After Monsoon showers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that districts in Uttarakhand are expected to receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-expected-in-delhi-ncr-in-the-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-233890">heavy rainfall</a> from July 9 to July 13.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-in-mumbai-leads-to-water-logging-slow-traffic-233946">Heavy to very heavy rainfall</a> likely to occur at isolated places especially in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal &amp; Dehradun Districts on July 9 and July 10, 2019," read a statement from the IMD.

IMD also issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun and Haridwar districts for July 11 to 13.

After Monsoon showers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that districts in Uttarakhand are expected to receive heavy rainfall from July 9 to July 13.

After Monsoon showers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that districts in Uttarakhand are expected to receive heavy rainfall from July 9 to July 13. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to occur at isolated places especially in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal & Dehradun Districts on July 9 and July 10, 2019," read a statement from the IMD. IMD also issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun and Haridwar districts for July 11 to 13.

India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhancement-of-retirement-age-unemployment-allowance-on-trs-poll-manifesto-181040">retirement age</a>.

While India should be set to benefit from the so-called "demographic dividend" over the next decade as its working population is set to increase by about 9.7 million a year between 2021-31, that will quickly fade as the nation's fertility rate plunges below replacement level.

The conclusions in the study, "India's Demography at 2040: Planning Public Good Provision for the 21st Century," will have major implications for many companies, particularly those that have been eyeing consumer demand from India's young population.

It said the number of children in the 5-14 age bracket will decline significantly, leading to the need for school mergers and less focus on building new ones.

Already states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have fewer than 50 students enrolled in more than 40 per cent of their elementary schools, according to the study, which was included in the government's annual Economic Survey.

It also said that policymakers need to prepare for an increasing number of elderly people, estimating there will be 239.4 million Indians over the age of 60 in 2041 against 104.2 million in 2011.

"This will need investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age in a phased manner," concluded the study, which was authored by India's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian and his team of economists.

The current retirement age for most government workers in India is 60.

Meanwhile, the number of Indians aged between 0-19 has already started to decline and the proportion of the population in that age group is projected to fall to 25 per cent by 2041 from 41 per cent in 2011.

The demographic dividend that is talked about in India refers to the current situation where the nation's labour force is growing quicker than the rest of the population it supports.

If the newcomers to the labour market get well-paid jobs it boosts consumption and economic growth.

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the retirement age.

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the retirement age. While India should be set to benefit from the so-called "demographic dividend" over the next decade as its working population is set to increase by about 9.7 million a year between 2021-31, that will quickly fade as the nation's fertility rate plunges below replacement level. The conclusions in the study, "India's Demography at 2040: Planning Public Good Provision for the 21st Century," will have major implications for many companies, particularly those that have been eyeing consumer demand from India's young population. It said the number of children in the 5-14 age bracket will decline significantly, leading to the need for school mergers and less focus on building new ones. Already states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have fewer than 50 students enrolled in more than 40 per cent of their elementary schools, according to the study, which was included in the government's annual Economic Survey. It also said that policymakers need to prepare for an increasing number of elderly people, estimating there will be 239.4 million Indians over the age of 60 in 2041 against 104.2 million in 2011. "This will need investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age in a phased manner," concluded the study, which was authored by India's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian and his team of economists. The current retirement age for most government workers in India is 60. Meanwhile, the number of Indians aged between 0-19 has already started to decline and the proportion of the population in that age group is projected to fall to 25 per cent by 2041 from 41 per cent in 2011. The demographic dividend that is talked about in India refers to the current situation where the nation's labour force is growing quicker than the rest of the population it supports. If the newcomers to the labour market get well-paid jobs it boosts consumption and economic growth.

India's old age population set to double in 20 years, warns government report

The death toll in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-25-killed-in-bus-accident-in-kullu-himachal-pradesh-229003">bus accident in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh</a> has risen to 44 while over 30 have suffered injuries in the incident.

"It seems that the bus was overloaded. Rescue operations will continue tomorrow as well. Chief Minister will be visiting tomorrow. A magisterial investigation into the incident has been ordered," Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister, Govind Singh Thakur, said on Thursday while speaking to media persons here.

The chief minister has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, the official said, adding that Thakur also asked the administration to provide best possible medicare to the injured passengers.

The bus carrying around 50 passengers fell into the over 300-metre-deep nullah near the Dhoth Morh in Banjar tehsil of the district, Kullu Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri said, adding the vehicle was en route Gada Gushaini.

The Kullu district administration announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 to the kin of each of the deceased and the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

"Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," said Prime Minister Modi on the official twitter handle of PMO India.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll in the bus accident in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh has risen to 44 while over 30 have suffered injuries in the incident. "It seems that the bus was overloaded.

The death toll in the bus accident in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh has risen to 44 while over 30 have suffered injuries in the incident. "It seems that the bus was overloaded. Rescue operations will continue tomorrow as well. Chief Minister will be visiting tomorrow. A magisterial investigation into the incident has been ordered," Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister, Govind Singh Thakur, said on Thursday while speaking to media persons here. The chief minister has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, the official said, adding that Thakur also asked the administration to provide best possible medicare to the injured passengers. The bus carrying around 50 passengers fell into the over 300-metre-deep nullah near the Dhoth Morh in Banjar tehsil of the district, Kullu Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri said, adding the vehicle was en route Gada Gushaini. The Kullu district administration announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 to the kin of each of the deceased and the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. "Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," said Prime Minister Modi on the official twitter handle of PMO India. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll rises to 44 in bus accident in Himachal Pradesh, over 30 injured

At least 33&nbsp;people were killed and 37&nbsp;others were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Banjar area of Kullu when the bus fell into a deep gorge.

The bus which was carrying around 50 passengers was on its way from Banjar to Gadagushani area.

Superintendent of Police, Kullu, Shalini Agnihotri said that the bodies of 15 people killed in the accident were recovered.

"The injured were taken to the local hospital in Banjar," she added.

Eyewitnesses said the bus was overcrowded and the driver probably lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn.
<img alt="Bus accident" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73c8d0af-1273-42d9-ba78-efa9872cd114" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kullu.JPG" />
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

"Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," said Prime Minister Modi on the official twitter handle of PMO India.

At least 33 people were killed and 37 others were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The accident occurred near Banjar area of Kullu when the bus fell into a deep gorge.

At least 33 people were killed and 37 others were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The accident occurred near Banjar area of Kullu when the bus fell into a deep gorge. The bus which was carrying around 50 passengers was on its way from Banjar to Gadagushani area. Superintendent of Police, Kullu, Shalini Agnihotri said that the bodies of 15 people killed in the accident were recovered. "The injured were taken to the local hospital in Banjar," she added. Eyewitnesses said the bus was overcrowded and the driver probably lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. "Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," said Prime Minister Modi on the official twitter handle of PMO India.

At least 33 killed in bus accident in Himachal Pradesh

Heatwave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-across-country-to-continue-for-next-two-days-subside-gradually-imd-223675">north and western&nbsp;India on Sunday</a> with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting little respite in the days ahead.

On Sunday, the highest maximum temperature of 48.9° was recorded at Churu in Rajasthan. The mercury in Churu had crossed the 50-degree mark on Saturday. The desert city had recorded 50.8 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal, according to the meteorological department office.

A farmer died in Rajasthan's at Necchwa in Sikar district on Sunday as a result of heatstroke. &nbsp;

India's national capital Delhi has been reeling under severe heatwave conditions with Palam observatory recording 46.1°C on Friday, as a result, the IMD had issued the highest "red-colour" warning for the city.&nbsp;

IMD said some parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra experienced a heatwave in the last 24 hours while there was rain in isolated places. Wardha in Vidarbha recorded the maximum temperature in the state at 45.5 degree Celsius on Sunday.

Solapur recorded a maximum temperature of 41 degree Celsius, Jalgaon 43, Aurangabad 40.7, Parbhani 43.6, Nanded 42.5, Akola 44.2, Amravati 44.8, Buldhana 44.2, Chandrapur 42.6, Nagpur 43.8, Yavatmal 42.5 and Gondia 40.4.

The IMD said heatwave conditions would prevail in Vidarbha over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh got some respite from the heat wave Sunday with light showers in some parts bringing down the maximum temperatures. Light rains were witnessed in some parts of the state from Saturday evening, including Dharamshala (15 mm), capital Shimla (5 mm), Bhuntar (0.4 mm) and Sundernagar (0.1 mm), the Met said.

Una recorded the highest temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius, Shimla&nbsp;meteorological department&nbsp;informed.

(With PTI, ANI inputs)

Heatwave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of north and western India on Sunday with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting little respite in the days ahead.

Heatwave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of north and western India on Sunday with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting little respite in the days ahead. On Sunday, the highest maximum temperature of 48.9° was recorded at Churu in Rajasthan. The mercury in Churu had crossed the 50-degree mark on Saturday. The desert city had recorded 50.8 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal, according to the meteorological department office. A farmer died in Rajasthan's at Necchwa in Sikar district on Sunday as a result of heatstroke. India's national capital Delhi has been reeling under severe heatwave conditions with Palam observatory recording 46.1°C on Friday, as a result, the IMD had issued the highest "red-colour" warning for the city. IMD said some parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra experienced a heatwave in the last 24 hours while there was rain in isolated places. Wardha in Vidarbha recorded the maximum temperature in the state at 45.5 degree Celsius on Sunday. Solapur recorded a maximum temperature of 41 degree Celsius, Jalgaon 43, Aurangabad 40.7, Parbhani 43.6, Nanded 42.5, Akola 44.2, Amravati 44.8, Buldhana 44.2, Chandrapur 42.6, Nagpur 43.8, Yavatmal 42.5 and Gondia 40.4. The IMD said heatwave conditions would prevail in Vidarbha over the next few days. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh got some respite from the heat wave Sunday with light showers in some parts bringing down the maximum temperatures. Light rains were witnessed in some parts of the state from Saturday evening, including Dharamshala (15 mm), capital Shimla (5 mm), Bhuntar (0.4 mm) and Sundernagar (0.1 mm), the Met said. Una recorded the highest temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius, Shimla meteorological department informed. (With PTI, ANI inputs)

Heatwave continues over north and western India; 1 dead

Doctors removed eight spoons, two screwdrivers, two toothbrushes, a kitchen knife and a door latch from the stomach of a mentally ill man in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Friday.

The 35-year-old man was admitted to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College here with a stomach problem.

A few days back, the man, who has been identified as Karn Sen, had complained of having a pimple in his stomach.

Doctors at a clinic in Sundernagar town found that there was a knife in his stomach. After primary treatment, he was referred to the government hospital here.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dr Nikhil: After investigation it was found that some metallic objects were inside his stomach. Our team of surgeon immediately operated him. He is stable now.The patient is affected with psychiatric illness as a normal person can't eat spoon or knife. It's a rare case. (24.05) <a href="https://t.co/3csSO2FYo7">pic.twitter.com/3csSO2FYo7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132091085193244672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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An X-ray test was conducted on Sen at the hospital here revealed that there was not just a knife, but several other objects as well in his stomach.

A team of three surgeons removed the knife and other objects after a four hours long exhausting surgery.

Doctors who were part of the team said termed the case as rare.

"It is a rare case," doctor Nikhil said.

"After investigation, it was found that some metallic objects were inside his stomach. Our team of surgeon immediately operated on him. The patient is affected with psychiatric illness as a normal person can`t eat a spoon or knife," he said.

The patient was out of danger and his condition was stated to be stable.&nbsp;

Doctors removed eight spoons, two screwdrivers, two toothbrushes, a kitchen knife and a door latch from the stomach of a mentally ill man in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Friday.

Doctors removed eight spoons, two screwdrivers, two toothbrushes, a kitchen knife and a door latch from the stomach of a mentally ill man in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Friday. The 35-year-old man was admitted to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College here with a stomach problem. A few days back, the man, who has been identified as Karn Sen, had complained of having a pimple in his stomach. Doctors at a clinic in Sundernagar town found that there was a knife in his stomach. After primary treatment, he was referred to the government hospital here. Dr Nikhil: After investigation it was found that some metallic objects were inside his stomach. Our team of surgeon immediately operated him. He is stable now.The patient is affected with psychiatric illness as a normal person can't eat spoon or knife. It's a rare case. (24.05) pic.twitter.com/3csSO2FYo7 — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2019 × An X-ray test was conducted on Sen at the hospital here revealed that there was not just a knife, but several other objects as well in his stomach. A team of three surgeons removed the knife and other objects after a four hours long exhausting surgery. Doctors who were part of the team said termed the case as rare. "It is a rare case," doctor Nikhil said. "After investigation, it was found that some metallic objects were inside his stomach. Our team of surgeon immediately operated on him. The patient is affected with psychiatric illness as a normal person can`t eat a spoon or knife," he said. The patient was out of danger and his condition was stated to be stable.

Himachal Pradesh: Spoons, knife, toothbrush, screwdriver found in man's stomach

Voter turnout till 03.00 PM: Bihar-46.66%, Himachal Pradesh-53.62%, Punjab-48.78%. Watch the latest voter turnout percentage for the last phase of polling.

Voter turnout till 03.00 PM: Bihar-46.66%, Himachal Pradesh-53.62%, Punjab-48.78%

The voters of a village on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh have boycotted the Lok Sabha poll as the government "failed" to find a permanent solution to frequent floods they face.

Located at an altitude of 10,000 feet and around 350 km from state capital Shimla, voters at Geu village in Lahaul and Spiti district said they had been demanding their resettlement but their demands remained unheard.

"We have to take the decision as none of the governments have found a permanent solution to frequent floods due to a nearby nullah," a villager said.

According to the district election office, there are 167 voters registered at the village and none of them have voted so far.

The district officials and election staff is in the village to persuade them to withdraw the boycott and exercise their franchise.

Only five votes have been cast at the Geu polling station, that too were cast by the poll staff, a district spokesperson said.

The five members of the poll staff do not belong to the village but they cast their votes on the basis of election duty certificates issued to them by AROs concerned, he added.

The voters of a village on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh have boycotted the Lok Sabha poll as the government "failed" to find a permanent solution to frequent floods they face.

The voters of a village on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh have boycotted the Lok Sabha poll as the government "failed" to find a permanent solution to frequent floods they face. Located at an altitude of 10,000 feet and around 350 km from state capital Shimla, voters at Geu village in Lahaul and Spiti district said they had been demanding their resettlement but their demands remained unheard. "We have to take the decision as none of the governments have found a permanent solution to frequent floods due to a nearby nullah," a villager said. According to the district election office, there are 167 voters registered at the village and none of them have voted so far. The district officials and election staff is in the village to persuade them to withdraw the boycott and exercise their franchise. Only five votes have been cast at the Geu polling station, that too were cast by the poll staff, a district spokesperson said. The five members of the poll staff do not belong to the village but they cast their votes on the basis of election duty certificates issued to them by AROs concerned, he added.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Villagers boycott voting in Himachal as government failed to find solution to frequent floods

Voter turnout till 11 am: Bihar-10.65%, Himachal Pradesh-12.55%, Punjab-10.01%. Watch the latest voter turnout percentage for the last phase of polling.

Voter turnout till 11 am: Bihar-10.65%, Himachal Pradesh-12.55%, Punjab-10.01%

Looking forward to exercising his franchise once again Sunday, India's "first" voter Shyam Saran Negi Saturday appealed to Himachal Pradesh electors to elect "honest" candidates for all the four Lok Sabha seats in the state.

"Elect honest and active candidates for your parliamentary seats instead of voting for particular parties," 102-year-old Negi told PTI.

Negi also expressed his desire to vote again on Sunday during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-among-918-candidates-whose-fate-to-be-decided-in-final-phase-of-lok-sabha-polling-on-sunday-219696">final phase of 2019 general elections</a>.

"A resident of Himachal's tribal district Kinnaur, Shyam Sharan Negi is India's first voter and very important for the state Election Department," Kinnaur District Election Officer Gopal Chand told PTI.

A retired school teacher, Negi, as per his official records, was born on July 1, 1917.

Negi still vividly remembers how he became India's first voter.

"India's first election was held in February 1952, but the voting for remote, tribal areas in Himachal was held five months in advance on October 23, 1952, owing to fears of inclement weather rendering the exercise impossible here during winter," he said.

"I was a school teacher then and had been put on the election duty. Due to it, I reached my polling booth at Kalpa Primary School in Kinnaur at 7 am to cast my vote. I was the first one to reach there and cast my vote," he said.

"Later I was told I was the first to cast my vote anywhere in the area," he said with a glint in his eyes.

Negi added he proceeded to join his election duty after casting his vote.

Negi, who also made a special appearance in Hindi film "Sanam Re", said he never missed casting his vote ever since then whether it be a panchayat election or the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Talking of his desire to vote again, Negi complained of his failing health as a possible impediment in fulfilling it.

"It's my last wish to vote again. But I have got immobile legs and aching knees now, besides failing vision and hearing," said Negi.

On Negi's fears, District Election Officer Gopal Chand said, "Negi is very important for us. We will have him brought to the polling booth and drop him back at his home."

"We still take care of his health and other needs. A government doctor regularly visits him to check his health," he said.

Negi is among 999 voters of the state who are 100 or above, a state election official said.

Looking forward to exercising his franchise once again Sunday, India's "first" voter Shyam Saran Negi Saturday appealed to Himachal Pradesh electors to elect "honest" candidates for all the four Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Looking forward to exercising his franchise once again Sunday, India's "first" voter Shyam Saran Negi Saturday appealed to Himachal Pradesh electors to elect "honest" candidates for all the four Lok Sabha seats in the state. "Elect honest and active candidates for your parliamentary seats instead of voting for particular parties," 102-year-old Negi told PTI. Negi also expressed his desire to vote again on Sunday during the final phase of 2019 general elections. "A resident of Himachal's tribal district Kinnaur, Shyam Sharan Negi is India's first voter and very important for the state Election Department," Kinnaur District Election Officer Gopal Chand told PTI. A retired school teacher, Negi, as per his official records, was born on July 1, 1917. Negi still vividly remembers how he became India's first voter. "India's first election was held in February 1952, but the voting for remote, tribal areas in Himachal was held five months in advance on October 23, 1952, owing to fears of inclement weather rendering the exercise impossible here during winter," he said. "I was a school teacher then and had been put on the election duty. Due to it, I reached my polling booth at Kalpa Primary School in Kinnaur at 7 am to cast my vote. I was the first one to reach there and cast my vote," he said. "Later I was told I was the first to cast my vote anywhere in the area," he said with a glint in his eyes. Negi added he proceeded to join his election duty after casting his vote. Negi, who also made a special appearance in Hindi film "Sanam Re", said he never missed casting his vote ever since then whether it be a panchayat election or the Lok Sabha polls. Talking of his desire to vote again, Negi complained of his failing health as a possible impediment in fulfilling it. "It's my last wish to vote again. But I have got immobile legs and aching knees now, besides failing vision and hearing," said Negi. On Negi's fears, District Election Officer Gopal Chand said, "Negi is very important for us. We will have him brought to the polling booth and drop him back at his home." "We still take care of his health and other needs. A government doctor regularly visits him to check his health," he said. Negi is among 999 voters of the state who are 100 or above, a state election official said.

India's first voter set to exercise franchise again in last leg of Lok Sabha polls, urges voters to elect honest MPs

Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/it-is-clear-bjp-government-is-going-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-after-casting-vote-218052">Priyanka Gandhi</a>'s proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather.

Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said.

Aashray is pitted against sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma.

He is the grandson of former Union Minister Sukh Ram. Aashray's father Anil Sharma has recently resigned from the state cabinet.

All four seats in Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on May 19.

Anil Sharma, along with his son Ashray and father Sukh Ram had switched over to Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. He won the Mandi Vidhan Sabha seat and became power minister in the BJP government.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather. Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday was cancelled due to bad weather. Priyanka was scheduled to address a rally in Sundernagar in support of Mandi Congress candidate Aashray Sharma, a state party leader said. Aashray is pitted against sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. He is the grandson of former Union Minister Sukh Ram. Aashray's father Anil Sharma has recently resigned from the state cabinet. All four seats in Himachal Pradesh will go to the polls on May 19. Anil Sharma, along with his son Ashray and father Sukh Ram had switched over to Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. He won the Mandi Vidhan Sabha seat and became power minister in the BJP government.

Priyanka Gandhi's Himachal visit cancelled due to bad weather

Around 5000 women in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu made a unique record by dancing in synchronisation with their voter ID cards. They created the record of ‘largest folk dance with voter cards’ which has been listed in India Book of Records. Their feat was also aimed at creating awareness about the ongoing general elections. Watch this video.

5000 women create record of ‘largest folk dance with voter cards'

A private bus fell into a 200-feet-deep gorge near the Panchpula bridge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district Saturday evening, leaving at least 10 passengers dead, officials said.

They said the bus met the accident near Banikhet in Dalhousie sub-division when it was travelling from Dalhousie to Pathankot in Punjab.&nbsp;

Chamba Superintendent of Police (SP) Monica Bhutunguru said while 10 passengers lost their lives in the incident, several others have been injured.

She had earlier put the number of deceased at 12.

She said a team led by the Dalhousie Deputy Superintendent of Police has arrived at the accident site and rescue operation is underway but is hampered by darkness.&nbsp;

In a statement issued in Shimla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to the affected.

A private bus fell into a 200-feet-deep gorge near the Panchpula bridge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district Saturday evening, leaving at least 10 passengers dead, officials said.

A private bus fell into a 200-feet-deep gorge near the Panchpula bridge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district Saturday evening, leaving at least 10 passengers dead, officials said. They said the bus met the accident near Banikhet in Dalhousie sub-division when it was travelling from Dalhousie to Pathankot in Punjab. Chamba Superintendent of Police (SP) Monica Bhutunguru said while 10 passengers lost their lives in the incident, several others have been injured. She had earlier put the number of deceased at 12. She said a team led by the Dalhousie Deputy Superintendent of Police has arrived at the accident site and rescue operation is underway but is hampered by darkness. In a statement issued in Shimla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to the affected.

Bus falls into gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba, 10 dead: Officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-cbi-seeks-dismissal-of-sajjan-kumars-plea-in-supreme-court-203486">The Supreme Court</a> has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency.

The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

The top court also asked the Himachal Pradesh government to pay compensation to acid attack survivor under the Victim Compensation Scheme.

"Indeed, it cannot be ruled out that in the present case the victim had suffered an uncivilised and heartless crime committed by the respondents (two convicts) and there is no room for leniency which can be conceived," a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi said.

The bench further said, "A crime of this nature does not deserve any kind of clemency. This court cannot be oblivious of the situation that the victim must have suffered emotional distress which cannot be compensated either by sentencing the accused or by grant of any compensation."

The court delivered its verdict on an appeal filed by the state challenging the March 24, 2008 judgement of the Himachal Pradesh High Court which had reduced the 10-year jail term awarded to both the men by a trial court to five years.

According to the victim, she was on her way to college on July 12, 2004, when the two men came on a two-wheeler and threw acid on her and fled the spot.

She had suffered 16 per cent burn injury in the incident.

The police had filed charge sheet against both the accused and the trial court convicted and sentenced them to 10 years jail term along with a fine of Rs 5,000 each.

Later, the convicts approached the high court against the lower court's verdict.

The high court reduced their sentence to five years and increased the fine to Rs 25,000 each.

The apex court, in its verdict, noted that the girl had suffered 16 per cent burn injury "which was caused due to acid attack on the darkest day of her life".

The top court was informed that both the convicts had undergone the sentence and deposited the fine as per the high court's judgement and they were released from jail on December 9 last year.

The bench, which said the high court's verdict convicting both the persons needed no interference, asked them to pay additional compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each to the victim.

It also asked the state to pay compensation to the girl under the victim&nbsp;compensation scheme and deposit the same before the trial court within three months. P

The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency. The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.

The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency. The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim. The top court also asked the Himachal Pradesh government to pay compensation to acid attack survivor under the Victim Compensation Scheme. "Indeed, it cannot be ruled out that in the present case the victim had suffered an uncivilised and heartless crime committed by the respondents (two convicts) and there is no room for leniency which can be conceived," a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi said. The bench further said, "A crime of this nature does not deserve any kind of clemency. This court cannot be oblivious of the situation that the victim must have suffered emotional distress which cannot be compensated either by sentencing the accused or by grant of any compensation." The court delivered its verdict on an appeal filed by the state challenging the March 24, 2008 judgement of the Himachal Pradesh High Court which had reduced the 10-year jail term awarded to both the men by a trial court to five years. According to the victim, she was on her way to college on July 12, 2004, when the two men came on a two-wheeler and threw acid on her and fled the spot. She had suffered 16 per cent burn injury in the incident. The police had filed charge sheet against both the accused and the trial court convicted and sentenced them to 10 years jail term along with a fine of Rs 5,000 each. Later, the convicts approached the high court against the lower court's verdict. The high court reduced their sentence to five years and increased the fine to Rs 25,000 each. The apex court, in its verdict, noted that the girl had suffered 16 per cent burn injury "which was caused due to acid attack on the darkest day of her life". The top court was informed that both the convicts had undergone the sentence and deposited the fine as per the high court's judgement and they were released from jail on December 9 last year. The bench, which said the high court's verdict convicting both the persons needed no interference, asked them to pay additional compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each to the victim. It also asked the state to pay compensation to the girl under the victim compensation scheme and deposit the same before the trial court within three months. P

Acid attack 'uncivilised & heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court

More snowfall and rain is expected to lash Himachal Pradesh next week, the meteorological department said Sunday.

The weatherman has forecast snowfall and rain at some places in mid and high hills while thundershowers in low hills and plains from February 12 to 15.

Cloudy skies prevailed in most parts of the state Sunday, with tourist spots Manali and Kufri experiencing biting cold at minus two and minus 0.5 degrees Celsius respectively from 5.30 pm Saturday to 8.30 am Sunday, he added.

The tribal district Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong continued to be the coldest place at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius, the Met office said, adding, the minimum temperature in tribal district Kinnaur's Kalpa was minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Shimla was 2.5 degrees Celsius followed by Solan (2.4), Chail (2.3) and Dalhousie (1.2).

More snowfall and rain is expected to lash Himachal Pradesh next week, the meteorological department said Sunday. The weatherman has forecast snowfall and rain at some places in mid and high hills while thundershowers in low hills and plains from February 12 to 15.

More snowfall and rain is expected to lash Himachal Pradesh next week, the meteorological department said Sunday. The weatherman has forecast snowfall and rain at some places in mid and high hills while thundershowers in low hills and plains from February 12 to 15. Cloudy skies prevailed in most parts of the state Sunday, with tourist spots Manali and Kufri experiencing biting cold at minus two and minus 0.5 degrees Celsius respectively from 5.30 pm Saturday to 8.30 am Sunday, he added. The tribal district Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong continued to be the coldest place at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius, the Met office said, adding, the minimum temperature in tribal district Kinnaur's Kalpa was minus 4.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Shimla was 2.5 degrees Celsius followed by Solan (2.4), Chail (2.3) and Dalhousie (1.2).

Himachal Pradesh to receive more snowfall, rain next week

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order to frame charges against them for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets (DA) of over Rs 10 crore.

The 82-year-old Congress leader and his wife have sought quashing of the December 10, 2018 trial court order directing framing of charges against Singh, his wife and seven others in the case lodged by CBI.

The trial court is yet to formally frame the charges against the couple and the matter is listed for January 29.

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A Delhi Court on Dec 10 last year ordered the framing of criminal misconduct charges against Virbhadra Singh, his wife &amp; others in the DA Case against them. Court had ordered to frame charges under section 13(2) read with section 13(1)(e) of prevention of corruption act. <a href="https://t.co/VODOaOpYgb">https://t.co/VODOaOpYgb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087986770950701056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The court had in its December order said that Singh intended to cause loss to tax authorities by presenting unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples and had also ordered framing of charges against his wife and seven others for allegedly abetting in the offences.

The CBI had registered the case against Singh and others for allegedly amassing assets worth around Rs 10 crore disproportionate to their known source of income when he was the Union Minister in the UPA government.&nbsp;

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order to frame charges against them for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets (DA) of over Rs 10 crore.

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order to frame charges against them for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets (DA) of over Rs 10 crore. The 82-year-old Congress leader and his wife have sought quashing of the December 10, 2018 trial court order directing framing of charges against Singh, his wife and seven others in the case lodged by CBI. The trial court is yet to formally frame the charges against the couple and the matter is listed for January 29. A Delhi Court on Dec 10 last year ordered the framing of criminal misconduct charges against Virbhadra Singh, his wife & others in the DA Case against them. Court had ordered to frame charges under section 13(2) read with section 13(1)(e) of prevention of corruption act. https://t.co/VODOaOpYgb — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × The court had in its December order said that Singh intended to cause loss to tax authorities by presenting unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples and had also ordered framing of charges against his wife and seven others for allegedly abetting in the offences. The CBI had registered the case against Singh and others for allegedly amassing assets worth around Rs 10 crore disproportionate to their known source of income when he was the Union Minister in the UPA government.

Disproportionate assets case: Former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh move HC challenging trial court order

The Himachal Pradesh capital witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season, while the state’s higher reaches received snow overnight intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, the meteorological department said.

Manali in Kullu district received 9 cm snow from 5.30 pm on Saturday to 8.30 am on Sunday, whereas tribal districts Lahaul-Spiti’s administrative centre Keylong and Kinnaur’s Kalpa received 13 cm snowfall each during the period, MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said.

Narkanda, Kufri and Shimla also received light snow.

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The state capital witnessed snowfall for the first time this year, from 10.45 am till 3 pm, bringing cheers to tourists, hoteliers and horticulturists. The sky is still overcast indicating that it may snow again.

The snowfall caused the mercury to dip, with Keylong, Kalpa, Kufri, Dalhousie and Manali reeling under sub-zero temperatures.

The minimum temperature in Kufri was minus 3 degrees Celsius, it was minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Dalhousie and minus 1.2 degrees Celsius in Manali during the period, Singh said.

Keylong continued to be the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of minus 8.7 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Kalpa was minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, he added.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of heavy snowfall, rain and hailstorm in Himachal Pradesh till January 6.

It has also predicted snowfall and rain in some places of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday due to western disturbances.

The Himachal Pradesh capital witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season, while the state’s higher reaches received snow overnight intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, the meteorological department said.

The Himachal Pradesh capital witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season, while the state’s higher reaches received snow overnight intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, the meteorological department said. Manali in Kullu district received 9 cm snow from 5.30 pm on Saturday to 8.30 am on Sunday, whereas tribal districts Lahaul-Spiti’s administrative centre Keylong and Kinnaur’s Kalpa received 13 cm snowfall each during the period, MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said. Narkanda, Kufri and Shimla also received light snow. × The state capital witnessed snowfall for the first time this year, from 10.45 am till 3 pm, bringing cheers to tourists, hoteliers and horticulturists. The sky is still overcast indicating that it may snow again. The snowfall caused the mercury to dip, with Keylong, Kalpa, Kufri, Dalhousie and Manali reeling under sub-zero temperatures. The minimum temperature in Kufri was minus 3 degrees Celsius, it was minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Dalhousie and minus 1.2 degrees Celsius in Manali during the period, Singh said. Keylong continued to be the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of minus 8.7 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Kalpa was minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, he added. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of heavy snowfall, rain and hailstorm in Himachal Pradesh till January 6. It has also predicted snowfall and rain in some places of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday due to western disturbances.

Watch: Snowfall brings down temperature in Himachal Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an 'orange warning' of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cold-wave-northern-states-shiver-under-tough-conditions-187640">heavy snowfall and rain</a> in Himachal Pradesh from January 4 to 6.

Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti district, continues to be the coldest place in the state at minus 10.8 degrees Celsius recorded between 5.30 pm on Thursday and 8.30 am on Friday, the weather department said.

On Thursday, the minimum temperature in Kalpa was minus 6 degrees Celsius, minus 3.2 in Manali and minus 1 degrees Celsius in Kufri and Bhuntar during the period, MeT Centre Director, Shimla, Manmohan Singh said.

The IMD has also predicted isolated to scattered precipitation in the state from January 8 onwards.

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said Thursday that it was prepared to deal with any eventuality.

The state and district control rooms are in a state of readiness to deal with any eventuality, a state official said, adding that tourists and the general public have been advised to avoid the higher reaches in the coming days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an 'orange warning' of heavy snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh from January 4 to 6. Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti district, continues to be the coldest place in the state at minus 10.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an 'orange warning' of heavy snowfall and rain in Himachal Pradesh from January 4 to 6. Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti district, continues to be the coldest place in the state at minus 10.8 degrees Celsius recorded between 5.30 pm on Thursday and 8.30 am on Friday, the weather department said. On Thursday, the minimum temperature in Kalpa was minus 6 degrees Celsius, minus 3.2 in Manali and minus 1 degrees Celsius in Kufri and Bhuntar during the period, MeT Centre Director, Shimla, Manmohan Singh said. The IMD has also predicted isolated to scattered precipitation in the state from January 8 onwards. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said Thursday that it was prepared to deal with any eventuality. The state and district control rooms are in a state of readiness to deal with any eventuality, a state official said, adding that tourists and the general public have been advised to avoid the higher reaches in the coming days.

IMD issues alert for heavy snowfall, rain in Himachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it.&nbsp;

PM&nbsp;Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders.

He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border.

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PM Modi in Dharamshala,HP: For forty years, our ex-servicemen asked for 'One Rank, One Pension'. The previous government allocated just Rs. 500 crore for it. But when we came to power, we implemented OROP and ensured welfare of our ex-servicemen <a href="https://t.co/jnKk0tNYy6">pic.twitter.com/jnKk0tNYy6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078205362321395712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work."&nbsp;

The prime minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh: Aaisa kaha jata hai ki pahad ka paani aur pahad ki jawani kabhi pahad ke kaam nahi aati hai,lekin aaj yahan ki sarkar ne aisa kaam kiya hai ki pahad ka paani bhi pahad ke kaam aa raha hai aur pahad ki jawani bhi pahad key kaam aa rahi hai <a href="https://t.co/a3vgMAdedh">pic.twitter.com/a3vgMAdedh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078202602502811648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase benefits of state and centre sponsored schemes for the general public.

The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh Governor Jagat Prakash Nadda was also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it. PM Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders. He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border. PM Modi in Dharamshala,HP: For forty years, our ex-servicemen asked for 'One Rank, One Pension'. The previous government allocated just Rs. 500 crore for it. But when we came to power, we implemented OROP and ensured welfare of our ex-servicemen pic.twitter.com/jnKk0tNYy6 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." The prime minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government. PM Modi in Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh: Aaisa kaha jata hai ki pahad ka paani aur pahad ki jawani kabhi pahad ke kaam nahi aati hai,lekin aaj yahan ki sarkar ne aisa kaam kiya hai ki pahad ka paani bhi pahad ke kaam aa raha hai aur pahad ki jawani bhi pahad key kaam aa rahi hai pic.twitter.com/a3vgMAdedh — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase benefits of state and centre sponsored schemes for the general public. The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala. Himachal Pradesh Governor Jagat Prakash Nadda was also present on the occasion.

Projects worth Rs 26,000 crore underway in Himachal Pradesh: PM Modi

At least nine people were killed and 25 injured when an overspeeding bus they were travelling in fell from a bridge into a river in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Saturday, police said.

The accident took place near Khadri village on the Renuka-Dadahu-Nahan road, about 168 km south of Shimla, at around 4.30 pm.

The private bus was on its way from Renuka Ji to Nahan when the driver lost control, broke the railing of the Jalal bridge and fell 40-feet down into the Jalal river, said senior police official Virender Singh Thakur.

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Himachal Pradesh: Nine persons died after a private bus fell in a gorge near Dadahu in Sirmaur. Rescue &amp; relief operations underway. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/AEghc2m9IX">pic.twitter.com/AEghc2m9IX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066672388836868098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Four passengers, including three women, died on the spot, while five critically-injured persons succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. Twenty-five people are under treatment in the Nahan medical college and Dadahu sub-divisional hospital, the officer said.

Mr Thakur, who reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation, said prima facie the accident happened due to the negligence of the bus driver. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was overspeeding when it was crossing the bridge.

The process is on to identify the deceased, most of whom are local residents, the officer said, adding that the police had started an investigation.

Another bus, carrying people from Delhi, fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district today, injuring 21.

At least nine people were killed and 25 injured when an overspeeding bus they were travelling in fell from a bridge into a river in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Saturday, police said.

At least nine people were killed and 25 injured when an overspeeding bus they were travelling in fell from a bridge into a river in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Saturday, police said. The accident took place near Khadri village on the Renuka-Dadahu-Nahan road, about 168 km south of Shimla, at around 4.30 pm. The private bus was on its way from Renuka Ji to Nahan when the driver lost control, broke the railing of the Jalal bridge and fell 40-feet down into the Jalal river, said senior police official Virender Singh Thakur. Himachal Pradesh: Nine persons died after a private bus fell in a gorge near Dadahu in Sirmaur. Rescue & relief operations underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/AEghc2m9IX — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Four passengers, including three women, died on the spot, while five critically-injured persons succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. Twenty-five people are under treatment in the Nahan medical college and Dadahu sub-divisional hospital, the officer said. Mr Thakur, who reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation, said prima facie the accident happened due to the negligence of the bus driver. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was overspeeding when it was crossing the bridge. The process is on to identify the deceased, most of whom are local residents, the officer said, adding that the police had started an investigation. Another bus, carrying people from Delhi, fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district today, injuring 21.

9 dead, 51 injured as bus falls into river in Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh Police Saturday threatened to take action against those spreading rumours that suspected terrorists have entered the hill-state from Pathankot, Punjab, a senior official said.

In a press note issued by Atul Fulzele DIG HP Police Northern Range, he said, "It appears that rumour mongers are spreading the news that 5 to 7 suspected terrorists have been seen travelling in a Pathankot-Dharamshala passenger bus on 23 November."

"It is being done to create panic among people of Himachal. HP Police is contemplating legal action against the persons who are spreading unconfirmed, unfounded and baseless news on social media," he added.

The DIG said a notice was likely to be issued to web news portals who have published such news with false confirmation from security agencies.

Fulzele clarified that they had no intelligence input regarding sneaking of suspected terrorist in the state via Pathankot.

The Himachal Pradesh Police Saturday threatened to take action against those spreading rumours that suspected terrorists have entered the hill-state from Pathankot, Punjab, a senior official said.

The Himachal Pradesh Police Saturday threatened to take action against those spreading rumours that suspected terrorists have entered the hill-state from Pathankot, Punjab, a senior official said. In a press note issued by Atul Fulzele DIG HP Police Northern Range, he said, "It appears that rumour mongers are spreading the news that 5 to 7 suspected terrorists have been seen travelling in a Pathankot-Dharamshala passenger bus on 23 November." "It is being done to create panic among people of Himachal. HP Police is contemplating legal action against the persons who are spreading unconfirmed, unfounded and baseless news on social media," he added. The DIG said a notice was likely to be issued to web news portals who have published such news with false confirmation from security agencies. Fulzele clarified that they had no intelligence input regarding sneaking of suspected terrorist in the state via Pathankot.

Himachal Police to crackdown on those spreading rumours of terrorist movement

A group of 16 trekkers including 10 foreign nationals are feared to have gone missing due to bad weather conditions while on an expedition here.

The group includes 10 foreigners, three local residents from Lahul-Spiti district and three others. The nationality of the foreigners is still not known.

<ins><img alt="" data-dw-processed-inimage="true" height="0" src="http://wtf2.forkcdn.com/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=0&amp;campaignid=0&amp;zoneid=2815&amp;loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catchnews.com%2Fnational-news%2Fhimachal-pradesh-10-foreign-nationals-among-16-trekkers-feared-missing-134756.html&amp;referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.in%2F&amp;cb=b044d6c295" width="0" /></ins> Confirming the incident, Chamba district's Superintendent of Police (SP) Monika Bhutungru elaborated that contact has been lost with the group who were supposed to return to a lower camp today.

She said, "Contact has been lost with 16 trekkers including 10 foreigners. A team of policemen, local porters and mountaineering experts have gone in their search as they were supposed to reach back today."

The group arrived at Hiltwan area of Pangi Taluk in Chamba district on September 17. They along with 17 local porters then proceeded towards Bhujpatra Range Dhar, reaching there on September 19. The local porters returned from this point on the same day and were asked to meet back on September 29 to accompany the group in their return journey to the lower camp.

The porters who had accompanied the group have also informed that the trekkers had sufficient food material and medicines with them.

Bad weather conditions have been causing difficulty for trekkers in the past. On September 25, a group of 50 trekkers including 35 students of India Institute of Technology (IIT) in Roorkee, were rescued from the rain-hit Lahaul-Spiti district.

A group of 16 trekkers including 10 foreign nationals are feared to have gone missing due to bad weather conditions while on an expedition here. The group includes 10 foreigners, three local residents from Lahul-Spiti district and three others.

A group of 16 trekkers including 10 foreign nationals are feared to have gone missing due to bad weather conditions while on an expedition here. The group includes 10 foreigners, three local residents from Lahul-Spiti district and three others. The nationality of the foreigners is still not known. Confirming the incident, Chamba district's Superintendent of Police (SP) Monika Bhutungru elaborated that contact has been lost with the group who were supposed to return to a lower camp today. She said, "Contact has been lost with 16 trekkers including 10 foreigners. A team of policemen, local porters and mountaineering experts have gone in their search as they were supposed to reach back today." The group arrived at Hiltwan area of Pangi Taluk in Chamba district on September 17. They along with 17 local porters then proceeded towards Bhujpatra Range Dhar, reaching there on September 19. The local porters returned from this point on the same day and were asked to meet back on September 29 to accompany the group in their return journey to the lower camp. The porters who had accompanied the group have also informed that the trekkers had sufficient food material and medicines with them. Bad weather conditions have been causing difficulty for trekkers in the past. On September 25, a group of 50 trekkers including 35 students of India Institute of Technology (IIT) in Roorkee, were rescued from the rain-hit Lahaul-Spiti district.

Himachal Pradesh: 10 foreign nationals among 16 trekkers feared missing

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday confirmed that a group of 50 missing trekkers has been located and is safe in Sissu area of Lahul-Spiti, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, the group included students from IIT Roorkee who had gone trekking in Himachal Pradesh's mountainous Lahaul and Spiti district and were stranded due to bad weather.

The group had gone for a trek to the Hampta pass and were supposed to return to Manali.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-five-dead-rains-schools-remain-closed-three-districts-today-167505">bearing the brunt of torrential rainfall</a> over the last few days.&nbsp;

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The group of 50 trekkers which includes IIT Roorkee students are safe in Sissu area of Lahul-Spiti: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur <a href="https://t.co/BDpqp65xGz">pic.twitter.com/BDpqp65xGz</a>
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Five people died and many were injured in separate incidents as heavy rains lashed Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Four people, including a girl, died in Kullu, while a man died in Kangra district as heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides in many parts of the state Monday.

Schools have been directed to remain closed in Kangra, Kullu and Hamirpur districts on Tuesday as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;

The MeT department has predicted light to moderate rainfall at scattered places over the mid and the low hills and at isolated places over the higher reaches of the state today, thereafter, the weather would almost be dry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday confirmed that a group of 50 missing trekkers has been located and is safe in Sissu area of Lahul-Spiti, news agency ANI reported.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday confirmed that a group of 50 missing trekkers has been located and is safe in Sissu area of Lahul-Spiti, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the group included students from IIT Roorkee who had gone trekking in Himachal Pradesh's mountainous Lahaul and Spiti district and were stranded due to bad weather. The group had gone for a trek to the Hampta pass and were supposed to return to Manali. Himachal Pradesh has been bearing the brunt of torrential rainfall over the last few days. The group of 50 trekkers which includes IIT Roorkee students are safe in Sissu area of Lahul-Spiti: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur pic.twitter.com/BDpqp65xGz — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Five people died and many were injured in separate incidents as heavy rains lashed Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, news agency PTI reported. Four people, including a girl, died in Kullu, while a man died in Kangra district as heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides in many parts of the state Monday. Schools have been directed to remain closed in Kangra, Kullu and Hamirpur districts on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. The MeT department has predicted light to moderate rainfall at scattered places over the mid and the low hills and at isolated places over the higher reaches of the state today, thereafter, the weather would almost be dry. (With inputs from agencies)

Group of 50 stranded trekkers safe in Lahaul-Spiti: Himachal Pradesh CM 

Five people died and many were injured in separate incidents as heavy rains lashed Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the officials said.

Four people, including a girl, died in Kullu, while a man died in Kangra district as heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides in many parts of the state Monday.

Schools have been directed to remain closed in Kangra, Kullu and Hamirpur districts on Tuesday as a precautionary measure, they said.

As the water level in rivers and streams increased following the incessant rain, a man was swept away by the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra, the district administration said.

Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. His body was recovered in Wuhl Khad with the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, the officials said.

The four people who lost their lives in Kullu include Rupa (18), Sultana (15) of Bajaoura, Mohit of Banjar, and Sarang (16) of Manikaran, Superintendent of Police (Kullu) Shalini Agnihotri said.

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Newly wedded couple Dalip Singh (21) and his wife Rupa (18) sustained critical injuries in a landslide between Pinni and Tikker in the district, Agnihotri said, adding that the wife was declared brought dead at a regional hospital, whereas Dalip was undergoing treatment.

Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur visited several affected areas of Kullu and met the family members of the deceased to express his grief.

Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs.

Indian Air Force personnel rescued two people stranded at Hurla village near Kullu's Bajaoura by airlifting them using a helicopter, the minister said.

Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Vipul Goel and his team for rescuing 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner Yunus has sounded a "high alert" in Kullu district where initial loss of property in recent rains has been estimated at over Rs 20 crores.

All adventurous sports activities, including paragliding, have been banned in Kullu, district Tourism Development Officer BS Negi said.

Meanwhile, Kangra and Kullu deputy commissioners Sandeep Kumar and Yunus, respectively, have ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, officials said.

Hamirpur DC Richa Verma has declared that all government and private schools and anganwaris of the district would remain closed Tuesday. However, colleges in the district would remain open.

Meanwhile, four members of a family, Mukesh, his wife Shikha, their son and daughter sustained injuries in Chamba district, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said.

The Ravi river is flowing at a dangerous level, and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas since Sunday, she added.

People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi.

The water level in the Pong Dam is running above the danger mark which has led to the Bhakra Beas Management Board's&nbsp;decision to open the floodgate of the dam, an official said.

Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess 49,000 cusecs water from the Beas Dam would be released on Tuesday at 3 pm. The water level of the dam already has reached 1,385.56 feet, he added.

The Himachal cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, reviewed the losses and rehabilitation and rescue operations being undertaken in the state.

A number of roads in various districts have been blocked due to landslides, and water and electricity supplies have been adversely affected in several areas, the officials added.

Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains on Monday too, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said.

The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over the mid and the low hills and at isolated places over the higher reaches of the state on September 25, and thereafter, the weather would almost be dry.&nbsp;

Five people died and many were injured in separate incidents as heavy rains lashed Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the officials said.

Five people died and many were injured in separate incidents as heavy rains lashed Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the officials said. Four people, including a girl, died in Kullu, while a man died in Kangra district as heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides in many parts of the state Monday. Schools have been directed to remain closed in Kangra, Kullu and Hamirpur districts on Tuesday as a precautionary measure, they said. As the water level in rivers and streams increased following the incessant rain, a man was swept away by the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra, the district administration said. Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. His body was recovered in Wuhl Khad with the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, the officials said. The four people who lost their lives in Kullu include Rupa (18), Sultana (15) of Bajaoura, Mohit of Banjar, and Sarang (16) of Manikaran, Superintendent of Police (Kullu) Shalini Agnihotri said. Newly wedded couple Dalip Singh (21) and his wife Rupa (18) sustained critical injuries in a landslide between Pinni and Tikker in the district, Agnihotri said, adding that the wife was declared brought dead at a regional hospital, whereas Dalip was undergoing treatment. Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur visited several affected areas of Kullu and met the family members of the deceased to express his grief. Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs. Indian Air Force personnel rescued two people stranded at Hurla village near Kullu's Bajaoura by airlifting them using a helicopter, the minister said. Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Vipul Goel and his team for rescuing 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner Yunus has sounded a "high alert" in Kullu district where initial loss of property in recent rains has been estimated at over Rs 20 crores. All adventurous sports activities, including paragliding, have been banned in Kullu, district Tourism Development Officer BS Negi said. Meanwhile, Kangra and Kullu deputy commissioners Sandeep Kumar and Yunus, respectively, have ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, officials said. Hamirpur DC Richa Verma has declared that all government and private schools and anganwaris of the district would remain closed Tuesday. However, colleges in the district would remain open. Meanwhile, four members of a family, Mukesh, his wife Shikha, their son and daughter sustained injuries in Chamba district, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said. The Ravi river is flowing at a dangerous level, and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas since Sunday, she added. People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi. The water level in the Pong Dam is running above the danger mark which has led to the Bhakra Beas Management Board's decision to open the floodgate of the dam, an official said. Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess 49,000 cusecs water from the Beas Dam would be released on Tuesday at 3 pm. The water level of the dam already has reached 1,385.56 feet, he added. The Himachal cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, reviewed the losses and rehabilitation and rescue operations being undertaken in the state. A number of roads in various districts have been blocked due to landslides, and water and electricity supplies have been adversely affected in several areas, the officials added. Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains on Monday too, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said. The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over the mid and the low hills and at isolated places over the higher reaches of the state on September 25, and thereafter, the weather would almost be dry.

Watch: Rains batter Himachal Pradesh, schools to remain closed in 3 districts

Incessant rains triggered flash floods and landslides in hill states of northern India, with at least 11 people killed Monday in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and a "red alert" being issued in Punjab.

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) issued an advisory to the Punjab government that it will release "excess" water from the Pong dam in the wake of incessant rains in catchment areas of the Beas river.

Educational institutes have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday in Punjab. Schools have been closed in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir and in most places of Himachal Pradesh.

Heavy rains led to landslides which blocked the roads to Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri, affecting the Chardham Yatra, while traffic snarled in the national capital due to waterlogging following heavy rains.

The Punjab government has asked district authorities to maintain vigil to avert any untoward situation due to heavy rains, an official said.

Punjab has been witnessing widespread rainfall for the last two days and the downpour continued Monday, prompting state authorities to review preparations to tackle flood-like situations.

Incessant rains in Punjab and Haryana could cause damage to kharif crops and dip in their yield, farm experts said.

In Haryana's Ambala, a 45-year-old man died when the roof of his house collapsed due to heavy rains, police said.

Five people, including a minor girl, died and as many injured in separate incidents during heavy rains in Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the officials said. A "high alert" has been sounded for Kullu district.

Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, HP Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs.

An Indian Air Force team had rescued, with the help of a chopper, 21 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district in the last 48 hours.

BJP MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur said, "So far, 126 roads have been affected by landslides triggered by rains and news of the loss of lives are too pouring in from many places."

People residing in the low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said.

In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said.

In Uttarakhand, most of the places, including state capital Dehradun, received showers with around 45 rural roads blocked in these districts, the state emergency operation centre said.

In Rajasthan, heavy to moderate rainfall was recorded in various parts of the state in 24 hours, an MeT official said.

Heavy rains lashed several parts of the national capital, causing waterlogging and traffic snarls on major intersections in the city.

In Jammu and Kashmir, five members of a family, including three minors, were killed Monday when their house was buried under debris after a landslide in the Doda district, while 29 people stranded in Kathua district after flash floods were rescued.

Doda and other parts of Jammu region have been lashed by incessant rain for the past two days.

"A total of 29 persons, including six women and 10 children, were rescued from various flood-hit areas of Kathua district during overnight operations," a police officer said.

With improvement in weather, authorities Monday morning opened the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway for traffic.

Multiple landslides and shooting stones from a hillock along the highway between Ramban and Udhampur districts had blocked the arterial road since Sunday morning.

According to the Meterological department, heavy to very heavy rain is expected at isolated places in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.

Incessant rains triggered flash floods and landslides in hill states of northern India, with at least 11 people killed Monday in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and a "red alert" being issued in Punjab.

Incessant rains triggered flash floods and landslides in hill states of northern India, with at least 11 people killed Monday in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and a "red alert" being issued in Punjab. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) issued an advisory to the Punjab government that it will release "excess" water from the Pong dam in the wake of incessant rains in catchment areas of the Beas river. Educational institutes have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday in Punjab. Schools have been closed in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir and in most places of Himachal Pradesh. Heavy rains led to landslides which blocked the roads to Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri, affecting the Chardham Yatra, while traffic snarled in the national capital due to waterlogging following heavy rains. The Punjab government has asked district authorities to maintain vigil to avert any untoward situation due to heavy rains, an official said. Punjab has been witnessing widespread rainfall for the last two days and the downpour continued Monday, prompting state authorities to review preparations to tackle flood-like situations. Incessant rains in Punjab and Haryana could cause damage to kharif crops and dip in their yield, farm experts said. In Haryana's Ambala, a 45-year-old man died when the roof of his house collapsed due to heavy rains, police said. Five people, including a minor girl, died and as many injured in separate incidents during heavy rains in Kullu, Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the officials said. A "high alert" has been sounded for Kullu district. Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, HP Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs. An Indian Air Force team had rescued, with the help of a chopper, 21 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district in the last 48 hours. BJP MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur said, "So far, 126 roads have been affected by landslides triggered by rains and news of the loss of lives are too pouring in from many places." People residing in the low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said. In Uttarakhand, most of the places, including state capital Dehradun, received showers with around 45 rural roads blocked in these districts, the state emergency operation centre said. In Rajasthan, heavy to moderate rainfall was recorded in various parts of the state in 24 hours, an MeT official said. Heavy rains lashed several parts of the national capital, causing waterlogging and traffic snarls on major intersections in the city. In Jammu and Kashmir, five members of a family, including three minors, were killed Monday when their house was buried under debris after a landslide in the Doda district, while 29 people stranded in Kathua district after flash floods were rescued. Doda and other parts of Jammu region have been lashed by incessant rain for the past two days. "A total of 29 persons, including six women and 10 children, were rescued from various flood-hit areas of Kathua district during overnight operations," a police officer said. With improvement in weather, authorities Monday morning opened the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway for traffic. Multiple landslides and shooting stones from a hillock along the highway between Ramban and Udhampur districts had blocked the arterial road since Sunday morning. According to the Meterological department, heavy to very heavy rain is expected at isolated places in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.

11 killed as rains pound north India; 'red alert' sounded in Punjab

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district.

As water level increased in rivers and streams following incessant rain, a man died after he was swept away in the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra district, the district administration said.

Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. Efforts were on to trace the body, the officials said.

In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was washed away in Kullu's Bajaoura, state Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said.

The minister visited several affected areas of Kullu district and met the family members of the deceased girl to express his grief.

Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs for collecting wood, gravel etc.

Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Goel and his team Moday for rescuing, with the help of a chopper, 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner Yunus has issued "high alert" for Kullu district.

Meanwhile, schools in most districts of the state were closed Monday as a precautionary measure due to continuing moderate to heavy rains.

People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. They are also being asked to remain alert due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, they said.

In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi.

Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess water from the Pong Dam would be released due to high-pattern inflows in the Pong reservoir due to heavy rain in catchment areas.

The MeT department has predicted heavy rains in middle hills, plains and snowfall in upper hills in the state till Monday.

Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said.

According to data recorded at 8.30 am, Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced 170 mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Chamba 117 mm, Manali 121 mm, Kangra 120.8 mm, Palampur 108 mm, Dharamshala 62.6 mm and Una 62 mm. State capital Shimla experienced 23.1 mm rainfall.

Widespread rain and snowfall in higher altitudes brought down the mercury. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered below the freezing point, according to the Meteorological Centre.

Keylong recorded its lowest temperature at minus 0.2 degree Celsius. 
The highest temperature was recorded in Una as 27.2 degrees Celsius, he added.

The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over mid and low hills and at isolated places over higher reaches of the state on September 25, thereafter the weather would almost be dry.&nbsp;

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district.

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district. As water level increased in rivers and streams following incessant rain, a man died after he was swept away in the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra district, the district administration said. Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. Efforts were on to trace the body, the officials said. In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was washed away in Kullu's Bajaoura, state Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said. The minister visited several affected areas of Kullu district and met the family members of the deceased girl to express his grief. Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs for collecting wood, gravel etc. Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Goel and his team Moday for rescuing, with the help of a chopper, 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner Yunus has issued "high alert" for Kullu district. Meanwhile, schools in most districts of the state were closed Monday as a precautionary measure due to continuing moderate to heavy rains. People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. They are also being asked to remain alert due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, they said. In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi. Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess water from the Pong Dam would be released due to high-pattern inflows in the Pong reservoir due to heavy rain in catchment areas. The MeT department has predicted heavy rains in middle hills, plains and snowfall in upper hills in the state till Monday. Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said. According to data recorded at 8.30 am, Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced 170 mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Chamba 117 mm, Manali 121 mm, Kangra 120.8 mm, Palampur 108 mm, Dharamshala 62.6 mm and Una 62 mm. State capital Shimla experienced 23.1 mm rainfall. Widespread rain and snowfall in higher altitudes brought down the mercury. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered below the freezing point, according to the Meteorological Centre. Keylong recorded its lowest temperature at minus 0.2 degree Celsius. The highest temperature was recorded in Una as 27.2 degrees Celsius, he added. The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over mid and low hills and at isolated places over higher reaches of the state on September 25, thereafter the weather would almost be dry.

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Himachal, 2 dead

A moderate intensity earthquake was felt in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district Monday afternoon, officials said.&nbsp;

No loss of life or property was reported.

"An earthquake measuring 3.7 was recorded at 2:22 pm Monday," said Director at Shimla Meteorological Centre Manmohan Singh.

The epicentre was 10 km northeast of Sirmaur, he said, adding that mild tremors were felt in the adjoining areas.

Most parts of Himachal fall in high seismic sensitive zone, he said.

A moderate intensity earthquake was felt in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district Monday afternoon, officials said. No loss of life or property was reported. "An earthquake measuring 3.

A moderate intensity earthquake was felt in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district Monday afternoon, officials said. No loss of life or property was reported. "An earthquake measuring 3.7 was recorded at 2:22 pm Monday," said Director at Shimla Meteorological Centre Manmohan Singh. The epicentre was 10 km northeast of Sirmaur, he said, adding that mild tremors were felt in the adjoining areas. Most parts of Himachal fall in high seismic sensitive zone, he said.

Moderate earthquake hits Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in three districts on Monday after rain and snowfall lashed many areas of the state, officials said on Sunday.

The Met Office has forecast heavy rains and snowfall in the upper hills till Monday.

All government and private schools will remain closed in Kinnaur, Kullu and Kangra districts, officials said.

Several roads in various parts of the state, especially in Kinnaur and Chamba districts, were blocked due to landslides, heavy rains and snowfall, district officials said.

Twenty stranded people were rescued from the Rohtang Pass, which saw about four feet of fresh snowfall on Sunday, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official said.

Chamba sub-divisional magistrate has warned the people not to go near the Ravi river and other nullahs as water is being released from the Chamera dam.

The water level in Beas is increasing due to incessant rains in the catchment areas. In Kangra, the Larji dam gates are being opened and, if the situation persists, the shutters of Pandoh dam can be opened at any time, officials said, adding that it had been raining continuously in Jawali town since Saturday evening.

The river was also in spate in Hamirpur district. There was no supply of drinking water in various areas of the district as there was no power. There was heavy loss to the crops, officials said.

State Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur visited the flood-affected areas of Kullu district to take stock of the situation, along with district Deputy Commissioner Yunus, an official said.

The state received moderate-to-heavy rainfall since Saturday, with Naina Devi town in Bilaspur district being the wettest with 178.2 mm of rainfall. Sarkaghat town in Mandi district recorded 137 mm of rain, followed by Mehre (132.6 mm), Manali (127.4 mm), Dharamshala (125.2 mm) and Kasauli (105 mm), the meteorological department said.

Shimla received 47.1 mm of rain.

Kalpa was the coldest place with minimum temperature of nine degrees Celsius. In Dalhousie, the minimum temperature was 10.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Kufri (10.6 degrees), Manali (10.8 degrees), Shimla (13 degrees).&nbsp;

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in three districts on Monday after rain and snowfall lashed many areas of the state, officials said on Sunday.

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in three districts on Monday after rain and snowfall lashed many areas of the state, officials said on Sunday. The Met Office has forecast heavy rains and snowfall in the upper hills till Monday. All government and private schools will remain closed in Kinnaur, Kullu and Kangra districts, officials said. Several roads in various parts of the state, especially in Kinnaur and Chamba districts, were blocked due to landslides, heavy rains and snowfall, district officials said. Twenty stranded people were rescued from the Rohtang Pass, which saw about four feet of fresh snowfall on Sunday, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official said. Chamba sub-divisional magistrate has warned the people not to go near the Ravi river and other nullahs as water is being released from the Chamera dam. The water level in Beas is increasing due to incessant rains in the catchment areas. In Kangra, the Larji dam gates are being opened and, if the situation persists, the shutters of Pandoh dam can be opened at any time, officials said, adding that it had been raining continuously in Jawali town since Saturday evening. The river was also in spate in Hamirpur district. There was no supply of drinking water in various areas of the district as there was no power. There was heavy loss to the crops, officials said. State Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur visited the flood-affected areas of Kullu district to take stock of the situation, along with district Deputy Commissioner Yunus, an official said. The state received moderate-to-heavy rainfall since Saturday, with Naina Devi town in Bilaspur district being the wettest with 178.2 mm of rainfall. Sarkaghat town in Mandi district recorded 137 mm of rain, followed by Mehre (132.6 mm), Manali (127.4 mm), Dharamshala (125.2 mm) and Kasauli (105 mm), the meteorological department said. Shimla received 47.1 mm of rain. Kalpa was the coldest place with minimum temperature of nine degrees Celsius. In Dalhousie, the minimum temperature was 10.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Kufri (10.6 degrees), Manali (10.8 degrees), Shimla (13 degrees).

Heavy rains lash Himachal, snowfall in Spiti

The <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/shimla-continues-to-face-severe-water-shortage-for-14th-day-residents-protest-141783">water crisis in Shimla</a> improved a little after a fortnight as&nbsp;authorities increased water supply for the second day in the city on Sunday.

However, the authorities have maintained&nbsp;rationing system of water by continuing with the limited distribution.

Authorities have put in place a rationing system under which the hill city has been divided into three zones and each zone receives water alternatively - after two days.

On Saturday, the volume of water supply was increased by 7 million litres per day to 28 MLD. The supply was further increased to 37 MLD on Sunday&nbsp;after the Shimla Municipal Corporation plugged leakages and snapped illegal connections, officials said.

SMC sources said the schedule for supplying water to the three zones would be modified if more water was available. Shimla normally requires 40-45 MLD of water during summers.

The officials have blamed the rising temperature, reduced snowfall and rainfall in higher temperature to be the cause of the water crisis in the city.

The higher education department has ordered government schools to remain shut for a week in view of water shortage while dismissing the monsoon break ahead this year.

Army and police personnel too have been working with SMC to find ways to improve water supply in the state capital.

The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded the dissolution of the BJP-controlled municipal corporation.

In a memorandum to Governor Acharya Devvrat, I N Mehta, chairman of legal and human rights department of HPCC, said SMC failed to ensure uninterrupted water supply and it should be dismissed by invoking Section 404 of Municipal Corporation Act.

A day before a woman had died in Shimla after she was allegedly hit by a water tanker while collecting water.

The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is undergoing severe water crises in several parts for over ten days.

The residents of the city have been protesting against the water shortage.

 
&nbsp;(With inputs from PTI)

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Authorities have put in place a rationing system under which the hill city has been divided into three zones and each zone receives water alternatively - after two days

The water crisis in Shimla improved a little after a fortnight as authorities increased water supply for the second day in the city on Sunday. However, the authorities have maintained rationing system of water by continuing with the limited distribution. Authorities have put in place a rationing system under which the hill city has been divided into three zones and each zone receives water alternatively - after two days. On Saturday, the volume of water supply was increased by 7 million litres per day to 28 MLD. The supply was further increased to 37 MLD on Sunday after the Shimla Municipal Corporation plugged leakages and snapped illegal connections, officials said. SMC sources said the schedule for supplying water to the three zones would be modified if more water was available. Shimla normally requires 40-45 MLD of water during summers. The officials have blamed the rising temperature, reduced snowfall and rainfall in higher temperature to be the cause of the water crisis in the city. The higher education department has ordered government schools to remain shut for a week in view of water shortage while dismissing the monsoon break ahead this year. Army and police personnel too have been working with SMC to find ways to improve water supply in the state capital. The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded the dissolution of the BJP-controlled municipal corporation. In a memorandum to Governor Acharya Devvrat, I N Mehta, chairman of legal and human rights department of HPCC, said SMC failed to ensure uninterrupted water supply and it should be dismissed by invoking Section 404 of Municipal Corporation Act. A day before a woman had died in Shimla after she was allegedly hit by a water tanker while collecting water. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is undergoing severe water crises in several parts for over ten days. The residents of the city have been protesting against the water shortage. (With inputs from PTI)

Shimla water crisis: Authorities increase supply but rationing continues

A woman died in Shimla after she was allegedly hit by a water tanker while collecting water.

The woman was declared brought dead by the hospital authorities.

The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is undergoing severe water crises in several parts for over ten days.

The residents of the city have been protesting against the water shortage.

They raised slogans against the government and Shimla Municipal Corporation and also blocked the road leading to the state secretariat.

The people of the area claim that they have not received supply water for the past eight days.&nbsp;

Resorting to bottled water for cooking and drinking, many of them were also utilising&nbsp;the little water which they had collected from the rain.

A resident has also asked the government to promote dry toilets in the city to save millions of litres of water.

The&nbsp;government, on the other hand, has blamed the situation of water crises in the city on the rising temperature and the consequent drying up of water resources.

A statement released by the government also said that the civic body had received a limited amount of water which was being distributed to different locations as per timetable.

The statement said that the government was supplying the water through water tankers at different locations.

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur also visited New Delhi to brief the Prime Minister's Office on the water crises in the state.

After the intervention&nbsp;of the High Court, the Municipal Corporation has also disconnected the water supply of various hotels in the city.

The Court has asked the government to provide water on a rotational basis.

It has also directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure equitable distribution of water.

The next hearing in the case is on June 11.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a>: A woman died after being allegedly hit by a water tanker at Shimla's Mall Road. She was declared brought dead by Indira Gandhi Medical College administration. <a href="https://t.co/VWKcI0BErW">pic.twitter.com/VWKcI0BErW</a>
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Resorting to bottled water for cooking and drinking, many of them were also utilising the little water which they had collected from the rain

A woman died in Shimla after she was allegedly hit by a water tanker while collecting water. The woman was declared brought dead by the hospital authorities. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is undergoing severe water crises in several parts for over ten days. The residents of the city have been protesting against the water shortage. They raised slogans against the government and Shimla Municipal Corporation and also blocked the road leading to the state secretariat. The people of the area claim that they have not received supply water for the past eight days. Resorting to bottled water for cooking and drinking, many of them were also utilising the little water which they had collected from the rain. A resident has also asked the government to promote dry toilets in the city to save millions of litres of water. The government, on the other hand, has blamed the situation of water crises in the city on the rising temperature and the consequent drying up of water resources. A statement released by the government also said that the civic body had received a limited amount of water which was being distributed to different locations as per timetable. The statement said that the government was supplying the water through water tankers at different locations. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur also visited New Delhi to brief the Prime Minister's Office on the water crises in the state. After the intervention of the High Court, the Municipal Corporation has also disconnected the water supply of various hotels in the city. The Court has asked the government to provide water on a rotational basis. It has also directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure equitable distribution of water. The next hearing in the case is on June 11. #HimachalPradesh: A woman died after being allegedly hit by a water tanker at Shimla's Mall Road. She was declared brought dead by Indira Gandhi Medical College administration. pic.twitter.com/VWKcI0BErW — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 ×

Amid water crisis in Shimla, woman dies after being hit by tanker

Amidst the news of the&nbsp;Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, more than 18 dead bats were discovered on Wednesday in the premises of a government school in Himachal Pradesh's Nahan, triggering a panic among locals.

Officers of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry Department and Forest Department arrived at the Burma Papadi School, following a directive from the Deputy Commissioner, and took samples from the dead bats for further investigation.

However, the officials denied rumours of fears of the virus as of now.

The district's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sanjay Sharma, although the bats are present in the area every year, this year their numbers are significantly higher.

"The principal of the school and the students said that bats come here every year, and eventually perish, however, this year, their numbers are far greater than in previous years," Sharma said.

"We have informed the teachers, students of the school about the virus, its symptoms, preventive measures. We told them to avoid physical contact in case of an outbreak, as this is a communicative disease," he added.

Suparna Bharadwaj, the principal of the school, said, "In this situation, there is a panic in the people after this episode, as the way the bats are dying, Napa Virus's fears cannot be sidelined. The students were informed of the disease, it's preventive measures, so we will exercise all precautions in case of an outbreak and inform as many people as possible."

The death toll in the deadly Nipah virus outbreak has so far, risen up to 10, Kerala health minister KK Shailaga confirmed.

Earlier, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam appealed to the people of the state to not to panic over the rumours being circulated about the spread of the virus and requested everyone to follow the advisories issued by the State Health Department.

Also, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is closely monitoring the outbreak and taking steps to prevent its further spread.

Taking cognizance of the issue, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda also directed to constitute a team of six doctors to probe the outbreak of the virus.&nbsp;

The death toll in the deadly Nipah virus outbreak has so far risen up to 10, Kerala health minister KK Shailaga confirmed

Amidst the news of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, more than 18 dead bats were discovered on Wednesday in the premises of a government school in Himachal Pradesh's Nahan, triggering a panic among locals. Officers of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry Department and Forest Department arrived at the Burma Papadi School, following a directive from the Deputy Commissioner, and took samples from the dead bats for further investigation. However, the officials denied rumours of fears of the virus as of now. The district's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sanjay Sharma, although the bats are present in the area every year, this year their numbers are significantly higher. "The principal of the school and the students said that bats come here every year, and eventually perish, however, this year, their numbers are far greater than in previous years," Sharma said. "We have informed the teachers, students of the school about the virus, its symptoms, preventive measures. We told them to avoid physical contact in case of an outbreak, as this is a communicative disease," he added. Suparna Bharadwaj, the principal of the school, said, "In this situation, there is a panic in the people after this episode, as the way the bats are dying, Napa Virus's fears cannot be sidelined. The students were informed of the disease, it's preventive measures, so we will exercise all precautions in case of an outbreak and inform as many people as possible." The death toll in the deadly Nipah virus outbreak has so far, risen up to 10, Kerala health minister KK Shailaga confirmed. Earlier, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam appealed to the people of the state to not to panic over the rumours being circulated about the spread of the virus and requested everyone to follow the advisories issued by the State Health Department. Also, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is closely monitoring the outbreak and taking steps to prevent its further spread. Taking cognizance of the issue, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda also directed to constitute a team of six doctors to probe the outbreak of the virus.

Nipah virus scare in Himachal after 18 dead bats found in Nahan

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