News
HP schools alleged of fraud worth crores on the name of fund collection for cancer patients
Students told that hundreds of students from their school are engaged to collect funds for the NGO by their teachers. NGOs are even promising prizes to students who’ll collect handsome amount.
SHIMLA- The government and private schools in Himachal Pradesh have been alleged of fraudulent practice on the name of fund collection for cancer patients through students. This fraud is being committed in connivance with the school administration. Many government and private schools are using innocent children for ulterior motives, revealed the allegations labeled by a Shimla-based public welfare trust. The trust demanded high-level inquiry against the erring schools along with registration of FIRs against the NGOs since they have collected crores of Rupees by using children.
At least four NGOs based in other states are operational in Himachal in the name of welfare of cancer patients, said the trust. As per the Chairman of the trust, Ajai Shrivastva, three class IX students of Govt. Senior Secondary School, Lalpani, Shimla came to his house seeking donations for cancer patients on behalf of one NGO based in Lucknow. When they were questioned, they told that their English teacher has allotted them the task to collect funds for the NGO. They also revealed that the NGO has promised them prizes if they collect a handsome amount. They also said that hundreds of students of their school have been engaged to collect funds for the NGO by their teachers.
When Ajai Srivastava contacted the NGO at their Lucknow number to seek financial assistance for a little girl of three years suffering from blood cancer and admitted in IGMC Shimla, the NGO official refused to extend any help to her.
The NGO under scanner has two offices in Lucknow, one national office at Delhi apart from other big cities like Bangalore, Ahmdabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad etc. The NGO official said that they collect funds for creating awareness about cancer in the society and usually do not provide assistance to individual patients.
The pamphlet in the hands of school students shows the list of award and incentives to be given to the students who succeed to collect more money. But the donors are not provided with any sort of receipt.
Shrivastava revealed that presently at least four NGOs are aggressively involved in collection of money through school students in the different districts of the State. Their targets are government schools, private schools and Kendriya Vidyalays. Nobody knows where does the money collected by the school students go.
When Umang Foundation contacted the Director of Higher Education, he said that he has not given such permission to anybody.
The trust has asked the CM to order an inquiry into the matter and lodge an FIR against the NGOs.
News
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
News
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
News
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.



Home Decor Ideas 2020