In a concerning development, a massive landslide struck the remote Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh, isolating it from the rest of the state. The incident unfolded following heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, causing significant disruption to transportation routes. The landslide occurred along the Sansari–Kullu–Manali road, situated at the border of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts, effortlessly washing away nearly a 60-metre stretch of the crucial road.

Eyewitness accounts describe the landslide as catastrophic, with entire hillsides collapsing and leaving no trace of the road. This disaster has rendered movement impossible, even on foot, in the affected areas. Approximately 40 to 50 individuals travelling in private vehicles and taxis found themselves stranded at Sugalwas and Kadu Nullah, some of whom had to endure extremely cold conditions overnight.

Authorities have undertaken measures to ensure the safety of those trapped. Several stranded individuals have been relocated to safer locations as restoration efforts commence. The Border Roads Organisation has initiated operations to clear debris and restore connectivity to the cut-off valley.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has heighted concerns as it issued weather alerts across the state. An orange alert warns of hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds travelling at 40-60 kmph in districts including Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. A yellow alert is in effect for similar conditions expected in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Sirmaur.

The prolonged wet spell is likely to continue until April 13, prompting vigilance among residents and travellers alike. Reports indicate widespread rainfall throughout the state, with Sarahan recording the highest precipitation at 38.5 mm. Residents in Shimla district face additional challenges, as hailstorms have inflicted damage on local crops.

Amid these adverse conditions, colder temperatures have intensified across Himachal. Kalpa and Kukumseri registered lows of 0.4°C, while day temperatures have hovered between 3-9°C below normal in many areas. Snowfall is likely in higher regions as the weather outlook indicates further disturbances.

The ongoing weather challenges stem from a Western Disturbance, with forecasts suggesting that another system will affect the region starting April 11. Local authorities have issued a strong advisory urging residents and visitors to remain cautious and to avoid travelling along landslide-prone routes while adhering to official weather advisories.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished for the excellent health of all fellow citizens and urged everyone to make all possible effort to keep themselves healthy.

On the occasion of World Health Day, he also expressed gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet.

“On World Health Day, I wish for the excellent health of all my fellow citizens. I urge everyone to make every possible effort to keep themselves healthy,” he said in a post on X in Hindi.

The prime minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a healthier society.

“Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise well-being of every individual,” he said.

The World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7, marking the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

On this day, each year WHO draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. (AGENCIES)

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that all issues concerning installation of CCTVs in police stations across the country would be sorted out within two weeks.

Attorney General R Venkataramani told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that he was taking stock of the issue and a lot of things were happening.

The Union Home Secretary also appeared in court in pursuance of the apex court’s April 6 order asking him to remain present before it on Tuesday so that appropriate assistance could be drawn from him in implementation of the scheme for installation of CCTVs in police stations.

The top law officer told the bench that “within two weeks, he will make sure that all the issues are sorted out by holding regular meetings with the amicus curiae and other officers”.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on April 28. The top court was hearing a suo motu case over lack of functional CCTVs in police stations. (Agencies)

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the CBI to register a preliminary enquiry within two weeks into the award of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover the award and execution of public works, contracts and work orders in the state for the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2025.

The bench directed the CBI to file a status report before it in the matter within 16 weeks.

“The CBI shall register a PE (preliminary enquiry) within two weeks from the date of the judgement and will proceed in accordance with law,” Justice Nath said while pronouncing the order.

The detailed order is awaited.

The top court had on February 17 reserved its order in the matter.

During the hearing in the matter, the apex court was told that government contracts and work orders worth around Rs 1,270 crore were awarded in the last 10 years in Arunachal Pradesh to four firms related to the family members of Khandu.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, had referred to an affidavit filed by the state of Arunachal Pradesh and argued that a number of contracts were awarded to the companies owned by the family members of the chief minister.

The counsel appearing for the state had earlier argued that the plea was a “sponsored litigation”.

On December 2 last year, the top court asked the Arunachal Pradesh government to file a comprehensive affidavit giving details of the contracts awarded from 2015 to 2025, including those to firms of family members of the chief minister.

Khandu has been made a party respondent in the PIL.

Pema Khandu’s father Dorjee Khandu’s second wife Rinchin Drema and his nephew Tsering Tashi have also been made parties to the case.

Dorjee Khandu served as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh from 2007 until his death in a helicopter crash in April 2011.

The plea claimed Drema’s firm, Brand Eagles, was awarded a large number of government contracts despite there being a clear conflict of interest. (Agencies)

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of “singing to the tune of Pakistan” while highlighting his government’s actions against terrorism.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi said his government has taken strong action against terror camps in Pakistan, while alleging that the Congress stance weakens national security. He stated that any such connection with Pakistan cannot be tolerated.

On development issues, the Prime Minister accused Congress of having a short-term and narrow approach, claiming it focused on policies that enabled corruption. In contrast, he said the BJP works with a long-term vision aimed at overall development of all sections of society.

Modi also criticised Congress for not implementing the ‘One Rank, One Pension’ scheme for the armed forces, adding that his government ensured justice for soldiers who protect the nation.

Speaking about Assam, he said the state has seen peace and stability over the past decade due to the BJP’s efforts and implementation of various peace accords. He added that this stability has led to significant development and urged voters to continue supporting the BJP to maintain progress.

Addressing women voters, Modi announced that the 33% reservation for women in Parliament would be implemented from the 2029 general elections. He also encouraged women in the state to push for the passage of the related bill.

The Prime Minister was addressing an election rally ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes to take place on May 4.