Indian apple growers to protest US duty concession: Tarigami
Apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will protest in Delhi next month to oppose a proposed duty concession on US apples under a trade pact that would allow duty-free imports from the United States. They warn the move could flood Indian markets and harm domestic farmers. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has pledged support for the protest.
Apple Farmers To Protest In Delhi Against Duty Concession On US Apples: Tarigami
Srinagar, Feb 27: Apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will protest in Delhi next month against the proposed duty concession on US apples, in a bid to save domestic growers from losses. India has granted a quota-based duty concession to the US on apples under the interim trade pact. Apples from the US will enter the Indian market without any import duties. The growers are apprehensive that apples from th US will flood the Indian market [] The post Apple Farmers To Protest In Delhi Against Duty Concession On US Apples: Tarigami appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi Police vs Himachal Police: Face off over Youth Congress arrests in Shimla
The arrest of three Indian Youth Congress members by Delhi Police in Rohru, Shimla, triggered a tense standoff with Himachal Pradesh Police, who alleged procedural violations and registered a kidnapping case
A dramatic police standoff unfolded between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh forces over the arrest of three Youth Congress workers following a protest. The Delhi-Haryana team faced multiple roadblocks in Shimla, delaying the handover of the accused for 24 hours. A political spat erupted, with the BJP accusing the state government of misusing police power.
Delhi's Patiala House Court grants 3-day custody of five Indian Youth Congress workers
Patiala House Court granted three days' custody to five Indian Youth Congress workers arrested in connection with the AI Summit protest. Police sought remand to investigate their role in shirtless protests and identify the printing press for T-shirts. The court granted further custody for two and a fresh five-day custody for three others arrested from Himachal Pradesh.
'Shirtless protest': Delhi police returns with 3 accused after Shimla standoff
After a tense 24-hour standoff with Himachal Pradesh Police in Shimla, Delhi Police transported three Youth Congress workers to the national capital. The workers had been detained over a protest at the AI Impact Summit. A clash between the two forces emerged over alleged lapses in arrest procedures, but the Delhi team ultimately left with the detainees.
AI Summit Protest: Delhi, Shimla Police Drama Enters Wee Hours After Youth Cong Activists Arrest
SHIMLA, Feb 26: The high voltage drama with the Himachal Police detaining a 20-member Delhi Police team extended into the wee hours of Thursday, even after the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) granted transit remand for three Youth Congress activists arrested in connection with the shirtless protest at the AI Summit to New Delhi. On Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh Police registered a kidnapping case against the Delhi Police personnel and detained their vehicles at the Shogi border near Shimla. This [] The post AI Summit Protest: Delhi, Shimla Police Drama Enters Wee Hours After Youth Cong Activists Arrest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
A 24-hour standoff between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh Police on a Shimla highway concluded early Thursday after a dramatic confrontation over the arrest of three Youth Congress activists. The dispute involved barricades, counter-FIRs, and midnight court appearances, ultimately ending with the Delhi team leaving with the accused after sharing a seizure memo.
After Day-Long Standoff With Himachal Police, Delhi Cops On Way To Delhi With 3 Accused
Saurabh Singh, Siddharth Avadhoot, and Arbaaz Khan were arrested in Shimla after a tense standoff between Himachal Pradesh Police and Delhi Police over the AI Summit protest case.
Arrest Over AI Summit Protest: DelhiShimla Police Standoff Ends
On Wednesday evening, the Himachal Pradesh Police registered a kidnapping case against the Delhi Police personnel and detained their vehicles at the Shogi border near Shimla
AI Summit protest: Dramatic standoff between Delhi, Shimla police ends after 24 hours
The Himachal Pradesh Police registered a kidnapping case against the Delhi Police personnel and detained their vehicles at the Shogi border near Shimla on February 25, 2026
Aakash wins silver in Federation Cup Classic Powerlifting Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent 26JAMMU, Feb 25: Aakash Dutt claimed a remarkable second place (silver medal) in the 120 kg Open category at the Federation Cup Classic Powerlifting Championship 2025 held in Himachal Pradesh, recently. He recorded lifts of 185 kg in Squat, 147.5 kg in Bench Press and 180 kg in Deadlift, totaling 512.5 kg. Aakash, known for his consistent performances, also shone on the International stage. He represented India at the 12th World Strengthening and Incline Bench Press Championship [] The post Aakash wins silver in Federation Cup Classic Powerlifting Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shirtless protest: 3 more Congress workers held in Shimla; total arrests rise to 11
NEW DELHI, Feb 25: Three more Congress workers have been taken into custody in connection with the shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit here, taking the total number of those arrested in the case to 11, an official said on Wednesday. Saurabh, Siddharth and Arbaz were apprehended by the Special Cell of Delhi Police from a hotel in Rohru subdivision of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh. They were produced before a local court, which granted transit remand to enable [] The post Shirtless protest: 3 more Congress workers held in Shimla; total arrests rise to 11 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
A jurisdictional dispute erupted after Shimla Police filed an FIR against Delhi Police personnel for allegedly abducting three Youth Congress members. The Delhi team was detained, released by a court, and then detained again, escalating tensions between the two state police forces.
Drama Follows Youth Congress Workers' Arrest, Cops File Case Against Cops
A confrontation between two state police forces unfolded on a highway in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, escalating into a rare situation in which one police unit registered a criminal case against officers from another state.
Three more Congress workers arrested in `shirtless` AI Summit protest, total 11
The trio, Saurabh, Siddharth and Arbaz, were picked up by the Special Cell of Delhi Police from a hotel in the Rohru subdivision of Himachal Pradeshs Shimla district. A local court granted transit remand, allowing the police to bring them to Delhi for further interrogation
Himachal Vigilance Chief Absent For Days, State Puts Second Officer In Charge
Frequent leaves taken by IPS officer Aditi Singh over the past three months has led the Himachal Pradesh government to hand over the additional charge of SP Vigilance to ASP V
Army Defends Khelo India Winter Games Team Championship
Gulmarg, Feb 25: Army won an overall nine goal medals including eight in the Gulmarg leg to defend their team championship title in the Khelo India Winter Games, here on Wednesday. Himachal Pradesh finished as the runner-up with four goal medals on the final day of the competition. The closing ceremony the KIWG will be held at the Golf Course here on Thursday, hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and managed by the Sports Authority of India. The [] The post Army Defends Khelo India Winter Games Team Championship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Police Vs Delhi Police Over Arrest Of 3 Youth Congress Workers
According to Himachal Pradesh Police, the Delhi Police team was intercepted at Dharampur in Solan district.
Four Fronts, One Week: India's Military Means Serious Business
From Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand, Indian forces are conducting joint drills with US and Japanese troops, while the Air Force prepares to showcase its strength at Pokhran.
India-U.S. Vajra Prahar special forces exercise begins in Himachal Pradesh
India-Japan begin Dharma Guardian joint military exercise in Uttarakhand
Chitkara Lit Fest - bringing together some of India's most distinctive voices from poetry, advertising, cricket, and contemporary fiction. The annual literary festival, held at the Chitkara University campus, drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and guests, cementing its reputation as one of the region's most anticipated cultural and intellectual events. This year's edition saw over 1,000 students from the university's literary clubs engage with the festival, showing its growing impact as a platform for student inspiration and creative development. Prahlad Kakkar and Sanjay Manjrekar, among other distinguished voices, captivated audiences at the 4th edition of Chitkara Lit Fest The festival opened on a stirring note with a live poetry recital by Abhisar Geeta Shukla, poet, writer, and lyricist best known for the widely beloved lines, "Dost kamre me akela hoon bachate rahna, Phone jab tak na uthe phone milate rahna." The recital struck an immediate chord with the audience, and a book signing session that followed saw students lining up to engage with the poet personally. Next to take the stage was Prahlad Kakkar , one of India's most celebrated ad filmmakers, whose session crackled with energy and wit. In a freewheeling conversation on the evolving landscape of advertising, bold storytelling, and the creative risks behind truly impactful campaigns, Kakkar offered insights that were as entertaining as they were instructive. The session closed with a lively audience interaction and book signing. Former Indian cricketer, commentator, and author Sanjay Manjrekar brought a different kind of intensity to the festival, joining author and motivational speaker Vivek Atray - former IAS officer - for a rich, wide-ranging conversation on professional sport, mental resilience, leadership, and what life looks like beyond the boundary. The session resonated deeply with students and concluded with a bat signing ceremony that drew considerable excitement. The final author session featured Ravinder Singh, one of India's most-read contemporary writers, in conversation with RJ and author Vinayaka Sharma. Singh spoke with characteristic warmth about his writing journey, the shifting expectations of today's readers, and the emotional authenticity that sits at the heart of his storytelling. The session drew one of the day's largest crowds for its book signing. The festival closed with a live performance by singer Justh, whose soulful set brought the day to a memorable, melodic close - a fitting finale for a celebration of language, creativity, and human expression. Reflecting on the festival's growing impact, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University , said, " Chitkara Lit Fest has consistently served as a platform where ideas meet inspiration. Through sustained dialogue with distinguished professionals, we aim to cultivate intellectual curiosity, creative confidence, and meaningful expression among our students ." Now in its fourth year, Chitkara Lit Fest has grown into a landmark event on the cultural calendar of the region - one that brings young minds into genuine conversation with some of the country's most accomplished voices, and reflects Chitkara University's enduring commitment to holistic education, creative excellence, and meaningful student engagement. About Chitkara University Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering industry - aligned undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technology fields. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities, and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship, and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange, and collaborative research opportunities. Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad. www.chitkara.edu.in
Second edition of Innovate to Excel concludes at JUIT
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 23: The second edition of Innovate to Excel was today concluded at the Institutions Innovation Council (IIC) of Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan in Himachal Pradesh. The primary objective of this initiative was to foster innovation-driven thinking among students, enhance awareness about entrepreneurship and strengthen intellectual engagement. The program commenced with a formal inaugural session held under the guidance and leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof R K Sharma. The event was coordinated by Prof [] The post Second edition of Innovate to Excel concludes at JUIT appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indias Alpine hopes soar in Gulmarg
Teen talent targets Winter Olympics Excelsior Sports Correspondent Srinagar, Feb 23: Three young alpine skiers training under double Winter Olympian Mohammad Arif Khan have set their sights on putting India on the global winter sports map, as the Khelo India Winter Games spotlight emerging talent in Gulmarg. Syed Zain, Faizan Ahmad Lone from Kashmir and Sahil Thakur from Himachal Pradesh, considered among the countrys brightest prospects in Alpine skiing, recently returned from an advanced training programme in Italys Sudtirol, where [] The post Indias Alpine hopes soar in Gulmarg appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tanushree Basnet celebrates and preserves the beauty of traditional pottery through her work CHRISTINE MACHADO | NT BUZZ It was in Andretta, near Palampur, Himachal Pradesh that Tanushree Basnet first tried clay wheel throwing and something shifted within her. I watched how potters worked with quiet focus and rhythm. I was struck by how grounding []
Ranji Trophy: From Outsiders To Title Contenders How J&K Scripted A Remarkable Run
Ranji Trophy: 67 years after Jammu & Kashmir first appeared in the Ranji Trophy, they now stand on the verge of winning the title when they take on Karnataka in the title clash in Hubbali starting on Tuesday. Not long ago, using Jammu & Kashmir and playing the Ranji Trophy final is something anyone wouldnt have written in the same sentence. For decades, J&K team was a footnote in Indian domestic cricket - a team that showed up, occasionally surprised, and went home. At best, they were termed party spoilers, while hosting games was more of a tourism package for the visiting sides after pocketing an easy win. Now, on the eve of playing their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, everyone is rooting for them to achieve championship glory. The journey to reach here has been a hard way - after losing to Mumbai in Srinagar, which stung them hard, J&K beat Rajasthan at home, before going on to beat Delhi in Delhi and defeat Hyderabad in Jammu. Draws over Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry and Himachal Pradesh ensured J&K finished as second-best team in Elite Group D with 24 points. Once knockouts arrived, J&K brought on their A-game by beating Madhya Pradesh in Indore and defeating Bengal in Kalyani. Now J&K stands as a team that no longer fears anyone. The mood is very, very confident and boys are enjoying the moment because it's a very, very big thing for us. In last two games, whatever I've seen is that playing against many big names, they are not at all bothered. They are saying that, 'We'll see them on the ground, said bowling coach P. Krishnakumar to IANS from Hubbali. J&Ks run to the Ranji Trophy final did not happen overnight. It took five years, including a heart-break of missing out on quarter-final due to Kerala taking one-run lead last time, a restructured administration, carefully assembled coaching staff, and a group of young men from the valleys and plains of J&K willing to outwork everyone else. Reaching here is not easy for a team which was not even in the map of Indian cricket and is now one of the dominant teams of the country, especially, in the bowling part, as this is the number one bowling side in the country. As a bowling coach, I'm very proud of how the boys have responded. I always believe I'm a resource for the boys - they use our knowledge, experience, and they move and grow, added Krishnakumar. One of Krishnakumar's first acts upon joining J&K team was to study the people, their culture, history and temperament. It really helped me to know how the Jammu and Kashmiri people are? It gave me the edge as I knew that Kashmiris are a little calm, quiet and prefer to stay behind because they have faced so many hardships in their life and they are slightly laid-back type of guys who don't want to be in the limelight. Jammu people are different because they go out to Delhi and different places in the country to play. So they are a little khule (open-minded) and understanding that really helped me as I planned my sessions accordingly. To the Kashmiris, I had to give them a lot of motivation and make them feel that they are very good. Then what happened was that trust developed between the players and the coach and that again is a very, very important part, he said. The results of that trust-building are visible in the numbers. Since Krishnakumar joined, J&K have been a stellar bowling unit, with pacer Auqib Nabi their leading wicket-taker with 55 scalps and having a Rs 8.4 crore IPL contract with Delhi Capitals. His new ball partner, left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar has 29 scalps while left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq has 20 scalps. A big reason behind J&Ks resurgence has been the dismantling of the inferiority complex - the quiet but crippling sense that certain opponents were simply beyond them. Cricket is a game and a fight between two skilled players. What happens is, if suppose you're bowling to Sachin Tendulkar, and your skill is not matching with his skill, obviously what happens is, he's going to win the battle. As a bowling coach, what I've done is, I've developed their skills so that they are able to match against the skills of other good batters. If the batsman is inferior, they just run through the teams and that means, their skill level has gone up. When their skill is now matching with the top players of the country, they are able to get them out and bowl well against very good teams. Automatically what happens is, their inferiority complex goes away and it will only go when it's on the ground only, elaborated Krishnakumar. That dismantling has contributed to J&K brimming with tons of self-belief. It can't go off by reading books or anything. Yes, it helps, but at the end of the day, it is the practical thing you have to face and then only you can get out of that fear of inferiority and complex goes off. So that is what has happened as now Jammu & Kashmir are defeating the top teams of the country. Now that belief has developed in the boys that 'Yes, we can do it.' Basically this is what we did as coaches - I worked on the skills of the bowlers and now it's easy for them to play well against the good players, added Krishnakumar. Krishnakumar's coaching philosophy is rooted in simplicity and that was spectacularly vindicated in the semi-final win over Bengal, where Paras Dogra-led J&K dismissed them for just 99 in the second innings - four wickets each for Auqib and Sunil Kumar - to set up a victory that sent their dressing room into raptures and their supporters all around to tears of immense joy. When we got out, almost three days were left in the game, which goes to nearly 270 overs. So we gave them a very simple plan - you have to bowl in the right areas. Because I knew that my bowlers are so skilled - if they bowl in the right areas, I was very sure that they will get them out. But by God's grace, it was a miracle that they got them out for 99. It doesn't happen many times as it's very rare that a team like Bengal gets out for 99. That time, luck also favoured us and the bowlers bowled brilliantly in the right areas because they're able to swing the ball both ways. So accordingly, the only thing we told them was just you have to bowl in the right areas and that's it, he elaborated. That study of culture of J&K people has come handy in how Krishnakumar speaks to his bowlers. If you look at the system of Jammu and Kashmir, most of the boys are into sports only and are not high on studies. So the thing is, as a coach, we have to see that also and look at the IQ of the boy - that is very, very important. That's why in the last three years, I give them very, very simple plans and things to follow. Very clearly, I tell them, this is what you have to do and that is working for the boys, because they are also not confused and their mind is very clear that this is what we have to do. The way they have developed and worked very hard in three years like Auqib and Yudhvir. Even Sunil has come a long way, he has worked very hard. I have specific skills sessions with them and that has really helped as these brilliant performances are coming. While Nabi is very calm, Yudhvir is more of an aggressive type of guy while Sunil is another guy who's very calm, he elaborated. The foundation of J&K's rise was laid before Krishnakumar and coaches were hired. He reserved special credit for Mithun Manhas, the former batter who represented both Delhi and J&K and was in the states sub-committee before taking over as BCCI President last year. I will give the credit first of all to Mithun Minhas. He is a very, very important person in this whole set-up and developed entire system in Jammu & Kashmir due to which everything is very structured. I would also appreciate Brigadier (Anil Gupta, Retired) sir, who looked after the administration part. He also bought a system like things happen via email and proper squads should be there. These are small, but very important things and would first give the credit to both of them. Mithun gets more nod because he was looking after the cricket part and he gave the freedom to choose the right person for right post. He bought in the right coaches, like Ajay Sharma as the head coach, then me and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik. Krishnakumar also flagged the role of Yagnik and Sharma in creating an environment of togetherness in the J&K set-up. I would also appreciate Dishant Yagnik's work as his role pata nahi chalta bahar se (isn't much visible from the outside). But his role has been very, very instrumental in the development of Jammu and Kashmir team. He has done a fantastic job and because of the fielding, our bowling has gone up as if fielders don't take catches, then it's difficult to win matches. Apart from Dishant being fantastic, Ajay bhai has also definitely given us the freedom and space to work like whatever you want to do, go ahead as per that. As the head of this family, he has done a good job. But I would definitely give a nod to Mithun Manhas for his vision and starting all of this when he was brought into the Jammu and Kashmir system. When the season began, the coaching staff gave the players a single instruction: take one match at a time. That instruction, Krishnakumar says, has held through every game, every victory and every surge of excitement that could so easily have become a distraction. The semi-final win is all absorbed. When we started the season, we told the boys 'You have to take one match at a time.' Even if you win the final also, you have to be the same because the next season, you have to start again. That semi-final win was very emotional part of our journey. But now we have come back to normal and we are very sure that we'll give a good fight to Karnataka and bring home the trophy. What winning the Ranji Trophy for the players, state, and scores of young people watching the final on TV & livestream would do is something Krishnakumar finds difficult to put into words. But he did give it a decent try. I think, I don't have words for that because that will be something magical happening for Jammu and Kashmir. Not only for cricket, but for other games as well because this game motivates millions of people in India. If Jammu and Kashmir wins the trophy, it will develop a vibe in the whole state and a lot of boys will start dreaming of playing for Jammu and Kashmir. They will think about being in the team one day and thats very important as cricket being a popular game in India, seeing the win will give them confidence and make people to dream about playing for the state. I think this will change the whole culture of Jammu and Kashmir and I hope this happens on February 28. I strongly feel this as I am getting that vibe of it's going to come to us this year, definitely. I think, I don't have words for that because that will be something magical happening for Jammu and Kashmir. Not only for cricket, but for other games as well because this game motivates millions of people in India. If Jammu and Kashmir wins the trophy, it will develop a vibe in the whole state and a lot of boys will start dreaming of playing for Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Karnataka are eight-time champions chasing their first title in a decade, J&K are chasing something they have never had in 67 years of their existence in first-class cricket. Whatever the result, this much is certain: J&K are no longer hopeful outsiders - they firmly belong here amongst the heavyweights. Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: From Scenic Kathar To Playing Final In Hubbali - The Making Of Sunil Kumar
Ranji Trophy: On February 17 in Kalyani, many felt Bengal were assured of entering the Ranji Trophy final after bagging a slender lead over Jammu & Kashmir. A big second innings score and that would have been enough for Bengal to get into the title clash against Karnataka. But cricket is a great leveller and brings its own twists and turns beyond ones imagination. The exact same thing happened when Bengal folded for 99, giving J&K a target of 126 which they chased down to get into the title clash starting in Hubbali on Tuesday. Apart from Auqib Nabi taking a sensational four-fer, his new ball partner Sunil Kumar also grabbed four scalps to put J&K in the drivers seat for entering their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. Now, against Karnataka and a formidable batting line-up featuring KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair and Mayank Agarwal, left-armer Sunil is ready for the biggest game of his life after having his coming-of-age moment in Kalyani. It has been very good to bowl with Nabi. There is no pressure when bowling alongside him because all the pressure is coming through him. The way he bowls, it feels like he is bound to get a wicket on every delivery. When that happens, then your job is to not give runs from the other side as they will get out to him and you just have to contain the runs from your side. When Vanshe (Vanshaj Sharma) hit that sixer, I was sitting at the back of the dugout. It was a very good and unforgettable moment for all of us. It was clear before that we were going to play the final, but then that feeling of entering the title clash was just unbelievable. We have now forgotten that victory since we reached Karnataka. The entire focus is on the final, said Sunil in an exclusive conversation with IANS from Hubbali. The bowling plan for Karnataka, Sunil feels, will be no different from the one that has worked all season and the one that dismantled Bengal inside two sessions in ways even the J&K camp hadnt anticipated. The plan was simple - we wanted to get them out as soon as possible. But we didn't think that they would get out in one or two sessions. We thought that even if they got out in three or four sessions, we would get a day to chase whatever total they would post. But as soon as we got the wickets quickly, we thought it could be easily chased down. The bowling plan was the same - we wanted to hit our basic line and length again and again so that they would make a mistake. But we didn't think that they would suddenly get out in one or two sessions, he recalled. Sunil hails from Kathar, a scenic village nestled 35 kilometres from Akhnoor district in the Jammu region. The son of an Army man, Sunil played with a cosco ball as he fared better in cricket than his peers in the village, who believed he had the capabilities to make a career out of playing the sport. There are a lot of swing bowlers who I watched a lot. When I started watching cricket, I would take notice of India left-arm pacers Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan. I really liked Irfan Pathan's bowling action and I used to try to copy it. So, by copying him, my action became like this. I also used to like the bowling of Dale Steyn and James Anderson, said Sunil When Pathan played for J&K as player-cum-mentor from 2018 to 2020, Sunil had a chance to meet him. I went for a trial and that's where I met him once. He asked me for my age and told me that I bowl very well and that I have a lot of time in hand, he said. An inter-college tournament first introduced him to leather-ball cricket. Trials followed, and then a talent hunt around 2021-22 brought him to the attention of J&K head coach Ajay Sharma. Before I came to college, I used to play with a cosco ball. The first time I played leather-ball based cricket was through an inter-college tournament and that's where my journey started. Gradually I came to know about trials and attended it. There I came to know that yes, I am fine and I can play cricket professionally. Luckily I also did well in the talent hunt and we were called for a T20 camp and Ajay sir came there for the first time. I was first picked by the selectors from the talent hunt. When Ajay sir was there, I was playing in the C or D team. So, the next team match was A or B team and they said to put me in either of the two teams and make me bowl with the new ball. So, that's how it started and where I am playing now, it's because of that talent hunt. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have been able to achieve anything, he said. The commute from Kathar to J&K Sports Hostel and Science College ground, where the JKCA camps were held, was a daily test of commitment in itself. I had to travel 65 to 70 kms via scooty and if the camp was set up for 10am, then I had to leave at 8:15am so that I could reach by 9:45 to 9:50am. If camp ran till 2pm, I would then leave at 2:30pm and reach home by 4 or 4:30pm, he said. His family, he says, never stood in the way. I didn't take cricket just because I wanted to pursue it. My family knew that I play cricket. In terms of playing a game, when you want to achieve something really good, then it's not that you want to get some return from it. You play for the love of that thing. I started like that and I'm still playing with the same mindset. So, their support was that they never stopped me for anything. I was good in studies, used to pass exams well and get good marks. So, I told them that I'm studying and playing and they were okay with it. Bowling coach P. Krishnakumar, who has overseen J&K's pace attack for three seasons, identified Kumar early as a project worth investing in. It's a very, very big thing for him. He comes from Akhnoor, which is a very small place. He didn't have a pitch to bowl and what he has done was, he has made a pitch in his own home. In the off-season, he calls and asks me on improving his bowling. We discuss and I tell him to do this and that. When he started, he was more of an out-swing bowler. He never had a good in-swing and I have developed his in-swing. I have developed his bowling from down the stick. So whatever I could do, I have done with him. He is very calm, like Auqib and is ready to work hard. In the first year only of me coming here, in the lunch and tea sessions, we used to do specific skill sessions and he also has picked up very quickly and that is why he is performing because a bowler can only perform if teer hai uske tarkash mein (there are many arrows in his quiver). Then only he can compete with that. If a batsman has more arrows, he will win, but if you have more than him, so you will win and it's very simple, he said to IANS. Sunil also acknowledged the role of Krishnakumar in his development as a bowler. The coaching staff is very helpful. Krishna Kumar has done a lot of hard work in getting a lot of basic things right, that were previously bad for me. He has worked a lot on my mental side as well. He always says that the more you keep your basics right, and the simpler you keep your plans, the better it is. He has helped me in the off-season a lot to become a lot better with my bowling. In eight matches of this season, Sunil has claimed 29 wickets at an average of 15.1, including two four-wicket hauls and as many five-fors. His first fifer came in Jammu against Hyderabad a moment he describes as the highlight of his first full-fledged domestic season. Playing in this season feels really good. This is my first season of playing domestic cricket and the performances have been fine, so I feel good about it. It was a very special moment to get my first fifer at our home ground and then get the second five-wicket haul against Himachal Pradesh in Amtar, he said. In eight matches of this season, Sunil has claimed 29 wickets at an average of 15.1, including two four-wicket hauls and as many five-fors. His first fifer came in Jammu against Hyderabad a moment he describes as the highlight of his first full-fledged domestic season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Even if you find it boring or basic and start to think 'what will even happen through it', you have to keep doing it. One day God will give you the result as he sees the hard work you put in every day, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
HPPCL declares Patel Engineering as lowest bidder for Rs 910 crore dam project
Patel Engineering has emerged as the lowest bidder for Package 1 of Himachal Pradesh's Renuka Ji Dam project, valued at Rs 910.08 crore. This crucial development, set to be completed in 30 months, involves constructing three significant diversion tunnels. The project aims to boost water storage and hydropower generation, reinforcing Patel Engineering's expertise in infrastructure development.
Himachal Pradesh launches first-ever e-auction of retail liquor outlets
State govt. initiates e-auction process for 2026-27 on the first day for the districts of Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba, says State Taxes and Excise Commissioner Yunus
Himachal Pradesh is set to implement a significant increase in entry-point toll charges for out-of-state vehicles starting April 1, 2026. Light motor vehicles will see a substantial hike, while buses and trucks with two axles will maintain their current rates. This revision aims to bolster the state's revenue base.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda on Saturday launched the indigenously manufactured tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) here in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh going to face revenue deficit of Rs 10,000 crore: Dy CM Mukesh Agnihotri
Himachal Pradesh faces a significant financial challenge. The state anticipates a Rs 10,000 crore revenue deficit. This comes after the Union Government stopped the Revenue Deficit Grant. The state government is implementing new policies. These include reforms in toll collection and excise. Entry fees for vehicles are also revised.
Mlaya-ko April jaoni SIR-ko kana tarichina EC geeta
NEW DELHI: Meghalaya adokko manchape asongni dam 22 adokrango, April jaonin Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-ko abachengna manna gita iano nangchakegipa pilak kamrangkon matchotatchina Election Commission, geetaniko onangaha. Iani bidingo Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, []
Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria vaccine to be launched today
PTI New Delhi The Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine will be launched on Saturday by Union Health Minister JP Nadda at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Extensive scientific evidence indicates that widespread childhood immunisation with the DPT group of vaccines has significantly reduced the incidence of diphtheria and tetanus in []
Himachal toll tax hiked: Check new rates you will have to pay to enter hills from April 1
Himachal toll tax hike new rate: Himachal Pradesh is increasing entry fees for vehicles from April 1. This move aims to boost state revenue amid financial pressure. Various vehicle categories will see higher charges. The state is also implementing tech-driven toll collection to improve efficiency. This change will make trips to Himachal more expensive for visitors.
Hike In Himachal Toll From April 1. Cars To Pay Rs 170 Instead Of Rs 70
Come April 1, visitors to Himachal Pradesh would have to shell out more at toll barriers located at its entry points as the state's amended toll policy takes effect from the next fiscal -- drastically hiking fees for private vehicles from other state
India-US trade deal an attack on Apple and other farmers in Kashmir: Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has voiced concerns over the recent India-US trade deal. He believes it will adversely affect farmers across India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Apple, almond, and walnut growers are expected to face significant challenges.
In Srinagar, Himachal CM Sukhu warns India-US trade deal to hit apple growers in J&K, HP
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed concerns over the recent India-US trade deal. He stated the agreement will adversely affect farmers in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Apple, almond, and walnut growers are expected to face significant consequences. Sukhu highlighted that almond prices have already seen a decline due to such trade agreements.
HPBoSE releases important notice regarding exam: Check details here
The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education will conduct the SMC Limited Direct Recruitment Test2026 on February 22 from 11 am to 1 pm. As many as 1,437 candidates will appear for teaching posts including TGT and JBT categories. Admit cards have been released online at hpbose.org and must be downloaded before the exam.
Captain Vikram Batra: The Brave Sher Shah of Kargil
Bharti Sharma bhartisharma705139@gmail.com Captain Vikram Batra is remembered as one of the bravest soldiers of india.He was born on 9 September 1974 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. He belonged to a simple and loving family. His parents were Girdhari Lal Batra and Kamal Kanta Batra. He had a twin brother, Vishal and both of them were lovingly called Luv and Kush at home. Vikram completed his schooling from D.A.V Public School and Kendriya Vidyalaya in Palampur. Later, he joined D.A.V College [] The post Captain Vikram Batra: The Brave Sher Shah of Kargil appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The Himachal Pradesh School Education Board has rejected 97 applications for the Limited Direct Recruitment (LDR) exam scheduled for February 22, 2026, after the candidates failed to pay the mandatory 3,000 examination fee. The rejected applicants, who are SMC teachers with a minimum of five years of service, have been listed on the official HPBOSE website.
Himachal CM Sukhu slams BJP for opposing resolution on Revenue Deficit Grant
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu criticised BJP MLAs for not supporting a resolution seeking restoration of the Revenue Deficit Grant after the 16th Finance Commission recommended its discontinuation. The resolution was passed amid disruptions in the Assembly
OPS not to be revived, can pose risk to financial stability: CM
Increase in age limit for JKCCE under examination *J&Ks debt at Rs 1.37 lakh cr, GDP expands to Rs 2.88 lakh cr Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Feb 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today ruled out any proposal to revive the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for the UT Government employees as has been done by certain Congress-ruled States including neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. He announced that the issue to enhance the upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Jammu & Kashmir Combined [] The post OPS not to be revived, can pose risk to financial stability: CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amid ruckus, HP CM promises MLA funds by March-end
The Himachal Pradesh government will release Rs 1.10 crore in MLA Area Development Fund installments before March 31. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced this in the Assembly. The government will also consider the MLA discretionary fund. Future disbursements will be discussed with opposition leaders. Legislators are advised to prioritize capital works for state development.
Election Commission of India announces schedule for biennial Rajya Sabha polls
According to a press note released on Wednesday, the tenure of 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will end in April, thereby vacating the seats for fresh elections
Biennial polls to 37 Rajya Sabha seats on March 16
Seats are falling vacant from Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar
HP JBT admit card 2026 released at hprca.hp.gov.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here
The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog has released the HP JBT Admit Card 2026 on its official portal for candidates appearing in the Junior Basic Teacher recruitment exam. The CBT is scheduled from February 25 to 27, 2026. Applicants must download the hall ticket online, as it is compulsory for entry into the examination centre.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla delivered a two-minute address, omitting 14 paragraphs concerning the 16th Finance Commission's discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant. This vital fiscal lifeline, crucial for hill states, has been entirely abolished, impacting Himachal's budget significantly. The state government plans to disseminate its achievements through other channels.
Himachal Governor Cuts Assembly Speech To 2 Minutes, Row Erupts
The Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly began on a stormy note, with sharp differences surfacing between Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and the state government over the contentious issue of Revenue Deficit Grant or RDG.
What Is On The AI Summit Menu? Dhingri Kachru To Sepu Wadi, Full List From Taj Palace Kitchen
Taj Palace, New Delhi, executive Chef Nitin Mathur's curated menu uses brass utensils, stone-ground chutneys, and spices from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Economic Survey 2025-26 Targets RTI Act, Suggests Ministerial Veto To Deny Information
After a decade of existence and showing the scars of legislative fetters on its working, the Right to Information (RTI) Act has attracted adverse attention in the Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey frowns on the law as posing a risk of becoming an end in itself with disclosure celebrated regardless of its contribution to good governance. The survey does acknowledge the wide perception of the law as one of Indias most powerful democratic reforms but makes a suggestion for a ministerial veto to deny information. What remains of the RTI Act is a pale shadow of its original self. The bureaucracy was smarting at the prospect of forced disclosures when the law was enacted under the UPA, led by Manmohan Singh, who, ironically, later spoke of the need for a fine balance between the disclosure and the privacy of individuals. Before 2014, the BJPs RTI cell vowed to continue its campaigns even after the party came to power. It had already filed over 2,000 applications and used it to fuel its legal cases, such as the one alleging impropriety in the Commonwealth Games preparations of 2010. After the NDA came to power, its appetite for openness disappeared. Although the Act exempts personal information under Section 8(1)(j), where it has no public interest or would cause unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of an individual, the government viewed it as a potent weapon in the hands of transparency activists. The law made access to information possible for any citizen, on a par with the information that could not be denied to Parliament and state legislatures. That well-thought-out provision was buried through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which amended the RTI, although the judgement that was used as the basis, the Supreme Courts Puttaswamy order, did contain ways to preserve the right to information. That was done by including the test of public interest while safeguarding the privacy of personal data. Misguided emphasis: The focus of the Economic Survey is on changes to the RTI Act that would narrow the scope of information requests and virtually cut the laws feet to make it stand no taller than the less-empowering legislation abroad. What seems to appeal most to the surveys authors are exclusions that it cites in the US law, such as personnel rules, inter-agency memos, and financial regulation reports; in the UK, on policy formulation, where public interest may be harmedwith a ministerial veto available against court orders; and in South Africa, where policy deliberations are said to be excluded. What is particularly disconcerting to the survey is the inclusion in the RTI Act of file notings, internal opinions, and draft memos, a level of openness that it thinks could inhibit officials from expressing bold ideas. This is counter-intuitive, since officials with bold ideas that have been carefully considered would like to place them before the public to force the much-needed change in decision-making processes. There is also evident anxiety in the survey about access provisions. For one, it cites the Girish Ramchandra Deshpande judgement of 2013 to underscore judicial protection to keep personal records of a public servant secret, in spite of protection already contained for such information under Sec.8 (1) (j). The survey wants casual requests that add little value to public interest on things such as service records, transfers, and confidential staff reports excluded. An alarming recommendation is a narrowly defined ministerial veto, subject to parliamentary oversight, to guard against disclosures that could unduly constrain governance. The Supreme Court ruled on unfilled vacancies in various Information Commissions (IC) that create mountains of pending appeals. Last year, the court heard that there were 28,000 appeals yet to be taken up, and, in spite of giving an undertaking to fill the Central Information Commission vacancies in three months, the Union government went about it leisurely. Nationally, four lakh appeals were pending in October 2025. In the dark: Failure to advance the RTI, so vital to improving governance, finds no mention in the survey. It could have expressed worry, for instance, that failure to implement proactive disclosure of official records under Section 4 has enfeebled the Act. Even where public interest calls for the disclosure of taxpayer-funded schemes and contracts, government departments and agencies deny requests, citing exemption of third-party information. Few Information Officers get penalised. At another level, the lack of protection for those who use the law has resulted in assaults, police cases, and even murder of applicants, besides intimidation. In Gujarat, for example, less than 45% of the RTI applications received a response since 2019, says the Mahiti Adhikar Manch, while the states Information Commission imposed a lifelong ban on ten people from seeking information four years ago because they filed multiple queries, were cantankerous or were harassing government officials. Seven State Information Commissions were defunct for various periods during 2023-24. The survey could have deplored the hobbling of the RTI in multiple ways. Six years ago, the Union government introduced amendments empowering it to make rules on tenure, salaries and post-retirement benefits of the ICs, dangling a sword over their heads. Recently, even a dissent note from the Leader of the Opposition on the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners could not be accessed, and the Supreme Court saw no merit in a plea to direct its publication. Just days ago, the apex court was told that Jharkhand, where the IC failed to work for years at a time, would appoint commissioners by February end. Maharashtra failed to add commissioner posts to dispose of pending appeals, prompting the court to order the addition of three. In Himachal Pradesh, the appointment process was restarted because suitable candidates did not apply. None of these concerns figure in the survey. The writer is a senior journalist.
GDS Recruitment 2026: The India Post is set to close the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 today at, February 14, 2026. Interested candidates can apply on the official website of India Post GDS at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in by adding their personal details, educational qualifications and documents required. The India Post aims to fill 28,686 Gramin Dak Sevak positions across various positions such as Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak, and Branch Postmaster GDS Recruitment 2026: Important Dates GDS Recruitment 2026 Last date to apply: February 14, 2026 GDS Recruitment 2026 Last date to make the payment: February 16, 2026 GDS Recruitment 2026 Correction window: February 18 to 19, 2026 GDS Recruitment 2026: How to apply? Candidates need to follow the steps given below to apply for the recruitment. Step 1: Go to the official website of India Post GDS at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. Step 2: Complete the registration process with basic details and get the username and password Step 3: After that, complete the online application, attach the required documents, pay, and submit. Step 4: Save the confirmation page to your computer and print it out for future use. Direct link to apply for India Post GDS Recruitment2026 GDS Recruitment 2026: Application Fees General / OBC - Rs 100/- SC / ST / PH - Rs 0/- All Female Candidates - Rs 0/- GDS Recruitment 2026: Vacancies Distribution Candidates can check out the state-wise distribution of the GDS Recruitment 2026: Andhra Pradesh: 1,060 Assam: 639 Bihar: 1,347 Chhattisgarh: 1,155 Delhi: 42 Gujarat: 1,830 Haryana: 270 Himachal Pradesh: 520 Jammu & Kashmir: 267 Jharkhand: 908 Karnataka: 1,023 Kerala: 1,691 Madhya Pradesh: 2,120 Maharashtra: 3,553 North Eastern: 1,014 Odisha: 1,191 Punjab: 262 Rajasthan: 634 Tamil Nadu: 2,009 Telangana: 609 Uttar Pradesh: 3,169 Uttarakhand: 445 West Bengal: 2,982 Total Vacancies: 28,740
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday directed the education department to expedite CBSE affiliation of government schools in the state. He said 140 government schools were chose CBSE affiliation from the next academic session, and in the first phase, 99 schools have secured affiliation. Presiding over a high-level meeting of the education department here, he directed it to retain lien in the parent cadre for teachers selected for the CBSE-affiliated schools, ensuring that their promotional avenues remain unaffected. When retaining a lien, a permanent faculty member is granted the right to hold their original post while working elsewhere on a contractual basis. Who Is Saketh Sreenivasaiah? 22-Year-Old Student From Karnataka Goes Missing In California Sukhu also directed the relaxation of the existing service conditions for appointment of principals in these CBSE schools, reducing the requirement of three years of remaining service to two years. He further said that the CBSE-affiliated schools will have a distinct logo and a uniform colour scheme. Emphasising the state government's commitment to quality education, the chief minister said he would personally monitor the progress of academic standards in these institutions. He also reviewed implementation of the No Mobile Phone Policy in schools, which will come into effect from March 1 this year. He directed the department to complete all necessary formalities within the stipulated time frame. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Supreme Court Asks Himachal Pradesh To Hold Local Body Polls By May 31
In a significant relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court on Friday extended from April 30 to May 31 the deadline fixed by the high court for holding polls for local bodies in the state.
For millions of Indians, owning a home is the culmination of a lifetime of savings, sacrifice and hope. Yet, in a country where real estate has emerged as one of the most visibly thriving sectors, the dream of a secure roof over ones head is too often reduced to a nightmare of deception and despair. The recent sharp observations of the Supreme Court on the functioning of Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) provide a fitting peg to examine how a mechanism meant to protect homebuyers has, in many places, failed them. Travel anywhere in India today, and the skyline tells a familiar story: high-rise apartment towers, gated villas and sprawling townships mushrooming not only in metropolitan cities but also in mofussil towns and even villages. State housing boards, once active builders of affordable housing, have largely retreated into the role of land developers, parceling out plots to private builders and housing societies. Newspapers and television channels are saturated with glossy advertisements promising world-class amenities and dream homes that appear irresistible to middle-class investors. The grim reality for homebuyers But the reality behind these promises is frequently grim. Homebuyers often find themselves the most exploited stakeholders in the real estate boom. There are countless ways in which they are cheated: poor construction quality masked by attractive brochures, discrepancies between promised and delivered built-up areas and post-possession assurances that vanish as quickly as they were made. In extreme cases, unscrupulous builders have sold the same flat to multiple buyers and absconded, leaving victims entangled in endless litigation. Equally alarming are instances where apartments are handed over without mandatory approvals from local self-government agencies. In Kerala, the Supreme Court had to order the demolition of five apartment complexes in Kochi that violated coastal regulations, wiping out the life savings of hundreds of families. RERA under scrutiny It was against such a backdrop that RERAs were established across states to regulate the sector, ensure transparency and provide speedy grievance redressal. However, the Supreme Courts remarks on Thursday in a case concerning Himachal Pradesh suggest that these authorities may be falling far short of their mandate. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, observed that RERAs were doing nothing except facilitating defaulting builders and went so far as to say that the Court would not mind if the institution was abolished. The judges noted that the very people for whom RERA was created feel depressed, disgusted and disappointed by its ineffectiveness. This indictment is not merely a comment on one states authority; it raises troubling questions about the regulatory architecture governing Indias real estate sector. Reports of RERAs becoming post-retirement havens for bureaucrats, lacking technical expertise and empathy for homebuyers, only deepen public distrust. When institutions meant to deliver justice appear to side with violators, the erosion of faith is inevitable.
You can now stay at SRKs wife Gauri Khans villa, know prices
Hyderabad: While Shah Rukh Khan continues to shine on the big screen, Gauri Khan has completed a project that is deeply personal. The well-known interior designer has restored her ancestral property in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh and turned it into a luxury retreat called The Chestnut Grove. A Family Home Since 1933 The six-bedroom villa belongs 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 .
SC extends deadline by a month; asks HP govt, SEC to hold local bodies polls by May 31
The Supreme Court has granted relief to the Himachal Pradesh government. Polls for local bodies will now be held by May 31. Reconstruction work and delimitation deadlines are extended to March 31. The court acknowledged logistical challenges due to rain. The election process must conclude before May 31. No further extensions will be granted.
L&T Finance Ltd. Scales Gold Loan Footprint to Over 260 Branches
The Company’s entry into Gold finance business began with 130 branches via an acquisition deal in June 2025 Within 8 months of acquisition, the Company has added over 130 new branches L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) , (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, today announced a major milestone in its retail strategy by doubling its Gold Loan branch network to over 260 branches nationwide. This rapid expansion was marked by the launch of its 130th new branch earlier this month since the acquisition of the gold loan business in June 2025. By matching its acquired portfolio with over 130 new branches in under a year, LTF has signalled a high-velocity play in India’s secured credit landscape. Visit our website to avail of the L&T Finance Gold Loan By scaling operations across the North, West, East, and South regions, LTF is pursuing geo-expansion to capture increasing demand for secured credit. LTF’s Gold Loan business has expanded its footprint to 18 States and Union Territories, marking its strategic entry into Assam, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. By seamlessly integrating physical proximity with digital agility, LTF continues to redefine the gold loan experience through rapid turnaround times and flexible credit solutions. Commenting on this development, Mr. Raju Dodti, Chief Operating Officer, LTF , said, “ We are elated to share that we have successfully doubled the Company’s dedicated gold loan branch network in record time since our entry into this business, bringing the total count to over 260 branches nationwide, which will continue to increase given our aggressive branch expansion policy. Our rapid expansion is a testament to our 'Lakshya' strategy—transforming into a top-class, digitally-enabled, customer-centric retail powerhouse. By adding nearly 1 branch per day over the past few months, we aren't just increasing our footprint; we are building a robust ecosystem of security and trust. By scaling across the North, West, East, and South, LTF is de-risking its portfolio through geographic diversification while capturing high-growth retail demand. It is also underpinned by operational excellence, featuring state-of-the-art security systems and an experienced workforce specialised to deliver gold-standard customer service .” About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies. In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers. x.com/LnTFinance www.facebook.com/LnTFS www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance www.instagram.com/lntfinance www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse recruitment 2026: Register online for 390 posts, direct link here
Himachal Pradesh is recruiting 390 Assistant Staff Nurses for government medical institutions. Eligible female candidates with a B.Sc. Nursing or GNM diploma and Himachal Pradesh registration can apply online until March 5, 2026. The process involves a written test, document verification, and a Rs 800 fee. Selected candidates will receive a fixed honorarium on a contractual basis.
Supreme Court asks Himachal Pradesh govt, SEC to hold local body polls by May 31
The Bench, however, said that keeping in mind the monsoon and consequential difficulties usually being faced by the hill State, the poll process must be concluded before May 31
SC extends deadline by month; asks HP govt, SEC to hold local bodies polls by May 31
New Delhi, Feb 13: The Supreme Court on Friday extended from April 30 to May 31 the deadline fixed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court for holding the polls for local bodies in the state. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the plea filed by the principal secretary of the state government and also extended the HCs deadline of Feb 28 to March 31 for completing reconstruction work, delimitation and reservation. On [] The post SC extends deadline by month; asks HP govt, SEC to hold local bodies polls by May 31 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Babus, mantris & buzz: Assam CM wants politics of polarisation for survival for next 30 years
Assam CM wants politics ofpolarisationfor survival for next 30 years Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wants a practice of politics ofpolarisationbetween Assamese and Bangladeshis. In a social mediaposthe said it is essential for survival of indigenous people for the next 30 years. The CM said, The polarization is not between Hindu and Muslim. Thepolarisationis between Assamese and Bangladeshis. That is the difference. Wedontfight with Assamese Muslims. We only fight with Bangladeshi Muslims. What is the problem with that? I am legally as well as ethically and politically correct in this matter, he said. Corruption file of three MP Ministers in DelhiDurbar? Grapevinehas itthat file of corruption of three Madhya Pradesh Ministers hasreached tothe Party High Command in Delhi. One can guess the names. 'Under the able leadership of'...This was a major point in Rajasthan budget speech Dy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Wednesday presented Rajasthan Budget for the year 2026-27. During the speech she announced various schemes and programmes in the state but the unusual thing was every scheme started with 'Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.' The Dy CM repeated this particular word more than a dozen times. BUREAUCRACY In Balaghat, You Can Now Adopt a Government School: IPS Aaditya Mishras Education Movement Balaghat, which had long suffered from the impact of Naxalism, is now empowering the next generation through education. IPS Aaditya Mishra, a 2018-batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre currently posted as Superintendent of Police, Balaghat, has launched a transformative and sustainable social initiative titled Ekal Suvidha KendraVidyanjali. The initiative focuses on improving infrastructure in government primary schools located in remote and interior areas by facilitating community and corporate participation. Recognizing that in formerly Naxal-affected villages education and school infrastructure had long taken a backseat due to security threats, fear, and logistical challenges, the program addresses the reality that many government primary schools in interior forest regions had crumbling roofs, broken floors, poor sanitation, and little access to electricity or water. To bridge this developmental gap, the initiative operates on a social adoption model using the Vidyanjali framework, with a simple yet unique idea: inviting individuals, professionals, and organizations to adopt government primary schools and support basic renovation work. As per current data, 36 adopters are already associated with the project, covering a substantial number of schools. The broader objective is preventive in nature, aiming not only to improve infrastructure but also to change mindsets by building long-term community resilience, promoting developmental outreach, and ensuring that youth are not drawn toward negative or anti-development ideologies in the future. What began with modest expectations has gradually expanded, and in its first phase 100 schools have been completed, with the broader effort extending to nearly 250280 schools across remote belts. To ensure financial transparency and accountability, a registered Vidyanjali Society with a dedicated bank account, PAN, and DARPAN ID oversees the initiative, guided by the philosophy Jan-Jan ka bhagidar, ab shiksha hai taiyar. The transformation goes beyond basic repairs and focuses on holistic development by providing students with improved facilities and modern learning environments. Structural upgrades include repairing leaking roofs, cracked ceilings, damaged floors, and broken boundary walls, while schools are now equipped with secure main gates, proper electricity, fans, lighting, and functional doors and windows. Special emphasis is placed on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, including renovated and hygienic toilets, clean drinking water access, and modernized kitchen sheds to ensure safe mid-day meal preparation. Classrooms that once had peeling plaster and broken furniture are now painted in bright colors, furnished with modern desks, and redesigned as inspiring learning spaces. Remarkably, the average transformation cost per school stands at approximately 1.20 lakh, significantly lower than conventional costs, achieved through strong community participation and shramdaan by Balaghat Police personnel themselves. To ensure sustainability, the registered Vidyanjali Society encourages community ownership, supports implementation, and continuously monitors the initiative, with members drawn from civil society and professional backgrounds to ensure inclusive representation. Through this initiative, IPS Aaditya Mishra is enabling the next generation of Balaghat to write its own story of development with confidence and opportunity. Empanelment of 2008 batch IPS soon Empanelment of 2008 batch IPS officers to the rank of IG in the Government of India is expected to take place in a month or two . VRS of 4 IRS officers accepted The CBIC has accepted the VRS of four IRS(C&IT) officers. All these officers are posted asAssttCommissioners. They are- SamanandhaJoseph George. Ajay M. Shinde, R. Srinivasan, and VijayDevdattbhaiShah. 140 IRS-IT officers promoted to CIT grade As many as 140 officers have been promoted to the grade of Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT) in the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax). The names of promoted officers as follows: https://whispersinthecorridors.com/pdf/IRS_SAG2026.pdf UPSC signals larger reforms with the recent changes introduced? The recent changes introduced in the UPSC examination are seen as the beginning of a larger transformation. According to reports, the Commission is actively exploring further reforms to alignthe civilservices with the evolving challenges of the modern world. These upcoming changes are expected to make the recruitment process more dynamic, contemporary, andskill-oriented. The focus willlikely shifttowards assessing analytical thinking, technological awareness, and practical problem-solving abilities rather than purely theoretical knowledge. With governance increasingly intersecting with technology, climate issues, and data-driven policymaking, UPSC aims to ensure that future administrators are equipped to handle complex, real-world problems efficiently and effectively, creating a more adaptive and future-ready bureaucracy. GOI moves big against deepfakes. Mandates social media curbs against synthetic content India has tightened its IT Rules, 2021 to curb misuse of AIgenerated media. The amendments define synthetically generated information (SGI) as AIcreated audio, visual, or audiovisual content that mimics reality, while excluding routine edits and filters. Intermediaries and social media platforms must now prevent, label, and swiftly act on illegal or harmful synthetic content such as deepfakes, obscene material, false documents, or explosivesrelated data. SGI tools must warn users that misuse could invite criminal penalties, account suspension, or identity disclosure. Platforms arerequiredto label all synthetic content with permanent metadata and unique identifiers and prevent tampering. Significant social media must obtain user declarations when content is synthetic and display clear labels before it is shown. Platforms must also report violations, regularly inform users of rules and penalties, and implement technical safeguards. The move marks Indias strongest push yet against deceptive and harmful deepfakes. Tenure of Ms Idashisha Nongrang as DGP, Meghalaya extended The tenure of Ms Idashisha Nongrang as Director General of Police (DGP), Meghalaya has been extended for a period of six months beyond May 19, 2026. She is a 1992 batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Tenure of Nitesh Kumar Vyas as Additional Secretary, MHA extended The central deputation tenure of Nitesh Kumar Vyas working as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been extended for a period of two years upto May 30, 2028. He is a 1996 batch IAS officer of MP cadre. Promotions for Administrative Office Staff in Banks Reportsemergedabout preferential treatment in promotions for administrative office staff in banks, including PSBs, where regional/zone office postings often lead to favorable branch assignments or head office roles. This points to potential biases in promotion processes withinMiniratnaPSU banks. Pradeep Singhempanelledas Joint Secretary inGoI Pradeep Singh has beenempanelledfor holding the posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent in the Government of India. He is a 2005 batchIFoSofficer of Gujarat cadre. 3IPSofficerslikelyto bepromotedDG in UP Three 1994 batchIPSofficers are likely to be promoted to DG rank in UP in March. They are Prakash D, LV Anthony, DevKumarand Jai Narain Singh. All these officers are presently posted as ADGs No Joint Secretary level empanelment of 2010 batch from HP No Joint Secretary level empanelment belonging to 2010 batch IAS officers has been made from Himachal Pradesh cadre. BijendraNathTripatheein race for CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd BijendraNathTripathee, General Manager, SAIL, is in the race for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Pawan Hans Limited. Shivkumar Premlal Deshmukh in race for CMD, WCL Shivkumar Premlal Deshmukh, Chief Engineer Chief Engineer Manipur Project, Railways, is in the race for the post ofChairman& Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). Rakesh Kumar Rousan in race for CMD, WCL Rakesh Kumar Rousan, Executive Director Business Development, Railway Board, Railways, is in the race for the post ofChairman& Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). PFRDA Innovation Challenge for Students Call for students/startups to innovate on NPS onboarding, pension awareness, forecastingvia AI. In collaboration with IIT Kanpur. Interviews for CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd on Feb 16 The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Pawan Hans Limited on February 16, 2026. Unfilled Reserved Faculty Posts at IIM Indore AIOBSCA raisedalarms over unfilled reserved posts for SC/ST/EWS/PWD at IIM Indore, calling numbers alarming and urging action. This reflects broader trends in equity in higher education. (DISCLAIMER: Correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author. By arrangement with whispersinthecorridors.com)
Leafy chemistry: What happens when a leaf changes colour in autumn?
If youve visited Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh during the fall, you must have seen this vibrant fall foliage. Leaves of orange, yellow, red, gold, and every other colour near it. Its not just a beautiful sight, it is a part of the life cycle of a tree. Lets explore.
The awardees were Sarhad (Maharashtra), CORD (Himachal Pradesh), Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation (Karnataka), Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak (Mizoram), and NIRMAN (Odisha). Awardees selected from across India for excellence in Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation announced the awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions for their selfless service in the fields of Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service. L-R: NIRMAN Odisha; Sangkhumi Bualchhuak Mizoram; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation - Karnataka; CORD - Himachal Pradesh; Sarhad - Maharashtra The awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards are: Sarhad, Maharashtra - Non-Violence & Vegetarianism; CORD, Himachal Pradesh - Education; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Karnataka - Medicine; Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak, Mizoram - Community & Social Service; and NIRMAN, Odisha - Community & Social Service. Sarhad works to promote peace and non-violence in conflict-prone regions through cultural dialogue and youth engagement. CORD empowers marginalised communities, especially women and persons with disabilities, through education and rural development initiatives. Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation provides accessible cancer care through its hospitals and outreach programmes in Karnataka and Odisha. Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak of Mizoram has dedicated decades to advancing women’s rights and community welfare. NIRMAN works with tribal communities in Odisha to strengthen livelihoods, women-led institutions, and food security. Instituted to honour exemplary humanitarian efforts, the Mahaveer Awards are presented annually to individuals and organisations that have made sustained contributions towards the welfare of the underprivileged and the weaker sections of society. Each Mahaveer Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, along with a commendatory citation and a memento. With the selection of the 2026 awardees, the total number of Mahaveer Award recipients has now reached 101, covering 26 States and 2 Union Territories. So far, 96 awardees have been honoured prior to this edition. Over the years, the Mahaveer Awards have been presented by eminent personalities including the President of India, Vice President of India, Governors, Chief Ministers, and Union Ministers at formal functions. For the 29th Mahaveer Awards, 267 nominations received from across the country were carefully evaluated by an eminent Selection Jury, headed by Justice Shri M. N. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India. The members of the Selection Jury include Acharya Shri Chandanaji Maharaj, Eminent Sanyasini; Dr. Justice Shri D. Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India; Shri S.Gurumurthy-Part time Director RBI and Editor Thuglak, Prof B.M. Hegde Chairman Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Mangalore Kendra, Shri T. S. Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India; Shri D. R. Mehta, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Chairman, SEBI; Shri Prabhat Kumar, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India; and Justice Shri G. S. Singhvi, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. In his comments, Shri Sugalchand Jain , Founder, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, said, “ We believe that individuals and organisations dedicated to non-violence & vegetarianism, education, medicine, and community & social service play a vital role in the holistic development of our nation. For nearly three decades, through the Mahaveer Awards, we have been recognising the extraordinary contributions of such changemakers who work tirelessly for the welfare of society. We are honoured to recognise the awardees of the 29th edition whose inspiring efforts continue to uplift the underprivileged and promote compassion and social harmony. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them and express our gratitude to the esteemed jury members for their thoughtful and meticulous selection process .” The Foundation has also invited nominations for the 30th Mahaveer Awards from individuals and institutions engaged in selfless service in the four award categories. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website: www.bmfawards.org .
Chocolate Day shock: Family claims live worm found inside chocolate made by a well-known company
A family in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, reported a disturbing discovery on Chocolate Day. They found a live worm and eggs inside a chocolate bar purchased for their child. The chocolate's expiry date was still valid. The family plans legal action. Food safety officials will investigate the claim and take strict action if the allegations are true.
SC sets aside HC order staying decision to shift HP OBC Commission from Shimla
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday, February 9, set aside an interim order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court staying the decision of the state government to shift the OBC commission from Shimla to Dharamshala. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria said such issues pertain Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himachal Pradesh Among Worlds Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions
Powered by more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world, the Awards celebrate the partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service across every corner of the globe.
Supreme Court to examine HP decision to withdraw cases against 65 netas
Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging a High Court ruling. The ruling prevented the withdrawal of 65 cases against politicians. These cases involve non-serious offenses. The government believes withdrawing these cases serves public interest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter further.
Inside Sirmaurs quiet real estate boom in Himachal Pradesh
As burnout, pollution, and long commutes intensify, affluent homebuyers head uphill to districts such as Sirmaur for quieter luxury
Mobile phone ban in Himachal Pradesh schools from March 1
Himachal CM bans mobile phones in all schools from March 1
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday, February 5, announced a complete ban on the use of mobile phones by students in all government and private schools across Himachal Pradesh, effective from March 1, 2026. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament held Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himachal Pradesh to ban mobile phones in schools from March
Himachal Pradesh schools will ban mobile phones for students from March 1, 2026. This move aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve academic focus. Students caught with phones will face fines and confiscation. Parents will attend counselling. The state is also promoting sports and sports tourism, with employment opportunities for women athletes and cash awards for winning teams.
Kashmiri vendor harassed in Himachal Pradesh, accused of carrying AK-47
Kangra: A Kashmiri shawl seller was allegedly harassed in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra and accused of carrying an AK-47 rifle instead of shawls on Sunday, February 1. Surjeet Rajput Guleria livestreamed the entire incident on Facebook and is known to post similar videos in which he claims to check the identities of hawkers and tells those Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himachal Pradesh CM announces ban on mobile phones in all schools from March 1
CM Sukhu gave details on strict enforcement measures, stating that any student found in possession of a phone would face a fine of 500 and the confiscation of the device
J&K Economy Likely To Grow At 5.82 Pc In 2025-26: Economic Survey
Jammu, Feb 5: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmirs real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated to grow at 5.82 per cent, according to the Economic Survey Report 2025-26. The report said that Jammu and Kashmir achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.47 per cent in real GSDP during 2019-20 to 2024-25, indicating economic resilience and post-pandemic recovery. The growth rate is higher than Delhi and Himachal Pradesh and marginally higher than Haryana during the same [] The post J&K Economy Likely To Grow At 5.82 Pc In 2025-26: Economic Survey appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
As reported by The Hindu, the final questionnaire for caste enumeration is likely to be known only in September, when the second phase of Census 2027 will be carried out in Ladakh and the snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, ahead of the rest of the country
Peacocks at 6,000ft spark concerns over climate change impact
Peacocks in Himachal Pradesh are generally found at altitudes of 1,000m but some thrive in areas up to 1,500m. Himachal Pradesh has become significantly warmer in the last 124 years. According to meteorological department, the state has recorded a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius in average mean temperature since 1901.
Himachal Pradesh govt. sets goal of 31% forest cover by 2030
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directs the Forest department to prepare a comprehensive roadmap through sustainable planning to increase the States forest cover, which is currently 29.5%
Delhi witness colder start to February, maximum temperature at 24.6 degrees Celsius
Meanwhile, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh see fresh snowfall, rains; night temperatures rise across North
Himachal CM Sukhu terms Union Budget inequitable, raises concerns over Finance Commission report
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the Budget overlooked the concerns and priorities of Himachal Pradesh, even as he raised serious concerns regarding the recently tabled 16thFinance Commission
Parts Of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh Receive Fresh Snowfall, Rains
Parts of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh received fresh snowfall and rains on Sunday, even as night temperatures rose across the northern states.
Anand Mahindra Sunday Wanderer: Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently shared details about the stunning Key Monastery in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti and called it 'Heaven on Earth'. Key Monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. The 14th Dalai Lama dedicated a new, much larger assembly hall in Key Gompa in the year 2000. Hundreds of lamas receive their religious training in the monastery.
Union Budget 2026-27: Centre Announces Sustainable Mountain Trails For J&K, Other States
New Delhi, Feb 1: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced the development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Union Budget 2026-27. Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said that Jammu and Kashmir will be development for ecologically sustainable mountain trails. Similar initiatives will also be taken up in the Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats to promote eco-friendly tourism while preserving fragile ecosystems. [] The post Union Budget 2026-27: Centre Announces Sustainable Mountain Trails For J&K, Other States appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,We will develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K The post Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,We will develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Weather Today: Fresh rain and snowfall are predicted for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir from February 1. Temperatures will drop significantly over the next few days. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also possible. Residents and tourists should stay updated and take necessary precautions. Farmers should protect crops and livestock. Road users must be cautious of fog and ice.
Night Temperatures Below Freezing Point Across Kashmir, Yellow Weather Alert Issued For Himachal
New Delhi, Jan 31: Night temperatures settled below the freezing point across Kashmir on Friday, but rose in most areas, while a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for Himachal Pradesh. Saturday marked the beginning of Chillai Khurd in Kashmir and the end of the harshest winter period. The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or snow, especially in the higher reaches, they said. The minimum temperature in Srinagar city settled at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius [] The post Night Temperatures Below Freezing Point Across Kashmir, Yellow Weather Alert Issued For Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Another Dry Winter:IMD Sounds Alarm For Farmers As February Rains To Stay Below Normal
Less rain and higher temperatures could lead to early crop maturity, premature flowering, and yield losses for farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh
BRO Restores 112-km KishtwarSansari Road Linking J&K With Himachal
Jammu, Jan 31: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Saturday restored road connectivity along the 112-kilometre KishtwarSansari stretch, reconnecting Jammu and Kashmirs DodaKishtwar belt with Himachal Pradesh after intensive snow-clearance operations under extreme weather conditions. The KishtwarSansari road, a vital inter-state link connecting the Union Territory with Himachal Pradeshs LahaulSpiti region, had remained blocked due [] The post BRO Restores 112-km KishtwarSansari Road Linking J&K With Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
BRO Restores Vital 112-Km Kishtwar-Sansari Road Connecting J&K, Himachal
Jammu, Jan 31: The Border Roads Organisation on Saturday restored road connectivity along the 112-kilometre stretch reconnecting Jammu and Kashmirs Doda-Kishtwar belt with Himachal Pradesh after intensive snow clearance operations carried out under extreme weather conditions last week. The Kishtwar-Sansari road, where the work was completed, links the Union territory with the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. Battling heavy snowfall, the organisation is also carrying out rapid snow-clearance operations on the Mughal Road connecting the twin regions of Kashmir and [] The post BRO Restores Vital 112-Km Kishtwar-Sansari Road Connecting J&K, Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
From Momos To Black Rice Kheer: Full Northeast Menu At Rashtrapati Bhavan's Republic Day Reception
Dishes drew inspiration from Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the eight Northeastern states - collectively called the Ashtalakshmi region - and were presented in a contemporary fine-dining style.

