Nationwide census to kick fff in 2026-27, featuring digital data collection

India will conduct its 16th national census in 2027, marking the first time caste enumeration will be included since 2011. The census will officially commence on March 1, 2027, for most of the country, while snow-bound regions like Ladakh and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will begin earlier

Census 2027 to start with Ladakh, J&K in 2026; know the process, information collected, its use

The Union Home Ministry on Monday issued the official notification for conducting the population census in the country. The Census, which will also include humongous data collection, including the caste details, will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will cover the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and two hilly states -- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand -- beginning on October 1, 2026. The second phase will kick off on March 1, 2027.

Watch viral video of zipline adventure sports mishap that alarms tourists

A dream summer vacation turned into a nightmare for a Nagpur-based family after a terrifying zipline accident left their daughter critically injured, and the viral video of the fall is now shaking the internet. Trisha Bijwe, a young girl from Nagpur visiting Himachal Pradeshs Manali with her parents, met with a horrific accident June 8 []

Centre Issues Census Notification, To Start In Ladakh, J&K, 2 States In 2026

The Census - the recording of India's population, including of critical details such as caste - will begin in the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from midnight on October 1, 2026.

Nationwide Census in 2027; Early Start for Snow-Bound Regions

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday formally announced that the next Census of India will be conducted in 2027. The reference date for the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound, non-synchronous areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand shall be 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026, reads a notification []

Ministry of Home Affairs issues notification for conducting national population census in 2027

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued a formal notification for conducting the National Population Census for the year 2027 with the reference date of March 1, 2027. The Gazette Notification, which has been issued in the name of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, under the administrative authority of the MHA, said, In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Census Act, 1948 (37 of 1948), and in supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs (Office of the Registrar General, India), dated 26th March, 2019 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (ii), dated 28 th March, 2019, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby declares that a census of the population of India shall be taken during the year 2027. The notification further read: The reference date for the said census shall be March 1, 2027, except for the Union territory of Ladakh, the snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It went on to add that in respect of the UT of Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date shall be 00:00 hours of the 1st day of October, 2026. It is to be noted here that this time for the first time since Independence the Census will also encompass caste enumeration.

Census To Be Conducted In 2027, MHA Issues Notification

Reference date for snow-bound areas of J&K set as October 1, 2026 Srinagar, Jun 16: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday (MHA) formally announced that the next census of India will be conducted in the year 2027. According to a notification issued by MHA, the reference for the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound, non-synchronous areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand shall be 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026. For the remaining parts of the [] The post Census To Be Conducted In 2027, MHA Issues Notification appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Sonia Gandhi admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi due to stomach-related issues

Congress Parliamentary Party chief and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, ANI reported on Sunday. The veteran politician is stable and has been kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital informed, according to ANI. Last week, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla after experiencing high blood pressure. The Congress leader was brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, said. Gandhi was earlier in February this year admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital due to stomach related issues.

IMD sounds flash flood alert for northeast & south India

NEW DELHI: As the monsoon gained momentum after a two-week lull, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a flash flood alert for northeast and south India. The reactivation of the second phase of the southwest monsoon may bring heavy rainfall to coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe. Additionally, the northeastern states face an increased risk of moderate to severe flash floods. The region is expected to experience heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 200 mm, the IMD said. Experts warn that the exceptional rainfall may lead to increased surface runoff, soil saturation, and flooding in low-lying areas, which could create conditions conducive to landslides. IMD issued a red alert for Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, and Kerala, and an orange alert for the northeast. There is a moderate to high risk of flash floods in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and parts of Assam over the next two days. Orange alert signify the need to be prepared for any eventuality, while Red alert is for the initiation of action taken. This year, the Southwest monsoon reached the Kerala coast eight days before its scheduled date, June 1. It quickly spread over the southern peninsula, a part of central India, and northeast before its time until June 2. Later, the intrusion of warm air from the western side stopped the moisture-laden eastern wind from moving further. This caused a dry spell and heatwave in north India. Multiple systems have formed across the country. An upper air cyclonic circulation lies over the northwest Bay of Bengal, south Madhya Maharashtra and its neighbourhood, north Rajasthan, south Himachal Pradesh, and north Uttarakhand. Further, a trough runs from east MP to Bangladesh, and another trough runs from north Rajasthan to west MP. Under the influence of these systems, south, west, central, and northeast India will receive heavy rainfall. In the next few days, northwest India will receive scattered rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning, and hailstorms in Haryana. The rainfall will bring down temperatures and humidity in north India. IMD also predicted a dust storm over west Rajasthan, with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph and gusting to 70 kmph. In its bulletin, IMD said conditions are favourable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon over some parts of Gujarat, some more parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha during the next 24 hours, and over some parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and east UP during the subsequent three days. Northwest India to get scattered rainfall A trough runs from east MP to Bangladesh, and another runs from north Rajasthan to west MP. Under the influence of these systems, south, west, central, and northeast India will receive heavy rainfall. Northwest India will receive scattered rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning.

IHFI holds AGBM, launches NSPO in Leh

Excelsior Sports Correspondent LEH, June 15: The Ice Hockey Federation of India (IHFI) held its Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) and officially launched its recognition as a National Sports Promotion Organisation (NSPO) at a grand ceremony in Leh. The event was presided over by Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, President of IHFI and former MP from Ladakh. Representatives from affiliated state associations including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Ladakh attended the AGBM. The meeting passed key resolutions, [] The post IHFI holds AGBM, launches NSPO in Leh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Centre to officialy notify 16th census on Monday; Amit Shah reviews preparations

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reviewed the preparation for the forthcoming census with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials here. India's 16th census with caste enumeration will be carried out in 2027 with the reference date of October 1, 2026 in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country. The notification to conduct the census will be published in official gazette on Monday, an official statement said. The home minister reviewed the preparation for the forthcoming census with the Union home secretary, Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India Mritunjay Kumar Narayan and other senior officials here, it said. The census will be conducted in two phases. In phase one i.e. Houselisting Operation (HLO), the housing conditions, assets and amenities of each household will be collected. Subsequently, in second phase i.e. Population Enumeration (PE), the demographic, socio-economic, cultural and other details of every person in each household will be collected. In the census, caste enumeration will also be done, the statement said. For census activities, about 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and around 1.3 lakh census functionaries would be deployed. This census is the 16th census since beginning and 8th after Independence, the statement said. The ensuing census will be conducted through digital means using mobile applications. Provision of self-enumeration would also be made available to the people. Very stringent data security measures would be kept in place to ensure data security at the time of collection, transmission and storage, the statement said. The reference date for Population Census - 2027 will be 00:00 hours of the first day of March 2027. For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00.00 hours of the first day of October 2026. This census will be carried out after 16 years as the last one was done in 2011.

Video: Girl plunges 30 feet after zipline snaps in Manali

Nagpur: A 12-year-old girl from Maharashtras Nagpur suffered severe injuries after she plunged 30 feet to the ground during a zipline ride in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Trisha Bijwe was vacationing with her family in Manali. She fell while riding a zipline after the rope connected to her harness snapped. It is not clear when the 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 .

Video: Nagpur Girl Falls Off Zipline As Harness Rope Snaps In Manali, Injured

A 12-year-old girl from Maharashtra's Nagpur suffered severe injuries after she fell during a zipline ride in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, a person close to her family said on Sunday.

Duleep Trophy Goes Back To Zonal Format, Indias Schedule Announced For White-ball Series Against NZ

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: After a meeting on Saturday, the Apex Council of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the 2025/26 domestic will begin with the Duleep Trophy on August 28 and conclude with the Senior Womens Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy on April 3, 2026. As per changes announced by the Apex Council, the Duleep Trophy and Senior Womens Challenger tournaments will now be contested between six zonal teams selected by zonal selectors. The format is a departure from the last time when the national selection committee picked the squads, and for the upcoming season, teams will be picked by the Zonal Selection Committee as per the previous tradition. The Apex Council also said the Plate Group restructuring has been introduced across age categories. As per this, the bottom 6 teams (based on the previous seasons rankings) will be placed in the plate group for limited-overs tournaments, adding that only one team will be promoted/relegated between Elite and Plate groups going forward. In the 2025/26 domestic schedule, the prestigious Ranji Trophy will continue to be held in two phases. The first phase of the tournament will begin on October 15 and run till November 19, while the second phase begins on January 22. Regarding the tournament updates, the Apex Council said the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Senior Womens T20 Trophy will now include a Super League stage instead of a traditional knockout. In this, each team will play three games in the league, following which the top team from Groups A and B will feature in the final. As far as new tournament grouping formats are concerned, major tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Senior Womens One Day Trophy, and Mens U23 State A Trophy will follow a four Elite Groups + one Plate Group model. On the other hand, most junior and womens tournaments (U16, U19, U23) have been moved to a five Elite + one Plate group structure. Meanwhile, the BCCI Apex Council has also approved the venues for Indias upcoming white-ball home series against New Zealand, scheduled to be held in early 2026. Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore will host ODIs on January 11, 14 and 18, respectively. Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram are the hosts for the five T20Is to be held from January 21 to 31. The five T20I matches will serve as vital preparation games for India and New Zealand ahead of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, to be played in India and Sri Lanka. Ranji Trophy Groups for 2025-26 season Elite A: Tamil Nadu, Baroda, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra, Nagaland Elite B: Saurashtra, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Goa Elite C: Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Bengal, Railways, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Assam Elite D: Mumbai, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry Plate: Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal India vs New Zealand mens white-ball series schedule: ODIs: - Vadodara (January 11), Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18) India vs New Zealand mens white-ball series schedule: Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS

Centre flags ethanol levy as threat to green fuel mission, urges Punjab, Haryana, Himachal to reconsider fees

CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has written to the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, urging them to reconsider the fee levied on ethanol production in their respective excise policies, warning that the move may hamper the ethanol blending programme and escalate fuel prices. The ministry, in its letters to these state governments, stated that the provision to levy a Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass) in their excise policies could restrict the free movement of ethanol within and outside the states. This, it noted, would ultimately increase the cost of ethanol-blended petrol. The letters were addressed individually by Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Parveen M Khanooja. The letter to Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena was sent on March 27, followed by a letter to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha on April 8, and another to Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on May 23. This newspaper has copies of all three letters. Interestingly, of the three states, Punjab has an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Himachal Pradesh is governed by the Congress, while Haryana is ruled by the BJP. It has been brought to the ministrys notice by oil marketing companies (OMCs) that as per the excise policy 202527 of Haryana state, there is a substantial increase in the licence fee/annual renewal fee for distilleries. Also, the aforesaid policy has introduced a fee of Rs 1 per bulk litre (BL) for issuance of pass for ethanol for mixing in petrol for use as automobile fuel. Additionally, an import duty of Rs 1.20 per bulk litre has also been levied. Given that ethanol is already subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST), imposing an additional excise duty would constitute double taxation, which runs contrary to sound taxation principles and could be legally untenable, especially for a production crucial to a national programme like the ethanol blended petrol programme. Furthermore, the increased costs resulting from the proposed fees and duty in excise policy 202527 are likely to raise the price of ethanol-blended petrol. Haryana and Punjab appear to be the sole states where such levies on ethanol specifically meant for blending with petrol have been imposed, states the letter written to Rastogi by Khanooja. Meanwhile, the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association has urged the Haryana government to withdraw the proposed fee on ethanol. Speaking to this newspaper, association member Sukhpreet Grover said he and other members recently met senior officials of the Haryana government regarding the matter and are hopeful of a positive outcome. They have been assured that the government is in discussions with oil marketing companies to absorb the duty as per the terms of contracts between OMCs and ethanol manufacturers. In the letter earlier submitted, we have stated that the ethanol manufacturers have contributed to the states commitment to achieving the target of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol in line with the National Mission. Now the ethanol manufacturers are working towards achieving 30 per cent blending in petrol by 2030, he added. The industry is struggling to survive due to high raw material costs, which have seen an unprecedented increase in the prices of feedstock in the past two years, while the ethanol sale prices are fixed by OMCs and have remained stagnant. The ethanol production in Haryana is nearly 65 crore litres annually, which will generate a marginal revenue of Rs 65 crore per annum for the state, he said. We urge the complete withdrawal of the proposed Rs 1 per litre pass fee on ethanol dispatches, Grover added. In the letter addressed to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Khanooja wrote: Punjab has made significant contributions to the success of this programme by achieving a blending percentage of 18.8 per cent in ESY 202425, as on March 2025. It has been brought to the ministrys notice by oil marketing companies (OMCs) that as per the excise policy of Punjab state, there is a substantial increase in the licence fee, annual renewal fee and capacity enhancement fee for distilleries (Part D, Para 6 a & b of Punjabs excise policy). Also, Para 29 Regulatory fee on ethanol of the policy makes a provision to levy regulatory fee (Ethanol permit/pass fee) at Rs 1 per bulk litre. I would request you kindly review the excise policy and reconsider any levy/fee on fuel ethanol production/consumption/transportation in the state to facilitate smooth off-take and free movement of green fuel ethanol for the benefit of the environment and farmers. Similarly, the letter written to Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena in March stated, The Union Government has been promoting ethanol blending in petrol to give a boost to the domestic agricultural sector and associated environmental benefits. Over the last decade, ethanol blending in petrol has increased from 1.5 per cent to nearly 18 per cent, and our country is on course to achieve the 20 per cent blending target by ethanol supply year (ESY) 202526. Himachal Pradesh has made significant contributions to the success of this programme by achieving a blending percentage of 18.5 per cent in ESY 202425, as on February 2025. Apart from augmenting distillation capacities of existing plants, dedicated ethanol plants are being commissioned in Himachal Pradesh, providing employment opportunities and boosting the circular economy. It has been brought to the ministrys notice by oil marketing companies (OMCs) that they have been served demand notices regarding an additional levy of Rs 1 per litre for ethanol consumption beyond 300 KL annually, as per the revised excise policy of Himachal Pradesh for 202425, the letter added. Despite repeated attempts, Haryanas Secretary of Excise and Taxation Department Ashima Brar, Punjabs Additional Chief Secretary (Excise) Vikas Pratap, and Himachal Pradesh Excise Commissioner Yunus were not available for comment.

Himachal: Stone pelting in Sirmaur after teenagers 'elope'; 10 injured

NAHAN (HP): At least 10 people, including policemen, were injured in stone pelting by two groups that clashed in Himachal Pradesh's Poanta Sahib area in Sirmaur district over the alleged elopement of a Hindu-Muslim couple. Local Hindu outfits have been protesting for over four days in Poanta Sahib town, claiming it to be a case of love jihad. Police has made additional deployment of force to maintain law and order in the area. Family members of the 18-year-old woman claimed the couple allegedly ran away on June 4 on the 19-year-old man's bidding and lodged a complaint with the police. On Friday, protestors which included members of local Hindu organisations blocked the Nahan-Paonta Highway for about an hour at Majra, 25 km From Nahan, demanding strict action in the case. In the evening, as soon as the crowd of protesters started moving towards the Muslim man's house, there was stone pelting from the other side, to which the protesters, too, responded with stone pelting from their side. Police used force to stop the stone-pelting. Over ten people, which included women and some cops, were injured in the incident, sources said. Terming the elopement as another case of love jihad, members of local Hindu outfits alleged that the police and administration are being lax in the matter and have not traced the woman. Love jihad is a term often used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage. BJP state president Rajiv Bindal who reached the spot along with local BJP MLA Sukhram Chaudhary slammed the police action on the protesters, saying many people, including women from Hindu organisations, were injured in the lathicharge. They accused the Congress government in the state of responding to the love jihad by caning the family of the victim. The protest would continue and intensify till the girl is recovered and action is taken against those who pelted stones on Hindu organisations. Villagers would sit on dharna in front of the police station on Saturday morning, Bindal said. Women and men who are peacefully demanding justice for the family of the Hindu girl who is a victim of love jihad were hit with stones and lathis, Bindal said. Those responsible will have to answer for this injustice, he said. Sirmaur Superintendent of Police Nishchay Singh Negi told media persons that the situation is tense but completely under control and additional police force has been deployed to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. He also appealed to all parties to maintain peace and have full faith in the police.

Liquor contractor shot dead on busy highway near Haryana's Kurukshetra

KURUKSHETRA: Unidentified assailants fatally shot a liquor contractor at Shahabad in Haryana's Kurukshetra district, police said on Saturday. Shantanu was shot dead near Meena Market on the national highway in Shahabad, 20 km from here, on Friday evening, they said. The victim briefly stopped his car to buy some items when two men on a sports bike pumped seven bullets into him, police said. Eyewitnesses told police that the attackers fired about eight rounds before fleeing. As panic spread on the busy highway, bystanders attempted to stop the shooters, who abandoned their bike, ran across the road, snatched a motorcycle at gunpoint and fled towards Ambala on the wrong side of the highway. Shantanu was rushed to Adesh Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. SP Nitish Aggarwal told PTI that he reached the crime scene with a police team along with DSP Ram Kumar and Shahabad SHO Satish Kumar. A case has been registered, and security has been tightened with blockades on all major routes and city borders as the search for the killers continues, he said. The SP said the victim, originally from a village in Jhajjar district, was living in Shahbad for sometime. Investigators have collected forensic evidence, questioned the shopkeepers, and began scanning CCTV footage from Meena Market and its nearby areas, the officer said. Police have found some clues and are hopeful for a breakthrough in the matter soon, he said. Checking has been intensified along the borders with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, with multiple teams dispatched to the nearby regions, including Ambala, Saha, and Barara. A police officer said preliminary investigation suggests the murder could be linked to an old rivalry or a dispute in liquor trade.

UTT 6: Promising Yashaswini making notable strides

AHMEDABAD: Yashaswini Ghorpade's career has been on an upwards trajectory. After conquering the junior level of table tennis, she has transitioned to the senior level. The 20-year-old won the senior nationals in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh last September before shining again in her hometown Bengaluru in December. A noteworthy moment of her nascent career, however, came when she defeated the Chinese paddler, World No 35, Fan Siqi last week in the season six of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. Donning the orange and black jersey of U Mumba TT, Yashaswini displayed mental fortitude, edging past Siqi, who represented the Chennai Lions. That she won from a 2-7 deficit in the deciding tie, against an unbeaten opponent then, made it extra special. It was a very important match for me as well as for my team (against Chennai). I did believe in myself for that match and I kept going, despite going 2-7 down. I kept winning the points as well. The celebration was amazing. I didn't believe it, she recalled. Yashaswini's victory was a significant one as U Mumba TT went on to qualify for the playoffs after beating Dabang Delhi on Thursday. It's been great playing with the team. We have bonded really well for almost three weeks already, she said. Working under the guidance of a familiar face in John Murphy, the head coach of U Mumba TT, has helped. The Irishman is renowned for bringing Australia to the top-100 rankings during his tenure there. I have known John since my youth. He used to travel with the Australian team. He has been quite helpful in the camps there as well. Knowing him quite well from before has also helped us in bonding very well this year. He is a great coach, she added. Prior to the UTT 6, which started on May 31, Yashaswini made her debut in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Championships mid-May. She paired with paddler Diya Chitale and lost in the pre-quarterfinals in the women's doubles event. This run came amidst forgettable outings for other Indian paddlers. However, it was a great learning experience for the youngster. It was a great feeling playing with high-level players. This tournament (World C'ships) is second only to the Olympics. Myself and Diya played really well and gave our best, she said. Transitioning to the senior level of any sport comes with a lot of challenges for young players. Yashaswini explained her transition. I have learnt that the pressure that we feel before the match, many people don't get to feel it. We are very lucky to feel it. I like the pressure going forward. I have learnt along it (transition to senior levels) to believe in myself and to continue the process and enjoy the moment, she said. Twelve weeks after being inducted into the ranking system of the ITTF, she is ranked 79. After UTT concludes, Yashaswini will be focussing on improving her game before next year's Asian Games. I will be taking part in the Asian Championships in Bhubaneswar in October, she signed off. Yashaswini's level of performance is a welcome boost for Indian table tennis. Come Saturday, she will be hoping to inspire U Mumba during their semifinal encounter against defending champions Dempo Goa Challengers. Jaipur Patriots enter final It all came to the final, and the most-awaited match between Sreeja Akula and Diya Chitale to decide the winner of the semifinal tie between Jaipur Patriots and Dabang Delhi on Friday. In the second and final womens singles match, Sreeja Akula got things running by taking the first set home 11-9. Chitale remained determined and took the second set 6-11. Sreeja seemed unfazed by the pressure of the deciding set and guided the Patriots to Sunday's final.

Youth Found Murdered in a Hotel in Shimla, Accused Remains Absconding

Shimla, June 13, 2025 A murder case has been registered at Dhalli Police Station under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following the alleged killing of a hotel guest, police said. According to a statement provided by Manish Thakur, a receptionist at Hotel Grand Majestic near Dhalli Tunnel, two guestsAkash Sharma and [] The post Youth Found Murdered in a Hotel in Shimla, Accused Remains Absconding first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Shimla: 19-Year-Old Girl Found Hanging at Balika Ashram in Mashobra

Shimla| June 12, 2025 A 19-year-old girl from Chamba district, residing at Balika Ashram in Mashobra, was found hanging near the staircase area of the Ashram, according to a press statement issued by the Superintendent of Police, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh. The incident was reported under the jurisdiction of Police Chowki Mashobra. Police officials, accompanied [] The post Shimla: 19-Year-Old Girl Found Hanging at Balika Ashram in Mashobra first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Four dead in separate Himachal Pradesh tragedies; three drown, one killed in accident

CHANDIGARH: Four people lost their lives in separate incidents across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, three due to drowning and one in a tragic road accident. In the first incident, two Kashmiri youths drowned in Baner Khad in Gram Panchayat Gahlian near Ranital in Kangra district. The deceased were identified as Rajendra Kumar (36) and Ashok Kumar (21), both from Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. They had been working as woodcutters and were living in a rented accommodation in Gahlian. Sources said the two, along with two friends, had gone to the ravine to wash clothes. Afterward, they entered the water to bathe but ventured into the deeper section and drowned. When they did not return for a long time, their other two friends started searching for them and found their clothes and mobile phones lying on the banks of Baner Khad. When they raised an alarm, the local people, including the Panchayat Pradhan and Deputy Pradhan, reached the spot and with the help of the people, divers took out the bodies, said an official. Police reached the spot, took custody of the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem examination at Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital in Tanda. In a separate drowning incident, 21-year-old Sheetal, a local girl, died while bathing in Jabbar Khad along the Defence Road in Dhakki village under the Nurpur police station area. Police took her body into custody, conducted a post-mortem examination, and handed it over to the family for cremation. In both drowning incidents, police have initiated inquest proceedings. Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Una district when a pick-up van fell into a 24-foot-deep gorge near the Peer Nigahe area, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 29 others. The victims were from Punjab and were returning after visiting shrines, including Baba Balak Nath and other local pilgrimage centres, when the accident occurred on Thursday night. Locals rescued the injured from the gorge and rushed them to Una hospital, where one of them succumbed to injuries. Two critically injured persons were referred to PGI Chandigarh. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway. On a separate note, light rainfall lashed Shimla on Thursday afternoon, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast rain and thunderstorms in the area, which finally arrived, ending a prolonged dry spell. Rain accompanied by thunderstorm was also reported in Dharamsala, McLeodganj and the surrounding areas.

Possible Causes of Air India Flight AI171 Crash in Ahmedabad: Expert Insights and Historical Comparisons

New Delhi- On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, en route to London Gatwick Airport. The disaster, which killed 241 of the 242 passengers and crew and at least 24 people on the ground, is under investigation [] The post Possible Causes of Air India Flight AI171 Crash in Ahmedabad: Expert Insights and Historical Comparisons first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes in Ahmedabad, Killing Several Passengers

Ahmedabad | June 12, 2025 An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plummeted shortly after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, with 242 people on boardincluding 230 passengers and 12 crew memberslost altitude moments after reaching approximately 625 feet, crashing into a residential doctors hostel [] The post Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes in Ahmedabad, Killing Several Passengers first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Himachal Pradesh: Six pilgrims injured in accident in Hamirpur

The injured, including four women, were taken to a nearby private clinic and then referred to the Hamirpur Medical College after providing first aid

Viral Video Shows Garbage Near Serene Lapas Waterfall In Himachal Pradesh, Internet Reacts

The viral video received massive backlash, with netizens slamming people for such behaviour.

Himachal Pradesh Technical University Opens Counselling Applications for New Academic Session

Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) has commenced the counselling process for the new academic session, allowing eligible candidates to submit their online applications until June 30. The university is accepting applications for various programs, including B.Tech, MBA, and more. Candidates who have taken the Common Entrance Test or JEE Main for direct entry into B.Tech must also apply for counselling. Detailed eligibility criteria are available on the university's website, and the counselling schedule will be announced after the application deadline. Don't miss your chance to secure a spot in your desired program!

HPCET 2025 counselling registration begins at himtu.ac.in: Check direct link, key details here

Himachal Pradesh Technical University has commenced the counselling registration for HPCET 2025 on its official website. Qualified candidates can register until June 30, 2025, for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Admission to BTech programs will consider both JEE Main and HPCET scores, with specific fee structures and exemptions available based on category and application mode.

Nischay Malhan and Ruchika Rathores total net worth as of 2025

Mumbai: Famous YouTuber Nischay Malhan, also known as Triggered Insaan, is now married! He tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Ruchika Rathore on June 9, 2025. Their wedding took place in a beautiful and private ceremony at ITC Tavleen, Chail, located in the peaceful hills of Himachal Pradesh. The couple looked amazing in their 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 .

IMD issues health advisory as Heatwave grips North India; relief likely after three days

NEW DELHI: Northwest and Central India are expected to experience severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching around 45C over the next three days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for the region, advising residents to take precautions against extreme daytime heat and warmer-than-usual nights. According to the IMD, heatwave conditions will persist in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and North Madhya Pradesh until June 16. Additionally, hot and humid weather is likely to continue in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha until June 11. Isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan can expect warm night conditions until June 12. The IMD has noted that maximum temperatures across many areas of Northwest India have ranged between 43-47C in recent days. On 10 June, the highest maximum temperature was recorded at Bhatinda, Punjab at 47.6C, followed by 47.4C at Ganganagar. Other high readings included 46.3C in Kota and parts of Delhi (Lodi Road, Ridge, Ayanagar), with Ayanagar reporting a high of 45.5C. Sirsa in Haryana recorded 46.2C. In its health advisory, the IMD highlighted a high risk of heat illness and heat stroke across all age groups in Rajasthan and adjoining areas. In Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, under orange alert, people exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or engaged in heavy work are especially vulnerable. According to the Heat Risk Index published by CEEW, Delhi ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable states and union territories, with 55% of its districts falling in the very high-risk category and the rest in the high-risk category. Dr Vishwas Chitale, Senior Programme Lead at CEEW, noted that the combination of heat and humidity can result in felt temperatures 35C higher than dry heat. In Delhi, six additional warm nights per summer have been observed in the past decade, which further increases heat vulnerability, he added. The southwest monsoon, which arrived eight days early before its usual date of 1 June, paused for two weeks due to the intrusion of dry westerly winds, disrupting its rapid progress. The latest IMD forecast suggests that the monsoon will reactivate in the coming days over the southern peninsula and western India. Extremely heavy rainfall is predicted on 1314 June, followed by further advancement of monsoon winds into eastern India.

Delhi weather forecast: Heat builds in silence as searing spell intensifies; IMD warns of 45C peak, relief unlikely before June 12

Delhi is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 43.8C, prompting an orange alert from the IMD. Rajasthan faces even more extreme conditions, with Ganganagar exceeding 47C and a red alert issued. The heatwave extends across North India, impacting Ludhiana and even elevating temperatures in Himachal Pradesh, signaling a widespread regional crisis.

After throwing open Shipki La pass for public, Himachal CM Sukhu keen to use route for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

CHANDIGARH: The high-altitude Shipki La pass on the India-China border in the tribal district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh was thrown open on Tuesday to the public for the first time since independence in 1947. The motorable mountain pass at a height of 3,930 metres in one of the most closely-guarded border zones in the country was earlier open only for traders, although even this was stopped in 2020. Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, At the border, we have eased restrictions for tourists so that they can enjoy the beauty of Shipki La. Boosting tourism in the region would also strengthen the local economy. He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval was received, the border tourism initiative has been launched. Sukhu said that the state government would also raise the issue of starting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Shipki La with the central government. He added, I will meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki La will be the easiest route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The possibility of restarting the centuries-old trade between India and Tibet through this pass would also be raised with the central government, he said. Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Centre to establish the Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state. The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued with the Union government, he said. Further, the state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates obstacles for tourists, he added. Sukhu said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction which would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km. He said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote regions. Sukhu said he has also recently discussed an action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) by using various helipads of the paramilitary force. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the public through the health institutions of the ITBP. He said that the country is proud of the valour of the Army and paramilitary forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point. Sukhu became only the second Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to set foot at Shipki La, following in the footsteps of the first Chief Minister of the state Yashwant Singh Parmar and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had trekked to the pass in 1968, long before a road was even built here.

Shipki-La Opens for Border Tourism; State Proposes Kailash Mansarovar Route via Kinnaur

Shipki-La, Kinnaur | June 10, 2025 Border tourism activities have officially commenced at Shipki-La, a high-altitude mountain pass in Kinnaur district along the India-China border, with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurating the initiative on Monday. Located at an elevation of 3,930 meters, Shipki-La has historically been a point of cultural and [] The post Shipki-La Opens for Border Tourism; State Proposes Kailash Mansarovar Route via Kinnaur first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Kangra Cop Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Dharamshala | June 9, 2025 Underscoring the Himachal Pradesh governments push for clean governance, the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau apprehended a police official red-handed while accepting a bribe in Kangra district one of the largest and most politically sensitive regions of the state. According to the Bureaus Northern Range in Dharamshala, Head [] The post Kangra Cop Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Shipki La Near China Border Opens To Tourists For First Time In 78 Years | How To Get Permit?

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday became only the second head of the Himachal Pradesh government to set foot on Shipki La

Vice President Dhankhar calls on former CJI TS Thakur in Sirmaur village

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called on former Chief Justice of India Justice TS Thakur in Dado Deoria of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday at the residence of the latters in-laws. The Vice President not only met Justice Thakur, but also interacted with his family. Justice TS Thakur has his residence in nearby Sarsani [] The post Vice President Dhankhar calls on former CJI TS Thakur in Sirmaur village appeared first on India Legal .

The story of how heeng came to be successfully cultivated in India

The first flowering and seed set of heeng at Palampur was reported on May 28, 2025, by CSIR, showing heeng can indeed be successfully cultivated in India; until early last decade India depended on imports; the government subsequently launched a national effort to promote indigenous cultivation which was led by the IHBT in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Heatwave sweeps Himachal Pradesh too: Dharamshala at 35.1C, Kasauli at 31.8C

Himachal Pradesh to open areas near India-China border for tourists

Himachal Pradesh is set to open areas near the India-China border for tourists. The initiative begins with the strategically important Shipki La pass. This high-altitude pass was previously restricted. Now, Indian residents with Aadhaar cards can visit. The Army will regulate the number of tourists. This move is expected to boost tourism in Kinnaur.

2023 Clip of Floods in HPs Sainj Valley Falsely Viral as Situation in Assam

This clip is from Himachal Pradesh and dates bak to July 2023.

Himachal Launches Border Tourism Initiative, To Open its High-Altitude Frontier Regions for Regulated Tourism

Shimla Himachal Pradesh is set to open its high-altitude frontier regions for regulated tourism under a newly announced Border Tourism initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable travel in remote tribal areas along the Indo-China border. The initiative will be officially launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his upcoming two-day visit to Kinnaur district, beginning [] The post Himachal Launches Border Tourism Initiative, To Open its High-Altitude Frontier Regions for Regulated Tourism first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Himachal Becomes First State to Offer MSP on Milk, Also Launches Goat Milk Pilot Project at 70 Per Litre

Shimla Himachal Pradesh has become the first Indian state to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk, a move aimed at enhancing rural incomes and modernizing the dairy sector. The information was shared through an official government release on Sunday. Daily Milk Procurement Crosses 2.32 Lakh Litres As per government data, the state is [] The post Himachal Becomes First State to Offer MSP on Milk, Also Launches Goat Milk Pilot Project at 70 Per Litre first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Army chief reviews operational preparedness along LAC in Uttarakhand

NEW DELHI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday visited forward posts along the LAC in the Garhwal, Uttarakhand region to review the operational and administrative readiness of the deployed forces. The Army in its statement said, During his visit, the COAS interacted with troops guarding the frontiers and commended them for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and professionalism. He emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of operational preparedness and constant vigilance. Later in the day, the COAS inaugurated Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM, the first-of-its-kind Community Radio Station based in Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand. The station is envisioned as a vital platform for local expression, knowledge sharing, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Its broadcasts will include programmes on education, environment, weather, entertainment, employment, disaster preparedness, tourism, health, and traditional arts. In his inaugural podcast, the COAS remarked, Ibex Tarana is not just a radio station-it is a powerful medium to amplify the voice of youth. It will bring the community together, promote local talent, and reconnect people with their cultural roots. On this occasion, the COAS also felicitated distinguished veterans with the Veterans Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to nation-building and social development. Uttarakhand, along with Himachal Pradesh form the Middle Sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Uttarakhand is also defined into Kumaon and Garhwal regions. There are around 22 Passes in the Middle Sector dotted on 545 kilometres and including the boundaries shared with Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The 3,488kms long LAC is undemarcated borders between India and China where both countries exercise actual control on ground and have differing perceptions. It is divided into three sectors - Western (Eastern Ladakh), Central sector (Himachal Pradesh, 200 kms, Uttarakhand, 345 kms), Eastern Sector (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh). Though the Middle Sector is considered the least disputed, Barahoti valley in this sector is one of the eight mutually accepted disputed areas on which both countries have overlapping claims. Also, it is the only sector in which there has been a broad agreement and where India and China have exchanged maps. But, now this area also came under the shadow of the doubts raised by China which breached all agreements and Memorandum of Understandings signed in 1993 and thereafter between the two countries. China carried out a massive force deployment in Eastern Ladakh after the PLA soldiers clashed with the Indian Army troops at Finger 4 in May 2020. Indian Army since then has affected a precautionary deployment all along the LAC and it included the Middle Sector. The plans are afoot to position a Corps sized troops specifically for the Middle Sector and especially Uttarakhand which is made of four valleys, starting with Harshil, Mana, Niti and Barahoti.

Teachers protest land transfer, urge Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to withdraw SC plea

Teachers at Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University are requesting Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to withdraw a petition. The petition challenges a High Court stay on transferring university land to the Tourism Department. The teachers' association fears this transfer will harm agricultural education and research. They argue the land is vital for academic purposes and future expansion.

4 persons injured as tempo traveller hit by boulders in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi

On Sunday morning, a harrowing incident occurred on the Dharampur-Kotli road in Mandi district when a Tempo Traveller was struck by falling boulders, resulting in injuries to four passengers. The vehicle overturned, but fortunately remained on the road. An HRTC bus narrowly avoided being hit by the same boulders, highlighting the dangerous conditions.

Chief minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launches border tourism initiative in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur

Himachal Pradesh is set to boost tourism. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will soon launch the Border Tourism initiative. The launch will happen from Shipki-La in Kinnaur district. This initiative aims to provide access to locations like Lepcha-La and Gue Monastery. The goal is to promote sustainable tourism. It also focuses on preserving the region's tribal heritage.

BJPs previous government failed to contribute towards Himachal Pradeshs development, says CM Sukhu

The party kept boasting about double engine governments but it had raised substantial loans during its five-year regime in the State, he adds

Sonia Gandhi Undergoes Tests At Shimla Hospital After High Blood Pressure Complaint

Shimla, Jun 7: Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was on Saturday taken to Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital in Shimla after she complained of high blood pressure, a party official said. Gandhi (78), who was on a personal trip to Shimla along with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi, underwent some tests at the hospital and later left, the media advisor to Himachal Pradesh CM Naresh Chauhan said. Gandhi was taken to the hospital after she complained of high blood pressure. It [] The post Sonia Gandhi Undergoes Tests At Shimla Hospital After High Blood Pressure Complaint appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

HPPSC Environment Officer Answer Key 2025 Released Download Now at hppsc.hp.gov.in

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially published the answer key for the Environment Officer recruitment exam 2025 held on 05-06-2025, and candidates who appeared for the exam can now review the answer key and are advised to submit any objections within the stipulated timeframe, as no challenges will be accepted after the deadline.

SBI donates ambulance to Dalai Lama Trust under CSR initiative

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 6 : Under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme State Bank of India (SBI) today donated a fully equipped multi-functional ambulance to The Dalai Lama Trust, McLeod Ganj. The donation ceremony was held at McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, in the august presence of Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India, along with other senior officials of the Bank, representatives of The Dalai Lama Trust and members of the local community. The ambulance will strengthen healthcare services [] The post SBI donates ambulance to Dalai Lama Trust under CSR initiative appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Earthquake mock drills conducted across Himachal Pradesh to check disaster management preparedness

Himachal Pradesh Management Aptitude Test Scheduled For June 10, Details Here

HPU MAT 2025 Admit Card: The admit card for the Himachal Pradesh MAT was released on June 4, 2025.

Chenab bridge: Kashmir's century-old dream comes true as the mountain territory gets rail link to mainland

SRINAGAR: June 6 marks a historic day in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the long-awaited train service, fulfilling a century-old dream of linking Kashmir to Indias rail network. The train to Kashmir marks a historic milestone in Indias engineering and connectivity. The key projects flagged off by PM Modi include two new Kashmir-specific designed special Vande Bharat trains and inaugurate two engineering marvels, the Chenab bridge (worlds highest railway bridge which is taller than Eiffel tower) and Anji bridge, Indias first cable-stayed rail bridge. 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated, which will have a very positive impact on peoples lives. In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as Indias first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging, PM Modi posted on X a day before launch of the Kashmir train. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also said June 6 is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be inaugurated at the hands of the PM. He said it has been a long wait. If I say that I have been waiting for this day for a long time, it wont be an exaggeration. This project started when I was in school, maybe in class 7 or 8. Today, my children have also completed their education and are now working, he said. The CM said the train service will benefit everyone, reducing the impact of highway closures on peoples daily lives. He also noted that the excessive fares charged by airlines will come to an end with this new rail connectivity. The 272-km long Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, constructed at the cost of Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. Till now, I had heard in books that a train would ply from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. But it is now going to happen in reality. This is a dream come true. Better late than never, said a university student, Riyaz Ahmad. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a historic leap for Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. The rail project is an engineering excellence that will create an ideal environment for trade, business, all weather transportation. The historic railway line will unlock the potential of J&K and drive unprecedented economic growth in remote areas. I strongly believe, its a railway line to future, Sinha said. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) general secretary Faiz Bakshi said direct rail link between Katra and Srinagar is a historic and transformative development for J&K. It will significantly improve regional connectivity and strengthen the economic foundation of the Valley. The rail corridor will be a major catalyst for growth across key economic sectors such as tourism, trade, and logistics by reducing travel time and operational costs, he said. The Chamber demanded the commencement of cargo train services to unlock the full economic potential of Kashmir. USBRL project In 1983, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone for Jammu-Udhampur railway line. In 1994, then PM PV Narasimha Rao announced the modern-day USBRL with an extended railway line from Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar to connect Kashmir with the rest of the country. The 272 kms USBRL project, which received approval in 1994-95, was started in 2005-06. Stretching 272 kilometres through the rugged Himalayas, the project has been built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crores. It includes 36 tunnels with a combined length of 119 kilometres. The project has 943 bridges that knit together valleys, ridges and mountain passes. Designed to overcome the region's challenging geography and topography, the rail connectivity will mark a new chapter in mobility, trade and tourism for Jammu and Kashmir. The train will give all weather connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country. It would prove very beneficial for all -- from commoners, traders, industrialists to students by cutting the time and the cost of the travel. Engineering Marvel The Chenab Bridge, constructed over the Chenab River in Reasi district, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Built at a cost of Rs 1,456 crores, the bridge soars 359 meters above the riverbed, making it 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. Its arch span of 467 meters solidifies its status as a marvel, blending structural strength with aesthetic appeal. In collaboration with DRDO, the bridge has been made blast-proof and can withstand high-velocity winds of up to 266 kph at deck level. It is also built to endure extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -40C. First cable stayed rail bridge The Anji Khad Bridge is Indias first cable stayed railway bridge. About 331 metres above the riverbed and stretching 725 metres across, Anji Bridge is anchored by 96 high tensile cables. At its heart stands an inverted Y shaped pylon that climbs 193 metres above its foundation. The total length of cable strand used in the bridge is 653 kilometres. Over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel have gone into its construction, ensuring strength and durability. It has been built to endure tremors, strong winds and shifting geology. T-50 tunnel Tunnel T50, measuring 12.77 kilometres, connects Khari and Sumber in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the longest transportation tunnel in the country and the longest one built under the UdhampurSrinagarBaramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The tunnel has become a key link in ensuring uninterrupted rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. Constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, the tunnel passes through complex and varied geology including quartzite, gneiss and phyllite. The route faced major construction hurdles such as high-water ingress, landslides, shear zones and jointed volcanic rock formations. To meet these challenges, engineers built three adits (access tunnels) that allowed work to begin from multiple faces at once, which helped accelerate the construction timeline. The design includes a main tunnel and a parallel escape tunnel, connected through cross-passages every 375 metres to ensure safety. Tunnel T50 is fully equipped with CCTV cameras installed every 50 metres. All feeds are monitored from a central control room to support safety and smooth operations. In addition, Indian Railways constructed 215 kilometres of approach roads to provide access to project sites, improving transport and connectivity for nearby communities. Vande Bharat trains six days a week Two Vande Bharat Express trains (26404/26403 and 26401/26402) will run on SrinagarKatraSrinagar route with intermediate stops at Banihal. The trains will operate six days a week (except Wednesday) starting from Saturday, June 7. The semi-high-speed trains will halt only at four key stations -- Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihaland Srinagar. Due to security concerns, the Railways will be plying trains only during day time on Kashmir route. Also initially, there will not be direct train service between Srinagar to Delhi or other parts of the country. The travellers plying from Srinagar to Delhi or any other place or vice versa would have to deboard the train at Katra railway station and then board another train to continue their journey. They will have to undergo fresh screening and checking and rescanning of their luggage at the Katra station. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the direct train between Jammu and Srinagar will run in September after work on Jammu railway station is completed. Specially designed trains for Kashmir The Vande Bharat Express train that will ply on the Srinagar route have been specially designed to operate seamlessly in Kashmir's challenging winter conditions. The train has special climate-related features including advanced heating systems that prevents freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for vacuum system and ensure optimal functioning of the air-brake system for smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures. All the pipelines will remain heated. The water tankers will have insulation and thermal heating arrangements to cope with the intense cold wave conditions. The train also features embedded heating elements in the windshield to automatically defrost the driver's front lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility in harsh winter and bone-chilling cold. The CCTV cameras and other surveillance gadgets will be part of the security arrangements of the train. Jammu Railway Division Ahead of connecting Kashmir with the rail network, Indian Railways inaugurated a new Jammu Railway Division under Northern Railway, with its headquarters in Jammu city in January this year. Launched by PM Modi on January 6, the division was carved out of the Ferozepur Division to better serve the rail transport needs of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Punjab. The division includes 11 key goods terminals, facilitating the movement of food grains, cement, coal, fuel, and perishable produce across the region. First visit of PM to J&K after Operation Sindoor It will be Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after May 7 Operation launched by Indian military to target and destroy terror camps in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 25 tourists from different states and a local pony wala, who attempted to snatch weapon from one of the attackers to save tourists, were killed. The PM will address a public rally at Sports Stadium in Katra and is likely to talk in detail about Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various road projects. He will lay the foundation stone for the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore. He will also inaugurate two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. The PM will also lay the foundation stone for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Himachal Pradesh high cort refuses to intervene in CBI probe order into Vimal Negi death case

Lives lost to natural disasters rise 18% to 3,080 in 2024-25

India faced a grim situation as natural disasters claimed 3,080 lives in 2024-25. Himachal Pradesh suffered the most casualties. Many homes were damaged, especially in Assam. Crop losses also increased. Cattle deaths decreased. Government environmental spending rose, but corporate CSR spending declined. The EnviStats India 2025 report revealed these concerning trends.

Weather alert: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms expected across Central, East India

Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (4050 kmph) is likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Isolated rainfall is also expected in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on June 5

Now that Indus treaty is on hold, we'll use more water for Indian farmers: Agriculture Minister Chouhan

CHANDIGARH: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that as the Indus Waters Treaty has been put in abeyance, efforts will be made to ensure that more water reaches farmers in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. He said that 80 per cent of water from the Indus river system was flowing into Pakistan. Giving 80 per cent water to Pakistan at that time was not justified. Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan require water and that water is ours. Now we will utilize that water for our farmers, said Chouhan. Chouhan, who was on a day-long visit to Punjab, visited a farmers' gathering (Kisan Chaupal) in Rajpura, Patiala, as well as the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rauni. He was accompanied by Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal and ICAR scientists. He has been engaging with farmers across various states to promote sustainable and progressive farming practices as part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Citing its benefits in water conservation and reduced labour costs, he said that farmers should adopt the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method and also urged them to refrain from excessive pesticide use. I have been apprised of good crop practices, be it direct seeding, mushroom farming or making silage, he said. When asked about complaints about fake pesticides, Chouhan said that the government will frame a new law, making a provision for stringent action against any company which supplies fake pesticides to farmers. Lauding the role of Punjab farmers in filling the foodgrain stock of the country, Chouhan said the country has registered an all-time record production in wheat, paddy, maize and soybean this year. For this, Punjab has the biggest role and I bow to the land of Punjab, said Chouhan. He emphasised that the research of agricultural scientists should reach farmers and scientists should know what problems farmers are facing at their fields so that research can be undertaken in that regard. I am not a guest here, I am a family member, I am not here for rhetoric but I am here to directly interact with farmers and understand the ground reality. Our focus should be to connect land and lab, so that farmers benefit from real-time innovation. Policies should come from the field not from officers in air-conditioned rooms. Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a target that crop output should increase, input cost should drop, farmers should get remunerative prices for their crops and they should be compensated if they suffer any loss. Under the campaign, he said scientists are going amongst farmers and informing them which crops are better for them, considering the agro-climatic conditions in their respective areas. He added that the crop diversification programme is the need of the hour. We should grow crops which give profit as well as consume less water, he said. Earlier, he asked farmers to make experiments with fruits, vegetables and other crops. Crop diversification is an important issue. What are the crops which can generate more income? I am not saying that wheat and paddy will not be sown. That will be grown. We can make experiments towards growing mushrooms, fruits and vegetables, he told farmers. Chouhan visited the state at a time when farmers are up in arms against the AAP-led state government over the issue of missing tractor trolleys, following the sudden crackdown on protesting farmers on March 19 and the eviction of the Shambhu and Khanauri Morcha. Punjab Agriculture Minister Khudian, who accompanied Chouhan during the visit, raised concerns about the shortfall in DAP fertilizer supply, stating that while the requirement is around 90,000 metric tonnes, only 38,000 to 39,000 MT has been received so far. He also requested Chouhan to enhance compensation schemes to further discourage farm fires as stubble burning incidents during the Kharif season have decreased by 86 per cent. On crop diversification, Khudian said that while Rs 17,000 in compensation was promised, farmers have so far received only Rs 10,000.

Download Your Himachal Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test June 2025 Admit Card Now

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has officially released the admit cards for the upcoming Teacher Eligibility Test scheduled for June 2025. Candidates who have applied can download their hall tickets from the official website. The exam will take place over two days in June, with specific time slots for each shift. Detailed instructions on how to access the admit card are provided, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the test. For more information, visit the official site.

Govt announces schedule for Census with caste enumeration

NEW DELHI: Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday. It has been decided to conduct Population Census-2027 in two phases along with the enumeration of castes, it said. The reference date for Population Census - 2027 will be 00:00 hours of the first day of March 2027. For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00.00 hours of the first day of October 2026, the ministry said in a statement. The notification for the intent of conducting the Population Census with these reference dates will be published in the official gazette entatively on 16.06.2025, as per provision of section 3 of Census Act 1948, it said. The Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. The last Census was conducted in 2011 in two phases. Census 2021 was also proposed to be conducted in two phases with phase I during April-September 2020 and the second phase in February 2021. All preparations for the first phase of the Census to be conducted in 2021 were completed and the fieldwork was scheduled to begin in some States/UTs from April 1, 2020. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country, the census work was postponed. The government recently decided that it will carry our caste enumeration along with the census.

Covid surge: Masks now compulsory in all Himachal Pradesh hospitals

Following the first reported COVID-19 case in Himachal Pradesh, authorities have mandated masks for patients and attendants in hospitals. The initial case emerged in Nahan, Sirmaur district, involving an 82-year-old woman. Health officials have issued advisories emphasizing social distancing and urging precautions for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

Census To Begin On March 1, 2027; Caste Data To Be Included: Sources

In Ladakh and snowy states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the census will start in October 2026, sources said.

HP TET admit card: HPBOSE June 2025 TET hall tickets released at hpbose.org for JBT and TGT categories; download here

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has announced the June 2025 Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) schedule for JBT, TGT (Sanskrit, Non-Medical, and Hindi) categories. Exams will be held on June 7 and 8, across 163 centers for nearly 16,000 candidates. Admit cards are available online via the HPBOSE website. Candidates must download their admit cards using their application number and date of birth, and carry valid ID to their exam centers.

Himachal Police Intensify Crackdown on Drug Trade; 10 Cases Registered in 24 Hours

SHIMLA In a significant development under Himachal Pradeshs ongoing anti-drug campaign, the state police registered 10 cases against alleged drug traffickers within a 24-hour period, officials confirmed on Monday. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director General of Police, the cases were filed across several districtsfour in Kullu, two in Bilaspur, [] The post Himachal Police Intensify Crackdown on Drug Trade; 10 Cases Registered in 24 Hours first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

HPU MAT Admit Card 2025 Out Download Online @ hpuniv.ac.in Check HPU MAT Exam Date

The Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has released the Management Aptitude Test Admit Card 2025 on 04-06-2025, and candidates can now download it from the official website of HPU.

Family of youngster missing for almost a year ago moves Kerala HC for CBI probe

The police have been coordinating with their counterparts in other States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, and even Himachal Pradesh

HPPSC HP Police Constable Exam Date 2025 Announced at hppsc.hp.gov.in Exam details here

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has announced the Exam Date 2025 for the post of HP Police Constable, and candidates can check the HPPSC Exam Date 2025 notification on the official website hppsc.hp.gov.in as the examination is scheduled for 15 June 2025 with further details available on our website.

Finance ministry likely to approve 12% higher outlay for MGNREGS

NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry is likely to approve a 12% hike in the outlay of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for five years, as demanded by the Ministry of Rural Development, sources said. Recent media reports have said that the MoRD has sought an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for MGNREGS for five years until 2029-30 in its proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC). EFC is responsible for appraising and approving schemes with significant budgetary implications. Sources in the Finance Ministry said that the ministry may give a go ahead to the proposal and it will be finalised after Cabinet approval. In the previous five financial years from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the central fund amounted Rs 4.68 lakh crore for MGNREGS. For the 2024-25 financial year, the budget allocation for the MGNREGA was Rs 86,000 crore, same as what was spent on the scheme as per the revised estimate of 2024-2025. The findings of a recent report by LibTech India, showed that employment fell by 7.1% in 202425, despite an 8.6% rise in registered households, under the scheme. It showed only 7% households availed the promised 100 days of work under the MGNREGA scheme. It also pointed out that average workdays dropped by 4.3%, and 100-day completion households fell by 11.9%. While states with the sharpest employment drops included Odisha (34.8%), Tamil Nadu (25.1%), and Rajasthan (15.9%), Maharashtra (39.7%), Himachal Pradesh (14.8%), and Bihar (13.3%) showed gains. The report showed, though there was a 8.6% increase in registered households in FY 2024-25, it did not result in improved employment. The report also suggested that Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (ABPS) ineligible workers are denied work, despite MoRD assurances. It showed that 27.5% of all workers and 1.5% of active workers still remained ineligible for ABPS, only a slight improvement from the previous year. Maharashtra (63.4%), Gujarat (58.1%), and Jharkhand (38.1%) have the highest proportions of all workers ineligible for ABPS, it said. Citing the report, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh recently said even as coverage of the scheme rises, perhaps due to the ongoing economic slowdown, the average number of days employment per household has fallen, he said in a statement. Ramesh said due to the worsening economic downturn, the budget must make adequate financial provision to realise the vision under MGNREGA. Govt should ensure adaquate funds: Congress Hitting out at the Centre, Congress said amid the economic downturn, the budget must make adequate financial provision to realise the vision under MGNREGA. Wages cannot be set by the arbitrary whims of the government, the party said, adding, a Standing Committee must be established to evaluate the need for changes

CM Sukhu launches Rs 100 crore development projects in Dehra, distributes land to Pong Dam oustees

SHIMLA, Jun 3: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for six development projects worth about Rs 100 crore in the Dehra assembly constituency of Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district and handed over land allotment certificates to 89 Pong Dam oustees. He laid the foundation stone of the Administrative and Diagnostic Block of the Hospital, Food Commissary and Quarantine at Durgesh Aranya- Zoological Park to be constructed at a cost of Rs 47.62 crore, according to [] The post CM Sukhu launches Rs 100 crore development projects in Dehra, distributes land to Pong Dam oustees appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Temperature dips in Himachal Pradesh after rain, light snow

HP TET Admit Card 2025 Out @hpbose.org: Download Hall Ticket PDF

HP TET June 2025 Admit Card Out: The HP TET Admit Card 2025 has been released @hpbose.org on 28th May 2025. This is the call letter for the Himachal Pradesh TET June 2025 cycle scheduled from 1st June 2025 to 14th June 2025. The exam is an eligibility test for candidates who wish to teach [] The post HP TET Admit Card 2025 Out @hpbose.org: Download Hall Ticket PDF appeared first on Testbook Blog .

Man Claiming to be Journalist Caught Red-Handed Taking 2 Lakh Bribe, Also Demanded Car

Kangra The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Northern Range Dharamshala, on Tuesday arrested Amir Chand Dogra a man who claimed to be a journalist and owner of the A Star News web portal for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from the owner of an educational institution in Palampur. According to officials, the [] The post Man Claiming to be Journalist Caught Red-Handed Taking 2 Lakh Bribe, Also Demanded Car first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Cash row: Mumbai lawyers body writes to CJI, seeks prosecution of judge Yashwant Varma

NEW DELHI: Bombay Lawyers Association has written to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai seeking sanction to prosecute high court judge Yashwant Varma over the discovery of huge cash from his official residence when he was in Delhi. The judge was transferred to Allahabad High Court amidst the raging controversy. Former CJI Sanjiv Khanna had recently written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, besides sharing with them the report of the apex court-appointed committee reportedly indicting Varma and the judge's response . Bombay Lawyers Association (BLA) in its letter dated June 2 and signed by president Ahmad M Abdi and secretary Eknath R Dhokale sought the sanction to prosecute the judge besides referring to the top court rejecting a PIL on the issue on May 21. The top court called it premature and dismissed the PIL seeking an FIR over the matter and asked the petitioners to approach appropriate authorities instead. The lawyers' body said, It needs to be kept in mind that litigants and other lay persons are active stakeholders in the legal process. The applicant is seeking your sanction to initiate criminal prosecution, including the registration of an FIR, against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting Judge of the Allahabad High Court, under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in connection with the alleged recovery of unaccounted cash from his official residence, it added. The letter referred to the apex court's landmark ruling in K Veeraswami case of 1991 which mandates that no criminal case be registered against a sitting judge of the high court or Supreme Court without the CJI's prior approval. The 1991 judgement, the letter went on to say, held that judges of the high courts and Supreme Court are public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and liable for prosecution for offenses such as possession of disproportionate assets. The judgment further clarified that President was the competent authority to grant sanction for prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act, but such sanction must be based on the advice of the CJI, it added. Justice Yashwant Varma cash recovery row: Trial by fire for judicial probity The allegations, supported by photographic and video evidence shared by the Delhi Police Commissioner, have raised serious concerns about judicial probity and public trust in the judiciary. The failure to register an FIR, despite the inquiry committee's findings, risks undermining the principle of equality before the law and the credibility of the judicial institution, it said. The letter, aside from seeking sanction to prosecute the judge, sought a direction to authorities, including Delhi Police or the CBI to preserve all relevant evidence, including the partially burnt currency notes, photographs, and video recordings. The bar body also sought a copy of the in-house inquiry committee report to enable it to file the complaint. The SC-appointed panel analysed the evidence and recorded the statements of more than 50 people, including Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and the Delhi Fire Services chief, who were among the first responders to the fire incident at Justice Varma's official Lutyens' Delhi residence at around 11.35 pm on March 14. Justice Varma was then a judge in the Delhi High Court and repeatedly denied the allegations in his responses to the Delhi High Court chief justice and the panel. The in-house procedure entails the CJI writing to the president and the prime minister for impeachment after the advice to the judge to resign is not complied with. Chief Justice of India, in terms of the in-house procedure, has written to the President of India and the Prime Minister of India, enclosing therewith copy of the three-member committee report dated May 3 along with the letter/response dated May 6 received from Justice Yashwant Varma, the apex court said on May 8. The committee confirmed the cash-discovery allegations against Justice Varma in its inquiry report, the sources previously said. The three-member panel comprised Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Anu Sivaraman of the Karnataka High Court. The report was finalised on May 3. Sources also said former CJI Khanna had nudged Justice Varma to step down in view of the findings in the report forwarded to the judge for his response, in line with the principle of natural justice. The controversy led to several steps, including a preliminary inquiry by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, judicial work being taken away from Justice Varma in the Delhi High Court and later, his transfer to the Allahabad High Court sans judicial work. On March 24, the apex court collegium recommended the repatriation of Justice Varma to his parent, Allahabad High Court. On March 28, the top court asked the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma.

Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Delhi among top performers in adult literacy: FLNAT data

The Foundational Literacy Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) results reveal disparities in adult literacy certification across India. Delhi, Tripura, and Tamil Nadu lead in successfully addressing adult literacy challenges. However, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh lag in certification outcomes despite moderate participation, highlighting the varying effectiveness of states in adult education initiatives.

Tribal girl from Maoist-hit Bijapur throws herself into history, leads Chhattisgarh to bronze at junior softball nationals

A tribal girl, Anuradha Kolasi, from Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, has made her state proud. She helped her team secure a bronze medal at the 43rd Junior National Softball Championship in Chandigarh. The Chhattisgarh team defeated Himachal Pradesh and Odisha. They reached the semi-final, where they lost to Haryana.

HP High Court Clerk and Driver Revised Answer Key 2025 Released at highcourt.hp.gov.in Download Answer Key Here.

The High Court of Himachal Pradesh (HP High Court) has officially released the answer key for the Clerk and Driver recruitment exam 2025, and candidates who appeared for the exam held on 17 May 2025 can now review the answer key, with a total of 14 vacancies to be filled through this recruitment drive, and applicants are advised to carefully check the answer key and submit any objections within the stipulated timeframe as no challenges will be accepted after the deadline.

Punjab Man, 54, Dies Of High-Altitude Sickness In Himachal's Lahaul-Spiti

A 54-year-old man from Punjab died of high altitude sickness and hypoxemia at Darcha on the Manali-Leh National Highway in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district, police said on Monday.

HPU Date Sheet 2025 Declared For 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Semester @ hpuniv.ac.in Details Here

HPU Date Sheet 2025 is out, as Himachal Pradesh University has released the schedule for PG Diploma, MBA, M.P.Ed, M.A, and MLIS courses, and students can access their HPU Result 2025 online using their registration number through the direct link provided here for further updates.

2 tourists die in Kullu tree fall; 5 killed as pickup falls into gorge

In a tragic incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, a mother and daughter from Ludhiana lost their lives when a Deodar tree fell on them near Kasol. Adding to the sorrow, five individuals from Punjab died in Mandi district after their speeding pickup truck plunged into a deep gorge, highlighting the dangers faced by travelers in the region.

Mindhal Mata Chandi Yatra commences

Excelsior Correspondent BHADERWAH, June 1: The revered Mindhal Mata Chandi Yatra commenced here today with spiritual fervour and participation by thousands of devotees from across J&K. Organized by Aadi Shakti Devi Chandike Sewak Sanstha (ASDCSS) Doda, the Yatra marks the sacred journey from Maa Chandi Mandir Balasu, Doda to the holy shrine at Mindhal in Himachal Pradesh. The holy Chharri Mubarak was flagged off today from Doda by ADC Doda, Anil Kotwal, in the presence of religious leaders and hundreds [] The post Mindhal Mata Chandi Yatra commences appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal Pradesh govt to develop 77 new eco-tourism sites

SHIMLA, Jun 1: The Himachal Pradesh government will develop as many as 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state under the Eco Tourism Policy-2024 in the next five years, an official said here on Sunday. Eco-tourism means travelling to natural places without harming the environment. The new eco-tourism policy 2024 has been specially made to support this idea, keeping both tourism and nature safe. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates [] The post Himachal Pradesh govt to develop 77 new eco-tourism sites appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal Pradesh HC refuses to quash FIR against P&G in patent case

The FIR alleges that P&G invited the complaint to collaborate by submitting a patented innovation as part of its Connect + Develop Programme and then used the technology in one of its products

Mandi Road Accident: 5 Killed After Being Flung 100 Metres onto River Rocks from Overloaded Pickup Roof

MANDI: Five people died on the spot and one was injured when an overloaded pickup plunged into a gorge near Kammad Bridge, close to IIT Mandi, on Saturday morning. The vehicle, carrying tent material from Punjab, and four of the total six passengers were sitting on its roof, raising serious questions about lax traffic enforcement. [] The post Mandi Road Accident: 5 Killed After Being Flung 100 Metres onto River Rocks from Overloaded Pickup Roof first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

2 tourists die after tree falls on them on bank of Parvati River in Himachal Pradesh

In a tragic incident, two women from Ludhiana, Avinash Kaur, 56, and Nishu Verma, 37, lost their lives after a Deodar tree fell on them near Kasol in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district. The incident occurred on the banks of the Parvati River while the family was vacationing.

Himachal Pradesh to procure loan via sale of govt securities worth Rs 800 cr

SHIMLA, May 31: The Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to procure a loan by selling government securities worth Rs 800 crore and the proceeds would be utilised for development programmes. An auction in this regard would be held by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at Mumbai on June 3 and the successful bidder would have to make the payment by June 4, as per a specific notification issued by the state government, an official said on Saturday. The tenure [] The post Himachal Pradesh to procure loan via sale of govt securities worth Rs 800 cr appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal's 'Return Your Trash' Scheme As Mountains Drown In Garbage

Plastic bags and bottles strewn everywhere, animals scavenging on dumped solid waste - the disturbing site is not from a dumpsite but from a forest in Himachal Pradesh's Kasol.

India reports over 2,700 active Covid cases, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi reporting highest numbers

Coronavirus cases have been rising in India after months of lull, with infections witnessing a five-fold jump and crossing the 1,000-mark in the end of May. The surge has continued since, with active cases nearing 3,000, with Kerala leading the latest spike, followed by Maharashtra and Delhi. Government data shows a rapid rise over just four days, from 1,010 cases on May 26 to 2,710 on May 30, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As per the latest Health Ministry data, Kerala leads the Covid-19 surge with 1,147 active cases, followed by Maharashtra (424), Delhi (294), and Gujarat (223). Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have 148 cases each, while West Bengal has reported 116. Rajasthan (51), Uttar Pradesh (42), and Puducherry (35) follow, along with Haryana (20), Andhra Pradesh (16), and Madhya Pradesh (10). Smaller counts have been recorded in Goa (7), Odisha (5), Punjab (4), Jammu and Kashmir (4), Telangana (3), Arunachal Pradesh (3), and Chandigarh (1). Mizoram and Assam each have two active cases, while Uttarakhand has two as well. Notably, Sikkim has zero active cases, and no cases have been reported from Andaman and Nicobar or Himachal Pradesh. The data for Bihar remains unavailable. Seven deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the total death toll in the first five months of 2025 to 22. Maharashtra accounted for two of these fatalities, while Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu reported one death each. The rise in deaths comes amid a sharp increase in active cases across several states, underscoring growing concerns over the fresh wave of infections. Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl had earlier said that the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. On the new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. Dr Behl also added that the ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet classified the LF.7 or NB.1.8 variants as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). According to experts, while these variants may have some ability to bypass existing immunity, there is no indication that they cause severe or prolonged illness. Reported symptoms are mild and largely resemble those of the common flusuch as fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and exhaustion. With cases on the rise, several states have directed hospitals to stay prepared with adequate beds, oxygen supplies, testing kits, and vaccines. Elderly individuals and those with co-morbidities have been advised to wear masks in crowded places as a precaution.

Harish Rao seeks white paper on Telangana govts Rs 6K cr hydel project in HP

Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA T Harish Rao on Friday, May 30 sought a white paper on Congresss decision to build a 510 Mega Watt hydel power project in Himachal Pradesh through Telangana Power Generation Corporation. Rao termed the move a Tughlaq-style blunder, suspecting large-scale corruption in the project. While Revanth Reddy keeps claiming 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 .

Harish Rao demands white paper on hydel projects planned in Himachal Pradesh

The BRS leader says Moser Baer and NTPC had backed out from constructing the two projects after finding them unfeasible

HPPSC Associate Professor and Professor Result 2025 Out at hppsc.hp.gov.in, Direct Link to Download Result PDF Here

HPPSC Associate Professor and Professor Result 2025: The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially released the HPPSC Associate Professor and Professor Result 2025. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now view their results online through the official website hppsc.hp.gov.in.

Himachal Pradesh youth arrested after 'sensitive' content related to country's security found in his phone

He was brought to the Dehra police station for interrogation, and sensitive and objectionable content was allegedly found in his mobile phone, the police said

Himachal: Man held after sensitive content related to Indias security found in his phone

Shimla: An 18-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after sensitive content which could endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country was allegedly found in his mobile phone, police said. The accused has been identified as Abhishek, a resident of Sukahar in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district. Abhishek, reportedly a college dropout, has been booked 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 .