Student from Himachal Pradesh held in Ramanathapuram for submitting fake NEET certificate

Abhishek, student from Himachal Pradesh, arrested for submitting fake NEET certificate to AIIMS during MBBS admission; investigation ongoing for network behind issuance

Rise in human-wildlife conflicts in HP as black bear, leopard populations thrive: Wildlife census

CHANDIGARH: Human-wildlife conflicts are increasing in Himachal Pradesh, with Asiatic black bears and leopards being major contributors, according to the recent wildlife census titled Population Estimation and Assessment of Human-Wildlife Conflict released by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The report highlights that these animals, whose primary prey consists of sheep, goats, cattle, and occasionally dogs, are increasingly coming into conflict with humans, particularly in the districts of Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and parts of Sirmaur. The census identified approximately 529 black bears and 510 leopards across the state, with 307 bears and 333 leopards being individually recorded. The study reveals that leopards are responsible for conflicts in 30.85% of the affected areas, while black bears account for 18.65%. Among the attacks, 83.79% target sheep and goats, followed by cattle at 13.20%, and horses at 4.75%. Leopards also occasionally prey on dogs, with 3.40% of such incidents reported, though there are no records of dog predation by black bears. The report states, The human settlements constructed in isolated areas near forests are a key factor behind attacks, highlighting that the growth of human population around protected areas, encroachment, and increasing reliance on forests are significant contributors to these conflicts. Seasonal variations also influence conflict patterns. Leopards predominantly attack livestock during spring (highest in Bilaspur at 32.6%), with fewer incidents in autumn (14.2%). Bear attacks are most frequent in summer in Chamba (31.55%), followed closely by autumn (31.18%). According to the census, Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu report the highest number of bear attacks, while leopard attacks are most common in Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Una, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kangra. In terms of bear populations, Kinnaur has the highest number with 90 bears, followed by Kullu (76), Shimla (71), Chamba (32), Kangra and Mandi (15 each), and five bears in both Sirmaur and Solan. Only one bear each was recorded in Lahaul and Spiti. For leopards, Shimla leads with 58, followed by Solan (56), Mandi (50), Sirmaur (48), and Kinnaur (44). Lower numbers were recorded in Bilaspur and Kangra (13 each), Chamba (5), and Hamirpur (4). The ZSI report further suggests that educating local communities on wildlife conservation is crucial, especially in conflict-prone districts such as Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur, where 1,298 residents surveyed cited leopards as the primary threat to their livestock.

Proposal in works to install special towers in high mountains to spot crash sites: ABVIMAS director

A plan is in place to install special towers in high mountains to locate paragliding crash sites. This follows the rescue of three foreign paragliders in Kullu district. The towers aim to improve safety for adventure sports enthusiasts. The proposal comes ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024 in Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh.

Deepotsav 2024: A Grand Celebration with Over 1,200 Artists in Ayodhya on October 28-30

The Yogi government is gearing up for a grandDeepotsav this year, marking the first celebration after the consecration of Lord Shri Ram's idol which was held on January 22, 2024. This will be the eighth consecutive Deepotsav since 2017, uniting the spirit of India in Ayodhya with captivating Ramlila performances and a vibrant display of art and culture from both national and state talents. From October 28 to 30, a grand procession featuring 250 artists will showcase Uttar Pradeshs rich heritage through folk dances. In total, around 240 artists from various states will join the festivities in Ayodhya, alongside 800 additional performers who will engage audiences with folk dances and songs at multiple venues. Over the three-day event, more than 1,200 artists from India and abroad will immerse attendees in a spirit of devotion. International troupes from Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Nepal will perform Ramlila, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of this historic Deepotsav. The vibrant procession will include traditional dance performances such as Faruaahi, Bahurupiya, Awadhi folk, Bamrasiya, Tharu, Deewari, Dhobiya, Rai, Dhedhiya, Mayur, and other tribal folk dances, highlighting Indias diverse folk culture. Artists representing 15 statesincluding Sikkim, Assam, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Rajasthanwill showcase their unique traditions and folk dances, including Kashmirs Rauf, Uttarakhands Chhapeli, Haryanas Ghoomar, Madhya Pradeshs Baredi, Punjabs Bhangra/Gatka, Maharashtras Dholtasha, Gujarats Dandiya-Garba, Himachal Pradeshs Shirmour Nati, and Chhattisgarhs Gandi dance. Under the guidance of the Yogi government, Ayodhya will host spiritual and cultural programs at various locations during the three-day celebration. Approximately 800 artists will perform folk dances and songs at venues such as Guptar Ghat, Badi Devkali, Ram Ghat, Birla Dharamshala, Bharatkund, Tulsi Udyan, Bhajan Sandhya Sthal, Naka, Hanumangarhi, Bus Adda Bypass, and Naya Ghat in Shri Ayodhya Dham. Highlights include Preeti Singh from Agra performing at Ram Katha Park, Maitrey Pahadi presenting a dance drama based on the Hanuman Chalisa, and Ranjana Nev from Saharanpur staging a dance performance inspired by the Ramayana. Ayodhya Set to Light Over 2.5 Million Lamps for Grand Deepotsav Celebration Air India Express Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Ayodhya Scaring Bomb Threat

Ranji Trophy: Depleted but confident Tamil Nadu take on Chhattisgarh

CHENNAI: A depleted Tamil Nadu takes on Chhattisgarh in the third-round match of the Ranji Trophy scheduled to begin at Sri Ramakrishna College grounds, Coimbatore on Saturday. The hosts will continue to be without the services of their captain Sai Kishore who is part of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Star all-rounder Washington Sundar is now part of the India team that is playing a Test series against New Zealand. Ace batters Sai Sudharsan and B Indrajith will also be unavailable as the duo is part of the India A team on its tour of Australia. In their absence, the likes of Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Shahrukh Khan and Vijay Shankar have to step up and help the hosts post a challenging total. We are aware of the challenges ahead of us. A couple of players are not there as they are on national duty. Still, we have a good lineup and will go about the task in a professional way, Pradosh Ranjan Paul told TNIE . A couple of young players from the State Under-23 team have joined as replacements. We have still not decided the playing XI and we will take a call before the game, added Pradosh. Tamil Nadu began the season on a winning note defeating Saurashtra by an innings at Coimbatore a fortnight ago and the N Jagadeesan-led side came close to beating Delhi in their previous round. The team boasts of a good record at Coimbatore and this should augur well. For the hosts to fire, the middle order must perform putting in-form Pradosh under the spotlight. There is no undue pressure on me. I will just go about the job as I have been doing in the past. The mantra is to assess the conditions quickly and to play to the merit of the ball. My thought process is always to play as per the team requirement and it will continue, said a confident Pradosh. In the absence of Sai Kishore and Washington, Ajith Ram, Pradosh and Shahrukh must take care of the spin duties with Gurjapneet Singh handling the new ball. We are aware of the job ahead in the absence of Washy and Sai Kishore. We have prepared well and are confident that we will deliver. We have been bowling well as a unit under the guidance of our coach L Balaji and will continue to do so, said Ajith Ram. The Amandeep Khare-led Chhattisgarh are a good batting unit and should pose some questions to the TN bowling attack. In the previous game against Saurashtra, Khare cracked a double-century, while Sanjeet Desai managed to slam a ton. So it could be a contest between TN bowlers vs the visiting batters. As I said earlier we are aware of the visitors' strength. We have an able captain and the resources to counter them, signed off Ajith Ram. Select matches: Group A: In Vadodara: Baroda vs Odisha; Group B: In Visakhapatnam: Andhra vs Himachal Pradesh; In Hyderabad: Hyderabad vs Puducherry; Group C: In Patna: Bihar vs Karnataka; In Kolkata: Bengal vs Kerala; Group D: In Delhi: Delhi vs Assam; In Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu vs Chhattisgarh.

BankersKlubexpands to markets across Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, HP & JK

New Delhi: BankersKlub, an innovative fintech start-up redefining financial advisory with seasoned bankers, announces today the expansion of its market presence across northern Indian states and UT, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. This expansion will be spearheaded by its first Co-Partner, Rajeev Puri, a seasoned banking expert and a former Executive [] The post BankersKlubexpands to markets across Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, HP & JK appeared first on Northlines .

Himachal Pradesh Restores Full Salaries for Doctors Pursuing Post Graduate Courses to Support Medical Education

The Himachal Pradesh government has announced that doctors pursuing Post Graduate (PG) courses will be considered on duty and receive full salaries, reversing a previous cabinet decision that had reduced their pay to 40%. This change, prompted by concerns raised by medical officers, aims to support doctors' educational pursuits while enhancing the state's healthcare system and patient care quality.

After all, what is the condition of holidays this Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated with great pomp every year across the country. This festival symbolizes moving from darkness to light, and people eagerly wait for it. This year there was some confusion about the date of Diwali, whether it will be celebrated on October 31 or November 1. Let us know how many days of holiday have been declared on Diwali in different states. Uttar Pradesh: Three-day holiday: Diwali holidays in Uttar Pradesh will start from October 31. Along with this, there will be a holiday for Govardhan Puja on November 2 and Bhai Dooj on November 3. That is, this time there will be a three-day holiday in UP, in which people will be able to enjoy this festival with their family. Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan will also have two to three days of holidays. Madhya Pradesh will have Diwali holidays on November 1 and 2. Bihar will also have holidays on November 1 and 2. A three-day holiday has been declared in Rajasthan from October 31 to November 2. Here, people decorate their houses traditionally with diyas and rangoli. Gujarat: Three-day holiday: Along with Diwali, New Year is also celebrated in Gujarat. There will be a three-day holiday from 31st October to 2nd November. During this time people will be busy cleaning the house and doing puja, which will increase the joy of the festival. Maharashtra: Two-day holiday: The Diwali holiday will be observed on November 1 and 2 in Maharashtra. Government offices as well as schools may get 7 to 10 days of Diwali holiday so that children can enjoy the festival with their families. Tamil Nadu: Two-day holiday: Diwali holidays have been declared in Tamil Nadu on October 31 and November 1. Fireworks and sweets have special significance here, and people prepare for this festival with great pomp. Holidays in Karnataka, Kerala, and other states: Karnataka will have Diwali holidays on November 1 and 2, while Kerala will get a holiday only on November 1. Smaller states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Odisha will get 1 or 2 day holidays, which are decided according to the local traditions there. Amit Shah Turns 60: PM Modi Hails Him as an 'Exceptional Administrator' Amit Shah Hails 8-Years of UDAN Scheme, Emphasizes Affordable Air Travel and Regional Connectivity PM Modi Honors Police Bravery on Commemoration Day

Govt to pay full salary to doctors pursuing PG courses: Himachal CM Sukhu

Doctors in Himachal Pradesh pursuing Post Graduate courses will now be considered on duty and receive their full salary, enhancing their professional growth and healthcare quality. The decision by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reverses a previous policy that reduced salaries to 40%, addressing major concerns of medical professionals.

Sara Ali Khan Begins Shooting For Next Untitled Film With Ayushmann Khurrana, Shares BTS Pic

The lead actors have been shooting in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The film title is yet to be announced

Tenders for Shimla Ropeway Project to be floated after Diwali

CHANDIGARH: The construction of the world's second-largest ropeway project and the countrys first urban ropeway project, the 13.79-km Shimla Ropeway Project aimed for decongesting the State capital Shimla is set to begin as the tender for the project will be floated after Diwali and the work on it is likely to start in March next year. It will have 660 trolleys, 13 stations, and three lines, enabling 6,000 people to commute in an hour. The New Development Bank (NDB), funding the project has granted approval of advance procurement that allows for crucial preparatory activities to commence for the floating of the tender. The world's longest ropeway is a 32-km-long project in Bolivia, South America. There are approximately 25,000 ropeways worldwide, while India currently has only 20 ropeways. A senior officer condition of anonymity said, The New Development Bank (NDB) approved advance procurement which allows for crucial preparatory activities to commence for the floating of the tender, ensuring that this ambitious project can enhance urban mobility in Shimla. Earlier the fact-finding mission of the NDB inspected from June 2 to June 10 and provided its consent on July 12. In 2021, the Preliminary Project Report (PPR) was submitted for bi-lateral funding, despite facing initial setbacks in attracting private investors, the project gained momentum following a series of strategic decisions and approvals. The New Development Bank is funding the project. Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs 1,734.70 crore was submitted in August last year and the approval of the projects concept note the NDB conducted a fact-finding mission and an appraisal mission to assess its viability, he added. There will be thirteen boarding and de-boarding stations along the route -- Taradevi, Judicial Complex, Chakkar, Tutikandi, New ISBT, Railway Station, Old ISBT, Lift, Chhota Shimla, Navbahar, Sanjauli, IGMC, Lakkar Bazaar and 103 Tunnel and one turning station at victory tunnel. Besides it will have three lines: Monal, Deodar Cedar and Apple lines. This extensive network is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and provide a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for both residents and visitors. The project is expected to provide direct employment to 250 people and indirect employment to over 20,000 people, said sources. Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said,Our funding agency, New Development Bank, has allowed us to float the tender for the project in advance. We hired the foreign consultant for the project, prepared the detailed project report (DPR) and gave Rs 20 crore for the environment clearance for it. The ropeways are the future of the state if we want to compete with other countries in tourism, he said. He also said,The Baglamukhi ropeway will be inaugurated on November 5 and all formalities for the construction of the Bijli Mahadev ropeway have been completed. Besides we are also mulling constructing the Parwanoo-Shimla ropeway.

Sara seeks blessings at Hidimba temple as she starts shooting in Manali

Mumbai: Actress Sara Ali Khan, who is currently shooting for her next film with director Amar Kaushik and Ayushmann Khurrana, visited the Hidimba Devi temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Sara took to Instagram stories, where she shared a string of pictures. The first featured her posing with the director and the actor as they sat 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 .

Telangana CM Revanth to Give DAs to Employees as Diwali Gift

Hyderabad : Nearly six lakh state government employees and pensioners are set to receive one or two dearness allowances (DA) instalments as a Diwali gift. This was promised by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during a meeting with leaders of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of employees and pensioners unions on Thursday. The official announcement is likely to be made on Friday. During the meeting, the JAC leaders presented 51 demands to the Chief Minister, seeking immediate attention to six critical issues, including the payment of DA arrears. Among these pending DAs, three were carried over from the BRS government, while two have accumulated since the Congress took office in December 2023. The total owed DA stands at 17 per cent, with each one per cent adding a financial burden of Rs.250 crore per month on the state exchequer. In response to the employees concerns, Revanth Reddy expressed the government's intent to resolve these issues, starting with the DA arrears. He also announced the setting up of a Cabinet sub-committee, to be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, to address employees' grievances. Other members of the sub-committee include ministers D. Sridhar Babu and Ponnam Prabhakar, with K. Keshava Rao, government adviser, serving as a special invitee. The sub-committee plans to hold department-wise meetings after Diwali, to systematically address the concerns. Revanth Reddy stressed that this meeting was a significant first step in resolving long-standing employee grievances, reassuring workers that the government is ready to address their issues. The meeting took place against the backdrop of financial stress inherited from the previous BRS regime. The Congress government is grappling with a massive debt of nearly Rs.7 lakh crore, requiring daily payments of Rs.210 crore in interest and principal to various financial institutions. This debt burden has impacted the state's ability to quickly meet employees' demands. Additionally, the JAC stressed the need to release Rs.4,000 crore in pending arrears, largely due to the previous government's failure to reimburse medical bills, GPF and insurance advances, and gratuities. While the total arrears amount to Rs.6,000 crore, the Congress government has so far released Rs.2,000 crore over the past 10 months. Other major demands include implementing the new Pay Revision Commission (PRC) scales, which has been delayed since July 2023, and revising rates under the Employees Health Scheme. The JAC had issued an ultimatum, demanding that the Congress government resolve their key issues by October 21, failing which they threatened to begin an agitation from November 2. With no immediate response from the government by the deadline, the JAC convened on October 22 and announced its decision to launch protests from November 2. This led to an urgent meeting called by CM Revanth on Thursday to address the brewing discontent. Employee union leaders V. Latchi Reddy and G. Sthita Prajna expressed satisfaction after the meeting, stating that the discussions were positive. The Chief Minister acknowledged the state's financial challenges due to the BRS regime's debt. He agreed to clear DA arrears and promised an announcement on Friday, said Latchi Reddy. Sthita Prajna also noted that the Chief Minister responded favourably to their demand for restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which was a key promise in the Congress election manifesto. The JAC had been pressing for the abolition of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in favour of OPS, citing the example of Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, where OPS has already been implemented. The Ctate cabinet is scheduled to meet on Saturday to discuss, among other things, the sub-committee's report on GO 317, which relates to employee transfers that were handled unscientifically by the previous BRS government. The JAC is pushing for the government to revert the transfer policy.

VC CUK inaugurates conference on Indian Ethos in English Writings

Ganderbal, Oct 24: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath Thursday inaugurated the two-day National Conference on Indian Ethos in English Writings (IEEW2024), organised by the Department of English, School of Languages, in a hybrid mode (online and offline). Prof. S.P. Bansal, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) was the Chief []

Kerala: Priyanka declares Rs 11.9 crore worth of personal assets

KALPETTA: AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declared personal assets of Rs 11.9 crore in nomination papers presented to the Wayanad district collector on Wednesday. Her husband Robert Vadra has assets worth Rs 65.5 crore. Priyankas total movable assets, including bank deposits, mutual-fund investments, jewellery and self-owned vehicles, amount to Rs 4,24,78,689. She has Rs 52,000 in hand, as on September 30. She possesses agricultural land worth Rs 2,10,13,598 in Sultanpur village, New Delhi jointly owned with brother Rahul Gandhi. She owns a residential building in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with a built-up area of 11,955 sqft worth Rs 5,63,99,000. She has inherited assets worth Rs 2,10,13,598. Priyankas total immovable assets are valued at Rs 7,74,12,598. She also has liabilities of Rs 15,75,000, the affidavit showed. Priyanka holds a BA honours in psychology from Jesus and Mary College and a postgraduate diploma in Buddhist studies through distance learning from University of Sunderland, UK. She has three criminal cases pending against her. She was charged under sections 420 and 469 of IPC by Indore police in 2023 on a complaint of misleading tweets. The second case was registered in October 2020 at Gautam Buddha Nagar police station in Uttar Pradesh under sections 188, 269 and 270 of IPC for protesting against the Harthas incident of 2020. One more case is registered under section 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act in May 2019 at the forest office Rae Bareli based on a complaint related to two snake catchers. According to the election affidavit, Robert Vadra has total movable assets worth Rs 37,91,47,432 and has Rs 2,18,084 in hand. Priyankas spouse doesnt own agricultural land or residential buildings, but he owns multiple commercial buildings in Gurugram and Noida that are worth Rs 27,64,38,633. Robert has liabilities of Rs 10,03,30,374. His major sources of income include rental income, business income, interest income and income from investments.

How tech brands have celebrated Diwali over the years

The Diwali season has become a pivotal moment for Indias tech and IT markets, showcasing a robust consumer demand and the country's growing digital transformation. According to reports the 2024 festive season is set to propel total e-commerce sales to a staggering US$12 billion, marking a 23% rise from the previous year. This surge is fueled by increased disposable income, affordable data plans, and the deepening penetration of e-commerce platforms into tier II and tier III cities, which now account for 60% of transactions. Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have strategically launched over 25,000 new products, offering discounts of up to 80%, with tech items such as smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices leading the charge. Together, the Diwali season and the IT industrys rapid growth reflect Indias broader technological advancements. However, beyond these sales figures lies a rich tradition of impactful advertising. Over the years, tech brands have embraced Diwali not just as a sales event but as an opportunity to release some of their most memorable ads. These campaigns often focus on storytelling and meaningful messages, with products subtly placed in the background. Let us take a look at how brands have celebrated Diwali over the years. Celebration and celebrities Its no surprise that Diwali is the season when brands pull out all the stops, often teaming up with celebrities to capture the festive spirit. Xiaomi has consistently tapped into this trend, making celebrity collaborations a hallmark of its Diwali campaigns. Last year, the brand featured the versatile Pankaj Tripathi, whose relatable charm since playing Kaleen Bhaiya, resonated with millions of Indians. This year, Xiaomi has roped in Katrina Kaif , known for her grace and widespread appeal. Leveraging the popularity of such figures during Diwali is a strategic move, ensuring the brand remains top of the mind during one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. Oppo enlisted the star power of Deepika Padukone for its Diwali campaign. Her popularity and charisma brought a unique flair to the brand, resonating with audiences during the festive season. In another advertisement by Oppo, Kiara Advani took the spotlight. With 35.4 million followers on Instagram, she has cultivated a significant fanbase, particularly among the younger generation. Her charm and relatability resonate with this demographic, making her an ideal ambassador for the brand. Her ability to connect with her audience amplified the campaign's appeal, further enhancing Oppo's presence in the competitive tech market. Realme unveiled its Diwali campaign, 'Dare to Shine,' featuring Shah Rukh Khan, which celebrated the indomitable human spirit in the face of challenges. Khan's established presence in the Indian film industry and his diverse fanbase contributed to the campaign's effectiveness. OnePlus released a Diwali promotional video featuring singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, who received a OnePlus Nord on Diwali. The video highlighted the flagship-grade features of the affordable Nord. The standout moment came when Kuhad announced a giveaway, revealing that he will be giving away several units of the OnePlus Nord Ash Gray variant to fans in partnership with OnePlus. Diwali and the products Brands use Diwali aiming to showcase their products through culturally resonant narratives that emphasise themes of light, joy, life, and togetherness. By aligning their offerings with the festive spirit, companies create emotional connections with consumers, enhancing product visibility during this high-demand season. Here are some of the campaigns which have successfully done that: OnePlus's Diwali ad released almost two years ago effectively showcased the products alongside key features like ultra-fast charging and voice assistance which were cool back then. The campaign also highlighted various personal traditions. Two years ago, realme, launched its real me Diwali campaign, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and innovation of Indias Gen Z. Titled Dares to Leap, the campaign paid homage to the spirit of youth seeking the deeper significance of realme's values and traditions. It effectively showcased realme's laptops, smartwatches, and smartphones, all while delivering a powerful message of inspiration and honesty, and inviting users to explore the world through their technology. In the campaign titled 'This is how we #KeepTraditionsAlive this Diwali,' Google highlighted the diverse traditions celebrated by different generations. The campaign cleverly showcased how these traditions bring families together, seamlessly integrating Google's features and smartphones throughout. By emphasising the connections between generations, Google not only celebrated the spirit of Diwali but also demonstrated how its technology enhances these cherished moments. Diwali and the divine art of storytelling If you've followed along, you've likely noticed the beautiful storytelling woven into some of the ads we've discussed. In this section specifically, let's delve into how brands have strategically employed storytelling as a powerful tool to forge emotional connections and secure a place in our hearts. By crafting narratives that resonate with our experiences and values, these brands transform simple advertisements into memorable tales that evoke feelings of nostalgia, joy, and inspiration, ultimately making their messages more impactful and relatable. The Umeed ka Diya campaign by HP, stands out for its poignant narrative. The three-minute video highlights the importance of supporting local artisans and street vendors during Diwali. Its central message,' One small step taken by all of us can bring a big difference in someone elses Diwali, encourages viewers to back street vendors in their communities. The ad follows a child who becomes concerned for a street vendor named Amma, who is struggling to sell her diyas . To assist, the child uses an HP notebook and printer to design and print posters promoting Ammas goods. This initiative generates increased foot traffic, enabling Amma to sell all her diyas. In addition to the video, HP India had taken further steps to promote local street vendors. The company raised awareness through newspaper inserts featuring the vendors photos and addresses. Select HP World stores also showcased the diyas purchased from these vendors, enhancing their visibility during the festive season. Through such initiatives, tech brands are not only marketing their products but also fostering community support and goodwill during one of Indias most cherished festivals. VIVO - Aao karein #HarDilRoshan Vivo, aiming to capture genuine emotions, crafted a narrative centered on a friendship that remained innocent and untainted by societal constraints. Conceptualised by Autumn Grey, the campaign portrayed the world through the eyes of two boys, Dhruv, a middle-class child, and Aman, the son of a laundry worker. Their story highlighted the unfiltered perspective of children, untouched by societal conditioning. As their bond was tested against the backdrop of Diwali, it served as a powerful representation of relationships that transcended societal boundaries.This campaign reminded us that true celebration comes from inclusion. HP India - Iss Diwali, Thodi si Jagah Bana lo I do not want this list to repeat brands but this is one is my personal favourites. During the Diwali of 2022, HP India released a heartfelt short film, 'Thodi si jagah bana lo,' to celebrate the spirit of Diwali. Made by Simple Creative, this campaign beautifully illustrated the compassion and generosity vital to supporting local artisans and businesses. The film followed Paresh, an elderly artisan, and his grandson as they struggled to showcase their craft on the streets, only to face eviction from local authorities. Just as hope seemed lost, a woman from an HP World store witnessed their plight and stepped in to empower Pareshs dream. With the help of HPs technology, laptops, and printers, she created a platform for him to display his art, illuminating the message that small actions can make a huge difference. Through this initiative, the brand aimed to reignite the presence of artisans and inspire communities to rally in support of one another, capturing the true essence of Diwali and the spirit of giving. Epson Printers - Let's have a special Diwali In another ad, Epson explored often-overlooked aspects of the festival that have changed over the years. In a film produced by Arvind Iyer of Magic Bus Films, based on a script by the team at Langoor Digital and Epson, viewers were reminded of what Diwali should embody. The film delved into the impact of our fast-paced lives on the celebration, emphasising that while we cannot turn back time, we can revive the elements that make Diwali truly special. It highlighted the excitement of buying new clothes, the joy of cleaning and repainting homes, the pleasure of making and sharing sweets with neighbours, and the heartfelt wishes exchanged during the festival. The film was a call to rediscover the charm of Diwali and reconnect with traditions that embody its true spirit, urging viewers to reflect on how the celebration has evolved and how small efforts can restore its meaningful facets. OPPO - #VishwasKaDeep Oppo India ignited the festive spirit with its campaign #VishwasKaDeep. Through a captivating film and engaging digital experiences, the campaign explored unique Diwali celebrations across India, highlighting the essence of unity in diversity. The message, ' Har Diwali Vishwas Ka Deep Jalati Hai ,' celebrated the trust and hope that connected people during the festive season. The ad film, released on Oppo Indias YouTube, Instagram, OTT platforms, and cinemas, took viewers on a journey across regions. It began in Rajasthan, where a young man traveled to Jodhpur amidst a fierce sandstorm, guided by a Diwali lamp lit by his mother. The film then moved to Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the age-old tradition of Budhi Diwali with bonfires and folk dances. Finally, it highlighted Goas vibrant Narak Chaturdashi celebrations, where effigies of Narkasur were paraded and burnt at dawn to mark the start of Diwali festivities. Together, these vibrant celebrations reminded viewers of the rich tapestry of traditions that make Diwali a truly special occasion. Reliance resQ - resQ with you Hamesha Created by L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, the digital video celebrated these engineers' hard work as they go above and beyond to provide prompt assistance, even during special occasions, holidays, or busy periods. Their efforts ultimately contribute to a stress-free and enjoyable Diwali for customers. The movie showcases the determination of these engineers, emphasising their unwavering resolve to promptly fix electronic devices and always be available regardless of the time or occasion, while capturing the satisfaction they feel when they see their customers happy and smiling and reminding us, to be grateful to them, especially during the festive season. Vivo - #JoyofHomecoming In recognition of the emotional journey of Diwali that people go through, especially while staying away from their families, Vivo launched its heartfelt Diwali campaign, The Spirit of Homecoming, in collaboration with FCB India. Through evocative storytelling, the film depicts children drawn back home for Diwali, capturing the silent longing of parents and the understanding of their children that their presence is the heart of the celebration. Ultimately, it reminds viewers that the true light of Diwali shines in the warmth of loved ones gathered together, transforming a house into a home. So if you can not make it home this year, do not forget to call up your friends and family, because no matter what it looks like, their Diwali is incomplete without you. DIZO - We Made A Cliched Diwali Ad (NOT) This one is a little different from all the emotional storytelling, this is when DIZO, part of the realme TechLife ecosystem, launched a clever Diwali ad titled #ClichedDiwaliAds(NOT), poking fun at the familiar storytelling tropes that flood the market during the festival. Executed by White Rivers Media, the one-minute digital film takes a light-hearted approach to showcase the typical elements of traditional Diwali ads, grand homes adorned with lights, family gatherings, and the obligatory NRI son arriving with gifts. DIZO aimed to stand out by being genuine, humorous, and different, showcasing relatable scenarios that resonate with viewers. The campaign cleverly integrated product promotion while calling out clichs, ending with a playful explosion of firecrackers, reminding everyone that sometimes, its good to be different during the festive season! As Diwali approaches, brands creatively connect with consumers through their campaigns, blending tradition with modern life. By using celebrity endorsements and relatable stories, they capture the spirit of celebration while showcasing their products. These ads not only resonate with people but also highlight the importance of togetherness, making every festive moment special. Ultimately, by reaching out to consumers during Diwali, brands strengthen their presence in the rich fabric of Indian culture. And while you watch these ads and the news ones that come to your feed, do remember to be a little kind and gentle this Diwali. If we have missed out on any of your favourite Diwali brand campaigns, write to us at content@socialsamosa.om or let us know in the comments below.

Credit or curse? One-third of people in state indebted: survey

KOCHI: Nearly one-third of Keralas population is indebted, almost double the national average, according to a Union government survey. However, experts point out that this isnt necessarily bad, only a sign that the state is financially inclusive and that citizens have access to organised credit. According to the National Sample Surveys 79th round Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) 2022-23, an individual is indebted if they have taken a loan of Rs 500 or more, with an outstanding balance. Kerala ranks fifth among the states in terms of the number of borrowers, at 33,859 individuals per lakh of population. The national average is 18,322. Keralites have excellent access to credit through financial institutions, with nearly 100% of households holding a bank account, says Aswathi Rebecca Asok, a PhD scholar in economics with the University of Portsmouth, England, who is researching debt dynamics among rural households in Kerala. Improved accessibility to credit is actually good and a sign of a progressive society. Its largely due to the good network of cooperative credit institutions and Kudumbashree, Aswathi told TNIE. According to the survey, men significantly outnumber women in borrowing nationally 24,214 male borrowers per lakh, compared to 12,275 female borrowers. The survey was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023 and presents the number of borrowers per 100,000 persons (18 years and above) indebted to institutional or non-institutional agencies. Interestingly, the southern states have a high debt rates with Andhra Pradesh topping the list with 60,092 individuals per lakh having some sort of debt that is outstanding. Productive debt According to the report, Kerala is also ahead in online banking adoption with over 53.9% of individuals aged 15 and above able to conduct online banking transactions. The national average is 37.8%. Our research shows that most Keralites take debt to build homes and improve their lives, which is a productive investment in human capital, even if its technically counts as consumption, stresses Aswathi. A study by the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies says that despite the high average monthly income-expenditure surplus among rural households, the proportion of households indebted in rural Kerala is quite high. The study points out that during the last 20 years, indebtedness in rural Kerala has grown at a higher rate. Reducing inequality Moreover, a substantial body of research emphasises the crucial role of credit accessibility in developing economies in enhancing the living standards of poor households and alleviating poverty. Studies suggest that finance can empower the poor to catch up with the rest of the economy by reducing economic inequality. This thinking is epitomised by the United Nations International Year of Microcredit 2005, which championed building inclusive financial systems that work for the poor as its guiding principle. Aswathi, however, raises concerns about households getting trapped in debt. She warns about private microfinance institutions targeting marginalised women with high-interest loans, potentially debilitating households and pushing them into inescapable debt traps. Inclusion vs debt Further emphasising the point, an IIM Kozhikode working paper Is Rural Household Debt Sustainable in a Financially Included Region? Evidence from Three Districts of Kerala (2021) found that though a high level of financial inclusion is considered desirable, unusually high levels of indebtedness in the rural areas can be quite alarming. The study added that while agricultural households are observed to mostly borrow for productive purposes like crop cultivation, investment in farm equipment, etc., nonagricultural households appear to be following a trend of higher spending on housing that is considered non-productive. BRANCHING OUT No. of bank branches in Kerala Segment Number PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL BANKS -2,685 SMALL-FINANCE BANKS -331 CO-OPERATIVE BANKS -979 PUBLIC-SECTOR COMMERCIAL BANKS -3,322 RRB - KERALA GRAMIN BANK -634 Total -7,951 * As of June 2024 Source: State Level Bankers Committee KEEPING TABS The survey presented the number of borrowers per 1,00,000 persons (18 years and above) indebted to institutional or non-institutional agencies 18,322 | National average 24,214 | Male average 12,275 | Female average How individual states fared? Top five Andhra Pradesh - 60,092 Telangana - 42,407 Tamil Nadu - 35,703 Karnataka - 35,480 Kerala - 33,859 Bottom five Himachal Pradesh - 7,268 Sikkim - 6,066 Arunachal Pradesh - 4,544 Meghalaya - 3,092 Goa - 2,317 Percentage of persons with account with bank/financial institution/mobile money service provider India - 94.6 Kerala - 95.2 Source: Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey, 2022-23, NSS 79th Round

New Himalayan snake species named after Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio,it will becalled...

The newly described snake species, 'Anguiculus dicaprioi' is distributed from central Nepal to Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, whereas 'Anguiculus rappii' is distributed in Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

Revanth to Join Priyankas Nomination Process Today

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy left for Wayanad on Tuesday evening to participate in the nomination filing process of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra on Wednesday. The event will see the attendance of several senior Congress leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC top leader Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. According to party sources, the Chief Ministers of three Congress-ruled states Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh will participate in the proceedings. In addition to filing her nomination, Priyanka Gandhi will lead a roadshow in Kalpetta on Wednesday, with Revanth Reddy set to join her. The Wayanad bypoll holds significant importance for the Congress. This will be Priyanka Gandhi's first electoral contest, and her candidacy is seen as a strategic move, given her familys prominent role in Indian politics. Rahul Gandhi, who previously won from Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the recent Lok Sabha elections, vacated the Wayanad seat to retain Rae Bareli, prompting the by-election. Priyanka Gandhi's nomination aims to solidify the Congress's influence in Wayanad, a constituency traditionally aligned with the party. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has officially endorsed her candidacy. The byelections are scheduled for November 13, with the results on November 23. If Priyanka Gandhi wins, this could mark the first time that all three Gandhis Sonia Gandhi (Rajya Sabha), Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi (Lok Sabha) serve in Parliament together.

New snake species discovered in Himalayas, Named After Leonardo DiCaprio

A team of researchers discovered a new snake species in the western Himalayas which has been named after famous Hollywood actor and Producer, Leonardo DiCaprio for his contribution to the conservation. The species has been named Anguiculus dicaprioi or DiCaprios Himalayan snake. It was discovered by researchers from India, Germany, and the United Kingdom while searching the lesser-known species of India's reptiles during their project in 2020. Their study of the new species was published on Monday in Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed journal. The new species was classified by the researchers under a new genus called Anguiculus, which means small snake in Latin. The study explained, The specific epithet dicaprioi is a patronym honouring Leonardo DiCaprio, an American actor, film producer, and environmentalist who has been actively involved in creating awareness about global climate change, increased biodiversity loss, and human health issues through pollution. The study also said, In addition to this, he has made funds available for field conservation activities and research. Suggested common name DiCaprios Himalayan snake. The researchers were visiting the mountainous regions in the western Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh for their ongoing project when they found a few brown-coloured snakes in the mud road. The study further mentioned, The individuals were seen basking and remained motionless until caught and made no attempts to bite. The study of these snakes, their DNA analysis, and their comparison with other snakes led to the discovery of new species. HT Lalremsanga, a professor in the Department of Zoology at Mizoram University, and a member of the team of researchers, said, Besides being found in areas of Himachal Pradesh like Chamba and Kullu, the new species has also been found in Nainital in Uttarakhand and Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The other researchers of the team are Zeeshan A Mirza, Patrick D Campbell, Harshil Patel, Gernot Vogel, Saunak Pal, and Virender K Bhardwaj. The study describes the new species as small-sized, reaching about 22 inches in length. It features a road collar with small dark brown spots, a obust skull, and a steeply domed snout. This species is found at heights of approximately 6,000 feet above sea level.

ideaForge launches drone-as-a-service model in India for enterprises

The ideaForge Flyght service has been used in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Orissa and West Bengal, the company claims

Illegal mosque in Shimla: Demolition of three unauthorized floors of Sanjauli mosque in Himachal Pradesh underway

The demolition process of Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla started on Monday, October 21, after getting a nod from Waqf Board.

Himachal Pradesh mosque row: Demolition of three storeys starts

According to a court order, the Waqf Board and the president of the mosque committee have to demolish the unauthorised portion of the religious structure in Himachal Pradesh in two months at their own cost

Amit Shah Hails 8-Years of UDAN Scheme, Emphasizes Affordable Air Travel and Regional Connectivity

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the eighth anniversary of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, highlighting its role in connecting underserved areas and making air travel affordable. In a post on X, Shah remarked, In the eight years of UDAN, the initiative driven by PM Narendra Modi's vision has not only connected the underserved regions of the nation through airways but also has given flight to India's ambitions in the new era. He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi for unlocking India's growth potential by providing essential facilities for development across the country. In the #8YearsOfUDAN , the initiative driven by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision has not only connected the underserved regions of the nation through airways but also has given flight to India's ambitions in the new era. Igniting the growth engines scattered across the nooks and pic.twitter.com/xibDtU7Kxp Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 21, 2024 During the NDTV World Summit, PM Modi stated, Today, we are celebrating eight years of UDAN. The UDAN scheme not only made air travel affordable but also enhanced the air network in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Over 3 lakh flights, carrying around 1.5 crore Aam Nagrik, have taken off under this scheme. Launched on October 21, 2016, the UDAN scheme aims to make air travel affordable for ordinary citizens while improving regional connectivity in India. The airfare for a one-hour journey of about 500 km under this initiative is capped at Rs. 2,500. Prime Minister Modi, who inspired this program, expressed his vision by saying, A common man who travels in slippers should also be seen in the aircraft. This is my dream. The UDAN scheme is part of the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) managed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It focuses on connecting underserved airports nationwide and assists airlines in operating in less profitable regions through government support. Airlines are encouraged to serve these areas via incentives such as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and reduced charges at airports. The first UDAN flight took off in April 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. Since then, the initiative has expanded significantly. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 86 airports are now operational under UDAN, and over 600 routes, including helicopter services, have been launched to connect remote areas. The scheme has also stimulated tourism, particularly in regions like the Northeast and popular religious destinations such as Khajuraho and Ajmer. UDAN's reach spans from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh and from Himachal Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. Since its inception, UDAN has enabled over 1.44 crore passengers to travel across the country, making air travel more accessible. The government aims to increase the number of operational airports from 157 to 350-400 by 2047, continuing to expand the vision of affordable flying for all. SpiceJet Expands Domestic Network with New UDAN Flights to Shivamogga PM Modi Honors Police Bravery on Commemoration Day

Himachal Pradesh: Demolition Of Illegal Mosque Floors Begins In Shimla A Month After Hindu Protests

Demolition of unauthorised mosque floors begins in Shimla after commissioner orders

CHANDIGARH: The demolition of the unauthorised floors of the mosque in the Sanjauli area of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh began on Monday. After receiving the municipal commissioners orders on October 16, the Sanjauli Mosque committee sought permission to demolish the unauthorised floors from the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board. After being permitted. the demolition process started and the cost to demolish the illegal structure is being borne by the committee itself, said sources. Muhammad Latif, president of Sanjauli Mosque Committee said that the committee has got the no objection certificate from the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board to demolish the unauthorised floors of the mosque as they had written to the waqf board for the same after they got the orders from Shimla Municipal Commissioner. He said that they have told this to the district administration, Superintendent of Police and Municipal Corporation of Shimla. He added that it might take about a couple of months to demolish these floors as the committee is barring the cost of demolition and nobody has come forward to help them financially. On September 12, a delegation from the committee had submitted a representation offering to demolish the unauthorised floors voluntarily, Latif said. The Shimla Municipal Commissioner on October 5 ordered the demolition of the three unauthorised floors of the disputed mosque. The mosque was initially a single-story building but has reportedly been expanded to five stories without proper permissions as the Waqf Board claims ownership of the land. The locals had contested the Waqf Board's ownership, arguing that the land belongs to the state revenue department and asserting that the mosque's expansion has caused various difficulties for them. The Muslim Welfare Committee had earlier offered to demolish the unauthorised floors themselves. Last month the right-wing Hindu organisation led a massive protest in Shimla calling for the mosque's demolition, framing it as an illegal construction issue rather than a communal one. Raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Hindu Ekta Zindabad, hundreds of protesters had gathered at the Sabzi Mandi at Dhall and marched towards the mosque breaking the police barricades and were lathi charged. Around ten people were injured in the clash with the police. Two days later, similar protests erupted in Mandi town of the hill state and water cannons had to be used to disperse protesters there also.

Sanjauli Mosque Demolition Begins In Shimla, Three Illegal Floors To Be Removed

The court of the Shimla municipal commissioner had ordered the removal of three unauthorised floors of the controversial mosque in Himachal Pradesh. It gave the Waqf Board two months to carry out the directives

Indus Valley had powerful intercontinental mercantile civilisation: Devdutt Pattanaik

Indus Valley had powerful intercontinental mercantile civilisation: Devdutt Pattanaik Kasauli: The 13th edition of the Khushwant Singh Litfest in this Himachal Pradesh tourist resort concluded on Sunday with a historic observation made by Devdutt Pattanaik that the Indus Valley civilisation was predominantly a mercantile civilisation in which warfare and punditry are alien concepts. [] The post Indus Valley had powerful intercontinental mercantile civilisation: Devdutt Pattanaik appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Carrying forward a legacy of health: Dr D Raghuraman aims to inspire younger generation to embrace Yoga

KARIMNAGAR: To inspire the younger generation to embrace yoga, general physician Dr D Raghuraman, through the Daram Susheela Trust, recently distributed yoga suits to four under-12 participants of the National Yoga Sports Championship. Held in Una, Himachal Pradesh, from October 24 to 27, the 49th edition of the competition was organised by the Yoga Federation of India. His gesture highlights his commitment to promoting holistic health and encouraging young boys to discover the benefits of yoga, locals said. For Dr Raghuraman, yoga is a key tool for maintaining overall health. Known for his expertise as a physician, he is equally passionate about alternative health practices and often shares wellness tips with his patients. Beyond his medical duties, he provides free spiritual books at his clinic and offers eco-friendly cloth bags to patients who arrive with plastic bags. His mission is clear: promote wellness for the body and environment. On World Heart Day, September 29, he conducted free blood pressure and diabetes screenings. He also provides free medical check-ups and services to orphaned children and distributes educational materials to underprivileged students through the Daram Susheela Trust, founded in the memory of his mother, Susheela. Inspired by father Drawing inspiration from his late father, Dr Daram Nagabhushanam, a well-known tuberculosis (TB) specialist, he continues to serve the community with dedication. His father had pioneered the Ambali Centre in Karimnagar, which provided nutritious gruel to help locals beat the scorching summer heat. This tradition continues today, offering relief during the summer, just as it did in the past. Karimnagar residents still fondly remember the unique antique museum maintained by the general physicians father, a place that once bridged history and healing. Through his ongoing efforts, Dr Raghuraman keeps alive a legacy of compassionate care, health advocacy, and community service.

CM Sukhu invites global investors to invest in Himachal at Kullu Dussehra ambassadors meet

SHIMLA, Oct 18 : Underscoring the prominence of Kullu district on the global tourism map because of its picturesque landscapes and serene valleys, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said his government is committed to promote tourism throughout the state. Presiding over an ambassadors meet held on the sidelines of the International Dussehra Festival in Kullu, Sukhu also invited the global investors to invest in Himachal Pradesh. Ambassadors from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Brunei along with representatives from [] The post CM Sukhu invites global investors to invest in Himachal at Kullu Dussehra ambassadors meet appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

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

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

NDB gives nod to float tenders for Rs 1,734 cr Shimla ropeway projects

The New Development Bank (NDB) has given a go-ahead to the Himachal Pradesh Ropeways Corporation to float advance tenders for the construction of Rs 1,734-crore Shimla ropeway project. Once complete, the project is expected to decongest the state capital. The tender process is expected to start soon and 50 per cent of the 13.79-km ropeway will be completed in two years, officials said here on Tuesday. A big success for state capital Shimla, NDB has given permission for floating advance tenders for the project, paving way for construction of the ropeway. The 13.79-km ropeway would be the longest ropeway in the country and second longest in the world, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the portfolio of transport and ropeways, said in a post on his social media account. The contribution of the Himachal Pradesh government will be 20 per cent while NDB will fund the remaining 80 per cent, of which 90 per cent will be subsidy and 10 per cent loan.

Priyanka Gandhi to make electoral debut from Wayanad as EC announces bypoll

NEW DELHI: With the Election Commission (EC) announcing the bypoll to the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, the stage is set for Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's electoral debut from the Kerala constituency that could see her enter Parliament five years after joining active politics. Days after the Lok Sabha polls, the Congress announced in June that Rahul Gandhi will retain the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh and vacate the Wayanad seat in Kerala, from where his sister Priyanka Gandhi will make her electoral debut. If elected, this will be the first time that Priyanka Gandhi will enter Parliament as an MP. This will also be the first time that the three Gandhi family members -- Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka -- will be in Parliament together. The EC on Tuesday announced bypolls to the Wayanad and Nanded Lok Sabha seats as well as in 48 Assembly constituencies. The bypoll to the Wayanad parliamentary seat and 47 Assembly seats will be held on November 13, along with the first phase of polling for the Jharkhand Assembly. Since her entry into active politics in 2019, Priyanka Gandhi has been in the past projected as a possible challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and also, as a successor to Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi in the family pocket borough of Rae Bareli. However, the Congress has decided to field her from Wayanad, the parliamentary seat that her elder brother Rahul won for two consecutive elections. Priyanka Gandhi was earlier the Congress in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. She emerged as the party's strategist and star campaigner, helping the Congress make impressive gains in some states as well as in the Lok Sabha polls held earlier in the year. After her name was announced for the Wayanad bypoll, Priyanka Gandhi had said, I am not nervous at all... I am very happy to be able to represent Wayanad. All I will say is that I will not let them feel his (Rahul Gandhi's) absence. I will work hard and try my best to make everybody happy and be a good representative. I have a good relationship with Rae Bareli as I worked there for 20 years and that relationship will never break, she had said, adding that both she and her brother will work together in both the constituencies. After joining active politics, Priyanka Gandhi was made the Congress general secretary in-charge of the crucial eastern Uttar Pradesh in January 2019 and then as the general secretary in-charge of the entire state. Though the performance of her party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls was not very good, she continued with her efforts to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level. In December 2023, Priyanka Gandhi was made a Congress general secretary without a portfolio. She emerged as the party's key strategist and later, its star campaigner for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. She also helped strengthen the organisation and led the party's campaign in Himachal Pradesh, where the grand old party wrested power from the BJP. Her campaign helped the Congress in the general election, in which the party got 99 seats, up from 52 in 2019. Priyanka Gandhi is married to businessman Robert Vadra. With the Congress putting up a surprisingly good show in the Lok Sabha polls, Priyanka Gandhi cemented her position as the party's talisman. Countering Modi over his gold and mangalsutra remarks during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, an emotionally-charged Priyanka Gandhi had reminded the voters that her mother, Sonia Gandhi, had sacrificed her mangalsutra for the country. The Congress general secretary did not take the electoral plunge at that time but opted to contest the Wayanad bypoll after guiding her party to a stronger position in Parliament, compared to its tally of seats in 2014 and 2019. Discussing her childhood, the pain of her father Rajiv Gandhi's assassination and her mother's grief, she had steered the Congress's campaign during the general election, adroitly walking the tightrope between striking a familial chord and discussing national-level issues, and proved to be a strategist, orator and mass mobiliser -- all rolled into one. As the curtains came down on the 2024 general election, analysts totted up the numbers. Priyanka Gandhi took part in 108 public meetings and roadshows. She campaigned in 16 states and a Union territory, and also addressed two party workers' conferences in Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. Most of her speeches were akin to a conversation with the crowd, establishing a connect and giving people the impression that here was a person who was known to them, someone sharing her feelings and thoughts with them. She had also accompanied Rahul Gandhi to Wayanad following devastating landslides in the region and has been involved in the relief-and-rescue work launched by the party. Priyanka Gandhi's poll debut comes at a time when the Congress has been jolted by an electoral defeat in Haryana and it would be interesting to see if she would be able to steer the Wayanad campaign, along with the canvassing for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra polls, to put the grand old party back on track.

Pravin Togadia returns to RSS headquarters after six years, Meets RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

AHMEDABAD: In a significant development, Dr. Pravin Togadia, a once-prominent Hindutva hardliner who distanced himself from the Sangh Parivar after resigning as the international working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), made a visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters on 12th October after a six-year hiatus. During his visit, Togadia held detailed discussions with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, delving into a range of topics including Hindutva, women empowerment, and other pressing issues. In an exclusive conversation with TNIE , Dr. Praveen Togadia stated, Both the RSS chief and I decided it was time to meet, so we did in Nagpur on Dussehra. Our meeting wasn't prompted by any intermediary, reason, or political agenda. The RSS and I have been working on the same issues. During our discussions, I had extensive talks with the Sangh chief on Hindutva, particularly the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh. Togadia said that in addition to Hindutva, the Sangh chief and he also discussed women's safety and initiatives to train women to become strong, empowered citizens. We delved into health-related matters and other national issues as well. Since both our organizations and the RSS are focused on Hindutva, there is potential for collaboration on certain fronts in the future, he said. Speaking on the Ram temple issue, Togadia stated that he congratulated the Sangh chief on the progress of the Ram temple and the construction of the temple has united the Hindu community, which had previously been divided along caste lines. Addressing his meeting with a senior Union minister, Togadia clarified, Yes, I attended a Dussehra event where I met him, but the meeting was not political. Since leaving the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, I haven't engaged with any leader or activist from the government or the organization, but my connections with them go back 40 years. Naturally, when we meet, there's a lot to discuss. Pravin Togadia, an Ahmedabad-based cancer surgeon and firebrand Hindutva leader, has had a turbulent relationship with the RSS and its affiliated organizations over the years. Pravin Togadia, once an RSS swayamsevak in Ahmedabad, was inducted into the VHP in 1983, while Narendra Modi joined the BJP in 1984. Both were key players during the BJP's rise to power in Gujarat in 1995. When Shankersinh Vaghela, a rebel BJP leader, became Chief Minister with Congress support, he jailed Togadia for allegedly assaulting BJP politiciansModi campaigned for his release. Togadia, later appointed VHP General Secretary, supported Modi when he was sidelined by Keshubhai Patel and helped him become Gujarats Chief Minister in 2001. Togadias influence extended to Modi's government, with his ally Gordhan Zadafia appointed as Minister of State for Home. Togadia even hailed the government as the beginning of a Hindu Rashtra. However, after Modis 2002 election victory, Togadias influence waned as Modi distanced himself, dropping Zadafia and curbing VHP's sway in Gujarat, particularly during his second term, with actions against VHP activists. Togadia, in turn, mocked Modi's attempts at reaching out to Muslims through his Sadbhavana initiatives. In 2018, Pravin Togadia parted ways with the Sangh Parivar after a significant leadership shift within the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Former Himachal Pradesh Governor V.S. Kokje was elected as VHP's international president, marking the end of Togadia's decades-long dominance. His nominee, incumbent Raghava Reddy, suffered a major defeat in the first election held in 52 years. Togadia, who had been with the VHP for over three decades and served as its international working president since 2011, saw his influence wane as Kokje took over the reins. After his split with the RSS, Pravin Togadia founded the Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) and currently serves as its president. The organization, under his leadership, has established a presence in several states across India.

Army to Use Private Helicopters in Border Areas

New Delhi : The Indian Army has entered into a contract with private helicopter service providers to support logistics and operational needs for 44 forward posts in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, which become inaccessible during the winter months. These posts are located along the sensitive borders with China and Pakistan. While the contract currently covers posts under the Northern Command, there are plans to expand this initiative to other strategic regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-East. This contract marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration with civil aviation service providers, designed to support the Armys logistics needs for forward posts along the Northern and Western borders, sources revealed. The one-year contract will provide year-round logistical support to 16 remote posts in the Jammu region and offer 150 days of service to 28 posts in Kashmir and Ladakh next year. Helicopters under this arrangement will operate from seven bases in Ladakh, two in Kashmir, and one in Jammu, ensuring supply lines remain intact during harsh winter conditions. Officials highlighted that the use of private helicopters, rather than Indian Army or Air Force assets, represents a strategic shift aimed at preserving the service life of military helicopters for more critical combat and emergency operations. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also ensures that the Army's combat aviation fleet remains mission-ready. The logistical support provided by these helicopters will cover essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medical aid, ensuring that high-altitude positions remain operational during the winter months. This initiative is bolstered by national programmes like the Border Area Development and PM Gati Shaktis infrastructure push, which focuses on improving logistical networks across India's borders. The ability of civil aviation assets to operate in these challenging forward areas, once the exclusive domain of military aircraft, is a significant achievement, officials said. The contract also ensures that the civil aviation infrastructure and services could be repurposed for military needs in case of wartime contingencies, providing additional flexibility to the Indian Army.

Samarth 2024: We must learn to live with disasters, says CM Sukhu

Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency of disasters, and it is crucial to adapt to living with these challenges, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday. Presiding over the International Disaster Reduction Day event, 'Samarth-2024' here, he announced that a major State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) training institute will be established in Palampur. He emphasised that awareness is key to effectively responding to disasters and minimising the loss of life and property. The state government is spending a significant amount of money on disaster preparedness and awareness, he said in a statement issued here, adding a Rs 800-crore project is being executed in collaboration with the French agency Agence Franaise de Dveloppement (AFD), and Rs 500 crore is being spent from the mitigation fund. The CM said the region which is now Himachal Pradesh experienced its first major disaster in 1905, when an earthquake in Kangra claimed more than 20,000 lives. he said th

Top 10 residential schools in India 2024: Check average fee, location and other details

The Cfore School Survey 2024 ranks India's top residential schools based on teacher competence, pedagogy, governance, and sports. Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh tops, followed by The Lawrence School in Himachal Pradesh and Sahyadri School in Maharashtra. The survey covered 41,257 participants across 92 cities.

Impact Of Legalising Cannabis Farming In The State Of Himachal Pradesh Upon Indian Territories

It is rightly stated by experts associated with various fields and by various sociologists who took birth on this globe that everything which is a boon for us, is sometimes bane in another mann...

Himachal Pradesh v/s M/s Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd: Key Insights on Execution of Decrees and Stay Orders under Order XXI, CPC

State of Himachal Pradesh v. M/s Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd. (2022)The case of State of Himachal Pradesh v. M/s Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd. (2022) focuses on the interpretation and application of O...

Weather Update: Northern States Experience Temperature Drop While Southern States Face Heavy Rain

New Delhi: The spell of rain has ended in the northern states of the country, while it is still raining in the southern states. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat on October 13. The weather in Delhi is changing, where the temperature is decreasing in the morning and cold winds are blowing. According to the Meteorological Department, the sky is likely to remain clear in Delhi throughout this week and there will be bright sunshine, although it may also be partly cloudy. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to be between 33 to 34 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is likely to be between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius. Weather forecasting agency Skymet reported that there has been some pause in the withdrawal of monsoon in central and eastern India, but the cold is increasing in the northern plains. Delhi's temperature is falling 1-2 degrees below normal and the weather will remain dry for the next 7-10 days. There is no activity in the mountains either, and northwesterly winds can reduce the temperature by 1-2 degrees. Evenings and nights will be pleasant and a slight chill will be felt in the morning. The day temperature in Delhi is likely to be between 33-34C and the morning minimum temperature is 19-20C. The morning temperature may increase slightly in the middle of next week. A post-monsoon system may come from the Bay of Bengal, which may change the wind direction. The effect of cold winds may stop for a short time between October 17 and 20, which may increase the humidity level. According to the Meteorological Department, a drop in temperature is being seen in many states. The weather is also changing in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. However, there may be rain at some places in Bihar and Jharkhand today. Slight cold is being felt in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Temperatures have also started falling in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Temperatures may drop further in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in the coming weeks. There is a possibility of snowfall in the Himalayan region, which is expected to increase the cold in North India. The effect of the system formed in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal will not be seen in the states of North India, but there is a possibility of rain in the southern states. Apart from this, there may be rain in many areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Did the Kharge Family Fraudulently Acquire Defense Land? Reasons Behind Its Return Explored Moderate Earthquake Shakes Assam's Udalguri District: 4.2 Magnitude Recorded Baba Siddiqui's Alleged Ties to Dawood Ibrahim Spark Controversy as Bishnoi Gang Takes Credit

Punjab's first forest control room in Pathankot to combat illegal mining and tree felling

CHANDIGARH: To address illegal mining, forest fires, and illegal tree felling in the Pathankot forest division of Punjab, which borders Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the state is setting up its first permanent forest control room. This facility will be equipped with solar-powered CCTV, mobile phones, television sets, and computers, along with other necessary infrastructure. A GPS camera app will also be utilized to monitor the movement of field staff within their respective jurisdictions. Sources indicate that in the first phase, thirty locations have been selected for the installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras, along with mobile phones and other equipment. Control of the cameras will be centralized at the head office, connecting senior officers to junior employees through an online network. If illegal mining or tree cutting is detected in the forest area, the entire team will be activated immediately. The GPS camera app will facilitate regular monitoring of staff across different beats, blocks, and ranges. Additionally, CCTVs will be installed in all rest houses, eco-tourism sites, and nature parks developed by the forest department to prevent any unwanted incidents. The department has identified several tourist destinations for the first phase of camera installation, including Mini Goa in Chamrod, Nature Awareness Park in Pathankot, the Chavki Darya area, and the Ravi River in Narot Jamal Singh, as well as the Mirthal belt and forest guest house. In a statement, Divisional Forest Officer of Pathankot, Dharmveer Dairu, noted that the control room will enable monitoring of illegal mining and tree felling, particularly given the limited staff available. This initiative will significantly improve the management of illegal logging and mining activities, as Pathankot has a forest cover of 22 percent (22,096 hectares), the highest in the state. We receive complaints about mining and tree cutting at night. This real-time tracking will disrupt the operations of illegal timber mafias and promote the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources. Sources further explained that the primary reason for this initiative is the shortage of staff within the forest department, making it challenging to deploy personnel at every site. Consequently, incidents of illegal mining and forest fires are frequently reported. In many cases, although the department registers complaints, the culprits are rarely apprehended. The Pathankot range faces significant challenges from illegal tree felling and mining, especially near the borders with Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, forest fires pose a severe threat to the environment, necessitating prompt detection and response strategies, an anonymous officer stated. It has been reported that seven CCTV cameras have already been installed near the Nature Awareness Camp in Chamrod, with plans to increase the number in the second phase. Sources noted that the khair mafia exploits delisted areas to conduct illegal tree cutting. The forest department regularly issues distress reports and collaborates with local police to combat this issue. Additionally, wood-based industries in Jugial are implicated, rapidly disposing of illegally harvested timber.

None has courage to encroach our border : HP Guv

SHIMLA, Oct 12: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday dismissed as unjustified the statement made by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negis on drones being spotted on the India-China border in Kinnaur district. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Revenue Minister Negi, MLA from Kinnaur constituency on Monday said that drones were spotted on the India-China border in the Kinnaur district and were likely being used for surveillance and espionage purposes. Responding to Negis statement, the governor [] The post None has courage to encroach our border : HP Guv appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

AIMIM leader triggers another controversy, asks Muslim traders to boycott Himachal apples

Shimla: AIMIM leader Shoaib Jamai has triggered another controversy when he asked Muslim traders to boycott apples from Himachal Pradesh, drawing a sharp retort from the BJP which said apple growers will not be bullied by his threats. Last month also, Jamai had kicked up a row after he made a video from the disputed 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 .

AIMIM leader Jamai triggers controversy, asks Muslim traders to boycott Himachal apples

SHIMLA: AIMIM leader Shoaib Jamai has triggered another controversy when he asked Muslim traders to boycott apples from Himachal Pradesh, drawing a sharp retort from the BJP which said apple growers will not be bullied by his threats. Last month also, Jamai had kicked up a row after he made a video from the disputed Sanjauli mosque here and said he would file a PIL seeking why other buildings in the vicinity with more than four storeys are not considered illegal. In a post, which he later deleted, Jamai, who mentions himself as AIMIM's Delhi chief in his X handle, said, Enough is enough, now we should start an economic boycott. I appeal to Muslim traders, who are about 80 per cent, to boycott Himachal apples. For God's sake don't purchase anything from this market of hatred. During winters, we will not purchase anything from them and the secular society of the entire country would have to come together to defeat this hatred , Jamai said and asked the government to check the Aadhaar cards of all the Himachalis coming to Delhi. Reacting to Jamai's appeal, state BJP spokesperson Chetan Bragata in a statement said the apple growers will not be bullied by his threats and his appeal to a particular community not to purchase Himachal apples was unfortunate. Facing flak, Jamai later in another post expressed regret over his appeal, saying he got emotionally carried away. No hatred for any community. Absolutely not. I always believe in the secular fabric of the society. Whole Bharat is one. Love all. Previous Tweet was misinterpreted, he wrote. Jamai said in connection with the legal process to save the Sanjauli mosque from demolition, he had met some Muslim traders there and just wanted to echo their voice when they felt alone. He also said he is thankful to the secular Hindu community in Shimla that they supports us. There is some hope. Bragata said apple cultivation is an ancestral vocation of Himachalis and they are capable of running and handling it and creating their own market. Bragata urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take cognizance of Jamai's utterances and initiate legal action against him.

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

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

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 75 Border Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 2,236 Crore

New Delhi: De fence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Saturday, with a total cost of Rs 2,236 crore. These projects include 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two additional infrastructure developments across 11 states and union territories in India. According to the Ministry of Defence, the distribution of the projects is as follows: 19 projects in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, nine in Uttarakhand, six in Sikkim, five in Himachal Pradesh, two each in West Bengal and Rajasthan, and one project each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.The Defence Minister inaugurated the projects from the Trishakti Corps Headquarters in Sukna, West Bengal. Among the key highlights was the opening of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, which provides a vital connection between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis. In his address, Rajnath Singh highlighted these projects as evidence of the governments commitment to strengthening border infrastructure and promoting socio-economic development in these regions. He emphasized that these projects are crucial for enhancing the country's defence readiness.The Defence Minister linked these developments to Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, stressing that such initiatives are instrumental in realizing this goal. With the completion of these 75 projects, the BRO has completed a total of 111 infrastructure projects in 2024, amounting to Rs 3,751 crore. This includes 36 major projects, like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. In comparison, last year, 125 BRO projects were completed at a cost of Rs 3,611 crore. Rajnath Singh praised the BRO personnel for their dedication in completing the projects within set timelines, despite challenging terrains and harsh weather. He stated that in its third term, the government aims to further accelerate border infrastructure development.He also highlighted the increased allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for the BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25, expressing optimism that this funding will not only support strategic infrastructure but also facilitate socio-economic growth, particularly in the North-East region. Reflecting on past governments, Singh noted that before 2014, there was a belief that developing border areas could be exploited by adversaries. However, he affirmed that since the Modi government took office, developing border infrastructure has been a priority, as these regions, especially the North-East, are crucial both strategically and socio-economically. He concluded by expressing confidence that Indias expanding network of roads, from rural to urban areas, is driving unprecedented progress. Singh assured that further efforts will be made to develop border areas, promising that India will become one of the safest and strongest nations in the future. Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement India vs Australia Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Showdown: A Crucial Battle for Semi-Final Spot US Sanctions Indian Firm for Alleged Role in Transporting Iranian Oil via 'Ghost Fleet'

No one has courage to encroach our borders: HP Guv Shiv Pratap Shukla on drones spotted on India-China border

SHIMLA, Oct 12: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday dismissed as unjustified the statement made by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi's on drones being spotted on the India-China border in Kinnaur district. Revenue Minister Negi, MLA from Kinnaur constituency on Monday said that drones were spotted on the India-China border in the Kinnaur [] The post No one has courage to encroach our borders: HP Guv Shiv Pratap Shukla on drones spotted on India-China border appeared first on Northlines .

'No one has courage to encroach our borders': HP Guv Shiv Pratap Shukla on drones spotted on India-China border

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla dismissed Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi's statement about drones spotted on the India-China border in Kinnaur district. Negi suggested the drones might be used for espionage. Shukla emphasized that border security is a matter for the Union Government. The governor considered Negi's statement unjustified and inappropriate.

No One Has Courage To Encroach Our Borders: HP Guv On Drones Spotted On India-China Border

SHIMLA, Oct 12: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday dismissed as unjustified the statement made by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negis on drones being spotted on the India-China border in Kinnaur district. Revenue Minister Negi, MLA from Kinnaur constituency on Monday said that drones were spotted on the India-China border in the Kinnaur district and were likely being used for surveillance and espionage purposes. Responding to Negis statement, the governor said, No one has the courage to encroach [] The post No One Has Courage To Encroach Our Borders: HP Guv On Drones Spotted On India-China Border appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates BRO's 75 border infrastructure projects

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday inaugurated and dedicated the Nation 75 Infrastructure Projects constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of Rs 2236 Crore. These Projects have been constructed in 11 border States/UTs of the country including Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In a ceremony organised by the Border Roads Organisation in Sikkim, the Defence Minister virtually inaugurated 22 Roads, 51 Bridges and 02 other miscellaneous projects. Out of these Projects ,19 have been constructed in UT of J&K, 11 in UT of Ladakh, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 09 in Uttrakhand, 06 in Sikkim, 05 in Himachal Pradesh, 02 each in West Bengal and Rajasthan and 01 each in Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Notably, BRO completed the construction of these critical strategic projects in a record time frame and many of these Projects have been constructed in a single working season using state-of-the-art technology. The working season is limited due to snowfall and the closing of the roads. These Infrastructure Projects have been constructed under challenging weather conditions at places with most inhospitable terrain. Highlights of the ceremony were the inauguration of Kupup Sherathang Road in Sikkim and the e-inauguration of 74 other projects. Kupup- Sherathang Road in Sikkim which serves as a crucial link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and Zuluk axis. It provides an alternate route that plays a pivotal role for the Army troops enabling the movement of Personnel and machinery. BRO's surge in road and bridge construction in the last years has led to the completion of many critical and strategic projects which has bolstered our defence preparedness vis a vis that of our adversaries, BRO added. With this, in 2024, BRO has dedicated a record 111 Infrastructure projects to the Nation. In 2023, a total of 125 infrastructure projects were dedicated to the Nation. It said, BRO was raised in 1960 and is involved in creating and maintaining strategic roads and associated defence and military infrastructure. The BRO said, With this, the connectivity in the remote border areas has increased manifold and will help in improving the defence preparedness in these strategic areas and will also bring socio-economic development in the region. This year, 36 Infrastructure Projects of the BRO costing Rs 1508 crore have already been dedicated to the Nation which also includes state of the art Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 Mar 2024 making a total of 111 infrastructure projects at a total cost of Rs 3751 crore. Two tunnels in Arunachal Pradesh, Sela and Nechiphu Tunnel have also been constructed in the last one year connecting the farthest and most remote villages of the country. Last year, 125 BRO infrastructure projects were dedicated to the Nation for Rs 3611 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh lauded BRO's commitment towards establishing connectivity in far-flung areas by ensuring the timely completion of these roads & bridges. Rajnath mentioned that in the last five years BRO had completed 450 infrastructure projects with a cost of more than Rs. 16000 crore and this year, in 2024 with these 75 infra projects BRO has dedicated a record 111 infrastructure projects to the Nation. He appreciated the feat of construction of these 75 infrastructure projects at such an expeditious pace during this year. Talking in particular about Sikkim, Rajnath Singh said that the Government is focused on its development and in last five years BRO has completed 10 Bridges and six roads in Sikkim. During the devastating cloudburst in October last year, BRO emerged as the first responder, swiftly and effectively restoring connectivity in the region. Talking about Ladakh Rajnath said that he work of world's highest tunnel Shinkula Tunnel has already commenced which will provide a seamless, uninterrupted passage to Leh throughout the year and BRO has made significant progress on Indo-China Border Roads and other critical roads. Work on various strategic roads in Ladakh is in an advanced stage of completion. There is tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Also, a standoff prevails along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh with heavy troop deployment from both sides. Rajnath lauded BRO's effort of always being at the forefront in constructing more than 40% of Roads in high-altitude areas with hostile terrain, harsh weather, low oxygen levels and extreme cold. Praising BRO, Rajnath mentioned the successful completion of North-South Road in Andaman & Nicobar Island, providing critical connectivity to Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India.

Marriage, birth & death certificates to be available online soon: Himachal CM

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Thursday, October 10 that marriage, birth, and death certificates issued by gram panchayats would soon be available online. Presiding over a review meeting of the rural development and panchayati raj department, the chief minister reiterated the governments commitment to deliver essential services to people at 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 .

Watch: Sanatan Sabziwala campaign launched in HP to boycott minority vendors

A radical Hindutva group Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti in Himachal Pradeshs Sanjauli has launched a campaign for the economic boycott of vendors belonging to the minority community. The fringe installed boards labelled Sanatan Sabziwala (Sanatan Vegetable Vendor) on stalls operated by vegetable vendors. The move which was started on Wednesday, October 9, aims to identify Hindu 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 farmers pursuing natural farming to get Rs 33,000 to purchase cow

Farmers practising natural farming in Himachal Pradesh will receive a grant of Rs 33,000 for buying a cow, along with a subsidy of Rs 8,000 for paving the cowshed floor, ATMA official said on Thursday. Farmers doing natural farming in the state will be given a grant of Rs 33,000 for buying a local cow besides a subsidy of Rs 8,000 for paving the floor of the cowshed, said Neha Bhardwaj, Assistant Technical Manager of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), during an event at Manjhiar village. An awareness and mass sensitisation camp on natural farming was organised in Manjhiar, where Bhardwaj said that chemical fertilisers and poisonous pesticides should not be used in natural farming. Crops produced from natural farming are safer for health and it also reduces the cost of farming. By adopting this farming, farmers can increase their income and can also contribute to environmental protection, she said. She said that the main components of natural farming like ...

Viswam Will Strike A Chord With The Audiences: Producer Venu Donepudi

Hero Gopichand and director Sreenu Vaitlas upcoming film Viswam has created a lot of buzz. Produced by Venu Donepudi under Chitralayalam Studios and Viswa Prasad on People Media Factory, the film is slated for release on October 11, 2024. Speaking about the film, producer Venu Donepudi exudes confidence that Viswam will strike a chord with the audience. Viswam is a family and action entertainer thatll resonate with all sections of the audiences. The script has all the ingredients of a typical commercial entertainer action, comedy, family sentiment and drama, says Venu. I was instantly hooked to the writing and how action is weaved into the script. Viswam is high on entertainment and drama. The producer further says that Viswam has Srinu Vaitla's signature style of storytelling blend of comedy, action and entertainment. The action sequences shot in Milan will be a major highlight and Gopichand was at his best, says the producer, adding that the film was shot in picturesque locations like Matera City, Rome, Milan, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh. Sreenu Vaitla garu worked on the story keeping Gopichands image in mind. Gopichand garu has dynamic screen presence and nailed his character. He was at ease during comedy and intense during action sequences and delivered one of his best performances in his career, stated Venu, describing that working with Sreenu Vaitla and Gopichand as a learning experience. Venu worked in the automobile industry for several years in the US before he returned to India. But films and storytelling have always been my passion and central to my familys identity, says Venu who comes from a lineage of filmmakers. As a film distributor/ exhibitor in the US, he has released over 140 Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. For me, making films is driven by a deep passion for the art of visual storytelling, shares Venu whose next film Journey to Ayodhya is presently in scriptwriting phase. At Chitralayam, our aim is to produce captivating and immersive movies with great visuals and music, transporting audiences to enchanting worlds which is much needful for theatrical experience(s) says Venu Donepudi.

Manual scavenging: Toxic fumes kill two in Delhi's Pillanji

NEW DELHI: Two labourers, who were asked to remove garbage from a gutter in southwest Delhi, died due to the possible inhalation of toxic fumes inside, while another person who went inside to save them is currently hospitalised, an official said on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Babundra Kumar Singh (29), a resident of Gopal Ganj in Bihar, and Ramasre (41), a resident of Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh. According to DCP (southwest) Surender Choudhary, cops at Sarojini Nagar police station received a PCR call on October 8 about a building collapse. It said some labourers are trapped under the debris. However, when the station house officer reached the spot at National Buildings Construction Corporations construction site at Pillanji village, it was revealed that two labourers had been removing garbage from a gutter, which was not in use anymore, when they became unconscious. To rescue them, another labourer went inside the sewer. Later, the three of them were taken out. Two of the labourers were shifted to the hospital by an ambulance of VCL construction company, while the third one was sent through an emergency response vehicle of the police station to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, the DCP said. Among the three injured, Babundra Kumar and Ramasre died during the treatment while the third injured, Shrinath Soren (28), a native of West Bengal, is still receiving treatment at Diyos Hospital in Safdarjung Enclave. The officer said they have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and a thorough investigation is being carried out. Ramasres post-mortem has been conducted and his body was handed over to the family. An investigation is on, the official added. As per data shared by the Central government in August this year, as many as 453 people have died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks since 2014 even as 732 of Indias 766 districts declared themselves free from manual scavenging. This progress was highlighted by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale in a written reply in Lok Sabha. There had been seven sewer deaths in Delhi in 2022, two in 2021, three in 2020, two in 2019.

Himachal Pradesh examining Karnatakas skill development model for adoption

Next logical step is to restore full statehood to J-K: Karan Singh

Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh commended the free and fair assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the restoration of full statehood and proposes domiciliary provisions for property acquisition similar to those in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Hyderabad: People of Haryana saw through Congress lies, says KTR

Hyderabad: People in Haryana saw through the lies and propaganda of the Congress party after it could hoodwink people of Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana, said Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao. Congress party could hoodwink people of Karnataka (5 guarantees), Himachal (10 guarantees) and Telangana (6 guarantees) but people of 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 .

How This Nilgiri Farmer Is Successfully Growing Himachal Apple Varieties

During a farmers' consultation meeting, a visitor from Himachal Pradesh mentioned that the regions climate is suitable for growing apples

Auramah Valley Art Festival - Celebrating Art Amidst Nature

Auramah Valley is an ultra-luxury residential project nestled in the pristine hills of Himachal Pradesh, known for promoting sustainable living while offering the best of modern amenities. The estates tranquil surroundings have made it a perfect venue for art, culture, and nature-based events.

Himachal Pradeshs New Toilet Seat Tax: Congress Flushing The Economy?

Congress Ka Haath Ne Badla Halaat Toilet Seat Tax is the latest marvel of the INC government in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradeshs Sukhu administration has pulled off a grand feat pushing the state into a financial mess. The situation is so bad that now even your toilet seats were under tax scrutiny! With Continue reading Himachal Pradeshs New Toilet Seat Tax: Congress Flushing The Economy? The post Himachal Pradeshs New Toilet Seat Tax: Congress Flushing The Economy? appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .

Olectra emerges as lowest bidder for supply of 327 Electric Buses in Himachal Pradesh

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 8: Himachal Pradesh is one of the first states in India to embrace electric mobility, aligning with the nation's commitment to sustainable mobility to reduce carbon emissions.

AkzoNobel celebrates the enduring power of paint and human spirit at the World's Highest Motorable Village

Kaza (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 7: AkzoNobel India announced the completion of a Let's Colour initiative in three remote villages in Himachal Pradesh that literally takes the transformative power of its paint to the top of the world!

'Funds from Centre are Himachals right, not charity': CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

CHANDIGARH: Attacking the BJP-led NDA Government and the top BJP leadership Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the funds allocated by the central government to Himachal Pradesh are the state's rightful entitlement, not an act of charity. He said that Himachal Pradesh is an integral part of the federal structure, where each state has both rights and responsibilities. Where does the union government collect its taxes from? It is the states' contributions that form the central revenue. Therefore, states have a legitimate claim on this tax revenue. The union government is not distributing charity but returning what is due. The Revenue Deficit Grant is a rightful entitlement of the people of Himachal Pradesh, and we are also entitled to our share in central taxes, he asserted. He also criticized Jagat Prakash Nadda, stating that as a Minister in the union government and the National President of the BJP, Naddas recent statements are inappropriate. Sukhu further said, Those who have recently become Naddas advisors were previously associated with the Congress party. It would be wise for him to stay cautious of such advices. In response to a question, Sukhu said that the previous BJP government had poorly managed the health sector, and it will take time for Himachal Pradesh to recover. He said that the state government has allocated Rs. 200 crores each for the completion of the Chamba and Hamirpur medical colleges. These funds have been sourced from the states resources. We are also recruiting doctors and nurses using our own funds to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the state. The union government is not providing these funds, he emphasized. Sukhu stated that ever since the Congress Party secured 40 seats in Himachal Pradesh, he has been subjected to personal attacks. There have been ED raids in Nadaun, and discussions about toilet taxes have arisen. These allegations seem aimed at influencing the Haryana assembly elections. Not a single person in Himachal Pradesh has been charged such a tax. It was the previous Jai Ram Thakur government decided to impose a sewerage tax on additional toilet seats, which our government has now waived, he said. He also clarified that the state government has neither withdrawn the electricity subsidy for the common people nor issued water bills. However, the subsidies for five-star hotels and luxury properties have been rationalised. Should five-star hotels and luxury properties be receiving such subsidies? he questioned. Meanwhile, former Union minister Anurag Thakur said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh took loans worth over Rs 27,000 crore in the last 18 months. While addressing public meetings at several places in his parliamentary constituency Hamirpur, including in Nadaun, the home assembly seat of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, yesterday evening , Thakur said,`` During the tenure of only 18 months so far, the state government has taken a loan of more than Rs 27,000 crore, despite that this government does not have the budget to get development work done in the state. The Congress government does not give anything, but it continuously makes plans to collect from the people. The condition of roads is bad in the entire state and the chief minister's assembly constituency Nadaun is no exception. There is a burden of taxes everywhere, be it electricity, water, roads, education or health. Electricity subsidy given by the previous BJP government has been stopped and the rural population has been burdened with water charges.

'Funds from Center are Himachals right, not charity,' says Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

CHANDIGARH: Attacking the BJP-led NDA Government and the top BJP leadership Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the funds allocated by the central government to Himachal Pradesh are the state's rightful entitlement, not an act of charity. He said that Himachal Pradesh is an integral part of the federal structure, where each state has both rights and responsibilities. Where does the union government collect its taxes from? It is the states' contributions that form the central revenue. Therefore, states have a legitimate claim on this tax revenue. The union government is not distributing charity but returning what is due. The Revenue Deficit Grant is a rightful entitlement of the people of Himachal Pradesh, and we are also entitled to our share in central taxes, he asserted. He also criticized Jagat Prakash Nadda, stating that as a Minister in the union government and the National President of the BJP, Naddas recent statements are inappropriate. Sukhu further said, Those who have recently become Naddas advisors were previously associated with the Congress party. It would be wise for him to stay cautious of such advices. In response to a question, Sukhu said that the previous BJP government had poorly managed the health sector, and it will take time for Himachal Pradesh to recover. He said that the state government has allocated Rs. 200 crores each for the completion of the Chamba and Hamirpur medical colleges. These funds have been sourced from the states resources. We are also recruiting doctors and nurses using our own funds to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the state. The union government is not providing these funds, he emphasized. Sukhu stated that ever since the Congress Party secured 40 seats in Himachal Pradesh, he has been subjected to personal attacks. There have been ED raids in Nadaun, and discussions about toilet taxes have arisen. These allegations seem aimed at influencing the Haryana assembly elections. Not a single person in Himachal Pradesh has been charged such a tax. It was the previous Jai Ram Thakur government decided to impose a sewerage tax on additional toilet seats, which our government has now waived, he said. He also clarified that the state government has neither withdrawn the electricity subsidy for the common people nor issued water bills. However, the subsidies for five-star hotels and luxury properties have been rationalised. Should five-star hotels and luxury properties be receiving such subsidies? he questioned. Meanwhile, former Union minister Anurag Thakur said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh took loans worth over Rs 27,000 crore in the last 18 months. While addressing public meetings at several places in his parliamentary constituency Hamirpur, including in Nadaun, the home assembly seat of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, yesterday evening , Thakur said,`` During the tenure of only 18 months so far, the state government has taken a loan of more than Rs 27,000 crore, despite that this government does not have the budget to get development work done in the state. The Congress government does not give anything, but it continuously makes plans to collect from the people. The condition of roads is bad in the entire state and the chief minister's assembly constituency Nadaun is no exception. There is a burden of taxes everywhere, be it electricity, water, roads, education or health. Electricity subsidy given by the previous BJP government has been stopped and the rural population has been burdened with water charges.

Drones suspected to be from China spotted along IB in Kinnaur: Himachal minister

Drones have been spotted along the Indo-China border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, likely used for surveillance and espionage, according to state minister Jagat Singh Negi. The sightings occurred near Shipki La and Rishi Dogri villages. The minister has urged the Union government to take necessary action against these violations.

Jal Jeevan Mission: 160 mn rural families have access to tap water now

Nearly 16 crore rural households, ensuring 78.58 per cent of rural homes, now have access to potable water, a sharp increase from the 17 per cent coverage when the Jal Jeevan Mission began, according to the Jal Shakti ministry. Aimed at bridging the rural-urban divide and improving public health, the mission's objective is to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. As of October 6, the ministry said the mission has provided tap water connections to 15.19 crore rural households, ensuring 78.58 per cent of rural homes now have access to potable water, a sharp increase from the 17 per cent coverage when the programme began. The initiative, which is also tackling water quality and drought-prone areas, is directly benefiting 19 crore rural families. The mission has added 11.95 crore new tap water connections since its launch, with states like Goa, Haryana, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh achieving 100 per cent rural household coverage. ...

Congress-led Himachal govt took loans worth Rs 27,000 crore in 18 months: Anurag Thakur

Hamirpur: The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh took loans worth over Rs 27,000 crore in the last 18 months, former Union minister Anurag Thakur said on Monday. Thakur also made the sam allegation while addressing public meetings at several places in his parliamentary constituency Hamirpur, including in Nadaun, the home assembly seat of Chief Minister 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 .

Record production of 1,545 metric tonnes of apple juice concentrate this year so far: CM

SHIMLA, Oct 6 : The Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation has processed a record 1,545 metric tonnes of apple juice concentrate across its three plants this year so far, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Sunday. It includes 814 metric tonnes (MT) from the Parala plant in Shimla district, 653 MT from the Parwanoo plant in Solan district, and 78 MT from the Jarol plant in Mandi district, he added. He said the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural []

Congress being run by urban Naxals, says PM Modi in Maharashtra rally

MUMBAI: Alleging that the Congress is being run by a gang of urban Naxals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged the public to unite in defeating the dangerous agenda of the grand old party that has a history of looting people once it comes to power. PM Modi was in Maharashtra to unveil and lay the foundations for various infrastructure and development projects. This is his third visit to the state in the last few days ahead of state assembly elections scheduled for November. With an eye on power, Congress makes many false promises that they fail to achieve once in power. They indulge in selfish politics and do nothing for the people. While one of the chief ministers has usurped peoples land, another Congress-ruled state of Himachal Pradesh wants to impose tax on toilets. The party is scared that if the people unite, their nefarious designs of dividing the country will fall flat, Modi said. He was addressing a rally in Washim after launching various projects. We have to be alert. A gang of urban Naxals runs Congress. Everyone can see how closely Congress stands with those who do not harbour good intentions for India. Drugs worth thousands of crores of rupees were seized in Delhi recently. A Congress leader is suspected to be the kingpin. Congress wants to contest elections from the money it gets by pushing the youth towards drugs, he alleged. Likening the Congress to the Britishers, the PM said, Like the British, the Congress also does not consider Dalits, backward and tribals as their equals. That is why they have always maintained a derogatory attitude towards the Banjara community, he said. Saints from the community inspired culture and spiritualism, but the British despised them. Even after they left the country, successive Congress govts continued to prevent the community from coming into the mainstream, the PM added.

Nadda: Gandhi's Vision Should Have Led to Congress's Disbandment After Independence

Shimla: U nion Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national President JP Nadda launched a strong attack on Congress during a public rally in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday. He asserted that Mahatma Gandhi had wished for the disbanding of the Congress party after India's independence, questioning its relevance in contemporary politics. While inaugurating the BJP's 563rd karyalaya in the country, Nadda remarked, There is a Congress party that emerged at the time of independence. After independence, Gandhi said to disband the Congress party; it is no longer needed. In its quest for power, the party kept shifting ideologically. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly transitioning from the language of urban naxals to that of those wanting to divide the country. Nadda expressed gratitude to the party workers and leaders in Himachal for securing all four Lok Sabha seats for the BJP during the recent general elections. This is my first visit to Himachal since the Lok Sabha election results. You have elected a BJP representative in all four seats, and I thank you for that. Your support has also enabled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to serve a historic third term. Recalling his early days as a party worker, Nadda shared how the BJP had once operated from rented spaces in Himachal. We have seen those days where we used to run the party office from a rented flat above a shop. If you want to experience sunlight, you must remember the dark times, he said, reflecting on the party's growth. He praised the modern facilities of the new karyalaya, which includes computers, a press conference room, and a kitchen. This karyalaya is equipped with all the technology needed. We call it a karyalaya, not an office. An office starts at 10 and closes at 5; a karyalaya is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Nadda also highlighted key policy decisions by Prime Minister Modi, such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the ban on triple talaq. We made it a reality on August 6, 2019. In the name of vote bank politics, Rajiv Gandhi's government changed the law but failed to eliminate triple talaq. PM Modi has given our Muslim sisters freedom from triple talaq, which does not exist in many Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh. His remarks resonate with the BJP's ongoing efforts to consolidate support in the region while drawing attention to its policy achievements and the perceived shortcomings of the Congress party. Siddaramaiah Under Siege: Congress High Command's Silence Fuels Unrest in Karnataka Shimla Court Orders Demolition of Unauthorized Floors of Sanjauli Mosque AAP Leaders Detained During Protest Demanding Reinstatement of Bus Marshals

Shimla Court Orders Demolition Of 3 Floors Of Disputed Mosque

A court in Himachal Pradesh today ordered the demolition of three floors of a disputed mosque in Shimla.

Shimla Court orders Masjid Committee, Waqf Board to demolish top three floors of Sanjauli Mosque within two months

The Shimla Municipal Commissioner Court on Saturday ordered the demolition of three floors of the Sanjauli Mosque in Himachal Pradesh.

What is Toilet Seat Tax that irked Himachal citizens?

A notification from the Himachal Pradesh government on the morning of September 21, proposing a 'toilet tax' in urban areas, sparked widespread confusion and controversy before it was swiftly modified later that evening. The issue gained such momentum that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed it during a Friday press conference in New Delhi, dismissing the claims and accusing political opponents of using the matter for electoral advantage. The office of Additional Chief Secretary (Jal Shakti), put forward the original notification saying, Where in urban areas, some establishment uses their own water sources and sewerage system of the department, sewage charged be levied @25/- per seat per month. The controversial clause was partly repealed in the second order later that day, stating, In partial modification of this Department notification dated 21-09-2024, condition number 3 is hereby deleted with immediate effect. Before the modification of the first notification, it had reached a few Municipal Corporation offices, in spite of the quick step down. When the notification was leaked to the media in Dharamshala, a controversy was ignited that led to widespread political criticism. The credibility of the proposed tax was bolstered by the Sukhu government's decision to impose a water cess in rural areas starting October 1, under the same notification. The previous BJP government had provided free water to rural areas, but this benefit was revoked with the new order. CM Sukhu had previously pointed out that even five-star hotels were benefiting from the free water policy introduced by the outgoing BJP government. The Congress government decided to withdraw the facility of free water supply in rural areas and impose above Rs 50,000 a cess of Rs 100 per month to rural domestic consumers annually. The notification proposed on September 21 asserted from October 21, all the water connections except rural domestic connections shall be metered. The charges for sewerage connections in urban and rural areas (where sewerage facility is available) be levied @ 30 % of water charges, it added. Addressing the media in New Delhi on Friday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, called the claims of a 'toilet tax' baseless and accused the opposition of exploiting the issue for political advantage ahead of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha elections. The BJP is playing the religion card or raising fabricated issues like this so-called toilet tax. These are unfounded allegations aimed at misleading the public, he said. Sukhu explained in a statement that the previous BJP government had introduced various sops worth Rs 5,000 crore, including free water, in an attempt to win the 2022 elections. However, despite these efforts, the Congress came to power. He noted that the free water benefit had even been extended to five-star hotels. The current government has since rationalized water subsidies by implementing a nominal charge of Rs 100 per month in rural areas, he added. However, Karan Nanda, a BJP spokesperson criticised the government by alleging that the notification was repealed after sensing public anger. The Sukhu government rolled back the notification to avoid backlash, but the Rs 25 charge will likely be imposed through other means, Nanda said.

Union Health Minister announces Rs. 178 crore infrastructure projects for Bilaspur AIIMS in Himachal Pradesh

The Union Health Minister J P Nadda recently announced significant investments to expand facilities and services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Projects worth Rs. 178 crore will be undertaken to develop advanced medical infrastructure at the premier hospital. During a visit to Bilaspur AIIMS, Nadda inspected the [] The post Union Health Minister announces Rs. 178 crore infrastructure projects for Bilaspur AIIMS in Himachal Pradesh appeared first on Northlines .

Cong fighting poll in alliance with NC to restore 370: Nadda

Resuming LoC trade, dialogue with Pak not possible Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Oct 4: Union Minister of Health, Chemicals & Fertilizers and national president, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J P Nadda today blamed Congress of fighting J&K poll in alliance with National Conference (NC) for restoration of controversial Article 370 which was annulled by Narendra Modi Government in 2019. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing an Abhinandan rally at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh today, Nadda said the Article 370 was [] The post Cong fighting poll in alliance with NC to restore 370: Nadda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Huge row over Himachal Pradesh 'toilet tax'; CM Sukhu slams BJP, terms claims as baseless

CHANDIGARH: A controversy has broken out in Himachal Pradesh over allegations that the state government plans to tax the public based on the number of toilet seats they have in their houses. However, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu categorically denied imposing a 'toilet tax' in the state. He said his government had taken steps to rationalise the water subsidy and decided to impose minimal charges of Rs 100 per connection per month in rural areas. Reports had claimed that the state government would impose a Rs 25 tax per toilet seat on residents of urban areas. Union Finance Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the Congress government for the so-called 'toilet tax'. Unbelievable, if true! Whilst PM (Narendra) Modi ji builds Swachhata as a people's movement, here is Congress taxing people for toilets! Shame that they didn't provide good sanitation during their time, but this step will shame the country, Sitharaman wrote on X. Unbelievable, if true! Whilst PM @narendramodi ji, builds Swachhata as a peoples movement, here is @INCIndia taxing people for toilets! Shame that they didnt provide good sanitation during their time, but this step will shame the country! https://t.co/EPTmOmyufM Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 4, 2024 BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also said that the Himachal government is continuously imposing new taxes and restrictions on the people. This is a reflection of the Himachal government's economic bankruptcy, policy bankruptcy and mental bankruptcy, he said. Additionally, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya took to X and wrote, In a bizarre move, the Congress Govt in HP will now tax citizens based on number of toilet seats they have at home. You read that right - number of toilet seats! PM Modi is building toilets, Congress is taxing them. This is what crap leadership does Reacting to their statements, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu categorically denied imposing a 'toilet tax' in the state. He said such claims are baseless and should not be used for political purposes. In light of the Haryana elections, the BJP is either playing the religion card or raising the toilet tax issue. It is completely false. No one should try to politicize issues purely for political gains, especially when the allegations are far from reality, he said. pic.twitter.com/CQpIuXIOu9 Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) October 4, 2024 Sukhu also added that prior to the assembly elections in 2022, the then BJP government had introduced sops worth Rs 5,000 crore, including provision of free water in rural areas in a bid to get votes. Despite these measures, the people of the state voted in favour of the Congress. He further said free water was being provided even to five-star hotels.

'Rs 25 charge per toilet seat..': Himachal Pradesh govt clarifies on seweragecharges

He explained that in all urban areas, 30 percent of water supply bills are levied as sewerage charges, and this has been standard practice.

Congress cant run Himachal Govt even for one day without Centres help: Nadda

SHIMLA/BILASPUR, Oct 4: Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday alleged that the Congress cannot run the Himachal Pradesh Government without the Centres support even for a day. Addressing a programme organised by the state unit of BJP in Bilaspur, Nadda said the Central Government gives Rs 500 crore as revenue deficit grant and Rs 800 crore as grant for payment of salaries and pension. Claiming that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu speaks in two languages, the BJP national []

Agreed to cuts suggested by CBFC for 'Emergency'; certificate can be issued: Zee Entertainment to Bombay HC

MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises, co-producer of Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' film, on Friday told the Bombay High Court it has agreed to the cuts suggested by the censor board. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, who represented Zee, said the necessary cuts would be made and the film would be submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for issuance of its certificate. Senior counsel Abhinav Chandrachud, appearing for the CBFC, said once the film is submitted after the cuts, the same would be verified and a certificate would be issued in two weeks. A division bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla accepted the statements and disposed of the petition filed by Zee Entertainment. The court said it would pass a detailed order later. We have worked it out, Jagtiani told the court. The movie, initially slated for a September 6 release, has been embroiled in a battle with the censor board for non-issuance of the CBFC certificate. Last week, the CBFC told HC that the movie could be released if certain cuts were made as decided by the board's revising committee. Earlier this week, the bench was informed by the censor board that Ranaut's production company Manikarnika, co-producer of the movie, had agreed to the cuts. Co-producer Zee Entertainment had moved the HC seeking direction to the CBFC to issue a certificate for the film, helmed by Ranaut, also a BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The biographical drama is caught up in controversy after Sikh organisations including the Shiromani Akali Dal objected, accusing it of misrepresenting the community and getting historical facts wrong. Zee Entertainment had in its plea claimed that the CBFC had already made the certificate for the movie but was not issuing it. Ranaut, who has directed and co-produced the film besides playing the lead role of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, had accused the CBFC of stalling the movie's certification to delay its release. Zee Entertainment had also alleged that the certificate was being withheld for political reasons and due to the upcoming elections in Haryana. The bench had then wondered as to why the ruling party (BJP) would act against Ranaut, who was herself a BJP MP.

Fact-check: Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh claims no toilet tax was imposed, here is how they are denying their own notification

In a notification dated 21-09-2024 and signed by Raksha Sharma, the deputy secretary (Jal Shakti) to the government of Himachal Pradesh, it is clearly mentioned that in urban areas where residents use their own water sources and the sewerage system of the Jal Shakti department, a tax of Rs 25 per seat per month would be levied.

Himachal Pradesh CM denies reports of Rs 25 toilet tax amid uproar

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu refutes claims of a planned Rs 25 toilet tax, calling them baseless. The controversy has triggered criticism from BJP leaders, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who express their shock over the alleged proposal.

'Right to live with dignity extends even to incarcerated,' says SC

NEW DELHI: Right to live with dignity extends even to incarcerated and its denial to the prisoners is a elic of the colonizers and pre-colonial mechanisms, the Supreme Court has said. The observations were made by a bench comprising Chief Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra in a landmark judgement delivered on Thursday by which it banned caste-based discrimination like division of manual labour, segregation of barracks, and bias against prisoners of denotified tribes and habitual offenders. It held as unconstitutional the certain objectionable prison manual rules of 10 states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. The CJI, penning the 148-page judgement for the bench, dealt with fundamental rights under Articles 14 (equality), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), 17 (abolition of untouchability), 21 (right to life and personal liberty), and 23 (right against forced labour) of the Constitution. Dealing with Article under 21, it said, The right to live with dignity extends even to the incarcerated. Not providing dignity to prisoners is a relic of the colonizers and pre-colonial mechanisms, where oppressive systems were designed to dehumanize and degrade those under the control of the State. Authoritarian regimes of the pre-constitutional era saw prisons not only as places of confinement but as tools of domination. This Court, focusing on the changed legal framework brought out by the Constitution, has recognized that even prisoners are entitled to the right to dignity. Life after the Big E: Its time to reclaim our rights and lives On Article 14, it said the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India and equality is a crucial aspect of the constitutional vision. The constitutional standards laid down by the Court under Article 14 can be summarized as follows. First, the Constitution permits classification if there is intelligible differentia and reasonable nexus with the object sought. Second, the classification test cannot be merely applied as a mathematical formula to reach a conclusion, it said. The judgment then dealt with Article 15 which prohibits discrimination on grounds of caste, race, religion, language etc. If the State itself discriminates against a citizen under any of the mentioned grounds, then it is discrimination of the highest form. After all, the State is expected to prevent discrimination, not perpetuate it. That is why our Constitution prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen, it said. Discrimination is prohibited, because it has several repercussions on human lives and it arises due to a feeling of superiority or inferiority, bias, contempt, or hatred against a person or a group, it said. In history, such feelings have led to the genocide of certain communities. Discrimination also lowers the self-esteem of the person being discriminated against. It can lead to unfair denial of opportunities and constant violence against a set of people. Discrimination can also be done by continuously ridiculing or humiliating someone, who is on the weaker side of the social spectrum. It can cause trauma to a person with which they may be affected their entire life. Discrimination also includes stigmatizing the identity or existence of a marginalized social group. Discrimination can also happen based on certain stereotypes against a marginalized group. As a society that divided people into a hierarchy, we must remain conscious of the forms and kinds of discrimination against marginalized groups. Discriminatory laws enacted before the Constitution of India came into force need to be scrutinized and done away with, the CJI said. SC rejects plea for termination of over 27-week pregnancy, says foetus has fundamental right to live Dealing with Article 17 which bans untouchability, it said it is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law and this provision has a special place in the Constitution as it puts an end to the socially discriminatory practice, the bench said. Article 17 enunciates that everyone is born equal. There cannot be any stigma attached to the existence, touch or presence of any person. By way of Article 17, our Constitution strengthens the equality of status of every citizen, it said. It has been held that the right to life enshrined in Article 21 'cannot be restricted to mere animal existence' and 'means something much more than just physical survival', it said. It includes the right to live with dignity and in fact, dignity forms a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, it said. In that sense, human dignity is a constitutional value and a constitutional goal. The bench added, Human dignity is intrinsic to and inseparable from human existence. Implicit in this right under Article 21 is 'the right to protection against torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment'. It then remarked on Article 23 which deals with the prohibition of forced labour and human trafficking and said that by allowing such prison rules the states are becoming part of the offence. It gave instances of caste-based discriminations in prisons, such as viewing as cruelty forcing a man of 'higher caste' to work at any trade would 'disgrace him' and his family. Group of 30 to sign 'Living Will' for right to die with dignity in Kerala

Flush with funds: Himachal rolls out 'toilet seat tax' amid crisis; details

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government revised rates for water supply in the state which includes new tax measures and incentives

A Toilet Tax In Himachal Pradesh? Chief Minister Clarifies Amid Uproar

Amid uproar over reports that people in Himachal Pradesh will now be taxed based on the number of toilet seats they have in their houses, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that there was no such oilet tax in the state.

Ahmedabad Diary | Demand for owners name in hotels

In line with UP and Himachal Pradesh, there are demands in Gujarat to mandate displaying the owners name on hotels and shops. Such demands have surfaced amid the ongoing Navratri festival, a time when many Garba participants visit restaurants and hotels for late-night meals after festivities. Concerns have been raised that while these establishments may carry Hindu-sounding names, their ownership could tell a different story. At a recent Surat civic body meeting, corporator Vijay Chomal voiced concerns, citing cases where hotels named after Hindu deities were allegedly owned by non-Hindus. Audio leak sparks tension within BJP Internal disputes within the BJPs Ahmedabad unit continue to surface. In a recent incident, an audio clip of Naresh Dabhi, former general secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha in Sardarnagar ward, went viral on social media. In the clip, Dabhi allegedly referred to Naroda MLA and ward president Ashok Hasnanin as a broker, further fueling tensions within the party. The viral clip has prompted swift action from the city BJP leadership. Ahmedabad BJP chief suspended Dabhi and filed a police complaint against him, as the incident damaged the partys reputation. Ex-CM withdraws defamation suit In the Sahara land dispute case on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway, Congress leaders have issued an apology and withdrawn their allegations. The defamation suit filed by former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has now been officially withdrawn. The case was initially brought against then leader of Opposition Sukhram Rathwa, Congress leader J Chavda, and party MLA Shailesh Parmar after they accused Rupani of involvement in a multi-crore land scam during a 2022 conference. The Congress leaders issued a formal apology, prompting Rupani to drop the lawsuit. Rupani clarified, There has been no settlement. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Students of SI School successfully summit Triund Peak

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 3: Marking a significant achievement in their outdoor education program, the 43 students from Scientia International School successfully summited the renowned Triund Peak in Himachal Pradesh, here today. The students, ranging from grades 9th to 12th, embarked on this adventurous journey, overcoming challenges and demonstrating remarkable endurance and determination. Speaking on the students accomplishment, Bharti Bhardwaj, Principal of SI School, said, This is an extraordinary feat for our students. The Triund trek is not just [] The post Students of SI School successfully summit Triund Peak appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM: Congress Stands for Corruption, Casteism

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of corruption, casteism, communalism, and nepotism, as he called on the people of Haryana to re-elect the ruling BJP for a third consecutive term. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), on the last day of campaigning before Haryana's Assembly polls on October 5, Modi criticised the Congress for what he termed divisive and negative politics, stating that the people of Haryana would not accept such an approach. The Congress guarantees corruption, casteism, communalism, and nepotism, Modi said. He further accused the Congress of operating as a syndicate of fixers and son-in-law, a veiled reference to land deals involving Congress leader Sonia Gandhis son-in-law, Robert Vadra, during the partys time in power (2004-2014) under then-Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Targeting Hooda and his MP son Deepender Singh Hooda, Modi said their father-son politics is driven solely by self-interest. He also alleged that factional infighting is rampant within the Congress, making it incapable of providing a stable government. The people of Haryana feel insulted as the state is being disrespected at the behest of two families sitting in Delhi and Haryana, Modi claimed, referencing the influence of the Gandhi and Hooda families. Modi pointed to Congress governments in other states, such as Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, as examples of failed leadership, stating that Congress policies harm the public. He claimed that voters in Haryana have already decided to reject the Congress in the upcoming elections. Modi also highlighted the BJP's achievements over the past decade, emphasising improvements in the lives of farmers, youth, women, and both urban and rural communities. We have brought Haryana out of the era of scams and riots seen during Congress rule, he said. The Prime Minister added that the widespread sentiment across the state is hadosa dil se, Bhajpa phir se (BJP once more). Modi urged voters to choose a government that can strengthen India on the global stage, stating that the Congress is incapable of doing so. The Congress, which managed to match the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections by winning five seats each in Haryana, is hopeful of regaining power in the state after a decade. Meanwhile, the BJP has conducted a vigorous campaign to retain control.

Kerala: Mortal Remains of Soldier Who Died in 1968 Plane Crash, Brought to Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: The mortal remains of Thomas Cherian, who perished in a plane crash over Rohtang Pass in 1968, were brought to Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Family members, senior defense personnel, and state and union ministers received the body at the Technical area of Thiruvananthapuram airport. The remains will be escorted by military personnel to the residence of Shaiju K. Mathew, the son of Cherian's elder brother, Thomas Mathew, in Pathanamthitta district. The funeral service is scheduled at St. Peter's Orthodox Church, Karur, on Friday at 12:40 pm The mortal remains of Cherian were recovered recently, after 56 years following his tragic demise in a plane crash. Cherian, a craftsman in the Indian Army, was just 22 when the AN-12 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed over the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. The twin-engine turbo-propelled transport aircraft, which was carrying 102 people, went missing on February 7, 1968, during its flight from Chandigarh to Leh. In addition to Cherian, the remains of three other soldiers were found on Monday during a joint operation by the Agra Scouts of the Indian Army and the Tiranga Mountain Rescue Team. Another soldier E M Thomas, from Ranni in Pathanamthitta, also lost his life in the same crash. However, his mortal remains have yet to be found. Thomas's family remains hopeful that they will recover their loved one's remains. Molly, Thomas's sister who resides in the United States, informed the media that they are hopeful the army will also retrieve her brother's remains. I was nine years old when the incident occurred. My recollection is hazy, but I remember he was very close to our family and would reassure our parents, promising he'd always be there for them, she recounted. The relatives of Thomas remain hopeful that the army teams will persist in their search and recover the remains of their loved ones. To date, nine bodies have been retrieved. Cherians brothers, Thomas Thomas and Thomas Varghese expressed a mix of deep sorrow and relief upon learning about the body of their sibling. Their sister Mary shared her relief at the thought of her brother finally returning to their parents. It was initially very mentally disturbing when I heard the news. I'm relieved that my siblings will be joining us. Seeing that body laid to rest with my father and mother brings me peace. I've been concerned about not seeing him all these years. My brother enlisted in the army at 18. At the time of the incident, I was 12 years old. The first thing we knew was that the plane had gone missing. It caused a great deal of pain for my mother and everyone else at the time. I cried constantly until my mother passed away in 1998, she recounted.

Modi claims Congress guarantees corruption, casteism, nepotism on last day of Haryana poll campaign

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Congress stands for the guarantee of corruption, casteism, communalism and nepotism, as he urged the people in Haryana to vote the ruling BJP to power for a third straight term. In a message on X on the last day of campaigning in Haryana before the assembly polls on October 5, Modi blasted the Congress for its alleged divisive and negative politics, which, he said, the patriotic people of the state will never accept. The Congress means a syndicate of fixers and son-in-law, he said in an apparent reference to controversial land deals involving Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra when the party was in power during 2004-14 with Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the chief minister. - , , - - ... Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2024 The main goal of father-son politics is only self-interest, he said, clearly targeting Hooda and his MP son Deepender Singh Hooda. Modi also asserted that Congress leaders are involved in a factional fight and further claimed that people knew that the party can never provide a stable government. People of Haryana are also feeling hurt as the entire state is being insulted at the behest of two families sitting in Delhi and Haryana, Modi claimed. People are witnessing the failure of Congress governments in states like Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. Congress' policies destroy people and that is why they do not want the party in Haryana at all, he claimed. Leaders of the Congress, Modi said, have bared their intentions by speaking in favour of ending reservation when Dalits and backward classes are already angry with the party for its inability to prevent caste violence. People have made up their minds to punish the Congress once more, he added. Modi said that he had travelled across the state during the campaign and the enthusiasm he saw among the people gave him confidence that they would once again give their blessings to the BJP. The BJP in its 10 years of government in Haryana worked relentlessly to improve people's lives and prioritised the welfare of every section of society, be it farmers, youth, women, villages or cities, he added. We have brought Haryana out of the era of scams and riots seen during the Congress governments, Modi said, adding that the voice that is echoing everywhere in Haryana is bhadosa dil se, Bhajpa phir se (BJP once more). Exhorting people to vote for the BJP, the prime minister said it is very important that they elect a government which strengthens India at a time when the entire world is looking towards the country with hope and expectations. The Congress can never strengthen the country, he said. After the Congress managed to draw a level with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls as both parties won five seats each, it is hopeful of toppling the ruling party from power in the state after 10 years. The BJP has run an intense campaign in its bid to retain power in the northern state.