Floral tributes were paid to martyrs of Kargil War to observe 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Shaheed Smarak Mandi on Friday. In a programme organized in Mandi by the Mandi District Administration and Sainik Welfare Department, a large number of family members of the martyrs paid their emotional tributes to brave soldiers, who…

An Inspector of Indo- Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) lost his life while trying to cross a river in Kaza sub-division of Lahaul- Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday evening. A source from Kaza said , “ Fifty four personal of ITBP,  including an Inspector  were trying to cross Kargyupa Nalah as routine exercise on…

Eight passengers traveling in a private bus were injured on Friday morning when the driver of the bus lost control and it fell into Beas River near Banu Bridge, four kilometers away from Manali. According to information, “The Manali- Pathankot private bus of Prem Bus Service was on way to Pathankot fell into the river…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to close down 89 Government Primary Schools and 10 Middle Schools with zero enrollments and merge Government Primary and Middle Schools within a 2-3 kilometer radius with five or fewer students. , The State Cabinet in its meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister  Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to convene a monsoon session of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha from August 27 to September 9. 

The Indian Metrological Center Chandigarh has issued a warning of flash floods till July 28 in three districts of Himachal Pradesh. The IMD office said, “The flash floods can occur in Shimla, Sirmaur and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh during the next twenty four hours; surface run-off or inundation may occur in some fully saturated…

Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and USAID, conducted a one-day workshop on Ecosystem Approach and Technological Innovations  at the ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla) on Wednesday . A press release of the institute said, “Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, Senior Scientist from HFRI, coordinated the Forest Management Workshop aimed to encourage students from colleges and research scholars…

Himachal Pradesh Government College Teachers Association ( HPGCTA) has welcomed the decision of the state government to give Teachers’ Award to the teachers of Himachal Pradesh colleges also .The President of the HGCTA Dr Banita Saklani said , “ This is an important decision since no previous government thought of giving the teacher’s award to…

In a major breakthrough the two ends of a 700 meters long tunnel, being constructed at Shungal near Shoghi on Dhali – Kathalighat four-lane project, were connected on Tuesday after a breakthrough ceremony. This is a significant step in completion of the four lanes, being widened from Parwanoo to Kaithlighat to build a bypass for…

Three newly elected MLAs to HP Vidhan Sabha were administered oath by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Monday. Three MLAs – Kamlesh Thakur, wife of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, elected from Dehra Assembly constituency, Ashish Sharma elected from Hamirpur and Hardeep Singh Bawa elected from Nalagarh Assembly constituency, were administered oath at…

 As a relief from intense heat in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, the meteorological department has issued an “orange alert” of heavy to very heavy rains on July 22 and 23 in many parts of the state.   After the onset of monsoon in the state it has been playing truant as monsoon rains have…

Leader of Opposition in Himachal Vidhan Sabha Jairam Thakur has strongly criticized the state government for not declaring long pending results of different categories of jobs. Thakur said, “Though the state government is making big claims about providing jobs to unemployed youths in the state but has failed to declare the results of screening tests…

The Doctors of Center for Excellence in Cardiac Sciences (Ivy hospital), Mohali, have claimed to provide the latest techniques in cardiac surgery in the region. Talking to media persons at Mandi, Additional Director of the center   Dr Rakesh Sharma and consultant Dr Ishant Singla said , “ The Ivy hospital has become Center for Excellence…

On the call of CITU State Committee Himachal Pradesh, huge demonstrations were held at the district and block headquarters against the anti-labour, farmer, employee and public policies of the Modi government at the centre and highlight the demands of the workers. CITU State President Vijendra Mehra and General Secretary Prem Gautam said, “Thousands of workers…

The Kingpin responsible for nearly Rs 2500 crore Crypto Currency scam in Himachal Pradesh, which occurred in 2022, was arrested by the Himachal Pradesh Police on Thursday from Kolkata. DIG Northern Range, Abhishek  Dullar said, “  Milan Garg  (35), a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended on Wednesday night from the Netaji Subhas Chandra…

Hamirpur District Table Tennis (TT)  Association has decided to hold the state level ranking TT championship at Him Academy Public School Vikas Nagar  at Hamirpur on July 25. President of  the Association Panakaj Lakhanpal and General Secretary  Vishal Arvind Dadhwalia  said, “ The players in different category can participate in the championship which includes under…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Home Minister Amit Shah to release financial assistance of Rs 9042 crore under post-disaster assessment to Himachal Pradesh. The CM, who met the Home Minister at New Delhi on Wednesday said, “The Home Minister was apprised about the intensity of natural disasters in the state and requested him…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Tuesday and urged him to support Himachal Pradesh for becoming a complete green state and briefed the PM about the state government’s initiatives taken to make the state green. The CM requested him to suitably compensate the state to come…

Though the successive state governments in Himachal Pradesh have been making claims to improve quality education in government schools and spending huge amounts on developing human resources, strangely nearly 400 schools are running without even a single teacher. This figure has been revealed by Education Minister of the state Rohit Thakur, who said, “Nearly 400…

The gamble of three Independent MLAs – Hoshiyar Singh (Dehra) KL Thakur ( Nalagarh)  and Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur)  to re-contest the Assembly by-polls on BJP tickets after resigning from the Assembly, proved costly as Hoshiyar Singh and KL Thakur lost the election and only Ashish Sharma was able to retain Hamirpur Assembly seat. CM Sukhvinder…

The Congress candidates are leading in two Assembly constituencies of the state while the BJP candidate is leading in one Assembly constituency of the state in the by-elections. The counting in all three Constituencies started on Saturday morning and after several rounds of counting, Kamlesh Thakur (Congress), wife of CM Sukhu, has established a convincing…

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur  has strongly condemned the decision of the state government to discontinue the free electricity scheme.   He said, “ The  Congress is known for such kind of autocratic decisions and the Sukhu government has now snatched away the free electricity being provided to the people of the state; the…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to rationalize the free electric scheme in the state in a Cabinet meeting held at Shimla on Friday, chaired by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. A spokesman of the state government said, “The Cabinet gave its approval to rationalize the provisions for Zero Electricity Bill for the domestic consumers by restricting…

Justice Rajiv Shakdher has been appointed new Chief Justice (CJ) of Himachal Pradesh High Court on the recommendations by the collegiums headed by Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India, Justice DY Chandrachud. Justice Shakdher is currently a judge in the Delhi High Court and replaces Justice MS Ramachnadra Rao, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh…

The Student Federation of India (SFI) has demanded the constitution of an inquiry commission monitored by Himachal Pradesh High Court in alleged “recruitment scam”in Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, while recruiting teaching faculty from 2019 to 2023.  Talking to media persons at Shimla on Thursday, state president of SFI Anil Thakur and Secretary Ditin Denta accused, “…

Nalagarh AC registered the highest nearly 78 percent voter turnout in the Assembly by-elections for three seats of Himachal Pradesh, followed by 67.7 percent in Hamirpur and approximately 65.42 percent voting in Dehra AC. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg has thanked the voters of Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh Assemblies Constituencies (AC) for their participation…

Two reporters of social media channels were arrested by Vigilance & Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB), Dharamshala on the charges of extorting money from a private school in Dharamshala on Tuesday .  SP Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau Dharamshala said, “A complaint was received in the Bureau office on Tuesday from the chairman of a private…

While all arrangements have been made for polling for the by-elections in three Assembly constituencies i.e. Hamirpur, Nalagarh and Dehra in Himachal Pradesh on July 10, the results on July 13 would be watched keenly as Congress has fielded CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s wife from Dehra Assembly constituency.     The by-elections were held following the…

The Shimla-Kinnaur National Highway was blocked near Naptha after rain in the area  led to a landslide on Monday, snapping tribal district Kinnaur’s link with Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Rain in many areas of Himachal Pradesh resulted in landslides blocking vehicular traffic on seventy roads.   According to the state’s Emergency Operation Centre,…

Shimla based senior journalist Anand Bodh passed away on Sunday morning at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Hospital Shimla. Bodh (51) was working as Assistant Editor of Times of India at Shimla for quite some time. As per a family source, “Bodh was taken to IGMC on feeling uncomfortable at night about at 1 pm…

The proposal of Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) to replace nearly 26 lakh conventional electricity meters with smart meters under Public Private Participation Mode, has invited strong reaction from HPSEBL Employees.    In a letter written to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the General Secretary of HPSEBL Employees Union Hira Lal Verma has urged…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has launched a new programme in Music and Musopathy from the current academic session-   M.S. (by research) and PhD programs in Music and Musopathy. The programmes based on deep connection between music, health and technology would try to create vibes for individual and collective well being is being…

The activists of Student Federation of India (SFI) held protest demonstrations at several places in the state against irregularities reported in NTA exams . State President Anil Thakur and Secretary Dinit Denta said, “The protests  were organized against the Modi government for large scale irregularities and alleged corruption in the conduct of competitive exams by…

The beginning of monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has disrupted normal life at several places of Himachal Pradesh as incessant rain during the past 24 hours have left at least 80 roads closed for vehicular traffic, a large number of water supply schemes and electricity transformers have also been damaged . “As many as 80  roads…

At least 107 people (mostly women) died on Tuesday in a stampede in a ‘Satsang’ (religious congregation) near Hathras in Uttar Pradesh. A PTI report said, “ The accident occurred at a ‘Satsang’ event at Pulrai village where people had gathered in large numbers in a ‘ satsang’ organized on Tuesday,  few people in the…

Yashpal Sharma won the Best Director’s Award for a Haryanvi feature film -Dada Lakhmi in the first Himachal International Film Festival, which concluded on Sunday. Additional Chief Secretary to HP government Onkar Sharma, chief guest in the concluding day function, gave away the prizes in the presence of film actors Akhilendra Mishra, Sanjay Mishra, Yashpal…

Gen Upendra Dwivedi, on Sunday assumed charge as the 30tth Chief of the Army Staff and succeeds Gen Manoj Pande who superannuated after more than four decades of service. “Gen Dwivedi brings with him, a wealth of experience and a proven track record, of effectively planning and executing for the unexpected, besides operational experience along…

Income tax raids on a few business establishments and residential buildings of certain leading businessmen of Hamirpur town on Saturday morning created panic . A source privy to the raids said, “The income tax teams had reached early morning at about 5 am outside a few business establishments in Hamirpur bazaar and started the raids…

As predicted by Mausam Vigyan Kendra Shimla, the southwest monsoon has hit six districts of Himachal Pradesh.  The weather department said , “ The  monsoon has hit parts of districts of Una, Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba and Hamirpur districts and other districts of the state are likely to get monsoon rains in the next 72…

First Himachal International Film Festival was inaugurated at Sanskriti Sadan Mandi on Thursday, which would continue till June 30 . Additional Deputy Commissioner Mandi Rohit Rathore, acclaimed actor Akhilendra Mishra, who played the role of ‘Kroor Singh” in Chnaderkanta TV serial, film actress Sapna who left her mark in films like Chillar Party, Bareilly Barfi,…

Mausam Vigyan Kendra Shiimla has issued an orange alert of spells of heavy rainfall from June 29 to 30 for Shimla, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts. As per weather forecast issued by the Kendra,” The Southwest monsoon would favorably move to the state during the next 3 -4 days, the…

Himachal Pradesh Education Department will issue show cause notices to nearly 250 Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs), posted in different schools of the state where class X results of hundreds of students was very poor in this year’s HP Board School Education exam. The Directorate of Elementary Education after collecting information from such schools and action…

The Chairman of 16th Finance Commission visiting the state , Arvind Panagariya has not committed on allocation for special funds for disaster relief or for a special package. He said, “It would be premature and inappropriate to comment on the parameters that would be adopted for recommending an allocation of grants as Himachal’s needs cannot be viewed…

Larji Hydro Power Project authorities have issued an alert from June 30th of July 1st for opening all spillway gates of the Larji Dam for annual drain out of silt from the dam from 6 am to 6 pm. Additional District Magistrate Mandi Madan Kumar said, “People living near the dam area and tourists visiting the area…

Flash floods in the Gamabhar area of Solan district on Monday wreaked havoc as several vehicles and houses were damaged. As per information the flash flood affected a portion near Gambhar Bridge and vehicular traffic was affected as slush and uprooted trees inundated Kunihar – Subathu road. A house also collapsed near the bridge ….

BJP president and Union Health Minister J P Nadda was named as Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha on Monday. Nadda, who hails from Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, is perhaps the first leader holding three major posts, at the same time, i.e.  BJP president, Leader of Rajya sabha and a  Union Minister . …

Noted Bollywood Film Director Pawan Sharma, hailing from Mandi said “The main objective of organizing Film Festival in Mandi is to show national award winning films to people which are not generally being screened in cinemas and on OTT platform.” Sharma, who has reached Mandi along with his team to make arrangements for the solo…

The  Central government has enforced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 on Friday , which aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations and common entrance tests held across the country. The act has been basically passed to stop malpractices, use of unfair means and irregularities in competitive examinations and entails provisions for a…

The Joginder Nagar Police (in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh) has arrested a government school Head Master under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually harassing four minor girl students of the school. This is the second case within a week when a shopkeeper in Chopal area was arrested for sexually harassing 11 minor school girls….

Four passengers traveling in a  Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus,  have died and three other injured in a bus accident near Giltahdi in Jubbal sub division of Shimla district on Friday morning, when the bus rolled down the hill and fell into a deep gorge . Superintendent of Police Shimla Sanjeev Gandhi said, “The…

In a shocking incident, an accused booked for attack on former Bilaspur Congress MLA Bambar Thakur, was shot at in the  District & Session Court premises by assailants on Thursday.  Injured Saurabh Patial was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences after the incident and Bilaspur police have arrested one of the assailants identified…

by Dharam Prakash Gupta The solo exhibition of colourful needle work by an amateur artist Sulakshna (Arya) – popularly known by her nickname Kaka, organized at Gaiety Theater Shimla from June 15 to 17, was not only a display of excellent handmade pieces of art work but also an inspiration for many to find a…

Communal tension gripped Nahan town of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday as members of a Hindu organization protested against certain people of minority community.   A local person said, “ “A group of protesters allegedly vandalized a shop, marched towards the Deputy Commissioners’ office and held a demonstration to protest a media post depicting an animal…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has given its consent to give one time relaxation for one year in upper age limit to the candidates appearing for the recruitment of 1226 posts of Constable in the Police department.   Now, candidates from the General category between the age of 18 to 26 years, SC/ST, OBC, Gorkhas, distinguished sportspersons, between…

In a surprise move the Congress High Command has decided to field Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s wife Kamelsh Thakur to contest the Dehra by-election. A press release issued by Congress General Secretary Venugopal on Tuesday notified the name of Kamlesh Thakur to contest the ensuing by-election from Dehra constituency on Congress ticket. Kamlesh…

While allegations of buying  questions papers of National Eligibility – cum-Entrance Test (NEET – 2024) are under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court, ademand to cancel the test and reform the present selection system byintroducing aptitude tests like criteria for admission to medical colleges inIndia is gaining momentum. Medical profession has become one of the…

The BJP parliamentary board has decided to field three former Independent MLAs, as BJP candidates for the ensuing by-elections for three seats of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, to be held on July 10. The names of  Hoshiyar Singh from Dehra, Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur and KL Thakur from Nalagarh, have been cleared by the party…

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) center Shimla has issued a severe heat wave warning for several districts of Himachal Pradesh during the next 72 hours. As per weather forecast issued for the state on Thursday, the center said, “Several districts i.e. Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Una are likely to…

A research team of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has found cancer-causing pollutants in ground water of Baddi –Barotiwala (BB) industrial area of Himachal. A study undertaken by Dr. Deepak Swami, Associate Professor in School of Civil & Environmental Engineering of IIT Mandi and his research associate Utsav Rajput, in collaboration with Dr. Nitin…

Disqualification of the Mayor and a former Mayor in Congress led Solan Municipal Corporation, has reduced the Congress group to a minority.   Principal Secretary Urban Development Devesh Kumar, in a notification issued on June 10, had disqualified the Mayor Usha Sharma and former Mayor Punam Grover from their membership of Solan Municipal Corporation. Both of…

The six newly elected legislators in the by-elections for Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha were administered oath by Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Wednesday, in an oath taking ceremony at Vidhan Sabha Library Hall, Shimla. . The MLAs administered oath are Anuradha Rana ( Lahaul –Spiti) , Rakesh Kalia ( (Gagret ), Ranjit Rana ( Sujanpur)and…

Four senior MBBS students of Rajendra Prasad Medical College Tanda (Kangra) have been expelled from the college for allegedly ragging juniors in two separate incidents, by the college administration on Tuesday. In one case of ragging two students of the 2019 batch have been expelled from the college and hostel for one year and also…

PWD Minister and Congress candidate for Mandi Parliamentary election, Vikrmaditya Singh has reaffirmed to work for achieving the issues raised by him as part of his vision for Mandi parliament constituency, during the election campaign. Talking to media persons here on Monday, he said, “Accepting the voters’ mandate humbly, I would make every effort to…

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced to hold by-elections for three Assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh on July 10, along with ten Assembly constituencies across seven states of India. Making this announcement on Monday, an ECI release said, “The by-polls are held to fill up vacancies created due to death or resignations of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath as Indian Prime Minister for the third consecutive term at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on Sunday . President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to PM Modi and his Cabinet colleagues, senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Amit Shah, among others . BJP president JP…

The fun by the students of National Law University, Delhi, in a waterfall near Solan turned into a tragedy as a 19 year- old- student died after being hit by a shooting stone, near Solan on Friday . A spokesman of the Solan Police said, “The deceased Akshat Dev , a resident of Gandhinagar of…

Newly elected BJP Member of Parliament from Mandi, film actress Kangana Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a CISF constable at Chandigarh International Airport on Thursday, during a security check. Ranaut was to take a flight from Chandigarh to New Delhi , when a constable Kulvinder Kaur, deployed on security check duty, allegedly  hit her after…

The results for election in four parliamentary constituencies and by –polls in six Assembly constituencies have been a mixed bag for both Congress and BJP in Himachal Pradesh, while BJP has swept the parliament polls, Congress have won majority seats in HP Vidhan Sabha by-elections. The BJP has swept the parliament election in the state as…

Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Monday accepted the resignations of three Independent MLAs – Hoshiyar Singh (Dehra), Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur) and K L Thakur (Nalagarh) from the membership of HP Vidhan Sabha. The MLAs, who were supporting the Congress government headed by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu before Rajya Sabha election in the…

Nearly 68 percent polling was recorded in the parliamentary elections for four seats of Himachal Pradesh, while nearly 69 percent polling was recorded in the by-elections for the six Assembly constituencies of the state.   Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state Maneesh Garg said, “According to the information received so far in the state…

All preparations have been completed for the voting for the parliament election in Mandi district to be held on June 1 (Saturday). Returning officer Apporv Devgan said , “ The polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm, the polling parties have already reached 1217 polling booths set for the voting in Mandi…

In a tragic incident three youths from Punjab were drowned in river Yamuna at Paonta Sahib on Friday. An eyewitness to the incident said, “The three youth from Paonta Sahib came to pay obeisance in Paonta Sahib Gurudwara on Friday morning and one of them went to bathe in the river Yamuna but started drowning…

The campaigning for election to four parliamentary constituencies and by-elections in six Assemblies constituencies of Himachal Pradesh came to an end on Thursday evening. The polling in the state would be held on June 1, (Saturday), in the seventh and the last phase of Lok Sabha General Election. On the last day of campaigning the…

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seeking vote for BJP candidates in the election without coming to help people of the state in the hour of need. Addressing a public meeting at Sunder Nagar on Wednesday in favour of Congress candidate Vikrmaditya Singh, she said, “With what face is…

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has criticized the Congress led state government for not fulfilling the party’s guarantees given to people during the last Vidhan Sabha election. Talking to media persons on Wednesday at Mandi, Thakur said, “The Congress party leaders are giving new guarantees to people but during the 15months rule the state…

Four Lane Affected people have accused the Modi government for not fulfilling their demands. Addressing a press conference at Mandi  Tuesday the leaders of Bhumi Adhigrahan Samiti BR Kanudal and Joginder Walia said , “ The Central Government and the previous Jairam Government should had betrayed the affected farmers of Himachal by reducing the circle…

Sanyukat Kisan Manch (SKM) leaders have appealed to farmers and orchardists of the state to defeat the NDA led Modi government in the ensuing Lok Sabha election and vote for INDIA Alliance candidates. SKM leaders , its state convener Harish Chauhan, co –convener Sanjay Chauhan , convener of Plum Grower’s Association Deepak Singha and  Gopal…

At least ten students have been injured in a road accident near Joginder Nagar on Tuesday morning after a bus carrying students of a private school had a collision with a trailer truck on Mandi – Joginder Nagar road. SHO Joginder Nagar Ashwani Kumar said,  “ Ten students of a private school have received minor…

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended the name of Ajay Kumar Sharma, presently General Manager, Corporate HR in Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), for the post of Director (Personnel) SJVN. A company release said, “Sharma was selected following a rigorous interview process held on May 24, 2024 out of eleven applicants; he has…

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi accused the Modi government and BJP for allegedly “trying to topple the democratically elected Congress government in Himachal Pradesh” . Addressing a public meeting in favour of Congress candidate Anand Sharma contesting from Kangra parliament seat, at Chaugan ground in Chamba on Monday, the Congress leader said , “ The…

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi appealed to people to defend the constitution of India throught thier votes in the election. Adressing two public meetings at Nahan and Una in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party BJP is seeking 400 seats in LoK Sabha to change the constitution…

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a rally at Dharamshala said, “After formation of NDA government at the Center under PM Narendra Modi wse will take back Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK).” He said, “Congress party is a weak link in tackling Pakistan but our government has always taken a firm stand against Pakistan.” He…

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge addressing a press conference at Shimla on Saturday said, “INDIA Alliance is going to form the government at the Center on June 4, after the election as people are not happy with the Modi government engaged in misusing the Central agencies to crush the opposition.” Charge said,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed two election rallies at Nahan and Mandi on Friday to garner votes in favour of BJP candidates for parliament and HP Vidhan Sabha by- elections in six constituencies. Addressing an impressive public matting at Paddal ground, accusing Himachal Pradesh government for allegedly misappropriating the funds given by the Central government…

The Supreme Court has stayed an order issued by HP High Court to refund the water cess collected on hydro power generation from the power generation companies by HP government. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had passed an order a few months back to quash the levying of water cess on hydro power generation and…

Noted Supreme Court lawyer and senior civil rights activist Prashant Bhushan talked about alleged negative aspects of Electoral Bonds stressing the need to save our Democracy and the constitution of India. Addressing a gathering at Mandi on Wednesday, he said ,  “The electoral bonds were declared unconstitutional in February 2024, by the apex court and…

Congress candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency Vikrmaditya Singh has refuted the allegation of BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut for allegedly staging a protest against her at Kaza on Tuesday. In reply to a question in a press conference at Mandi he said, “She had made a remark against spiritual Guru of Tibetans the Dalaia Lama some…

With the INDIA Alliance partners launching joint campaigns in the state for ensuing parliament and Assembly by-elections, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri held a meeting at Una on Tuesday to give pace to election campaigns jointly by INDIA Alliance partners in the coming days. After holding a meeting of Congress,  CPM and APP leaders at…

After termination of senior project engineer of four laning of  National Highway no 5- Kaithlighat to Dhalli, by the management of the LN –Malviya Infra Projects Ltd, for his alleged failure in implementing the project , has raised question mark on the quality of the work undertaken in widening Kiratpur- Ner Chowk Highway project ….

The Mandi district administration has changed the timing of all schools with immediate effect in the district in view of extremely hot weather in many areas of the district. D C Mandi Apoorv Devgan said, “The meteorological department in its weather forecast has issued an alert of rise in day temperature for the next few…

BJP candidate from Mandi parliament constituency Kangana Ranaut was shown black flags by followers of spiritual guru the Dalai Lama during her election campaign at Kaza on Monday. A source from Kaza said, “Hundreds of agitated followers of the Lama, including women protesters lined up at Kaza showed black flags and raised ‘Go Back’ slogans….

Deputy Commissioner Mandi and Chairman of Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), Apoorva Devgan has asked political parties and contestants for the Mandi parliament constituency to get pre- certification of all advertisements released by them in the election. He said, “As per the instructions of the Election Commission of India -authentication is mandatory for electronic…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two election rallies in Himachal Pradesh on May 24.   Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said , “ The PM is coming to Himachal Pradesh On May 24 ; he is scheduled to address a rally at Nahan at 11 am in support  of BJP candidate for Shimla…

As many as 37 candidates have been left in the fray for election to the four parliament constituencies of Himachal Pradesh while 25 candidates are in the fray for by-elections in six Assembly constituencies of the state. Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh Manish Garg said , “ From Hamirpur parliament constituency 12 candidate, from…

The Manali police has arrested a tourist from Haryana for allegedly murdering his female friend in Manali, on Wedesday.  SP Kullu Gokulchandra Kartikeyan talking to media persons  at Manali on Thursday said, ” A Haryana youth Vikas Thakur (23) was arrested last night near Kullu while transporting dead  body of a girl in a bag…

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the release of News Click founder Prabir Purkayastha terming his arrest as illegal by the Delhi police and his subsequent remand in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. A Supreme Court Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta held that his arrest and the…

 INDIA Alliance parties have decided to campaign jointly in Mandi parliament constituency in favour of Congress candidate Vikaramaditya Singh. In a joint press conference at Mandi on Wednesday , working president of Mandi district Congress committee Shashi Sharma, CPM state secretariat member Kushal Bhardwaj, former national secretariat member of CPI Deshraj Sharma, state vice president…

As many as 27 candidates filed their nomination papers on the last day of nomination on Tuesday. Three from Hamirpur Parliamentary Constituency (PC), seven from Mandi PC, six from Kangra PC and one from Shimla Lok Sabha PC  filed nomination papers .  Ten candidates also filed their nomination papers for by-election in Vidhan Sabha seats….

Film actress Kananga Ranaut filed her nomination papers for the Mandi parliament constituency on Tuesday as BJP candidate. Before filing her nomination papers at DC office Mandi, she  also held a road show in an open jeep  accompanied by her mother, former CM Jai Ram Thakur and state BJP president Rajiv Bindal . Later, addressing…

Eighteen candidates filed their nomination papers on 5th day of filing nominations on Monday, for parliament and Vidhan Sabha by-elections in Himachal Pradesh. Polling for the parliament and Vidhan Sabha by-elections will  be held in the 7th and last phase of election on June 1. As per information provided by the state election department, the prominent among…

Hundreds of villagers of Multhan, Cher living in Chhota Bhangal area of Himachal Pradesh are still spending sleepless nights after  a blast on Friday in penstock in 25 Megawatt Lambadag Power Project ( being run by Mega Engineering Company ) causing extensive damage to their houses, shops and standing crops in fields. Akshay, a former…

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) organized an impressive road show and Vijay Sankalp rally at Gandhi Chowk Hamipur on Saturday in support of BJP candidate from Hamirpur parliament constituency, Anurag Thakur.  Addressing the rally former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, “I am witnessing such a huge crowd at Hamirpur for the first time which…

The Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, till June 1, allowing him to campaign in the ensuing parliament election, on Friday . National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) , Kejriwal was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in ‘Delhi Excise Policy Scam” on March…

Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi assumed the charge of Vice Chancellor of Sardar Patel University Mandi on Thursday. Pro- VC Prof. Anupama Singh, Controller of Examination Sunil Verma and others welcomed Prof. Awasthi. He was appointed the VC a few months back by the state government and was working as Director of National Institute of Technology…

Congress candidates Anand Sharma (from  Kangra parliament constituency)  and Vikrmaditya Singh (from Mandi parliament constituency),  filed their nomination papers on Thursday at Dharamshala and Mandi, respectively. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee President Pratibha Singh and other Congress leaders held public meetings in support of Anand Sharma at…

Congress has nominated Devinder Singh Jaggi to contest by-election for Dharamshala Assembly constituency against rebel former Congress MLA Sudhir Sharma, contesting on BJP ticket. His name was cleared on Wednesday by All India Congress Committee President Malikaarjan Kharge. The nomination process has already begun on May 7th and nomination papers can be filed till May 14….

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has termed the BJP candidate from the Mandi parliamentary seat as “a un –guided missile and one who does not know what she is saying.” Talking to media persons at Mandi on Wednesday he said, “The Congress is contesting the election on issues but the BJP candidate doesn’t know about…

Naduan Government Girl School student Ridhima Sharma has topped the 10th class result of Himachal Pradesh Board of school Education (HPBSE) announced on Tuesday  by securing 699 marks out of 700 marks (99.86 percent).   Kritika Sharma of Neugal Model Public Senior Secondary School Bhawarna in Kangra district bagged the second position, scoring 99.71 percent…

The election process for the Mandi parliamentary constituency would begin on Tuesday with filing of nomination papers. Returning officer (Deputy Commissioner) for the Mandi parliamentary constituency Apoorv Devgan said , “ The nomination papers can be filed from May 7to 14 , except on public holidays on May 11 and 12,  from 11 am to…

The Congress has announced names of party candidates to contest by-elections for Lahaul – Spiti and Badsar  (Hamirpur) Assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh. A party release from New Delhi has named Anurdha Rana for Lahaul- Spiti seat and Subhash Chand from Badsar Assembly constituency. Banking on grass root party leaders the Congress leadership has nominated…

Congress party has filed a complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against BJP candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency Kangana Ranaut for allegedly making “derogatory remarks “against Congress candidate from Mandi Virkrmaditya Singh and other Congress leaders. In the complaint, the Congress alleged, “Kangana used foul language against Vikramaditya Singh and referred to him…

BJP has filed a complaint against Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Pathania to Election Commission of India. In a complaint filed on Saturday, the BJP has “Accused the Speaker of allegedly attending political rallies of Congress candidate from Mandi constituency Vikrmaditya Singh”. The BJP has alleged, “That time and again the ruling government and…

President of India, Droupadi Murmu was given a rousing reception on her arrival at Shimla on Saturday.   HP Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomed the President at Kalyani helipad. Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the minister-in- waiting Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Dhani Ram…

Hours before the last day of nominations,  Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers from the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat on Friday , a constituency held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for the last two decades. He is also contesting from Waynad constituency in Kerala. Sonia was elected from Raebareli in 2004, 2009,…

Sushil Sharma, Director Projects of SJVN has assumed the additional charge of Chairman – cum-  Managing Director and Director (Personnel) .  Sharma has been serving as Director (Projects) of SJVN since August 1, 2020.and played pivotal role in executing 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station, 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station and 60 MW…

President of India Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Shimla on Saturday on her five day visit to Himachal Pradesh till May 8. During the visit, she will stay at The Retreat ( Rashtrapati Niwas), Mashobra. During her stay in the state she will grace the 7th Convocation of the Central University, Dharamshala; The President will witness…

 Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu addressing a public meeting at Karsog on Thursday in support of Congress candidate Vikrmadiya Singh took a dig at BJP leaders by saying, “A film of a flop director is bound to flop even if the actress is a super star.”  The CM said, “It is good thing Kangana has…

Senior executive engineer of BBMB project Pandoah Vivek Chopra has issued an alert  about opening  of spillway gates of Pandoh Dam. In a release the XEN said, “Due to melting of snow on higher reaches the water level in Pandoh dam is rising with a fast speed and  the spillway gates of the dam can…

Hundreds of workers participated in rallies, flag hoisting ceremonies and seminars organized by the Himachal Pradesh unit of CITU at different places in the state on Wednesday to observe the May Day. State president of CITU Vijendra Mehra said, “While programmes at district level were organized throughout the state a state level rally was organized…

Himachal Pradesh government has appointed Dr Atul Verma, a 1991 batch IPS officer as Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal . A notification to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena on Wednesday. Verma, presently posted as Director General CID will replace Sanjay Kundu who retired on April 30.

The Congress High Command has announced names of Anand Sharma to contest Kangra parliament seat and Satpal Raizada to contest Hamirpur seat. This announcement was made in a press release by KC Venugopal, General Secretary of Congress at New Delhi on Tuesday. 

While Congress leadership is in the process of selecting candidates for  Kangra and Hamirpur parliamentary constituencies of Himachal Pradesh, speculation is rife Congress high command may field senior Congress leader Anand Sharma to contest from Kangra . Anand Sharma is a former Union Commerce,  Industries and Textile  Minister and has represented Himachal Pradesh  in the…

Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) today declared the results of class 10+2 in which top positions in arts, science and commerce streams in the state were grabbed by girls. In the arts stream, Arshita from DAV Senior Secondary School in Una bagged the first position, scoring 490 out of 500 marks. Shivangi Sharma…

PWD Minister and Congress candidate for Mandi parliamentary constituency, Vikramaditya Singh has accused majority of the national media for its partisan reporting by promoting ruling BJP and ignoring the opposition parties; they have every right to criticize but good work should also be appreciated, he said . Talking to media persons at Mandi on Monday,…

Four persons have died and 12 others were injured in three different accidents in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.  Two persons travelling in a Bolero jeep were buried under huge boulders after a landslide in the afternoon on Hatkoti – Tueni road in Rohru subdivision of Shimla district, near Sanel. SDM Jubbal, Rajeev Sankhyan said ,…

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has approved the names of three candidates for by-elections in six Assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh scheduled to be held on June 1, along with elections for four parliamentary constituencies. As per a press release issued by KC Venugopal , General Secretary of the AICC , the Congress president…

The Mausam Vigyan Kendra Shimla has issued an orange alert in six districts of Himachal Pradesh from April 26 to 29, with a forecast of heavy rain in lower areas and snowfall on higher reaches . As per weather report issued by the meteorology department issued from Shimla on Thursday, the western disturbances would again…

BJP candidate during the last Assembly election from Sujanpur constituency Captain Rajneet Rana (retired) joined Congress party at New Delhi. Rana , who had lost the 2022 Assembly election from Sujanpur at the hands of Rajender Rana who after turning a rebel had joined BJP recently, by a narrow margin of 399 votes . Rana…

India’s first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Pilot Project executed by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam was commissioned at 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Chairman-cum – CMD of SJVN Geeta Kapur inaugurated 20Nm3/hr Electrolyzer & 25kW Fuel Cell Capacity based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project. A spokesman…

Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti (HGVS) submitted a memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer (ECO) of the state, Muneesh Garg at Shimla on Tuesday demanding a check on distribution of drugs during the ensuing parliament election. After submitting the memorandum, state secretary of the HGVS, Satyawan Pundir said, “The HGVS has expressed serious concern on distribution of…

The Shimla unit of Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) held a convention at Kali Bari Hall Shimla to launch a campaign against the Modi led Central government on Monday and released a manifesto CITU leaders said, “Hundreds of activists associated with Hotel, Sahib, IGMC, STP, Sunni Dam, Vishal Megamart, Tourist Guide, Tahabjari, Kalibari Temple,…

In a major change in admissions for PhD programmes, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced students with four-year undergraduate degrees can now directly appear for NET and pursue PhD. Chairman of the UGC Jagadesh Kumar said , “ To pursue a PhD with or without a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the candidates will require…

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to BJP Rajya Sabha member Harsh Mahajan on the petition of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi – a noted Supreme Court lawyer, who had lost the election despite the Congress having majority in HP Vidhan Sabha after cross voting by six Congress MLAs, on February 27….

Widespread rain and snow in several parts of Himachal Pradesh have affected normal life as 112 roads including three national highways have been blocked due to landslides and slips. While isolated areas in the higher hills and tribal regions received light snowfall, the mid and low hills witnessed intermittent rains during the past 24 hours…

The 77th Himachal Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour in the State on Monday. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute in an impressive march past at the state level function held at the Ridge in Shimla. The march past was led by Parade Commander, IPS Abhishek in which contingents of…

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto (Sankalap Patra) for 2024 Lok Sabha elections promising continuation of free ration scheme for poor for next five years, Uniform Civil Code and empowering poor, youth, women and farmers. The manifesto was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda and other BJP leaders in…

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhar was killed by two persons by attacking him with sharp edged weapons in Una district on Sunday. A police source said, “Prabhakar, a Mandal level leader of the VHP was sitting at his shop on Nangal Railway road in Una when two person came on a motorcycle and…

All India Congress Committee ( AICC) has announced to field PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh as a Congress candidate to contest the Mandi parliament seat against BJP  nominee Film actress Kangna Ranaut.  Vikramaditya Singh is son of six times former Himachal  Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his mother Pratibha Singh is sitting Congress MP from Mandi.  …

Himachal Government College Teachers Association (HGCTA) has strongly criticized the functioning of Sardar Patel University (SPU) Mandi. In a press release, president of the HGCTA Dr Banita Saklani accused, “The functioning of the SPU is anti-student and anti-education as the university authorities are busy in making anti government propaganda, and have urged the state government…

Four persons died in a car accident near Choi Nalla on Rana Bag – Karshala road in Ani sub division of Kullu district on Friday morning, when the car in which they were travelling, rolled down a hill. A police source said, “Those losing lives in the accident have been identified as Surender (40) –…

The HP High Court has issued a notice to the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania on the petition filed by three Independent MLAs seeking the Court’s intervention for accepting their resignations by the Speaker.   A  Division Bench of the High Court headed by Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and…

Public Enterprises Selection Board (PSEB) has recommended the name of Sushil Sharma for  the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN)  Sharma is presently working as Director (Projects) in SJVN since August 1, 2020 and played major role in  implementation of 1500 MW Naptha Jhakari Hydro Power Project and…

The two rebel Congress MLAs- Sudhir Sharma ( Dharmashala)  and Rajendra Rana (Sujanpur), disqualified from the membership of Himachal Vidhan Sabha under anti-defection law, accused of “taking money for cross voting in the Rajya sabha election” by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu , have served legal notices to the CM for filing defamation suits . …

As the Congress High Command is likely to announce party candidates for ensuing parliament and six Assembly by-elections in Himachal Pradesh any time after meeting of the screening committee of the party in New Delhi on Saturday, PWD Minister Vikrmaditya Singh, son of six times former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, is likely to be fielded…

Three children lost their lives while taking a dip in a pond at Raipur Sahoda in Una district of Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday. A police source said, “Three children i.e Pankaj (8), Sonu (9) and Mukesh (11), went to take a dip in a nearby pond in the morning but were drowned; all of them…

Congress leader and noted Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi has challenged the election of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan elected to Rajya Sabha from Himachal Pradesh by defeating him through a draw of lots after a tie in the election, in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.   Singhvi had lost the Rajya Sabha election due…

The Congress has released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, promising jobs creation, and development of infrastructure, a national caste census and universal health care, among the major highlights. The manifesto was released in Delhi by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, flanked by senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Former Union Finance Minister…

The Delhi High Court  has refused to act on a plea seeking removal of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi CM . Turning down the pleas for the third time acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Justice Manmohan refused to counsel Delhi Governor VK Saxena saying, “Let democracy take its own course”. The court was…

Launching election campaign of Congress party for the ensuing parliament and by-elections in six Assembly seats of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday from Samurkalan in Bangana (Kutlehar) Assembly constituency of Una district, the CM addressing a public meeting accused, “The six Congress rebels took Rs 15 crore each for betraying the Congress and joining BJP; we…

The Congress in-charge for Mandi parliamentary constituency, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “Allegedly misusing investigating agencies CBI and ED to terrorize opposition leaders.”      Singh, who was here to address a meeting of party office bearers at Mandi on Wednesday said, “The release of Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh…

Though, BJP candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency film actress Kangna Ranaut has started meeting party activists in the constituency, it is still a challenge for the BJP party leadership to assuage the feeling of dissident BJP leaders.   The nomination of Ranaut has left several party aspirants  disappointed over denial of the BJP ticket. Three times former…

BJP candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency ,film actress Kangna Ranaut said former All India Congress Committee (AICC) president and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is “ignorant about the meaning of democracy”. Kangna Ranaut , who attended a meeting of BJP office bearers at Mandi on Monday, replying to a question about Rahul Gandhi’s assertion of…

As many as sixty-eight NGOs, working in the field of environment protection and climate change, adopted a demand charter for securing the Himalayas from disasters. The demand charter was adopted by the NGOs after a meeting to discuss the environmental and cultural issues of the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur…

Three Independent MLAs – Hoshiyar  Singh (Dehra), KL Thakur (Nalagarh) and Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur) staged a dharna outside in of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha  Speaker at Shimla on Saturday to press acceptance of their resignations from Himachal Sabha. The three MLAs had tendered their resignations to Himachal Pradesh Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on March 22…

All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed two more working presidents in Himachal Pradesh Congress committee (HPCC). Chief parliamentary secretary and Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi and Dharampur MLA Chandershekhar are new working presidents appointed ahead of parliamentary elections. The AICC had appointed four working presidents before the 2022 Assembly election but Harsh Mahajan, Pawan Kajal and…

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Partibha Singh is most likely to contest the Mandi parliament seat again in the ensuing Loh Sabha elections as a Congress candidate, against BJP candidate Kangna Ranaut. Talking to media persons after a meeting of Congress coordination committee, attended by Rajiv Shukla, Congress in-charge of Himachal Pradesh at Chandigarh,…

The Kangra police have arrested a professor of the Central University (CU) of Himachal Pradesh (Kangra) on the charge of raping a student on Wednesday. The Superintendent of Police Kangra Shalini Agihotri said, “A professor working in the chemistry department of the CU has been arrested on the complaint of a PhD student in the…

March 26,2024 The decision of BJP leadership to field six disqualified Congress rebel MLAs, who had joined BJP on March 23, in the coming by-elections for the six Assembly constituencies, has evoked strong reaction from several BJP leaders and office bearers . The BJP has given ticket  to Ravi Thakur ( Lahaul-Spiti) , Rajender Rana…

The Bhartiya Janata Party has announced to field film actress Kangana Ranaut from Mandi parliamentary constituency of Himachal Pradesh for the coming Lok sabha election. Her name was included in the fifth list of BJP candidates announced for the Lok Sabha election containing 111 names.on Sunday.  Rajiv Bhardwaj has been named as the party candidate…

March 23, 2024 In fast political developments on Saturday six disqualified Congress rebel MLAs and three Independents joined BJP in New Delhi. The rebel MLAs had deserted the Congress party during election for a Rajya sabha seat from Himachal Pradesh by cross voting for BJP candidate leading to defeat of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi,…

March 22, 2024,   In a surprise move, three Independent MLAs elected during the 2022 HimachalPradesh Assembly Elections, have resigned from the membership of Vidhan Sabha. The three MLAS- Hoshiayar Singh elected from Dehra constituency, KL Thakurelected from Nalagarh and Ashish Sharma elected from Hamiprur constituency,accompanied by the leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur, tendered…

           The International Forest Day was observed by Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) Shimla at the Western Himalayan Temperate Arboretum, Potter Hill, Summerhill on Thursday. The students of department of Environmental Sciences of Himachal Pradesh University Shimla were specially invited to participate in the programme along with faculty members. Acclaimed historian…

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committe (HPCC) president and sitting Congress MP from Mandi Pratibha Singh has shown her reluctance to contest the next parliament elections.  Talking to media persons after a meeting with Central Congress leadership in New Delhi, she said,” I have expressed my inability to contest the parliment election from Mandi.”  She said, ” Party…

Himachal Pradesh government has relieved senior IAS officer Abhishek Jain from the post of Secretary (Home, Vigilance and Information Technology) on the directions of Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI on Monday directed to relieve Home Secretaries of six states including Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Home Secretary is also holding the charge of secretary to…

The six Congress rebel MLAs disqualified by the Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Assembly,  did not get relief from the Supreme Court of India on Monday on their petitions seeking stay on their disqualification and by-elections process. A Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, which included Justice Dipankar Dutta also turned down their request…

The elections for the Lok Sabha would be held in seven phases and counting of votes would be taken up on June 4. Announcing the election schedule in a press conference at New Delhi on Saturday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar flanked by two new Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu announced the election…

The Election Commission of India would announce election schedule for coming parliament election on Saturday in New Delhi. The Commission in holding a press conference in this regard at Vigyan Bhavan at 3 pm on Saturday, where it would announce schedule for the General Election to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies .

The week long Shivratri festival came to end on Friday with a colourful shobha yatra on the concluding day from Madho Rai temple to Paddal ground. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Guest of the function paid obeisance in Madho Rai temple and later participated in the shobha yatra wearing a colourful turban. Hundreds…

Several organizations of Himachal Pradesh have come in support of Sonam Wangchuk – known innovator and education reformer of Ladakh, observing hunger strike in Leh for the 8th day on Thursday to protect the rights of people of Ladakh. Himalaya Niti Abhiyan  supporting the  people of Ladakh said, “  Himalayan region is a unique land of…

Himachal Pradesh Government has promoted Aarti Gupta, Additional Director of Information & Public Relations as New Director of the department . The notification in this regard was issued by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena on Thursday. It is nearly after a decade the state government has promoted an incumbent Additional Director to the post of Director…

` The Parliamentary Board of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday cleared the names of Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anuarg Thakur to contest Hamirpur parliamentary seat of Himachal Pradesh and sitting Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap to contest Shimla (R) parliamentary seat. The names of Thakur and Kashyap were announced by General Secretary of BJP…

Six Congress rebel MLAs disqualified from HP Vidhan Sabha by the Speaker for defying the party whip, who had moved the Supreme Court of India challenging their disqualification, did not get immediate relief as the Apex court posted the matter for hearing on March 18. Taking up the petition of the disqualified MLAs , a…

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) carried out a torchlight march from the Ridge to Ambedkar Chowk Shimla on Monday to protest the alleged attempts of BJP to topple the elected Congress government in Himachal Pradesh. Hundreds of Congress activists led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and HPCC president Pratibha Singh marched from the Ridge…

The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh has started a cashless service for the beneficiaries of HIM CARE card holders. The cashless service was made functional on March 8 after a successful trial run of the service, said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of the institute. The PGIMER Chandigarh and HIMCARE have…

The weeklong Shivratri festival of Mandi commenced with a colourful Shobha Yatra from Madho Rai temple to Paddal ground on Saturday. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Guest in the opening ceremony participated in the Shobha Yatra along with hundreds of deities carried by a large number of devotees on their shoulders and palanquins….

Satluj jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) organized a function to celebrate International Women’s day on Friday at its head office in Shimla. The function was presided over by Chairman –cum -Managing Director of SJVN Geeta Kapoor and renowned wrestler and Arjuna award winner Geeta Phogat was the guest of honour of the function. Addressing the gathering…

Achyut Krishna, a student of Him Academy Public School Hamirpur has become Himachal Pradesh’s  topper of B Arch and B Planning entrance exams (2024), conducted by national testing agency. Director of Him Public school Pankaj Lakhnpal said, “Achyut Krishna has scored 99.79 percentile in the B.Arch entrance exam and 99.95 percentile in the B.Planning exam;…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has given approval to grant Rs 1500 per month to eligible women under Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna. The Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held at Shimla on Thursday also decided to consider the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted under the chairmanship…

Anmol, a resident of village Chakku Tanda in Sarkaghat sub division of Mandi district has topped the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Examination. Currently posted as BDO Totu (Shimla), Anmol is son of a former HAS Officer Krishan Chand, who recently retired from the post of RTO Mandi . His mother Usha Devi is a…

HP Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh after meeting the rebel MLAs said, “Everything is possible in politics and all doors are open.” The minister had met six rebel Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly under anti-defection law in Chandigarh on his way to Delhi. While talking to media persons at Shimla on…

Himachal Pradesh High Court declared the decision of the state government to levy water cess on power generation, as unconstitutional. In an order passed on Tuesday a Division Bench of the High Court headed by Justice Trilok Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya held, “The provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Water Cess on Hydropower Electricity Generation…

Former state convener of Himachal Nasha Nivaran Board –cum advisor to state government, O P Sharma has urged the state government to implement the report submitted by the board for checking the drug menace in the state, in its letter and spirit. Talking to media persons at Mandi on  Tuesday, Sharma said , “ Though…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation four power stations commissioned by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), virtually on Monday from Adilabad in Telangana. The four power projects are 60 MW Naitwar Mori Hydro Power Station in Uttarakhand, 75 MW Parasan Solar Power Station, 75 MW Gurhah Solar Power Station and 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Station…

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced to give Rs 1500 per month for all women aged over 18 years under Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Sammaan Nidhi Yojana.  Making this announcement in a press conference at Shimla on Monday, the CM said, “The state government has fulfilled its fifth election guarantee given during…

Though the intervention of Congress High Command to contain discontentment among a section of the party MLAs and state Congress leaders had brought semblance of a united face of Congress government in the state, however worries continue. The defeat of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi in Rajya Sabha election had brought the discontentment among party…

The hectic activity continued in Himachal Pradesh Congress on Friday as PWD Minister and son of former six times Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Vikramditya Singh left for Delhi on an official tour and also met six rebel MLAs disqualified from the membership of HP Vidhan Sabha on Thursday for defying the party whip, in Panchkula…

The Congress observers appointed by the party high command to resolve the ongoing crisis in Himachal Pradesh have said all issues within the party have been resolved after consultation and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would continue as the state CM. Holding a joint press conference at the official residence of the CM at Shimla…

Six Congress rebel MLAs have been disqualified from the membership of Himachal Pradesh Assembly under the anti- defection law by the Vidhan Speaker Kudeep Singh Pathania on Thursday. Pathania said, “The six MLAs defied the party whip by not being present in the Assembly during the voting on cut motion and the passing of the…

The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) commissioned 100 Megawatt Raghanesda Solar Power Station in Banaskantha District of Gujarat On Wednesday.  Chairman -cum- Managing Director of SJVN Geeta Kapoor said, “The commissioning of SJVN’s eleventh power project has once again proved our dedication for enhancing the green energy landscape of the nation and further solidifies our…

Himachal Pradesh politics and the State Assembly witnessed unfolding of several quick developments on Wednesday after the surprising win of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan in Rajya Sabha polls on Tuesday with the votes of Six Congress MLAs and three Independents MLAs. As the biggest challenge for the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government was get the money…

In a major jolt to the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan has won the Rajya Sabha election after declaration of result at Shimla on Tuesday. Despite,  BJP having 25 MLAs and Congress having absolute majority with 40 MLAs in the house of 68, and also claiming support…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi commemorated its 15th Foundation Day on 27th February. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DD (R&D) and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) was the Chief Guest on the occasion while Mr. G. A. Srinivas Murthy, DS and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Mr. Manoj Jain, Director…

While Congress leaders are taking all measures for the victory of their Rajya Sabha candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the election scheduled for February 27, the BJP leaders despite not having numbers in their favour, are keeping their moves quite secret. Election to fill up one seat for Rajya Sabha has become quite interesting after former…

Himachal Pradesh Government College Teachers’ Association ( HPGCTA) has urged the state government to give benefits to all contract college teachers from January 31st as directed by Himachal Pradesh High Court.  Talking to media persons on Sunday the president of the association Dr Banita Saklani and other office bearers of the association said,” We held…

Nearly a dozen environmental and tribal organizations of Lahaul –Spiti and Pangi under the banner of Ladakh Lahaul Pangi Manali Kiratpur Four Lane Stakeholders Joint front have urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to declare Chandrabhaga river basin as No Go Zone for mega Hydropower projects. In a letter sent to the CM the organizations…

The Himachal Pradesh Units of Kisan Sabha and CITU observed ‘Black Day’ on Friday to protest alleged police repression and killing of a farmer on Punjab – Haryana border. A demonstration was held at DC Office Shimla to protest killing of a youth Shubhkaran Singh and injuring several others in the alleged police action against…

Former Bilaspur Congress MLA Bambar Thakur was injured in an attack by certain people on Friday outside the office of a construction company near Nauni in Bilaspur district on Friday morning. A police source said, “Thakur had gone to the office of a railway construction company near Nauni and had heated arguments with some contractors…

 Five school children were injured in a school  bus accident near Ghyagi on Banjar – Jalori Jot road in Kullu district at about 11 am on Friday. A police source said ,” A school bus of Minerva Public School skidded off the road nearly 100 feet and fell down in a gorge injuring five school…

In a major boost to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court of India has upheld Himachal Pradesh High Court’s decision of handing over Oberoi’s luxury hotel at WildFlower Chharabra, near Shimla to the state government. “The Supreme Court in its order passed on Tuesday did not allow the Special Leave Petition of the East…

A JCB operator died while digging a hillock on Mandi – Kullu National Highway at  six mile near Mandi at about 1 pm on Tuesday. A police source said, “The deceased Phiroj Khan alias Saleem, a resident of village Jarli under Sadar Tehsil of Mandi district, died on the spot.” The police said, “The JCB…

The Lahaul & Spiti district administration has announced to keep all educational institutions shut for two days in view of threat of avalanches due to heavy snowfall in the district in the next twenty four hours. Deputy Commissioner Lahaul & Spiti Rahul Kumar said , “ The entire district is experiencing heavy snow fall as…

Brigadier Govind Singh Sisodia (retired), the Commander of the Black Cat Commando operation during 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack, was felicitated in a function at Sardar Patel University Mandi on Sunday. The Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sardar Patel University Patel University Prof. Anupama Singh presented a Himachali cap, muffler and a memento to Brigadier Sisodia. Speaking on…

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the second budget of his government for 2024-25 financial year in Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Shimla on Saturday. Presenting the budget the CM, as Finance Minister of the state, presented an outlay of Rs 58,444 crore for the financial year 2024-25 with a fiscal deficit of Rs…

The call for Grameen Bandh and industrial strike given by Samyukta Kissan Manch and Central Trade Unions, received a good response in Himachal Pradesh as thousands of workers; farmers and youth organizations held protest demonstrations and staged Dharnas at many places on February 16 to oppose policies of the Central government. In Himachal Pradesh CITU…

Mandi District Congress Committee president Prakash Chaudhary has resigned from the post and from the Congress party. He made an announcement through his Facebook account in this regard saying, “I Prakash Chaudhary resigns from the presidency of Mandi district Congress Committee, from Congress party and all posts.” Three times MLA from Balh constituency of Mandi…

Making the contest for Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal quite interesting, BJP has fielded Harsha Mahanjan against Congress candidate Abhisehk Manu Singhvi in the ensuing election. Entry of Harsha Mahajan, a former Cabinet Minister in Virbhadra Singh government and  three times Congress MLA from Chamba, who had defected to BJP before the last Assembly election…

All India Congress Committee (AICC) has decided to field Supreme Court Lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi to fill the Rajya Sabha seat getting vacated on April 2nd from Himachal Pradesh. The term of national president of BJP, JP Nadda, the present Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh is coming to an end on April 2nd, since Congress…

A neonatal incubator- (SynCubator) developed by a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has been selected for the prestigious Stanford Bio- design Innovators Garage programme. Dr. Gajendra Singh, Assistant Professor, Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Associate Professor and a third year Mechanical Engineering student Keshav Verma from the school of Mechanical…

 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured to implement strict measures for adopting complete  transparency in functioning of newly constituted Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) for recruitment of  Group-C posts.   He said , “ The state government has adopted zero tolerance for corruption and is  all set to provide a corruption free selection…

A weeklong famous Mandi Shivratri festival would be organized from March 9 to 15 this year. Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apporv Devgan after holding a meeting to review the arrangements with the officials said, “The Shivratri festival would be organized in a grand manner and preparation has already begun to make it a very successful event.”…

The mortal remains of Prof. Simi Agnihortri, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, were consigned to flames at their ancestral village Gondpur -Jaichand in Haroli Tehsil of district Una on Saturday . Her last rites were performed by her husband Mukesh Agnihotri who lit the funeral pyre along with his daughter Aastha.   Chief…

In very shocking news Prof. Simi Agnihotri, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, passed away last night . The news of her death was shared by the Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri himself on his Facebook account “Prof. Simi left us last night leaving me and our daughter Dr Astha.” According to information, “Prof. Simi…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has given approval to frame Rules of Business and Procedure in respect of Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog. The Cabinet Meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held at Shimla on Friday decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri to examine…

Returning officer for Rajya Sabha Election from Himachal Pradesh issued a notification to fill a Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal getting vacated on April 2, 2024. As per election schedule announced by the Returning Officer of Himachal Pradesh State Assembly on Thursday, the nomination papers can be filed from February 15 to February 16 from…

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has appointed Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi as new Vice Chancellor of Sardar Patel University (SPU) Mandi. As per a notification issued by Raj Bhavan on Thursday , Prof. LK  Awasthi , presently Director of National Institute of Technology Srinagar (Uttrakhand) , has been appointed Vice Chancellor of SPU Mandi for a…

While Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and other Congress leaders have requested former All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi to contest election for  Rajya Sabha seat getting vacated from Himachal Pradesh and are now awaiting a nod from Mrs. Gandhi. The term of BJP’s National President JP Nadda, a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal…

Apoorv Devgan,  Deputy Commissioner Mandi, after assuming the charge  said, “An opportunity to serve as DC in Chhoti Kashi (Mandi) is blessings of elders and he will work as a team to give impetus to development works and achieve good results in the district. Interacting with media persons here on Tuesday he said, “The feedback…

Two labourers sleeping in a hut died after getting buried under debris of a landslide near Junga in Shimla district on Monday night. A police source said, “Seven labourers were sleeping in the hut when it was hit by a landslide; two of them i.e. Rakesh Kumar (36) and Rajesh Kumar (36) both from Bihar…

No trace of four workers missing since Friday after devastating fire in an illegally run perfume factory at Jharmajri village in Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area of Solan district, has been found so far. Charred bodies of five workers have been traced by the police so far and 29 workers injured in the incident are being treated…

Mrs. Geeta Kapur, Director (Personnel) of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), has assumed the charge of Chairman –cum- Managing Director (CMD) of the SJVN after superannuation of former CMD Nand Lal Sharma. Mrs. Kapoor has marked a historic milestone as the first female to lead any Hydro CPSE within the Indian Power Sector. Prior to…

A joint demonstration against the state government was held on Tuesday by five trade unions at DC office Mandi demanding release of funds for MGNREGA workers . The workers led by  CITU, INTUC, SKS , AITUC and TUCC  leaders marched from the Seri Manch to the DC office raising slogans against the Congress government ….

Two young men lost their lives on Sunday midnight near Pulgharat (Mandi) on Kiratpur – Manali National Highway in a road accident. A Police source said, “Lalit Kumar (22) son of Bidhi Chand, a resident of village Jawali in Patdighat area of Mandi district and Harish Kumar (21) son of Raj Kumar, a resident of…

With the predictions of rainfall and snow made by the meteorological department going haywire, the predicament of agriculturists, orchardists and common people is increasing in the state. The weather forecast of rain and snowfall in Himachal was made by Mausam Vigyan Kendra Shimla a few days back for January 24-25 and January 28 and 29….

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended Statehood Day greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the 54th Statehood Day. The celebration took place at Dharampur in the Mandi district during a state-level function on Thursday. During the event, the Chief Minister hoisted the National Flag and received salutes from marching contingents of Police, Home…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi iHub showcased the success of Drone Didi programme to the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday. ‘Drone Didi programme ‘is a skill development programme linked with the Prime Minister’s NaMo Drone Didi initiative among all skill training partners in India…

Dr Banita Saklani, president of Himachal College Teachers’ Association (HGCTA) has been elected vice president of All India University and College Teachers’ Federation (AIFUCTO), in the 33rd Constitutional Conference held at Kanpur recently. The first women president of the HGCTA, Dr Salkani was elected to the post of the vice president as a representative of the…

The Samyuakt Kisan (SKM) has strongly condemned the Agricultural Ministry of the Central government for allegedly surrendering funds to the tune of Rs 105543.71 crore allocated during the last five years to the ministry for development of agriculture sector. SKM has been formed at National Level by several farmers’ unions to highlight various issues related…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “ The scheme for engaging guest teachers on hourly basis has been put on hold till all doubts about it are clarified.” The announcement of recruiting guest teachers in government schools and colleges had received a strong reaction from unemployed trained teachers, youths and academic community stirring protests in…

Himachal Pradesh government has announced a full day holiday on January 22 (on Monday) on the occasion of Ram Lala Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya. As per a state government notification issued by Chief Secretary, “The full day public holiday would be observed in all HP government departments, schools, colleges and universities and the holiday…

A multi-story building collapsed at about 1 pm on Shimla- Dharamshala – Highway no 88 near Shimla on Saturday. The building located near government college Dhami had developed cracks a few days ago after which it was vacated by its occupants. A source in Shimla police said, “The building was owned by Raj Kumar and…

The decision of Himachal Pradesh government to recruit nearly 2600 teachers in government schools and some colleges as guest faculty has been strongly opposed by trained unemployed teachers, academicians and several other organizations. The strongest criticism has come from B.Ed and M.Ed degree holders and hundreds of them even held a protest demonstration at Dharmshala…

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presided over the Army Mela organized at Annandale ground, Shimla on the Army day on Monday. Lt. General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Shimla welcomed the Governor on this occasion. The Governor said,” The Army Day is an important occasion to pay homage to  indomitable spirit,…

 Former Darang MLA Dina Nath Shashtri (85) passed away in his village Tandu on Monday afternoon. He was elected MLA from Darang Assembly constituency in 1990 on BJP ticket by defeating Congress stalwart Kaul Singh Thakur. A school teacher by profession, Shashtri was quite active in trade union activities His family sources said, “He felt…

As an initiative to develop Himachal Pradesh into a Green State, the state government has provided E-charging facilities on Kiratpur–Manali highway till Keylong, making it the first Green Corridor of the state.   The Indian Oil Corporation Limited has established seven E-charging stations at Ghandal, Daseran near Darlaghat, Nauni near Bilaspur, Jadol, Ner Chowk Bye…

  In a major respite to Director General of Himachal Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu, the Supreme Court has set aside the HP High Court’s order of shifting him from the post of DGP passed on January 9. A three judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud in an order on Friday disapproved the manner…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to enhance the marriageable age of girls in the state from 18 years to 21 years. The meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held at Shimla on Friday decided to make amendments in the Acts and Rules in this regard. The Cabinet also decided to give approval…

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted an interim stay on running a food court in the historic Town Hall Building on Mall Road Shimla. Hearing a petition filed by advocate Abhimanyu Rathod , a division bench headed by Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua on Wednesday  passed an interim order…

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dismissed the review petitions of former Director General of Himachal Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu and SP Kangra Shalini Agnihotri. A double bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court headed by Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Ra and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua on Tuesday hearing the review petitions dismissed the petitions….

The Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankar said our country has transformed in many ways during the last few years. Addressing a gathering at Hamirpur on Saturday the vice president, while presiding over a function of 500th center of Ek Se Shreshta programme, the vice president said, “I congratulate Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who I met…

Himachal Pradesh High court has given a big relief to Himachal Pradesh government by accepting its appeal to take over luxurious Wildflower Hotel (Chharabra) near Shimla, which is being run by Oberoi Group Hotels- East India Hotels Limited. Accepting the appeal of the state government to take over possession of the Hotel, Justice Satyen Vaidya…

In yet another significant court order Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted interim stay on the implementation of notifications issued by the state and the central governments giving schedule tribe (ST) status to Hattee community living in Trans Giri area of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Hearing a petitions of Giripar Anusuchit Jaati Adhikar Sangharash…

In a major jolt to the Himachal Pradesh Congress  government,  the H P High Court has restrained it from giving perks,  facilities and from performing ministerial duties to six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS)  appointed by the Congress government . Hearing a petition filed by eleven BJP MLAs terming the appointment of 6 Congress MLAs as…

Former Director General of HP Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu got a relief from the Supreme Court of India as the Apex court asked the HP High Court to hear his reassigning petition and stayed his transfer orders. Kundu had moved the Apex Court against his removal from the post of the DGP and appointing him…

After notification for giving scheduled tribe (ST) status to  Hattee community of Trans Giri belt in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh was issued by the state government on January 1, both ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP have started taking credit for fulfilling long pending demands of the Hattees . Nearly 1.6 lakh Hattees living in…

Himachal Pradesh government has removed Director General of Police (DGP) of HP Police Sanjay Kundu from his present assignment after directions from Himachal Pradesh High Court. Acting on the directions issued  by a double bench of the Court headed by Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Riwal Dua on December 26; the department…

Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet has decided to start Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start up Yojna phase (11) for setting Solar Power Projects for the youths of 21 years to 45 years in the state. The meeting held at Shimla on Monday presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu envisaging Green Initiative of HP government decided…

Himachal Pradesh government has put a ban on purchase of new diesel or petrol vehicles from January 1, 2024 in the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “In an initiative to achieve the goal of Green and Clean Himachal the state government has directed all government departments not to buy diesel or petrol vehicles…

Himachal Government College Teachers’ Association (HGCTA) has urged the state government to extend the last date of application for national scholarship. In a press release president of the HGCTA Banita Saklani said, “Many colleges in the state have been facing technical issues on the National Scholarship Portal and many students are facing difficulties to apply…

  Researchers at IIT Madras and IIT Mandi have successfully metabolically engineered the plant cells of Nothapodytes nimmoniana to significantly increase the production of Camptothecin, a vital component used in cancer treatment. The breakthrough has been achieved by Sarayu Murali, a PhD student at IIT Madras and a team of experts for developing a genome-scale…

Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to  remove Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal Pradesh and Superintendent of Police (SP) Kangra from their present places of postings .  Acting on a complaint of a Palampur based businessman, a Division bench of HP High Court headed by Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Rao and…

All tourist places in Himachal are choked with tourist vehicles as thousands of tourists have reached major tourist places like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala etc. to celebrate Christmas holidays. The capital towns Shimla, Manali and Atal Tunnel Rohtang have witnessed maximum influx of tourists during the past twenty four hours as thousands of tourists have…

President of Himachal College Teachers’ Association (HGCTA)   Dr. Banita Saklani has demanded repeal of the state government’s policy to recruit college teachers on contract basis. Dr Saklani said ,” The contact policy is not in the best interest of the employees and the state government should scrap the policy, besides providing service benefits to…

A joint delegation of trade unions submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu through DC Mandi Arindam Chaudhary to protest stopping of benefits to MNREGA and other construction workers registered with the Labour Welfare Department of the state on Saturday . The trade union leaders i.e state convener of Sangharsh Samiti Bhupinder Singh…

Himachal Pradesh government has engaged Sky Himalayas Ropeways Private Limited Company to build a ropeway at Chintpurni temple in Una district for pilgrims. The letter of award to the company was handed over by Ajay Sharma, Director Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation at Dharamshala on Friday. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The…

Bhartiya Janata Party MLAs staged a protest outside Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Thursday during winter session of the Assembly at Tapovan near Dharamshala, posing as milkmen, demanding purchase of milk at Rs 100 per kilogram from milkmen of the state as guaranteed by the Congress in its election manifesto during the last Assembly election….

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)  Mandi has been awarded the prestigious Green University Award in COP 28 UAE. The award was conferred by Green Mentors, a non-governmental organization holding special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in the United States. Speaking on this achievement, Director of IIT Mandi Prof. Laxmidhar Behara…

The Congress leadership failed to keep its flock together for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in Solan Municipal Corporation (MC) losing the post of Deputy Mayor to a BJP supported candidate, despite having a majority in the house. Due to deep chasm between different MC councilors aspiring to grab the posts of Mayor…

The statement of Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Pratibha Singh for not being informed about the state level function being organized by the state government at Dharamshala to celebrate one year of formation of the Congress government , has exposed lack of coordination between the Congress organization and the government .   Chief Minister…

Six passengers travelling in a pickup jeep died and six others injured in a road accident near Kadarghat (Jalog) on Shimla – Mandi road at about 7 am on Monday. The pickup jeep (HP63-0231) carrying 12 workers was coming from Sunni to Mandi when the driver of the vehicle lost veering off the road and…

14th Annual Day function of Indus Global School was celebrated at Sanskriti Sadan Mandi in which students from sixth to twelfth class gave their performances on Sunday . Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mandi Arindam Chaudhary was the chief guest in the function who gave away awards to students excelling in different fields. Addressing the gathering on…

Himachal Pradesh government is starting e-auction of fancy numbers for motor vehicle’s  special registration of 0001  series from December 4.  Director Transport, Anupam Kashyap said , “ The transport department would start e -auction for fancy numbers for HP63F-0001 ( RTO Shimla),  HP33G-0001 ( RTO Mandi) and HP68C-0001(RTO Kangra) series from December 4 and people…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to give 30 percent reservation to women candidates for recruitment of police constables, besides giving revised approval for filling up 1226 posts of police constables. The Cabinet Meeting held at Shimla on Friday presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced to make provisions for giving benefits to orphans…

All India People’s Science Network (AIPSN) is organizing a workshop from November 30 to December 3rd at Society for Technology and Development (STD) center Nagwain in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, to highlight the Right to Health in India. An Executive Committee member of AIPSN Joginder Walia said, “The workshop is focusing on capacity building of…

Former Chamba MLA and a retired bureaucrat BK Chauhan (76) passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Chauhan was elected MLA from Chamba sadar constituency on BJP ticket two times from 2007 to 2012 and 2012 to 2017. He hailed from Kundi village of Chamba and did his graduation from Government College Chamba, later…

A three day state level convention of trade union activists, farmers, a section of state government employees and other organizations concluded with a public meeting at Chaura Maidan Shimla on Monday.  The trade union activists under the banner of CITU, members of Himachal Kisan Sabha, workers from NHPC and SJVN power projects, hospitals, municipal bodies,…

BJP supported  councilor Virender Bhatt has been elected new Mayor of Mandi Municipal Corporation (MC) while Madhuri Kapoor has been elected Deputy Mayor in the house of fifteen with BJP supporters having a strength of 11 against four Congress supported councilors. The election of Mayors and Deputy Mayors are being held after two and half…

Former Director General of Sikkim Police Sanam Dubke (SD) Negi was cremated with full state honours at his family’s ancestral cremation ground  Yangpa 1 on the banks of river Satluz on Friday. Negi was living in Gangtok with his family and had come to visit his ancestral village near Bhava in Kinnuar district of Himachal…

Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to create eight new green belts in and around Shimla town to restrict large scale construction in the popular tourist town and capital of the state- known as Hill Queen. Shimla at present has 17 green belts where construction has been banned by the town and country planning department. Preparation…

Rekha Chauhan a known stage singer of Mandi has been awarded Shane –e- Bharat (Himachal) national award by an organization – Betia Foundation.  The award was given to Rekha Chauhan for her contribution in folk singing, in a function held at Manali recently by president of the foundation Dr. Jyotsna Jain. Rekha hails from Joginder Nagar area…

Himachal Pradesh government has witnessed an estimated increase of Rs 1100 crore in the revenue of the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said , “ The revenue of the state government has increased by nearly  Rs 1100 crore due to various measures taken by the state government; if natural disasters in the state had…

Former Director General of Sikkim Police Sanam Dubke (SD) Negi passed away on Monday night at his ancestral village Podagaru near Bhava in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. A 1987 batch Indian Police Services (IPS) Officer of Sikkim cadre, Negi had come to visit his village a few days back but unfortunately had a massive…

Himachal Pradesh government has put a complete ban on transfers of state government employees in the state with effect from November 21, 2023. As per a notification issued by the General Administration Department of the state government no transfer of any state government employee would be effected in the state till further orders in this…

In a major jolt to Dr Anupama Pro- vice chancellor of Sardar Patel University (SPU) Mandi, the Himachal Pradesh high Court has dismissed her petition challenging cancelation of her extra ordinary leave from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Shimla by the Executive Committee (EC) of the HPU.   In an order passed by Justice Sateyan Vaidya…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to convene the winter session of HP Vidhan Sabha from December 19 to 23 at Tapovan Dharamshala and sent the recommendation to HP Governor. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting held at Shimla on Saturday presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Cabinet also decided to…

A committee constituted by Himachal Pradesh government to determine reasons other than the climatic change, responsible for massive devastation in the state during the last monsoon season, has blamed unscientific and illegal mining along the river beds for the damages. .   A spokesman of the state government said, “Unscientific and illegal mining along the…

Himachal Pradesh high Court has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to file an immediate FIR against the Director General of Police (DGP) of the state, Sanjay Kundu in a complaint filed by a Palampur based businessman Nishant Sharma. Taking a suo- moto cognizance of the complaint by Nishant Sharma , a Division bench of the…

BJP stalwart and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shanta Kumar has praised India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru after unveiling his statue at Palampur. Shanta Kumar  known for speaking out independent thoughts on several occasions , even differing to ideological position of the BJP , while addressing a gathering  in the programme he said…

The much awaited air flight between Shimla – Amritsar and Amritsar – Shimla will start from November 16.  The flight operated by Alliance Airlines is being run under Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme and would run three times a week i.e. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight would take off from Jubbarhatti Airport…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was given a rousing welcome on reaching back to Shimla on Saturday after remaining admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi for treatment of stomach related ailment, by his Cabinet colleagues, MLAs and his supporters. The CM was shifted to AIIMS New Delhi on October 27…

In a major setback to Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led Congress government of Himachal Pradesh, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the petition of the state government pleading transfer of case from HP High Court to the Apex Court   in appointments of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs). The state government during hearing of several petitions…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, NIT Uttarakhand and Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Longowal, for research and academic interactions. The MOU with the DRDL Hyderabad would collaborate with Research Center of IIT Mandi and facilitate off-campus Ph.D./M.Tech…

In its earnest effort to empower rural women of Mandi district, the Mandi District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is helping them market local products prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs) during the Diwali festival. The gift packs contain traditional local sweets made from the flour of kodra like kodra ladoos, biscuits, panchgavya diyas, soybean burfi,…

Indian Meteorological Center (IMD) Shimla has issued a yellow alert for many places of Himachal Pradesh forecasting a spell of snowfall in the higher altitudes and rainfall in middle and low altitude areas for 9, 10 and 11 November. In its latest weather bulletin issued for the state at Shimla on Tuesday the Centre has…

Film Actress Kangana Ranaut’s statement expressing her desire to enter active politics by contesting next Parliament election from BJP has created a murmur in Mandi BJP since the actress hails from Bhambla area falling in Mandi Parliamentary constituency. Kangana Ranaut, a successful film actress,  a strong votary of BJP politics and a big supporter of…

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has appealed to the public not to fall prey to Ponzi schemes for fast returns and assured the Kingpin of the Crypto Currency Fraud won’t be spared. While presiding over a meeting at Shimla on Saturday he said, “It a matter of concern over Rs 2500 crore was invested by…

Mandi Shakshrta and Jan Vikas Samiti (MSJVS) organized a function to honour Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma and Mandi Municipal Corporation Councilor from Nela ward Rajender Mohan, for their valuable contributions to the society through their commendable works, at Mandi on Saturday. Padamshri Nek Ram was honoured for his valuable contribution in promoting organic farming…

In yet another accident five persons lost their lives and seven other were injured in a road accident on Friday morning at about 11 am on Karsog – Shimla road near Alsindi, under Karsog sub division of Mandi district, when a Tata Sumo Jeep (HP30-6046) fell into a deep gorge. Twelve persons were reportedly going…

Hundreds of sanitation workers ward attendants, security personnel, staff nurses, date entry operators, laboratory technicians, cooks and helpers sacked by Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) authorities, held a silent protest demonstration before the office of Labour Department at Shimla on Thursday.     The sacked employees have launched an agitation against the IGMC administration for the…

Leaders of Opposition – former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has accused the Congress led state government for working with vindictive spirit for the past one year in the state and trying to close down the schemes started by the previous BJP government. He said, “After closing down several schemes now the state government has chosen…

The weeklong historical Kullu Dussehra concluded at Kullu on Monday with the principal deity of the festival Lord Raghunath returning to its temple at Sultanpur and over three hundred deities camping at the festival ground for a week, returning to their abodes. The chariot of Lord Raghunath was taken back in a procession and thousands…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has been selected by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India to host a 5G Use-case lab. This lab will be set up by the School of Computing and Electrical Engineering at IIT Mandi and will facilitate the development, experimentation of 5G applications in various socioeconomic verticals. The DoT officially awarded…

Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti organized a state level convention at Mandi on Saturday to discuss the adverse impact of New Education Policy (NEP) being implemented by the Central government in which a large number of college and schools teachers, educationists and students participated. Inaugurating the convention Dr. Anita Rampal former Chairman of Education of Delhi…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences at New Delhi on Friday. A government spokesman said, “The CM is undergoing some tests in the Department of Gastroenterology of the AIIMS which may take two to three days.” He said, “The CM is  under the observation of the team…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Hospital Shimla on late Wednesday night due to severe pain in his stomach. Media advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan said, “The Chief Minister had reported acute pain in his stomach in the midnight after which he was admitted in IGMC…

With the death of an engineering student in his hostel room at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur after a suspected overdose of a drug, has  exposed the alarming menace of drug addiction spreading among students and youths of Himachal Pradesh. The death of an M Tech student Sujal Sharma from a suspected overdose…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has asked BJP leaders to desist from doing politics over the relief package to Himachal Pradesh by the Central government in the wake of natural calamity and instead request the Prime Minister to give a relief package to the state. Addressing a gathering at Paddal ground Mandi on Monday he said,…

The ongoing strike by employees of Zila Parishad has been withdrawn by the employees after getting assurance from Minister of Rural Development Anirudh Singh to concede their demands. The development came when the state government had suspended 167 striking junior engineers working in various Zila Parishads on Friday. Forty seven hundred employees working in Zila…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu started ‘Punrvaas’, a rehabilitation initiative of the state government for the disaster affected families on Saturday from Kullu through direct transfer of relief packages. The CM released Rs. 3 lakh each to 324 affected families of Kullu district amounting Rs 9.72 crore as the first installment through direct benefit transfer,…

The Union Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Youth and Sports Affairs Anurag Thakur said, “Meri mati mera desh is a unique programme through which brave men and women of India are being honoured by taking panch pran oath to salute them.”  Addressing the audience at Motipur in Mandi on Saturday the minister said, “Azadi ka Amrit…

Acting tough against the striking employees of Zila Parishad, the state government has suspended the services of 167 junior engineers .  Forty seven hundred employees working in different Zila Parishad of the state have launched an agitation demanding their merger with the employees working in Panchayati Raj department of the state. They have struck their…

Himachal Pradesh government would soon reduce the special road tax and other taxes levied on tourist buses, tempo travelers and commercial tourist vehicles. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, after meeting a delegation of Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association at Shimla on Thursday said, “The state government is seriously considering to  revise the notification regarding…

A team of the Central Water Commission visited Pandoh Dam on Wednesday to probe the circumstances in which excess water was suddenly released from the dams during monsoon fury in the state this year. It is notable the rain fury in the month of August this year had caused huge natural calamity and massive devastation….

As many as five hundred and sixty five pass outs from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi of B Tech, M Tech, MSc, MA, 10 Master of Science courses and sixty PhD,  were awarded degrees in the 11th convocation ceremony of the institute held at IIT campus on Monday. Aditya Sarkar has been awarded the President…

Him Academy Public School organized its annual day function in the school campus at Vikas Nagar (Hamirpur) on Sunday. Vaishali Sharma (HAS), an alumni of Him Academy Public School, presently  BDO Karsog, was chief guest of the function and was accorded a guard of honour by NCC wing of the school on her arrival in…

A research team of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has made startling findings about the quality of ground water in Punjab, revealing high levels of contamination in the groundwater leading to several health hazards including risk of cancer.  The study aimed to track changes in drinking water quality in Punjab from 2000 to 2020…

Himachal Pradesh government’s proposal to allow construction in Green Belts of Shimla has invited ire of environmentalists and a section of residents of Shimla town. The State Cabinet on October 11 had given nod to a proposal of the state government to amend Shimla Development Plan (SDP) for allowing construction in the Green Belts of Shimla…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to amend Shimla Development Plan by allowing construction in Green Belt area above Navbahar- to the church road and above Lakkar bazaar to IGMC Sanjauli Chowk road, besides allowing construction in the Green Belt area on plots not having trees. The Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu…

After a political debate generated in the country by the caste census in Bihar, the Himachal Pradesh government led by the Congress party is going to conduct a caste census in the hill state. As a reply to Hindutva politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government in the coming parliament election the Congress…

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced Assembly election schedule for five states i.e. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.  As per the election dates announced by the ECI on Monday  the voting in all five states would be held between November 7 and 30 while the  counting of votes would be undertaken on…

Dr Banita Kumari Saklani has been elected as the first woman president of the Himachal Government College Teacher’s Association (HPGCTA) in the election held for the association . She polled 827 votes against her nearest rival Sanjay Kumar Jasrotia . Two  candidates Satish Kumar and Surender Singh for the post of senior vice president, polled  868…

The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Industries Association has donated Rs 2.02 crore towards Apda Rahat Kosh. A delegation of the association led by its president Rajiv Aggarwal and general secretary YS Guleria presented a cheque of the donation to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in his office at Shimla on Friday. Thanking the association for this noble gesture…

Himachal Pradesh government is considering to enforce  stringent laws for construction to keep people safe during natural calamities in the state. Speaking while inaugurating a two day workshop ‘Challenges of the Geological Hazards in Western Himalayan Region of Himachal Pradesh ‘ at Shimla on Thursday, the CM said , “ the government will impose laws…

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government to investigate crypto currency frauds in Himachal Pradesh, have arrested two accused  Hem Raj  Rajput and Sukhdev Thakur  belonging to Mandi district, from Gujarat two days back.   The accused are allegedly involved in collecting nearly Rs 18 crore in crypto currency frauds and deceiving…

First international conference on Recent Trends in Science and Technology for Environment Conservation and Sustainable Development was organized on September 29 and 30th at Sidharth Government College Nadaun. The conference was inaugurated by Professor Dr. MK Mattoo, former Head Bio Sciences Department of HPU Shimla.  Dr. Bhagwati Sharma convener of the conference said, “The objective of…

A programme was organized to honour all centenarians of district Mandi on Sunday to observe the International Day for Older Persons. A district level function was organized by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and District Red Cross Society Mandi. Deputy Commissioner Mandi  Arindam Choudhary  Chief guest of the function speaking on the occasion said…

Himachal Pradesh government has announced a special relief package for disaster affected people of the state with a total spending of Rs 4500 crore, out of which Rs750 crore would be spent on restoration , rehabilitation and Rs 1000 crore to generate employment under MNREGA . Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while talking to media…

A six member deputation of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan representing several organizations submitted a report prepared by experts on causes and effects of recent natural calamity in Himachal Pradesh to HP Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Shimla on Friday. Coordinator of the organization Guman Singh said, “We have demanded declaring the Himachal calamity as a National…

Himachal Pradesh health department has launched a comprehensive mental health care service to provide universal online access to equitable, affordable and accessible mental health care. Launching the online service named as ‘Tele MANAS’ at Shimla on Thursday, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Dhani Ram Shandil said, “The service would be available round the clock…

To improve air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, two more air flights to connect Kullu- Shimla and Amritsar are being launched by Alliance Airlines. The flights on Kullu-Amritsar-Kullu airway are scheduled to commence on October 1 and operate thrice a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The flight on Shimla-Amritsar-Shimla airway would start its operation on…

The Himachal Unit of BJP held a protest demonstration at chaura maidan Shimla, attended by party activists on Monday to highlight failures of the Congress government in the state. Addressing the gathering former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, “The real face of Congress, which came to power by misleading the public by making false…

Ashrey Sharma, Congress candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency during the last election, has blamed lack of long term vision by political leaders of the state for the present state of affairs in Himachal Pradesh. Sharma, grandson of former Union Communication Minister Sukh Ram, talking to media persons at Mandi on Monday said, “Though several stalwarts…

The Composite Regional Center (CRC) Sunder Nagar organized a two days camp on rehabilitation education at its center. In-charge of the CRC Dr Shatrughan Singh said, “Assistant Professor of Psychiatry department of PGIMER Chandigarh Dr Krishan Kumar Soni was chief guest in the camp which was attended by 77 participants from different parts of the…

The three days, 9th International Film Festival of Shimla was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday at Gaiety Theatre. Filmmakers from 20 countries and 22 States of India are participating in the festival, including the United States, Belgium, Iran, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Turkey, Nepal, Egypt, Bangladesh, Italy, Poland, Argentina, Sweden, Afghanistan, Australia,…

Himachal Pradesh government is seriously contemplating to legalize cultivation of cannabis and take away the ban on its illegal farming in the state. The cultivation of cannabis and possession of it’s by -product charas is a serious crime at present and cases registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Act (NDPS) Act to check its smuggling…

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri blamed, “Financial mismanagement by previous BJP government, huge debt, reduction in plan size of the state , little help from the NDA government, reckless opening of large scale institutions before last Assembly election in the state for political gains , reckless expenditure on investors meet and exorbitant spending on Amrit…

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has agreed to give loans of Rs 1, 18826 crore to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) to finance solar, thermal and hydro & pumped storage power projects. Chairman –cum- Managing Director of the SJVN Nand Lal Sharma said, “The PFC and the SJVN have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has warned the Hydro Power Projects authorities, including public sector undertakings, to comply with the new power policy of the state government or face cancellation of their agreements with the state government. Replying to a question on vacillation of certain power companies in regard to new power policy of the…

Popular poet and thinker Padamshri Prof. Ashok Chakradhar said Hindi language faces no threat to it in future and would grow further. Addressing audience at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandy auditorium on Monday in a Kava Sandhya  hosted by Hindi Cell of the institute as a part of Rajbhasha Pakhwara, Prof. Chakradhara said…

Several environmental and social organizations have demanded filing of criminal cases against National Highway Authority and managements of Hydro Power companies responsible for their alleged negligence for aggravating effects of recent monsoon fury in the state. Talking to media persons at  Mandi on Sunday,  Guman Singh, Sandeep Minhas, Joginder Walia, BR Kaundal, Narendra Saini  under…

The authorities of Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri Medical College Nerchowk have suspended six (2022 batch) students found involved in two incidents of ragging in the college for three months. Principal of the College Dr DK Verma said, “Two incidents of alleged ragging were reported in the institute on September 15, 2023; the meeting of anti-ragging…

The Hamirpur police have booked five members of a family under Bhoranj police station for allegedly chopping hair of a lady and blackening her facea few days back. SP Hamirpur Akritii Sharma said, “This incident had come to her knowledge through social media wherein family members of lady were seen chopping her hair and parading…

The state spokesman of Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Prem Kaushal has demanded an apology from BJP leaders for opening educational institutions without infrastructure and adequate staff for political considerations. In a press conference at Mandi on Friday he said, “The previous BJP government in the state opened so many institutions without proper infrastructure and staff…

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has given approval to establish Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog to conduct examinations for the recruitment of various Group-C posts in the state government, PSUs, Boards, Corporations and Local Bodies, replacing HP Staff Selection Commission Hamirpur. The meeting held at Shimla on Thursday and presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu…

The  Distributors Federation of India ( LPG operating throughout the country has strongly opposed the decision of management of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to charge exorbitant interests on payments due from them under new credit policy. In a joint letter sent to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas the Distributors Federation has  urged…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has developed an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) based signal processing technique for accurate prediction of structural health of bridges and other structures in collaboration with  French scholar Dr Laurent Mevel working with the Inria Research Center in Rennes University  (France )  .” The researchers say, “The research is…

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi has urged the Central government to declare massive damages during recent monsoon fury in Himachal as National Disaster and help the state government generously for giving relief to affected people, besides carrying out restoration work. The Congress leader said this after visiting calamity hit areas of Kullu and Mandi districts…

Himachal Pradesh State Committee of CPM has demanded resignation of the Director of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi Prof. Lakshmidhar Behera for linking meat eating habits of people of the state with natural disasters. In a letter written to the IIT Director, copies of which have been sent to Union Human Resource Minister and HP…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has congratulated people of Himachal Pradesh, for two industrial towns of the state i.e.  Parwanoo and Kala Amb winning prestigious Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 national award. The CM said, “Winning award was possible due to responsible and environmentally conscious tourism, the active cooperation of local communities and the coordinated, sustained…

The Director of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi Professor Lakshmidhar Behera has invited the ire of rational thinkers, scientists and environmentalists for his remarks “blaming meat eating habit of people of Himachal for landslides in the state”, demanding his removal from the post. The IIT Director has made controversial remarks while addressing students of…

Himachal Pradesh government is taking steps to control all construction activity in rural areas as large scale construction activity is going on in the periphery of tourist places and upcoming commercial centers, besides other places.  The state government would soon empower panchayats to regulate construction activity in the rural areas for which the Department of…

The Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi authorities have suspended ten B.Tech students for six months and taken disciplinary action against all 72 students found involved in ragging of junior students of the institute. An official of the institute in a press statement said, “A few days back an incident of ragging of junior students by…

Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Tikender Singh Panwar has demanded action in his complaint against National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and GR Infra Construction Company for allegedly committing serious lapses in construction of Parwanoo – Solan National Highway, leading to massive landslides during the recent monsoon rains. Panwar, a prominent CPM leader, had filed…

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced to set up Rajya Chayan Aayog replacing the Staff Selection Commission (Hamirpur) within next two months to ensure fairness in the selection criteria of candidates.  Speaking at Nadaun on Monday the CM said, “The state government is committed for bringing transparency in the recruitment process by…

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi would visit Himachal Pradesh before September 10 to meet rain affected people of the state. A congress source said, “The exact programme of Priyanka Gandhi is being finalized, she has proposed to visit the state in the first week of September to meet the rain affected people to interact with them…

Three trucks laden with goods were burnt completely and one person was injured   on Mandi- Kullu national highway at nine mile near Pandoh on Saturday evening. A police source said, “As per preliminary information the incident happened at 7 pm when the diesel tank of a truck carrying goods caught fire resulting in massive fire;…

Himachal Pradesh Government has put a complete ban on cutting of hills except for rebuilding roads and buildings damaged during the recent monsoon in the state.  A spokesman of the state government said,” The state government has put a complete ban on cutting of hills for all construction activity including by private persons in the…

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has strongly condemned the decision of HP government to curtail the extent of Sardar Patel University (SPU) Mandi . In a press statement the former CM said, “This is a very unfortunate decision and fraught with ill will; the state government cannot open a new university but is allegedly…

The Himachal Pradesh Government has prepared a disaster risk reduction and preparedness programme involving a French Government agency the Agency Francaise de Developpement (AFD). This programme would start from April 2024 and the state government would be spending Rs 890 crore on the project for five years to equip the state in disaster preparedness and…

Former Head and one of the founding members of Master of Business Administration and Commerce department of Himachal Pradesh Professor MK Sharma passed away at his residence in Noida on Tuesday morning. He was not keeping well for some time and died of age related problems. Professor Sharma remained dean and Director of School of…

The monsoon session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly would be convened from September 18 to 25. Giving this information while interacting with media persons at Shimla on Monday Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said , “The monsoon session of the HP Assembly would be held from September 18 to 25 having seven sittings,  devastating effects of…

Himachal Pradesh government has decided to integrate police and forest department’s check posts to stop timber smuggling in the state. The decision was taken in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Shimla on Sunday. The CM also emphasized the need of installation of advanced technology, including CCTV surveillance at the…

A team from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued 51 people stuck in Kholanala panchayat after cloud burst and heavy rain on August 22 and 23rd in Bahli Chowki Subdivision of Mandi district on Friday.  Sub Divisional Magistrate Bahli Chowki had received information a cloud burst near Hanogi temple had cut off links to Shesnu Gouni…

Four multistoried buildings crumbled like houses of cards in Ani bazaar (in Kullu district) on Thursday morning. Fortunately there was no loss of human life as the buildings were declared unsafe by local administration after cracks had appeared in the buildings. The offices of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank and State Bank of India were located…

At least five persons have lost lives in Mandi district during the past twenty four hours due to heavy rain, landslides and flash floods while two persons are missing. Several buildings including school buildings have been damaged; two national highways i.e.  Chandigarh – Manali  and Pathankot – Manali have been blocked due to landslides at…

The State Cabinet expressed grief over massive loss of government and private property and paid tributes to people losing lives during the recent flash floods and landslides in the state. The meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to amend Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy by singing new MOU for Hydro projects for…

Masuam Vigyan Kendra Shimla of The Indian Meteorology Department has predicted a fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rains in many parts of Himachal, beginning tomorrow i. e from August 22 to 25. As per information shared by the center on its official website the possibility of isolated spells of heavy to very heavy…

Professor Sandeep Kalia, Head of Orthopedics Department, Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri Medical College Nerchowk and his teammates have added another feather to their hat by unfurling the National Flag on Independence Day at Mount Yunus in Lahaul and Spiti district at the height of 20100 feet.   A team led by Dr Kalia, which had…

Himachal Pradesh government has declared the entire state as a natural calamity affected area. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “In the wake of colossal damage to life and property during the recent rain fury triggering massive landslides and floods the state government has taken a decision to declare Himachal Pradesh as a natural calamity…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The Himachal Pradesh government is yet to receive the first installment of Rs 315 crore towards interim relief from the Central government.” While interacting with media persons at Sarkaghat after visiting rain affected areas of Sarkaghat on Thursday the CM said, “ Rs 180 crore were released to the…

As many as three hundred twenty seven people have lost their lives in different parts of Himachal Pradesh from June 24 to August 16 as the state faced one of the worst natural calamities during the current monsoon season as per date released by disaster management cell of Revenue department of the state. Thirty eight…

Fifteen passengers travelling in a HRTC bus were injured on Saturday morning when the portion of Dehar – Kangu road caved in. The incident occurred at about 6.30 am near Soar village on Dehar – Kangu road . A Sunder Nagar depot bus had left from  Sunder Nagar  bus stand for Shimla via Dehar when…

Six persons including five police personal lost thier lives in the road accident in Churah Assembly constituency of Chamba district on Friday morning when a Tata Sumo hit by a boulders plunged into Siul river near Tarwai on Bairagrh – Tissa road.   A Tata Sumo was carrying a police petroling  party of eleven including driver…

Protests by a united forum of trade unions and national federations throughout Himachal Pradesh at district levels were held on Wednesday against the alleged anti people policies of the Central and the state government. Hundreds of workers marched through bazaars of Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kullu, Chamba , Una and other districts raising slogans against the…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Rs 70 crore would be spent for strengthening Chhaila- Yashwant Nagar road, considered a lifeline of people as an alternative route to Chandigarh via Solan . The CM during his tour of Chopal area to take stock of losses caused during rains on Tuesday said, “ The state government…

Lok Sabha membership of former AII India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi was restored on Monday by the Lok Sabha secretariat after which Rahul Gandhi MP representing Waynad constituency attended the ongoing session of the parliament.   It is notable the Supreme Court of India had put a stay on conviction of Rahul Gandhi…

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has welcomed the Supreme Court of India’s decision of granting stay on conviction of former AICC president and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case by a court in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi was convicted for two years by a court in Gujarat in a defamation case filed by…

Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to the Attorney General of India expressing serious concern on digging of hills and reports of poor quality of works in construction of roads and tunnels for buliding four lane highways in the state. Acting on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the High Court, a…

Several organizations working for protection of  environment and ecology of Himachal Pradesh have demanded a high level inquiry headed by a former judge of HP High Court in the alleged unscientific cutting of hills and illegal dumping of muck in Beas River. Talking to media persons at Mandi today,  Guman Singh representing Himalyan Niti Abhiyan…

( Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and HP CM taking stock of damages during the recent floods ) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari took stock of the losses occurred during the recent monsoon fury in Kullu and Manali area on Tuesday. Accompanied by HP Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Union Minister…

Ranjan Sharma, Bipin Chander Negi and Rakesh Kainthla were sworn in as the Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla administered the oath of office to the newly appointed judges at Raj Bhawan Shimla. The proceedings of the oath ceremony were conducted by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena. The Union Ministry of…

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), engaged in construction of four lane projects in Himachal Pradesh, has come under the attack of environmentalists after filing of a police complaint against the NHAI  holding it responsible for losses during flash floods in the state by carrying unscientific cutting of hills and illegal dumping in rivers….

Union Surface Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari would visit Kullu –Manali on August 4, to take stock of losses to Chandigarh –Manali National Highway and other flood affected areas. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who met the Union Minister in New Delhi recently to apprised him about heavy losses in the state during…

Type The Kulu district administration has issued an alert to people living in down stream of Malana stage 1 and stage 2 hydro power projects in view of overflowing of water from reservoir of Malana 2 power project. Deputy Commissioner Kullu said, ” It has been reported by Malana stage 2 Hydro Power Project authorities…

Son of six times former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Public Works Development (PWD) Minister in Himachal Pradesh government Vikramaditya Singh has warned a bureaucrat of the state government, without naming him, “Not to cross lakashman rekha.” Talking to media persons at Shimla in HP secretariat on Saturday, the minister said “I hold bureaucracy in very high esteem…

Several Leftist organizations today held a protest demonstration at Seri Manch Mandi on Friday  against unabated violence continuing in North Eastern state of Manipur. The members of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Janwadi Mahila Samiti(JMS), CITU and All India Lawyers Union raised slogans condemning the violence in Manipur and also submitted a memorandum to…

One hundred twelve tourists including fourteen foreigners, stranded in Parvati valley of Kullu district for the past several days after the recent rains, have been rescued safely by Kullu police with the help of SDRF in Himachal Pradesh. Superintendent of Police Kullu Sakshi Verma said, “As many as one hundred twelve tourists tracking in Parvati…

The owner of Plaza restaurant of Shimla has reportedly died after being injured in a blast in middle bazarr Shimla on Tuesday evening .  According to an information the incident occured at about 7 pm when a massive blast near Ground Zero and Himachali Rasoi eateris created panic in the Middle bazaar area of Shimla. …

Himachal Pradesh government has decided to ensure weight based sale of apples in the state during the ensuing apple season. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi after a meeting with the representatives of the apple growers, traders, commission agents and government officials at Shimla on Tuesday said, “Since there is a great demand of Himachal apples…

Himachal Pradesh government has extended the services of 1844 employees of different categories, recruited during COVID -19 pandemic in different health institutions of the state for three months till September 30, 2023. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The services of 1844 employees working in different health institutions of the state have been extended till…

As environmentalists and local people have raised finger on a large number of timber logs seen floating along with gushing slush  in Thunag bazaar,  after a cloud  burst in the area during the recent rain fury in the state on July 10,  the working of forest department has come under the scanner of the state…

 Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The state government safely evacuated around 70 thousand tourists stranded in Himachal Pradesh for the past several days and the state government gave priority to bring back tourists to safer places.” He said, “The rescue operations were started in the flood affected areas on a large scale and it…

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has accused the state government for not doing enough for relief and restoration work for the flood affected people of the state. Talking to media persons at Mandi on Saturday, Thakur said, “Several areas are still waiting for relief work to begin as administration has failed to provide drinking…

The Supreme Court of India Collegium has recommended names of two lawyers and a juridical officer of Himachal Pradesh for appointment as High Court Judges. Names of two lawyers Ranjan Sharma and Bipin Chander Nagi and judicial officer Rakesh Kainthla have been recommended for elevation as judges in Himachal Pradesh High Court. Ranjan Sharma and…

National president of BJP Jagat Prakash Nadda visited rain ravaged areas of Mandi and Kullu district on Friday. Accompanied by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur and former HP CM Jai Ram Thakur, Nadda visited Panchvaktra temple on the banks of river Beas, Pandoh bazaar in Mandi district and Bhuntar and Manali in Kullu…

Five persons lost their lives and three others were injured in a road accident on Sunder Nagar – Kateru road near Ghidi when a Bolero Jeep no HP 31- 8349 rolled down a gorge in Bhalana Khud on Friday morning. A police source from BSL colony Police Post Sunder Nagar said, “Lala Ram (50), Roop…

Two hundred fifty six tourists stuck up at Chandratal Lake in Lahaul – Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh after incessant rain , were rescued on Thursday by rescue teams under the supervision of  Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and  Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi . Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who is touring the rain…

Thousands of tourists stranded in Kullu- Manali and Lahaul –Spiti district for the past several days due to road blocks at several places, after incessant rains in the state continuing since July 8, were evacuated on Wednesday. However efforts are being made to bring back 293 tourists stuck up at Chandratal Lake in Lahaul –…

Respite from incessant rains and a clear sky on Wednesday came as a big relief to a large number of people affected by flash floods and fury of rains in Himachal Pradesh,  as the state government mobilized all its resources to beef up relief and restoration work. The state government, which has sought the help…

With incessant rain still continuing in Himachal Pradesh for the fourth consecutive day on Monday, all rivers are flowing over danger mark posing constant threat to many important bridges, houses located on the banks and several power projects.   Normal life throughout the state has been adversely affected as electricity, drinking water facility and internet services…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over the phone and inquired about the extent of the damages caused to life and property due to heavy rains and floods in Himachal Pradesh. The CM said, “I informed him the state has been severely affected by floods and heavy rainfall,…

Five persons died on Monday morning when a car in which they were travelling rolled down a hill several hundred meters in deep gorge at Devdhank on Kedas road in Nimand sub division of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh . The victims travelling in a private car no HP- 35 -4332 were on their way…

Though nearly 72 hours have elapsed since the self-proclaimed separatist leader of Sikh for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannnu disappeared in the United States, there is yet no credible and official information about his whereabouts. Pannu had disappeared from New York and unconfirmed reports in social media about “ his killing in a car accident”…

Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended warm greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on his birthday at Mcleodganj on Thursday and also felicitated him on the occasion.   The CM said, “People of the Tibetan community and Himachal Pradesh have had a close relationship for the past 75 years and harmonious relationships…

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, virtually laid the foundation stone of a modern police station at Shahpur, from Chandigarh on Wednesday.  The CM was scheduled to inaugurate the police station, being constructed with the cost of Rs five crore but the state government chopper couldn’t take off from Chandigarh due to bad weather….

Adventure by a man to take Shrikhand Yatra in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, before its official commencement on July 7, proved fatal for him resulting in his death. Rakesh Sharma, son of Thakur Das, a resident of village Gharkoti of Bilaspur district died at Bheem Dwari on way to Shrikhand peak. As there is…

Ex-servicemen in Himachal Pradesh have once again started raising their voice against the Central government for implementation of One Rank One Pension (ORP) scheme. Hundreds of ex-servicemen held a state wide protest and observed a day long fast in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday demanding removal of anomalies created by implementation of ORP. President of Ex-servicemen…

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said, “The ongoing G20 – S20 meet at IIT Mandi would provided a platform for  delegates from the public and private sectors to come together and explore potential knowledge sharing opportunities to address societal development with technological interventions.” Addressing the conclave on Technology for Society at the institute today…

Nine people have lost thier lives in flash floods and 14 persons have been injured after the onset of monsoon in Himachal Pradesh on June 24, besides causing a loss of property of Rs 104 crores” .Principal Secretary Revenue and Disaster Management Onkar Chand Sharma gave this information on Tuesday at Shimla.Meanwhile Indian Meteorological Center…

Thousands of vehicles were stuck on Mandi – Kullu (Manali) national highway as landslides caused by heavy rains during the past two days gave harrowing time to thousands of tourists and other passengers struck since Sunday night. As a large number of tourists had to spend the night in their vehicles, thousands of vehicles were…