Cybercrimes hit rural, semi-urban India hard with over 400 per cent rise
NEW DELHI: With the rapid expansion of internet access and a sharp rise in online transactions across India, cybercrime has surged at an alarming rate, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Data prepared by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reveals a staggering increase of over 400 percent in cybercrime incidents over the last four years, with a notable shift in reporting trends away from major cities to smaller towns and villages. States like Bihar, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Telangana have emerged as new hotspots for cybercrime, according to officials. Unlike earlier years when cyber threats were largely confined to metropolitan areas, the recent data points to a broader and deeper reach of digital fraud, exploiting the vulnerabilities of less cyber-aware populations in non-urban regions. Officials attribute this trend to the increasing digital footprint in areas that were previously considered low-risk. Figures from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) highlight the scale of the problem. The number of reported cybercrime incidents rose from 4,52,429 in 2021 to 22,68,346 in 2024. In just the first six months of 2025, authorities have already logged 12,47,393 cases, indicating that the current year is on track to set another grim record. This more-than-400 percent surge between 2021 and 2024 represents one of the fastest growth rates in digital crime globally. Mamata Banerjee urges Amit Shah to act against surge in provocative online content, cybercrimes Several states not traditionally associated with high levels of cybercrime have recorded some of the most dramatic increases. Telangana , for instance, registered an over 1,000 percent rise in cybercrime complaints. Odisha jumped from 6,053 reported cases in 2021 to 53,488 in 2024, marking a 783 percent increase. Gujarat saw an 825 percent spike in complaints, the second-highest among all major states. Karnataka, despite being a technology hub, experienced a 764 percent risefrom 19,609 in 2021 to 1,69,384 in 2024. Maharashtra, with the highest number of total cybercrime cases in 2024, reported 3,03,173 incidents, compared to 40,987 in 2021an increase of 640 percent. Bihars jump from 13,911 cases in 2021 to 99,512 in 2024 represents a 615 percent increase, underscoring the growing entrenchment of digital fraud in states with expanding internet usage. Himachal Pradesh, once considered low-risk, saw a six-fold increase from 2,024 to 13,990 cases during the same period. Even Jammu & Kashmir reported a 499 percent surge, from 2,515 incidents in 2021 to 15,088 in 2024. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, too, saw significant increases256 percent and 436 percent respectively. In response to this growing threat, the MHA, through its Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), has launched several initiatives aimed at curbing cyber fraud. Among them is the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System and the dedicated helpline 1930, which have collectively helped recover over Rs 5,489 crore in nearly 17.8 lakh complaints. In addition, the government has blocked over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2.63 lakh IMEIs to disrupt fraudulent digital networks. Cyber forensic-cum-training labs have been set up in 33 states and union territories, and more than 24,600 police and judicial officials have been trained in cybercrime investigation and response, signalling a robust institutional effort to address one of the fastest-evolving threats in the digital age. Karnataka sets up India's first Cyber Command Centre to combat rising cybercrimes 'Social media misuse' constitutes bulk of cybercrime cases in MP, youngsters most affected
Watch: Extreme weather events caused by monsoon in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand | Tipping Point
In a special episode of Tipping Point this week, we speak to Kartiki Negi of Climate Trends and discuss the extreme effects of monsoon in hill States like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and why the trend keeps repeating year after year.
Delhi Police have dismantled a significant counterfeit drug operation, seizing over 1.1 lakh fake tablets and capsules valued at crores. Six individuals, including the alleged ringleader, Rajesh Mishra, have been apprehended. The operation uncovered illegal factories in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, revealing an extensive interstate network involved in manufacturing and distributing spurious life-saving medicines.
Delhi: Yamuna crosses warning mark after heavy monsoon rainfall
The Yamuna River in Delhi has surpassed the warning level due to persistent monsoon rains, causing concern as river levels rise across northern India. Uttar Pradesh faces flooding in Prayagraj, while the Ganga River in Varanasi nears the danger mark, prompting a ban on boats. Himachal Pradesh reports significant monsoon-related casualties and economic losses.
Monsoon rain to continue in Himachal till August 12
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for more monsoon rains. The India Meteorological Department issued an alert. Heavy rainfall is expected until August 12. Several districts may experience intense rainfall. This is due to the active southwest monsoon and a western disturbance. Some areas have already received significantly above-normal rainfall. Flash flood warnings are in place for Mandi and nearby regions.
Uttarakhand village gone in 34 sec
DEHRADUN: Dharali, a key stopover on the Gangotri Dham pilgrimage route, was completely devastated on Tuesday afternoon by a sudden surge of debris-laden water from the Khirganga River. The flash flood, carrying massive amounts of debris from the mountains, reportedly wiped out the entire village market, houses, hotels, and all in mere 34 seconds. Besides Dharali, cloudbursts were also reported in Harsil and Sukki. In Harsil, nine out of eleven Army personnel who went missing after a cloudburst remain untraced. While authorities acknowledge the potential for a rising death toll, uncertainty persists more than 24 hours after the calamity. SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, and Army teams are engaged in extensive rescue operations, having evacuated over 140 people so far. The ancient Kalp Kedar Mahadev Temple, a significant site connected to the Panch Kedar tradition and a major centre of local faith, was also buried under the debris. Amidst the ongoing relief and rescue efforts, environmentalists, social workers, and historians have expressed deep concern over the disaster, appealing to the government to learn crucial lessons from it. Historian and author Jai Singh Rawat told this newspaper that the Khirganga, a tributary of the Bhagirathi, has a long history of destructive floods. Emerging from the Srikant peak, the Khirganga has been notorious for its devastating floods, he stated, recalling a 19th-century deluge that buried 240 temples, once part of the Kalp Kedar temple arena. A road collapse near Bhatwari in Uttarkashi stalls rescue operations at Dharali Pawan Nautiyal, a resident of Bhatwari in Uttarkashi, highlighted a fortunate coincidence: Most villagers from Dharali, a village of about 230 families, were attending the Har-Doodh Mela in Mukhwa. Otherwise, a much larger number of villagers could have been caught in the disaster. Meanwhile, rescue teams on Wednesday intensified operations to locate villagers and soldiers missing under the debris of multi-storey structures in Dharali village. Two bodies have been recovered so far. The search for survivors continued for a second day in Dharali and an Army camp in Harshil. Teams from the Army, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) are relentlessly engaged in search and rescue. The Army launched a swift and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation. The region is currently completely cut off due to multiple road breaches and a bridge collapse. Kinnaur Kailash Yatra halted The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Himachal Pradesh has been suspended, with one pilgrim dead, and 1,196 devotees evacuated is last 24 hours after cloudburst triggered flashfloods in the region, leaving several stranded. The district administration suspended the Yatra after heavy rainfall led to significant damage along the route, with trekking paths turning mucky and slippery or hit by landslides, posing serious risks. Badrinath, Hemkund out of bound Pilgrimages to the revered Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib were suspended amid relentless downpour which has already claimed two lives. The picturesque Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park have been closed to tourists as a precautionary measure. Teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and other organisations are engaged in round-the-clock operations to shift affected individuals.
Kinnaur Kailash Yatra Suspended Due To Heavy Rains, 617 Roads Closed
The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra was suspended and 413 stranded devotees were rescued after heavy rain damaged the pilgrimage route in Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.
Yellow Alert In Himachal As Rain Wreaks Havoc In Uttarakhand | Check IMD's 3-Day Forecast
Himachal Pradesh faces heavy rain this week, with IMD issuing a yellow alert. Since June 20, the state has incurred Rs 1,852 crore in losses, with 108 deaths.
Widespread rainfall to continue across Uttarakhand and other parts of India: IMD
Heavy monsoon rains have claimed 194 lives in Himachal Pradesh, with Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu worst hit. As per official data, over 28,000 livestock have died, 579 homes destroyed, and public infrastructure losses stand at Rs 1,852.52 crore. Roads, transformers, and water supply schemes remain severely disrupted.
CHANDIGARH: The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Himachal Pradesh has been suspended, and nearly 413 stranded devotees were rescued and evacuated in a nine-hour operation after a cloudburst triggered a flash flood that washed away a large part of the trekking path, including makeshift bridges at Tanglippi and Kangarang. The pilgrims currently on the route have been safely sheltered at Milling Khata and Gufa, and all necessary arrangements have been made for their safety. Most of the trekking paths have either become dangerously slippery or have been hit by landslides, posing a serious threat to the safety of pilgrims. In view of these adverse conditions, the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra is being temporarily suspended until further notice, stated an official order. Sources said that the rescue operation, which started last night, successfully rescued all pilgrims who were trapped on different sides of the mountain and were unable to cross the river. The devotees were rescued using the rope-based traverse crossing technique. In this method, the pilgrims were attached to ropes and safely brought to the other side of the river, then shifted to safer locations. A 34-member Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team, in coordination with a 14-member team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), was mobilised, and the search and rescue operation was launched after a distress call was made by the Kinnaur district administration, said an official. Sources said that on Thursday morning, the authorities informed the ITBP that more pilgrims were stranded at other locations, after which additional rescue teams were mobilised. ITBP wrote on X, Responding to the requisition from DC Kinnaur, #ITBP has deployed a rescue team under AC/GD Sameer with mountaineering and RRC equipment after two makeshift bridges on the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route were washed away due to incessant rains, leaving several yatris stranded. Kinnaur Kailash, considered to be the winter residence of Lord Shiva, is located at an altitude of 19,850 feet. The yatra began on July 15 and was scheduled to continue till August 30. Meanwhile, educational institutions including schools, colleges, and anganwadis were closed in Sunni, Kumarsein, Chopal, Dodra Kwar, Jubbal, Theog, and Rampur subdivisions of Shimla district; Karsog and Sundernagar in Mandi district; Nirmand in Kullu district; and some subdivisions in Solan district. Several schools in Shimla city announced holidays or switched to online classes. Additionally, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH 21), Old Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 05), Mandi-Dharampur (NH 3), and Aut-Sainj road (NH 305) were closed for vehicular traffic following landslides. The Shimla-Kalka National Highway, which was blocked at Chakki Mor near Koti in Solan district, has since been opened for vehicular movement. Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) officials cautioned the public about disruptions in water supply for the next two to three days due to high turbidity at the source. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 617 roads including four national highways were cut off on Wednesday (August 6, 2025). Of these, 377 are in Mandi district, which was recently battered by cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods, and 90 are in Kullu district.
'Vetiver Grass Ideal For Himalayas': Environmentalist Proposes Solution To Mitigate Landslides
VC Shreeram Nath said Himachal Pradesh has already taken proactive steps in this direction, adding Uttarakhand must too.
Himachal monsoon killed many along with widespread destruction of property
Heavy monsoon rains have claimed 194 lives in Himachal Pradesh, with Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu worst hit. As per official data, over 28,000 livestock have died, 579 homes destroyed, and public infrastructure losses stand at Rs 1,852.52 crore. Roads, transformers, and water supply schemes remain severely disrupted.
Uttarakhand flash floods: 150 rescued, 11 army personnel missing
Heavy monsoon rains have claimed 194 lives in Himachal Pradesh, with Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu worst hit. As per official data, over 28,000 livestock have died, 579 homes destroyed, and public infrastructure losses stand at Rs 1,852.52 crore. Roads, transformers, and water supply schemes remain severely disrupted.
Heavy rain, landslides cut off over 600 roads in Himachal Pradesh; schools closed in four districts
The State Emergency Operation Centre said 617 roads, including four national highways, were cut off; Kinnaur Kailash Yatra suspended
After Uttarakhand, Flash Flood In Himachal, Landslide Shuts Shimla Highway
Disaster swept through Dharali village in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday after a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods that barrelled through homes, trees and vehicles, trapping dozens of people and leaving at least four dead.
Himachal Rains: Schools, colleges shut in Shimla's six sub-divisions as IMD warns of rainfall
Himachal Pradesh faces heavy rainfall. The IMD forecasts more intense rainfall in several districts. Schools are closed in six subdivisions due to the weather. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is also closed. Sadly, 194 deaths have been reported during the monsoon season. The state has suffered significant financial losses. The SDMA reports 108 deaths directly related to rain.
The cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur comes a day after flash flood was triggered by cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, which killed at least four people.
Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal issue: Talks between Punjab, Haryana CMs remain inconclusive
CHANDIGARH: The latest round of talks between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini on the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal dispute ended without resolution. This was the fifth meeting between the two leaders, with the Supreme Court set to hear the case on August 13. The discussions, held during a meeting convened by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, saw Mann proposed an alternative solutionutilising water from the Chenab River to address the water-sharing conflict between Punjab and Haryana while shelving the SYL canal project. Mann said that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan presents an opportunity for India to harness water from the Chenab, a western river previously allocated to Pakistan. He urged the Centre to divert Chenabs water to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, and Bhakra, emphasizing the need for new canals and infrastructure in Punjab. According to Mann, this water could first meet Punjabs needs before being supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan, reducing Punjabs groundwater dependence and supporting its agrarian economy. The Punjab CM also uphold for the Sharda-Yamuna Link (SYL alternative) to transfer surplus Sharda water to the Yamuna, eliminating the need for the SYL canal. He further called for a review of the 1994 Yamuna water-sharing agreement between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan post-2025. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, however, described the talks as constructive, expressing optimism about a fair resolution. He assured that Haryana would present its case positively before the Supreme Court. Saini said that the issue has been under discussion for a long time, and earlier deliberations held on July 9 had already indicated a positive shift. This time, we have moved a step further. `` The discussions were held in an even more constructive environment, he said. He assured that Haryana will present its case in a positive and solution-oriented manner before the Supreme Court on August 13. `` We are confident that a fair and favourable resolution will be achieved, he added. In response to a question, Saini said that the Indus Waters Treaty is a separate subject, and under that context, Rajasthan will also be entitled to its share of water. Mann conflating SYL issue with Indus Water Treaty Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) criticized Mann for allegedly conflating the SYL issue with the Indus Water Treaty, warning that such a move could compromise Punjabs interests. SAD leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema reiterated Punjabs stance of having no surplus water to share and demanded clarity from the AAP government on keeping the two issues separate. We can talk about the Indus Water Treaty and its effect on Punjab as and when any water is distributed to States under this treaty. The SYL issue should be decided on merit and merit was on Punjabs side as it was a riparian state. Joining both issues will only compromise Punjabs interests and we cannot allow that to happen, he added.
Himachal's Bada Bhangal village cut off after Kalihani river changes course due to landslides
CHANDIGARH: Due to heavy rains that triggered landslides, the Kalihani river has changed its course, cutting off Bada Bhangal, a remote tribal village situated at an altitude of nearly 7,800 feet in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, from the rest of the state. Located between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Bada Bhangal has a population of just over 400 people. The village is accessible only on foot via treacherous high-altitude passes - Thamsar Pass which is at a height of 4,654 metres and Kalihani Pass which is at 4,800 metres. These routes typically close after snowfall in October, isolating the village for around six months every year. Access to the footbridge over the Kalihani river has been washed away as the river has changed its course, thus blocking the pedestrian trekking route from Bir Billing in Baijnath subdivision as it has also been washed away at several places. Himachal rains: 453 roads blocked across state, total loss touches Rs 1,700 crore Mansa Ram Bhangalia, the sarpanch of the village, has written a letter to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Baijnath, urging immediate restoration of the pedestrian routes. He told TNIE that it currently takes three days to trek from Thamsar to reach the village, and the landslides have washed away several portions of the path. The estimated cost of repairing the approach to the bridge is approximately Rs 5 lakh. However, as the path has been washed away at several places, the damage cannot be estimated, he said. The supply of essential commodities including food items and medicines has been disrupted the last supply came three days back as continuous downpour is happening. The Food and Civil Supplies Department sends rations through the Kalihani route which is now impassable, he said. An official said that efforts are underway to restore the khachar route as soon as possible. We are closely monitoring the situation, the official added. The village is predominantly inhabited by members of the Gaddi community, a nomadic group that grazes livestock in high-altitude pastures during summer and migrates to Bir near Baijnath in the winter. However, due to changing weather conditions, many have migrated permanently, although some still remain in the village, braving the harsh environment.
Monsoon fury claims 192 lives in Himachal; 106 in rain-linked disasters, 86 in road accidents
As the monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has reported a cumulative death toll of 192 people since June 20, 2025. Of these, 106 deaths were caused by rain-related calamities such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and drownings, while 86 people lost their lives in road accidents during the same period.
Lottery System: How Much Do Kerala And Punjab Earn? Which Model Will Himachal Adopt?
The Himachal Pradesh government plans to restart its state-run lottery digitally, nearly three decades after its ban, sparking debate over its social impact
Himachal rains: 453 roads blocked across state, total loss touches Rs 1,700 crore
CHANDIGARH: Heavy downpour since Monday evening triggered widespread landslides and flooding across Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, blocking the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway and several other roads and disrupting day to day life. A total of 453 roads including four national highways closed across the state. Till now, 192 persons have lost their lives in landslides, cloudbursts, flashfloods and 301 are injured. The total loss caused by flashfloods and torrential rain in the state has touched Rs 1,753.63 crore. As per the state emergency operation centre, as on Tuesday morning, 449 roads and four national highways were blocked across the state. Of these, 318 roads and three national highways are in Mandi district, 67 roads and one national highways in Kullu district, 23 roads in Kangra district, 22 roads in Sirmour district, ten roads in Una district, four each in Bilaspur and Chamba districts and one in Shimla. Additionally, 753 electricity transformers have been damaged and 276 water supply schemes disrupted. The Public Works Department suffered a loss of Rs 880 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department at Rs 618 crore, horticulture sector Rs 27.43 crore and the agriculture sector Rs 11.45 crore. Sources said that the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked at many places due to landslides and continuous shooting stones. Also, the alternate road via KataulaKamand is blocked due to similar conditions. Not only these important roads, the Mandi-Dharampur highway via Kotli is blocked near Kainchi Mod and Mandi-Jogindernagar highway is also impassable. The Mandi-Rewalsar road near Lohardi has been blocked as several link roads in different parts of the district have reported landslides and water logging. Due to incessant rains, the Beas River and its tributaries are on the verge of flooding low-lying regions. Due to water logging in the Balh area of Mandi the movement of public and emergency services has further complicated. The district administration has launched extensive restoration efforts but due to persistent rainfall and unstable terrain these efforts have been hampered. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and regular updates are expected as conditions evolve. Meanwhile, road users are being urged to strictly follow the instructions issued by local authorities and on-ground personnel. Mandi Police have issued public advisories urging residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from riversides and landslide-prone zones. Emergency response teams are on alert and restoration machinery has been deployed to clear debris and reopen the affected routes. The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rainfall for the next few hours, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. An orange alert for heavy rain in Una, Bilaspur and Kangra districts and a yellow alert for heavy rain in Sirmaur, Mandi and Hamirpur districts on August 5 have been issued.
High Court upholds maternity leave for third child if earlier two were born before service
In a landmark decision safeguarding the rights of working mothers, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that a woman government employee is entitled to maternity leave for her third child, provided her first two children were born before she joined ...
Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu and Mandi districts has caused widespread disruption, blocking roads and damaging infrastructure. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is closed due to landslides, leaving commuters stranded. Mandi is the worst-hit, with numerous rain-related deaths and significant damage to water and power services, impacting daily life.
300 roads still blocked in Himachal Pradesh; power outages continue
Environmental activists gather at Jantar Mantar to demand cancellation of STR rationalisation plan
NEW DELHI: Eminent environmental activists from across the country gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand the cancellation of the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) rationalisation plan, which could potentially reopen more than 50 mines that were previously closed by a Supreme Court order in May 2024. People from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan appealed to the Chief Justice of India and the Union Minister of Environment to intervene and cancel the rationalisation plan for STR to protect Indias national animal. On June 26 meeting, Indias top wildlife body approved a proposal to redraw the boundaries of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of the STR in Rajasthan. It involved the exclusion of about 48.5 sq km area, primarily from the southern and south-western parts of the Sariska CTH. In compensation, the state will designate around 91 sq km as quality tiger habitat, mostly in the STRs north. As a result, the CTH area will increase from 881.11 sq km to about 924 sq km, while the buffer zone shrinks from 245.72 sq km to 203.2 sq km. The protesters called for the immediate revocation of the National Board for Wildlife's approval for the boundary changes in the STR. Sariska boundary rationalisation: A recipe for conservation disaster? They also demanded full transparency in all Environmental Impact Assessments and public hearings related to mining in and around protected areas, as well as recognition of local community rights and their involvement in conservation decisions. Akhil Chandra, a former director of the World Wildlife Fund, expressed shock that both the National Board for Wildlife and the National Tiger Conservation Authority approved the plan to redraw the boundaries of Sariska's Critical Tiger Habitat, which would allow previously shut mining operations within a one-kilometre radius of the reserve's boundary. He stated, Allowing mining in an eco-sensitive zone such as Sariska can have serious long-term harmful impacts on its flora and fauna. Sneha Solanki from the Tiger Trails Trust in Alwar highlighted the threat posed to the Aravalli hills and surrounding forests, referencing a 2018 report by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee. This report indicated that 31 hills in the Alwar district had disappeared over time. The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee revealed in 2018 that out of the 128 hills sampled in Alwar district, 31 hills have vanished since the Survey of India topographic sheets were prepared in 1967, Solanki stated. She added, This move to redraw the boundaries of Sariska is unacceptable to the citizens of Alwar district, as it will end up rewarding violators of the law and set a dangerous precedent for allowing similar illegalities in other protected areas across India.
Supreme Court issues notice to Himachal Pradesh on mounting ecological crisis
Expressing serious displeasure over the mounting ecological crisis in Himachal Pradesh, the Support Court has issued notice to both the state government and the Central government, demanded urgent action from them. TheBench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan observed that if the current state of affairs continued, then the entire state of Himachal [] The post Supreme Court issues notice to Himachal Pradesh on mounting ecological crisis appeared first on India Legal .
IMD Issues Orange Alert In Himachal Pradesh For 2 Days; Rain-Related Death Toll Hits 103
The IMD issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for Monday and Tuesday. 310 roads are closed, Mandi district worst affected.
Himachal Pradesh monsoon fury: Mandi, Kullu among worst-hit districts
The SDMA on Sunday released its latest landslide monitoring report, highlighting risk levels across 22 locations in districts like Mandi, Kangra, Shimla, and Solan, based on real-time monitoring inputs
Himachal monsoon havoc: Mandi, Kullu among worst-hit districts; IMD warns of more showers
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Himachal Pradesh, a total of 179 people have lost their lives since June 20, including 101 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and 78 in road accidents attributed to treacherous weather conditions.
179 Killed In Monsoon Fury In Himachal, Mandi, Kullu, Chambal Remain Worst-Hit
Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the devastating impact of the monsoon season, with severe disruptions across vital public utilities and a mounting death count
Union cabinet secretary challenges seven-year-old CAT order in IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi case
DEHRADUN: In a rare and significant move, the Union Cabinet Secretary has approached Uttarakhand High Court, to seek the quashing of a seven-year-old Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order concerning Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi. The petition also challenges contempt notices issued to the Cabinet Secretary by the Nainital Bench of CAT on May 21. The Uttarakhand High Court is set to examine a long-standing dispute involving Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, concerning the downgrading of his annual performance review and alleged suppression of corruption cases he investigated during his tenure at AIIMS, Delhi. The case dates back to 2018 when the Nainital bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) dismissed an application filed by the then Cabinet Secretary regarding the downgrading of Chaturvedi's Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) for 2015-16. The Tribunal had ruled that the Cabinet Secretary was a necessary party to the case since he had approved Chaturvedi's selection and many of the officer's grievances were directed against him. In a recent development, the Cabinet Secretary has approached the High Court seeking to quash CAT's February 2023 order, which directed the Cabinet Secretary, Health Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and AIIMS to provide documents related to the closure of certain high-profile corruption cases. These cases were initiated during Chaturvedi's tenure as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of AIIMS from 2012 to 2014. Simultaneously, the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has filed a separate petition requesting the High Court to remove the Cabinet Secretary's name from the case and substitute it with the DoPT Secretary's name instead. The controversy stems from Chaturvedi's challenge in July 2017 against the downgrading of his 2015-16 APAR. CAT had stayed the downgrading in September 2017. In 2019, Chaturvedi further alleged that his performance review was deliberately downgraded as an act of vendetta for his anti-corruption efforts. During his tenure as CVO of AIIMS, Chaturvedi had initiated action in nearly 200 corruption cases, including those involving the then AIIMS Director, a senior Tamil Nadu-cadre IPS officer, and a Himachal Pradesh-cadre IAS officer. The High Court, after hearing the Attorney General's submissions, has listed the matter for further hearing on August 28.
Himachal Pradesh Police Constable Result Declared, Download Link Here
HPPSC Police Constable Result Download: The result has been released in Roll-Number wise format for Male and Female Police constables
Monsoon fury in Himachal leaves 179 people dead; Mandi, Kullu, Chamba remain worst-hit districts
Himachal Pradesh remains severely affected by monsoon rains, with 179 deaths reported since June 20, including 101 from landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Over 296 roads, 134 power transformers, and 266 water schemes are disrupted. Damage to public infrastructure exceeds 1,714 crore, with 88,800 hectares of crops hit. Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba are among the worst-affected districts.
HPPSC Constable result 2025 declared at hppsc.hp.gov.in: Direct link to download scorecard here
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission has released the 2025 Constable screening test results, conducted to fill 708 vacancies. Candidates who qualified must now prepare for document verification, with dates to be announced soon. Aspirants are advised to review the required documents carefully and follow updates on the official HPPSC website for further instructions.
HP: 2 NH among 307 roads closed; Orange alert issued
Shimla, August 3: Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash parts of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the closure of 307 roads, including two national highways on Sunday, officials said. The local Meteorological office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the state on Monday and Tuesday. Since [] The post HP: 2 NH among 307 roads closed; Orange alert issued appeared first on Northlines .
Himachal Pradesh: 2 NH among 307 roads closed, orange alert for very heavy rains
Heavy rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, leading to the closure of 307 roads, including two national highways. An orange alert has been issued for more heavy rainfall. The state has suffered significant infrastructure damage, with hundreds of power transformers and water supply schemes affected.
Himachal: 2 NH Among 307 Roads Closed, Orange Alert For Very Heavy Rains
Shimla, August 3 (PTI) Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash parts of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the closure of 307 roads, including two national highways on Sunday, officials said. The local Meteorological office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the state on Monday and Tuesday. Since Saturday evening, several regions have experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, with Bharari recording 108.2 mm, followed by Murari Devi with 82 mm, Naina Devi [] The post Himachal: 2 NH Among 307 Roads Closed, Orange Alert For Very Heavy Rains appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IMD issues orange alert in 8 districts of Gujarat
Several Indian states are grappling with the impact of heavy rainfall. Gujarat is under orange and yellow alerts for expected rain and thunderstorms, potentially causing traffic disruptions. Northeast India anticipates continued heavy rainfall for the next week, while Delhi-NCR experiences incessant showers. Himachal Pradesh faces disrupted services and a high death toll due to monsoon-related incidents.
222mm rainfall in day leaves Himachal Pradeshs Una in massive pain
Water level in Pong dam rises sharply due to heavy rainfall; BBMB warns of possible spillway release
CHANDIGARH: Due to continuous heavy rainfall in the region over the past twenty-four hours, the water level in Pong Dam has risen significantly and is now approximately 29 feet below the danger mark. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has issued a warning that excess water might soon be released from the dam by opening the spillway. The district administrations of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and Hoshiarpur in Punjab have been asked to take immediate precautionary measures. Sources said that the water level in the reservoir of the dam, built over the River Beas in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, currently stands at 1361.07 feet as of this morning, significantly higher than the 1328.45 feet recorded on the same day last year. The increase has been attributed to heavy rainfall in the hill state, along with the recent release of water from the Pandoh Dam in Mandi district. Local tributaries such as Dehar Khud, Buhal Khud and Dehri Khud, which are also in full spate, have further contributed to the inflow into the reservoir. The dam's maximum storage capacity is 1410 feet, while the danger level is marked at 1390 feet. With an average inflow of 87,586 cusecs recorded this morning, the BBMB has ordered the release of 18,995 cusecs of water through the turbines. As per a letter dated August 2 written to the Deputy Commissioners of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, along with other officials, the Additional Superintending Engineer (Water Regulation) stated, In view of the current inflow pattern at the Pong Dam and rainfall forecast issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for the Beas catchment area, excess water may be released through the Pong Dam spillway in the near future, it added. You are therefore requested to take all necessary precautionary measures and the concerned civil, irrigation, drainage and flood control authorities under your jurisdiction may please be informed accordingly, the letter reads. Sources further added that sirens have been installed at Rey, Sthana, Sansarpur Terrace and Riyali to warn locals in advance of any water release from the dam. Sources also stated that since yesterday evening, Una district in Himachal has received extremely heavy rainfall measuring 222.8 mm, leading to severe water accumulation on roads, markets and residential areas, significantly disrupting daily life. The ChandigarhDharamshala National Highway has also experienced flooding in multiple locations, with water entering several homes. While the River Beas and its tributaries remain flooded, a section of the bridge over the river near Sujanpur Tira in Hamirpur district has developed cracks. Additionally, the road link between Sujanpur Tira and Khairi near Sandhole has been completely severed due to high water levels in the river.
Terrifying Video Shows Bulldozer Falling 300 Metres Into Gorge In Shimla Amid Rain | Watch
A bulldozer accident in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, killed the driver after the vehicle tumbled down a mountainside amid severe monsoon rains causing widespread damage.
Bulldozer Falls 300 Metres Into Gorge In Rain-Battered Shimla, Driver Dead
A bulldozer met with an accident while it was opening a road in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, sending it tumbling down the mountain-side.
The Supreme Court has expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating ecological balance in Himachal Pradesh, warning of its potential disappearance due to unchecked development. The court urged both state and central governments to prioritize ecological sustainability over revenue, highlighting human activity as the primary cause of environmental degradation.
BJP leader Nalin Kohli has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of election malpractice, emphasizing the Election Commission's constitutional role. Kohli highlighted that the Congress party's victories in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, along with Rahul Gandhi's own wins, contradict allegations of a rigged system.
Video: Dam Collapses In Himachal Amid Heavy Rainfall, Vehicles Swept Away
A horrifying video has surfaced showing the moment a cofferdam, part of the Malana-I Hydropower Project in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, collapsed amid sudden flash floods.
Himachal reels under monsoon fury: 383 roads, 747 power feeders, 249 water schemes hit; 173 dead
Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe disruptions to essential services due to relentless monsoon rains. As of August 2nd, hundreds of roads are blocked, power transformers are down, and water supply schemes are disrupted across the state.
'Himachal Pradesh May Vanish From India's Map': SC Warns Of Climate Change Threat To State
The Supreme Court observed that climate change has a visible and alarming impact in Himachal Pradesh
Day Not Far When Himachal Pradesh May Vanish From Country's Map: Top Court
The Supreme Court has flagged the ecological imbalance in Himachal Pradesh and cautioned that the entire state may vanish in thin air if the situation does not change.
'Entire State Of Himachal Pradesh May Vanish': Supreme Court's Grim Warning Over Ecological Crisis
The court highlighted the broader issue of unsustainable development across the state
Himachal Pradesh battles fresh monsoon onslaught, major highways closed
IMD issues orange alert for Himachal Pradesh as heavy rains continue
Rainfall is expected to extend into early August, with more alerts in place for various districts
In a first, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited records a profit of Rs 315 crore
CHANDIGARH: Between January 20 and July 22 this year, a total of 1,703 Indian citizens were deported from the United States, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in response to a question in the Lok Sabha. The highest number of deportees was from Punjab, followed by Haryana and Gujarat. Of the total, 767 individuals returned on commercial flights from the US, while 333 were deported via US Customs and Border Protection (Military) flights. In a written reply to a question posed by MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared these statistics in the Lok Sabha. Among the deportees, 1,562 were men and 141 were women. The state-wise breakdown is as follows: Punjab (620), Haryana (604), Gujarat (245), Uttar Pradesh (38), Goa (26), Maharashtra (20), Delhi (20), Telangana (19), Tamil Nadu (17), Andhra Pradesh (12), Uttarakhand (12), Himachal Pradesh (10), Jammu & Kashmir (10), Kerala (8), Chandigarh (8), Madhya Pradesh (7), Rajasthan (7), West Bengal (6), Karnataka (5), Odisha (1), Bihar (1), Jharkhand (1), and six cases with the state of origin unknown. Further details on the modes of deportation revealed that 333 individuals were deported by the US Customs and Border Protection (Military) flights on February 5, 15, and 16. Another 231 were deported on charter flights by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 19, June 8, and June 25. Additionally, 300 people were deported on July 5 and 18 via Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charter flights. Seventy-two deportees arrived in India individually or in small groups, as and when their commercial flight tickets were arranged from Panama. Another 767 individuals returned from the US on commercial flights, again in small groups or individually. The Ministry stated that it remains engaged with the US authorities to ensure the humane treatment of deportees during these operations. It said concerns had been strongly registered with the US regarding the treatment of deporteesespecially the use of shackles, including on women and children. Concerns with regard to religious/cultural sensitivities, including the use of turbans and dietary preferences, have also been formally taken up with the US side. The Ministry has not received any complaint pertaining to the treatment of deportees on any flight after February 5, 2025, the reply stated. On the issue of monitoring the status of Indian students and migrants in the US facing deportation or visa-related challenges, including social media-based vetting procedures, the MEA said it had received several representations from Indian students and their families struggling to get student visa appointments. The Ministry took up the matter with the US Embassy in New Delhi as well as the US Department of State, the reply said. In response, the US side informed that additional security requirements for student visas had reduced the capacity of the US Embassy and consulates in India to process visas. However, student visa appointments are now open. For the J-1 physician category, the US side has launched a software-based solution to prioritise their appointments. Several students who had earlier reported difficulty in finding appointment slots under this category have now been able to secure appointments. The US Embassy is working to open a limited number of additional student visa appointments through the end of August in recognition of the urgent need before the start of the new academic year. A student visa fact sheet with frequently asked questions (FAQs) is also being developed to reduce uncertainty around the issue, the reply noted. The Ministry added that while visa issuance remains a sovereign prerogative of the host country, it has consistently raised with both the US Embassy in New Delhi and the US State Department in Washington, DC, the issues faced by Indian students in securing visas.
NEW DELHI: Nearly 70 per cent of India's elderly population remains financially dependent, with many continuing to work post-retirement to survive, according to a new report. The study, Ageing in India: Challenges and Opportunities, was released by the Sankala Foundation in partnership with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the National Human Rights Commission. It draws on findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), offering a detailed snapshot of India's rapidly greying population. Despite improved life expectancy, the report highlights that many elderly Indians live with economic and health insecurities. The report said that about 6.4 per cent of the elderly reduced their meal sizes, 5.6 per cent went hungry without eating, and 4.2 per cent did not eat for an entire day at least once in the past year. Odisha (37.1 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (36.6 per cent) reported the highest prevalence of underweight elderly, while Dadra and Nagar Haveli led among Union Territories with 40.1 per cent. Overweight and obesity were most prevalent in Punjab (28 per cent) and Chandigarh (21.5 per cent). Cardiovascular diseases affect 35.6 per cent, hypertension 32 per cent, and diabetes 13.2 per cent of those aged 60 and above. Sallapam to be lifeline for senior citizens battling loneliness Goa and Kerala report the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (60 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively), while diabetes is most prevalent in Kerala (35 per cent), Puducherry (28 per cent) and Delhi (26 per cent). Bone and joint issues are another concern, with 19 per cent of the elderly suffering from such conditions. Telangana leads with the highest prevalence at 33 per cent, while arthritis is most commonly reported in Jammu & Kashmir (22 per cent) and across all southern states. Mental health issues are rising, with 30 per cent of the elderly experiencing depressive symptoms and 8 per cent showing signs of probable major depression. The report noted a 10 per cent gap between self-reported and clinically screened cases, suggesting underdiagnosis. Elderly women are disproportionately affected, especially widows and those facing ill-treatment or poverty. Social isolation is growing, with 18.7 per cent of elderly women and 5.1 per cent of men now living alone. The erosion of joint family structures has exacerbated loneliness, especially among older women. In Kerala, 65 per cent smartphone penetration was found among the elderly. Age-based discrimination is prevalent, especially in Delhi, where 12.9 per cent of elderly respondents reported experiencing one form of discrimination and 12.3 per cent reported facing two or more. One in ten elderly felt that age was the primary reason for discrimination, with rural and poorer older adults more vulnerable. Kerala continues to top the chart with 16.5 per cent of its population aged 60+, followed by Tamil Nadu (13.6 per cent), Himachal Pradesh (13.1 per cent) and Punjab (12.6 per cent) as of 2021. Bihar (7.7 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (8.1 per cent) and Assam (8.2 per cent) reported the lowest proportions. While the central government has taken steps such as expanding Ayushman Bharat coverage to all citizens above 70 years, the report called for greater inter-ministerial coordination, investment in home-based care, and age-friendly infrastructure. It also advocated for public campaigns to challenge ageism and promote the social inclusion of older citizens. Delhi's senior citizens demand better safety and care amid fears over crime, health access
59-year-old man found dead under mysterious circumstances in Chandigarh house; probe on
A 59-year-old man, Molraj, was discovered dead in his Sector 19 residence in Chandigarh. He was a native of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh. The police are investigating the suspicious death. Neighbors alerted the authorities after he failed to respond. Authorities found him in the washroom with a head injury. The body is now at the mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Himachal Pradesh to reintroduce lotteries after two decade to boost revenue amid rising debt
CHANDIGARH: Facing a mounting debt burden that has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore, the Himachal Pradesh government is exploring new avenues for revenue generation. In a key move, the state cabinet has decided to lift the two-decade-old ban on lotteries, with an estimated annual revenue potential of Rs 50100 crore. The decision comes amid declining central allocations and the discontinuation of GST compensation, which have further strained the states finances. The government hopes that restarting lottery operations will help bridge the fiscal gap without putting an additional burden on taxpayers. In 1999, the then Himachal Pradesh CM Prem Kumar Dhumal had banned the sale of all types of lotteries in the state, under Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 and made its violation punishable under Lotteries (Regulation) Act. In a bid to shore up revenue amid mounting debt, the Himachal Pradesh cabinet has approved the revival of state-run lotteries, a practice banned over two decades ago. The decision follows a recommendation by the Resource Mobilisation Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. The finance department made a detailed presentation before the cabinet, highlighting the potential of lotteries as a significant revenue source. Citing examples from other states, officials noted that Kerala earns over Rs 13,582 crore annually through lotteries, Punjab around Rs 235 crore, and the hill state of Sikkim nearly Rs 30 crore. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said many statesincluding Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, and several northeastern statescurrently operate lotteries successfully. There is no nationwide ban on lotteries. If regulated properly, Himachal too stands to benefit, he said. Sources said the state government is likely to introduce specific legislation in the upcoming monsoon session of the assembly, starting August 18, to operationalise the scheme. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur called the decision regressive and harmful. By legalising lotteries, the government is trying to bring back a dark era when many families were ruinedpeople committed suicides, and their homes were auctioned. The BJP strongly condemns this policy, he said.
Himachal Pradesh: Monsoon-related death toll rises to 173
Himachal Pradesh faced a tough monsoon. Ninety-five people died due to rain-related incidents between June 20 and July 31. Landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts caused many deaths. Road accidents also claimed seventy-eight lives. Mandi, Shimla, and Solan reported the most road accident deaths. The State Disaster Management Authority monitors the situation.
Himachal Pradesh govenor Shiv Pratap Shukla to soon get Rs 92-lakh Mercedes, as cabinet gives nod
Above-normal rain likely in India during August-September period: IMD
NEW DELHI: India is likely to receive above-normal rainfall during the second half of the monsoon season (August and September), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. Most parts of the country, except the Northeast and adjoining areas of eastern India, are expected to record normal rainfall in August, said IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra during an online press conference. Rainfall in September is likely to be above normal, he said. India received above-normal rainfall during the first half of the monsoon season (June and July), with some states, particularly Himachal Pradesh, experiencing flash floods. Overall, above-normal rainfall (106 percent of the Long Period Average of 422.8 mm) is most likely over the country during the second half of the southwest monsoon season, Mohapatra said. Geographically, normal to above-normal rainfall is most likely across most regions, except for many parts of the northeast and adjoining eastern India, isolated regions of central India and southwestern areas of the peninsular region, where below-normal rainfall is expected. Mohapatra said subdued rainfall is expected over the next two weeks; however, the conditions do not meet the criteria for a reak monsoon phase, which refers to a temporary lull in rainfall during the monsoon when the trough shifts toward the foothills of the Himalayas. The country received 474.3 mm of rainfall against a normal of 445.8 mm from June 1 to July 31, a surplus of six per cent. The country recorded 624 very heavy rainfall events and 76 extremely heavy rainfall events, the lowest figures in the last five years, the IMD chief said. In Northeast India, this is the fifth consecutive year of below-normal rainfall. Over the last 30 years, a declining trend in rainfall activity has been observed in the northeastern states, he added. According to Mohapatra, good rainfall in July was due to favorable Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) conditions in the latter half of the month and the formation of six low-pressure systems spanning 28 days. Of these, four systems intensified into depressions. Among them, three formed over land and moved from Gangetic West Bengal/Northern Bay of Bengal to Rajasthan, triggering frequent heavy to very heavy rainfall and even extremely heavy rainfall on some days, the IMD said. ENSO-neutral conditions are currently prevailing and are expected to continue until October. Post-monsoon, weak La Nia conditions may develop, the IMD said. In May, the IMD forecasted that India would receive 106 percent of the long-period average rainfall of 87 cm during the June-September monsoon season. Rainfall ranging between 96 and 104 percent of this 50-year average is considered ormal. The monsoon plays a critical role in India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of around 42 percent of the population and contributes 18.2 percent to the national GDP. It is also crucial for replenishing reservoirs used for drinking water and power generation.
Monsoon wreaks havoc in Himachal Pradesh; 170 dead in rain-related incidents
Authorities remain on high alert as key national highways, including NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu, have been rendered impassable due to landslides and flooding
Battling drug menace, Himachal Pradesh has just 5 de-addiction centres
Himachal cabinet cancels 172 stalled hydro projects
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved the cancellation of 172 small hydro projects, each below 5 MW capacity, under the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), where construction had allegedly stalled for an extended period. The state government will re-advertise these projects, as per the decision taken at a cabinet meeting. It was also decided to apply a uniform free power royalty of 12 per cent, along with an additional one per cent for the Local Area Development Fund, for all hydro projects up to 5 MW that will be allotted in the future. The cabinet further approved the cancellation of 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW, previously allotted by the Directorate of Energy, where implementation agreements had not been signed. For the remaining projects, developers have been allowed time until 5 August 2025 to submit replies to the notices served. A committee will be constituted to negotiate with 14 project developers for an out-of-court settlement to refund the principal amount of the upfront premium, without interest. Amendments were also approved to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2015. Under the revised provisions, contractors or agencies engaged in road cutting will now be permitted to use the generated material during the de-siltation and maintenance of reservoir projects for captive purposes. Additionally, any leftover stacked raw material or finished product, along with the entire material generated, shall be auctioned by the designated committee in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The cabinet also approved amendments to the existing compassionate employment policy. Under the revised policy, the annual income eligibility criterion per family has been increased from 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh. Priority for compassionate appointments will now be given to widows and parentless applicants below 45 years of age, as well as to the dependents of government officials who died while performing their duties. Furthermore, in cases where vacancies under the existing 5 per cent quota for such appointments are unavailable, the cabinet has permitted a one-time relaxation of this quota to ensure eligible applicants are accommodated. The cabinet also gave its approval to allow women workers to be engaged in shops and commercial establishments during night shifts, from 7 pm to 7 am, to promote gender equality. It was also decided to grant maternity benefits to every woman employee working in such establishments, as prescribed under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. An increase in the number of B.Sc. Nursing seats at Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College, Shimla, from 60 to 100 was also approved. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a new B.Sc. Nursing College with an annual intake of 60 seats at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda, along with the creation and filling of 27 posts across various categories. A cabinet sub-committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan to oversee the development of a 300-acre Medical Device Park at Nalagarh. The sub-committee has been instructed to submit its report within two months. To facilitate the expansion of Kangra Airport, the cabinet granted a one-year extension up to 16 August 2026, under Section 26 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, for land acquisition proceedings. It also gave its nod to the draft Development Plan for the Dhaulakuan Majra Planning Area in Sirmaur district. The plan aims to conserve natural resources and scenic beauty while promoting sustainable economic development in the region. Finally, the cabinet approved the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government and Alliance Air Aviation Limited for operating flights on the ShimlaDharamshalaShimla route. The MoU will now remain in effect from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Marriage cannot alter birth caste: Himachal Pradesh High Court
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that the caste of a person was determined by birth and could not be changed during his/her lifetime, even in case of personal circumstances such as marriage. The single-judge Bench of Justice Rakesh Kainthla passed the order on a criminal revision petition filed by the State of Himachal [] The post Marriage cannot alter birth caste: Himachal Pradesh High Court appeared first on India Legal .
Relentless monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh, India, blocking 343 roads and disrupting essential services like power and water supply. The cumulative death toll has tragically reached 170, with a significant number of fatalities attributed to rain-related incidents and hazardous road conditions.
Himachal Pradesh: Last date for insurance of maize, paddy crops in Kangra extended to July 31
Himachal Pradesh: Last date for insurance of maize, paddy crops in Kangra extended to July 31 Kangra: Farmers in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, now have until July 31 to get their insurance of maize and paddy crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the central governments flagship crop insurance scheme. Originally slated to end [] The post Himachal Pradesh: Last date for insurance of maize, paddy crops in Kangra extended to July 31 appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
17 Killed In Monsoon Fury In Himachal's Kullu, Rs 48 Crore Lost In Damages
Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district has suffered losses of over Rs 48 crore since the start of the monsoon season, with 17 people reported dead, Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh said.
Himachal Pradesh: Monsoon fury causes over Rs 48 crore in damages in Kullu; 17 dead
Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh has suffered significant losses exceeding Rs 48 crore due to the monsoon season, with 17 fatalities reported. As a precaution, 65 residents of Darmedha village were relocated to safer locations.
Flash flood in Himachal Pradesh kills 3 of family, monsoon toll 170
Himachal deputy CM launches 'Him Bus Plus' scheme; fare discounts for HRTC commuters
Himachal Pradesh launched the 'Him Bus Plus' scheme, integrating cashless payments and discounts for HRTC bus commuters. Super Luxury Bus fares will be reduced by 15%, with additional loyalty rewards. New IT systems, including online travel passes and GPS bus tracking, were introduced to improve efficiency and convenience. Infrastructure upgrades, e-charging stations, and tourist circuits are also planned.
5 Killed As Rains Lash Parts Of North India; Flash Floods Again Wreak Havoc In Himachals Mandi
New Delhi/Shimla, Jul 29: At least five people were killed over the past 24 hours and several national highways were closed as heavy rains lashed parts of north India, including Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. In Himachals Mandi, flash floods triggered by a cloudburst created havoc on Monday night, killing three people and burying more than 20 vehicles, officials said on Tuesday. In the national capital, severe traffic snarls and widespread waterlogging disrupted movement across the city on Tuesday after heavy [] The post 5 Killed As Rains Lash Parts Of North India; Flash Floods Again Wreak Havoc In Himachals Mandi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Photos: Flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachals Mandi
Shimla: Flash flood triggered by cloud burst wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi town on Monday night, killing three people, burying more than 20 vehicles and inundating several houses, officials said on Tuesday. Mandi received 198.6 mm of rain since Monday evening. The fury of rain was so intense that gushing waters in Sukati nallahs Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
How Himachals 1 Bride, 2 Grooms Tradition Works: Wife Decides Same Room Or Shoe Sign At Door
Sunita Chauhan married brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi in a polyandrous wedding in Himachal Pradesh, sparking debates on the ancient custom of Jodidara.
2 Dead, 2 Missing In Rain Furry In Himachal's Mandi
Two people died, and two others were missing in Mandi on Tuesday due to continuous rainfall overnight, which caused extensive flooding and landslides throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Three killed, one missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachals Mandi
SHIMLA, Jul 29: Flash flood triggered by cloud burst wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi town on Monday night, killing three people, burying more than 20 vehicles and inundating several houses, officials said on Tuesday. Mandi received 198.6 mm of rain since Monday evening. The fury of rain was so intense that gushing waters in Sukati nallahs (drains) flowing through the city swept huge mounds of debris which entered several locations in about five-kilometer radius and the worst affected was [] The post Three killed, one missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachals Mandi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Flash floods wreak havoc in Himachal's Mandi; 3 killed
Flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in casualties and widespread damage, prompting rescue operations and relief efforts.
Himachal rains: Three dead, one injured as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one injured missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; three have been confirmed dead, while one person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
One of the worst-affected areas is the Zonal Hospital Mandi, where there is excessive water accumulation and overflow from nearby drains. The main access road to the hospital has been closed.
Two dead, two missing after heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Himachal
Continuous heavy rainfall since late Monday night has thrown life out of gear in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The region has been experiencing incessant rain since 11 PM, resulting in a flood-like situation across various parts of the town
Heavy rain lashes Delhi, IMD warns of intense showers across India till August 4
NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms affected several regions of Delhi, providing a respite from the prevailing humid weather conditions on Tuesday morning. IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days. Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week. Meanwhile, Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and rain. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey, Air India posted on X. According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday. On July 30, Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, as well as Jharkhand. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha. Strong surface winds are anticipated at isolated places in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Squally winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the coasts of Somalia, Yemen, south Oman, westcentral and eastcentral Arabian Sea, southwest Arabian Sea, and southern parts of the north Arabian Sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected over parts of the east-central Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan, Goa, and Karnataka coasts. Similar conditions with winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast along and off Gujarat and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
The South-West Monsoon has unleashed fresh havoc across Himachal Pradesh, with relentless rains, flash floods, and landslides plunging the hill state into renewed devastation and trauma.
Delhi weather: Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, IMD predicts rainfall till...
Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for
Himachal Pradesh: 2 dead, 2 missing after heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Mandi district
Heavy rains in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district caused floods and landslides, killing two and leaving two missing. Roads, power, and water supplies were severely disrupted, including blockage of the Chandigarh-Manali highway. The 2025 monsoon has claimed 164 lives statewide, with Mandi worst affected. Damages exceed 1.52 lakh crore, impacting homes, infrastructure, and essential services.
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for more rainfall. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for several districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected from July 29 to August 3. Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi are under high alert. Residents and tourists are advised to stay cautious. Despite the rain, the state still faces a rainfall deficit. Temperatures are normal.
Heavy monsoon rains caused havoc in Himachal Pradesh. Many roads are blocked. Power and water supplies are disrupted. Sadly, many people died due to rain-related incidents and road accidents. Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba districts are the worst hit. Houses are damaged and crops are lost. Authorities are working to clear roads and provide relief. People are advised to be careful.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in 3 Himachal Pradesh districts, alert issued
10-month-old infant orphaned during Himachal flash floods declared 'child of state'
CHANDIGARH: 10-month-old infant Neetika who lost her parents in flash floods in Himachal's Mandi district has been declared a child of the state under the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana of the Himachal Pradesh Government. Authorities have pledged to support her education and upbringing. Neetika's mother Radha Devi (24) and grandmother Purnu Devi (59) are still missing while her father Ramesh (31) was found dead after a cloudburst struck Talwara village in Chachyot Tehsilof Mandi district on the intervening night of June 30 and July 1. The infant was found alone in the house by their neighbor Prem Singh, who informed her relative Balwant, a personal security officer for former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. The infant is currently living with her aunt Kirna Devi, the younger sister of her deceased father, in Shikauri village, about 20 km away from Talwara village. Following 'Shudi' rituals on the 13th day of the familys death, relatives decided that the child will be raised by her aunt. On that fateful night, Ramesh had stepped out of the house to divert the flow of water entering the house, while his wife and mother followed to help but they did not return. Many people had come forward to help the infant and thus two bank accounts were opened in her name in the Himachal Co-operative Bank and Punjab National Bank. Sources said that the money deposited in these accounts will be reserved for her education and she can access it when she turns 18 year old. Additionally, the child has also been offered admission in Sainik School after Class VI. Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that the state government has taken full responsibility of the infants education and future as part of a long-term plan. Whatever this girl wants to become in the future, a doctor, an engineer or an officer, the government will bear all expenses, he said. Sources said that benefits are given to the orphans (children of the state) under the Sukh-Ashray scheme launched by the state government in 2023. The scheme provides food, shelter, clothing, higher education and skill development to unmarried orphans between 18 and 27 years of age who are unhoused and are unemployed. The children get clothing and festival allowance, inter or intra-state annual exposure visits, stipend to meet personal expenses while pursuing higher education, vocational training or skill development, funds for startup and grants for building a house. A senior official said that following the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu the children who lost either their parents during the natural disaster are being ensured the benefits of the welfare schemes. Thus under Sukh-Aashray Yojana, Neetika will get Rs 4,000 per month from the government and already Rs 8000 has been sanctioned for July and August and credited to her savings bank account. This financial support from the government will continue until she turns 27 years old, he added. He further said that five children from two families in Sanarli panchayat of Karsog have been enrolled under this scheme. Three children (Kritika Verma (14) and Anshika (10) both daughters and eight-month-old son Raghav Thakur) of Lalit Kumar of Bhutti village under this panchayat who died will get Rs 1000 each per month for their education. Meanwhile, two children of Jeet Ram of Surmu village, Paramjeet (15) and Ranjit (12), will also get this financial support will continue until they turn 18 years old and will be deposited in a joint bank account with their mother, he added.
Six dead, three missing as pick-up truck with pilgrims falls into canal in Ludhiana
CHANDIGARH: At least six people, including two children, died and three others went missing after a pick-up truck carrying 25 pilgrims returning from the Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh plunged into the Sirhind canal late Sunday night. The accident occurred near Jagera Bridge on the Malerkotla road, close to Dehlon in Ludhiana district. According to sources, the devotees, all residents of Manakwal village, were on their way home after offering prayers at the hill shrine when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the bridge into the canal. Local residents rushed to the spot to help before rescue teams arrived. A total of 22 people were pulled out of the canal, of whom 16 are said to be safe. Those injured were taken to hospitals in Dehlon, Payal, Ludhiana, Ahmedgarh Mandi, and Khanna. Efforts are on to trace the three missing persons. Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana Himanshu Jain confirmed the death toll and said those missing include one man, one woman, and a child. Rescue teams are working to recover the remaining victims, who are feared to be stuck in the mud, he said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Khanna, Dr Jyoti Yadav, said police received a call about the accident around 9. 45 pm. A rescue operation was immediately launched. The injured have been admitted to different hospitals, she said. Local MLA Manvinder Singh Giaspura and senior civil and police officials also visited the site and supervised the rescue efforts.
10-Month-Old Himachal Child, Orphaned Due To Floods, Declared 'Child Of State'
Ten-month-old Neetika from Himachal Pradesh, who lost her family in a flash flood, will be cared for by the government under the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana.
