PATNA: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday sustained an injury in his ribs during a roadshow at Ara, the district headquarters of Bhojpur. He was scheduled to address a public rally. Police said that the incident took place when he leaned out of his vehicle to greet people during a roadshow, ahead of his Bihar Badlav Sabha in Ara. Amidst the overwhelming crowd, he was pushed and reportedly hit the door of the vehicle near his ribs, according to his party leaders. Kishor was then rushed to a hospital in Ara as doctors referred him to Patna for advanced treatment. Later, he returned without delivering his speech at Babu Kuer Singh Stadium, as part of the ongoing Bihar Badlao Yatra. Party sources said that Kishor was scheduled to address the public meeting at around 3.30 pm, but reached the venue at 6 pm, two and a half hours behind schedule. He could not address the meeting as he complained of acute pain in his ribs. Dr. Vijay Singh, who attended to Kishor at Ara, said that the CT scan report is normal. He needs rest for three to four days. There is nothing to worry about. He will be fit after taking a rest, he told the media. Earlier in the day, a Bhojpur actor-cum-singer, Ritesh Pandey and former IPS officer Jaiprakash Singh joined the party in the presence of Kishor. We deliberately chose a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Bihar, Kishor said, while welcoming Pandey and Singh to the party. Singh, a resident of Saran district, who had risen to the rank of ADGP in the Himachal Pradesh cadre, is expected to contest the upcoming assembly elections from a seat in Saran district. I opted for VRS after 25 years of service because I realised that Jan Suraaj was out to create a history in my home state, he told the media. Pandey, a resident of Kargahar in Rohtas district, is likely to try his luck from a seat under the Shahabad region.
Construction of Shongtong hydroelectric project to be completed by December 2026
Himachal Pradesh's Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi announced that the 450 MW Shongtong hydroelectric project in Kinnaur district is nearly 60% complete and is expected to be finished by December 2026. Negi also instructed officials to register government properties, especially PWD roads existing for over 20 years, in revenue records by August 1, 2025, ensuring proper upkeep and maintenance.
Orange alert issued in Himachal Pradesh; roads blocked, Kinnar Kailash Yatra postponed
SHIMLA: Several roads were blocked and the ongoing Kinnar Kailash Yatra halted due to incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. The pilgrimage to Kinnar Kailash, the winter abode of Lord Shiva located at an altitude of 19.850 feet in Kinnaur district, commenced on July 15 and was to continue till August 30. However, the rains have rendered the journey unsafe and hence the pilgrimage stands halted until the weather clears up and the route is declared safe, Kinnaur Police said. The Lahaul and Spiti administration has also temporarily suspended bike rides on the Manali-Leh highway until further orders. Torrential rains have led to the closure of around 250 roads in Himachal Pradesh. Accoring to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 181 roads were closed in disaster-hit Mandi, 26 in Sirmaur and 23 in Kullu district, while 61 water supply schemes and 81 power distribution transformers were affected as of Friday morning. The local meteorological office has issued an orange alert for 'heavy' to 'very heavy' rainfall in isolated areas of the state on July 21 and 23, officials said. A yellow alert has been issued for 'heavy' rains at isolated places till Sunday. Meanwhile, 'light' to 'moderate' rains lashed parts of the state on Thursday evening. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths Jogindernagar received 40 mm of rain, Sarahan 38 mm, Jatton Barrage 28.6 mm, Kothi 28.4 mm, Shilaroo 26.4 mm, Murari Devi 26 mm, Narkanda 25.5 mm, Jot 23 mm, Poanta Sahib 22.2 mm, Dharamshala 21 mm, Palampur 19.8 mm, Kufri 18.1 mm, Shimla 16.6 mm, Dhaulakuan 14 mm, Manali 12.2 mm, Jubbarhatti 12 mm and Solan 11.2 mm Kangra and Palampur witnessed thunderstorms while Kufri and Bajaura saw gusty winds with speeds ranging from 37 to 39 kilometres per hour. The State Emergency Operation Centre said that from the onset of monsoon on June 20 to July 17, around 112 people have lost their lives -- 67 in rain-related incidents and 45 in road accidents. Around 199 people have been injured, while 35 are missing, it added. Himachal Pradesh, which has witnessed 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts and 19 landslides this monsoon, has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,220 crore, the department said. Meanwhile, officials said search operations are still continuing to trace the 27 people who were washed away in the cloudburst and landslides that hit parts of Mandi district on June 30 night. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government is working around the clock to provide relief and rehabilitation to people affected by natural disasters. Sukhu said that Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur is in constant touch with him, as his constituency Seraj has suffered extensive damages. Besides Seraj, other areas including Dharampur, Karsog and Nachan have also been severely affected by the rains, Sukhu said in a statement, adding that Union ministers have been apprised in detail about the situation in these regions during his recent Delhi visit. I hope the people of the state will receive some relief when the Union Home Minister visits Himachal Pradesh, the chief minister added. He emphasised that rehabilitation of the affected people is a prime responsibility of the state government. Non-forest lands will be allocated to them, as the allocation of forest lands would require approval from the Central government. The state's priority is to reopen roads in the disaster-hit regions to ensure farmers and horticulturists can transport apples, vegetables and other produce to the markets without hindrance, Sukhu said. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation has resumed mini bus services on several routes in Seraj from Friday.
Rain showers North and West, but South and Northeast India face a dry spell despite 9% monsoon surge
India has experienced 9% above-average rainfall this monsoon, though unevenly distributed, leading to floods in some states while others await adequate rain. Jharkhand and Rajasthan saw significantly higher rainfall, while several states experienced normal levels. Despite this, floods have impacted regions like Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka, with Himachal Pradesh suffering the most casualties.
CUHP Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 03 Research Assistant, Field Investigators Posts
The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 03 Research Assistant, Field Investigators posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official CUHP website. The last date to submit the application form is 31-07-2025.
Himachal Chief Minister Unfurls 108-Feet Flag At Jakhu Hanuman Temple
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unfurled a 108-feet-tall religious flag (pataka) at the historic Jakhu Hanuman Temple in Shimla.
Himachal Monsoon Havoc: 109 Killed, Rs 883 Crore Damage, 226 Roads Blocked Due To Heavy Rain
At least 109 people died in Himachal Pradesh between June 20 and July 16, 2025, due to monsoon incidents and road accidents, SDMA confirmed. Infrastructure damage is extensive.
Monsoon continues to disrupt life across Himachal Pradesh; claims 109 lives in nearly one month
Of these, 64 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while 45 died in road accidents, underlining the extensive human toll of this year's monsoon fury, as per a State report
29 missing in Himachal Pradesh presumed dead, search being called off
Himachal Pradesh govt to get 18% royalty from Karcham Wangtu hydropower project
2,000 fruit trees cut: Himachal Pradesh high court says continue to clear forest land
Himachal Pradesh to get additional 150 crore revenue after royalty hike in hydroelectric project
A State government statement said the JSW energy company will have to pay 18% royalty to the State instead of 12% from the Karcham-Wangtoo hydroelectric project
SC upholds Himachal's demand for 18% free electricity from JSW Hydro Energys Karcham Wangtoo plant
The Supreme Court has sided with the Himachal Pradesh government, mandating JSW Hydro Energy to supply 18% free electricity from its Karcham Wangtoo plant. This decision overturns a High Court order that had limited the free supply to 13%, reinforcing contractual obligations over regulatory caps.
Statewide crackdown on tobacco sale near educational institutions in Himachal Pradesh
After Shimla and Manali this road in Himachal becomes a new tourist spot: Watch viral video
A road in Himachal Pradesh has become a spectacle. Electricity poles stand in the road's center. A viral video highlighted this unusual infrastructure. The video draws comparison with similar incidents. This has triggered online reactions. People are questioning the planning and coordination. The incident raises concerns about government infrastructure projects. It also highlights the need for better inter-departmental communication.
Bihar 2.0 In Himachal? Electric Poles Stand In The Middle Of The Road
In Himachal Pradesh, the road connecting Badripur, Kishanpura, Santokhgarh and Puruwala of Sirmaur district has electric poles in the middle.
Video: Paraglider Crashes During Take-Off In Himachal, Gujarat Tourist Killed
A video of a paraglider crashing seconds after it took flight with a tourist from Gujarat and the paraglider pilot in Himachal Pradesh earlier this week surfaced on Wednesday.
Centre To Study Cloudburst After Himachal Suffers Rs 1,000 Crore Damage
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that a central team would soon visit the state to study the cloudburst and the damage caused by the flash floods in the state.
Dogs Day Out: Bengalurus Midday Meal Scheme
If the Lord works in mysterious ways, his representatives on earth politicians arent very far off. Last week, an announcement for a midday meal scheme was made not for humans, but for stray dogs of the Garden City of India. The news, like every other in the country, brought up a string of opinions from both sides from jubilation to outrage. Thankfully, no dogs were invited to TV studios, but when has that ever stopped some humans from howling on camera? If X is a fire, Im the soggy towel left in the rain. Some people hailed the decision as a landmark move for animal rights. Others bemoaned the lack of basic human rights before we move on to trickier frontiers like animal rights. Personally, Im learning NOT to have opinions on every topic. That being said, I admit I have always gotten along fabulously with stray dogs. It all began when I was in Himachal Pradesh, a state where everything and everybody is beautiful. We were trekking up a hill, and a dog joined us silently. Like the final story in the Mahabharata , as the Pandavas walk up to heaven with a dog in tow, we climbed up the hill, and the dog was content to give us company. We had no snacks or biscuits to offer, only pats and love. That is when I understood that dogs arent just mans best friend, theyre also mans greatest acquaintances. Since then, I have been friends with the local strays in every city I have lived in or visited. Its the cheapest therapy available. You get to play with the local dogs, your brain releases oxytocin, and you get a friend whose stories you dont have to ignore on Instagram. People often ask me Why stray dogs? I think its because theyre the last creatures whove stuck with us through our concrete-jungle madness. We cut down forests, drove out wildlife, filled the skies with smog, and these chaps just shrugged and said, Alright, well sit next to your dosae cart and bark at your SUVs. Youve got to respect that. Theyre survivors. Crows, too, by the way. They never get the same PR as dogs, but theyre just as smart, social, and judgmental. If we ever build a society from scratch after the apocalypse, itll be led by stray dogs and crows, while humans argue about which filter to use for their disaster selfies. That said, the stray dog issue in India is undeniably serious. Unchecked populations, poor vaccination, and occasional aggressive behaviour have turned them from companions to controversies. So when the stray dog feeding scheme was announced, I braced myself for chaos. But I must admit I was impressed by the menu. Chicken and rice. Not biryani, mind you. We are not monsters. I imagine a group of strays sitting around like old uncles at a canteen, discussing politics over their midday meal. The quality of chicken is not so great, da. I told you to move to Indiranagar.. Of course, critics will argue: Shouldnt we fix potholes, traffic, and garbage before feeding dogs gourmet lunches? To them, I say have you ever tried fixing traffic in Bengaluru? Feeding dogs is the easier option. And arguably more effective. Every dog has its day. And in Bengaluru, that day now includes a hearty lunch. As for me, I will continue to vibe with the strays while not having an opinion. Unless they ever launch a breakfast scheme for cats. Then, we riot. (The writers views are personal)
106 Killed During Monsoon Season In Himachal Pradesh
The heavy rains during the monsoon season has affected life and property in parts of Himachal Pradesh and has claimed 106 lives between June 20 and July 15, 2025, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has announced the D.El.Ed. CET 2025 results for the 202527 session. Out of 14,352 test-takers, 3,203 qualified. The exam was held on May 29 across 87 centres. Sports quota counselling is scheduled for July 2122, while the complete seat allotment schedule will be released soon on hpbose.org.
Tourist dies while paragliding from an unauthorised site in Himachal Pradesh
A tourist from Gujarat, Satish, died in a paragliding accident near Dharamshala. The incident occurred after a tandem flight from Indru Nag Paragliding Site went wrong. The pilot, Suraj, is receiving treatment. Police are investigating the case. Tourism officials are also reviewing the matter. This is not the first paragliding fatality in the region.
HPBOSE JBT Entrance Result 2025 Out at hpbose.org Direct Link to Download Result
HPBOSE JBT Entrance Result 2025: Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education Result 2025 has been released on hpbose.org. Here is the direct Link to check your DElEd CET Diploma in Elementary Education Common Entrance Test Results Online.
Himachal CM meets Finance Commission head, seeks assistance
Himachal CM meets Finance Commission head, seeks assistance New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Tuesday met the 16th Finance Commission Chairperson Arvind Panagariya here and sought cooperation for strengthening the financial condition of the state. CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has been following the path of fiscal prudence and is one of [] The post Himachal CM meets Finance Commission head, seeks assistance appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Himachal Pradesh faced immense loss due to heavy rainfall. Landslides and flash floods caused 61 deaths. Road accidents claimed 44 lives. Mandi and Kangra districts were severely affected. Infrastructure suffered major damage. Monetary losses exceeded 78 crore. Many houses were damaged. Emergency teams are working on restoration. The State Disaster Management Authority is monitoring the situation.
Maharashtra to enact anti-conversion law in December, will be stricter than other states: Minister
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government will bring a tough law to prevent religious conversions in the winter session of the legislature and its provisions will be more stringent than similar legislations existing in other states, minister Pankaj Bhoyar has said. Speaking in the legislative council on Monday, the minister of state for home (rural) noted Maharashtra will be the 11th Indian state to come up with such a law. A panel has been formed under the Director General of Police to frame a law (against religious conversions) that will be stricter than the rest of the 10 states. A report (on the issue drafted by DGP) has been submitted and the law will be passed in the coming (winter) session, he told the House. The winter session of the state legislature is usually held in December in Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra. Raising the issue of forced conversion in the state, Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande alleged a pregnant woman committed suicide in Sangli district of western Maharashtra as she was under pressure (from in-laws) to change her religion. There was a fight in a Pune-based family over the issue of religious conversion and cross FIRs were filed over the matter, she said. Kayande pointed out that 10 states -- Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand -- have their own anti-conversion law. The MLC asked whether Maharashtra's Mahayuti government will bring an anti-conversion law like these 10 states, to which the minister replied in the affirmative. Last week, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also said a strict law to prevent religious conversions will be enacted in the state. Replying to a debate on the issue in the state assembly, Bawankule had said he would speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on how to bring an anti-conversion law with stringent provisions.
IIMB to offer four-year UG degree programme in Data Science, Economics from August
BENGALURU: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is set to introduce a full-fledged four-year undergraduate degree programme starting August next year, with majors in Data Science and Economics. The announcement was made by IIMB Director Prof Rishikesha T Krishnan on Monday. The programme will be hosted at the institutes new campus in Jigani, located approximately 27 km from the current main campus on Bannerghatta Road. This is the first time that IIMB is offering a UG programme. IIM Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh started a UG programme this academic year. The programme will offer a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree and is being launched under the newly established School of Multidisciplinary Studies. Admissions will be based on a national-level entrance examination followed by a personal interview. Mathematics will be a compulsory subject for eligibility. In subsequent years, the institute will also open similar courses in Behavioural Sciences and Sustainability. The inaugural batch will include 40 students per major (80 in total). Initially, the programme will be run from existing infrastructure at the new campus, with classes commencing in August. IIMB plans to start with 15 faculty members, with a roadmap to expand with a student intake of 640 by 2031. The annual tuition fee for the undergraduate programme has been set at Rs 8.5 lakh. However, financial aid up to 20% of the total costs has already been built into the model, Prof Krishnan said, pointing out that IIMB has committed that no eligible and deserving student will be denied admission due to financial constraints. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) framework, the programme spans four years with an exit option after three years.
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu seeks regular flights to Himachal Pradesh
Four die in Himachal, five in Rajasthan's Kota as rain plays havoc
NEW DELHI: Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, 61 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. In Rajasthan, Khatauli in Kota district recorded 198 mm of rain over 24 hours, the highest in the state. Five youths were swept away in the Chambal River Monday afternoon after the water level suddenly rose following the release of water from 12 gates of the Kota Barrage. The identity of the five missing youths is yet to be confirmed, as the rescued individual is not in a condition to provide detailed information at this stage, Digod Police Station SHO Purshottam Mehta said. Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the authorities opened all 12 gates of the Kota Barrage at 11.30 am on Monday, releasing approximately 2.2692 lakh cusecs of water downstream, said Nisha Sharma, Junior Engineer at Kota Barrage. A met department official said that a circulation system over Madhya Pradesh has intensified into a low-pressure area. Due to the system, parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur divisions have seen heavy rain since yesterday. Delhi got a decent drizzle towards the evening, lifting the heavy humid pall it had sweltered under during the day. According to IMD data, Lodhi Road recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 18.5 mm till 8.30 am on Monday. Pragati Maidan received 24.3 mm of rain, Ayanagar, 15.5 mm, Safdarjung, 15.8 mm, and Palam, 8.5 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, 208 roads, including 157 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, are closed for vehicular traffic, while 745 water supply schemes and 139 power distribution transformers were affected. The local Met office has issued an Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, and Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday. It issued a Yellow alert, meaning heavy rain, for at least three of the 12 districts till Friday. In Odisha, the weather department forecasted heavy rainfall in 19 of the 30 districts, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked system. The India Meteorological Department cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours in the north Bay of Bengal, as squally winds, blowing at 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, were likely to prevail along and off north Odisha. A red warning was issued for extremely heavy rain, above 20 centimetres, in Mayurbhanj, Keonhar and Sundargarh. Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore were predicted to receive 12 cm to 20 cm of rain. The remaining districts were forecasted to witness 7-11 cm of precipitation. Kolkata is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is likely across South Bengal districts, as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre here. In Jharkhand, a flash flood warning was issued for Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Ranchi, Saraikela, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts till 11.30 am on Tuesday. Surface runoff and inundation may occur in some low-lying areas, the IMD said. A Red alert was sounded for heavy to extremely heavy rain in Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts, and an Orange alert for Gumla, Khunti, and Simdega districts till 8.30 am on Tuesday. The weather office has issued a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Hazaribag, Giridih, Koderma, and Deoghar till 8.30 am tomorrow. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the state is likely to experience widespread rainfall till July 17 under the influence of a depression and monsoon trough.
Rains Batter Himachal Pradesh: Met Issues 'Orange' Alert, Over 200 Roads Closed
The Met office issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rainfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh. 208 roads are closed, and 745 water supply schemes and 139 transformers are impacted.
Met issues orange alert for heavy rains in three Himachal districts, over 200 roads still closed
Himachal Pradesh has already suffered losses of over 770 crore in the ongoing monsoon season.
CSK HPKV Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 14 Clerk, Laboratory Attendant and Other Posts
TheCSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Palampur (CSK HPKV) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 14 Clerk, Laboratory Attendant and Other posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official CSK HPKV website. The last date to submit the application form is 08-08-2025.
CSKHPKV Subject Matter Specialists Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 11 Posts
TheCSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 11 Subject Matter Specialists posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official CSKHPKV website. The last date to submit the application form is 08-08-2025.
HPBOSE 10th, 12th Class Date Sheet 2025 Out hpbose.org Check Date Sheet Here
Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has released the 10th, 12th Class. Students can access their HPBOSE Result 2025 using their registration number through the direct link here.
Himachal Pradesh: Orphaned in flash flood, 11-month-old gets world as cradle
Following a devastating cloudburst in Mandi district, 11-month-old Nikita was orphaned after her parents and grandmother were swept away. The community rallied around her, offering immense support and love. Despite numerous adoption offers, Nikita's relatives decided she will be raised by her paternal aunt, ensuring she remains within her family. A bank account has been opened to support Nikita's future.
Himachal Pradesh pollution board to tell NGT about source of stones used by crusher units in Kangra
Jay Chaudhry's journey from a remote village in Himachal Pradesh to leading Zscaler, a $25 billion cloud security company, highlights the power of grit, education, and leadership. Combining technical expertise from IIT-BHU, multidisciplinary degrees from the University of Cincinnati, and strategic skills from Harvard Business School, Chaudhry revolutionised cybersecurity with his Zero Trust architecture. His success story underscores how determination and global learning can build a lasting legacy in the tech world.
Himachal Pradesh Ex-CM Jairam Thakur Narrowly Escapes Falling Debris In Mandi | Watch
Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur narrowly escaped falling debris in Mandi. He urged CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to visit Karsog to assess cloudburst damage.
Himachal govt announces 2 crore each for constituencies severely affected by rains
So far, since the onset of monsoon on June 20 till July 11, Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses of 751 crore
Himachal govt announces Rs 2 crore each for constituencies severely affected by rains
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has declared Rs 2 crore for rain-affected assembly constituencies and Rs 50 lakh for all constituencies to restore infrastructure. The decision comes as Himachal Pradesh faces significant losses of Rs 751 crore due to heavy rains, flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides since June 20, resulting in over 90 deaths.
Dalai Lama arrives in Leh to a grand reception
Tsewang Rigzin Leh, July 12: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Leh today amidst tight security. He flew in from Himachal Pradesh aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, landing at the Technical Airport in Leh. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Upon arrival, His Holiness was warmly received by a gathering of top religious, social, and political leaders of Ladakh. From the airport to Jivetsal in Choglamsar, thousands of people from all walks of life lined both [] The post Dalai Lama arrives in Leh to a grand reception appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
JKSA condemns WB BJP chiefs call for Kashmir tourism boycott; urges CM Mamata to lodge FIR
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday strongly condemned the remarks made by BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, who urged the people of Bengal not to visit Kashmir and instead travel to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, or Odisha. In a statement issued here, the National Convenor []
Monsoon mayhem: 95 deaths in Himachal Pradesh since June 30, 33 still missing
249 roads closed, over 750 water schemes affected in rain-hit Himachal Pradesh
Since the onset of the monsoon, 92 people have died 56 in rain-related incidents and 36 in road accidents and 172 have been injured, while 33 are missing
249 roads closed, over 750 water schemes affected in rain-hit Himachal
Heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh has led to the closure of 249 roads, with Mandi district being the worst affected. Landslides disrupted traffic on major highways, causing inconvenience to commuters. The state has suffered significant financial losses and numerous disruptions to power and water supply. The monsoon has claimed 92 lives, with search operations ongoing for the missing.
NC Condemns BJP Leaders Call to Boycott Kashmir Tourism
SRINAGAR: The National Conference has strongly condemned remarks made by Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, who urged people to avoid visiting Kashmir and instead travel to destinations like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, or Odisha. The BJP leaders statement came shortly after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, currently in West Bengal to []
Himachal Pradesh monsoon toll reaches 92 lives, infrastructure damaged estimated at Rs 751.78 crore
Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in 92 deaths and widespread destruction between June 20 and July 11. Mandi district is the worst-hit, with significant loss of life, property, and livestock. Rescue operations are underway, with multiple agencies involved in relief efforts and evacuation of affected people, with monetary losses estimated at 751.78 crore.
Bangladeshi national among 25 fake 'babas' held in Dehradun
DEHRADUN: In a sweeping crackdown dubbed Operation Kalnemi, Dehradun police have arrested 25 individuals masquerading as spiritual gurus or 'Babas,' including a Bangladeshi national who now faces charges under the Foreigners Act. Senior Superintendent of Police of Dehradun Ajay Singh told this newspaper that the operation involved identifying suspects oaming in the guise of sadhus and saints across various police station areas. I personally went to Nehru Colony and interrogated these individuals, SSP Singh stated. As they possessed no certificates for astrology or spiritual guidance, they were deemed to be deceiving the public and were subsequently arrested. Police sources revealed that the majority of the arrested individuals hail from other Indian states. The Bangladeshi national, identified as Rukan Rakam alias Shah Alam (26), was arrested from the Sahaspur police station area. Teams from the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are currently interrogating him, with a case registered against him under the Foreigners Act. SSP Singh has directed all station house officers to identify and take strict action against those who deceive people by creating a facade of religion. It is noteworthy that two months prior, a significant number of such imposter 'Babas' had fled Uttarakhand during a drive to demolish illegal shrines operating in the state. The state government on Friday issued a stern warning, declaring that just as the demon Kalnemi attempted to mislead people by donning the guise of a sage numerous 'Kalnemis' are active in society today. Authorities have vowed he severest possible action against any individual found committing crimes while adorned in religious attire. In a strong statement released on Friday, the state government clarified its commitment o protecting public sentiment, the dignity of Sanatan culture, and social harmony. It emphatically stated that those who spread hypocrisy and commit fraud in the name of faith will under no circumstances be spared. Kalnemi is a powerful Asura (demon) in Hindu mythology. He is a significant character in the epic Ramayana, where he is described as the son of Maricha, Ravana's uncle, and a key aide to Ravana. Kalnemi was famously dispatched by Ravana to obstruct and kill Hanuman while the latter was on his mission to retrieve the Sanjeevani Booti, a life-saving herb. The list of 'Babas' arrested on Friday includes Rukan Rakam alias Shah Alam (Bangladesh), Pradeep (Saharanpur), Ajay Chauhan (Saharanpur), Anil Giri (Himachal Pradesh), Mangal Singh (Dehradun), Roja Singh (Dehradun), Komal Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), Ashwani Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), Rajanath (Dehradun), Ramkrishna (Haryana), Shauki Nath (Haryana), Madan Singh Samant (Champawat/Haridwar), Rahul Joshi (Uttar Pradesh), Mohammed Salim (Haridwar), Shinbhu Nath (Rajasthan), Sugyan Yogi (Rajasthan), Mohan Jogi (Rajasthan), Nawal Singh (Rajasthan), Bhagwan Sah (Rajasthan), Hariom Yogi (Rajasthan), Ramkumar (Uttar Pradesh), Girdharilal (Rajasthan), Arjun Das (Assam), Kaku (Haridwar), and Suresh Lal (Uttar Pradesh).
Will seek Centre's nod to rehabilitate disaster-affected families on forestland: Himachal CM
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State government would seek the approval of the Central Government for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected families on forestland as part of a one-time settlement policy. Sukhu, during his three-day visit to Mandi district, visited various disaster-affected areas of Seraj and Nachan assembly constituencies and took stock of the damage caused due to heavy rains and cloudburst events. Talking to the media at Sundernagar in Mandi, CM Sukhu said that the government was considering bringing a one-time settlement policy to resettle disaster-affected families. In this regard, he will seek permission from the Central Government to give forest land to the people so that they can be settled in a safer place. As 68 per cent of land in Himachal Pradesh falls under forest land, the permission of the Central Government will be sought to rehabilitate people there, he said. He urged the BJP MPs of the State to support the State government's proposal. Sukhu said that the government acted swiftly to restore essential services in the affected areas and added that the government has opened almost all the major roads in these areas, and the work of opening the link roads of the disaster-affected area was going on war footing. He said that 50 JCB machines were engaged to open the roads of the affected areas from the very first day of the disaster. He said that the road up to Chail Chowk, Bagsyad, Thunag, Janjehli and Chhatri would be brought under CRIF so that it could be made a composite road. He said that the road and bridges from Thunag to Janjehli have suffered extensive damage. At present, it has been restored temporarily and there will be no shortage of funds for restoration works. The government has so far released Rs 7 crore rupees for relief and rescue works so that the restoration work can be accelerated further, he stated. He said that the Deputy CM and PWD Minister had already visited and assessed the damages in the disaster-affected areas. Sukhu said that there has been an unprecedented loss in these areas and the government and the district administration were providing relief and other materials to the affected families day and night. He said that livestock, crops and vegetables have also suffered a lot due to the disaster. He said that the State government would provide compensation to affected families for purchasing clothes and for loss of livestock besides all possible help from its own resources. Sukhu said that in the next two days, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani would be in the disaster affected areas and will take stock of the relief and rescue operations there. He said that if the affected families live in rented houses, the state government will give them Rs 5000 per month rent in rural areas and Rs 10,000 per month rent in urban areas. He also said that heavy rains have also caused a lot of damage in the Dharampur area of Mandi district and MLA Chandrashekhar was helping the people in relief and rescue operations.
HPTDC seeks review of Cabinet's decision to outsource 14-loss making hotels
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has requested the state government to reconsider outsourcing operations of 14 loss-making hotels, advocating for a thorough viability study first. HPTDC Chairman RS Bali believes that renovation and internal management could improve profitability, highlighting the corporation's recent financial independence and increased turnover.
Rain fury in Himachal: Toll rises to 91; dogs bark and womans grit save lives amid chaos
The monsoon fury continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, taking the death toll to 91, with 30 people still missing and 131 injured, as per the latest report by the State Emergency Operation Centre.
Andhra Pradesh Census to begin on March 2027
Andhra Pradesh gears up for population enumeration. The process will begin on March 1, 2027. Chief Secretary S Rawat issued a government order. This aligns with the Centre's nationwide census schedule. The census will occur in two phases. The first phase starts October 1, 2026, in select regions. Himachal Pradesh SEC objects to postponing Urban Local Body election roster.
Monsoon mayhem to continue battering Delhi NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan and beyond until July 13
Delhi and nearby areas are experiencing heavy rainfall. This has led to waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department forecasts more rain. Air quality remains satisfactory. Himachal Pradesh is facing severe monsoon-related disasters. Political figures are commenting on the flooding situation in Delhi. Residents are preparing for continued challenges due to the weather.
A daring rescue op and a girl's escape in Himachal flood
A father and daughter in Himachal Pradesh displayed extraordinary bravery during recent flash floods, saving multiple lives. The floods caused widespread damage and loss of life in the Mandi district.
Combating Inter-State Drug Trade
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an alarming rise in drug trafficking, with narcotic peddlers adopting increasingly sophisticated methods to evade law enforcement. No longer limited to their home state, these traffickers have expanded their operations to neighboring sates like Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The use of fake identities, including counterfeit Aadhar [] The post Combating Inter-State Drug Trade appeared first on Northlines .
Jay Chaudhry's story is about his rise from a small village in Himachal Pradesh to leading a major cloud security firm. He studied at IIT-BHU, the University of Cincinnati, and Harvard. He founded five tech startups, including Zscaler, now valued at over $25 billion. Chaudhry's journey highlights the power of education and adaptability.
Himachal Chief Minister Announces Rs 7 Crore Relief For Disaster-Hit Mandi
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced an immediate relief amount of Rs 7 crore to carry out restoration work in disaster-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district
How Army Became Lifeline For Flood-Hit Villages In Himachal Pradesh
In the mist-covered hills of Himachal Pradesh, where nature's beauty can turn treacherous in a heartbeat, uniformed men of the Indian Army are writing a quiet story of hope, resilience, and selfless service.
Relief columns deployed in landslide-hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh: Army
The army has deployed relief columns across Mandi, including in Thunag, Bagsiad and Pandoh. Its efforts are bolstered by the involvement of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities
Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal
Shimla, July 10: After three days of partial respite, Himachal Pradesh is once again under threat from renewed monsoon fury, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert today for several districts including Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Sirmaur, warning of low to moderate flash flood risks and intense rainfall over isolated [] The post Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
How did Himachal achieve a high rank on the NAS? | Explained
How was Himachal Pradesh able to reach the top five States of the National Achievement Survey?
Yellow Alert, Flash Flood Warning Issued As Rain Batters Himachal; Landslide On Badrinath Route
The weather department has sounded alert for Shimla, Manali, Kullu and other districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Kerala ranks fourth in NITI Aayogs health index
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas public healthcare system has often been a hot topic in development debates across the country and even abroad, and for good reason. However, despite topping in five of the 11 indicators, the state has now been ranked fourth in the NITI Aayogs good health and wellbeing index. Reason: Unscientific thinking against immunisation and institutional deliveries gaining ground in the state, as well as inclusion of three new parameters. Gujarat now holds the top spot in the ranking. NITI Aayogs SDG India Index computes goal-wise scores on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) for states and union territories (UTs), besides a composite index. One of them, SDG 3 on good health and wellbeing, assesses the performance in the health sector. Kerala topped SDG 3 in the first two index reports, but could not find a place even in the top 3 in later editions. However, the state has been retaining the top slot in the composite index cumulative score of all goals since the first edition. When Kerala topped the SDG 3 chart in 2018 (the first edition) and 2019-20, it scored 92 and 82 points, respectively, well above the national average. In 2020-21 (third edition), three new indicators were included suicide rate, accident death rate and out-of-pocket expenditure and the state plummeted to 12th position with a score of 72 points, below the national average of 74. Gujarat stood first with a score of 86. In the fourth and latest edition (2023-24), Kerala improved its score to 80 surpassing the national average of 77. However, it had to settle for fourth place in the country. Gujarat retained the top slot with a score of 90. It was followed by Maharashtra and Uttarakhand (84) and Himachal Pradesh (83). Karnataka shared the fourth spot with Kerala. Vaccination percentage falls to 85.40 in 2023-24 States that finished last were Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh (both 56 points). Among UTs, Delhi came first with a score of 93, followed by Chandigarh, 89. SDG 3 is calculated on the basis of 11 indicators. While Kerala retained the top position in five categories maternal mortality ratio, under-5 mortality rate, HIV incidence, life expectancy and health worker density it registered a significant dip in the immunisation of children aged 9-11 months and institutional deliveries. Vaccination percentage came down from 92 in 2020-21 to 85.40 in 2023-24. Also, the percentage of institutional deliveries dropped from 99.90 to 99.85. In addition, the state fared badly in the new categories. In the 2023-24 edition, Keralas suicide rate was 28.50 per lakh population, up from 24.30 in 2020-21. It was much higher than the national average of 12.4 and the prescribed target of 3.5. Though the road accident death rate declined from 12.42 to 12.10 per lakh population in the latest edition, it remained higher than the national average of 12.4, and the targeted 5.81. Monthly per capita out-of-pocket medical expenditure is 17%, the highest in the country. Developed societies have comparatively higher suicide rates and the state needs to improve its counselling and treatment facilities, said Dr N M Arun, a public health expert. The positive side is that the younger generation has played a role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health compared to older ones. Facilities in the government sector should be improved. Many hospitals lack a properly designed cabin where a patient can open up to a psychiatrist, he said. According to Arun, misinformation through social media is one of the reasons for the dip in vaccination and institutional deliveries. Not just religious factors, misinformation through social media too is a reason for the inclination towards anti-vaccine arguments and home delivery, he said.
Nadda visits disaster-hit Mandi in HP, says Centre taking all steps to to provide relief
SHIMLA, Jul 9 : The Union government will leave no stone unturned to provide relief to the disaster-affected people of Himachal Pradeshs Mandi and rehabilitate them, BJP president JP Nadda said on Wednesday after visiting the areas ravaged by cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. Fifteen people died and five were injured while a search is on to trace the 27 people who went missing after 10 cloudbursts, followed by flash floods and landslide hit Mandi region on the intervening night [] The post Nadda visits disaster-hit Mandi in HP, says Centre taking all steps to to provide relief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab CM Mann seeks legitimate share in Indus waters
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday suggested that the Indus Water Treaty suspension could be beneficial for the state if 23 million acre-feet of Chenab waters are diverted to Punjab, Haryana and even Madhya Pradesh, effectively solving the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present at the meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil to resolve the issue between Punjab and Haryana, as directed by the Supreme Court, which will next hear the case on August 13. CM Mann said that the recent decision by the Union Government to suspend the Indus Water Treaty opens up the possibility of greater utilisation of water from the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) within Indian territory. He added that Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritised in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of river waters. Mann said that waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis, and new storage dams upstream of existing Bhakra and Pong dams in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed. He said that this will significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Mann said that it is the need of the hour so that Punjab, which has over exploited its only available natural resources in terms of water and fertile land for making country self reliant in food production, is duly compensated. If we get 23 (million acre-feet) MAF of water from these rivers, the whole dispute will be resolved forever. We will use some of it and send the rest to Haryana, he suggested. Mann said Punjab is not opposed to sharing water, but a sustainable and mutually agreeable solution must be found that takes into account Punjabs own water limitations and agricultural demands. The Union Minister and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini both viewed the proposal of Punjab positively, he claimed. He said that the long-conceived project of Sharda-Yamuna Link need be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the river Yamuna at a suitable location. He said that the additional water available could offset the balance water requirement of the state of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of capital city of Delhi, and availability of the Yamuna water to the state of Rajasthan. Mann said that, under the aforesaid eventuality, the issue of construction of SYL canal could be shelved and put to rest forever. Mann said the two CMs will meet again with the Jal Shakti Minister on August 5 and finalise the statement to be made on the SYL issue in the top court, which had in May asked Jal Shakti Minister to resolve the issue between the both states . He further said he had also complained against the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which he alleged was usurping Punjabs waters. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, The Chief Minister of Punjab also acknowledged that this issue should be resolved, as it has remained pending for far too long. He expressed confidence that a positive outcome will be achieved on this issue. He said that Punjab and Haryana are like brothers, and even today, they share a common space with mutual respect and harmony. He added that the upcoming discussions in the next meeting are expected to lead to a better solution and yield positive results
Minister's Jhansi Ki Rani Jibe At Kangana Ranaut Over Mandi Rain Disaster
Himachal Pradesh is badly hit by heavy rain and flash floods, killing 78 people and damaging property worth Rs 400 crore, and the Mandi district - the Parliamentary constituency of BJP's Kangana Ranaut - was the worst hit with over 15 deaths.
Kailash Yatra to commence from July 15 in Himachal's Kinnaur; registration mandatory
The Kailash Yatra will begin on July 15 in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Registration and medical certificates are mandatory for pilgrims. The Yatra will start from Tangling village. A base camp with medical check-up facilities will be set up at Malling Khatta. Online and offline registration options will be available.
Rain Fury Has Caused Rs 800-Crore Loss In Himachal: Chief Minister To NDTV
Rain fury in Himachal Pradesh has caused a loss of nearly Rs 800 crore and every family that has lost their house will receive a compensation of Rs 7 lakh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said.
HPPSC Medical Officer Rejection List 2025 Released - Check at hppsc.hp.gov.in
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission has published the Rejection List for the Medical Officer on the official link of HPPSC. The candidates can look over their HPPSC Rejection List 2025 on the official website given below.
In a remarkable display of resilience, a 20-year-old woman named Tuneja Thakur survived being buried alive in a landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. For five harrowing hours, she clawed at the mud to create an air pocket and continued digging until her family rescued her. Her incredible tenacity has been praised by officials amidst widespread flood destruction.
Sharp decline in yield as mysterious fungal infection hits apple crops in Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: The torrential rains and the harsh weather have impacted the apple industry of the state as a severe fungal disease has hit the apple plants, causing apple leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely, leading to a sharp decline in yield. It is estimated that around 35 to 40 per cent of apple trees in each orchard are affected. The size and quality of the fruit are likely to be impacted. After Kashmir, the hill state is the second largest producer of apples in the country, with a substantial market share of around 25 per cent. The apple industry in the state amounts to Rs 5,000 crore. Talking to TNIE , Harish Chauhan, a leading apple grower and the convener of the Kisan Samyukt Manch, said, The teams of experts from the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni will assess the damage and check which fungal infection has hit the apple crop. The teams are visiting today and tomorrow at different apple orchards, but we estimate that around 35 to 40 per cent apple trees in each orchard are affected by the fungal infection, he added. He claimed that this year, it is suspected that Alternaria leaf spot fungal infection has hit the apple crop, as Alternaria blotch primarily damages leaves of apple plants, resulting in premature defoliation and damage to fruit. Due to this fungal infection, the size of the apple remains small. The quality is bad, and there is a decline in the yield. This fungus spreads in the apple crop due to high rainfall and high moisture levels, said Chauhan. The delegation of apple growers had yesterday met the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and apprised him of this fast-spreading disease and he ordered the university to dispatch teams of experts to the affected areas immediately, Chauhan added. He said the same fungal infection affected the apple crops in 2023 when the state was devastated by natural calamities due to heavy monsoons. The same disease affected the apples on a large scale but at a lesser magnitude. The other problem is of the fungicides being used by the apple growers to control the fungal diseases, as many of them are at times duplicate and their residue period is of 10 to 15 days only, we demand a proper check on this, said Chauhan. Meanwhile, Dr Usha Sharma, a senior scientist of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Shimla said that alternaria and other leaf-spot diseases had attacked several orchards in the main apple belt of Kotkhai, Jubbal and Rohru. She said that the disease was more severe in orchards where the leaves of the plants had become vulnerable due to mite infestation or other factors such as canker, root disease or unbalanced use of fertilizers. A delegation of apple growers called Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday and apprised him of a new disease rapidly spreading in apple orchards, causing significant damage to their crops. The delegation urged Sukhu to take prompt action to investigate and control this issue. Chief Minister Sukhu spoke with the Vice Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni over the phone and directed him to dispatch the expert teams of the University to the affected areas without any delay. He instructed that the disease be scientifically investigated and that orchardists be educated on preventive and control measures on the ground. Sukhu emphasized that the disease was spreading rapidly and causing financial losses to the growers and it was imperative to address the situation swiftly. He asked the Vice Chancellor to submit a detailed report to the state government within seven days so that the appropriate measures could be taken at the earliest.
HP High Court Clerk Answer Key 2025 Released: Download Now
HP High Court Clerk Answer Key 2025: HP High Court Answer Key 2025 for the Clerk has been released by High Court of Himachal Pradesh On the Official website, the candidates can Download HP High Court Clerk Answer Key 2025 PDF, Question Paper With Answers.
Basic Mathematics a problem for school kids in India
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Education has come up with some disturbing revelations about the proficiency of students in basic Mathematics in government and private schools across the country. It assessed the Maths and Linguistic proficiency of 21.15 lakh students across 74,229 schools in 36 states and union territories last year. The survey was conducted by PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 for 21,15,022 students across three different grades: Grade 3 (5,99,026), Grade 6 (6,63,195), and Grade 9 (8,52,901). According to the survey, only 50% of Class 3 students were able to recognise and classify basic geometric shapes, and again, only 50% were able to carry out simple monetary transactions up to 100. In the same grade, only 55% of Class 3 students were able to arrange numbers up to 99 in ascending or descending order, and 58% of Class 3 students could perform addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers. It also showed that in Class 6, just 54% understand multiplication as repeated addition and division as sharing. Conducted every three years, the survey was carried out by the National Assessment Centre PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) of NCERT under the Department of School Education and Literacy. A total of 2,70,424 teachers and school leaders participated in the exercise. The study highlights pressing needs to improve competencies in Mathematics and Science, particularly in higher grades, and emphasises the importance of gender-sensitive pedagogies, regional equity, and inclusive education, a Ministry release said. Emotional stress among adolescents and limited access for children with special needs are systemic issues that require immediate attention, the survey highlighted. The assessment provides a baseline reflection of student competencies at the end of foundational, preparatory, and middle stages, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the release added. Encouraging trends were revealed at the foundational level, with girls performing better than boys, with a score of 65% in the language assessment as compared to 63% among boys, it said. In Maths, both boys and girls achieved the same score of 60%. The state government schools led in Grade 3 outcomes, indicating the early success of the NIPUN Bharat Mission, it added. At the preparatory and middle levels, Central Government schools emerged as top performers, while gaps in urban-rural and gender-based education pointed to areas for focused interventions. Many states and UTs surpass their past performances with an all-time high in 2024, demonstrating strong recovery and successful learning interventions. These include Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 results will not only help in curriculum redesign, but also ensure that every child is equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive in the 21st century, the release added.
CHANDIGARH: As heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, the local meteorological department on Tuesday issued a warning stating that there is a risk of low to moderate flash floods in the next twenty four hours in parts of seven districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. A 'yellow' alert warning of heavy rains in isolated places across the state till next Monday has also been issued. The state has received 203.2 mm of rain against the normal of 152.6 mm from June 1 to July 8. Monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 20. While Mandi district recorded 110 per cent excess rain, Shimla received 89 per cent and Una 86 per cent during this period. Many parts of the hill state have been receiving moderate to heavy rain since Monday evening. Meanwhile Gohar has recorded 85 mm of rainfall, followed by 84.5 mm in Sarahan, 60 mm in Baijnath, 54.2 mm in Nahan, 48 mm in Poanta Sahib, 46.2 mm in Naina Devi, 37 mm in Kasauli, 28 mm in Jogindernagar and 27.2 mm in Palampur. As per the data with the State Emergency Operation Centre in Mandi district, 14 people have lost their lives, four injured, 28 missing and 290 rescued, while 466 houses have been damaged and 477 people are in relief camps. A total of 225 roads, including 153 in the worst-hit Mandi district, have been closed, while 163 transformers and 174 water supply schemes have been affected in the state. 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts and 16 landslides have been recorded since the onset of monsoon on June 20. Since then, 85 deaths were recorded in the state, of which 52 were due to rain-related incidents and 28 fatalities were caused by road accidents. In Mandi district, search and rescue operations have been intensified as drones and sniffer dogs are being used to trace 28 people who went missing last week in Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions. So far, the estimated losses due to rains stand at around Rs 692 crore.
Hyd riders set National record on scooters
Five bikers rode from Kerala to Himachal Pradesh and made their way into the India book of records
HP TET admit cards 2025 for JBT and TGT Sanskrit exams released at hpbose.org, download here
The Himachal Pradesh School Education Board (HPBOSE) has released admit cards for the June 2025 JBT and TGT Sanskrit Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) exams. Scheduled for July 12, candidates can download their admit cards online by visiting the official HPBOSE website and entering their application number and date of birth. The board has arranged multiple exam centres across the state. Candidates are advised to verify details and carry the admit card to the exam centre.
Dog's Bark Saves 67 Lives As Monsoon Wipes Out Village In Himachal's Mandi
As monsoon rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, a timely bark from a village dog in Mandi district raised alarm, enabling 67 people from 20 families to escape just in time.
Death toll in Himachal rises to 80; 52 deaths rain-related, 28 in road accidents: SDMA
Heavy rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh have tragically claimed 80 lives, with Mandi and Kangra districts being the hardest hit. The State Disaster Management Authority reports that 52 fatalities were directly caused by landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Extensive damage to infrastructure, livestock, and homes has been reported, prompting ongoing rescue operations and relief efforts by NDRF and SDRF teams.
Himachal monsoon: 52 dead, 58 disasters since June 20
Himachal Pradesh has been severely affected by flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides since the monsoon began. At least 52 people have died, and search operations are underway for those missing.
Census 2027 data to be available early, citizens will be able to self-enumerate, says RGI
NEW DELHI: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) on Monday said that data from Census 2027 will be available earlier than in previous exercises, as the operation will be conducted digitally for the first time in the country. A post on X from the office of the RGI & Census Commissioner said the first digital census will be conducted in two phases. For the first time, technology will be used to collect data and send it electronically to the central server, it said. A special dedicated web portal will be launched to enable self-enumeration, which will be available for both phases of the national enumeration exercise. Data will be collected using mobile apps (both Android and iOS) in English, Hindi and regional languages. Enumerators and supervisors will use their own mobile devices for data collection, the RGI said. During Census 2011, it took two to three years for primary data to be released. Officials expect the use of technology to reduce this lag significantly. All states have been directed to appoint nodal officers for Population Census 2027. The first phase Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) will start from April 2026. Subsequently, Phase 2, i.e. Population Enumeration (PE), will be conducted in February 2027, the RGI said, adding that caste of household members will be enumerated. The Census will have focused and need-based training in each phase. There will be a three-tier training structure: national trainer, master trainer and field trainer. Field trainers will impart training to approximately 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, it said. The forthcoming census will also feature a focused publicity campaign to promote nationwide awareness, inclusive participation, last-mile engagement, and support for field operations. Itll emphasise on sharing accurate, authentic and timely information, ensuring cohesive and effective outreach. According to the constitutional mandate, the first census after 2026 can be used as the basis to redraw Lok Sabha constituencies. The next General Election is expected to be held in 2029. The RGI notified the census process in the Gazette of India on 16 June. Gazette Notification for intent of #Census2027 has been issued on 16th June 2025. All states and UTs have been requested to republish the notification in their state gazette and appoint a nodal officer for Census, the RGI said. For #Census2027, administrative boundaries across India will be frozen on 1 January 2026. States and UTs have been requested not to make changes in administrative boundaries between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2027. Stringent measures will be in place to ensure data security during collection, transmission, and storage. The reference date for Census 2027 will be 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027, and 00:00 hours on 1 October 2026 for Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, and snowbound non-synchronous areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It will be the 16th Census since the exercise began in India and the 8th after Independence. The RGI has instructed states and Union Territories to finalise any proposed changes to administrative boundaries by 31 December 2025, after which they will be frozen for the census operation. In a letter to all states and UTs, RGI Mritunjay Kumar Narayan said all villages and towns are to be divided into uniform enumeration blocks, with one enumerator assigned per block to avoid omissions or duplication. According to norms, the census can only be conducted three months after the freezing of boundary limits of administrative units such as districts, sub-districts, tehsils, talukas and police stations. Narayan added that from 1 April 2026, the Houselisting Operation will commence along with the appointment of supervisors and enumerators and allocation of their work. The Population Enumeration will begin on 1 February 2027.
Video: In 'Pushpa'-Esque Scene, Lakhs Of Logs Float Down Stream In Himachal Pradesh
In a scene that could have been straight out of the blockbuster 'Pushpa: The Rise', wooden logs worth crores were spotted floating down a stream in Himachal Pradesh.
CID to investigate logs floating in Pandoh Dam after Mandi flash floods: HP govt
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ordered a CID probe into the massive log accumulation in Pandoh Dam after recent flash floods. This investigation follows serious accusations of illegal tree felling, with the government aiming to uncover the reasons behind the large quantity of wood and identify any wrongdoing
Cong accuses PM Modi of ignoring rain-hit Mandi's plight, says Texas is closer to his heart
Congress criticises PM Modi for expressing condolences over Texas floods but not addressing loss of lives in Himachal Pradesh
Congress has launched a strong critique against PM Modi, questioning his silence on the devastating floods in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, where numerous lives have been lost. This criticism arose after the Prime Minister expressed condolences for the flood-related deaths in Texas, USA. The opposition party suggests a disparity in the Prime Minister's concern for domestic and international tragedies.
Himachal government orders CID investigation over forest wood logs spotted afloat Pandoh Dam
CHANDIGARH: After a huge quantity of log woods were sighted afloat the Pandoh Dam recently, Himachal Pradesh Government has ordered an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over the issue. In an unusual phenomenon, the presence of large numbers of big logs and trees afloat the river following the torrential heavy rainfall due to cloudbursts that caused flash floods and massive landslides led to allegations of 'illegal felling of trees. Thus, taking strict cognisance of the incident, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has handed over the investigations to the CID. An official said that the state government has taken serious cognizance regarding the matter and would bring out the possible reasons behind the incident. The first and foremost reaction to the incidents of series of cloudbursts and floods was to save the lives of people and provide immediate relief to them, wherein effective measures were underway to bring back normalcy in the flood-hit regions, the official also said. The videos and photographs of wood flushing down the river and found floating in the Pandoh dam went viral on a few media platforms, raising public concern and prompting calls for investigation. While the government and the administration was busy helping people, the BJP made hue and cry regarding the forest wood without showing any sensitivity and concern for the ones affected by the cloudburst and flash floods, an official added. The BJP leaders were making irresponsible statements at the time of disaster which highlights that the Opposition is highly ignorant and selective when it comes to matters as the issues of illegal felling of trees were never inquired and no accountability was set during their tenure. Rather, the Van Mafia had clear support of the BJP and its government in the previous tenures of the BJP government in the state, he said. The official added that the present state government has set a goal to make Himachal Pradesh a 'Green Energy State' by March 31 2026 and any obstacle or act that stops the government from achieving its target would be dealt with under the rule of the law. A large quantity of forest wood floating in the Pandoh Dam reservoir of Mandi district had triggered a social media storm, with several users speculating that illegal tree felling in remote forest regions of Kullu district might be the root cause. A few days ago, HP State Forest Development Corporation Limited Vice Chairman Kehar Singh Khachi dismissed claims of illegal tree-felling as he claimed that the floating logs were only waste material. Due to the cloudburst, forest land has suffered a lot of damage, the wood that has come floating in the swelling water bodies is just the waste wood lying on the forest land that was not removed. These waste wood got stuck in a culvert built on the water bodies that was damaged and due to the breakage, the wood in large quantities can be seen floating in such a large quantity, he had said. Notably, boulders and large pieces of wood led to the jamming of the floodgates of the 100-MW Malana II hydropower facility, located on the Malana a tributary of the Beas river.
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Himachal rains: Rescue operations on to trace 30 missing after cloudbursts, landslips in Mandi
Since the onset of monsoon, Himachal Pradesh has reported 78 deaths, of which 50 were linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslips
Himachal rains: Rescue operations on to trace 30 missing after cloudbursts, landslides in Mandi
SHIMLA: Search and rescue operations are underway with drones and sniffer dogs being used to trace 30 people who went missing after cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides wreaked havoc in the Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions of Mandi district last week, officials said on Monday. About 250 personnel from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Home Guards, along with the administration and locals, are undertaking the search and rescue work. Besides, 20 teams are gathering information and distributing ration and medical kits in inaccessible areas, officials said. So far, 1,538 ration kits have been distributed to the affected people and immediate relief of Rs 12.44 lakh has been provided. An additional Rs 5 lakh each is being sent to the Thunag and Janjheli areas, they added. About 225 houses, seven shops, 243 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges and several roads were damaged in the disaster. A total of 215 cattle have perished, while 494 people have been rescued, as per the latest report. Till Sunday evening, 243 roads were closed in the state, of which 183 are in Mandi district alone. Additionally, 241 transformers and 278 water supply schemes were affected in Himachal Pradesh, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the officials said. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain lashed parts of the state. Nangal Dam received 56 mm of rain, followed by Olinda (46 mm), Berthin (44.6 mm), Una (43 mm), Naina Devi (36.4 mm), Gohar (29 mm) and Brahmani (28.4 mm). The local Met office has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain at isolated places in the state till July 10 (Thursday). The estimated losses due to the rains so far stand at around Rs 572 crore, as per the SEOC, though the chief minister maintained the figure was close to Rs 700 crore as data was still being compiled. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the state has reported 78 deaths, of which 50 were linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. As many as 121 people have sustained injuries so far. Himachal government to provide Rs 5000 as monthly rent for families affected in recent rain-related calamities
