National
CM Sukhu Champions Plastic-Free Initiative, Introduces Key Green Initiatives on World Environment Day
Highlighting the government’s dedication to environmental preservation, he noted that tangible steps are being taken to reduce plastic waste. “We have tightened regulations on plastic use and are actively working to enhance public awareness,” he stated. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s ambitious aim to transform Himachal Pradesh into a ‘Green Energy State’ by March 31, 2026.
To support this vision, various innovative schemes are being rolled out, which include initiatives to increase green cover, promote solar energy, develop green corridors, encourage electric vehicle adoption, and advance green energy initiatives.
He also mentioned that the state government has requested a ‘Green Bonus’ from the Central Government to bolster its efforts in maintaining forest cover and ecological balance.
During the event, the Chief Minister introduced the ‘Single-Use Plastic Challan Mobile App,’ enabling officials to issue paperless, immediate challans for plastic-related violations. Additionally, he released informative pamphlets from the Environment Department and provided eco-friendly equipment to self-help groups and schools.
Machines for creating traditional eco-friendly utensils—doona (leaf bowls) and pattals (leaf plates)—were gifted to the Shakti and Ekta Self-Help Groups, along with the Kushala Sankul Sangathan. An eco-shredder machine was also donated to the Eco Club of Rajya Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (RKMV) in Shimla. The Chief Minister recognized winners of various competitions held in conjunction with the celebrations and toured an exhibition organized by the Environment Department before the main ceremony.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena shed light on the state’s key environmental policies and initiatives, emphasizing the transformative Deposit Refund Scheme aimed at regulating plastic producers and polluters. He also discussed vital topics such as climate adaptation planning, climate literacy, and afforestation.
The event was co-organized by the Department of Environment, Science and Technology and Climate Change, along with the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE).
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.
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.
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.
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