The state government approved OBC reservation in urban bodies, formed a Backward Classes commission, and increased healthcare staff. It provided financial aid to flood-affected families, established a tourism council, and increased security at manufacturing units. Additional decisions included age relaxation for teacher exams, orphan seat reservations, and uniform water tariffs in Solan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Rs 3 cr-shelter remains non-operational three years after completion
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.
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.
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.
Medical college authorities say will act if a formal complaint is received
A tractor-trolley got trapped in Dehar khud in Jawali subdivision this afternoon while extracting minerals
Downpour triggers landslides, houses damaged
No suicide note was recovered from the spot
It is learnt that the accused had got married for the third time a few years back
The pilgrimage is being held from August 16 to 31
15 private, Volvo buses challaned for ferrying passengers against norms
Now, Jal Shakti Department to supply & distribute water in city
A 36-year-old Kenyan woman, Grace Nhdia, was arrested in McLeodganj for overstaying her visa. Her passport expired in 2021. She was charged under the Foreigners Act, given 14-day judicial custody, and police are now checking other foreign residents for valid documentation.
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.
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.
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