Himachal Pradesh

The state government approved the purchase of a Rs 92 lakh Mercedes Benz for Governor Shukla, replacing his 2019 model. This decision, adhering to protocol, drew criticism online due to recent state losses and debt. The Raj Bhawan has used Mercedes cars since 1998.

HRTC will issue ID cards for free/concessional bus travel to prevent misuse. Vacant government buildings will be utilized and a nodal agency designated. A one-time policy allows registration of unregistered construction vehicles. Phase-II of a legacy cases resolution scheme launches September 1. The Vidhan Sabha monsoon session starts August 18.

Heavy rainfall caused significant damage and land subsidence on a section of the Kiratpur-Manali highway near Diyod, disrupting traffic. This vulnerable area has experienced similar issues before, despite prior repairs including a retaining wall. Authorities are monitoring the situation and undertaking temporary maintenance while assessing the terrain with expert consultants.

15 private, Volvo buses challaned for ferrying passengers against norms

Himachal Pradesh seeks approval for night landing facilities at Kangra airport to boost tourism and connectivity. This would involve upgrading infrastructure and allow flights with reduced visibility, potentially increasing flight frequency and accessibility to tourist destinations, supporting local businesses.

A cloudburst caused flash floods in Dhanpal Kanda village, destroying a bridge, crops, and apple trees. Three smaller bridges and roads were damaged, and power was lost in Khiuncha village due to landslides. No lives were lost. A revenue team will assess the damage.

Kangana Ranaut questioned the central government regarding the use of relief funds provided to Himachal Pradesh after floods and landslides in Mandi. She demanded details on aid disbursement and the state's response. Ranaut also requested information on the NDRF/ITBP deployment and a long-term disaster mitigation plan.

Chief Minister Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri mourned the deaths of an Army officer and a Lance Dafadar in the Galwan Valley. They expressed sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, who died after their vehicle was hit by a boulder. They offered condolences to the families and wished for the injured's recovery.

Mandi city faces a third day of water scarcity due to heavy rain damaging the Uhl water supply scheme. Residents rely on unsafe natural sources. The Jal Shakti Department is repairing damage, hoping to restore water by tomorrow. Extensive damage to roads, power, and water infrastructure has occurred district-wide.

Medical college authorities say will act if a formal complaint is received

The Himachal Pradesh Police will move its Armed Police and Training Headquarters from Junga to Daroh in Kangra district, following the Chief Minister's plan to decongest Shimla. This division trains new recruits and offers specialized courses, focusing on areas like cybercrime and technology.

Chief Justice Sandhawalia of the Himachal Pradesh High Court reallocated administrative duties for Civil and Sessions Divisions among the judges. Justice Thakur will handle Shimla, Justice Goel will handle Mandi and Solan, and Justice Sharma will handle Kangra. Other judges were assigned responsibility for Una, Kullu, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Kinnaur.

A bus accident near Tuna village in Mandi district killed one woman and injured nine others. The bus, traveling from Jehal to Chailchowk, plunged into a gorge. The injured, including the driver and conductor, are receiving medical attention. Police are investigating the cause.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court denied bail to ED official Vishal Deep and CBI officer Balbir Singh in a Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam. The court cited the severity of the allegations, including abuse of power and institutional breach, and the need to preserve the trial's integrity. Balbir Singh's medical needs were also addressed.

Rs 3 cr-shelter remains non-operational three years after completion

Shivansh Rana, an Amity University Aerospace Engineering student, won the 2025 Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award. His research, applying aerospace principles to cardiovascular science, found rapid pressure drops can cause heart attack-inducing shock waves in blood. The study, done with an international team and former ISRO scientist Dr. Kumar, was presented at a US conference.

Lt Col Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia, a decorated 33-year-old officer, died in a boulder accident during a military convoy in Ladakh. A recipient of the Sword of Honour, he was known for his brilliance and dedication. He leaves behind his wife, daughter of Lt Gen Bakshi, and a young son.

Major General Ajay Sood, from Thural village near Palampur, retired after 37 years in the Army. His distinguished career, beginning in 1988, brought honor to Palampur and Himachal Pradesh. He is an alumnus of Sainik School and a recipient of multiple medals. Palampur MLA Ashish Butail congratulated him.

Protesters threaten statewide agitation in coming days

A review meeting in Chamba addressed forest initiatives, focusing on the RGVSY and Mukhyamantri Van Vistar Yojana. Officials reported on afforestation progress, community engagement, and a significant drop in forest fires. Other schemes like 'Salix for Soil' were also discussed.

Sirmaur DC Priyanka Verma led a meeting on food safety. She mandated timely licensing/registration for food businesses and monthly sampling of milk, bread, and sweets. The mobile food testing van will be used for sampling and awareness. Fines of Rs 5.5 lakh were levied on 32 operators for selling adulterated food.

Himachal Pradesh University donated Rs 47,05,683 to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The contribution, representing two days' salary from staff and retirees, supports those affected by recent natural disasters in the state. The university community expressed solidarity with those impacted.

Adani Agri Fresh launched a digital mandi in Himachal Pradesh to modernize the apple trade. It offers farmers automated sorting, grading, and digital bidding, ensuring fair pricing and faster payments. The initiative connects farmers to national buyers, increasing transparency and efficiency.

Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap reviewed Taklech Gram Panchayat's development projects via video conference. He emphasized maintaining project records, ensuring scheme benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries, and the importance of field officials' accountability. He also discussed local issues and disaster preparedness.

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla will hold the B L Modi Memorial Inter-School English Elocution Competition on August 1-2, 2025. Nine Shimla schools will participate. The competition honors late BCS teacher B L Modi, promoting English speaking and public speaking skills. Abid Hussain Sadiq will be the chief guest.