Latest news with #HimachalPradesh
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Census: India set to count its population after a six-year delay
After a six-year delay, India is finally set to count its population in a two-phase census that will conclude in 2027, the government has decennial census is one of the world's largest administrative exercises and provides critical data for planning welfare schemes, allocating federal funds, drawing electoral boundaries and making key policy decisions. It was originally due in 2021, but has been delayed several times since. The last census was conducted in Minister Narendra Modi's government had initially cited the Covid-19 pandemic as the main reason but critics have questioned what has taken so long to resume the exercise. On Wednesday, India's home ministry said in a statement that the much-awaited census will be conducted in two phases, with 1 March 2027 as the reference date. For the snow-bound Himalayan regions, which includes the states of Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, and the region of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, the reference date will be 1 October did not, however, specify when the survey would actually begin. For the first time, the government will also collect the caste details - a politically and socially sensitive issue in India - of all its citizens, the statement added. The last time caste was officially counted as part of a national census was in 1931, during British colonial rule. India's census is conducted under the Census Act, 1948, which provides a legal framework for conducting the exercise, but does not specify a fixed schedule for when the census must be conducted or when its results must be 2020, India was set to begin the first phase of the census - in which housing data is collected - when the pandemic hit, following which the government postponed the exercise. In the years since, the government further delayed the exercise several times without any explanation, even as life returned to normal. Experts have spoken of the consequences this could have on the world's most populous country - such as people being excluded from welfare schemes, and the incorrect allocation of resources."The census is not simply a count of the number of people in a country. It provides invaluable data needed to make decisions at a micro level," Professor KP Kannan, a development economist, had told the BBC in 2023. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sweet success: India becomes a global leader in honey production
New Delhi: Once considered a modest, cottage-scale activity, beekeeping in India has grown into a thriving sector, fuelling livelihoods, empowering rural communities, and offering a golden promise for sustainable agriculture.p With honey production soaring to around 1.25 lakh metric tonnes—a remarkable 60% increase—India is scripting a sweet success story that reflects innovation, resilience, and foresight. This rise is not just about quantity. It is emblematic of a larger transformation in India's agricultural landscape. Honey is now more than a pantry staple—it is a symbol of India's organic aspirations, a tool for environmental conservation, and a catalyst for rural economic empowerment. A blooming sector rooted in tradition Beekeeping in India is no novelty. For centuries, honey has been cherished in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties and revered in spiritual rituals. However, the modern momentum behind the sector began in earnest over the last two decades, particularly with the concerted efforts of the central government, state bodies, and grassroots initiatives. The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), launched under the Ministry of Agriculture, has played a pivotal role by supporting scientific beekeeping, improving infrastructure, and providing access to markets. Today, India ranks among the top 10 honey producers globally. From the Sundarbans in West Bengal to the Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh, and from the Nilgiris to the desert landscapes of Rajasthan, beekeeping has become a pan-Indian endeavour. Farmers, especially small and marginal ones, are increasingly adopting beekeeping as a supplementary source of income, enhancing their resilience to seasonal agricultural fluctuations. Empowering rural communities and women The growth of honey production has not only boosted the economy—it has also transformed lives at the grassroots. Beekeeping requires minimal investment but offers high returns, making it an ideal venture for rural households. It has created new opportunities for self-help groups, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), and tribal cooperatives. A notable aspect of this growth is the increasing participation of women in apiculture. Across states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, women beekeepers are emerging as leaders in honey production, processing, and marketing. They are not only earning income but also gaining skills, confidence, and independence. The government's support through training programmes, subsidies for bee boxes, and access to credit has catalysed this change. The result is a vibrant ecosystem where rural entrepreneurship is thriving, powered by nothing more than the diligent labour of bees and the commitment of their keepers. Enhancing pollination and agricultural yield Honey production is not just about harvesting nature's sweetness—it is also about sustaining ecosystems. Bees play a critical role in pollination, and their presence boosts the productivity of numerous crops, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds. Studies have shown that crop yields can increase by up to 30% with effective pollination. As India pushes towards greater food security and climate-resilient agriculture, beekeeping offers a natural, low-cost method to increase output without harming the environment. The symbiosis between bees and crops underlines a deeper truth: that sustainability and productivity can go hand-in-hand. This aspect of beekeeping has also attracted attention from agri-tech startupsand researchers, who are now developing innovative techniques such as smart bee boxes, digital hive monitoring, and GPS-based tracking of bee colonies. The integration of technology is helping beekeepers optimise productivity, reduce losses, and improve the quality of honey. A rising star in global honey trade India's honey is not only in demand domestically but also abroad. With its diverse flora, India produces a wide variety of honey—mustard, eucalyptus, multiflora, lychee, sunflower, and forest honey, among others. Indian honey is particularly prized for its natural purity and medicinal properties. Exports have surged over the past decade, with Indian honey finding its way to markets in the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bangladesh, and Europe. The government has also set up quality control labs to ensure that honey meets international standards, strengthening the credibility of Indian honey in the global marketplace. Brand India is slowly but surely establishing its presence in the health-conscious segments of the global food industry. As the demand for natural sweeteners and organic food continues to grow worldwide, Indian honey is poised to capture a significant share of this expanding market. A future rich with possibilities The road ahead for India's honey sector is brimming with potential. With expanding domestic demand, export opportunities, and supportive policies, honey is emerging as a strategic commodity for India's rural economy. Going forward, there is immense scope for value addition. Products like beeswax candles, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, and pollen are increasingly being recognised for their health and cosmetic benefits. These by-products can open new income streams for beekeepers and entrepreneurs, particularly in the wellness, nutraceutical, and organic skincare sectors. There is also growing potential in urban beekeeping. Rooftop hives in cities are gaining popularity in eco-conscious circles, not just for honey but for environmental education and biodiversity support. Urban apiculture can create green pockets in cities and enhance public awareness about pollinators' crucial role. Moreover, India's beekeeping success can serve as a model for other developing nations. Sharing best practices, training modules, and research insights with neighbouring countries in South Asia and Africa could position India as a global hub for sustainable apiculture development. Sweetening the Indian growth story In a time where the world is seeking more sustainable and inclusive forms of growth, India's honey revolution offers a perfect example of how traditional knowledge, when paired with modern support and innovation, can transform lives and economies. What began as a cottage industry is now a robust sector contributing to rural prosperity, biodiversity conservation, and international trade. With the continued support of policymakers, the enthusiasm of farmers, and the tireless efforts of millions of bees, India's honey story is only beginning to unfold. As the country continues to climb the ladder of global honey production, it carries with it not just the promise of economic growth but a vision of harmony between nature and development. India's rise as a honey superpower isn't just a triumph of apiculture—it is a testament to what's possible when sustainability, empowerment, and enterprise come together.
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Telegraph
10 spectacular corners of India overlooked by Britons
Once, I watched a full moon rise over an empty salt desert. The air was still. The earth glowed silver. There were no selfie-taking tourists, no tour groups, no ticket booths, no glossy brochures. Just silence, and space, and something ancient I couldn't name. Moments like this are why it puzzles me when foreign travellers come all this way only to stick to the well-trodden path. The India they're shown – the Taj, the tiger safaris, the luxury retreats, and the backwaters – is real, yes. But it's just one register in a country that plays in dozens of octaves. For every bustling tourist hub, there's a quieter spot with just as much history, culture, natural beauty, and fewer crowds. Step beyond the obvious, and India reveals a side of itself you will never find in a guidebook. Trust me, you won't regret it. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh At over 4,000m, Spiti Valley is one of India's most remote and otherworldly corners, accessible only via precarious mountain passes from Manali or Shimla, and snowbound for much of the year. Its stark, dramatic landscape – browned, spired peaks, icy glaciers, and snow-dressed waterfalls like Lingti – is a natural playground for adventurers, hikers, and bikers. In winter, the elusive snow leopard – or 'grey ghost' – prowls its frozen slopes, with sightings near Kibber and Chicham villages a rare but thrilling possibility. Ancient monasteries like hilltop Key and Tabo, home to some of the oldest Buddhist art, add a spiritual depth to this wild wilderness, while the pristine skies above Komic village – perched at 4,587m – present an ideal setting for stargazing. Tip Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (aka Protected Area Permit), which can be obtained online. Stay Ecotourism organisation Spiti Ecosphere offers eight- to nine-day packages ranging from £220 to £485 per person, with nights spent in traditional homestays, hotels, and family-run guest houses. Kachchh (Kutch), Gujarat On the edge of western India, Kutch is the country's largest district – an astonishing patchwork of salt flats, desert plains, and seasonal wetlands. The big lure here is the Great Rann of Kutch, a vast white desert that transforms into a shallow saltwater marsh during the monsoon, before drying into a shimmering salt crust in winter – best seen under the moonlight during Rann Utsav, a cultural festival held annually from late November to February. South-east lies the Little Rann of Kutch, a saline desert that's home to the only remaining population of the Indian wild ass (khur). In between are flamingo-filled wetlands like Chhari Dhand and a 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilization site called Dholavira; magnificent 18th and 19th-century palaces like the Prag Mahal in the historic walled city of Bhuj, and centuries-old craft villages such as Bhujodi, Ajrakhpur, and Nirona – where ancient traditions of weaving, block printing, and rock art are kept alive. Stay Gateway to Rann Resort in Dhordo village has rooms from £49 per night, including breakfast. The Bhuj House has rooms from £66 per night, including breakfast. Lakshadweep This remote cluster of islands 300 miles off Kerala's coast is a challenge to reach – accessible only by air or sea from Kochi. Of 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited, and only a handful welcome tourists. But once you arrive, it's pure bliss: think white-sand beaches, coconut palms, and a pace that feels suspended in time. The real headline act, though, is the underwater world – stunning coral reefs and lagoons, especially around Kavaratti and Bangaram, perfect for divers and snorkelers. Permits are mandatory and can be applied for online. Stay Bangaram Island Resort has rooms from £168 for doubles, room only. Majuli, Assam Cradled by the mighty Brahmaputra, Majuli is a mesmerising river island reached by a short ferry from Jorhat – about six hours by road or rail from Guwahati, Assam's largest city. This sacred patch of land hums with the spirit of old Assam, home to dozens of Vaishnavite satras – part monastery, part arts centre – where devotional music, mask-making, and classical dance-drama thrive. Birdlife is abundant too, making it a twitcher's delight. But each year, the river nibbles away at its edges, making Majuli a place to see while you still can. Pair your visit with a safari at Kaziranga, the Unesco-listed park – sprawled across the southern floodplains – where elephant grass and monsoon-fed marshes shelter two-thirds of the planet's one-horned rhinos. Tip The top time to visit is October to March, when the island thrives post-monsoon and before the summer heat. Stay La Maison de Ananda Bamboo Cottage in Majuli (0091 99571 86356) has rooms from £29 per night, excluding breakfast. On the fringes of Kaziranga, just a 10-minute drive from the park, the Diphlu River Lodge has rooms from £184 per night, including three meals per day. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu Down in India's steamy south, between the temple towns of Madurai and Trichy, Chettinad – spanning 75 villages in Tamil Nadu – is home to the larger-than-life mansions of the affluent 19th-century Chettiar traders. Known locally as nattukottai (country forts), these grand houses boast Belgian mirrors, Japan tiles, Burmese teak, Italian marble, and intricate facades of arches and pillars. Many are abandoned, others remain guarded by caretakers, while a few have been turned into heritage hotels. Yet, despite the ravages of time, these relics still carry a rare, poetic charm. It is possible to visit some for a modest fee or with the owners' permission – particularly in Karaikudi, Kanadukathan, and Athangudi, the latter of which is known for its handmade tiles that adorn most of the region's mansions. Detour Keeladi Museum, just outside Madurai, makes a worthwhile detour on the way to Chettinad – ideal for context on Tamil civilisation. Stay CGH Earth-Visalam in Kanadukathan has rooms from £125 per night, including breakfast and lunch or dinner. The Bangala in Karaikudi has rooms £84 per night, including breakfast. Do savour a spice-laden Chettinad feast at these properties. Meghalaya Perched high in India's north-east, Meghalaya – 'the abode of the clouds' – is a dreamscape of velvet hills, plunging waterfalls and whispering forests. In Cherrapunji and Mawsynram – two of the wettest places on Earth – the monsoon reigns, feeding spectacular cascades and carving out some of the world's deepest and longest cave systems. Days here are made for wild swims in jade-green pools, river paddles beneath glassy skies, and treks to centuries-old living bridges sculpted from rubber tree roots, like Nongriat's 'double-decker', which takes serious legwork but rewards in spades. For slower moments, there's sun-drenched riverside 'beaches' in Shnongpdeng Village or Mawlynnong, a spotless village where green living is more than a motto. And in Shillong, the state's capital, colonial echoes hum through hilltop chapels and cafés spinning soft-rock classics. Tip Time your visit to coincide with Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival in November. Stay Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillonghas rooms from £115 per night, including buffet breakfast. Mandu and Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh Long abandoned as the capital of a medieval dynasty, Mandu – roughly 40 miles south-west of Indore, India's cleanest city – survives as a ruin-strewn village. It has pleasure pavilions featuring rooftop terraces ringed by baobab trees, multi-level palaces like Jahaz Palace (Ship Palace) poised between two lakes and the hilltop Rani Roopmati Palace, and mausoleums like the white marble tomb of Hoshang Shah, said to have inspired the architects of the majestic Taj Mahal. Winding country lanes and a lively marketplace lend a hum of life to this otherwise spectral outpost of history. If you want the spiritual pull of Varanasi without the clamour, Maheshwar – around 25 miles from Mandu – offers a gentler alternative. Temple spires rise above the Narmada ghats (river banks), where evening aartis (ritual prayers) echo in a peaceful, reflective atmosphere. Stay In Mandu, MPT Malwa Resort has rooms from £53 per night, including breakfast. In Maheshwar, Ahilya Fort has rooms from £185 per night, and arranges river cruises, temple visits, and tours of the NGO Rehwa Society, where Maheswara saris – unique to this riverside town – are still handwoven on traditional looms. Kumaon, Uttarakhand Tucked into the eastern Himalayas, Kumaon is Uttarakhand's quieter, more contemplative corner – less showy than Himachal, but richer in atmosphere. Here, pine-fringed ridges yield uninterrupted views of snow-cloaked giants like Nanda Devi and Trishul, best admired from Kausani's lofty perches. Birdsong threads through Binsar's forest sanctuary, while Jageshwar's mossy temple complex – its medieval shrines hemmed in by deodar groves – offers a spiritual hush. For serious trekking, the village of Munsiyari is a proper mountain outpost, while nearby Sarmoli offers community-led stays. This region is the Himalayas at their most understated – and most rewarding. Stay Imperial Heights Binsar has rooms from £70, including breakfast. In Sarmoli, community-run Himalayan Ark offers homestays from £20 per night. Hampi, Karnataka In the ochre-hued landscape of northern Karnataka, Hampi unfolds like a forgotten dream – its boulder-strewn landscape punctuated by the silent grandeur of ancient temples and monuments. Once the mighty capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, this Unesco site reveals remnants of its once-glorious past: vast elephant stables, pillared pavilions, gigantic stone statues of Hindu gods, and the awe-inspiring Virupaksha Temple. Beyond the ruins, the surrounding hills beckon adventurers for a climb, offering a unique vantage of this surreal historical landscape. Tip Architecture lovers should take a day trip to the nearby sites of Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal to explore the evolution of early Indian temple architecture. The trio has a remarkable collection of rock-cut, structural and cave temples, all in scarlet. Stay Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace has rooms from £290 per night, including breakfast. Shekhawati, Rajasthan Tucked away in northeastern Rajasthan, Shekhawati is often overshadowed by its more famous colour-coded counterparts, like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Yet, this lesser-known region offers a quieter, equally captivating glimpse into Rajasthan's grand architectural legacy. Its once-prosperous trading towns – Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Dundlod and Fatehpur – conceal hundreds of frescoed havelis, built by 18th-century Marwari merchants. These palatial mansions bristle with cupolas, jharokhas, arcaded courtyards, and murals – half devotional, half whimsical – think scenes of royal processions, mythological figures, early modes of transport, and more. Though many lie padlocked and peeling, their patina adds atmosphere. Base yourself in Nawalgarh or Mandawa, where a handful of restored havelis like Kamal Morarka Haveli, Ramnath Podar Haveli, and Jhunjhunwala haveli offer access to the finest interiors and an evocative sense of a mercantile era long eclipsed by migration and modernity. Stay
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Kasauli travel guide: Top things to do in Himachal's quiet hill town
Spooky stories abound in Kasauli of ghosts that linger in its hauntingly beautiful, colonial-era cemeteries. However, beyond those relics of the Raj, Kasauli (located 77 km from Shimla) is draped in a beguiling aura of a town that hasn't lost its soul. Yet the charming Himalayan retreat, located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, remains under the radar for most tourists. They head there only for a weekend getaway and a quick reset or skip it in favour of the more 'happening' Shimla, Naldehra and Chail. On a typical Kasauli vacation, the days pass by in a blur of invigorating walks that unravel up and down the hills, shaded by pine, elm and oak and twist past gabled homes with fairy-tale facades and chimneys. In the higher reaches, majestic cedars reach for the sky. On a recent vacation, we downed coffee in atmospheric cafes, gorged on local specialities like bun samosas simmering on a large pan in an immaculate hole-in-the wall eatery in the Heritage Market; took home rum plum cakes studded with shaved nuts from a local bakery and meditated in the neo-Gothic Christ Church with its stained glass and wood pews. Back in the day, the British built Christ Church and a brewery which they later converted to a distillery to produce a malt whisky as smooth as Scotch whisky. The combo of church and brewery may contribute to an interesting bit of trivia, shared by historian and author Raaja Bhasin. 'Kasauli today is believed to have one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption, per capita, in India.' (A sobering sidelight — the brewery closed down in the 1840s and was later taken over by master brewer Edward Dyer. His son, Reginald was the infamous 'Butcher of Amritsar' who triggered the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.) And Kasauli's birth around 1842 was underscored by typical stiff-upper-lip Brit humour, Bhasin recounts: When the town was getting under way, the Viceroy of India, Sir John Lawrence who was known for his bluntness, visited the church. Sir John felt a great deal of money had been spent, and, in his opinion, wasted on the steeple. He was asked to subscribe to it. There were still no pews, in the church then and he remarked, 'You might as well ask me to subscribe to get a man a hat when he has no breeches.' 'That church went on to become Kasauli's landmark, the neo-Gothic Christ Church that with both hat and trousers — and if a limited congregation — still stands tall as you enter the little town,' adds Bhasin in a light-hearted vein. Indeed, this charming Himalayan enclave is one of the few Raj-era hill retreats in the country where time is not of the essence. We could see its lights glimmer at night from the balcony of our room at hilltop resort Royalpine Rosastays. Kasauli was 4 km away, straddling a ridge of the Himalayas, lit and flushed every evening with muted red by dramatic sunsets that even dappled the barks of pines. And, at our resort, sculpted into a hill, clad with imported pinewood and glass, there were echoes of Kasauli. Not a single tree had been cut and it was enveloped in the soft rustle of pines. Royalpines Rosastays gentles the Earth from which it emerges and its rooms and suites have a log-cabin like aura. Yes, there's something special about Kasauli, loved to death, not surprisingly, by its former and present residents. Located at 1,900 metres above sea level, the mountaintop getaway is an army cantonment town where the legacies of the Raj are immaculately maintained, says Rahul Singh, author, journalist and founder of the coveted Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, held in Kasauli in October each year. Rahul is the son of celebrated writer, Khushwant Singh and has been summering in his ancestral home in Kasauli since the 1950s. While home stays and hotels have sprung up on the adjacent hill slopes, Kasauli town has strict building codes enforced by the Cantonment Board, a municipal body, says Rahul. The air in Kasauli is crisp and astringent, and the views are breathtaking. The eternal snows of the Greater Himalayas glimmer in the north and sweep in a swathe to the east, and the plains of the Punjab, below it, heave from south to the west. The pine-shrouded hills seem to fan romance and creativity. Writer Khushwant Singh did some of his best work in Kasauli and was often seen taking long walks and chatting with locals. Author Ruskin Bond was born in Kasauli and Sandra Hotz, whose father owned the 19th century Alasia hotel in town, married David Lean, director of classics such as Dr Zhivago, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia, Rahul informed us. She was Lean's fifth wife and is known as 'Kasauli's best known export'. The marriage lasted for three tumultuous years but the relationship had started much earlier. We attempted to walk down the 1.5 km long Gilbert Trail which scythes through rustling pines and commands heart-stopping views of the tumbled swathe of the foothills, but gave up after a while. The fit and feisty could attempt the around 12-km-long Khushwant Singh Trail from the bazaar down to Kalka in the plains, a stretch that was beloved of the celebrated writer and journalist for its mountain vistas and bird song. In the pulsing heart of Kasauli are two roads — the Upper and Lower Mall and they meet at the eastern end at Monkey Point below which unfold magnificent panoramas. Walking up and down the malls was once a mandatory mid-morning activity when residents got to socialise followed by an afternoon siesta, and dinner at the colonial Kasauli Club (only a member can sign you in). As is the tradition, in most colonial clubs, there is a strict dress code. We, as tourists, did not have the bona fides nor the right shoes and were not allowed into the hallowed precincts but were permitted to click pictures of the exterior! So, we retreated to our hotel, Royalpine Rosastays, sipped our evening cuppa, watching the sun play hide and seek and scintillate as it set over Kasauli and the neighbouring hills and valleys. On our last day, we woke up at dawn as birds trilled in the pine forests beyond.
United News of India
14-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Mizoram begin Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC Group D campaign with a big win
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh), May 14 (UNI) Mizoram, playing their first match in Group D, earned a comfortable 4-0 victory against Maharashtra at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground here on Wednesday. Lalhruaitluanga opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a shot from distance, Laldawngzuala added a second, a few minutes later. F Malsawmtluanga curled in a free-kick from around 30 yards out just after the hour mark to make it three. Stephen Ngurchhuanmawia scored in the second half injury time to earn a big win for Mizoram, who now have three points from one game, and have gone second in the group. Tripura climbed to the top of Group D in the Swami Vivekananda Men's U-20 National Football Championship after defeating Himachal Pradesh 2-1 in a tightly contested match. All goals were scored in the first half. Naba Kishore Singha scored both the goals for Tripura. His first was a finish at the near post after he was played in behind the Himachal defence via an aerial through ball from the left in the 11th minute. Aryan Thakur levelled things up for Himachal Pradesh in the 21st minute with a deftly-placed left-footed strike, but Naba Kishore scored the decisive goal, a tap-in from inside the six-yard box, to win the match for his side. Tripura are now top of Group D, having earned six points from their two matches. Maharashtra are third, while Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh occupy the respective bottom two spots. UNI BM
