10:03 PM
Saturday - May 24, 2025
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REGD.-HP-09-0015257
10:03 PM
Saturday - May 24, 2025
Weather: 13°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...
Himachal CM Urges PM Modi for Financial Aid, Raises Apple Import Issue and Hydropower Concerns
New Delhi, May 24:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, seeking generous financial assistance for the state and early release of pending funds.
The meeting comes at a time when the hill state continues to grapple with economic recovery after last year's natural calamities and aims to strengthen its journey towards self-reliance by 2032.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister about the state’s ambitious vision of achieving self-reliance within the next decade.
“The state government is committed to launching new development schemes and strengthening ongoing ones to achieve this goal,” he said.
Key sectors such as tourism, green energy, and power were also on the agenda. The Chief Minister advocated for safeguarding Himachal’s interests in hydropower projects and requested the Centre to fix a timeline for returning several projects to the state’s control.
Among the other pressing issues raised was the expansion of the Kangra airport. The Chief Minister stressed the need for improved air connectivity to boost tourism and regional development in the lower hill regions.
In a significant move, he also flagged the concerns of apple growers, urging the Prime Minister to protect their interests in the wake of increasing apple imports from countries like Türkiye. "Cheap imports are hurting our farmers. The Prime Minister assured us that the matter would be reviewed," he told reporters after the meeting.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister also attended the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by the Prime Minister. During the meeting, he highlighted the unique developmental challenges faced by Himalayan states and reiterated the need for differentiated funding support and tailored policy measures for mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh. He sought more central support in the areas of climate resilience, disaster recovery, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism.
Sources said the PM responded positively and assured that the apple import issue would be reviewed on priority and that the other concerns raised would be considered sympathetically.
The visit reflects Himachal's ongoing efforts to secure central backing for key projects and policy support to help the state chart a resilient and self-sustaining future.
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
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