs of surplus water have been released from the Chembarambakkam reservoir from 8 am on Friday in the first phase. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has stated that the discharge will be gradually increased based on the inflow, which was recorded at 6,498 cusecs at 8 am. Residents in low-lying areas, including Sirukalathur, Kavanur, Kundrathur, Thirumudivakkam, Vazhuthiyambedu, Thiruneermalai, and other villages along the Adyar river, have been advised to stay alert. Meanwhile, the Poondi reservoir has also seen a rise in water levels over the past 24 hours. The discharge of surplus water from Poondi has been increased from 5,000 cusecs to 12,000 cusecs as of 6:30 am on Friday. Residents of low-lying areas along both sides of the Kosasthalaiyar river have been urged to take necessary precautions for their safety. Similarly, the WRD began releasing 500 cusecs of surplus water from Puzhal Lake (Red Hills) at 9 am on Friday. Officials have stated that the release will be increased gradually as the inflow into the lake rises. Residents in low-lying areas near the canal and villages such as Naravarikuppam, Vadakarai, Grandline, Puzhal, Vadaperumbakkam, Manjambakkam, Kosapur, Manali, and Sadayankuppam have been requested to remain cautious and evacuate if necessary to ensure their safety. Authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation.

First flood alert issued as Poondi reservoir nears full capacity; Nagapattinam records 18 cm rainfall

CHENNAI: The Water Resources Department (WRD) has issued its first flood alert after the water level in the Poondi reservoir touched 34.05 feet against its full capacity of 35 feet at 8 am on Thursday. Officials announced that 1,000 cusecs of water will be released through the surplus shutters from 1.30 pm. R Arunmozhi, Executive Engineer of the Kosasthalaiyar basin, informed the Tiruvallur district collector about the rising water levels. Rainfall in the catchment areas of the Poondi reservoir has been increasing, and the water level is expected to reach its full capacity soon. Currently, the reservoir holds 2.839 tmcft of water out of its total capacity of 3.231 tmcft, he said. He requested the collector to take steps to evacuate residents from several villages, including Nambakkam, Krishnapuram, Attrambakkam, Odhappai, Nelveli, Eraiyur, Beemanthoppu, Korakkathandalam, Somathevanpattu, Meyyur, Velliyur, Thamaraipakkam, Thirukkandalam, Athur, Pandikavanur, Jaganathapuram, Pudhukuppam, Kannipalayam, Vannipakkam, Asuvanpalayam, Madiyur, Seemavaram, Vellivayalsadi, Napalayam, Edayansavadi, Manali, Manali Pudhunagar, Sadayankuppam, and Ennore, as well as other low-lying areas along the Kosasthalaiyar river. Residents in these regions are advised to remain on alert and follow instructions from local authorities to ensure safety, a statement said. More rain alert for TN; Schools closed in 14 districts, flood alert issued as Poondi reservoir nears full capacity Meanwhile, several parts of the state received widespread moderate rainfall with intense spells of heavy rains in the last 24 hours, ending Thursday afternoon. RMC director S Balachandran, who met the press on Thursday afternoon, said that very heavy rainfall was recorded in 4 places. 72 places in the state received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. Nagapattinam recorded 18cm, the highest in the state. Coastal regions in the state may receive moderate to heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours and there was a possibility of extreme heavy rainfall over isolated places in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi on Thursday. A red alert has been issued for the day. As for Chennai, Nerkundram recorded 10 cm of rain, and Meenambakkam recorded 8 cm. Mayiladuthurai also recorded 11 cm in the 24 hours as of 2:30 pm on Thursday. The well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to weaken as the day progresses. Balachandran said that the on-and-off spells were due to the nature of the low-pressure area. From Oct 1, the state has received 47 cm of rain on average, 16% higher than normal.

As the year ends, winter travel is heating up dating apps with spike in matches

For Indians, winter is not only about sweaters and hot cocoa- it's the favorite season for the wanderlust and travel enthusiasts, and India's No.1 dating app, QuackQuack's, consumer study shows a record high matches induced by the same love for traveling this winter. Indians are not only busy packing their bags for the weekend getaway; they are busy matching with their travel buddies on dating apps. The app's recent survey of 10,000 active users from metros, suburbs, and rural areas of India revealed a fascinating new trend where travel and romance have intertwined. It was conducted between November 25 and December 5 through online questionnaires and consumer behavior observation. Participants ranged between 25 and 35 and belonged to various professional fields- IT, healthcare and medicine, education, sales and marketing, law and order, finance, and a portion of users in between jobs. Picture courtesy : By arrangement QuackQuack's Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, Traveling and visiting new places open up a more organic way for people to meet, especially at a low-pressure setting. This wanderlust-induced matching is not new, but the rate of it has definitely increased this year and more among the Millennials than any other age group. Travel meets romance Every winter, tourist places in India see a record-breaking number of travelers, and this onset of the winter holidays is no different. What's different is how Indians' love for traveling is changing the matching game significantly. 28% of respondents revealed that they are more inclined to match with a user who mentions a passion for traveling, specifically this time of the year. Surprisingly, 9% of these daters particularly matched with people from specific areas to discuss and get help creating an itinerary. Prakash from South Delhi said, I matched with a very kind person from the Southern part of India whose Bio showcased that she has traveled extensively. One thing, she is beautiful, but there was another agenda- I wanted to visit the South and wanted her to recommend some offbeat locations. Plus, we chatted and connected so well over this that we ended up meeting each other once I went there. Picture Courtesy : By arrangement Destination-Matching From the snow-capped mountains of Shimla to the serene beaches of Goa, if there's one thing that has been buzzing more than the travelers, it is dating apps. QuackQuack reports an increase in match rate in the travel-favorite places, with Goa and Uttarakhand stealing the top spots. 31% of male users from Tier 1 and 2 cities disclosed matching with someone on their recent journey, and 3 in 5 people went ahead and met their match in person during the trip. Harsh, an IT professional from Amritsar, said, I met a woman while visiting Manali. We ended up exploring the place together. It was great while it lasted, and the expiry date made it more romantic, I suppose. Travel compatibility is the new green flag. Travel style and preference have become a key compatibility element this season. Beach or mountains, budget or luxury, quick or laidback, QuackQuack's survey reveals users determining matches based on these differences and similarities since the onset of winter. 28% of women commented that they had paused conversation with matches due to clashing travel tastes. Anjali from Pune, a 27-year-old CA, said, I love to splurge a little when I travel, so when I matched with a guy who was too fixated on budget-friendly, I knew things wouldn't get far with him. And since I am looking for a serious relationship, I don't think committing to someone with such a starkly different travel style is wise. 9% of daters between 32 and 35 looking for a serious match shared discussing their must visit spots to potential partners for long-term compatibility evaluation.

Himachal receives seasons first snowfall, 87 roads closed

Shimla, Dec 9: Himachal Pradesh witnessed its first snowfall of the season which led to the closure of at least 87 roads in the state, including Atari-Leh National Highway 3 near Manalis Rohtang Pass, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. A total of 58 roads were closed in Shimla, followed by 17 in Kinnaur, six in Kangra, two in Lahaul and Spiti, one each in Kullu and Chamba districts. Some parts of Himachal suffered power outrages as 457 transformers [] The post Himachal receives seasons first snowfall, 87 roads closed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Honeymooning Trends 2024: 60% Couples Prefer Indian Destinations; Goa, Manali, Kerala Top Picks

The survey by WedMeGood highlights that 31% of couples are budgeting over Rs 5 lakh for their honeymoon.

Cyclone Fengal: Power supply smooth so far, says T.N. Electricity Department

Due to the heavy rains and technical issues, power supply was affected in areas like Kilpauk, Avadi, Manali, Ponneri, Red Hills, and Kodambakkam, among others, and it was rectified, a statement said

Tilak Raj felicitates for World Record Achievement at DPS Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: In an inspiring ceremony hosted by Delhi Public School Jammu, under the Maharaja Hari Singh Social and Educational Foundation, Tilak Raj Sudan was felicitated for setting a world record for the longest solo car ride by a specially-abled individual. Sudans remarkable journey covered 2,200 kilometers across Rajouri, Srinagar, Leh, Ladakh, Pangong, and Manali, traversing the highest motorable roads in the world. His journey carried the powerful message, Mera Badalta Naya Jammu and Kashmir-Leh Ladakh. Despite [] The post Tilak Raj felicitates for World Record Achievement at DPS Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

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.

Delhi pollution crisis fuels demand for CNG, BS-6 vehicles during wedding Season

New Delhi: The enforcement of Stage IV of GRAP, which bans BS-3 and BS-4 diesel vehicles, has disrupted travel and transportation, particularly for those engaged in the wedding business. The Central Pollution Control Board imposed GRAP-IV measures after Delhi's air quality index (AQI) entered the 'severe' category on Sunday. The restrictions, which came into effect at 8 AM Monday, aim to curb pollution caused by older diesel vehicles. However, the measure has had unintended consequences. Travel agencies report a sharp rise in demand for BS-6 and CNG vehicles, including cars like Ertiga, Innova, and traveller buses, as they scramble to meet commitments made before the ban. The wedding season has added to the pressure. Many vehicles were pre-booked months in advance, and with this sudden ban, we had to scramble to adjust, said Sewak Tuar, a travel agency owner. We are struggling to arrange new vehicles, the petrol, CNG, and BS-6 compliant ones, as weddings and transportation needs are being heavily affected, he added. Aryan Sinha, another travel agency owner, highlighted the growing challenges We have vehicles available for nearby trips like Amritsar, but families booking vehicles for destinations such as Manali, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh, as well as for weddings, are facing difficulties, he said. According to Sinha, wedding bookings often require 10 to 15 vehicles for multiple days. Managing this demand is challenging because they now have to ensure vehicles meet the required standards, he said. For large groups, CNG buses, traveller buses, and BS-6 compliant vehicles, especially newer models from 2020 onward, are in high demand, he told PTI. The restrictions have also impacted routine tourism as pollution prompts many families to plan trips to hill stations. Rajesh Kumar, another travel agency owner, said, This is the peak wedding season, and many families plan destination weddings or large gatherings requiring bulk bookings. Rearranging these commitments has been costly and disruptive, as we now have to rent additional vehicles or upgrade our fleet to comply with the regulations. The shortage has also caused financial strain on agencies, with many reporting losses. A large portion of our fleet comprises BS-3 and BS-4 vehicles, which are now off the roads. To accommodate the demand, we've had to rent compliant vehicles, which increases costs, Kumar added. Delhi's AQI worsened on Monday and Tuesday, crossing 450 and entering the 'severe-plus' range. While Wednesday saw a slight improvement, the AQI remains in the 'severe' range. GRAP, or Graded Response Action Plan, for Delhi-NCR, is divided into four stages of air quality -- Stage 1 for poor AQI ranging between 201 and 300, Stage 2 for very poor AQI of 301-400, Stage 3 for severe AQI of 401-450 and Stage 4 for severe plus AQI more than 450. With schools now closed due to pollution, many families are booking trips to hill stations. Dharamveer Singh from Kusha Travels, a travel agency based in Pushp Vihar, said three to four families are booking tour packages from Delhi every day, typically for trips lasting three to four days. Many families are booking trips to Manali, Mussoorie, and Shimla. Vehicles are being reserved for three to four days at a time, further adding to the shortage, Singh said. At 9 am, the national capital recorded an AQI of 376, according to the CPCB. The weather department has predicted shallow fog during the day.

Car Flies Off Highway To Roof Of Retired DSP's House in Mandi, 4 Injured

A car fell from the Chandigarh-Manali highway onto a retired DSP's house and courtyard around 1:30 am near Vindravani, 5 km from Mandi

10 Andhra University NSS students selected for adventure camp at Manali

Manali Petro Q2 consol net profit skids to 20 lakh

Manali Petrochemicals Ltd.s consolidated net profit for the September quarter declined due to dumping of imported materials at cheaper prices and increase in raw materials cost

Viral video: Little girl's adorable dance to Lisa Haydon's 'Manali Trance' impresses internet, watch

In the video, shared on Instagram by the handle @BSheokhand, the young dancer shows off smooth moves and captivating expressions alongside her dance partner, perfectly matching the beat of the song.

Two foreign paragliders die in two days in Himachal Pradesh, ahead of world cup

CHANDIGARH: A day after the death of a Belgian paraglider, another paraglider from the Czech Republic was killed on Wednesday in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, after she crashed into the mountainside. Thus, two paragliders have died in two days in the hill state ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024, commencing on November 2 in Bir Billing in Kangra district. The deceased solo paraglider, 43-year-old Dita Misurcova, who had been in the sport for the past six years, crashed into the mountains near Marhi in Manali, as she lost control over the glider due to strong winds. She was immediately rushed to a hospital in Manali, where she was declared dead. On Tuesday, the Belgian paraglider, Feyarets, collided mid-air with another paraglider from Poland in Bir Billing as his parachute failed to open. Both paragliders had taken off separately. Meanwhile, the Polish paraglider sustained injuries. Feyarets was a free-flying paraglider in his mid-sixties. While 10 paragliders were flying simultaneously and two of them crashed with each other mid-air, the Belgian paraglider died as his parachute did not open after the crash. The chances of accident increase when the free-fliers venture into high-risk zones or inner valleys with little knowledge of the topography and local wind conditions. We are in the process of documenting the thermals in the Bir Billing area with the help of experts to reduce the probability of accidents while flying, Tourism of Kangra Deputy Director Vinay Dhiman informed. Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali, said, A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline. Separately, a suspected heart attack claimed the life of 50-year-old Russian, Aleksei Kozlochkov, in his hotel room in Bir village. He had arrived on October 16 and was staying with friends in Bir and practicing during the day. On October 25, three foreign paragliders, Michael Karnik and Bernard Greg Collins from New Zealand and Rosie from the UK, were rescued after they crash-landed in the mountains of Kullu after having taken off from Billing.

Czech woman paraglider crashes to death in Manali

The paraglider was immediately rushed to a hospital in Manali, where she was declared dead, officials added.

Another foreign paraglider crashes to death in Manali

Two paragliders have died in two days in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024 commencing on November 2 in Bir-Billing

Two fatal paragliding accidents in 48 hours ahead of Paragliding World Cup in Manali

SHIMLA: In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a paraglider from the Czech Republic was killed in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, after she crashed into the mountainside. This marks the second death of a foreign paraglider within 48 hours, officials confirmed. The deceased, identified as Dita Misurcova, 43, was an experienced paraglider with six years of flying experience. Misurcova reportedly lost control of her glider due to strong winds and crashed into the mountains near Marhi in Manali. She was immediately taken to a hospital in Manali, where she was pronounced dead, officials said. This fatal accident follows the death of a Belgian paraglider on Tuesday, who collided mid-air with another paraglider in Bir-Billing, ahead of the upcoming Paragliding World Cup set to begin on 2 November in Bir-Billing, Kangra districtoften regarded as a paragliding paradise. Belgian paraglider killed after mid-air collision in Himachal Pradesh The Belgian paraglider, identified as Feyaret and described as a free-flying enthusiast in his mid-sixties, died after his parachute failed to open post-collision, while the other, a Polish paraglider, sustained injuries. According to Vinay Dhiman, Deputy Director of Tourism in Kangra district, The chances of accident increase when free-fliers venture into high-risk zones or inner valleys with little knowledge of the topography and local wind conditions. To mitigate risks, the authorities are in the process of documenting thermals in the Bir-Billing area with the aid of experts. A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline, noted Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali. The latest fatalities add to a concerning list of paragliding incidents in the region, with three paraglidersRussian, Polish, and Indianlosing their lives in October alone. The Paragliding World Cup, scheduled from 2 to 9 November, will host 130 participants from 50 countries.

Belgian paraglider killed after mid-air collision in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA: A Belgian paraglider was killed after colliding mid-air with another paraglider in Bir-Billing while they were practising for the upcoming Paragliding World Cup 2024 in the Himachal Pradesh town, police said on Wednesday. The accident took place on Tuesday when the two paragliders took off separately. Feyarets' body has been spotted but is yet to be recovered from the forest. The other paraglider, who suffered injuries and has been taken to hospital, got entangled in the trees and was rescued. His nationality is yet to be ascertained, police officials said. Feyarets, known only by one name, was a free flying paraglider in his mid-sixties, they said. This is not the first time tragedy has struck the famed slopes of Bir-Billing. Tourist from Hyderabad killed in paragliding accident in Himachal's Kullu, pilot arrested In October last year, Polish paraglider Andrez died during a solo flight from Bir-Billing. Kangra Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri said police has directed authorities to register paragliders, adhere to designated routes and ensure they don't fly over military areas. A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint the crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline, said Avinash Negi, director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali. The November 2-9 World Cup will see participation from 130 paragliders from 50 countries.

Himachal: Belgian paraglider killed after mid-air collision in Bir-Billing

International paraglider Steven T Hines from Califonia tests paragliding in Vizag. (DC Image) International paraglider Steven T Hines from Califonia tests paragliding in Vizag. (DC Image) Shimla: A Belgian paraglider was killed after colliding mid-air with another paraglider in Himachal's Kangra district, five days ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024 set to take place in Bir-Billing, police said on Wednesday. Feyarets, a free-flying paraglider in his mid-sixties, had come to Bir-Billing for practice, ahead of the World Cup. Although both paragliders took off separately, they collided mid-air on Tuesday. Feyarets crashed into the forest, while the other paraglider got entangled in trees and suffered injuries. He was later rescued. Police said that Feyaret's body is yet to be recovered from the forest. This incident follows another fatality on October 23, 2023, when Polish paraglider Andrez died during a solo flight from Bir-Billing. Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali, had earlier emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures in adventure sports, particularly paragliding. A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint the crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline, Negi said. While paragliders use devices to send distress and crash-landing alerts, the GPS-enabled systems provide vague location data (within 50-100 meters), which can hinder rescue efforts, an expert noted. A total of 130 paragliders from 50 countries are expected to compete in this year's World Cup, scheduled from November 2 to 9 in Bir-Billing.

Police arrests fraudster for duping individual

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 26: Srinagar Police today arrested a habitual fraudster who recently contested the Assembly elections from Zadibal on charges of duping an individual. In a statement issued here, police said that based on written information from one Rinchen Angchok, son of Kunga Paldan, a resident of Nang Leh, Ladakh, the accused was arrested for fraudulently extracting Rs 14.5 lakh from the complainant. The money was taken under the pretext of sanctioning a petrol pump on the Leh-Manali [] The post Police arrests fraudster for duping individual appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Vanchanas Theatrical Release on November 8

Chandi Durga Entertainments is proud to announce the release of their upcoming thriller, Vanchana, starring Uma Mahesh, Surya, Rajendra, RK Naidu, and Sony Reddy. Directed by Uma Mahesh Marpu and produced by Gowri Marpu, this gripping courtroom drama is slated to hit theaters on November 8th. Director Uma Mahesh Marpu shared his thoughts on the film: 'Vanchana' is an emotional courtroom drama set against the backdrop of a brutal murder of a Christian father in Araku. The film is filled with unexpected twists and turns as we unravel the mystery of who committed the crime and why. We have received a U/A certificate from the censor board, and they praised the film for its sensitive portrayal of a complex story. The teaser has garnered a positive response, and we are excited to release the theatrical trailer on November 2nd. We shot the film in stunning locations like Araku, Delhi, and Manali using Red Dragon cine cameras. The first copy is ready, and we are eagerly awaiting the release on November 8th. Vanchana promises to be a thrilling cinematic experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Alert: Heavy Rainfall Expected Along Indias Coastline Due to Cyclonic Circulation

Coastal regions of India are bracing for heavy rainfall as an upper air cyclonic circulation over the central Andaman Sea has shifted to the North Andaman Sea, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This atmospheric condition is anticipated to develop into a Low-Pressure Area over the East Central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining North Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours. The IMD stated that the system is likely to move west-northwest and intensify into a depression by the morning of October 22, eventually evolving into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the East Central Bay of Bengal. Following this development, the cyclone is expected to continue its northwest trajectory, reaching the northwest Bay of Bengal off the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by the morning of October 24. The IMD has issued weather warnings indicating that very heavy rainfall is likely in South Interior Karnataka and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected in several other regions today, including Gujarat, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal and North Interior Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, and Andhra Pradesh. On October 19, heavy rains impacted Tamil Nadu, leading to major disruptions in services due to persistent rainfall. Footage from Chennai revealed extensive waterlogging on roads, with several areas experiencing extremely heavy rain until 8:30 am on Thursday. Kathivakkam and Manali recorded 23 cm and 21 cm of rain, respectively, while Cholavaram experienced 30 cm, Red Hills 28 cm, and Avadi 25 cm. The depression over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal has been moving west-northwest at a speed of 14 km per hour, having crossed the north Tamil Nadu-south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore at around 4:30 am on Thursday. IMD Issues Weather Bulletin for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal: Heavy Rainfall Forecasted Chennai Faces Torrential Rains, Schools and Offices Closed as Northeast Monsoon Hits Chennai Faces Torrential Rains, Schools and Offices Closed as Northeast Monsoon Hits

Siblings From Jagtial Scale Mount Patalsu, Promote CMs Anti-Drug Message

Karimnagar: Two siblings from Alur village in Raikal mandal, Jagtial district, successfully scaled Mount Patalsu in Himachal Pradesh and unfurled a banner carrying a message from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy that read: Say yes to life and no to drugs. Maniraj, 18, and his sister Rishitha, 16, were encouraged by their father, Lakkam Raju, a village farmer, to pursue adventures in life. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle , Maniraj shared that he and his sister were intermediate (MPC) students at a private defence academy college in Karimnagar, which organised the adventure. With the support of their father, who had worked in Saudi Arabia, and their coach, Mahipal Reddy, a former Army man, they completed the climb of Mount Patalsu. The trek took two days and cost them Rs 10,000 per person. They, along with their coach, made all necessary arrangements and travelled to Manali. On the first day, they began their trek in the morning, reaching an altitude of 4,250 metres after seven hours. They set up a base camp to spend the night, along with other trekkers from various parts of the country. The next day, they descended in about six hours. Rishitha mentioned that she was the youngest in the group and initially felt apprehensive about the climb. However, being with her brother made the experience easier, and she successfully completed the trek. She added that while the mountain was not very steep, the weather at the summit was extremely cold. Since we had prepared with clothes, gloves, blankets, and tents, we were able to complete the trek despite the challenging weather conditions. After reaching the summit, my brother and I displayed the banner with the Chief Minister's message, she concluded.

8-year-old Telangana mountaineer scales Mount Patalsu peak

Hyderabad: Most eight-year-old children would struggle to even locate Mount Patalsu on a map, let alone climb it. However, Jetoth Vihanram, a native of Warangal residing in Karimnagar, successfully scaled the 4,251-meter peak near Manali. This challenging trek not only offered a thrilling ascent but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The expedition team 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 .

Chennai: City records 6.9 cm rainfall in 24 hours, waterlogging in several areas

Chennai: Heavy rain was lashing several areas of Chennai, with the city recording an average of 6.9 cm in the last 24 hours. The rainfall volume was recorded from 8:30 am on Monday to 8 am Tuesday. The Regional Meteorological Centre reported that Ennore, in North Chennai, recorded the maximum rainfall, followed by Manali, Kolathur, 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 .

Kanika Dhillon reveals Kriti Sanon auditioned with 10 actors before selecting actor Shaheer Sheikh for Do Patti

Kanika Dhillon's Do Patti is all set to release on 25th October exclusively on Netflix. At the trailer launch of the upcoming thriller writer producer of the movie Dhillon revealed that Kriti Sanon herself auditioned with 10 different actors before they finally chose television actor Shaheer Sheikh. Kanika recalled, Just an example of how hands-on Kriti was. Kritis like, Last 10 rounds, Ill audition with 10 people. And those last 10 people left, Kriti herself went and auditioned with each of those 10 candidates, did that scene over and over. Adhe toh ghabra gaye ke Kriti audition karne ayi hai! Set in Manali, Do Patti revolves around a murder mystery that is laced with suspense, thrill, and drama. Kajol plays a cop for the very first time on the screen and Kriti Sanon plays a double role bringing out two different shades in the film. Do Patti is produced by Kanika Dhillon's Kathha Pictures in association with Kriti Sanon's Blue Butterfly Films .

5 new bridges to enhance connectivity along India-China border: HP Governor

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for dedicating 75 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) infrastructure projects to the nation, including five vital road bridges in the hill state. After virtually attending the inauguration event from the Raj Bhavan here, the governor in a statement highlighted the significance of the five vital bridges in enhancing connectivity and strategic preparedness along the India-China border. The bridges were inaugurated at Munni, Bhaga, Dogri, Habsar and Shalkhar-11 on National Highway-3 (Manali-Sarchu road), NH-5 (Powari-Shipkila road) and NH-505 (Khab-Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphoo road). The governor said these strategic bridges are not only vital for the swift movement of Army troops and equipment, but will also play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the local population. The BRO completed the construction of these strategic projects in record time, Shukla said. Many of these projects ha

Navratri Special: Strong Women, Powerful Stories & Empowering Narratives

Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrates the strength, courage, and grace of women. Its a time to reflect on the indomitable feminine energy that has the power to overcome challenges and rise above adversity. To embrace the festive spirit, heres a collection of powerful, women-centric stories from Pocket FM, alongside trending films and shows that highlight female empowerment. Each of these narratives honors the perseverance and strength of women, just like the goddess herself. 1. Shaadi Ke Baad Pocket FM Arohi's fight for justice and self-respect Arohi, who had experienced an incident worse than death for any girl, hadn't even recovered from the trauma of that incident when she received another piece of news that shook her to the core. Arohi's father and stepmother had decided on her marriage with a wealthy but physically challenged man without even consulting her. Although Arohi had clearly refused to marry him, her father and stepmother imposed a condition that forced Arohi to ponder over her decision. What was that condition? What incident had occurred with Arohi? And how will Arohi fight through her struggles and challenges? Find it out on Pocket FM. 2. Sukhee (2023) Netflix Sukhee (played by Shilpa Shetty) is the story of a middle-aged homemaker who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Faced with societal expectations and family responsibilities, Sukhee decides to break free and rediscover her joy, passion, and identity. The film serves as a reminder that its never too late to prioritize yourself, making it a heartwarming story for the modern Indian woman. 3. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Pocket FM Anikas search for her missing child Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To is a fictional drama that captures the life of Anika, who returns to her hometown Manali, along with her daughter, to find her twin kid. Its an engaging narrative that showcases the arduous struggles and journey of the protagonist. The series has seen tremendous success globally, garnering over Rs.150 crores already. While in India, the series is available in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, it has been recreated completely for mainstream US audiences as Saving Nora . Cumulatively, it has recorded over 500 million plays. 4. Maharani (Season 2) SonyLIV This political drama centers around Rani Bharti, a simple housewife thrust into the political limelight after her husband, Bihars Chief Minister, resigns. With little knowledge of politics, Rani evolves into a strong leader, standing up against the corrupt system. Her journey from homemaker to political powerhouse embodies the spirit of empowerment, making Maharani a must-watch this season. 5. Iravati - Ant Se Aarambh Pocket FM The rebirth of a warrior After losing her life in the explosion at the laboratory in Nepal, Ira Dhami finds a new life within the weak body of Rajasthani princess Kunwari Iravati Rathore. Embracing Iravati's feeble form, Ira takes revenge on her enemies and completes her unfinished mission. Listen to the incredible story of Ira and Iravati. 6. Darlings (2022) - Netflix Darlings is a dark comedy that centers around the life of Badru, played by Alia Bhatt, who faces domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. Instead of remaining a victim, Badru decides to take control of her life, seeking revenge in her own quirky way. The film sheds light on serious issues with a tinge of humor, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its a story of empowerment, resilience, and standing up for oneself. 7. Delhi Crime (2019) - Netflix It is a gripping Indian crime drama series based on the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, which shook the nation. The show follows DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah), a fictional character inspired by the real-life officer Chhaya Sharma, as she leads the investigation to bring justice to the victim. The series intricately blends real events with fictional elements, highlighting the challenges faced by the police force and the socio-political landscape of India. Vartika, alongside her team, including characters like Bhupendra Singh and Neeti Singh, delves into the intense manhunt for the culprits, offering a raw portrayal of crime and justice in India's capital.

Female duffedar did not file representation regarding inconvenience in transfer to Manali Zone: Greater Chennai Corporation

Youth held for murdering friend in quarrel near Manali

The investigation revealed that the suspect had borrowed the victims bike one-and-a-half months ago and hadnt returned it

Four persons arrested for murder of youth near Manali

Cultural Festival in Himachal Falsely Depicted as Anti-Muslim Violence, Video

Shmila: In Himachal Pradesh, a significant movement is underway to dismantle illegal Islamic structures. The issue first gained attention in the Sanjauli area of Shimla, where a mosque had encroached on public land. After intense public pressure, the mosque committee itself agreed to demolish the encroached portion. Following this, attention shifted to Mandi, where a three-story mosque had two of its floors declared illegal by the court. In response, trade unions across Himachal Pradesh called for a bandh on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Hindutva Terrorists on the prowl in Himachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Am5lxmJfM9 Team Saath Official???? (@TeamSaath) September 14, 2024 The bandh, which had widespread public support, resulted in the closure of shops from Mandi to Manali. Organized by Hindu groups, the protest saw the participation of many citizens. Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government responded with force, using tear gas and lathi charges against the demonstrators. Meanwhile, Congress minister Anirudh Singh raised concerns in the assembly, stating that external Jamaat members were coming into the state, engaging in illegal activities, and changing the demographic balance. ? ? #StopHate #ProtectMinorities #JusticeForAll #ReligiousFreedom #NoToViolence pic.twitter.com/eP8RqTrzGz Gulam Abdul Qadir ( Allahabadi ) (@ShaikhQadir786) September 13, 2024 A video circulated on social media showed Hindus waving swords and dancing to music, which some used to portray them as violent. Team Saath labeled the participants as Hindutva terrorists and claimed they were arming themselves against mosques. Social media figures like Rafiqul Islam and Ghulam Abdul Qadir Allahabadi condemned the scene, calling for police action and alleging that these actions could lead to violence against Muslims. Neha Habib also criticized the Congress government for allowing such displays of weaponry, referencing the Mohabbat Ki Dukan campaign as a counterpoint. However, the truth behind the video paints a different picture. The footage captures a traditional festival known as Jag, a cultural celebration observed in Himachal Pradesh for decades. Held every year during the month of Bhadrapad, this festival symbolizes the mythical war between gods and demons. Rituals include walking on fire and prayers for peace and prosperity. The festival, especially prominent in the Mahakali temple in Mandi, has been celebrated for many years. In some regions like Jubbal and Rohru, dancing with weapons is an integral part of these traditional events. Misrepresentation of this cultural event is being used to falsely depict Hindus as violent, while in reality, they are peacefully protesting against illegal encroachment despite facing police force. Rajasthan Chief Minister Returns from High-Profile Japan-South Korea Trip, Prepares for December Investment Summit Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust Plans Global Museum in Fifth Gallery, Focusing on Lord Hanuman Indian Navy's Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility 'Vinetra' Commissioned to Boost Underwater Emergency Preparedness

Trade Union Shuts Markets In Himachal's Manali Amid Tensions Over Mosque Disputes In Shimla, Mandi

Protests erupt in Himachal Pradesh as Hindu groups demand demolition of unauthorized mosque portions. Police use water cannons in Mandi and Shimla; tensions rise

Fire at substation leads to power outage in Chennai

Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation in Chennai.

Chennai faces power outages, EB reroutes supply to restore electricity

Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation, here. Power supply was, however, restored by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), which responded promptly, by rerouting supply through alternate pathways, an official said on Friday. The cascading fault on the second redundant feeder Alamatty of Manali Substation caused damage to the switch structure, he said. The affected substation has been repaired on a war-footing and regular power supply has been restored, an official release here said. The Manali substation is an important power hub of Chennai supplying electricity to major parts of the city. There are two charger sources namely Alamatty and NCTPS II exclusively to supply power to this substation. These were designed to provide 100 per cent power to the sub-station. On September 12, at around 9.58 pm, a massive fire broke out at the Almatty ...

Power Outage In Parts Of Chennai. Electricity Supply Rerouted

Several parts of Chennai reeled under a sudden power outage due to a fire incident which caused sequential faults on both feeders at the Manali substation, here.

Power Outage In Parts Of Chennai After Fire At Substation, Protests Erupt

A fire at Chennai's Manali substation caused a major power outage on Thursday night, leading to widespread blackouts and protests.

Discharge of sewage into storm water drains and canals persists

Months after the December 2023 floods, residents grappled with the problem of sewage mixing with floodwaters in Kottivakkam, Sholinganallur, and Manali. The contaminated water reached some lakes too. Even now, the issue plagues the Madipakkam lake

Leh to Delhi | Ladakh's Long March for Constitutional Safeguards and Statehood

The protesters have chosen the Manali route, covering a distance of approximately 1,000 km from Leh to Delhi.

Youth from Manali arrested under POCSO Act

India Boosts Border Infrastructure with Key Projects on China and Pakistan Fronts

Leh: I ndia is actively strengthening its infrastructure along its borders with Pakistan and China, particularly in the Union Territory of Ladakh, to address ongoing security challenges. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is focusing on several critical projects to improve connectivity and defense readiness. The BRO plans to complete the construction of special infrastructure on the China border in the coming weeks, including an all-season alternative route to Leh. This development is part of the India-China Border Roads Program, which prioritizes enhancing road connectivity in the region. Currently, there are three main routes to Leh: The Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil route through Jammu and Kashmir. The Manali-Rohtang route in Himachal Pradesh, which splits at Darcha. One branch goes to Leh via Padam and Nimu, while the other passes through Baralacha La and Tanglang La. The existing road connectivity includes the 255 km Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DS-DBO) road, alongside two parallel roads running near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The BRO is working on a crucial project involving the 4 km long cut section of the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road. This section is nearing completion, with most of the road now paved. Additionally, the construction of the 4.1 km Shinku La tunnel on the Manali-Darcha-Padam-Nimu axis is set to begin soon. This tunnel, which will be the highest in the world at 15,800 feet, is expected to reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km and provide an all-weather route. The BRO's priorities also include completing the Leh-Demchok road and establishing connectivity to several other roads running parallel to the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The organization is working on four key roads under the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) project, including routes in Arunachal Pradesh.Plans are underway for the 1,800 km Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh, which will connect Bomdila, Nafra, Huri, and Vijaynagar near the Myanmar border. The project, with an allocated budget of Rs 6,000 crore for some sections, is expected to enhance regional connectivity significantly. The BRO's efforts are reflected in the increased budget for the current financial year, which has risen by 30 percent to Rs 6,500 crore. This funding supports ongoing projects related to roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure necessary for rapid troop and goods movement in strategically important areas. Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Allegedly Locks Students in Bathroom Over Rally Attendance Election Commission Reschedules Polling Dates for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assemblies Seven Foreign Nationals Arrested in Tripura for Illegal Entry

This Noida Landlord Rent His House to a Doctor in 2021. It Took a Legal Battle to Regain Possession

When Dr Manali Agarwal failed to vacate the apartment despite the court's order, Malvinder Singh had to file another application with the court.