02:07 PM
Saturday - May 24, 2025
Weather: 11°C
REGD.-HP-09-0015257
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s re...
Himachal Erupts: Farmers and Apple Growers Protest...
Shimla, April 25: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder...
Breaking: Southwest Monsoon Hits Kerala Early; Shimla Sees a Mixed bag of Relief from Heatwaves and Havoc with Crop Damage...
Shimla/Delhi, 24 May 2025:
The much-awaited Southwest Monsoon has officially made landfall in Kerala today, May 24—a full week ahead of its usual June 1 onset, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed. This early arrival could set the tone for a dynamic monsoon season across the country.
As the monsoon pushed into Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Bay of Bengal region, sharp showers and sleet battered the high-altitude apple belt of Shimla, damaging apple, pear, and pea crops.
Locals and growers reported losses, hinting that the hills are already feeling the tremors of the changing weather cycle mainly in the Shimla apple belt.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) now stretches through parts of the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bay of Bengal, Mizoram, and all the way up to 27°N/98°E in the Northeast—marking an impressive advance for this time of year.
What’s Next?
The IMD says conditions are ripe for the monsoon to move further into central Arabian Sea, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, more areas of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as well as Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and the rest of the Northeast over the next 2–3 days.
With the rains making an early dash and high-altitude crops already taking a hit, India's monsoon calendar is off to a dramatic and telling start.
Shimla Police vs DGP: Rift Spirals Out Into the Open After HC Slams Probe in Vimal Negi Death Case
The cold war in Himachal police has now spiraled out into the open. After the High Court blasted the state cops for a botched probe in the mysterious death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi and handed the case over to the CBI, Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi came out swinging.
Without naming DGP Atul Verma, Gandhi accused the top brass of sabotaging the SIT investigation.
Talking to the media, Gandhi said the SIT team will now move court to “put the facts straight” and “seek justice” for Negi’s family.
What’s more, Gandhi dropped a bombshell on Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma, alleging that Sharma selectively livestreamed the court proceedings and leaked videos on social media just to malign him.
Gandhi has filed a defamation suit against Sharma and claimed this was done deliberately since Shimla police is probing the "MLAs kharid-frokt" case — a scandal in which Sharma is allegedly a kingpin.
Meanwhile, the High Court flagged tampering of crucial evidence — including a pen drive with 4,000+ files found on Negi’s body — and cited non-cooperation within the police ranks, triggering serious concerns over internal sabotage and political meddling.
Also Gandhi charged that top officer staff was involved in the Bhuria chitta gang busted by the Shimla police.
As the blame game rages on, the focus now shifts to the CBI — and whether it can clean up the mess left behind.
As of now DGP has not responded to the allegations leveled against him by SP Shimla.
Updates awaited.
#VimalNegiCase #HimachalPoliceCrisis #JusticeForNegi #CBIProbe
PM Modi Gives a Global Push to Local Tourism: “One State, One Global Destination” Mantra at NITI Meet
New Delhi | May 24, 2025
In a new bold push for grassroots-led development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled a new vision during the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam, calling on every Indian state to develop “One State, One Global Destination.”
This, he said, would not only boost tourism but trigger inclusive growth by uplifting nearby towns and villages.
The PM’s appeal came as part of the broader agenda under the theme "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047", aiming to make India a developed nation by its 100th year of Independence.
“We need to pick up speed. If the Centre and States work as Team India, no target is out of reach,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing synergy between different levels of governance.
He underlined that India's journey to becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 hinges on making every component of the nation—states, cities, Nagar Palikas, and villages—developed and future-ready.
“If we follow this approach, we won’t have to wait till 2047. The change will come much sooner,” he asserted.
The One State, One Global Destination mantra encourages each state to develop at least one world-class tourist hub, with top-tier infrastructure, global-level hospitality standards, and seamless connectivity.
“This will not only enhance the state’s brand on the global map but will also drive economic benefits to surrounding regions,” the PM added.
States Respond with Enthusiasm
Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors present at the meeting echoed support for the idea, with many already lining up plans for identifying potential destinations.
Rajasthan proposed enhancing heritage tourism in Udaipur, while Kerala emphasized on making backwater tourism in Alappuzha globally competitive.
Himachal Pradesh spoke of developing Lahaul-Spiti as a carbon-neutral, high-altitude adventure and wellness hub.
Madhya Pradesh CM called the proposal a “win-win,” saying that aligning tourism with sustainable development will bring employment to youth and preserve heritage.
“This vision puts local economies at the heart of national progress,” added Tamil Nadu’s CM, pitching for integrated temple-town development.
Viksit Bharat@2047: Not Just a Dream
The Governing Council meeting also focused on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, green energy, and digital governance.
The Prime Minister emphasized data-driven governance, skill development, and innovation ecosystems as critical levers to make states stronger economic engines.
NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson stressed that aligning state-level goals with national priorities would ensure that India’s growth story becomes “a mosaic of local successes.”
A Platform of Cooperative Federalism
This 10th meeting of the Governing Council reasserted NITI Aayog’s role as a bridge between the Centre and the States.
The platform enabled consensus building on actionable goals, especially in areas where states are key executors—such as health, education, and tourism.
With the rallying call of One State, One Global Destination resonating from Bharat Mandapam to the grassroots, India’s roadmap to 2047 appears clearer and more cohesive than ever.
PM's message is loud and clear: Viksit Bharat starts with Viksit Rajya.
Sachkhand Express: The Only Train in India That Serves Humanity, Not Just Passengers
CHANDIGARH/SHIMLA: Over 13,000 trains crisscross India every day, but there’s only one that runs not just on tracks—but on the spirit of humanity. Meet the Sachkhand Express, the only train in the country where passengers are served free breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout a journey that stretches nearly 35 hours—no charges, no conditions.
Running between Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, Sachkhand Express (12715) covers nearly 2,000 kilometers, connecting two of Sikhism’s holiest places. But the magic of this train lies not in its route, speed, or tech—but in its soul.
Here’s what sets it apart: Onboard this train, you’ll find fresh, home-cooked meals served with a warm smile by Sikh volunteers.
No pantry car, no IRCTC, no QR code to scan. Just simple, wholesome food—kadhi-chawal, roti-sabzi, and more—cooked in nearby Gurudwaras and brought directly to your seat as part of the Sikh tradition of langar, where everyone is served equally, with dignity.
And this isn’t a one-time show. This act of kindness has been rolling strong since 1995.
Across stations like Aurangabad, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Delhi, Ludhiana, and more, volunteers hop on with containers full of food, asking for nothing but an empty plate—and an open heart. Passengers are encouraged to carry their own tiffin or plate. That’s it.
The journey begins at Nanded, home to Hazur Sahib, one of the five takhts (seats of temporal authority) of Sikhism.
It is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, spent his final days. For Sikhs, the spiritual energy of this place is unmatched. Boarding the train here feels like a pilgrimage in motion.
Along the way, the train passes through several spiritual and cultural hubs.
Bhopal has historical Sikh ties; Jhansi and Gwalior carry echoes of the freedom struggle.
Then comes Delhi, where Gurudwara Bangla Sahib stands tall in the heart of the capital—a symbol of service and resilience.
The journey finally touches Ludhiana, a city rich in Sikh heritage, before heading towards its final spiritual stop.
Amritsar, the final destination, is home to the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)—the holiest shrine of Sikhism.
Thousands bow their heads here every day, and when Sachkhand Express rolls in, it feels like the journey has come full circle—from one sacred land to another.
But perhaps the most beautiful part of it all is this: the Sikh community never advertises it.
No posters, no influencers, no photo-ops. Unlike modern Hindu godmen who promote every morsel they give away, these volunteers simply serve and disappear, leaving behind full stomachs and fuller hearts.
It’s a moving lesson in humility, faith, and shared humanity.
The Sachkhand Express isn’t just a train. It’s a spiritual experience on rails.
It reminds us that kindness and Valour that Great Sikh Gurus Taught us, when served without ego, can travel thousands of kilometers—and still stay grounded.
I can only bow in respect wearing the Turban to these tireless volunteers who turn a regular train journey into a soul-touching experience.
#SikhSewaOnWheels #SachkhandExpress #HumanityInMotion #LangarWithoutLimits
Himachal CM Pleads for More Funds, But Will Delhi Listen?
Shimla, May 23:
With the hill state reeling under mounting financial stress and disaster recovery burdens, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu knocked on the doors of the Finance Commission in New Delhi on Friday, demanding an increase in central funds and special consideration for Himachal Pradesh’s unique challenges.
In a high-stakes meeting with Finance Commission Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Sukhu, accompanied by top state officials, submitted an additional memorandum and made a fervent plea to recognise the “ecological services” the state provides the nation.
From seeking a long-pending green bonus for maintaining forest cover and fragile ecosystems to highlighting the dent in revenues due to reduced GST compensation, the Chief Minister urged that the Centre must stop overlooking the hill states' genuine concerns.
“We are not asking for charity,” Sukhu reportedly asserted. “Himachal deserves its due for preserving the environment and bearing the brunt of natural calamities.”
He emphasized that the Revenue Deficit Grant must be enhanced instead of being gradually phased out — a move that would only deepen the fiscal crisis in the state.
Sources say the presentation made by state officials laid bare the stark contrast between Himachal’s financial needs and the current allocations. Yet, what remains to be seen is whether the Commission will convert assurances into action.
Dr. Panagariya assured that the Commission would “consider” the submission — a standard diplomatic response that did little to assure those concerned about the state’s deepening resource crunch.
The CM was accompanied by his top brass: Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, and Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar.
Now the ball is in the Commission's court. Will Himachal get more than just polite nods and sympathetic smiles — or is it yet another routine Delhi visit with a heavy file and light outcomes?
#HimachalBudgetCrisis #FundTheHills #GreenBonusNow #GSTCompensationDemand
The mainstream media houses dominated by the city- centric editors have been indifferent to the problems and issues faced by the Himalayan people down the centuries. HimbuMail is born to fill this gap and seeks to become their real voice.
HimbuMail is new web newsepaper and is being run on no-profit basis by professionals, who need financial support for sustainable operation of the web news portal.
your support is Supreme!
Himbumail
Install App on Your Device