Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur experience fresh snow fall in Himachal

Apr 21 In Himachal Pradesh, the higher reaches of tribal districts Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur experienced fresh snowfall today while several other parts including capital Shimla was lashed with rains. The snowfall at high Rohtang Pass has hampered the road clearance operations on Manali-Leh highway by the Boarder Road Organization. Met Department has forecast more rain and snow at isolated places in the higher reaches and rain or thundershowers in parts of middle and foothills during in the state the next two days. Drugs scam: J&K Govt hands over the case to crime branch Apr 21 The Jammu and Kashmir government has handed over recently surfaced scam of the supply of spurious drugs to government hospitals in Kashmir to the crime branch and vigilance organisation for further probe. The step has been taken on the basis of preliminary report of a committee which has held members of purchase committee and rate contract committee prima facie responsible for negligence in allotment of the contract to the firm that supplied spurious drug as well as for not verifying manufacturer of the drug. The state government has been facing heat on this issue as there have been sporadic protests against supply of the spurious drugs in the valley and some doctors associations and civil society organisations have been demanding a judicial.

WB: Nine people killed in Borjora road accident

Apr 21 In West Bengal, at least nine persons were killed and ten others injured in a road accident near Borjora in Bankura district this morning. According to official sources, the mishap occurred when a vehicle in which they were traveling overturned and hit a lamp post following loss of control over it. The vehicle was going to Purulia from Burdwan. Injured have been admitted into local hospital. Karnataka polls: 2948 candidates left in fray Apr 21 In Karnataka, 2948 candidates are left in fray for the Assembly elections scheduled on May 5. Out of these 2778 are male candidates and 170 are female . The Chief Electoral Officer of the State Mr.Anil Kumar Jha disclosed that 744 candidates withdrew their nominations yesterday. The Congress is contesting from all the 224 constituencies, BJP from 223, JD(S) from 222 Assembly constituencies. There are also 1223 Independents in fray. Mr.Jha said that 832 candidates have filed nominations from Registered unrecognised parties such as Karnataka Janatha Party of Yeddyurappa and BSR Congress of Sriramulu.