Amid ruckus, HP CM promises MLA funds by March-end
The Himachal Pradesh government will release Rs 1.10 crore in MLA Area Development Fund installments before March 31. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced this in the Assembly. The government will also consider the MLA discretionary fund. Future disbursements will be discussed with opposition leaders. Legislators are advised to prioritize capital works for state development.
Rajya Sabha Elections For 37 Seats On March 16: Check Full Schedule, Names Of MPs Retiring & More
The elections will take place in 10 states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh.
Election Commission of India announces schedule for biennial Rajya Sabha polls
According to a press note released on Wednesday, the tenure of 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will end in April, thereby vacating the seats for fresh elections
Biennial polls to 37 Rajya Sabha seats on March 16
Seats are falling vacant from Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar
Weather update today: The IMD has forecast light rain for Delhi, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for Wednesday. Snowfall has been predicted for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The weather department has issued a fog alert for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. For Delhi, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for today.
HP JBT admit card 2026 released at hprca.hp.gov.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here
The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog has released the HP JBT Admit Card 2026 on its official portal for candidates appearing in the Junior Basic Teacher recruitment exam. The CBT is scheduled from February 25 to 27, 2026. Applicants must download the hall ticket online, as it is compulsory for entry into the examination centre.
Himachal Governor Cuts Assembly Speech To 2 Minutes, Row Erupts
The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly began on a stormy note, with sharp differences surfacing between Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and the state government over the contentious issue of Revenue Deficit Grant or RDG.
What Is On The AI Summit Menu? Dhingri Kachru To Sepu Wadi, Full List From Taj Palace Kitchen
Taj Palace, New Delhi, executive Chef Nitin Mathur's curated menu uses brass utensils, stone-ground chutneys, and spices from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Economic Survey 2025-26 Targets RTI Act, Suggests Ministerial Veto To Deny Information
After a decade of existence and showing the scars of legislative fetters on its working, the Right to Information (RTI) Act has attracted adverse attention in the Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey frowns on the law as posing a risk of becoming an end in itself with disclosure celebrated regardless of its contribution to good governance. The survey does acknowledge the wide perception of the law as one of Indias most powerful democratic reforms but makes a suggestion for a ministerial veto to deny information. What remains of the RTI Act is a pale shadow of its original self. The bureaucracy was smarting at the prospect of forced disclosures when the law was enacted under the UPA, led by Manmohan Singh, who, ironically, later spoke of the need for a fine balance between the disclosure and the privacy of individuals. Before 2014, the BJPs RTI cell vowed to continue its campaigns even after the party came to power. It had already filed over 2,000 applications and used it to fuel its legal cases, such as the one alleging impropriety in the Commonwealth Games preparations of 2010. After the NDA came to power, its appetite for openness disappeared. Although the Act exempts personal information under Section 8(1)(j), where it has no public interest or would cause unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of an individual, the government viewed it as a potent weapon in the hands of transparency activists. The law made access to information possible for any citizen, on a par with the information that could not be denied to Parliament and state legislatures. That well-thought-out provision was buried through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which amended the RTI, although the judgement that was used as the basis, the Supreme Courts Puttaswamy order, did contain ways to preserve the right to information. That was done by including the test of public interest while safeguarding the privacy of personal data. Misguided emphasis: The focus of the Economic Survey is on changes to the RTI Act that would narrow the scope of information requests and virtually cut the laws feet to make it stand no taller than the less-empowering legislation abroad. What seems to appeal most to the surveys authors are exclusions that it cites in the US law, such as personnel rules, inter-agency memos, and financial regulation reports; in the UK, on policy formulation, where public interest may be harmedwith a ministerial veto available against court orders; and in South Africa, where policy deliberations are said to be excluded. What is particularly disconcerting to the survey is the inclusion in the RTI Act of file notings, internal opinions, and draft memos, a level of openness that it thinks could inhibit officials from expressing bold ideas. This is counter-intuitive, since officials with bold ideas that have been carefully considered would like to place them before the public to force the much-needed change in decision-making processes. There is also evident anxiety in the survey about access provisions. For one, it cites the Girish Ramchandra Deshpande judgement of 2013 to underscore judicial protection to keep personal records of a public servant secret, in spite of protection already contained for such information under Sec.8 (1) (j). The survey wants casual requests that add little value to public interest on things such as service records, transfers, and confidential staff reports excluded. An alarming recommendation is a narrowly defined ministerial veto, subject to parliamentary oversight, to guard against disclosures that could unduly constrain governance. The Supreme Court ruled on unfilled vacancies in various Information Commissions (IC) that create mountains of pending appeals. Last year, the court heard that there were 28,000 appeals yet to be taken up, and, in spite of giving an undertaking to fill the Central Information Commission vacancies in three months, the Union government went about it leisurely. Nationally, four lakh appeals were pending in October 2025. In the dark: Failure to advance the RTI, so vital to improving governance, finds no mention in the survey. It could have expressed worry, for instance, that failure to implement proactive disclosure of official records under Section 4 has enfeebled the Act. Even where public interest calls for the disclosure of taxpayer-funded schemes and contracts, government departments and agencies deny requests, citing exemption of third-party information. Few Information Officers get penalised. At another level, the lack of protection for those who use the law has resulted in assaults, police cases, and even murder of applicants, besides intimidation. In Gujarat, for example, less than 45% of the RTI applications received a response since 2019, says the Mahiti Adhikar Manch, while the states Information Commission imposed a lifelong ban on ten people from seeking information four years ago because they filed multiple queries, were cantankerous or were harassing government officials. Seven State Information Commissions were defunct for various periods during 2023-24. The survey could have deplored the hobbling of the RTI in multiple ways. Six years ago, the Union government introduced amendments empowering it to make rules on tenure, salaries and post-retirement benefits of the ICs, dangling a sword over their heads. Recently, even a dissent note from the Leader of the Opposition on the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners could not be accessed, and the Supreme Court saw no merit in a plea to direct its publication. Just days ago, the apex court was told that Jharkhand, where the IC failed to work for years at a time, would appoint commissioners by February end. Maharashtra failed to add commissioner posts to dispose of pending appeals, prompting the court to order the addition of three. In Himachal Pradesh, the appointment process was restarted because suitable candidates did not apply. None of these concerns figure in the survey. The writer is a senior journalist.
GDS Recruitment 2026: The India Post is set to close the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 today at, February 14, 2026. Interested candidates can apply on the official website of India Post GDS at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in by adding their personal details, educational qualifications and documents required. The India Post aims to fill 28,686 Gramin Dak Sevak positions across various positions such as Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak, and Branch Postmaster GDS Recruitment 2026: Important Dates GDS Recruitment 2026 Last date to apply: February 14, 2026 GDS Recruitment 2026 Last date to make the payment: February 16, 2026 GDS Recruitment 2026 Correction window: February 18 to 19, 2026 GDS Recruitment 2026: How to apply? Candidates need to follow the steps given below to apply for the recruitment. Step 1: Go to the official website of India Post GDS at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. Step 2: Complete the registration process with basic details and get the username and password Step 3: After that, complete the online application, attach the required documents, pay, and submit. Step 4: Save the confirmation page to your computer and print it out for future use. Direct link to apply for India Post GDS Recruitment2026 GDS Recruitment 2026: Application Fees General / OBC - Rs 100/- SC / ST / PH - Rs 0/- All Female Candidates - Rs 0/- GDS Recruitment 2026: Vacancies Distribution Candidates can check out the state-wise distribution of the GDS Recruitment 2026: Andhra Pradesh: 1,060 Assam: 639 Bihar: 1,347 Chhattisgarh: 1,155 Delhi: 42 Gujarat: 1,830 Haryana: 270 Himachal Pradesh: 520 Jammu & Kashmir: 267 Jharkhand: 908 Karnataka: 1,023 Kerala: 1,691 Madhya Pradesh: 2,120 Maharashtra: 3,553 North Eastern: 1,014 Odisha: 1,191 Punjab: 262 Rajasthan: 634 Tamil Nadu: 2,009 Telangana: 609 Uttar Pradesh: 3,169 Uttarakhand: 445 West Bengal: 2,982 Total Vacancies: 28,740
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday directed the education department to expedite CBSE affiliation of government schools in the state. He said 140 government schools were chose CBSE affiliation from the next academic session, and in the first phase, 99 schools have secured affiliation. Presiding over a high-level meeting of the education department here, he directed it to retain lien in the parent cadre for teachers selected for the CBSE-affiliated schools, ensuring that their promotional avenues remain unaffected. When retaining a lien, a permanent faculty member is granted the right to hold their original post while working elsewhere on a contractual basis. Who Is Saketh Sreenivasaiah? 22-Year-Old Student From Karnataka Goes Missing In California Sukhu also directed the relaxation of the existing service conditions for appointment of principals in these CBSE schools, reducing the requirement of three years of remaining service to two years. He further said that the CBSE-affiliated schools will have a distinct logo and a uniform colour scheme. Emphasising the state government's commitment to quality education, the chief minister said he would personally monitor the progress of academic standards in these institutions. He also reviewed implementation of the No Mobile Phone Policy in schools, which will come into effect from March 1 this year. He directed the department to complete all necessary formalities within the stipulated time frame. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Supreme Court Asks Himachal Pradesh To Hold Local Body Polls By May 31
In a significant relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court on Friday extended from April 30 to May 31 the deadline fixed by the high court for holding polls for local bodies in the state.
You must let elected govts function, SC advises Himachal Pradesh high court
For millions of Indians, owning a home is the culmination of a lifetime of savings, sacrifice and hope. Yet, in a country where real estate has emerged as one of the most visibly thriving sectors, the dream of a secure roof over ones head is too often reduced to a nightmare of deception and despair. The recent sharp observations of the Supreme Court on the functioning of Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) provide a fitting peg to examine how a mechanism meant to protect homebuyers has, in many places, failed them. Travel anywhere in India today, and the skyline tells a familiar story: high-rise apartment towers, gated villas and sprawling townships mushrooming not only in metropolitan cities but also in mofussil towns and even villages. State housing boards, once active builders of affordable housing, have largely retreated into the role of land developers, parceling out plots to private builders and housing societies. Newspapers and television channels are saturated with glossy advertisements promising world-class amenities and dream homes that appear irresistible to middle-class investors. The grim reality for homebuyers But the reality behind these promises is frequently grim. Homebuyers often find themselves the most exploited stakeholders in the real estate boom. There are countless ways in which they are cheated: poor construction quality masked by attractive brochures, discrepancies between promised and delivered built-up areas and post-possession assurances that vanish as quickly as they were made. In extreme cases, unscrupulous builders have sold the same flat to multiple buyers and absconded, leaving victims entangled in endless litigation. Equally alarming are instances where apartments are handed over without mandatory approvals from local self-government agencies. In Kerala, the Supreme Court had to order the demolition of five apartment complexes in Kochi that violated coastal regulations, wiping out the life savings of hundreds of families. RERA under scrutiny It was against such a backdrop that RERAs were established across states to regulate the sector, ensure transparency and provide speedy grievance redressal. However, the Supreme Courts remarks on Thursday in a case concerning Himachal Pradesh suggest that these authorities may be falling far short of their mandate. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, observed that RERAs were doing nothing except facilitating defaulting builders and went so far as to say that the Court would not mind if the institution was abolished. The judges noted that the very people for whom RERA was created feel depressed, disgusted and disappointed by its ineffectiveness. This indictment is not merely a comment on one states authority; it raises troubling questions about the regulatory architecture governing Indias real estate sector. Reports of RERAs becoming post-retirement havens for bureaucrats, lacking technical expertise and empathy for homebuyers, only deepen public distrust. When institutions meant to deliver justice appear to side with violators, the erosion of faith is inevitable.
SC extends deadline by a month; asks HP govt, SEC to hold local bodies polls by May 31
The Supreme Court has granted relief to the Himachal Pradesh government. Polls for local bodies will now be held by May 31. Reconstruction work and delimitation deadlines are extended to March 31. The court acknowledged logistical challenges due to rain. The election process must conclude before May 31. No further extensions will be granted.
L&T Finance Ltd. Scales Gold Loan Footprint to Over 260 Branches
The Company’s entry into Gold finance business began with 130 branches via an acquisition deal in June 2025 Within 8 months of acquisition, the Company has added over 130 new branches L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) , (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, today announced a major milestone in its retail strategy by doubling its Gold Loan branch network to over 260 branches nationwide. This rapid expansion was marked by the launch of its 130th new branch earlier this month since the acquisition of the gold loan business in June 2025. By matching its acquired portfolio with over 130 new branches in under a year, LTF has signalled a high-velocity play in India’s secured credit landscape. Visit our website to avail of the L&T Finance Gold Loan By scaling operations across the North, West, East, and South regions, LTF is pursuing geo-expansion to capture increasing demand for secured credit. LTF’s Gold Loan business has expanded its footprint to 18 States and Union Territories, marking its strategic entry into Assam, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. By seamlessly integrating physical proximity with digital agility, LTF continues to redefine the gold loan experience through rapid turnaround times and flexible credit solutions. Commenting on this development, Mr. Raju Dodti, Chief Operating Officer, LTF , said, “ We are elated to share that we have successfully doubled the Company’s dedicated gold loan branch network in record time since our entry into this business, bringing the total count to over 260 branches nationwide, which will continue to increase given our aggressive branch expansion policy. Our rapid expansion is a testament to our 'Lakshya' strategy—transforming into a top-class, digitally-enabled, customer-centric retail powerhouse. By adding nearly 1 branch per day over the past few months, we aren't just increasing our footprint; we are building a robust ecosystem of security and trust. By scaling across the North, West, East, and South, LTF is de-risking its portfolio through geographic diversification while capturing high-growth retail demand. It is also underpinned by operational excellence, featuring state-of-the-art security systems and an experienced workforce specialised to deliver gold-standard customer service .” About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies. In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers. x.com/LnTFinance www.facebook.com/LnTFS www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance www.instagram.com/lntfinance www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse recruitment 2026: Register online for 390 posts, direct link here
Himachal Pradesh is recruiting 390 Assistant Staff Nurses for government medical institutions. Eligible female candidates with a B.Sc. Nursing or GNM diploma and Himachal Pradesh registration can apply online until March 5, 2026. The process involves a written test, document verification, and a Rs 800 fee. Selected candidates will receive a fixed honorarium on a contractual basis.
Supreme Court asks Himachal Pradesh govt, SEC to hold local body polls by May 31
The Bench, however, said that keeping in mind the monsoon and consequential difficulties usually being faced by the hill State, the poll process must be concluded before May 31
SC extends deadline by month; asks HP govt, SEC to hold local bodies polls by May 31
New Delhi, Feb 13: The Supreme Court on Friday extended from April 30 to May 31 the deadline fixed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court for holding the polls for local bodies in the state. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the plea filed by the principal secretary of the state government and also extended the HCs deadline of Feb 28 to March 31 for completing reconstruction work, delimitation and reservation. On [] The post SC extends deadline by month; asks HP govt, SEC to hold local bodies polls by May 31 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Babus, mantris & buzz: Assam CM wants politics of polarisation for survival for next 30 years
Assam CM wants politics ofpolarisationfor survival for next 30 years Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wants a practice of politics ofpolarisationbetween Assamese and Bangladeshis. In a social mediaposthe said it is essential for survival of indigenous people for the next 30 years. The CM said, The polarization is not between Hindu and Muslim. Thepolarisationis between Assamese and Bangladeshis. That is the difference. Wedontfight with Assamese Muslims. We only fight with Bangladeshi Muslims. What is the problem with that? I am legally as well as ethically and politically correct in this matter, he said. Corruption file of three MP Ministers in DelhiDurbar? Grapevinehas itthat file of corruption of three Madhya Pradesh Ministers hasreached tothe Party High Command in Delhi. One can guess the names. 'Under the able leadership of'...This was a major point in Rajasthan budget speech Dy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Wednesday presented Rajasthan Budget for the year 2026-27. During the speech she announced various schemes and programmes in the state but the unusual thing was every scheme started with 'Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.' The Dy CM repeated this particular word more than a dozen times. BUREAUCRACY In Balaghat, You Can Now Adopt a Government School: IPS Aaditya Mishras Education Movement Balaghat, which had long suffered from the impact of Naxalism, is now empowering the next generation through education. IPS Aaditya Mishra, a 2018-batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre currently posted as Superintendent of Police, Balaghat, has launched a transformative and sustainable social initiative titled Ekal Suvidha KendraVidyanjali. The initiative focuses on improving infrastructure in government primary schools located in remote and interior areas by facilitating community and corporate participation. Recognizing that in formerly Naxal-affected villages education and school infrastructure had long taken a backseat due to security threats, fear, and logistical challenges, the program addresses the reality that many government primary schools in interior forest regions had crumbling roofs, broken floors, poor sanitation, and little access to electricity or water. To bridge this developmental gap, the initiative operates on a social adoption model using the Vidyanjali framework, with a simple yet unique idea: inviting individuals, professionals, and organizations to adopt government primary schools and support basic renovation work. As per current data, 36 adopters are already associated with the project, covering a substantial number of schools. The broader objective is preventive in nature, aiming not only to improve infrastructure but also to change mindsets by building long-term community resilience, promoting developmental outreach, and ensuring that youth are not drawn toward negative or anti-development ideologies in the future. What began with modest expectations has gradually expanded, and in its first phase 100 schools have been completed, with the broader effort extending to nearly 250280 schools across remote belts. To ensure financial transparency and accountability, a registered Vidyanjali Society with a dedicated bank account, PAN, and DARPAN ID oversees the initiative, guided by the philosophy Jan-Jan ka bhagidar, ab shiksha hai taiyar. The transformation goes beyond basic repairs and focuses on holistic development by providing students with improved facilities and modern learning environments. Structural upgrades include repairing leaking roofs, cracked ceilings, damaged floors, and broken boundary walls, while schools are now equipped with secure main gates, proper electricity, fans, lighting, and functional doors and windows. Special emphasis is placed on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, including renovated and hygienic toilets, clean drinking water access, and modernized kitchen sheds to ensure safe mid-day meal preparation. Classrooms that once had peeling plaster and broken furniture are now painted in bright colors, furnished with modern desks, and redesigned as inspiring learning spaces. Remarkably, the average transformation cost per school stands at approximately 1.20 lakh, significantly lower than conventional costs, achieved through strong community participation and shramdaan by Balaghat Police personnel themselves. To ensure sustainability, the registered Vidyanjali Society encourages community ownership, supports implementation, and continuously monitors the initiative, with members drawn from civil society and professional backgrounds to ensure inclusive representation. Through this initiative, IPS Aaditya Mishra is enabling the next generation of Balaghat to write its own story of development with confidence and opportunity. Empanelment of 2008 batch IPS soon Empanelment of 2008 batch IPS officers to the rank of IG in the Government of India is expected to take place in a month or two . VRS of 4 IRS officers accepted The CBIC has accepted the VRS of four IRS(C&IT) officers. All these officers are posted asAssttCommissioners. They are- SamanandhaJoseph George. Ajay M. Shinde, R. Srinivasan, and VijayDevdattbhaiShah. 140 IRS-IT officers promoted to CIT grade As many as 140 officers have been promoted to the grade of Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT) in the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax). The names of promoted officers as follows: https://whispersinthecorridors.com/pdf/IRS_SAG2026.pdf UPSC signals larger reforms with the recent changes introduced? The recent changes introduced in the UPSC examination are seen as the beginning of a larger transformation. According to reports, the Commission is actively exploring further reforms to alignthe civilservices with the evolving challenges of the modern world. These upcoming changes are expected to make the recruitment process more dynamic, contemporary, andskill-oriented. The focus willlikely shifttowards assessing analytical thinking, technological awareness, and practical problem-solving abilities rather than purely theoretical knowledge. With governance increasingly intersecting with technology, climate issues, and data-driven policymaking, UPSC aims to ensure that future administrators are equipped to handle complex, real-world problems efficiently and effectively, creating a more adaptive and future-ready bureaucracy. GOI moves big against deepfakes. Mandates social media curbs against synthetic content India has tightened its IT Rules, 2021 to curb misuse of AIgenerated media. The amendments define synthetically generated information (SGI) as AIcreated audio, visual, or audiovisual content that mimics reality, while excluding routine edits and filters. Intermediaries and social media platforms must now prevent, label, and swiftly act on illegal or harmful synthetic content such as deepfakes, obscene material, false documents, or explosivesrelated data. SGI tools must warn users that misuse could invite criminal penalties, account suspension, or identity disclosure. Platforms arerequiredto label all synthetic content with permanent metadata and unique identifiers and prevent tampering. Significant social media must obtain user declarations when content is synthetic and display clear labels before it is shown. Platforms must also report violations, regularly inform users of rules and penalties, and implement technical safeguards. The move marks Indias strongest push yet against deceptive and harmful deepfakes. Tenure of Ms Idashisha Nongrang as DGP, Meghalaya extended The tenure of Ms Idashisha Nongrang as Director General of Police (DGP), Meghalaya has been extended for a period of six months beyond May 19, 2026. She is a 1992 batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Tenure of Nitesh Kumar Vyas as Additional Secretary, MHA extended The central deputation tenure of Nitesh Kumar Vyas working as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been extended for a period of two years upto May 30, 2028. He is a 1996 batch IAS officer of MP cadre. Promotions for Administrative Office Staff in Banks Reportsemergedabout preferential treatment in promotions for administrative office staff in banks, including PSBs, where regional/zone office postings often lead to favorable branch assignments or head office roles. This points to potential biases in promotion processes withinMiniratnaPSU banks. Pradeep Singhempanelledas Joint Secretary inGoI Pradeep Singh has beenempanelledfor holding the posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent in the Government of India. He is a 2005 batchIFoSofficer of Gujarat cadre. 3IPSofficerslikelyto bepromotedDG in UP Three 1994 batchIPSofficers are likely to be promoted to DG rank in UP in March. They are Prakash D, LV Anthony, DevKumarand Jai Narain Singh. All these officers are presently posted as ADGs No Joint Secretary level empanelment of 2010 batch from HP No Joint Secretary level empanelment belonging to 2010 batch IAS officers has been made from Himachal Pradesh cadre. BijendraNathTripatheein race for CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd BijendraNathTripathee, General Manager, SAIL, is in the race for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Pawan Hans Limited. Shivkumar Premlal Deshmukh in race for CMD, WCL Shivkumar Premlal Deshmukh, Chief Engineer Chief Engineer Manipur Project, Railways, is in the race for the post ofChairman& Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). Rakesh Kumar Rousan in race for CMD, WCL Rakesh Kumar Rousan, Executive Director Business Development, Railway Board, Railways, is in the race for the post ofChairman& Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). PFRDA Innovation Challenge for Students Call for students/startups to innovate on NPS onboarding, pension awareness, forecastingvia AI. In collaboration with IIT Kanpur. Interviews for CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd on Feb 16 The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Pawan Hans Limited on February 16, 2026. Unfilled Reserved Faculty Posts at IIM Indore AIOBSCA raisedalarms over unfilled reserved posts for SC/ST/EWS/PWD at IIM Indore, calling numbers alarming and urging action. This reflects broader trends in equity in higher education. (DISCLAIMER: Correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author. By arrangement with whispersinthecorridors.com)
RERA only benefits defaulting builders, best to abolish it: SC
The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the functioning of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in several states and said it was time for states to revisit how the body is constituted. The remarks came during a hearing on a Himachal Pradesh government plea challenging a High Court order that stayed the shifting of the state RERA office from Shimla to Dharamshala.
RERA should be abolished if it helps only builders, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, RERA. Judges suggested abolishing the institution, stating it only helps defaulting builders. The court allowed Himachal Pradesh to shift its RERA office to Dharamshala. This decision is subject to a pending High Court case. The court noted people are disappointed with RERA's performance.
Leafy chemistry: What happens when a leaf changes colour in autumn?
If youve visited Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh during the fall, you must have seen this vibrant fall foliage. Leaves of orange, yellow, red, gold, and every other colour near it. Its not just a beautiful sight, it is a part of the life cycle of a tree. Lets explore.
3 townships coming up in Himachal Pradesh, says minister
The awardees were Sarhad (Maharashtra), CORD (Himachal Pradesh), Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation (Karnataka), Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak (Mizoram), and NIRMAN (Odisha). Awardees selected from across India for excellence in Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation announced the awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions for their selfless service in the fields of Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service. L-R: NIRMAN Odisha; Sangkhumi Bualchhuak Mizoram; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation - Karnataka; CORD - Himachal Pradesh; Sarhad - Maharashtra The awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards are: Sarhad, Maharashtra - Non-Violence & Vegetarianism; CORD, Himachal Pradesh - Education; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Karnataka - Medicine; Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak, Mizoram - Community & Social Service; and NIRMAN, Odisha - Community & Social Service. Sarhad works to promote peace and non-violence in conflict-prone regions through cultural dialogue and youth engagement. CORD empowers marginalised communities, especially women and persons with disabilities, through education and rural development initiatives. Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation provides accessible cancer care through its hospitals and outreach programmes in Karnataka and Odisha. Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak of Mizoram has dedicated decades to advancing women’s rights and community welfare. NIRMAN works with tribal communities in Odisha to strengthen livelihoods, women-led institutions, and food security. Instituted to honour exemplary humanitarian efforts, the Mahaveer Awards are presented annually to individuals and organisations that have made sustained contributions towards the welfare of the underprivileged and the weaker sections of society. Each Mahaveer Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, along with a commendatory citation and a memento. With the selection of the 2026 awardees, the total number of Mahaveer Award recipients has now reached 101, covering 26 States and 2 Union Territories. So far, 96 awardees have been honoured prior to this edition. Over the years, the Mahaveer Awards have been presented by eminent personalities including the President of India, Vice President of India, Governors, Chief Ministers, and Union Ministers at formal functions. For the 29th Mahaveer Awards, 267 nominations received from across the country were carefully evaluated by an eminent Selection Jury, headed by Justice Shri M. N. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India. The members of the Selection Jury include Acharya Shri Chandanaji Maharaj, Eminent Sanyasini; Dr. Justice Shri D. Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India; Shri S.Gurumurthy-Part time Director RBI and Editor Thuglak, Prof B.M. Hegde Chairman Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Mangalore Kendra, Shri T. S. Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India; Shri D. R. Mehta, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Chairman, SEBI; Shri Prabhat Kumar, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India; and Justice Shri G. S. Singhvi, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. In his comments, Shri Sugalchand Jain , Founder, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, said, “ We believe that individuals and organisations dedicated to non-violence & vegetarianism, education, medicine, and community & social service play a vital role in the holistic development of our nation. For nearly three decades, through the Mahaveer Awards, we have been recognising the extraordinary contributions of such changemakers who work tirelessly for the welfare of society. We are honoured to recognise the awardees of the 29th edition whose inspiring efforts continue to uplift the underprivileged and promote compassion and social harmony. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them and express our gratitude to the esteemed jury members for their thoughtful and meticulous selection process .” The Foundation has also invited nominations for the 30th Mahaveer Awards from individuals and institutions engaged in selfless service in the four award categories. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website: www.bmfawards.org .
Chocolate Day shock: Family claims live worm found inside chocolate made by a well-known company
A family in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, reported a disturbing discovery on Chocolate Day. They found a live worm and eggs inside a chocolate bar purchased for their child. The chocolate's expiry date was still valid. The family plans legal action. Food safety officials will investigate the claim and take strict action if the allegations are true.
SC sets aside HC order staying decision to shift HP OBC Commission from Shimla
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday, February 9, set aside an interim order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court staying the decision of the state government to shift the OBC commission from Shimla to Dharamshala. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria said such issues pertain 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 .
Supreme Court lifts High Court stay on relocation of HP backward classes commission
The Supreme Court has set aside an interim order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court that had put the state governments decision on hold to shift the Himachal Pradesh Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna observed that the relocation of a statutory bodys [] The post Supreme Court lifts High Court stay on relocation of HP backward classes commission appeared first on India Legal .
Himachal Pradesh Among Worlds Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions
Powered by more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world, the Awards celebrate the partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service across every corner of the globe.
Supreme Court to examine HP decision to withdraw cases against 65 netas
Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging a High Court ruling. The ruling prevented the withdrawal of 65 cases against politicians. These cases involve non-serious offenses. The government believes withdrawing these cases serves public interest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter further.
Mobile phone ban in Himachal Pradesh schools from March 1
Himachal Bans Mobile Phones In Schools From March 1
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced a complete ban on the use of mobile phones by students in all government and private schools across Himachal Pradesh, effective from March 1, 2026.
Himachal CM bans mobile phones in all schools from March 1
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday, February 5, announced a complete ban on the use of mobile phones by students in all government and private schools across Himachal Pradesh, effective from March 1, 2026. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament held 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 .
Himachal Pradesh to ban mobile phones in schools from March
Himachal Pradesh schools will ban mobile phones for students from March 1, 2026. This move aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve academic focus. Students caught with phones will face fines and confiscation. Parents will attend counselling. The state is also promoting sports and sports tourism, with employment opportunities for women athletes and cash awards for winning teams.
Kashmiri vendor harassed in Himachal Pradesh, accused of carrying AK-47
Kangra: A Kashmiri shawl seller was allegedly harassed in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra and accused of carrying an AK-47 rifle instead of shawls on Sunday, February 1. Surjeet Rajput Guleria livestreamed the entire incident on Facebook and is known to post similar videos in which he claims to check the identities of hawkers and tells those 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 .
Himachal Pradesh CM announces ban on mobile phones in all schools from March 1
CM Sukhu gave details on strict enforcement measures, stating that any student found in possession of a phone would face a fine of 500 and the confiscation of the device
J&K Economy Likely To Grow At 5.82 Pc In 2025-26: Economic Survey
Jammu, Feb 5: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmirs real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated to grow at 5.82 per cent, according to the Economic Survey Report 2025-26. The report said that Jammu and Kashmir achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.47 per cent in real GSDP during 2019-20 to 2024-25, indicating economic resilience and post-pandemic recovery. The growth rate is higher than Delhi and Himachal Pradesh and marginally higher than Haryana during the same [] The post J&K Economy Likely To Grow At 5.82 Pc In 2025-26: Economic Survey appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
As reported by The Hindu, the final questionnaire for caste enumeration is likely to be known only in September, when the second phase of Census 2027 will be carried out in Ladakh and the snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, ahead of the rest of the country
Heavy rain, snowfall hit Himachal as western disturbance turns active: IMD
An active western disturbance brought light to moderate rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours, with Mandi and Kangra receiving the highest rainfall of around 20 mm, the IMD said on Monday. The highest snowfall of 15 cm was recorded in Kothi (Kullu), while several other high-altitude areas also witnessed fresh snow
Himachal Pradesh govt. sets goal of 31% forest cover by 2030
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directs the Forest department to prepare a comprehensive roadmap through sustainable planning to increase the States forest cover, which is currently 29.5%
Indian Air Force Airlifts Paralysed Woman, 85, From Snow-Hit Village In Himachal Pradesh
IAF shared a video, showcasing how the woman was carried on a stretcher to the helicopter.
Delhi witness colder start to February, maximum temperature at 24.6 degrees Celsius
Meanwhile, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh see fresh snowfall, rains; night temperatures rise across North
Himachal CM Sukhu terms Union Budget inequitable, raises concerns over Finance Commission report
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the Budget overlooked the concerns and priorities of Himachal Pradesh, even as he raised serious concerns regarding the recently tabled 16thFinance Commission
Parts Of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh Receive Fresh Snowfall, Rains
Parts of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh received fresh snowfall and rains on Sunday, even as night temperatures rose across the northern states.
Anand Mahindra Sunday Wanderer: Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently shared details about the stunning Key Monastery in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti and called it 'Heaven on Earth'. Key Monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. The 14th Dalai Lama dedicated a new, much larger assembly hall in Key Gompa in the year 2000. Hundreds of lamas receive their religious training in the monastery.
Union Budget 2026-27: Centre Announces Sustainable Mountain Trails For J&K, Other States
New Delhi, Feb 1: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced the development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Union Budget 2026-27. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said that Jammu and Kashmir will be development for ecologically sustainable mountain trails. Similar initiatives will also be taken up in the Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats to promote eco-friendly tourism while preserving fragile ecosystems. [] The post Union Budget 2026-27: Centre Announces Sustainable Mountain Trails For J&K, Other States appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Weather Today: Fresh rain and snowfall are predicted for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir from February 1. Temperatures will drop significantly over the next few days. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also possible. Residents and tourists should stay updated and take necessary precautions. Farmers should protect crops and livestock. Road users must be cautious of fog and ice.
Night Temperatures Below Freezing Point Across Kashmir, Yellow Weather Alert Issued For Himachal
New Delhi, Jan 31: Night temperatures settled below the freezing point across Kashmir on Friday, but rose in most areas, while a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for Himachal Pradesh. Saturday marked the beginning of Chillai Khurd in Kashmir and the end of the harshest winter period. The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or snow, especially in the higher reaches, they said. The minimum temperature in Srinagar city settled at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius [] The post Night Temperatures Below Freezing Point Across Kashmir, Yellow Weather Alert Issued For Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Another Dry Winter:IMD Sounds Alarm For Farmers As February Rains To Stay Below Normal
Less rain and higher temperatures could lead to early crop maturity, premature flowering, and yield losses for farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh
BRO Restores 112-km KishtwarSansari Road Linking J&K With Himachal
Jammu, Jan 31: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Saturday restored road connectivity along the 112-kilometre KishtwarSansari stretch, reconnecting Jammu and Kashmirs DodaKishtwar belt with Himachal Pradesh after intensive snow-clearance operations under extreme weather conditions. The KishtwarSansari road, a vital inter-state link connecting the Union Territory with Himachal Pradeshs LahaulSpiti region, had remained blocked due [] The post BRO Restores 112-km KishtwarSansari Road Linking J&K With Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
BRO Restores Vital 112-Km Kishtwar-Sansari Road Connecting J&K, Himachal
Jammu, Jan 31: The Border Roads Organisation on Saturday restored road connectivity along the 112-kilometre stretch reconnecting Jammu and Kashmirs Doda-Kishtwar belt with Himachal Pradesh after intensive snow clearance operations carried out under extreme weather conditions last week. The Kishtwar-Sansari road, where the work was completed, links the Union territory with the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. Battling heavy snowfall, the organisation is also carrying out rapid snow-clearance operations on the Mughal Road connecting the twin regions of Kashmir and [] The post BRO Restores Vital 112-Km Kishtwar-Sansari Road Connecting J&K, Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
From Momos To Black Rice Kheer: Full Northeast Menu At Rashtrapati Bhavan's Republic Day Reception
Dishes drew inspiration from Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the eight Northeastern states - collectively called the Ashtalakshmi region - and were presented in a contemporary fine-dining style.
Pundhirs 165 powers J&K to strong position
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 30: Talented Shubham Singh Pundhir delivered a sensational innings of 165 runs off 311 balls, guiding Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to a dominant position over Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy encounter at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Himachal Pradesh. Pundhirs knock, studded with 19 fours and a six, was the cornerstone of J&Ks strong batting performance. The innings was ably supported by Abdul Samad (61 off 82 balls, 34, 16), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (56 off 51 [] The post Pundhirs 165 powers J&K to strong position appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
North India Braces For Rain, Snow This Weekend Amid Western Disturbance
During this period, gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are also expected to sweep through Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.
12th convocation ceremony of SGT University concludes
Excelsior Correspondent GURUGRAM, Jan 29: Marking a landmark moment in the academic journeys of its graduating students, the 12th Convocation Ceremony of SGT University was concluded here today. The first day of the convocation saw the conferral of degrees across multiple disciplines, honouring years of dedication, perseverance, and scholastic excellence. The ceremony was graced by eminent academicians as chief guests, including Prof (Dr) Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, and Prof (Dr) Alok Kumar Rai, Director, [] The post 12th convocation ceremony of SGT University concludes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sunils five wickets put J&K ahead
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Sunil Kumar produced a sensational performance as Jammu & Kashmir dominated Himachal Pradesh on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy clash at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Amtar. Kumars lethal five-wicket haul (5/55 in 18.1 overs) dismantled the Himachal batting line-up, restricting them to a modest 168 all out after being asked to bat first on a pace-friendly track. Supporting him, medium-pacer Aquib Nabi (2/31) and off-spinner Sahil Lotra (2/44) picked up crucial wickets, while [] The post Sunils five wickets put J&K ahead appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cant advise people to seek employment outside J&K: Omar
First time since 1990 J&K witnessing central package, incentives for industry Jammu Tawi, Jan 29:Citing recent incidents in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as a cautionary warning, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he cannot advise the J&K people to seek employment outside the Union Territory. Talking to reporters here, CM Omar said, Unemployment is [] The post Cant advise people to seek employment outside J&K: Omar appeared first on Northlines .
655 roads closed in Himachal due to heavy snowfall; state to receive another spell from Jan 31
Shimla, Jan 29: As many as 655 roads, including three national highways still remain blocked for traffic in Himachal Pradesh as a result of the recent spell of heavy snowfall, affecting road connectivity at hundreds of places in the state. As per the State Emergency Operation Centre, 287 roads including NH 03 (Leh-Manali) and NH 505 (Kaza-Gramphu) remain blocked in Lahaul and Spiti, 135 in Shimla, 81 including NH 305 (Aut-Luhri-Sainj) in Kullu, 77 in Mandi, 40 in Chamba, 27 [] The post 655 roads closed in Himachal due to heavy snowfall; state to receive another spell from Jan 31 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Attacks On Kashmiris Outside J&K Unacceptable, Must Stop: CM Omar Abdullah
JAMMU, Jan 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday strongly condemned the recent attacks on people from Jammu and Kashmir in different parts of the country, saying such incidents are unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate end. In a post on X, Chief Minister said that the recent series of attacks, including those reported from Himachal Pradesh and the latest incident elsewhere, cannot be tolerated. He asserted that it is contradictory to claim that Jammu and Kashmir is [] The post Attacks On Kashmiris Outside J&K Unacceptable, Must Stop: CM Omar Abdullah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Weather today: Delhi and several north Indian states are likely to experience more rain and hailstorms in the coming days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned due to a fresh western disturbance. Dense fog is likely in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. On the other hand, thunderstorms with hailstorm in West Bengal and Sikkim is likely today.
Caste enumeration to be done in 2nd phase of Census 2027: Home Ministry
NEW DELHI, Jan 27 : The caste enumeration under Census 2027 will be carried out during the second phase of the population count that will begin in February 2027 across the country, except in snowbound regions non-synchronous areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where it will take place in September, 2026, the home ministry clarified on Tuesday. Referring to a government statement issued earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the complete information about Census 2027 has [] The post Caste enumeration to be done in 2nd phase of Census 2027: Home Ministry appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Weather Today: A potent Western Disturbance has brought heavy snowfall and rain to Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, disrupting normal life. Flights were grounded, key highways like the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed, and thousands stranded. Avalanche warnings were issued for several districts in J&K, while Himachal Pradesh saw over 700 roads blocked, impacting power and water supplies.
School assembly news headlines January 28: Top national, international, sports, and business updates
Maharashtra's ITIs will implement PM SETU for skill development, while Himachal Pradesh braces for heavy snowfall. A Supreme Court plea challenges UGC's caste discrimination definition. Internationally, India and the EU finalized a landmark free trade deal, boosting Renault's investment. Sports news sees Bangladesh out of the T20 WC, impacting media accreditation, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar receives the Padma Shri.
Pet Pitbull Guards Owner's Body for Four Days Amid Blizzard in Himachal Pradesh
The shivering dog was also airlifted along with the bodies to the boys home
Himachal Pradesh to witness heavy snowfall, rain: Met office
Himachal Pradesh's higher reaches are bracing for heavy snowfall and rain, with an orange warning issued for Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti districts. Light snowfall has already been recorded in several areas, with Gondla village in Lahaul and Spiti receiving the highest accumulation of 22 cm. Tabo village recorded the state's lowest temperature at minus 8.9 degrees Celsius.
Heavy Snowfall, Rain Likely In Parts Of Himachal Pradesh Today; Kullu, Spiti Under Orange Alert
An orange alert has been issued for several districts in Himachal Pradesh as heavy snowfall and rain are expected in the higher reaches over the next few hours.
Loyal Pitbull Guards Dead Owner's Body For 4 Days In Harsh Himachal Cold
In a moving display of loyalty in Himachal Pradesh, a pet dog stood guard over its dead owner's body for four days amidst freezing, snow-covered conditions.
Over 1,200 Roads Closed In Himachal Pradesh Due To Snowfall
Heavy snowfall and rain across Himachal Pradesh have led to the closure of more than 1,250 roads, severely disrupting normal life across the hill state.
Himachal Pradesh weather: At a time when tourists are stranded in Manali and Shimla, the IMD has warned of more snowfall in the state for the next few days. Shimla may see a cold day today and a yellow alert has been issued. Manali may also see snowfall today and mercury may plunge to -1 degrees Celsius tomorrow. An orange alert has been issued for Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Lahaul and Spiti districts.
Yellow And Orange Alerts Issued In Himachal Pradesh, IMD Predicts More Snowfall And Thunderstorms
All 12 districts are under a yellow alert on January 26, while Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, and LahaulSpiti face an orange alert on January 27.
835 Roads Shut In Himachal, Orange Alert Issued For More Snow On Monday
As many as 835 roads, including three national highways, remained closed for traffic movement in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, as a result of heavy snowfall.
Himachals finances improved through increased revenue generation, expenditure cuts: Sukhu
The Chief Minister blames the BJP-led Central government for showing indifference towards Himachal Pradesh and its people
IMD issues orange alert for heavy rain, snowfall in Himachal Pradesh from January 26
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, isolated spells of heavy rainfall and snowfall are very likely on January 27, particularly in the high-altitude districts of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
5 places in India experiencing intense snowfall and what travellers should know
Its the first snowfall of the year 2026 and travellers across India are happy with this winter spell after a long time. Given a powerful Western Disturbance, the Himalayan regions are experiencing heavy and intense snowfall to northern India. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), snow will continue in higher elevations in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Heavy snowfall shuts 565 roads, disrupts power supply across Himachal Pradesh
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti is the worst affected, with 292 roads blocked. This includes NH-03 (Leh-Manali) and NH-505 (Kaza-Gramphu)
Himachal Board introduces identical question papers, MCQs as Class 10 and 12 exams begin March 3
The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has announced major reforms for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 examinations, scheduled to begin from March 3. The Board has introduced identical question papers across all series, with 20 per cent marks allotted to MCQs under the National Education Policy. Practical exams will be held in February, results are targeted by April 30, and CCTV-based monitoring will be enforced to prevent malpractice.
Heavy snowfall chokes Manali roads, tourists stranded as authorities issue warning
Heavy snowfall in Manali has caused massive traffic congestion, stranding tourists and prompting authorities to advise against unnecessary travel. Himachal Pradesh experienced widespread rain and snow, significantly lowering temperatures and disrupting normal life. Over 600 roads remain blocked across the state due to the extreme weather.
Congress needs its own Board of Peace: BJP
The BJP cited reports of internal rift within the Congress in Jharkhand after being plagued by factionalism in States like Karnataka, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh faced severe disruption on Friday due to heavy snowfall and rain. Numerous roads were blocked, impacting travel and isolating areas. Power supply was also badly affected across several districts. Authorities restricted travel and urged caution. Restoration efforts will commence once weather conditions improve.
Weather live updates on 24 January 2026: Many parts of the country are experiencing chilly winter conditions, with snowfall reported in several areas. In Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall forced the closure of 535 roads, including four National Highways, while large-scale snow-clearance operations continued, the Public Works Department (PWD) said. Heavy snowfall on Friday night left vehicles and people stranded at several locations in the high-altitude areas of Nainital, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal districts. Based on information received from the DCR Nainital and the District Disaster Management Department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams acted swiftly and rescued stranded vehicles and passengers in the Ramgarh-Mukteshwar and Dhanachuli Band areas.
Traffic Snarls, Cars Skid On Ice: Tourist Rush Chokes Snowy Hills From Manali To Mussoorie | Videos
Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand stranded tourists in Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital, causing traffic jams.
Heading Out For A Trip Today? Visit These Places To Enjoy Fresh Snowfall
Several states, including Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, are experiencing heavy snowfall, raising hopes of a revival in tourist activity.
IMD Forecasts More Snow In Himachal Pradesh
Commuters stranded as road turn slippery; Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist, IMD Himachal Pradesh, said the Western Disturbance had already become active across the state since late last night, resulting in rain and snowfall in several regions
Himachal Pradesh has received its first widespread and heavy snowfall, transforming high-altitude regions and bringing rain to lower areas. This winter spell has caused temperatures to plummet, impacting daily life and traffic, particularly in Shimla. Farmers, however, are cautiously optimistic about the much-needed chilling for fruit crops.
Heavy Snowfall Blankets Kashmir And Himachal As North India Faces Weather Shift | Watch
Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh received heavy snowfall, disrupting Srinagar Airport flights and closing NH-44. IMD warns of more snow as tourists flock to hilly areas.
Himachal Pradesh snowfall: Heavy rain and snowfall has been predicted for Himachal Pradesh today by the IMD. Manali may freeze at 0 degrees today with the weather office predicting rainfall and snowfall for the day. An orange alert has been sounded for Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti with forecast of heavy snowfall along with rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Shimla might see heavy rain along with hail, cold day, thunderstorms and lightning today.
Dry Spell Ends After Three Months As Snowfall, Rain Lash Himachal Pradesh
Fresh snowfall and rain ended a three-month dry spell in Himachal, bringing relief to Shimla, Manali, Narkanda, and joy to farmers, apple growers, and tourists across the state.
North India Likely To Witness Rain As IMD Issues Orange Alert For Friday
IMD issues orange alert for rain, hailstorm and thunderstorms in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and more, with fog predicted in Punjab and Haryana.
Tragic Road Accident Claims 10 Indian Army Lives in J&Ks Doda
The accident occurred at Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, a challenging mountainous route often used for accessing high-altitude military posts between J&K and Himachal Pradesh
Efforts are on to identify and arrest the sender at the earliest, a police spokesperson said, adding that additional security and vigilance have been implemented in the lead-up to the Republic Day celebrations.
