No one sleeps hungry in Himachal Pradesh, everyone has a home, says speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania

Dropped From Team India, Siraj Gears Up For Next Round Of Ranji Trophy Matches

Hyderabad Cricket Association: Dropped from the Indian squad for the upcoming white-ball series against England and the subsequent Champions Trophy 2025, pacer Mohammed Siraj will be taking to domestic cricket to gain back his spot in the national team. With this in mind, Siraj has started gearing up for the upcoming Group B Ranji Trophy match for Hyderabad against another former champion Vidarbha to be played in Nagpur from January 30 to February 2. Siraj started his preparation with a training session at the Gymkhana Grounds in Hyderabad on Tuesday. India skipper Rohit Sharma said the 30-year-old right-handed pacer lost his effectiveness with the old ball and was thus dropped from the team following India's poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Mohammed Siraj gets into gear for the upcoming #RanjiTrophy match between Hyderabad and Vidarbha! He kicked off his prep with an intense session at Gymkhana grounds TODAY! the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) said in a post on X on Tuesday. The HCA also put out a video on X, formerly Twitter, which showed Siraj bowling at full steam in nets to local batters. Siraj will get into action in Hyderabad's next Ranji Trophy match after they meet Himachal Pradesh in Hyderabad from January 23 to 26. Vidarbha are currently leading the points table in Group B with 28 points from five matches with Himachal Pradesh at second with 21 points. Hyderabad are presently sitting in sixth position with nine points from five matches with one win, two losses, and two draws. Siraj has recently confirmed his availability for Hyderabad's match match against Vidarbha. Jagan Mohan Rao, the President of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), told IANS that he didnt know the reason behind Siraj not being available for the game against Himachal Pradesh on January 23. Rao added that theres a likely chance of Siraj playing the next Ranji Trophy game for Hyderabad, where they will be up against table-toppers Vidarbha, starting on January 30 in Nagpur. Vidarbha are currently leading the points table in Group B with 28 points from five matches with Himachal Pradesh at second with 21 points. Hyderabad are presently sitting in sixth position with nine points from five matches with one win, two losses, and two draws. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS

CBI arrests its DSP in Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam

CBI arrests its DSP in Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested its Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Balbir Singh based in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla in connection with a bribery case involving the Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorate along with two others. The DSP was arrested [] The post CBI arrests its DSP in Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Haryana BJP chief Badoli's future uncertain amid gang-rape allegations

CHANDIGARH: The political future of Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli hangs in balance after gang-rape allegations surfaced against him and singer Jai Bhagwan, also known as Rocky Mittal. The controversy has placed the BJP in an awkward position ahead of municipal elections in Haryana and the Delhi assembly polls. Badoli, who took over as Haryana BJP president in July last year, was seen as a likely candidate for a second term. However, the Himachal Pradesh Police have now booked him and Mittal on gang rape charges, significantly altering the dynamics within the party. Though I believe Badoli will come out innocent after the investigation, he should resign from the post of Haryana BJP chief to maintain the sanctity of the party until proven innocent, said senior cabinet minister Anil Vij, who has publicly called for his resignation. Badoli, a Brahmin leader who was previously a general secretary of the party, is credited along with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for the BJP's historic third consecutive victory in Haryana. Saini, the partys prominent OBC face, continues to support him. Badoli has dismissed the allegations as baseless and fabricated. Haryana BJP chief ML Badoli, singer Rocky Mittal booked for gang-rape, intimidation in Himachal The BJP, which recently enrolled over 43 lakh members in Haryana, is in the midst of an organisational overhaul. Elections for booth and mandal chiefs have concluded, and polls for district presidents are expected to commence soon. While Badoli was previously a strong contender for re-election, the allegations have now cast doubt on his continuation. Party insiders suggest the elections for the state presidents post might be postponed until after next months civic body polls. There is no announcement regarding the state presidents elections yet, said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity. The party wants the investigation by the Himachal Pradesh Police to conclude first, and the reason for his `false implication to come to light before conducting the elections. Meanwhile, potential successors to Badoli have emerged, including former MP Sanjay Bhatia, ex-minister Manish Grover, Ajay Gaur, and senior leaders Krishan Bedi, Archana Gupta, and Surinder Punia. Sources claim that while Badolis close ties with Chief Minister Saini may work in his favour, the controversy has prompted the party to tread cautiously. It remains to be seen if he continues as state president and for how long, remarked a party insider. The BJP is likely to await the investigation's outcome before making any decisions, as both internal and external pressures mount.

Weather Update: Severe Cold To Return To North India As IMD Predicts Rain In 8 States

The Met Department says winter is here to stay for another week in January, with rain expected in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir

Oppose UGC draft, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin appeals to other states

CHENNAI: In a bid to unite the voices against two controversial draft regulations released recently by the University Grants Commission, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday wrote a letter to the CMs of all opposition-ruled states, urging them to pass a resolution in their respective Assemblies against the regulations. The letter was addressed to the chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and New Delhi. Citing the resolution recently passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly urging the centre to immediately repeal the guidelines, Stalin said he strongly believed that it is essential for all states to take a similar stance. Pointing out there were several issues in the draft regulations, including the restriction of states role in selecting vice-chancellors and introducing entrance examinations for UG and PG courses, he said, These guidelines are a clear infringement on the rights of states and will have far-reaching consequences on the autonomy of our universities. We must stand united against attempts to centralise power and undermine the countrys federal structure. CM: GER of 47% testament to TNs robust education system Meanwhile, Stalin also wrote a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday, urging him to withdraw the two draft UGC regulations -- UGC (Minimum Standards of Instruction for the Grant of Undergraduate Degree and Postgraduate Degree) - Regulations 2024; UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. Highlighting that several provisions of these drafts conflicted with the states educational system and policies, Stalin mentioned in detail some of the key provisions that the state found to be problematic. In the regulations regarding UG and PG degrees, he said the proposal for common entrance examinations for admission across the country is impractical, given the varying educational levels and systems across the country and also undermined the states autonomy. Moreover, he said entrance examinations exacerbate academic anxiety and financial stress, thereby disproportionately harming socio-economically disadvantaged groups. He said the state already had robust systems in place to assess the competence of students and the higher Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 47 % is a testament to the strength of its educational system. Referring to the proposal to allow students to pursue any degree irrespective of the stream chosen in higher secondary, Stalin said it can create unnecessary academic stress without sufficient foundational knowledge. Similarly, the proposal to allow students with a four-year undergraduate degree in arts or science stream to pursue a postgraduate degree in engineering without a solid foundation in basic engineering principles is disquieting and needs careful re-examination. The chief minister expressed concerns against the proposed Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) system, arguing that it could legitimise dropouts, disrupt learning continuity, destabilise education systems, besides posing significant challenges in implementation. On the draft regulations regarding appointments, Stalin reiterated the states objections regarding the proposed changes that deny any say to state governments in selecting vice-chancellors for state-run universities, which the CM said are fully funded and managed by the state governments. Allowing non-academicians to become V-Cs may lead to the appointment of individuals without necessary academic and administrative experience, he said, adding that the proposal should be reconsidered. The CM also enclosed the copy of the resolution passed by the TN Assembly earlier this month in this regard.

OU, Himachal team discuss likely academic, tech collaboration

Hyderabad : Osmania University Vice Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram held discussions with a delegation led by Himachal Pradeshs technical education minister Rajesh Dharmani with regard to academic and technical collaboration. Discussions focused on key areas such as automation of examination systems for efficiency and accuracy, implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and curriculum development, and student placement strategies and collaboration opportunities. The delegation also visited important facilities at OU, including the Examination Branch, Centre for Product Design, Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology, Civil Services Academy, and Educational Multimedia Research Centre, among others. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement between the delegation and OU for future academic and technical collaborations, with plans for drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla highlights kumbh as core of Sanatan culture

Snowfall, rain likely in Himachal Pradesh from Jan 21-24

Explained: How Neeraj Chopra pulled off a secret wedding?

New Delhi: A family that took an oath of secrecy, a national federation which kept mum despite claiming to know everything and his closest friends in dark -- one of India's most iconic athletes, Neeraj Chopra, got married in complete secrecy at a time when even mildly popular celebrities struggle to keep things private. The amiable youngster, a bonafide giant of Indian sports with two individual Olympic medals against his name, left the country wonder-struck on Sunday night and this time his sporting prowess had nothing to do with it. It was all about how easily he managed to dodge the constant glare of traditional as well as social media to complete an important life event. He eventually dropped the news to the world at a time of his choosing, which was a good 48 hours after solemnising his union with US-based tennis player and coach Himani Mor. The 27-year-old shared photos from the intimate ceremony that featured only the two families and sought the world's blessings. They landed in heaps on social media but most of his over 10 million followers across social media platforms also wondering, just how did he do it? His paternal uncle Bhim Chopra had some if not all the answers. Neeraj aur Himani pehle se ek dusare ko jaante the (Both of them knew each other for a while). It happened around two years back through some friends. Both families have also known each other for some time, he told PTI. The wedding preparations had been on for the past several months but none of the build-up could reach the media, which follows Neeraj's life and career rather aggressively ever since he first burst on to the scene in 2016 with a junior world title. Only the members of both families were there in the marriage because Neeraj wanted it that way and both families also wanted it this way. The couple has now left the country, Bhim Chopra said. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) claims it was aware of what was brewing and complied with the superstar and his family's wish for privacy. Yes. He informed the AFI about his marriage. He wanted to do it in private with very close ones, a top AFI official said. He will celebrate it with all after this season is over. The ceremony did not happen at his sprawling home in Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana. The exact venue for the festivities is not known but it was some place in Himachal Pradesh a state that is in the grip of a bitter cold wave after a fresh round of snowfall. The bride and groom opted for pastel shades for the wedding look and the pictures that Neeraj shared showed them sitting with folded hands and eyes closed amid traditional hindu rituals. It was the only glimpse that his fans got of the man on his big day, on which he demonstrated how fiercely he guards his private life. It was also in complete contrast to the celebrity weddings of current era in which every detail is shared or leaked online for the gratification of forever-curious fan clubs and media. Last year, Neeraj became one of the most followed track-and-field athletes in the world on Instagram when he hit nine million followers, a number that has swelled considerably. After his Tokyo Olympics gold, he was also the most written-about track and field athlete in 2022, displacing Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt from the top of the list, according to World Athletics, the global governing body. Their friendship and eventual relationship may go back a couple of years but almost no information exists in the online space to indicate that the two were close or even knew each other. His uncle too refused to divulge any information on how Neeraj and Himani started seeing each other. Neeraj's season will likely start in the next three months with Diamond League and will end only in September. The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which is the most important event of this year and where he will defend his title, will be held from September 13-21.

Political discord delays distribution of over 52,000 flats in Delhi, affecting disadvantaged residents

Rajiv Shukla, AICC In-charge of Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, criticized the delayed distribution of 52,344 flats in Delhi meant for disadvantaged groups due to the ongoing conflict between AAP and BJP. As constructed under JNNURM, these flats remain largely unallocated, with political discord impeding the process.

Golden boy Neeraj Chopra ties knot in an intimate dreamy wedding, Double Olympic medalist bound by love

The reigning World Champion, No.1 javelin thrower and the Double Olympic medalist from India, Neeraj Chopra is now married. The golden boy has taken the internet by surprise, leaving the fans in a frenzy announcing his wedding on 19 th January 2025 to Himani Mor. The ace javelin thrower tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, again maintaining his personal life relatively private. Sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram, Neeraj Chopra said, Jeevan ke naye adhyay ki shuruaat apne parivar ke saath ki (Beginning the new chapter of life with family). Grateful for every blessing that brought us to this moment together. Bound by love, happily ever after. Neeraj *heart emoji* Himani bound by love. The first picture showed bride and groom alongside their family members, taking part in the wedding festivities. While, the third picture had Neeraj Chopra with his mother, blessing him during the rituals. Well, there are not enough details available about the wedding, it was held in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The ceremony was only attended by close family members, with the presence of only 40-50 guests. Neeraj Chopras uncle told the news agencies that the ceremony was held in India and the couple has left for their honeymoon. He said, They have left the country for honeymoon and I am not aware of the places where they are going. We wanted to keep it like that. Who is Himani Mor, Neeraj Chopras now wife? Himani Mor hails from Larsauli, Haryana. She finished her schooling from Little Angels school in Sonipat and is currently pursuing Maters in Science in Sports Management and Administration from McCormack Isenberg School of Management. Notably, Himani too is very much of an athlete like Neeraj Chopra. She is a tennis player and has represented India in various ITF tournaments. She used to play tennis a lot during her college days at Miranda House, University of Delhi. Himani also serves as a Graduate assistant at Amherst College in Massachusetts, USA. Also, the Sports Manager of the Womens tennis team. Earlier, she has also worked as a Business Development executive from June-November 2022. After the wedding announcement, Neeraj Chopras Instagram flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and fellow sportsmen. Boxer Vijender Singh in a post on X shared, Badhai bhai ne. Cricketer Suresh Raina congratulated the couple saying, Many congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1May your journey together be filled with beautiful memories and unwavering companionship. After winning silver at the Paris Olympics, Neeraj was last seen in the Diamond League final on September 14, 2024 where he finished second with a throw of 87.86m. In December, Neeraj was named as the Worlds best javelin thrower by the prestigious Track and Field magazine of US.

Himachal Pradesh sees 2 paragliding accident deaths in 2 days

Himachal Pradesh CM blames previous BJP government for financial mess

He accused the BJPs double-engine government oflowering the standard of public services and providing subsidies to affluent individuals for electoral gains

Mohammed Siraj Likely To Play For Hyderabad In Ranji Trophy Game Against Vidarbha

Hyderabad Cricket Association: As the second leg of the Ranji Trophy starts on January 23, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has said that India fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj is likely to be available for the match against Vidarbha on January 30. In the Elite Group B table of the Ranji Trophy, Hyderabad are at sixth place with nine points from five matches. They will resume their Ranji Trophy campaign when they host second-ranked Himachal Pradesh at home on January 23. Jagan Mohan Rao, the President of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), told IANS that he didnt know the reason behind Siraj not being available for the game on January 23. Rao added that theres likely chance of Siraj playing the next Ranji Trophy game for Hyderabad, where they will be up against table-toppers Vidarbha, starting on January 30 in Nagpur. Siraj wasn't picked in Indias squad for the three ODIs against England and the ICC Champions Trophy. In ODI matches from 2022 to 2024, Siraj has picked 71 wickets at an average of just 22.97, the most by an Indian pacer in this period. In place of him, the Indian team drafted in left-arm fast-bowler Arshdeep Singh, alongside Jasprit Bumrah (subject to fitness), Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana (included only for England ODIs). Siraj had recently picked 20 wickets at an average of 31.15 across all five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. As of now, the upcoming round of the Ranji Trophy will see Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra), Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Shubman Gill (Punjab), Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal (both Mumbai) turn out for their respective state teams, while KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are out due to varied niggles. In place of him, the Indian team drafted in left-arm fast-bowler Arshdeep Singh, alongside Jasprit Bumrah (subject to fitness), Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana (included only for England ODIs). Siraj had recently picked 20 wickets at an average of 31.15 across all five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS

Mohammed Siraj to play Ranji Trophy? HCA has no update yet!

The Hyderabad Cricket Association is still awaiting an update on Mohammed Siraj's availability for their next Ranji Trophy game against Himachal Pradesh. Though not selected for upcoming ODIs against England, Siraj's recent performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy highlighted his skills with the new ball. The team management remains uncertain about his participation.

2 Tourists Die In Separate Paragliding Accidents In Himachal

Two tourists died in two separate paragliding accidents in Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh within a span of 24 hours. The tourists were from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, police said on Saturday.

CBI court convicts Himachal IGP Zaidi, seven other police in custodial death case

CHANDIGARH: A Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here convicted Himachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police Zahur Haider Zaidi and seven other police personnel in a case of custodial death of an accused in a gang rape and murder of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Kotkhai of the hill state. The Additional District and Session Judge-cum-Special CBI Judge Alka Malik convicted all the eight accused including IGP Zahur Haider Zaidi, the then Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoj Joshi, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Deep Chand Sharma, Mohan Lal, Surat Singh, Rafee Mohammad and Ranit Sateta. All the convicted were taken into police custody. However, the court acquitted the then Superintendent of Police D W Negi. The court will pronounce the quantum of the sentence on January 27. The prosecution examined over 52 witnesses in the case. On July 4, 2017, a 16-year-old girl had gone missing in Kotkhai near Shimla and her body was found from the forests two days later on July 6. The post-mortem report had confirmed rape and murder; later, a case was registered. On July 13, 2017, a Special Investigating Team (SIT) headed by Zaidi was constituted by the then state government after public and outcry, which arrested Suraj Singh and four other alleged accused. On the intervening night of July 18 and 19, Singh died in police custod,y as per the CBI; the state police allegedly tortured him to extract his confession. The medical board concluded in its report that the injuries on the body of the deceased were sustained by a blunt hard cylindrical object such as lathi, rod or baton. However, the Himachal Pradesh Police has then claimed that he was killed by another accused in a scuffle in the lock-up. The Himachal Pradesh High Court then handed over the investigations of both the cases to the CBI. After registering the case on July 22, 2017, the CBI had then arrested Zaidi and other police personnel. In 2019, the Supreme Court transferred this case of custodial death from Shimla to Chandigarh on a plea filed by the CBI for expeditious disposal of the case. 1994 batch IPS officer Zaidi was awarded the presidents police medal for meritorious service in 2010.

CBI court convicts Himachal IG, 7 other cops in custodial death case

A Special CBI court has convicted the Himachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police and seven other policemen for the 2017 custodial death of an accused in the gang rape and murder of a minor girl. The verdict includes charges such as murder and wrongful confinement. The court will pronounce the sentences on January 27.

Modi distributes over 65 lakh SVAMITVA property cards

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed more than 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme, and said it will bolster economic activities and help in poverty alleviation. The prime minister virtually addressed the event and also interacted with some beneficiaries. Speaking at the distribution of property cards under SVAMITVA scheme. https://t.co/9J04CE9iiA Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2025 He also said rural land digitisation is furthering rural empowerment by leveraging the power of technology and good governance. The property cards are being distributed to beneficiaries across more than 50,000 villages in 10 states -- Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and two Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Modi said the scheme will help people get loans and benefits of other government schemes. Around 2.24 crore beneficiaries in villages will now have SVAMITVA property cards after 65 lakh cards are distributed today, the prime minister said. Property rights are a major challenge across the world. Years ago, the United Nations had held a study, which revealed people did not have legal documents for property rights in several countries. The UN has said property rights are important for poverty alleviation, he said. Modi said an eminent economist had opined that property in villages is a dead capital because people cannot do anything with it, and it can't help increase their income. India was also impacted by this challenge. People in villages have property worth lakhs of crores (of rupees), but they did not have papers for it. There were disputes, properties were snatched, and even banks did not provide loans over it, he said. The prime minister emphasized that no sensitive government could leave its villagers in such distress. Previous governments should have taken steps to do something about it but nothing much was done, he said. Modi said Dalits, backward classes and tribals were the worst affected by this. Elaborating on the SVAMITVA Yojana, he said it involved mapping houses and lands in villages using drones and providing legal documents for residential properties to villagers. He added that the benefits of this scheme are now visible. India has over six lakh villages, with drone surveys completed in nearly half of them, Modi said. He highlighted that after receiving legal documents, lakhs of people had taken loans from banks based on their properties and started small businesses in their villages. After getting legal property rights, lakhs of people have taken loan. They have used this money to start their businesses. Many of these are farmers, for whom this property cards is a guarantee to financial security, he said. Modi said that once property cards are issued in all villages, the scheme will unlock economic activities worth over Rs 100 lakh crore. He emphasized the substantial capital that will be added to the country's economy. Noting that earlier, land disputes were common for farmers and obtaining land documents is challenging, often requiring multiple visits to offices and leading to corruption, the prime minister said that land records are being digitized to deal with these issues. Highlighting that SVAMITVA and Bhu-Aadhaar are foundational systems for village development, he said that Bhu-Aadhaar provides a unique identity to land, with around 23 crore Bhu-Aadhaar numbers issued, making it easy to identify land plots. Over the past seven-eight years, approximately 98 per cent of land records have been digitized, and most land maps are now digitally available, Modi added. Later, in a post on X, the prime minister said rural land digitisation is furthering rural empowerment by leveraging the power of technology and good governance. Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S P Singh Baghel and Ministry of Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj were also present at the event. It was attended virtually by several chief ministers, Union ministers and state ministers. Events are also being organised in over 230 districts for physical distribution of property cards. It is expected that around 13 Union ministers will physically join from designated locations from across the country to oversee regional distribution ceremonies of property cards. The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme was launched in 2020 to enhance the economic progress of rural India by providing 'Record of Rights' to households owning houses in inhabited areas in villages through the latest drone technology for surveying. The scheme also helps facilitate monetization of properties and enabling institutional credit through bank loans; reducing property-related disputes; facilitating better assessment of properties and property tax in rural areas and enabling comprehensive village-level planning.

From vignyan to gyan: Abhey Singh alias IITian Baba's quest for truth brings him to Mahakumbh

He speaks in staccato. Sounds silly and sublime at the same time. And breaks into a delightful impromptu jig. The first week of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, already visited by over 70 million, saw this unlikely head-turner, Abhey Singh, 34, now a media star identified by the masses as 'IITian Baba'. Abhey Singh's life journey is one as unique as the spelling of his name. From science to spirituality -- from vignyan to gyan -- he is now on a quest to explore the meaning of his existence and purpose of his life. My existence is unrestricted and boundless. I possess complete freedom to undertake any action, unbound by limitations or constraints, he tells media persons, now following him in droves. He is a complete nomad even at the Mahakumbh and it's difficult to spot him at one place. After the limelight remained trained on him at the beginning of the Mela, he suddenly disappeared for a couple of days, but showed up on Friday evening, claiming that seers were spreading rumours about his 'vanishing' act due to his popularity. Born to lawyer father and a homemaker mother in Jhajjar, Haryana, Abhey was exceptional in academics. His entry to IIT-Bombay in 2008 was a testimony to this. He completed his four-year degree in aerospace engineering like a normal whiz kid. In came a campus placement at a Delhi firm. Nothing unusual on the surface. But somewhere within there was growing restlessness. I studied at IIT-Bombay for four years, and also did MDS from there. But there was something amiss. Soon, I developed interest in arts and photography, he says. He also did a course in fine arts. But equilibrium was nowhere to be seen. Still, despite a tumultuous state of mind, he carried on for some more years. A high-paying job took him to Canada in 2016. But at the same time disenchantment with the material world was on full throttle. In one of the Instagram posts from 2016, he writes in a philosophical post: There were so many things I did not want to be, but they were deep within me. So I cut parts of me out. With time, more parts I chopped. The less remained. And now I wonder who it is that is 'left'. The Covid pandemic revealed to him the unpredictability of life. He left Canada for good. The family, expectedly, was not amused. But, for Abhey, the familial thread had weakened. Parents' appeal for pursuing a normal life remained unheeded. And he often started remaining outdoors. His passion for photography and travelling added to his spiritual pursuit. Soon he realised his real calling lay in the hills. For the next couple of years, he was off to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh -- Rishikesh, Haridwar, Shimla, Mussoorie, Dharamshala. Spending harsh winters at these places triggered his own metamorphosis. Then I spent a couple of days with an Aghori baba performing week-long sadhna (meditations)... life changed after that, he says. Crisp suit and tie gave way to saffron rob and Rudraksh. A few months ago, he met Baba Someshwar Puri of Juna Akhara in Varanasi, who brought him to Mahakumbh. Now soaked in ascetic ecstasy and basking in the fame that he is getting here, he says: I have finally understood the truth. Gyan ke peeche chalte jao, chalte jao, aur kahan jaoge, yahin aoge (Keep following the path of knowledge and wisdom. Where else will you go? You will return to your roots). I don't want to get stuck, I don't want to stop. When a man doesn't get stuck anywhere, then he becomes free, he says, declaring I have no friend, nor I am in touch with my family. He last spoke to his parents six months ago. They, of course, want him back, but deep within they know it's a difficult demand.

Bollywood Film 'Emergency' release stalled in Punjab after protests

The release of Actor-filmmaker and MP from Mandi of Himachal Pradesh Kangana Ranaut's movie ''Emergency'' in Punjab on Friday was stalled by cinema exhibitors after SGPC and other organisations protested outside cinema halls/multiplexes across the ...

Meghalaya has more schools than needed, reveals study

GUWAHATI: Meghalaya has more schools than needed, a departmental study revealed. The state has 14,582 schools against a population of 29,66,889 (Census 2011). For comparison, Manipur, with a population of 25,70,390, has only 4,617 schools while Tripura (population 36,73,917) has only 4,929 schools. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh, which has a more challenging terrain than Meghalaya, has 17,826 schools, serving a population of 68.64 lakh. Kerala, with a population of 3.34 crore -- more than 11 times that of Meghalaya, has more or less the same number of schools -- 15,864. This disproportionate number of schools in Meghalaya has resulted in skewed student enrollment. Another key finding of the study is that Meghalaya has 206 schools with zero enrolment and 2,269 schools with single-digit enrolment. Additionally, the state has an unusually high number of aided schools. Nationwide, aided schools account for less than 5 per cent of the total number of schools. However, in Meghalaya, the proportion is 29 per cent. According to the study, a reason behind the large number of schools is that a single school is often counted multiple times in the data. This occurs when a private school seeks multiple grants from the government. For example, a school may be counted as four separate schools (SSA, Adhoc, Deficit and Private), even though it is managed and owned by a single entity, the study said. As far as performance is concerned, the pass percentage of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate examination in the state in the past ten years was between 50.31 and 56.96. When asked if the government will merge the schools with zero enrolment with nearby schools as done in neighbouring Assam, Commissioner & Secretary Vijay Mantri told TNIE that the government would take a decision by the end of February. Meghalaya also has a skewed distribution of institutes of higher education. East Khasi Hills district has 47 such institutes as against 15 in West Garo Hills, ten in Ri-Bhoi, seven in West Jaintia Hills, three each in Eastern West Khasi Hills, South West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, two each in East Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills and one each in East Jaintia Hills, North Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts.

PM Modi Distributes 65 Lakh Svamitva Property Cards

NEW DELHI, Jan 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed around 65 lakh Svamitva property cards, and said it will bolster economic activities and help in poverty alleviation. He also interacted with some beneficiaries through video conferencing, and said the scheme will help people in getting loans and benefits of Government schemes. These property cards are being distributed to beneficiaries across more than 50,000 villages in 10 states Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, [] The post PM Modi Distributes 65 Lakh Svamitva Property Cards appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Dr Jitendra reiterates BJPs commitment to constitutional values laid down by Ambedkar

Excelsior Correspondent SHIMLA, Jan 17: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered a thought-provoking speech in Shimla, emphasizing the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) unwavering commitment to the constitutional values laid down by Ambedkar and upholding its democratic principles. Speaking at an event organised by Himachal Pradesh State BJP and attended by prominent leaders including LoP and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, State BJP chief Dr Rajiv Bindal, MP Rajya Sabha Sikander Kumar and party workers, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined the BJPs [] The post Dr Jitendra reiterates BJPs commitment to constitutional values laid down by Ambedkar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Severe Cold Persists In North India, Many Parts Record Drop In Temp; Spell Of Snowfall In Himachal

According to the India Meteorological Department, higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh experienced another spell of light to moderate snowfall and some parts also saw light rain.

SpaDex docking a step towards Indian Space Station by 2035: Minister Jitender Singh

CHANDIGARH: Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Science Jitender Singh said that an Indian Space Station would be established by 2035. He added that the successful docking of satellites through SpaDex is a major breakthrough in that direction. Speaking during his visit to Shimla IMD station, Minister Jitender Singh said that Bhartiya Antriksh Station is essential for docking of satellites in future. India Meteorological Department, established in 1875, has completed 150 years today. It is a matter of satisfaction that our weather forecast and disaster preparedness capabilities are comparable or better than any other countries, we are sharing information with other countries, he said. Our capabilities are comparable to those of leading nations, and in a few areas we have surpassed them. The emphasis placed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is evident through initiatives like 'Mission Mausam', it also underscores the department's growing significance. Singh said the Shimla IMD station still occupies an important place due to its topographical and geographical situation and is more relevant as compared to other stations. The British set up the IMD after a severe storm in the northeast. The Shimla station was one of the initial stations and remained the headquarters of IMD for a long period during British rule. It was later shifted to Pune and finally to Delhi after Independence. Himachal Pradesh IMD head, Kuldeep Srivastava, detailed enhancements in regional meteorological facilities, proposing new radars for comprehensive state coverage and an agreement for a 48-hour advance forecast model.

Skys the limit

KOCHI: His journey has been anything but easy. Life challenged him at every step, throwing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his way. Born with multiple physical challenges, he has undergone 16 major surgeries, including a kidney transplant, all by the age of 24. However, these hardships prepared him to conquer greater heights. Defying the odds, Syam Kumar S S became the youngest person in the world to complete a solo skydive from an altitude of 13,000ft and a certified paragliding pilot with a prosthetic leg both achievements recognised by the International Book of Records. I was born with complex medical conditions three malformed kidneys, an underdeveloped right leg, and a spinal tumour, says the 24-year-old, who hails from Kulathummal village in Thiruvananthapuram. My first surgery was when I was just 19 days old, for an enlarged right kidney. By age eight, my right leg was amputated. I now walk with a prosthetic limb. In my school life, I faced constant taunts and had to use a catheter due to a small bladder. In high school, my kidney function dropped to just 25 per cent, and many other problems came along, Speaking of his fightback, Syam says he is no superhuman, but an ordinary man who has been enduring a lot of pain -- physcial and mental. I have felt exhausted with life many times. But at a certain point, I realised that everything in my life was permanent; nothing would change, he recalls. Each passing day only brought more complications. At that point, I had two options: either seek escape through drugs or suicide, or push myself forward. I chose the latter. I chose to live. Syam started off with activities like clay modelling, swimming, cycling, and adventure sports. I did not want to remain trapped in the cycle of home, hospitals, and school, he says. Cycling, he recalls, helped him improve his health. It soon became his passion. He incorporated push-ups and other strength exercises into his daily routine. Once, I cycled about 1,000km in just six days, despite suffering from severe kidney issues at that time. Later, I took up mountaineering as well, he smiles. In 2022, Syam underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. My mother donated one of her kidneys. The transplant itself came with many complications. But by then, I had been through so much that everything felt numb. I was ready for anything, he says. Syams passion for adventure and the drive to make the most of life kept fuelling him to take up new challenges. Next, he wanted to go skydiving. Just three months after the transplant, I decided to do a solo jump. As it is said, strong desires give people the energy to move forward, he says. Skydiving made me push my limits. I used money from a crowdfunding campaign to pursue this high-risk jump. Syam reached out to several national and international skydiving platforms for an opportunity. Eventually, Skydive Thailand responded positively. He travelled to Thailand and did six solo jumps, learning how to free-fall with a prosthetic limb. He also trained in a wind tunnel. There are not many skydiving schools in India that offer training programmes for solo skydivers, and the rules are complicated. Thats why I had to go to Thailand, he says. Upon returning to India, Syam achieved further milestones, becoming a certified paragliding pilot after completing his training at Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, the second-highest paragliding point in the world. Notably, Syam is also skilled in drone flying and videography, which he has taken up for a means of income. My father is a daily wager, and my mother, who was once a school art teacher, left her job to take care of me. While I have had immense emotional support from my family, finance has been a challenge, he says. From a young age, I began looking for ways to earn money through whatever small tasks I could do. With that and the disability pension, I managed to save some money and bought a bicycle first. After my transplant, I bought a camera and began my career in videography and editing. Now, I have a steady income, but a big portion goes toward medicines and hospital bills. The constraints, however, have not hampered his quest for exploring life. I recently started learning skateboarding and kalaripayattu, he gushes. Syam rues that society continues to view successful people with disabilities with sympathy, rather than approaching or supporting them as a person with skills or achievers. The way we are treated is different. We are often inspirational material instead of being seen as athletes. My desire is for society to recognise us as skilled individuals, not just as objects of pity, he says. What next? Syams dream is to earn an A-to-D skydiving licence, set a world record with a 45,000ft jump, and become a wingsuit flyer. For this mission, I would need about Rs 2.5 crore. I wish I had some support from the government. Syam says he is certain that no matter what obstacles come my way, persistence and determination are the keys to achieving any dream. The greatest power lies in not giving up. I believe every person has potential within themselves, but its the lack of confidence and faith that holds many back from conquering their dreams. I will be elated if my story inspires at least one suffering soul out there to break free of self-imposed shackles.

Revanth Dished out Falsehoods to Delhi Voters: TG BJP

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who has failed to deliver on his poll promises in Telangana, has made election promises on behalf of the Congress to the people of Delhi, the Telangana BJP said on Thursday. The party charged that Revanth Reddy exhibited his duplicity and lack of consistency to Delhi voters. Addressing a press conference, BJP general secretary Dr Kasam Venkateshwarlu charged that the Congress government had failed to deliver the six guarantees including farm loan waiver to all eligible beneficiaries, Rythu Bharosa to farmers and tenant farmers, unemployment allowance to students and implementation of 42 per cent reservations to BCs in all the elections. The BJP also highlighted the Congress partys failure to implement its guarantees in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, leaving state finances in turmoil. Venkateshwarlu said that the party would conduct 'Samvidhan Abhiyan' (Constitution Campaign) all over the state till January 26. The party will hold conferences with intellectuals at all district headquarters on January 19 and 20, corner meetings with members of SC, ST and BC communities on January 22 and 23, and meetings with college students recalling the services rendered by Dr BR Ambedkar on January 24 and 25.

Rebel Akali Dal leaders meet Jathedar again, seek fresh directions to party to comply with Akal Takht orders

CHANDIGARH: Rebel Shiromani Akali Dal leaders today met Akal Takht (Highest Temporal seat of Sikhs) Jathedar (High priest) Giani Raghbir Singh and sought directions to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to maintain the sanctity of the seven-member committee constituted by Akal Takht to revive the party. The two members of the Akal Takht-formed seven member committee Gurpratap Singh Wadala and Santa Singh Umaidpuri met the Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and told him that the party leadership is non-committal in implementing the directives issued by the Akal Takht last month. After meeting the Jathedar at his office in Golden temple complex in Amritsar, Wadala said that he (Jathedar) had declared that only the seven-member committee had been entrusted with the responsibility of revamping the party. As per the directive of the Jathedar they have also submitted a letter to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami requesting to hold the meeting of the committee that was headed by him. He further said that despite clear instructions given by Singh that only the seven-member committee constituted by Akal Takht can start the membership drive and revamp the party and that these directions would have to be abided by in toto, the Akali Dal just chose to ignore them. That is why we had no option left but to meet the Jathedar who specifically told us that only the seven member committee appointed by the Akal Takht has been authorized to chalk out and oversee the membership drive in the party, claimed Wadala. The other members of the committee included former SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badhungar, Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Santa Singh Umaidpuri and Satwant Kaur. Recently Singh has shown his displeasure saying that the Shiromani Akali Dal is yet to implement the December 2 edict 'in toto' and that the body cannot overlook the seven-member committee set up to reorganise the party. He had asked the party to immediately make operational the panel headed by SGPC Dhami. While pronouncing tankhah to former Shiromani Aklai Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other guilty party leaders on December 2, last year, Giani Raghbir Singh had announced from the faseel of Akal Takht that ae seven-member committee headed by SGPC chief Dhami will oversee the new membership drive in the party ad reorganise the party structure, appointment of fresh delegates in addition to the existing ones and members within a span of six months. Interestingly the partys Dakha MLA and leader of the legislative party in the state assembly Manpreet Singh Ayali and the partys Panthic Advisory Board member Santa Singh Umaidpur refused to accept the new duties allocated to them by the party working committee saying that they would go only by the directions of Akal Takht. Ayali was deputed to oversee the membership drive in Rajasthan whereas Umaidpuri was to perform the same task in Himachal Pradesh. The SAD had claimed that recasting the party through the seven-member committee might lead to cancellation of its recognition from the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates for running a political party in a secular manner, and not as per the directions of a religious body. Meanwhile the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has decided to focus on conducting the targeted 25 lakh strong membership drive as part of its organizational elections. Senior party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said all plans are being finalized to start the membership drive on January 20. These include printing copies for distribution to the party cadre as well as framing the rules and regulations for the drive as per constitutional norms. Cheema said, he party is committed to ensuring that a genuine membership drive is conducted and that the same is ratified by party Observers under the supervision of the chief election officer for the drive former minister Gulzar Singh Ranike. He said it had been decided to hold training sessions for the designated Observers so that the entire process could be conducted smoothly in a free and fair manner.

2 friends, including a budding businessman, die in SUV crash on GT Karnal Road

Two friends, Kartik and Yash Raj Sidhu, died in an SUV accident on Main GT Karnal Road while returning from a trip to Himachal Pradesh. The police are investigating the involvement of another vehicle and whether fog contributed. The accident occurred near a petrol pump in Alipur early morning, and both succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

Haryana BJP chief booked for gang rape; opposition demands resignation

CHANDIGARH: Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, who was eyeing another term as the state party chief, has been booked by the Himachal Pradesh Police on charges of gang rape and criminal intimidation along with singer Jai Bhagwan alias Rocky Mittal. Badoli seems to be on his own as no other BJP leader has come to his defence so far. He was also not present at the function where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled the statue of freedom fighter Pandit Shriram Sharma in Rohtak. CM Saini has not commented on the issue and nor any reaction from the party high command. Senior-most minister in the Saini cabinet, Anil Vij termed the charges as very serious and urged the party high command to take cognizance of the matter. Since the case registered against Badoli came to light, the opposition has been gunning the saffron party labelling it as an anti-women party. Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan and Member of Parliament from Rohtak Deepender Hooda have demanded Badolis resignation from the post of state BJP chief. Meanwhile, a lady claiming to be an eyewitness in the case, who was accompanying the victim, said the rape claims made were false. She further told that she was there with the victim and her boss in the hotel. She alleged that the victim was not sexually assaulted in any way and the latter's only aim was to extract money or gain political mileage. She also alleged that she was asked to aid the victim in the case as she did not want to get into any trouble. She further said that the victim and her boss checked into the hotel and seeing Mittal they recognised him. They had a brief conversation with him and the next morning they left the hotel. Sources said that the Himachal Pradesh Police is yet to summon and record statements of both the alleged accused in the case. Himachal Pradesh Police registered an FIR in December 2024 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the two accused. The duo was booked on the complaint of woman who alleged that she was raped at a hotel run by the state tourism corporation in Kasauli in July last year.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu strengthens anti-drug campaign with formation of special task force

Himachal Pradesh govt to set up Special Task Force to combat drug abuse and organised crime

CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to set up a Special Task Force (STF) to deal with drug trafficking cases. The aim is to combat drug abuse and dismantle organized crime networks. The decision comes in the backdrop of a 40 percent surge in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act over the past 14 years and the doubling of heroin-related cases from 29 percent to 50 percent between 2019 to 2023. The Special Task Force (STF) will be established under Additional Director General of Police or Inspector General of Police and this initiative aims to make the state drug-free and foster a healthy and civilized society. The STF will be equipped with a dedicated commando force, with personnel undergoing specialized training on anti-narcotics and organized crime in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau. Half of the STF personnel will be recruited specifically for this purpose, while the remaining staff will be drawn from the existing Police Department. The primary objectives of the STF include disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks, taking action against drug kingpins and organized gangs, and strengthening intelligence gathering through faster forensic protocols. The task force will conduct coordinated raids, seize illicit assets linked to the drug trade, and implement preventive detention of habitual offenders. The STF will independently register and investigate cases through STF Police Stations or in collaboration with local police and special units at the range, district, or subdivision level. It will also monitor the activities of de-addiction centers to prevent their misuse. To strengthen its operations, the STF will operate across three zones headed by Superintendents of Police in Dharamshala, Parwanoo and Mandi, with its headquarters in Shimla. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that drug abuse has become a global challenge requiring stringent measures. He said, he state government has enacted laws to curb this menace including provisions for confiscating the properties of offenders involved in drug trafficking. Additionally, the state government aims to promote rehabilitation over punitive measures by expanding access to addiction treatment and compassionate rehabilitation programmes. Community engagement will be enhanced through initiatives like the Him Veer program and Him Dost, along with statewide awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. To ensure swift justice, the Government plans to establish special courts for NDPS cases and focus on fast-track investigations and prosecutions, said Sukhu. The task force will submit fortnightly progress reports to the government, which will review its actions and strategies as needed. This comprehensive approach underscores the Governments commitment to eradicating drug abuse and creating a safer and healthier Himachal Pradesh, said Sukhu. Sukhu who virtually attended the recent regional conference on drug trafficking and national security in Delhi and said that properties worth Rs 16 crore belonging to drug peddlers had been confiscated in the past three years, including Rs 9 crore last year alone. He had expressed concern over the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs, citing their potency, addictive nature, and complex chemical composition. Sukhu has emphasized the need for a multi-pronged strategy to tackle drug trafficking, particularly in border areas like Una, Solan, Bilaspur and Paonta Sahib, which have become vulnerable to the menace. Meanwhile state government has also tied up with Needle Leaf Foundation-The Saviour, an NGO, to control the rising cases of drug abuse among youth and check forest fires. Sukhu inaugurated these two projects, which will be implemented by the NGO.

Viral Now: Rs 799 For Paneer Bhurji? High Food Prices At Himachal Hotel Sparks Debate

A post highlighting an expensive food menu at a seemingly humble establishment in Himachal Pradesh has attracted the attention of many on X (formerly Twitter).

Himachal Pradesh: What's the story behind 21-quintal butter idol of Bajreshwari Devi temple that attracts thousands of pilgrims on Makar Sankranti

Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country visited this temple town of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday to pay obeisance at the Bajjreshwari temple here, one of the 52 Shakti peeths, and have a glimpse of the preparation of the 21-quintal butter ...

Haryana BJP chief, singer Rocky Mittal booked in rape case in Kasauli hotel

The police has registered a case against Haryana BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal for allegedly raping a woman at Kasauli police station in Himachal Pradesh over 18 months back.

Debate over 90-hour work week heats up, IIT professor speaks out, asks corporate bosses to pay for...

Nirmalya Kajuri, an assistant professor of Physics at IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, voiced his opinion on X

Haryana BJP Chief Among 2 Charged For Gang Rape In Himachal

Haryana BJP chief Mohanlal Badoli and a singer were booked after a woman alleged that she was gang-raped by them in a hotel in Kasauli. The Himachal Pradesh Police has registered an FIR against the two men, officials said on Tuesday.

Haryana BJP chief ML Badoli, singer Rocky Mittal booked for gang-rape, intimidation in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Mohan Lal Badoli, President of the Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is at the centre of a controversy, alongside singer Rocky Mittal alias Jai Bhagwan, a former BJP special publicity cell director. The duo have been booked by the Himachal Pradesh Police on charges of gang-rape and criminal intimidation. The charges stem from an incident the complainant alleges occurred during her trip to Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, last year. According to the police, the alleged offence took place on July 3 of the previous year in Kasauli, and a case was registered on December 13 last year, accusing the two men of rape and criminal intimidation. The complaint, filed in an FIR, states that the incident occurred at Ros Common Hotel, operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) in Kasauli. The complainant claimed that Rocky Mittal alias Jai Bhagwan had promised to feature her as a heroine in his album, while Mohan Lal Badoli allegedly offered her a government job, citing his 'connections.' The woman said the two men forced her to consume alcohol and began harassing her. When she objected, they allegedly threatened her friend with dire consequences and made her sit aside. They further threatened her, saying they would have her killed if she did not comply with their demands. According to the woman, both men then took turns raping her, while also taking photographs and recording a video of the assault. The complainant stated that she met the accused when she was staying at the Himachal Pradesh hotel with her Delhi-based employer and a friend. The complainant further alleged that two months ago, she was called to Rocky's house in Panchkula where the accused threatened to implicate her in a false case, police said. Both Badoli and Mittal have denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. They further claimed to have no knowledge of the matter. A police officer confirmed that no arrests have been made thus far, and the investigation is ongoing. It is reported that the victim's statement was recorded today. Based on the woman's complaint, police said, a case has been registered against Badoli and Rocky under sections 376 D (gang rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Last year, Badoli, a Brahmin, was appointed as the president of the Haryana unit of the saffron party, taking over from Nayab Saini, who became Chief Minister during the lead-up to the assembly elections. Prior to this, Badoli served as an MLA from the Rai assembly segment, having won the 2019 election, although he did not contest the subsequent assembly elections. Before entering politics, Badoli ran a shop in the cloth market of Bahalgarh, near Sonipat. With a background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Badoli began his political career by winning the Zila Parishad election from Murthal.

Haryana BJP state president, singer booked for gang rape

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Mohanlal Badoli, along with singer Rocky Mittal were booked under the charges of gang rape and criminal intimidation, based on a complaint lodged by a woman. The case was registered in Himachal Pradeshs Kasauli police station in Solan district on December 13, 2024. According to the FIR 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 .

All-India Weather Update: IMD Predicts Intense Cold And Rain In Delhi, 5 Other States

According to the IMD forecast, several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, will experience chilling cold along with rain from January 15 to 18

Devotees take dip in rivers in Himachal to mark Makar Sankranti

Devotees take dip in rivers in Himachal to mark Makar Sankranti Shimla/Manali: Devotees across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday took a dip in rivers braving cold weather to mark the auspicious Makar Sankranti festival. A huge gathering was seen at Tattapani, around 52 km from the state capital, and Manikaran, home to a Sikh shrine in [] The post Devotees take dip in rivers in Himachal to mark Makar Sankranti appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Weather clears after snowfall in Himachal Pradesh; cold wave intensifies, Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti logs a low of -12.3C

HP TET November 2024 result released at hpbose.org: Direct link to download scorecards here

HP TET November 2024 result: The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBoSE) announced the results for the Himachal Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (HP TET) November 2024 on January 13, 2025. A total of 11,026 candidates qualified. To check their results, candidates can visit the official website, hpbose.org, and enter their roll number or application number. Detailed steps are available for accessing the results.

Himachal Pradesh: People threaten to launch mass agitation against hydroelectric projects

CHANDIGARH: People are up in arms against the Himachal Pradesh government's plan to commission mega hydroelectric projects in the Chenab basin located across Kullu, Chamba,Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla districts. The projects ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW pose significant threat to the delicate ecosystem of the region as it is home to fragile Himalayan glaciers and diverse biodiversity. The local residents, social activists and environmentalists have expressed serious concern over the projects. They have threatened to launch a mass agitation in Lahaul Spiti if the state government goes ahead with the plan. Talking with this newspaper, Advocate Sudarshan Thakur, a member of the people's movement against the 400 MW Seli hydro project around a decade back says, he main reason for opposing these large-scale hydroelectric projects in the Chenab basin is the seismic vulnerability of environmentally fragile Lahaul and Spiti as it is situated in seismic zones 4 and 5. This makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes and has a potential for widespread environmental damage. Moreover, the other reasons for opposing the project include climate change and unbridled development carried out with an eye on local tourism potentials. Thus these projects could exacerbate the regions vulnerability to natural disasters such as landslides and floods, the advocate said. Instead of going for big projects the government should look at the possibilities of small projects which are of 10 to 25 MG upto a maximum of 100 MG which does not require construction of dams and are environment-friendly. Already in few villages cracks have appeared in houses in Lindoor village, he added. Guman Singh, an environmentalist and coordinator of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan said, These mega hydel projects should be banned above 6000 feet height across Himalayan region especially in the Chenab basin of Lahaul Spiti as it is frangile area and can cause soil erosion, landslides also in depletion of glaciers and making a glacier of lakes and they can burst any time. As human activity will increase in this region the depletion of glaciers will also increase many fold as temperatures will rise. These mega-projects can cause habitat destruction, deforestation, and even displacement of communities. The government should not set-up these hydro projects in the eco-sensitive zones like Lahaul Spiti. Look at Kinnaur, how hydro projects have turned that place into a constant landslide zone, he said. Stressing the importance of promoting eco-tourism and emphasizing the need for sustainable development practices in the region, The Save Lahaul and Spiti Society, President BS Rana said, we strongly oppose the commissioning of mega hydroelectric projects in the Chenab Basin as these projects pose far more risk than beneficial. Many local residents believe that large-scale hydropower projects could irreversibly damage the environment of the Himalayan region, impacting water quality, agriculture and wildlife. The state government had recently announced 22 hydro-projects in Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Shimla districts ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW, with a combined capacity of 828 MW. Out of the proposed 22 projects, nine projects with a total capacity of 595 MW in the Chenab basin of Lahaul Spiti and 8 projects of 169 MW capacity will come up in the Satluj river basin, four projects of 55 MW in the Ravi basin, and one project of 9 MW in the Beas basin. Successive state governments in the last two decades have allotted at least seven hydro projects in Lahaul Spiti in Jispa, Rashel, Tandi, Bardang, Miyar, Tindi, Seli, and Reoli villages. But none of these projects have taken off due to stiff resistance from the locals.

Abhinash Jamwal shocks Shiva Thapa to enter final of Mens Boxing Nationals

Bareilly, Jan 13: Abhinash Jamwals sensational run in the 8th Elite Mens National Boxing Championship reached new heights as he defeated reigning Welterweight champion and seasoned boxer Shiva Thapa in a thrilling semifinal clash. Jamwal, representing Himachal Pradesh, has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, building momentum with victories over formidable opponents, [] The post Abhinash Jamwal shocks Shiva Thapa to enter final of Mens Boxing Nationals appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Chandigarh Diary| Sidhu back in action after long hiatus

Sidhu back in action after long hiatus Ending his long political break, former Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu recently met senior Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Delhi. Taking to X, he posted Priyankas photo and wrote, Grace personified Met Iron Lady of Indian Politics @priyanakagandhiji today!!! He then shared another picture with the MP. Happy birthday to the one who makes every moment brighter, whose charm captivates Aura that sparkles and dazzles mortal eyes In prosperity friends aplenty, In adversity Rahul & Priyanka Gandhi Sidhu went on in his characteristic style. Hooda may face penalty for not vacating house Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda may face penalties for not vacating his official residence allotted to him as the LoP in the previous assembly. The state government is considering imposing a penal rent for his failure to leave the residence within the specified time, sources say. Last month, Hooda requested an extension of fifteen days to vacate the house, but he is yet to do so. It is reported that BJP minister Vipul Goel has his eyes on Hoodas bungalow, House No 70 in Sector 7 of Chandigarh. Previously, the BJP government issued a notice to Hooda, asking him to vacate. Sukhu to surrender subsidies on electricity Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has decided to forfeit subsidies on all five electricity meters registered in his name. In the state, there is a power subsidy of 125 units for each meter, which means he has been receiving a total subsidy of 625 units. He has submitted the necessary form to the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board regarding his decision. Sukhu emphasized that affluent citizens with multiple electricity meters should give up their subsidies to help support the states development. It has also come to the chief ministers notice that many other individuals are benefiting from power subsidies. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

Bittersweet revdi politics: States struggle to fund freebie promises

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana faces beneficiary list pruning, impacting 2.43 crore women. Freebie promises by state governments, like Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, struggle due to financial constraints. Competitive politics of freebies strain state finances, with Punjab and Delhi also grappling with promised sops.

SAD must comply with Akal Takht decree, refine membership process: Jathedar

CHANDIGARH: The Akal Takht Jathedar (High Priest) Giani Raghbir Singh told mediapersons on Saturday that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is yet to implement the December 2 edict 'in toto' and that the body cannot overlook the seven-member committee set up to reorganise the party. Committee members are to approach Akal Takht to seek further directions and proceed accordingly. Singh has asked the party to immediately make operational the panel headed by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami. He said that the seven-member panel formed by the temporal seat of Sikhs was in existence and the party would have to abide by its directions. The non-implementation of the order amounted to 'dilly-dallying', he added. In compliance with the decree of Akal Takht, a meeting of the SAD working committee was held during which the resignation of Sukhbir Singh Badal was accepted. It is a welcome move. But a seven-member committee constituted by Akal Takht Sahib has not been dissolved. It still stands and should start working. I already said a few days ago that the SAD must fully comply with the December 2 decree, Singh said. If no mention regarding the seven-member committee was made during the meeting of the working committee, we can again say that the SAD is showing reluctance in implementing the directives, he added. The seven-member panel includes rebel Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala, former SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar, Santa Singh Umaidpur, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Iqbal Singh Jhoondan and Satwant Kaur. Talking to TNIE , rebel Akali Dal leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala says, all the seven members of the committee will be calling on the Jathedar shortly and then ask him for further directives for them and proceed accordingly. As all the members feel that the Akali Dal should have followed the edict of the Akal Takht in totality. Additionally, a foolproof method has to be adopted for the membership drive in the party so that there is no fake membership, with proper returning persons, circle in-charges and cross-checks. The Akali Dal is following the fractional method. Meanwhile, the partys Dakha MLA and leader of the legislative party in the state assembly Manpreet Singh Ayali and the partys Panthic Advisory Board member Santa Singh Umaidpur refused to accept the new duties allocated to them by the party working committee. Ayali was made the in-charge of party affairs in Rajasthan while Umaidpur was given a similar role in Himachal Pradesh. Ayali is of the view that the edict by the Akal Takht Jathedar is supreme and he will abide by it. Umaidpur also said the party should follow the directions of the Akal Takht over reorganization efforts. The Akali Dal leadership is not been keen to accept Takhts directed to re-organisation of the party as party leaders argue that it would violate the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act, which might, as per the legal experts consulted by the party might lead to de-recognition by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Cold Wave Continues in Himachal Pradesh, Rain And Snow To Persist Over Weekend

The local meteorological department predicted moderate rain in low-lying and plains and snow in isolated areas in middle and high hills on Saturday and Sunday.

IMD predicts rains in North and South India, snowfall in western Himalayas with significant change in weather patterns

There will be significant shifts in weather all over the country in the next two weeks, as predicted by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Active weather systems will influence the conditions. Here is the complete report of weather around: A western disturbance that will occur from January 9-15, which is currently over Southwest Iran is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall along with snow to the Western Himalayan region this month. Scattered showers are also expected in the North western and Central plains until January 12. It can further cause thunderstorms in Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Western Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan by today. There can be isolated hailstorms in South Haryana and Rajasthan. The Northeastern states may witness isolated thunderstorms by January 13. Thunderstorms and moderate rainfall will occur in regions of Tamil Nadu, Kerela, Puducherry, Karaikanal and Mahe due to a cyclonic circulation in Southeast Bay of Bengal and its surrounding areas. Heavy rainfall might occur in Tamil Nadu on January 12. If we talk about the overall country, the Southern and Central India will experience rainfall above average due to the cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal, while the rest of India will have a below normal rain. As of the coming days, no western disturbance is expected over Northwest India from January 16-22. The minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 2-4 degree Celsius this coming week in Northwest and Central India which will drop slightly. There will be no major change in the temperature in the eastern part, it will be steady there. Cold wave warnings have already been issued in states of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, parts of Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Dense fog in several areas, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains will follow. The minimum temperatures can go down below normal in North peninsular, Central and Eastern India. Delhi/NCR will observe a mix of weather with clear skies, light rain and fog in the next few days. The fluctuating wind conditions will influence the air quality and visibility levels. IMD has advised citizens to be cautious of the dense fog and protect themselves from the cold wave conditions. The farmers are especially told to ensure proper protection to their crops from hail damage.

Singapore Presidents India visit from Jan 14

NEW DELHI: India and Singapore will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025 with a series of high-level visits, including that of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to India. President Shanmugaratnams upcoming visit to New Delhi and Odisha from January 14 to 18 will mark the first time in the last one decade that a Singaporean president has visited India. The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, both diplomatically and economically. Singapore, often referred to as Indias window to the East, is also one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India. One of the two pacts on the table is skilling in semiconductors in Odisha, as both the sides look to step up economic ties and air connectivity. The pact will help India garner Singapores support in the areas of semiconductor fundamentals, processes, packaging and testing. The two countries are also looking at increasing the annual FDI, diplomatic sources said. Singapores investment makes up about 24 per cent of Indias FDI since 2000. Indian investment in Singapore is $25.3 billion. The two countries have a robust partnership in aviation and supply chain connectivity. Singapore played a vital role in India becoming a sectoral dialogue partner with Association of South East Asian Nations in 1992 and a full dialogue partner in 1996. Besides meeting President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shanmugaratnam is likely to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister JP Nadda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development Jayant Chaudhary. He will travel to Bhubaneswar, meet Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and visit the Konark temple. India-Singapore relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit in September 2024. Skill center projects, supported by both public and private sectors, have been completed in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, and Telangana. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said Singapore is eagerly waiting to host Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to collaborate with state government in the development of capital city Amaravati. Naidu has been of the opinion that the cancellation of collaboration agreements by the previous government severely damaged the states reputation. He has directed officials to engage with the Singapore government, explain the events of the past five years, and work towards rebuilding mutual understanding and trust for future development besides meeting Jaishankar. Naidu recently said that after careful discussions and considering the views of various stakeholders, his government had entered into agreements. However, the previous government undermined the states prestige by abruptly cancelling those agreements. Such hasty decisions caused significant damage. With a new government in power, the diplomatic sources said that Naidu may visit Singapore soon to resume discussions. First visit by Singapore prez in a decade President Shanmugaratnams upcoming visit to New Delhi and Odisha from January 14 to 18 will mark the first time in the last one decade that a Singaporean president has visited India. The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, both diplomatically and economically. Singapore, often referred to as Indias window to the East, is also one of the largest sources of FDI for India.

India-Singapore to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations with series of high-level visits

NEW DELHI: India and Singapore are celebrating their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year with a series of high-level visits. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be visiting India. Singapore, often referred to as Indias window to the East, is also one of the largest sources of Foreign Direct Investment for India. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's upcoming visit to New Delhi and Odisha from January 14 to 18 will mark the first time in the past decade for a Singaporean president to visit India The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, both diplomatically and economically. One of the two pacts on the table is on skilling in the semiconductors sector in Odisha as both sides will embark on a course to step up their economic ties and air connectivity. The pact will help India get support from Singapore in the areas of semi-conductor fundamentals, processes, packaging and testing. The two countries are also looking at increasing the annual investment from existing 12 billion USD to 20 billion USD, diplomatic sources said. Besides meeting President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is likely to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister J P Nadda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development Jayant Chaudhary. He will also travel to Bhubaneshwar and meet Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He will also visit the Konark temple. India-Singapore relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit in September 2024. Skill centre projects, supported by both public and private sectors, have been completed in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, and Telangana.

New western disturbance likely to bring thunderstorms, hailstorms to north India

The new western disturbance, which is currently approaching from eastern Iran, is expected to affect a wide range of states, including West Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, North Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, and northwest Madhya Pradesh

THIS state is called India's 'Fruit Bowl' becaue...

Every Indian state has their own identity in terms of nature's beauty, traditions, clothing, customs, etc. In India, Himachal Pradesh is known as the country's fruit bowl.

Himachal cabinets nod to include families with no adult member in 18-59 age group to BPL list

SHIMLA, Jan 9: The Himachal Pradesh cabinet on Thursday approved inclusion of families with no adult members between 18 and 59 years, headed by women or whose head has a disability of 50 per cent or more under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list. Families that worked for at least 100 days under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in the previous financial year and families whose earning members are suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimers, [] The post Himachal cabinets nod to include families with no adult member in 18-59 age group to BPL list appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

INDIA-DOG-0600: This Himalayan breed dog now becomes India's fourth registered indigenous breed

The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources has officially recognized the Himalayan Gaddi dog as a registered breed. This recognition was achieved after years of scientific study and formal application by the Himachal Pradesh government. The breed is known for its strength and ability to fend off predators, and is essential for shepherding in remote Himalayan areas.

HP Cabinet Decisions: Eligibility Criteria for BPL List, Special Task Force to Combat Drug Abuse & Other Decisions

Shimla-The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in its meeting held on Thursday, approved the inclusion of the following families in the BPL list: Families with no adult members between the ages of 18 and 59. Women-headed families. Families whose head has a disability of 50 per cent or more. Families that worked for at least 100 days [] The post HP Cabinet Decisions: Eligibility Criteria for BPL List, Special Task Force to Combat Drug Abuse & Other Decisions first appeared on Himachal Watcher .

Himachal cabinet gives nod to rename Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration after Manmohan Singh

Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Special Task Force (STF) to combat drug abuse and dismantle drug trafficking and organised crime networks in the State through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach

Himalayan 'Gaddi' dog recognised as an official breed

CHANDIGARH: It is now officialthe Himalayan Gaddi dog has been recognised as a breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in Karnal, Haryana. This recognition will help preserve the purity of the breed. The Gaddi dog is the fourth indigenous canine breed to be registered, following the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai breeds of Tamil Nadu and the Mudhol Hound of Karnataka. On 7 January, the Director of NBAGR, Dr B.P. Mishra, informed the Director of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh, about the development. The letter read: I am pleased to inform you that the ICAR Breed Registration Committee, in its meeting held on 5 January, has approved the registration of the Gaddi dog as a breed. The accession number of the newly-registered breed is INDIA-DOG-0600_GADDI_19004. Confirming the development, Dr Pardeep Kumar Sharma, Director of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh, said: This dog guards and is very steady, thus kept by the Gaddi community to guard their flocks from theft and wild beasts. It is also suitable for the cold climate as it has good resistance. It weighs about 40 to 45 kilograms and has long hair, mainly in black and brown colours. As it is registered now, in the coming days we expect its numbers to increase, as the demand for this dog is very high. People also want to keep them in their orchards. Dr Shivani Katoch, Head of the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding at the College of Veterinary and Animal Science (COVAS), Palampur University, called the recognition a step towards the conservation of indigenous dog breeds. She remarked: This is an achievement towards the conservation of indigenous breeds of dogs. It will go a long way in conserving our natural genetic resources of dogs. After this characterisationboth morphological and genomicwe will be able to know the present population of this breed. Also, as the characteristics are now defined and registered, it will make it easier to maintain the breed's purity. Sources stated that now the Animal Husbandry Department can conduct a census, as the breed has been registered and characterised. Until now, there were no guidelines about the breed. It is the first Himalayan dog breed to be officially registered. However, there are other dog breeds in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand which also claim to be Gaddi dogs. The lack of scientific validation previously allowed the breed to be sold by several breeders without regulation. It was in 2019 that a scientific study of the Gaddi dog began. Specialists at the Conservation-Cum-Propagation Centre for Gaddi dogs, established at COVAS Palampur University, visited interior parts of Himachal Pradesh to collect Gaddi pups for research. After three years of study, the team compiled its findings and sent the data to NBAGR in 2022 for validation. Due to its ability to fight snow leopards, the Gaddi dog is also known as the Indian Panther Hound. These dogs are large, aggressive, and incredibly strong, with a deep bark similar to that of the Tibetan Mastiff. However, their tail is less curly and heavily feathered compared to the Tibetan Mastiff. Like many indigenous breeds, the Gaddi dog is on the verge of extinction due to gene pool dilution. Sources further revealed that these dogs are primarily found in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. They are also bred in Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Ropar districts of Punjab, where farmers use them to protect their crops from wild animals. Farmers in Punjab often purchase Gaddi dogs at a premium when Gaddi shepherds migrate to the plains from the hills.

Winter chill hits North India, Kashmir temp below zero

A cold wave has intensified in most parts of north India, with temperatures in the Kashmir Valley dipping below freezing point. The national capital saw a brief respite from the bitter cold during the day, but cold conditions persisted in parts of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The weather department has issued a yellow warning for cold wave, ground frost and dense fog for some places in Himachal Pradesh. There is a possibility of rain and snowfall in parts of northwest India later in the week.

MP Manish Tewari proposes International Financial Centre in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH: In order to bolster the region's economy, Member of Parliament from Chandigarh and former union minister Manish Tewari has suggested the establishment of an International Financial Centre (IFC) in Chandigarh, modelled on the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). In a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, senior congress leader Tewari said, this project would bolster the region's economy and elevate India's position as a global financial powerhouse. Making a strong case for Chandigarh as an ideal choice, he said, the city has a strategic location and accessibility given its exceptional geographic positioning as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, coupled with its proximity to Himachal Pradesh, which places it at the heart of North India's economic matrix. He pointed out that the city boasts outstanding connectivity through road, rail, and air, including an international airport facilitating seamless domestic and global access-a critical prerequisite for an IFC. He also noted that Chandigarh exemplifies the confluence of modernity and meticulous urban planning, offering unparalleled infrastructure and a superior quality of life. Tewari further highlighted that Chandigarh is renowned for its heritage, modern infrastructure, organized layout, and high quality of life. Regarding the city's educational ecosystem, he pointed to institutions like Panjab University, PGIMER, Punjab Engineering College, and the Government Medical College, which ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals and foster a culture of research and innovation. Additionally, he noted the presence of numerous government and private schools, technical institutes, and polytechnics that offer quality education. The former union minister emphasized that as one of India's most meticulously planned cities, Chandigarh is ideally positioned to integrate advanced utilities such as smart grids, automated waste management, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Its scalable urban model aligns perfectly with the vision of a futuristic financial hub, he concluded. He further compared traditional financial centers like Mumbai and Delhi explaining that Chandigarh offers significantly lower real estate and operational costs, a vital factor for attracting global investors and financial institutions. Combined with its superior living standards, the city presents a compelling value proposition, he said, adding, the establishment of an IFC in Chandigarh would not only transform the city and its surrounding regions but also deliver far-reaching national benefits like Economic Growth, new hub for financial services, fintech, and technology industries, significantly boosting India's GDP. It will also encourage balanced Regional Development, Decentralising economic activity from overburdened metros and fostering inclusive growth across northern India, he observed. He explained that the cutting-edge infrastructure and investor-friendly policies will draw international businesses and strengthern India's position in the global financial market. Suggesting leveraging the city's educational and research institutions to create a thriving ecosystem for innovation-driven industries, he said it will help in employment generation and livelihood. Tewari pointed out that leveraging the city's educational and research institutions to create a thriving ecosystem for innovation-driven industries would help in employment generation and livelihood. Asserting that it will be Visionary Step for a resilient future, Tewari said, the unparalleled combination of strategic location, modern infrastructure, and a vibrant talent pool positions Chandigarh as a natural choice for establishing an IFC. Such an initiative aligns seamlessly with the Union Government's vision of fostering robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, he added, while earnestly urging the minister to initiate a detailed feasibility study to explore the immense potential of Chandigarh as India's next international financial hub. This endeavour holds the promise of not only redefining the region's economic landscape but also ensuring India's stature as a global financial leader, he observed while offering to remain at the disposal for any further inputs or assistance in advancing this visionary proposal.

Dense fog, cold wave to grip Punjab and Haryana for two more days

Dense fog and cold wave conditions will persist in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh for two more days with visibility as low as 50 meters in some areas. A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall and snowfall in the northwest regions of India from January 10 to 12.

HMPV a common virus, no need to panic: Himachal health minister

Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil assured that human metapneumovirus (HPMV) is a common virus and there is no need to panic. The virus, present since 2001, spreads through close contact. He advised preventive measures like wearing masks and visiting health centres if symptoms appear. The health department is prepared to handle any HPMV rise.

Add these 15 enchanting experiences to your bucket list in 2025, that are worth a lifetime!

Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it- Kumbh Mela The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13 th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year! Rann Mahotsav The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit. Experience Holi as a local India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar. Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost. The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon Its a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes. Spot the Bengal tiger The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the Worlds largest Mangroves. Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett. At the Golden temple One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life. Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime. Night Kayaking in Andaman The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night! Stay in the traditional homestays Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that home feeling while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India. The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkuttys farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors. An Ayurvedic retreat The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are- Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala. Explore famous food streets Well, who doesnt love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? Its so deliciously amazingyou should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food. Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover. Encounter the elusive Snow leopard In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as mountain ghosts by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species. Explore the stars, sky and space Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know Indias advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at- The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2 nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat). Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as Cinema ka Mandir. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir! Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala To those who dont know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Keralas authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala. Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!

SC for AFT benches in J&K, HP

NEW DELHI:The Supreme Court on Monday called for setting up Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) benches in Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, to deal with the growing pendency of defence-related cases. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh said at present AFT, Chandigarh, was burdened by a huge backlog from these []

Rubina Dilaik reveals why she left Mumbai, shifted to Himachal Pradesh with daughters Jeeva, Edhaa: 'Humein unhein...'

In November 2023, Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla welcomed twin daughters, Jeeva and Edhaa, into their lives.

Setting up AFT benches in J&K, Shimla will reduce pendency: SC

NEW DELHI, Jan 6 : The Supreme Court on Monday called for setting up Armed Forces Tribunal benches in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, to deal with the growing pendency of defence-related cases. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh said at present AFT, Chandigarh, was burdened by a huge backlog from these states and setting up circuit benches at Jammu and Kashmir, Shimla and Dharamshala, would help in speedy disposal of cases. Refusing [] The post Setting up AFT benches in J&K, Shimla will reduce pendency: SC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Third Eye: Himachal's orphans get a holiday, BJP MLA channels Ghajini, and Bharat Ratna wishlist grows

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is sponsoring a holiday for 20 orphans in Goa, referring to them as 'children of the state'. In other news, political leaders are advocating for Bharat Ratna honors for prominent figures like Nitish Kumar, former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, and the late BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

Modi launches major railways projects in Telangana, J&K and Odisha

Srinagar: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday, after virtually inaugurating the newly carved out Jammu Railway Division (JRD), said that this historic milestone will create steps to take Jammu and Kashmirs journey of developmental infrastructure and connectivity to higher levels. The integration of J&K into the national railway network is a monumental step towards transforming Indian Railways into a global leader in efficiency, speed, and passenger experience, he said, adding, The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project is a landmark achievement that demonstrates India's engineering excellence. The 742.1-kilometre long JRD comprises of the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (423 km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 km), Batala-Pathankot (68.17 km) and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar routes (163.72 km). It is expected to create new employment opportunities in J&K and neighbouring Punjab and apart from boosting up infrastructure development promote tourism and the overall socio-economic development of the region, officials said in Jammu. Endorsing it, the Prime Minister said that the JRD would not only benefit the people of J&K but also extend its advantages to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh. He termed its inauguration as a symbol of Indias collective progress under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, filling colours in the dream of Developed India. He said the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, will play a key role in connecting J&K with the rest of the country India through rail besides providing convenience to the people of Leh-Ladakh. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana which too will promote tourism and add to socio-economic development in these states. According to an official statement, the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with provision of a second entry with a cost of around 413 crore. This environment friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda, the statement said. It added that the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Prime Minister through video conferencing will improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and nearby areas and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region. The Prime Minister said, We are taking forward the development of railways in India on four parameters. First- modernization of railway infrastructure, Second- Modern facilities for railway passengers, Third- Railway connectivity in every corner of the country, Fourth- Railways for creating jobs and supporting industries. The Prime Minister said, Today is a big day for new-age connectivity. It shows that the entire nation is moving forward together. He asserted that in order to translate the dream of Vikshit Bharat, it is crucial to develop Indian Railways. He said the past decade has witnessed a transformational change in railway infrastructure modernization, enhanced connectivity, and improved facilities for passengers. The Prime Minister said, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab Riverthe worlds highest railway bridgeare marvels that are making waves globally. He said that the government has laid more than 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks in the last ten years, nearing 100 percent electrification, compared to just 35 percent existing in 2014 (when he took over as the Prime Minister) and that all manual crossings on broad-gauge tracks have been removed during this period. Mr. Modi while lauding Indias fast-paced progress in connectivity said that since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1,000 kilometers. While referring to the recent inauguration of Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR along with the launch of Delhi Metro projects on Sunday, the Prime Minister asserted, Todays event is a further testimony to the fact that the entire nation is moving forward together, step by step, as projects launched in J&K, Odisha and Telangana mark a major leap in modern connectivity for these the north, east and south regions of the country. He said the work on modern rail networks like the Dedicated Freight Corridor is progressing rapidly in the country and that these special corridors will reduce pressure on the regular tracks apart from creating more opportunities for high-speed trains. He reiterated that the railways are undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India. He said modern coaches are being developed for metros and railways, stations redeveloped, solar panels installed at stations and One Station, One Product stalls set up at railway stations. All these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector. Over the last decade, millions of young people have secured permanent government jobs in the railways, he said, adding, The demand for raw materials in factories producing new train coaches leads to more job opportunities in other sectors as well. The Prime Minister said that the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana has the potential of accelerating regional development by connecting to the Outer Ring Road. This station, connected to the Outer Ring Road, will significantly boost development in the region, he said and highlighted the stations modern amenities including its platforms, lifts, escalators, solar-powered operations. The Prime Minister said, This is a step forward in creating sustainable infrastructure as this new terminal will ease the pressure on existing stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, making travel more convenient for the people. He said Odisha is blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline, and holds significant potential for international trade. He said that several railway projects worth over 70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry. He said the Rayagada Railway Division will strengthen the states railway infrastructure promoting tourism, business, and employment in Odisha, especially South Odisha, where the number of tribal families is higher. Mr. Modi said that such projects not only enhance the ease of living but also promote the ease of doing business, aligning with Indias broader infrastructure goals. He said India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks. The number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today. The metro services have expanded from 5 cities to 21 cities across the country. These projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country, he said. He added, I am sure that together we will accelerate this growth even further. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, G. Kishan Reddy, Jitendra Singh, V. Somanna, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Governor of Odisha Jishnu Dev Varma, his counterpart of Telangana Hari Babu Kambhampati, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah, A Revanth Reddy and Mohan Charan Majhi, the chief minister of J&J, Telangana and Odisha, respectively were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Former India all-rounder Rishi Dhawan retires from domestic limited-over tournaments

New Delhi, Jan 6: Former India all-rounder Rishi Dhawan has announced his retirement from domestic limited-over tournaments after the conclusion of the group stage matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Dhawan, who played three ODIs and a T20I for India in 2016, took the decision after Himachal Pradesh failed to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. However, the 34-year-old will be available for selection for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy season, starting from January 23. Its with [] The post Former India all-rounder Rishi Dhawan retires from domestic limited-over tournaments appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India all-rounder Rishi Dhawan announces retirement from white ball cricket

Rishi Dhawan, the Himachal Pradesh all-rounder, has retired from Indian limited-overs cricket. Dhawan represented India in three ODIs and one T20I, scoring limited runs and taking few wickets. He will continue to play first-class cricket for Himachal Pradesh. Dhawan expressed gratitude to BCCI, HPCA, and his former IPL teams in his retirement message.

Meet Indian who became 'world's youngest surgeon' at 7, went to IIT at 12, has IQ of 146, he is now working as...

Meet a child prodigy from Himachal Pradesh, who became the world's youngest surgeon at 7 and continues to inspire with his groundbreaking medical research.

Heavy snowfall, rainfall expected in Northwest India due to back-to-back western disturbances

A fresh spell of back-to-back western disturbances is set to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall to the western Himalayas and Northwest India over the next few days. Additionally, a patch of very dense fog will persist across the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain. Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling -8.5Cthe lowest temperature in 30 years. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that a series of western disturbances this week will result in heavy snowfall and rainfall in Northwest India. IMD forecasts significant snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the coming days. IMD has warned of temporary disruption of surface and air transportation and higher chances of landslides and shooting stones over vulnerable places. It has also advised tourists to take precautions and plan accordingly. The first round of western disturbances is expected to impact the higher reaches of the western Himalayas late on the night of 4 January. According to IMD, heavy snowfall is forecast in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between 4 and 6 January. This disturbance will also lead to isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm activity over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on 56 January, and northwest Uttar Pradesh on 6 January. Scattered rainfall or snowfall is predicted in Uttarakhand on 6 January. In the northeastern states, light to moderate rainfall is likely on 78 January. During the western disturbance spell, minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 34C, before dropping sharply afterwards. IMD has also issued a cold day condition warning for parts of Himachal Pradesh on 67 January, isolated pockets of West Uttar Pradesh on 4 January, and Bihar on 45 January. The IMD has further stated that cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Telangana on 4 January. Meanwhile, dense fog is predicted to envelop the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain until 6 January, after which it is expected to clear. The fog may affect airports, highways, and railway routes during this period. A second round of western disturbances is forecast to reach Northwest India on 10 January, bringing light to moderate rainfall and snowfall to the western Himalayas and parts of Northwest India.

Man Slides Across Himachal Valley On Rope As Ritual Returns After 40 Years

Himachal Pradesh's Shimla is witnessing a rare and age-old religious tradition that is believed to bring together the deities of the Spail Valley, showcasing the region's vibrant cultural heritage.

Parts of Himachal Pradesh to receive heavy snowfall from tomorrow, yellow alert issued in...

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted snowfall and rain showers in several parts of Himachal Pradesh starting from tomorrow, i.e., January 5.

Telangana: KTR slams Congress over price hike, strange taxes

Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Saturday, January 4, slammed the Congress for price hikes in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. KTR criticised Congress saying that its decisions in the states above have led to the betrayal of its voters. Stressing on the 15 percent RTC ticket 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 .

Water level low in dams, BBMB sounds caution to member states

CHANDIGARH: The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has urged member states Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to exercise caution while projecting their water demand. This advisory comes in light of predictions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which forecast below-normal rainfall, at 86% of the average, for North India between January and March. Compounding the issue, storage levels in key reservoirs are significantly below normal. According to data from the Central Water Commission (CWC), the water level at Bhakra Dam currently stands at 43% of its total capacity, compared to the 10-year average of 61% for this time of year. Similarly, the Pong Dam's storage level is at 30%, a sharp decline from the 10-year average of 57%. The CWC's Reservoir Storage Bulletin, dated January 2, reveals that the northern region, which includes Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, has 11 reservoirs under its monitoring. These reservoirs have a combined total live storage capacity of 19.836 billion cubic meters (BCM). The current total live storage is 8.775 BCM, or 44% of the total capacity, compared to 57% during the same period last year and a normal average of 58%. The report underscores that current storage is not only lower than last years corresponding period but also below the normal average for this time. On January 3, the inflow at Bhakra Dam was recorded at 4,700 cusecs, with an outflow of 10,000 cusecs. At Pong Dam, the inflow and outflow were 2,600 cusecs and 13,000 cusecs, respectively. Presently, the outflow from Bhakra Dam is around 5,000 cusecs, lower than normal due to the closure of some canals by the Punjab Irrigation Department for maintenance, which is expected to continue until January 20. Meanwhile, the outflow from Pong Dam is approximately 4,000 cusecs, higher than normal, as demand in the areas it serves has risen due to reduced water release from the Thein Dam on the Ravi River. During a meeting with member states, the BBMB highlighted the low availability of water and advised them to plan their water demands accordingly to manage the situation effectively.

Delhi Under Dense Fog: Flight Disruptions and Cold Wave Hit National Capital

NEW DELHI: Dense fog enveloped Delhi on January 4, significantly affecting flight operations. The Delhi airport issued an advisory urging passengers to check flight schedules with their respective airlines, especially for flights not compliant with CAT III protocols. IndiGo Airlines also confirmed that fog-induced disruptions were delaying flights in the capital. Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Delhi As temperatures continued to plummet, Delhi recorded 10.2C at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, slightly higher than Friday's 9.6C. A biting cold wave swept through the city, compelling many homeless residents to seek refuge in night shelters. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) reported that all beds at its Lodhi Road night shelter were occupied. Additionally, 235 pagoda tents were set up across key locations, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover, to accommodate more people during the harsh winter nights. Air Quality Worsens The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category, with an AQI of 385 recorded at 6:00 a.m., up from 348 the previous day. The Central Pollution Control Board noted that prolonged exposure to such conditions could pose severe health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Cold Wave Sweeps Across North India Neighboring states also battled extreme weather conditions. Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4C on Saturday morning, while Mainpuri experienced dense fog. Residents across the region were seen gathering around bonfires to ward off the cold. Shimla Records Unusual January Heat Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, recorded its highest-ever daytime January temperature of 21.6C on January 4. Dr. Kuldeep Srivastava from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this to prolonged clear skies, leading to warmer days. However, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall across Himachal Pradesh between January 5 and 7. The IMD predicts light to moderate snowfall in regions like Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur, with rain and thundershowers likely in parts of Punjab and Haryana. These weather changes are expected to bring temporary relief from the unusual temperature patterns in Shimla while intensifying winter conditions in other northern states.

Bhatia, Thakur appointed BJPs Election Inch for J&K, Ladakh

Dr Jitendra is HP Incharge Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Union Minister in PMO with Independent charge of Ministries of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh has been appointed as BJPs Election Officer for Himachal Pradesh to supervise the organisational election for the State president and National Council Members. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Party has appointed former MP from Haryana, Sanjay Bhatia as organisational election incharge for J&K UT while former Chief Minister [] The post Bhatia, Thakur appointed BJPs Election Inch for J&K, Ladakh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Forum Pushes For Reforms In Rythu Bharosa

Hyderabad :The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has submitted a letter to the government to revisit the implementation oftheRythu Bharosa scheme,demanding a more focused approach to make sure that the financial aid reachedgenuine farmers. In the letter addressed to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, FGGpresident M.Padmanabha Reddy expressed concerns over indiscriminate payments under previous schemes like Rythu Bandhu. Earlier, thegovernment gave 10,000 per acre irrespective of landholding and to all landholdingswhether theywereunder cultivation or not. This step has put heavy burden on the state economy and has set a wrong precedent, the letter stated. TheFGG pointed out that payments under Rythu Bandhu were made based on land ownership records and it benefitted even absentee landlords while failing to address the needs of tenant farmers. Farmersareto be assisted and protected, but at the same time landlords, income tax payers should be kept out of this scheme. Tenant farmers also to be compensated, the forum added. To make the Rythu Bharosa more effective, the FGG recommended limiting the benefits to farmers owning up to five acres of land that is actively under cultivation.This would not only ease the financial strain on the government but also ensure that the aidwas directed towards those who genuinely require support. FGG pointed out that while farmers constitute less than 50per centof the population, a large portion of the state budget is being allocated to agriculture-related welfare programmes, which leaves limited resources for other developmental activities. The forum called for a balanced approach to welfare spending to benefit broader sections of society. The letter also expressed concerns over the growing trend of unsustainable welfare schemes driven by political pressures and cited examples from other states like Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, which have struggled with mounting debt.

TG offers single-window, incentives for RE projects: Bhatti

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced a single-window clearance and several incentives for renewable energy projects and hinted at several incentives in the clean and green energy policy to be announced after Cabinet approval. He reiterated that thegovernment aimed atadding20,000 MW of renewable energy (RE) and storage capacity by 2030.Addressing a stakeholder convention on Telanganas clean and green energy policy on Friday, Bhatti stated that the government was offering financial incentives for setting up manufacturing units for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery energy storage systems to make Telangana a manufacturing hub. The proposed policy includes reimbursement of Net SGST, stamp duty, transmission and distribution charges and waives off of the electricity duty to significantly reduce the cost burden on developers. To enable every segment of society to contribute to renewable energy, the state is offering 100 per centnet SGST reimbursement for rooftop solar power generation and also for self-help groups and village organisations to establish solar plants between 500 kW to 2 MW capacity and sell power to TGdiscoms, Bhatti, who also handles the power portfolio, said. At the same time, the state is also focusing on modernising grid infrastructure to seamlessly integrate the growing renewable energy capacity and meet the demands of a sustainable future, the minister explained. Noting that the statewas going ahead with mega infrastructure projects like Future City, AI City, Pharma City, Regional Ring Road and MetroRailexpansion works, Bhatti said that these developmentswereprojected to drive an exponential rise in peak electricity demand, from 15,623 MWin the currentto 24,215 MW by FY30 and 31,809 MW by FY35. It is essential that this demand is met with clean, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy solutions, he noted.Bhatti said Telangana is endowed with immense potential to generate therenewable energy,receivingover 300 days of sunshine annually,andstoodamong the top eight states for wind power, with a potential of 54,717 MW. Bhatti said the government wasalso exploring opportunities to go for joint ventures for hydel power generation projects in Himachal Pradesh and solar power projects in Rajasthan.

Rejuvenate JKRTC

At a time, when the state owned buses from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana cater to the needs of the passengers moving out of J&K and vice versa by providing state of art fleet of buses with all the modern facilities besides maintaining the schedules precisely, the condition of buses of Jammu and Kashmir Road [] The post Rejuvenate JKRTC appeared first on Northlines .

CBI arrests TRAI officer for demanding bribe from Himachal cable operators

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Narender Singh Rawat, a senior research officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a cable operator based in Himachal Pradeshs Sirmaur district, officials said on Friday. The officials said that the agency registered an FIR on January 1 on the complaint of the cable operator, who alleged that accused TRAI officer Rawat was demanding Rs 1 lakh bribe. In a statement issued on Friday, the CBI said, The complainant is a licence holder of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for running cable services in Sirmaur district. The complaint was filed on behalf of five other cable operators, alleging that the accused officer was demanding bribe for favouring them in assessing their regulatory documents the Quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports (Q-PMRs) and withholding recommendations to cancel their licenses, it said. As per the TRAI guidelines, cable operators must submit their Q-PMRs to the officer, who after assessment or perusal, accepts or recommends cancellation of their licenses if some discrepancies are found. In the FIR, the CBI said the accused reportedly told the operators that he would take favourable actions regarding their Q-PMRs and warned that their licenses could be cancelled unless they paid the bribe. The accused officer has also threatened other cable operators for cancellation of licences and asked them to contact the complainant in this regard, the FIR read. Following the complaint, the CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and verified the allegations, the officials said, adding that a trap was laid and the accused was arrested while accepting the bribe of Rs 1 lakh at his office in Naroji Nagar in New Delhi. The CBI also raided the accused officers residential and official premises in Greater Noida and New Delhi, where incriminating documents were recovered and further investigation in the case is underway, the officials said.

Himachal CM launches portal to parket products of 350,000 rural women

In a major initiative to empower rural women, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unveiled an e-commerce portal, Him-Era, to promote products crafted by over 350,000 rural women associated with 44,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Sanjay Bhatia Assigned J&K, Jairam Thakur Ladakh, Dr. Jitendra Singh Himachal for BJP Elections

NEW DELHI, Jan 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Sanjay Bhatia, Jairam Thakur, and Dr. Jitendra Singh to lead the organizational elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, respectively. These leaders are tasked with supervising the election of state presidents and National Assembly members, which are critical steps in the BJPs organizational framework. The partys constitution mandates that elections in at least 50% of states be completed before the national president is elected, with a deadline [] The post Sanjay Bhatia Assigned J&K, Jairam Thakur Ladakh, Dr. Jitendra Singh Himachal for BJP Elections appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Senior TRAI officer arrested for bribery

NEW DELHI: The CBI has arrested a senior TRAI officer for allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a cable operator in Himachal Pradesh to favour him in compliance matters, officials said on Friday. The agency booked Narender Singh Rawat, a senior research officer of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on allegations that he demanded the bribe from a licence holder of the Union information and broadcasting ministry for running cable services in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur, they said. He also allegedly asked the operator to pay a bribe on behalf of other five licence-holder cable operators in the state for favour in assessing regulatory documents such as quarterly performance reports. The purpose of the bribe was to not recommend cancellation of their licenses to the ministry, the agency said. It is also alleged that, as per TRAI guidelines, the said cable operators are required to submit their quarterly performance monitoring to the said accused who, after assessment or perusal, accepts or recommends cancellation of their licences if some discrepancies are found, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) spokesperson said in a statement. After preliminary verifications, the CBI laid a trap and caught Rawat red handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 1 lakh in his Delhi office from the complainant, the CBI said. The agency conducted searches at residential and official premises of the accused in Greater Noida and New Delhi, it said.

Modi government should be asked hard questions on Christian minorities: TMC's Derek O'Brien

NEW DELHI: TMC leader Derek O'Brien on Friday said the Narendra Modi government must be asked 'hard questions' about the Christian community, including why the FCRA had been 'weaponised' and the people of Manipur 'ignored'. He also sought to corner the church on the issue, days after Prime Minister Modi attended a Christmas celebration hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi. In a blog post on Friday, O'Brien said voices were coming up from the Christian community that should be raised to the Union government. These are the hard questions that must be asked of the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. Many Christmases have gone by, now answers have to be demanded, said the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) leader in the Rajya Sabha. Why did you attempt to turn Christmas Day into 'Good Governance Day'? Why are you weaponising the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to specifically target institutions run by the Christian community?, O'Brien asked. Why have you totally ignored the people of Manipur? Why are you encouraging and passing anti-conversion laws that violate fundamental rights under Article(s) 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution? Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan. O'Brien also asked why the government was pushing the Waqf bill and 'playing minority versus minority', especially in Kerala. Why don't you ever say a word condemning hate speeches and crude communal slurs? he further questioned. The TMC leader alleged that attacks on institutions run by minorities were on the rise and asked why incidents of violence against Christians were increasing. Why did India's National Human Rights Commission lose its United Nations accreditation twice since 2014? Do you remember Father Stan Swamy? Sipper? Straw? Death? he added. Swamy, an 84-year-old tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest, died in custody in July 2021 from cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19. He was arrested in October 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and spent eight months in a Mumbai prison. He was denied bail on medical grounds several times. In my two decades in public life, including three terms in Parliament, I have written columns on a range of subjects but never one on the church in India. This is a first. It needed to be written. More silence on the subject would make me complicit, O'Brien said. Modi had attended a celebration hosted by the CBCI in the national capital ahead of Christmas. Earlier in December, several Christian MPs, in a meeting with the organisation, had raised concerns over the state of affairs concerning minorities. O'Brien said several issues were raised by the Christian MPs at the meeting called by the CBCI, during which they urged the church body to 'stop photo-ops'. The Christian leadership should take a stand to call out those who are not protecting the Constitution, the TMC leader added.

Union ministers to oversee BJP state chief polls

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday appointed senior leaders, including key Union ministers, as election officers for the selection of state presidents and members of the national council. In a strategy to align state presidential polls with the national president election, the BJP assigned Union ministers to oversee elections in 29 states and UTs. Union minister Bhupendra Yadav has been appointed as the election officer for Gujarat, Shivraj Singh Chouhan for Karnataka, Piyush Goyal for Uttar Pradesh, Manohar Lal Khattar for Bihar and Dharmendra Pradhan for MP. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat overseeing elections in Assam, Jitendra Singh in Himachal Pradesh, Prahlad Joshi, in Kerala, and George Kurian in Meghalaya. Other appointments include Kiren Rijiju for Sikkim, G Kishen Reddy for Tamil Nadu, Kumari Shobha Karandlaje for Telangana, Juel Oram for Tripura, and Sarbananda Sonowal for Arunachal Pradesh. According to the BJPs constitution, the election process for the national president will progress after at least 50% of state presidents and other office-bearers are elected.