Himachal Pradesh

Severe monsoon-triggered flash floods have struck Himachal Pradesh, leaving at least three people dead in the Mandi district and causing widespread disruption across the region. Torrential rains have battered the hilly state, triggering landslides, blocking highways, and stranding hundreds of residents and tourists. Dharamsala, a prominent tourist destination, has been particularly affected, with major roadways rendered impassable due to debris and waterlogging.

In a decisive move toward sustainable development, the Himachal Pradesh government is intensifying efforts to promote electric mobility and combat climate change. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently flagged off 20 electric taxis under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-up Yojana (RGSSY), reinforcing the state’s dual focus on environmental protection and youth employment. The initiative offers a 50% subsidy to eligible applicants for the purchase of e-taxis, with Rs. 4.22 crore already disbursed to 59 beneficiaries.

In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the imminent declaration of a minimum support price (MSP) for potatoes. The announcement came during a multi-stakeholder consultative conference focused on sustainable agriculture. The state also plans to establish a Rs. 20 crore potato processing facility in Una district, while reinforcing commitments to green energy and natural farming.

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to develop 77 eco-tourism sites across the state within the next five years under its new Eco Tourism Policy-2024. This initiative aims to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation, promoting sustainable travel practices that preserve the region’s pristine natural landscapes. By engaging local communities, training eco-guides, and leveraging digital platforms for bookings and trekking management, the policy seeks to boost the local economy while protecting biodiversity.

Wipro Enterprises has permanently shut down one of its manufacturing units in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, following a prolonged labor dispute that began in December 2024. The closure, which affects 80 employees, stems from sustained financial losses and repeated operational disruptions. While the company maintains that it followed all regulatory requirements and acted with integrity, employee unions have challenged the manner in which the shutdown was executed.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Union Government to raise import duties on apples in response to rising imports from Turkey that are undercutting domestic producers. In a meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sukhu emphasized the adverse impact on Himachal's apple economy and also sought fiscal support for the hill state. Key demands included an increase in the borrowing limit for special category states and greater financial flexibility.

Amid escalating geopolitical frictions, an influential fruit growers’ association from Himachal Pradesh has called for a complete ban on apple imports from Turkiye, citing Ankara’s recent political alignment with Pakistan. The Himachal Fruit Growers Samyukt Manch submitted memoranda to India’s top leadership, urging swift action against what it describes as an economic and national security concern.

Himachal Pradesh is ushering in a new era of sustainable agriculture under the stewardship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. In a strategic push to transition toward natural farming practices, the state government has laid out a comprehensive roadmap that includes farmer outreach, certification support, and market infrastructure development. With initiatives such as high-end procurement silos, dedicated model farms, and Conservation Agriculture (CA) stores, the administration is aligning policy, infrastructure, and financial incentives to drive long-term agricultural resilience.

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has officially released the Class 10 and Class 12 board exam results for the 2025 academic year. Students can now access their provisional scorecards through the official portal, hpbose.org. This year's exams were held in March, with Class 12 assessments running from March 4 to March 28, and Class 10 from March 4 to March 22. While the results mark a significant milestone for thousands of students, they also reflect evolving academic trends and performance benchmarks in the state.