<keyword id="19914403" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shimla" source="keywords">Shimla</keyword>: A silent candle march was taken out at midnight on Monday by a group of people here at The Ridge to demand justice for the Kolkata doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered. Besides seeking capital punishment for the accused, the peaceful and symbolic demonstration aimed to raise awareness in society and reclaim public places. People from diverse backgrounds, under the banner of <keyword id="22844903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shimla-Collectives" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Shimla Collectives" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Shimla Collectives">Shimla Collectives</keyword>, came out with candles to demand "capital punishment for the accused, quick delivery of justice and martyr status for the victim". "Capital punishment and speedy justice are the only deterrent to crimes like rape. We are here at this hour to reclaim public places and make them safe for women irrespective of whether it is day or night," former deputy mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) Tikender Panwar told PTI. "It is not a crime against a doctor or a woman but a crime against humanity. Many people blame the victim's clothes as one of the reasons behind such brutal acts but in this case, a resident doctor was raped and murdered at her workplace," Swati Sharma, a doctor, said. "Are we safe at night, can I roam at night safely without causing concern to my parents, I do not think so and we want things to change this time," Saina Malhotra, who joined the candle march, said. "The march has been organised on the festival of <keyword id="20225310" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Raksha-Bandhan" source="keywords">Raksha Bandhan</keyword> when we tie a thread on the wrist of our brothers for protection. On this day, I would like to call upon all the men in the country to protect every woman because she is someone's sister and daughter, so respect every woman," she added. Umang, a sitting councillor of the SMC, said that the people have come with a hope that the mindset can be changed. "All of us are here at midnight to give a message that Shimla is still a place where women can move freely even at midnight and would request our brothers to support us to make our country safer for women," she said. Lalita Ahuja, an elderly woman, urged parents to inculcate good values in their children and said that it is now time to have rigid laws such as in Dubai to ensure the safety of women in the country. Besides justice, the demonstrators also sought "martyr status" for the victim who had worked 36 hours before the incident. On August 9, the body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime the next day. Later, the Calcutta High Court handed over the case to the CBI.

Midnight candle march taken out in Shimla demanding justice for Kolkata doctor

<ul><li>Thappad starring <keyword id="699893" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Taapsee-Pannu">Taapsee Pannu</keyword> witnessed a 35% growth in box office collection at ₹6.50 crore. </li><li>The total collection of the film now stands at ₹14 crore. </li><li>In order to sustain the film needs to maintain the business on Monday as well, according to Box office India. </li><li>Most of the films have garnered box office collections much below expectations. </li><li>Popular releases such as "Chhapaak", "Panga", and "Street Dancer 3D” failed to woo people. </li></ul>Thappad starring Taapsee Pannu witnessed a 35% growth in box office collection at ₹6.50 crore on Sunday alone. The film saw a low-key opening of ₹3.07 crore on Friday, its first day of release, in the domestic market despite excellent reviews and positive word of mouth. The total collection of the film now stands at ₹14 crore. In order to sustain the film needs to maintain the business on Monday as well, according to Box office India. The film saw an increase in footfalls in New Delhi, East Punjab, Gurugram, and Faridabad. “The biggest plus for Thappad is a high ratio of business from Delhi NCR which holds strongly on Monday. If Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore can sustain as well then the film should do well,” <a href="https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=5971">reported Box office India. </a> <div type="twitter" handle="taran_adarsh" handlename="taran adarsh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1440352704/profile_pic_taran_normal.jpg" favoritecount="5089" retweetcount="224" status="#Thappad jumps on Day 2... Occupancy at metros - target audience - witnesses substantial growth... Needs to maintai… https://t.co/nNf4AJ0kXl" createdat="1583042448000" id="1233995583280558081"></div>

 <div type="twitter" handle="taran_adarsh" handlename="taran adarsh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1440352704/profile_pic_taran_normal.jpg" favoritecount="17350" retweetcount="1258" status="#OneWordReview... #Thappad: POWERFUL. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Anubhav Sinha makes a strong statement yet again. #Thappad a… https://t.co/9xgEl2C3J8" createdat="1582777185000" id="1232882990511869952"></div>

 Thappad — starring Pavail Gulati, Dia Mirza, Ram Kapoor along — highlights how Indian society has normalised the concept of domestic violence. It focuses on a woman's self-respect in a relationship, and how it has been compromised over the ages owing to a certain conditioning of the mind in a patriarchal society. It has received liking from many film stars and politicians including <keyword id="710" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sonam-Kapoor">Sonam Kapoor</keyword> and Smriti Irani. Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor praised the film and called Taapsee “a clutter breaker.” Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani has given a shout-out to Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu's upcoming film "Thappad" Thapad isn’t the only Bollywood film to get a slow start. Most of the Bollywood films have tanked with <keyword id="6354714" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ajay-devgn">Ajay Devgn</keyword>'s "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" as the only exception, reported koimoi.com. While Tanhaji raked ₹276.9 crore till date, the only 2020 release that saw decent earnings is "Malang", which made a business of ₹58.04 crore till date. Most of the films have garnered box office collections much below expectations. Popular releases such as "Chhapaak", "Panga", "Street Dancer 3D", "Jawaani Jaaneman", "Shikara", "Love Aaj Kal", "Jai Mummy Di", "Bhangra Paa Le", "Hacked", "<keyword id="8013796" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Happy-Hardy">Happy Hardy</keyword> Aur Heer", "Gul Makai" and "Shimla Mirchi" failed to woo the audience. (with agency inputs) See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/ayushman-khurrana-wins-hearts-with-shubh-mangal-zyada-saavdhan-eyes-30-crore-in-3-days/articleshow/74277011.cms">Ayushman Khurrana wins hearts with Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan — eyes ₹30 crore in 3 days</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/watch-these-vintage-90s-shows-on-hotstar-sony-liv-and-other-streaming-platforms/articleshow/74393825.cms">Watch these vintage 90s shows on Hotstar, Sony Liv and other streaming platforms</a>

After a slow start, Thappad earns ₹14 crore and excellent reviews in three days

Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, has ordered a probe to ascertain the authenticity of a video purporting to show an <keyword id="6354427" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="apple" source="Orion">apple</keyword> grower in the Rohru area of Shimla district throwing his produce into a stream. "The video is 20 days old and the claim that the apple rotted due to road closures is wrong and misleading as an alternate route was opened," he told PTI on Monday. Negi, who suspects BJP leaders were behind the video being circulated, said the subdivisional magistrate has been asked to look into the matter. In a purported video circulating on social media, a pickup truck can be seen parked on the roadside in Rohru town while a farmer dumps several crates of apples in a stream. Daulat Ram, the chief of Varal village, wrote to the tehsildar claiming that the Blasan-Chanri-Padsari Road linking the village to the main road was closed since July 9 after heavy rain caused landslides. About 68 crates of apples were thrown in a stream by three farmers, he said in the letter. According to preliminary investigations, the grower stated that he did not make the video, the minister said. Negi said the grower threw away the apples damaged in the heavy rain but the video was made by some other people who posted it on social media. The video became viral on Saturday, inviting the ire of opposition leaders and social media users and forcing the authorities to reopen the road on Sunday. Chetan Bragta, a BJP spokesperson, told PTI that several link roads in the state's apple belt are closed. The transportation of apples will become a major issue in the coming days. Government agencies earlier set up collection centres by July 15 but no such facility has been made available this time. The absence of collection centres and road blockages have made the lives of apple growers miserable, Bragta added. Officials said more than 400 roads, including about 240 in the Shimla Zone that comprises the Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts, are closed for vehicular traffic.

Video of apple growers dumping produce in stream goes viral — Himachal minister orders probe

Set in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, <keyword id="20259244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Spiti-Valley" source="keywords">Spiti Valley</keyword> is a haven for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers alike. Characterised by barren landscapes, ancient monasteries, and serene villages, Spiti offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural richness. Here's a detailed guide to the top places and unmissable experiences in Spiti Valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Best places to visit in Spiti Valley" comment="subhead" text="Best places to visit in Spiti Valley">Best <keyword id="21701570" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Places-to-visit-in-Spiti-valley" source="Orion">places to visit in Spiti Valley</keyword></cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Key Monastery" comment="subhead" text="Key Monastery"><keyword id="21701571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Key-Monastery" source="keywords">Key Monastery</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="110210958" hostid="261" sizebytes="1951281" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A serene sanctuary atop the Himalayas, where ancient whispers echo through the halls.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 4,166 meters, Key Monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks in Spiti Valley. This centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery, also known as Ki Gompa, boasts a remarkable collection of ancient murals, thangkas, and scriptures. You can partake in meditation sessions, interact with the resident monks, and witness captivating rituals. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chandratal Lake" comment="subhead" text="Chandratal Lake"><keyword id="21701572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandratal-Lake" source="keywords">Chandratal Lake</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="110210976" hostid="261" sizebytes="1905455" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Nature&amp;#39;s masterpiece, where the sky meets the crystal-clear waters in a harmonious embrace.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Dubbed as the "Lake of the Moon," Chandratal Lake is a breathtaking high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 4,300 meters. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, the pristine blue waters of Chandratal offer a mesmerising spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset. Camping by the lakeside under a star-studded sky is an experience of a lifetime. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Dhankar Monastery and Fort" comment="subhead" text="Dhankar Monastery and Fort">Dhankar Monastery and Fort</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="110210988" hostid="261" sizebytes="2400566" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Perched on the edge of time, where history and spirituality merge into a breathtaking panorama.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched precariously atop a steep cliff, Dhankar Monastery is an architectural marvel that dates back to the 12th century. Besides its religious significance, Dhankar also houses an ancient fort that once served as the residence of the rulers of Spiti. The panoramic views of the Spiti Valley from Dhankar are truly awe-inspiring. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tabo Monastery" comment="subhead" text="Tabo Monastery">Tabo Monastery</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="110211303" hostid="261" sizebytes="2323878" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A timeless treasure trove of art and faith, preserving the soul of Spiti&amp;#39;s ancient heritage.&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest and most revered monastic complexes in the region. Dating back over a millennium, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its exquisite frescoes, ancient scriptures, and sacred relics. The serene ambience and spiritual aura of Tabo make it a must-visit destination for cultural enthusiasts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pin Valley National Park" comment="subhead" text="Pin Valley National Park">Pin Valley National Park</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="110211312" hostid="261" sizebytes="1724724" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Where the elusive snow leopard roams amidst pristine wilderness and rugged beauty.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Pin Valley National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard. Trekking through the rugged terrain of Pin Valley offers the opportunity to spot Himalayan ibex, Tibetan gazelles, and elusive wild cats amidst stunning Himalayan vistas. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Langza Village" comment="subhead" text="Langza Village">Langza Village</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="110211328" hostid="261" sizebytes="2162641" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A tranquil oasis cradled by majestic peaks, where fossils whisper tales of ancient epochs.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched at an altitude of 4,400 meters, Langza is a picturesque village renowned for its stunning vistas and fossil-rich terrain. The towering Buddha statue overlooking the village adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also interact with the warm and hospitable locals to gain insights into their traditional way of life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Komic Village" comment="subhead" text="Komic Village">Komic Village</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="110211349" hostid="261" sizebytes="1639466" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Among the clouds, a Himalayan haven where tradition meets tranquility at the rooftop of the world.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located at an altitude of 4,587 meters, Komic holds the distinction of being one of the highest-inhabited villages in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barley fields, Komic offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don't miss the opportunity to savour traditional Tibetan cuisine at the local homestays. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kunzum Pass" comment="subhead" text="Kunzum Pass">Kunzum Pass</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="110211379" hostid="261" sizebytes="1795875" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Gateway to the heavens, adorned with fluttering prayer flags and panoramic vistas of eternity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters, Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass that connects the Spiti Valley with the Lahaul Valley. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, Kunzum Pass is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and photographers. The pass is also adorned with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to its mystical allure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley" comment="subhead" text="Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley">Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Trekking" comment="subhead" text="Trekking">Trekking</cmsannotation> Spiti Valley offers a plethora of trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts of all levels. Whether it's the rugged trails leading to high-altitude lakes like Chandratal and Dhankar Lake or multi-day treks through remote valleys and passes, trekking in Spiti promises breathtaking landscapes and memorable adventures. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Attend Monastic Festivals" comment="subhead" text="Attend Monastic Festivals">Attend Monastic Festivals</cmsannotation> Witness the vibrant culture and spiritual fervour of Spiti by attending colourful monastic festivals such as the Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, and Gustor Festival. These festivals, marked by traditional music, masked dances, and religious ceremonies, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Experience Yak Safari" comment="subhead" text="Experience Yak Safari">Experience Yak Safari</cmsannotation> Go on a thrilling yak safari through the rugged terrain of Spiti Valley. Ride atop these majestic creatures and traverse through remote valleys, meadows, and ancient trails while soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. It's a unique and unforgettable way to explore the pristine wilderness of Spiti. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rafting on Spiti River" comment="subhead" text="Rafting on Spiti River">Rafting on Spiti River</cmsannotation> For adrenaline junkies, white-water rafting on the Spiti River offers an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Navigate through rapids and gorges while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and pristine valleys. Rafting expeditions are available for both beginners and experienced rafters. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Meditate and Reflect" comment="subhead" text="Meditate and Reflect">Meditate and Reflect</cmsannotation> Find inner peace and spiritual solace amidst the serene surroundings of Spiti Valley. Whether it's sitting in silent contemplation at ancient monasteries, practising yoga amidst nature, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambience of the Himalayas, Spiti offers the perfect setting for meditation and self-reflection. From ancient monasteries perched atop lofty cliffs to pristine high-altitude lakes shimmering amidst snow-capped peaks, Spiti Valley is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you're a devout pilgrim, an intrepid adventurer, or a curious traveller, Spiti Valley offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Spiti Valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. Is Spiti Valley accessible year-round? While Spiti Valley remains accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit is typically from May to October when the weather is relatively pleasant and most of the tourist attractions are open. During winter months (November to April), heavy snowfall often leads to road closures, making it challenging to access Spiti. 2. What are the altitude sickness precautions to take while travelling to Spiti Valley? Given its high altitude, travellers to Spiti Valley are susceptible to altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). To minimise the risk, it's advisable to acclimatise gradually by spending a day or two in lower-altitude destinations like Shimla or Manali before ascending to Spiti. 3. Are permits required to visit Spiti Valley? Yes, Indian nationals and foreign tourists visiting certain areas of Spiti Valley, such as the areas near the international border with Tibet, are required to obtain Inner Line Permits (ILP) from the district administration office in Reckong Peo or Kaza. These permits are aimed at regulating entry and ensuring the safety of visitors in sensitive border areas. It's advisable to check the latest permit requirements and procedures before planning your trip. 4. What are the accommodation options in Spiti Valley? Spiti Valley offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Travelers can choose from guesthouses, homestays, budget hotels, luxury resorts, and camping sites scattered across various towns and villages in the region. 5. How can I travel within Spiti Valley? Public transport options within Spiti Valley are limited, with few buses and shared taxis operating between major towns and villages. Hiring a private taxi or renting a self-drive vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the region at your own pace.

Spiti Valley guide 2024: Stunning locations & interesting things to do

Shimla, <keyword id="42580" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="himachal" source="Orion">Himachal</keyword> Pradesh's highly prized foraged fungi crop known worldwide for its meaty texture, robust flavor and to ward off free radicals that cause ageing, a large proportion of which are shipped to Europe, is bountiful this year in nature owing to plentiful post-winter precipitation, experts and traders said on Monday. <keyword id="992007" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="guchhi" source="Orion">Guchhi</keyword>, or morchella esculenta, a <keyword id="78652" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mushroom" source="Orion">mushroom</keyword> variety which grows naturally in snowy slopes, is reaching markets across north Indian towns. A kg of dried guchhi is selling from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 in the wholesale domestic market, depending upon the quality and size. Almost 90 per cent of the produce in the hill state is heading offshore. Britain, Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands offer good prices. The morels sell for upwards of $500 per kilogram in the international market. A freshly harvested one kg of guchhi is reduced to 80 - 100 grams after drying under natural conditions. In Himachal, a large number of Nepalese, who are otherwise working in Himachal orchards, are involved in collecting this fungus from the wild. Its harvesting begins in May and lasts till June-end. Trade insiders told IANS that the demand for morchella from European consumers is rising due to growing interest for vegan food and animal protein substitute. In Himachal Pradesh, guchhis are grown in dense deodar forests mainly in interiors of Shimla, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts. Since its trade is not regulated by the government, there is no estimation about its overall production. "After two years of lean season, this time the production of guchhi is good. It is highly prized for the domestic consumers," Shimla-based trader Karamjit Singh told IANS. He said most of the crop is heading to Chandigarh and Delhi. But traders say China is posing a tough challenge in the international market owing to its large-scale commercial production and comparatively lower price. "In recent years, China has started cultivating morchella in fields and greenhouses. Owing to its production in bulk, the Indian variant is facing a tough challenge in international trade," a trader, who wishes not to be named, told IANS. For foragers collecting morel mushrooms from their natural environment is time consuming and back-breaking exercise that lasts for days together. "This year the guchhi crop is good. Normally we collect 50 to 60 kg of guchhi every year from Rampur forests. This time we have collected over 120 kg," said harvester Devi Thakur. "Everyone can't be a harvester. One should be mentally and physically strong to harvest guchhis in the challenging terrain. You require sharp eyesight to spot them beneath logs of decaying wood, leaves or humus soil," said another collector Brij Khemta. "This is why the young men and women, mostly from a community, hunt for them collectively." Thakur, who has been hunting morels for years, added a number of middlemen from Delhi have been procuring the produce directly from them. After the winter snow, frequent spells of rains in March and April are congenial for the mushroom crop to grow naturally. Even most apple growers find morels in the forests near their apple orchards. They use them for serving them at special occasions such as weddings and births. Officials of the forest department say families settled in forested areas are actively involved in the collection of guchhi, and earn handsome rewards for their efforts. Villagers have permission to collect guchhi, which falls under the category of "minor forest produce". Villagers ought not to pluck out the roots, as the crop is then destroyed. But many villagers unknowingly pluck the clusters out with their roots, a forester told IANS. Himachal Pradesh is known for growing a variety of wild spices and medicinal plants. Hundreds of families earn their livelihood by collecting and selling them. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/how-to-track-and-block-your-lost-smartphones-using-the-sanchar-saathi-portal/articleshow/100242116.cms">How to track and block your lost smartphones using the Sanchar Saathi portal</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/8-things-that-google-bard-can-do-but-chatgpt-cannot/articleshow/100187360.cms">8 things that Google Bard can do, but ChatGPT cannot</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-14-beta-2-announced-features-eligible-devices-and-how-to-download/articleshow/100155614.cms">Android 14 Beta 2 announced – features, eligible devices, and how to download</a>

World's most prized morel mushroom plentiful in Himachal forests

Nearly 22 per cent or 8,267 sq.km of the total forest area in <keyword id="6358126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="himachal-pradesh" source="Orion">Himachal Pradesh</keyword> is fire-prone. A majority of the fires were reported from the pine forests since during summer the trees shed needles that are highly inflammable due to the rich content of turpentine oil. As per government data, 1,200 to 2,500 forest fires are reported in the state every year. Mid and low hills in Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur are the worst- affected districts. For conservation, scientific management and sustainable use of <keyword id="7626470" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pine-forest" source="Orion">pine forest</keyword> residue that can be used as biofuel, an alternative to alleviate dependence on <keyword id="560717" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fossil-fuel" source="Orion">fossil fuel</keyword>, the government on Tuesday said it is planning to produce <keyword id="6923131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="compressed-biogas" source="Orion">compressed biogas</keyword> (<keyword id="4209277" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="cbg" source="Orion">CBG</keyword>) from pine needles. Last month it signed a memorandum of understanding with <keyword id="14063657" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Oil-India-Ltd-" source="BI" sourcekeytype="stcompany" meta.aliasname="Oil India Ltd." meta.entityname="Oil India Ltd." meta.entityid="INE274J01014" meta.seoname="oil-india-ltd">Oil India Ltd.</keyword> (OIL) and is planning to start a pilot project for the bioconversion of pine needles into biofuel. The utilisation of pine needles for biofuel production through pyrolysis and other techniques will be a sustainable way to deal with the forest fires as well as the energy crisis. As per the pact, the government and OIL will collaborate to harness and develop new and renewable energy resources, including CBG. The government is eying to take advantage of the forest waste. Pine gasification may become a source of employment for rural people and also protect forests from fire. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, "OIL has assured all-out support to develop renewable energy, promote research and development, and create a sustainable and resilient energy system." "The pact signed between two entities is a significant step towards achieving the goal of making Himachal Pradesh the first green energy state of the country by March 2026." OIL would test the feasibility of producing CBG from the <keyword id="17376593" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pine-needle" source="Orion">pine needle</keyword> in its centre in Bengaluru. "If the results are encouraging, this will not only pave the way for producing sustainable energy sources, replacing traditional fossil fuels, but will also boost the economy of lower areas of the state," said the government in a statement. CBG has properties similar to CNG and can be used as Green Renewable Automotive Fuel. "CBG has the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial sectors. The abundance of pine needles makes it a promising source of energy," the Chief Minister added. The conversion of pine needles into fuel gases or electricity also adds to its economic value and acts as a motivator for the people to collect them. "It is necessary to protect the biodiversity so that the food stock for livestock is enhanced and it is only possible when we clear our forests from the pine needles waste and utilise them for renewable energy sources," Sukhu said. The pine needle fall starts in April and continues till the beginning of July. On an average, a pine forest yields two to three tonne of needles per hectare during a season and the state has pine forests spread over 1,500 sq. km, found up to an altitude of 5,500 feet. <h2>Recommended stories:</h2> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="100104047" title="Plastic recycling plants could end up dumping lakhs of kilograms of microplastics in water bodies, study finds" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div>

Waste to wealth: Himachal to convert fire-prone pine needles to biogas, help reduce fossil fuel dependence

<ul><li>Founded in 2016, <keyword id="3270416" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="haqdarshak" source="Orion">Haqdarshak</keyword> is a mobile and web platform connecting citizens to eligible government welfare schemes. </li><li>In six years, Haqdarshak claims to have aided the disbursal of over ₹5,000 crore, serving nearly 25 lakh customers and 50,000 micro-businesses. </li><li>Haqdarshak received a joint offer of ₹1 crore for 2% equity from judges Namita Thapar, Aman Gupta and <keyword id="824423" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="peyush-bansal" source="Orion">Peyush Bansal</keyword>. </li></ul>The Indian government has many social benefit schemes for the underprivileged. However, a vast section of the intended beneficiaries are unaware of such schemes, and a majority of those who are aware are unable to access them due to roadblocks like lack of documentation and an inability to submit the documents. Moreover, many such beneficiaries of pension schemes, scholarship schemes, health insurance and others reside in remote areas of this vast country. Bringing them into the fold by aiding people with Aadhar cards; micro SMEs with Udyog Aadhar; easing access to widow pension and more are the pain points that a startup, Haqdarshak, wants to solve. It made its pitch on <keyword id="13768438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shark-tank-india-season-2" source="Orion">Shark Tank India Season 2</keyword> this week. In 2016, Aniket Doegar, who has ample exposure to rural <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> via his work and interests, started Haqdarshak in Pune. It has <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/haqdarshak/">positioned </a>itself as a “next-gen, for-profit startup focused on social impact” and has a mobile and web platform. It <a href="https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/shark-tank-india-1700000741/determined-entrepreneurs-1000203893?watch=true">claims </a>to have served over 25 lakh customers and 50,000 micro-businesses and trained 25,000 agents. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Commission-based revenue model" comment="subhead2" text="Commission-based revenue model">Commission-based revenue model</cmsannotation> Haqdarshak trains its agents to provide what it calls ‘last-mile’ assistance. Agents organise community gatherings or go door-to-door to educate people about the available schemes. They also assist them in availing the schemes. An agent registers a family or individual on the Haqdarshak app and gathers information regarding their housing conditions, income, religion, caste, etc. Once the questions (40-45) are answered, the app shares the number of eligible welfare schemes. As per Doegar, the average number of schemes available to beneficiaries in rural India are between 50-55, while in urban India that number falls to 35-40. A customer is charged a nominal amount of ₹50 rupees (without GST) as a service charge, which is split between the agent and the company. An agent earns anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month. “In 2020-2021, multiple investors told us to turn the company into a fintech or edtech company, offering educational schemes or loans. But our goal is to become India’s biggest social security company in the next 10 years. Today, if Jyoti (one of the agents) goes to the community, they know she’s providing them with something. This will change if she starts asking for money (for loans, etc.),” shared Doegar on the show. In six years, Doegar claimed that Haqdarshak aided the disbursal of ₹5,000 crore to the beneficiaries via social schemes. In May 2016, the startup raised ₹1.25 crore from angel investors at a valuation of ₹10 crore, and in May 2021, it <a href="https://yourstory.com/2021/05/funding-alert-social-enterprise-startup-haqdarshak-pre-series-a-round">raised</a> ₹6.65 crore in a pre-Series A round. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="‘Social impact and sales is a rare feat’" comment="subhead2" text="‘Social impact and sales is a rare feat’">‘Social impact and sales is a rare feat’</cmsannotation> Impressed by his clarity, product, and vision, Lenskart co-founder Peyush Bansal made the first offer — ₹1 crore for 2% equity, which valued the company at ₹50 crore. Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ ED Namita Thapar and boAt’s co-founder Aman Gupta made a joint offer of ₹50 lakh for 1% equity; and ₹50 lakh debt at an interest rate of 10%, at the same valuation. The founder sought a collective investment of ₹1 crore from all three sharks for 0.5% equity, each. The sharks clarified that they wouldn’t budge from the equity share of 2%. Ultimately, the deal was finalised for ₹1 crore, from the three sharks, for a total of 2% equity. While congratulating him, Thapar commented that it was rare for (social) impact and sales to come together like it has for Haqdarshak. The startup generated revenue of ₹15.5 crore in FY22 but suffered a loss for the first time ever since inception as Covid forced them to shut operations for four months. It believes that it will close FY23 with annual revenue of ₹30 crore. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="‘When a poor person visits a pension office’" comment="subhead2" text="‘When a poor person visits a pension office’">‘When a poor person visits a pension office’</cmsannotation> Born and raised in Shimla, 33-year-old Doegar completed his undergraduate studies from Shri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi. After completing graduation in 2010, he worked at the grassroots level for nearly five years at various government schools in rural Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan and other states. He was also a Teach for India fellow from June 2010 to April 2012. He soon realised that there was a lack of awareness about government welfare schemes. “When people like you and me go to passport or visa centres, we’re greeted with folded hands, with people saying, ‘Sir, your appointment is next.’ When a poor person visits the pension officer, he has to beg for the pension he is entitled to. Can we change this user behaviour?” remarked Doegar on the show. The startup claims to have digitised close to 7,500 government schemes on its platform. It provides assistance across multiple schemes, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/haqdarshak/?hl=en">including </a>the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana – which provides clean cooking alternatives like Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to BPL households; and Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana – UP government’s scheme to encourage self-employment among the state’s artisans. Apart from people, it also works with corporates to enroll their factory employees into government schemes. As of 2022, the startup has worked with 110 corporates representing nearly 10 million of their employees – and corporates are charged higher than individuals. The latest offering by Haqdarshak is a QR-code-based “Yojana Card” that allows customers to check various government schemes and ask for application support from Haqdarshak, if needed. A customer can scan the QR code through a smartphone. In the absence of a smartphone, the customer can reach any Hadardshak centre and scan the card. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/intel-unveils-4th-gen-xeon-scalable-processors-with-better-performance/articleshow/96905773.cms">Intel unveils 4th Gen Xeon Scalable processors with better performance</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/hyundai-launched-the-all-electric-suv-ioniq-5-starting-at-449500-in-india/slidelist/96905388.cms">Hyundai launched the all-electric SUV IONIQ 5 starting at ₹4,49,500 in India</a>

This Shark Tank India S2 winner bowls judges over with its for-profit approach to social impact

Shimla, April 5 () A cross section of people in Himachal Pradesh switched off their lights and lit 'diyas' at 9 pm on Sunday on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to express solidarity with the nation's fight against coronavirus.Despite initial apprehensions, there was no immediate report of power tripping in the state.In state capital Shimla, the district administration sounded a siren exactly at 9 pm.People were seen lighting lamps and candles at their doorsteps and balconies.Bavita Shukla, a resident of Five Benches near Jakhoo in the city, said people here follow PM Modi's directions with full spirit. She lit several candles on the balcony of her house.Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and his family members lit lamps at his official residence here to demonstrate a collective will to fight coronavirus in the country, an official spokesperson said.Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj also lit lamps in his house with his family members, he added.Firecrackers were also burst and people were heard raising slogans in enthusiasm. Some even recited the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, a verse from the Rigveda chanted for one's rejuvenation, while lighting 'diyas'.The siren was sounded again at 9.09 pm, marking the end of the nine-minute period.In Hamirpur too, people lit 'diyas' and candles on the prime minister's call. Several residents of Anu area burst firecrackers and raised 'Jai Sri Ram' slogans.PM Modi had on Friday urged people across the country to switch off the lights at their homes and light up lamps, candles or mobile phone torches for nine minutes at 9 pm to display the country's 'collective resolve' to defeat the coronavirus pandemic. DJI IJT

People in HP light 'diyas' on PM's appeal; no immediate report of power tripping

(Eds: Updating ) Shimla, Apr 7 () Nine primary contacts of Tablighi Jamaat members, who attended a religious congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin last month, tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, a senior health official said.With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 28.Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said out of the 79 samples collected in the state on Tuesday, nine tested positive and the rest negative.The infected people are between the age group of 16 to 75 years, he added. DJI DPB

9 fresh COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Apr 10 () Two paramedics, who were in contact with a coronavirus patient, tested positive for the virus on Friday, taking the total number of cases in Himachal Pradesh to 31, a senior health official said.They worked at a private hospital in Solan district where the 70-year-old woman, a Delhi resident, tested positive and later died at PGIMER, Chandigarh.Four patients, including three who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi last month, recovered on Friday, Special Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Nipun Jindal said.The Jamaat members, all residents of Uttar Pradesh, were admitted to IGMC here on April 5, a day after they tested positive for the virus. Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said 127 samples were collected in the state on Thursday. Two of them tested positive and the rest came out negative.Out of the total 31 patients, six have recovered and two died. Four patients, all from Delhi, were shifted to a private hospital outside the state. DJI DPB

Two paramedics test COVID-19 positive in Himachal Pradesh

<ul><li>A comparison of the platform’s viewership in May 2019 to May 2020 sees the streaming platform garner 60% increase in viewership across non-metros.</li><li>The cities that raked in a two-fold growth in May compared to the same month last year include Patna, Ranchi, Shimla, Jodhpur, Gorakhpur, Imphal, Gaya, to name a few. </li></ul>With the number of digitally connected audiences consuming content in Hindi rising, this emerging trend in the country has helped ALTBalaji scale new heights. The platform’s viewership rose exponentially in May 2020 compared to the figures from May 2019. As per data collected from more than 1800 cities and towns, ALTBalaji garnered a 60% rise in viewership and a 21% growth in MAU (Monthly Active Users). With the Hindi market booming and content consumption headed for sharp growth, these numbers are a growing testament to ALTBalaji conquering the important HSM audience based in Bharat. The cities that raked in a two-fold growth in May compared to the same month last year include Patna, Ranchi, Shimla, Jodhpur, Gorakhpur, Imphal, Gaya, to name a few. These cities are yet another indicator of the Hindi language subset growing faster than any other spoken language in the country, which represents an increase in new users being added to the user base at a rapid pace. These numbers further attest to an industry report by KPMG titled - ‘Unravelling the digital video consumer’ whose findings reveal that 64% of India’s digital video consumers prefer consuming content in Hindi. On the growth, Nachiket Pantvaidya, CEO, ALTBalaji, and Group COO Balaji Telefilms said, “This rise in viewership is a growing testament to the huge untapped Tier 2,3 &amp; 4 markets for OTT players. At ALTBalaji, we are focusing on ensuring that we dominate the Hindi speaking markets and cement our position as a leader in this segment. By tapping into these hinterlands, we’ve realized the growing demand for Hindi originals that those audiences find immensely relatable. This has helped us understand our viewers better and led to us curating more engaging and entertaining offerings that resonate with them.” With a vast library of 60+ originals across genres that cater to all kinds of audiences, the shows at ALTBalaji are a mix of thriller, drama, romance, youth drama, horror, comedy amongst others. Each show present on the platform or in the pipeline has been created keeping in mind the audience’s interest across demographic and sociographic segments. Romantic dramas like ‘Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain’, ‘Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat’, ‘It Happened in Calcutta’, ‘Baarish’, ‘Dil Hi To hai’ etc enjoy a growing fandom amongst women in the 25-45 years TG. While on the other hand, thrillers like ‘Apharan’, ‘Ragini MMS’, ‘Code M’ are consumed by men in the 22- 45 age bracket. In addition to the above, shows such as ‘Mentalhood’, ‘The Test Case’, ‘MOM: Mission Over Mars’, ‘Bose: Dead/ Alive’, ‘The Verdict - State vs Nanavati’ are being consumed extensively by urban Indians across all age groups.

ALTBalaji sees a 60% increase in viewership and 21% growth in MAUs, led by non-metros

Shimla, Apr 8 () One more person tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 21, a senior health official said.With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 29.Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said 128 samples were collected in the state on Wednesday and one tested COVID-19 positive.The person who has been tested positive is from Sirmaur district, senior medical superintendent (MS) at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) here Janak Raj, said.His travel history could not be known immediately.With this, the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the hill-state has risen to 21.Two of the total cases have been cured, two died and four patients voluntarily shifted to a private hospital outside Himachal Pradesh, a health department official said.Of the two deaths, one was a 70-year-old woman, a Delhi resident, who was staying at a factory's guest house in Baddi since March 15. She died in PGIMER Chandigarh on April 2.Her four relatives, who were later tested COVID-19 positive, were shifted to a private hospital outside Himachal Pradesh according to their wish. DJI KJ

COVID-19: One more tests positive in Himachal, total cases rise to 29

(Eds: Adding more info) Shimla, Apr 7 () Nine close contacts of Tablighi Jamaat members from Una, who attended a religious congregation at Delhi's Nizamuddin last month, have tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, a senior health official said.The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has risen to 28.Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said of the 79 samples collected in the state on Tuesday, 9 tested positive while the remaining were negative.The age of those who tested positive varies from 16 to 75 years, Dhiman said, adding that they were staying in a mosque in Kuthehra Khairla village in Una district."One of them hails from the same village, while five are from Sirmaur district, one is from Arki in Solan district and two are from Uttar Pradesh. They were all primary contacts of 3 Tablighi Jamaat members who had tested positive earlier," Dhiman said.A total of 20 COVID-19 patients are being treated in the state and 11 of them attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation while nine are their close contacts, he said further.Two COVID-19 patients have recovered while an equal number has died due to the virus. Four patients have voluntarily shifted to a private hospital outside Himachal Pradesh, a health department official said.Of the two deaths reported in the hill state, one was a 70-year-old woman, a Delhi resident, who was staying at a factory's guest house in Baddi since March 15.She died in PGIMER Chandigarh on April 2. Her four relatives who were later tested COVID-19 positive were shifted to a private hospital outside Himachal Pradesh according to their wish. DJI RHLRHL

COVID-19: 9 fresh COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh, total rises to 28

Shimla, Apr 14 () The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday said disinfection tunnels being set up at several places in the state do not help tackle coronavirus. The authorities advised against their installation, saying their use may prevent people from maintaining hand hygiene. In a circular issued here on Tuesday evening, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RD Dhiman said according to an advisory issued by the World Health Organisation, spraying disinfectants like alcohol or chlorine does not kill the virus. "Rather, it can be harmful for clothes or mucous membranes (a kind of tissue that protects body from pathogens and dirt). Moreover, the tunnels will create a false sense of security and people may be diverted from hand wash to disinfection tunnels," he said. "Under the above circumstances, it is recommended that disinfection tunnels should not be installed and used on human beings," he added. When asked about the availability of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which is touted as a "game-changer" in the fight against coronavirus, he said the state government has a stock of around eight lakh tablets to meet any eventuality. He added that Solan's Baddi has several pharmaceutical firms who manufacture the drug. "Besides the hill-state has a stock of over 4,000 personal protection equipment (PPEs) kits. This number is apart from the PPEs already lying with various health institutions of the state," he said while disclosing about the measures taken to tackle the disease. Similarly, there are currently 75 ventilators in the state but these are required only in two to three per cent of the cases as per the nationwide data, he added. More PPEs and ventilators may be arranged as and when required, he said. The official further said almost all Tablighi Jamaat members who returned from the organisation's Nizamuddin congregation and their primary contacts have been tested. Now the process for collecting samples of their suspected secondary contacts is on, he said. DJI RDKRDK

Disinfection tunnels do not help tackle coronavirus: HP govt

Shimla, Apr 5 () Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday asked all Tablighi Jamaat members who had attended the group's congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin, a COVID-19 hotspot, to come forward for testing by 5 pm, failing which action will be taken against them.Three of the seven persons who tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Saturday were Tablighi Jamaat members, he said.Earlier in the day, Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, Sita Ram Mardi had issued a similar warning to district heads of Tablighi Jamaat.He asked them to disclose details of all those who came to the state after attending the congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin West area last month.Thakur claimed Tablighi Jamaat members are not cooperating with the authorities.He asked all Tablighi Jamaat members who attended the Delhi congregation to come forward for medical check-up by 5 pm on Sunday and warned of strict action against those who do not comply with the order.The chief minister said the three members of the group who tested positive on Saturday were hiding in a mosque in Solan district's Nalagarh and their samples were collected from there.The three were admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College here at 6.30 am on Sunday, Senior Medical Superintendent, IGMC, Dr. Janak Raj said.They are residents of Uttar Pradesh and had come to Himachal Pradesh's Nalagarh area from Nizamuddin on March 18. Their contacts are being traced so that they can be quarantined, he said.With the seven fresh infections, the number of coronavirus cases in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 14, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said on Saturday.These include two patients who have recovered and as many deaths. There are 10 active cases in the state, he said.Of these, six are Tablighi Jamaat members, according to officials.The remaining three are being treated at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Kangra district's Tanda, they said. DJI DIVDIV

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