National
Himachal Government to Implement Bio-Engineering Solutions to Address Landslides, Announces CM
To support the initiative, HPSDMA has requested CRSI to supply vetiver nurseries to ensure an ample supply of plants ahead of the 2025 monsoon season. In response, CRSI has generously provided 1,000 vetiver grass saplings at no cost, which have been planted in a nursery set up in Berti, District Solan, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
The Chief Minister emphasized that HPSDMA is actively monitoring the pilot project to ensure the successful cultivation and distribution of vetiver grass. “Initial results show a high survival rate among the plants, demonstrating signs of growth and adaptation to the local environment. Vetiver grass, with roots that can extend 3 to 4 meters deep, creates a solid network that binds the soil, thus reducing landslide risk. It acts as a natural barrier, slowing water runoff and preventing erosion, particularly on steep slopes.”
He further explained, “When planted in rows, vetiver grass serves as a living wall that enhances shear strength and mitigates slope failures. Its roots also absorb excess water, which reduces soil saturation—a crucial factor in landslide occurrences.” Unlike traditional engineered solutions, vetiver provides a cost-effective, sustainable, and low-maintenance option for slope protection.
Sukhu noted that the vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh’s steep and geologically young slopes has intensified in recent years due to multiple factors. “Heavy monsoon rains and seismic activity have made the region particularly prone to landslides. Therefore, the state government is dedicated to implementing scientific and bio-engineering approaches to bolster disaster resilience and safeguard lives and infrastructure against the escalating threat of landslides, especially during the rainy season,” he concluded.
New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.
According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.
Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.
Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.
Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.
He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.
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Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.
Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.
According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.
The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.
Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.
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Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.
National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.
The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.
All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.
Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.
The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.
In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
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The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.
Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.
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