Himachal Pradesh

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 43 OTT platforms blocked so far

The participating drone-makers cannot use any Chinese parts and will have to show how their machines perform over natural obstacles at an altitude of 10,700 feet

An official team comprising veterinary pharmacists, along with animal husbandry attendants, visited the site to assess the damage and document the loss

Potable water supply disrupted at nearly 50 locations

Apple growers protested in Shimla against land evictions and the cutting of trees. The demonstration, organized by farmer unions, disrupted traffic and included a minor clash with police. They cited environmental concerns and the importance of orchards for farmer livelihoods. While the High Court order prompted the protest, the Supreme Court has since stayed the order.

AICC Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore urged the Central Government to raise apple import duties, citing a promise to protect horticulturists. He criticized US pressure to lower duties and welcomed support from BJP MPs and the Supreme Court's decision on orchard land. Rathore also criticized the BJP over MIP claims and urged disaster mitigation planning.

A Mahindra XUV300 caught fire and was destroyed near Dharwa, Himachal Pradesh. The four occupants escaped unharmed after smoke emerged from the bonnet. The car, en route from Shimla to Sirmaur, was registered to Lokendra Singh and driven by his father. Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

#Hill View

Virtually inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

The 30th Himachal Pradesh State Shooting Championship will be held August 14-18 in Dhaulakuan, Sirmaur. Organized by the Himachal Pradesh State Rifle Association and Sirmaur District Rifle Association, the competition includes rifle, pistol, and shotgun events across all age and gender categories. Entries must be submitted online by August 13.

Heavy rainfall caused landslides and flash floods in Kangra district, isolating villages and blocking major roads. Houses are damaged, water and power supplies disrupted. The administration is working to clear roads, but the ongoing rain hinders restoration efforts.

Police in Hamirpur arrested a couple and seized 600g charas, 74g chitta, 5g opium, and over Rs 2.19 lakh in cash. The arrests followed a raid based on a tip-off. A separate arrest near Bhota town yielded 15g of narcotics, potentially leading to drug supply network investigations.

Infrastructure, homes and crops severely damaged, says DC

Heavy rains caused a flash flood in the Sal River, damaging Chamba town's water supply infrastructure. Supply is cut off, and repairs are underway. Water will be rationed once daily upon partial restoration due to high demand and damaged infrastructure. Residents are urged to conserve water and cooperate.

Children with special needs from the state won four medals at the National Bocce Championship in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Vikas Sharma won gold, Ritika and Karthik Sharma silver, and Anjali bronze. The team was led by coaches Surjeet Kumar and Archana Gautam. Four other children were selected for the National Football Competition in Kolkata.

Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar laid the foundation for a new tribal hostel in Lagga, Himachal Pradesh, under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The hostel, accommodating 50 students, aims to support tribal education, with the event coinciding with an education summit in Delhi.

The Jamuala Naag Temple near Dehra experienced record attendance on Naag Panchami. Dedicated to Shesh Nag, the temple attracts thousands during Saawan. Legend says the deity chose this site, offering healing soil believed to neutralize venom, along with unique rituals and farmer offerings.

Kashmir House in Dharamsala is now the HPTDC head office. The move aims to boost Kangra's tourism, aligning with the CM's vision. Stakeholders show mixed reactions. Experts suggest relocating the Department of Tourism for greater impact. The historic building has served diverse roles since 1935.

40 vehicles swept away, over 12 houses damaged in Tungal Colony, 32 stranded in homes rescued

The government denotified 100 zero-enrolment schools (72 primary, 28 middle) and merged 120 primary schools with low enrollment. Decisions followed a Directorate of School Education proposal, prioritizing districts like Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra. Further mergers are under consideration, except for those in challenging terrains.

A cloudburst in Mandi town caused flash floods, resulting in three deaths and one critical injury. Chief Minister Sukhu offered condolences, assured aid to affected families, and pledged relief and rehabilitation. Former leaders also visited and expressed sympathy.

Heavy rain has closed 358 roads, including NH-21, and disrupted 182 power transformers and 179 water supply schemes in the state. Mandi district is the worst affected. Orange and yellow alerts for heavy rain are in effect until August 4.

Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhu plans a new apple grower policy. He'll address their concerns with the Union Minister and investigate tree felling reports. The state seeks forestland for disaster victims and support under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Heavy rainfall caused landslides in Kangra district, disrupting road connectivity. Two deaths were reported, one from a slip into a river and another from a snakebite. National Highway blockages near Kangra caused significant traffic delays. Roads were cleared, but one-way traffic remained in place as a precaution.

Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a new PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya building in Sandhol, Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing NEP goals and rural education. The modern infrastructure aims to enhance learning. Local MLA Chander Shekhar addressed health and sports development, including increased specialist visits to Sandhol Hospital.