Former BJP Youth Wing Block President and Hotel Businessman Arrested with Drugs
Police in Spilo, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, arrested Buddhasen alias Vicky, a private hotel businessman and former Block President of the BJP Youth Wing, for possessing 7.79 grams of narcotics and approximately one lakh rupees in cash. The arrest occurred late Monday night following a police raid based on a tip-off. Superintendent of Police Sushil Sharma confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the drugs.
Government Employees and Pensioners to Receive 35-55% Arrears on September 1, Notification Issued
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a revision of pay scales for Group-D employees and pension arrears for retired employees. Group-D workers will receive ₹20,000 in August 2026, while pensioners will see arrears between 35% to 55%. These payments will be included in the salary and pension for August, disbursed on September 1, under the Himachal Pradesh Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2022, with arrears effective from January 1, 2016.
NHAI’s ₹4,256 Crore Plan to Enhance Safety of Kiratpur-Manali Four-Lane, Protect Against Mountain and River Hazards
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a ₹4,256 crore safety enhancement plan for the Kiratpur-Manali highway, addressing risks from falling rocks and river erosion. The plan includes cable anchoring and river erosion control works at 65 locations. Additionally, the Jhalogi Tunnel will be relocated and reinforced, with new twin-tube tunnels and a viaduct proposed to improve safety and traffic flow. NHAI aims to implement these measures to ensure year-round safety on the highway.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s 12th Session Begins August 21, Key Issues to Be Discussed
The 12th session of Himachal Pradesh’s 14th Legislative Assembly will commence on August 21, addressing key issues such as disaster management, floods, and education. Assembly Secretary Keval Singh Pathania noted that members submitted 1,036 questions, focusing on topics like disaster assistance, infrastructure development, and substance abuse prevention. A meeting of chief leaders from both parties is scheduled to ensure smooth proceedings, with a request for cooperative engagement to facilitate meaningful discussions on public interest matters.
Tamil Nadu MPs Oppose Delimitation Bill in Meeting Led by CM Vijay
Tamil Nadu MPs, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, unanimously opposed the Centre’s Delimitation Bill in a recent meeting, attended by 21 out of 57 MPs. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram emphasized the need to preserve Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament, insisting that any changes would be resisted. The meeting was boycotted by the DMK and AIADMK, who criticized it as insincere and lacking clarity. Additionally, opposition parties support the Women’s Reservation Bill but oppose its linkage to delimitation, following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to pass in the Lok Sabha.
Seven dead, 11 injured as bus overturns in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba…
A tragic accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district resulted in at least seven deaths and 11 injuries when a private bus overturned at around 7:15 am on Saturday. The bus was traveling from Bairagarh to Chamba on the narrow Bairagarh-Tissa road. Approximately 20 to 25 passengers were aboard. Injured individuals were taken to a hospital, with six referred for further care. A search and rescue team, including NDRF and police, responded to the scene. The cause of the accident is under investigation, and details about the victims are pending.
US Senate Passes Bill Allowing 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers
The US Senate approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, allowing President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries like India and China that buy Russian oil and gas. The bipartisan bill aims to increase economic pressure on Russia and Iran while targeting energy trade with Moscow. India, a major purchaser of Russian crude, may face significant impacts if tariffs are enacted. The legislation will now proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Himachal Pradesh Government Raises Salary of Job Trainee Medical Officers by 78% to ₹60,000 to Improve Health Services
Chief Minister Sukhu announced a significant salary increase for job trainee medical officers, raising it from approximately ₹33,660 to ₹60,000, a 78% hike. This move aims to attract specialist doctors to government health institutions. Additionally, stipends for postgraduate medical students have also been raised, with first-year students now receiving ₹50,000 and third-year students ₹65,000. Stipends for senior residents and super specialists have been increased to ₹1,00,000 and ₹1,30,000, respectively, as part of the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare services.
Central Government Prioritizes Railway Infrastructure Expansion and Passenger Amenities Modernization in Himachal Pradesh, Amb Andaura Station Becomes Major Rail Hub
Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced in Lok Sabha that the government is focusing on expanding railway infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. The Amb Andaura railway station has become the main hub, serving 20 train services and connecting to 13 states. The Nangal Dam-Una-Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli railway section is operational, with ongoing construction of the Kartoli-Talwara-Mukerian section. Passenger numbers are increasing, with 2.577 million in 2023-24, expected to rise to 3.056 million in 2024-25 and 3.187 million in 2025-26.
Transfer of Deputy Commissioner and Police Superintendent Ordered by High Court After Rave Party in Kullu, New Officials Appointed
In response to a rave party in Kullu district and subsequent High Court measures, the state government has transferred Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chandra Sharma and Superintendent of Police Madan Lal-2. IPS officer Abhishek S has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police for Kullu, effective immediately. Additionally, ADM Surjit Singh will take on the additional role of Deputy Commissioner of Kullu district, while Sharma is to report to the Personnel Department for his next assignment.