National

CM Reaffirms Commitment to Enhancing Himachal’s Economy

Published

8 months ago

June 8, 2025

Here’s a rewritten version of the content:

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed on Saturday that the Himachal Pradesh government is dedicated to enhancing the state’s economy. Speaking at a public gathering in Daulatpur Chowk, Una district, he criticized the BJP for their claims of a "double-engine Sarkar" during their five years in power, arguing that they failed to make noticeable improvements in the state’s development and instead incurred substantial loans from the Centre, leading to a financial crisis.

Sukhu stated that the government would make some difficult yet essential decisions to revive the economy, emphasizing community involvement in these efforts.

He announced additional funding for the completion of the Daulatpur–Bhadrakali road, with Rs 15 crore already allocated, and confirmed that funds would be secured for the remaining work on the new Gagret Hospital building. The CM also reported that the survey for the Hoshiarpur–Nadaun four-lane project has been completed, with construction set to begin soon. He recognized the Shivbari Fair as a district-level event and pledged to fill vacant doctor positions at the health centers in Daulatpur Chowk and Gagret to bolster regional healthcare services.

To combat drinking water shortages, he declared plans to install tube wells in the Gagret constituency’s water-starved areas. Addressing initial concerns regarding the Bulk Drug Park in Haroli, Sukhu assured that construction would soon commence.

The chief minister pointed out deficiencies in the education sector, attributing the decline in Himachal’s national ranking—now at 21st place—to the previous BJP government’s policies. Low student enrollment and poor student-teacher ratios from Classes 5 to 12 have led the current administration to merge underperforming schools to improve education quality.

Sukhu highlighted a significant milestone for the region, noting that both the chief minister and deputy chief minister come from the Hamirpur Parliamentary Constituency and are jointly focused on enhancing infrastructure and expediting project implementation.

He announced that Una will be designated as the state’s first solar-powered district, with major initiatives such as the completed 32 MW solar plant in Pekhubela, the 5 MW plant in Bhanjal, and the 10 MW project in Aghlaur. There are ongoing projects totaling 163 MW, involving an investment of Rs 500 crore, positioning Una as a supplier of electricity to neighboring districts.

The forthcoming Bulk Drug Park in Haroli is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and boost industrial development in Una. Earlier, Sukhu inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 75.10 crore in Gagret, including a 400-meter bridge over the Swan River and various bridges under the PMGSY-III scheme.

He also laid the groundwork for the new building of the Government Degree College in Daulatpur Chowk and improved roads in the region, while inaugurating several water supply initiatives completed under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri reported that Rs 170 crore has been invested in water projects in the Gagret Assembly Constituency alone, promising sustainable solutions to drinking water and irrigation issues. He criticized the Central government for disbursing only Rs 137 crore of the Rs 2,000 crore owed to Himachal Pradesh despite repeated requests from the state.

The CM emphasized that Una is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing district in Himachal and is being developed as a "Solar Hub."

This version maintains the original information while rephrasing and restructuring the content for improved clarity and flow.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.

National

8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.

Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.

Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.

National

75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

Published

4 months ago

October 1, 2025

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.

The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”

However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.

Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.