National

CM Reaffirms Commitment to Enhancing Himachal’s Economy

Published

1 year 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

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.