National

Himachal CM: Equipping Students to Tackle Future Challenges is Crucial

Published

11 months ago

March 7, 2025

On Thursday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government is exploring the introduction of a Bachelor of Education (BEd) course right after the twelfth grade. This announcement was made during the annual prize distribution ceremony at St. Bede’s College in Shimla.

In his address, Sukhu highlighted the necessity of preparing students to meet future challenges. He noted that the government has rolled out various modern courses, including AI and Data Storage, aimed at equipping young people with skills relevant for the future.

Sukhu allocated Rs 5 lakh in prizes for exceptional students at the college, reiterating the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He pointed out that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to raise the legal marriage age for girls to 21 years.

The Chief Minister also expressed his concerns regarding drug abuse in the state, announcing the launch of an anti-drug campaign and pledging to implement even more robust measures to tackle this issue. He assured that the government is working diligently to protect the youth from drug addiction and promote sports activities among them.

To support athletes, the government has enhanced prize money for international competitions and increased dietary allowances for players. He noted that previous allowances for Under-17 and Under-19 players—Rs. 150 for state-level competitions and Rs. 250 for national events—have now been raised to Rs. 400 and Rs. 500, respectively. For Under-14 players, allowances for state-level events are now Rs. 250, up from Rs. 120, and for national-level competitions, from Rs. 250 to Rs. 400. Additionally, players traveling for competitions outside the state will receive AC three-tier rail fare for distances up to 200 km and economy-class airfare for longer distances.

The Chief Minister also emphasized ongoing reforms in education and health, noting significant changes in these sectors. For the first time, government school students have participated in exposure visits to Singapore and Cambodia, while teachers have traveled abroad to acquire modern teaching methods.

To boost educational infrastructure, the government is establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in each assembly constituency to focus on academics and personality development, along with providing nutritious meals. Structural reforms are also being implemented to enhance the efficiency of education directorates.

Sukhu criticized the previous government’s policies, stating that these had caused Himachal Pradesh to drop to the 21st position in educational quality among Indian states. He asserted that the current government’s efforts have resulted in considerable improvements.

Reflecting on his own educational journey, Sukhu shared a memory of visiting St. Bede’s College 40 years ago for a debate competition and acknowledged the institution’s enduring prestige. He recalled that his political career began as a Class Representative at Government College, Sanjauli, at age 17, which eventually led to his election as a Municipal Councilor and later as an MLA.

Addressing climate change, Sukhu identified it as a significant contemporary challenge. He recalled the severe natural disasters that impacted 23,000 families in Himachal Pradesh in 2023. He emphasized the importance of conserving the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage and reiterated the government’s vision to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy state.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

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.