Health

Govt committed to offer 200 units free electricity: CM Omar Abdullah

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir aims to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation in next two years, ensuring a reliable electricity supply, and that the government was committed to offering 200 units of free electricity. He said Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation was prioritizing the development of hydroelectric…

Govt committed to offer 200 units free electricity: CM Omar Abdullah
Health Jammu and Kashmir National
Grenade attack on police station in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, no casualties: Officials
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Grenade attack on police station in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, no casualties: Officials

BARAMULLA: A suspected grenade attack took place at a police station in north Kashmir's Baramulla district late last night, police said today. "During the night intervening March 4-5, at approximately 2120 hrs, a blast-like sound was heard from the backside of Police Post Old Town, Baramulla, causing concern among the general public. No casualty or…

Fire Breaks Out At MLA Hostel In Srinagar

SRINAGAR, Dec 10: A fire broke out in the Member Legislative Assembly Hostel (MLA) in Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said. There was no report of any casualty in the incident. The Fire and Emergency officials said that fire broke out at around noon in the first floor of the MLA hostel quarter situated at the…

Fire Breaks Out At MLA Hostel In Srinagar
Health Jammu and Kashmir National
10 infants dead after massive fire erupts at Jhansi Medical College
Health National

10 infants dead after massive fire erupts at Jhansi Medical College

JHANSI: At least 10 infants were killed after a massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh late Friday evening, officials said. According to hospital officials, there were 54 infants admitted to the NICU ward and several infants trapped have been rescued. The dousing, as…

Business

Acting tough against defaulters, JPDCL disconnects power of more than 1700 consumers, realizes huge arrears in 2 days

JAMMU: The Jammu electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has disconnected 1702 defaulters in a campaign against "illegal" electricity connections and past-due payments, earning a substantial sum of money in just two days, according to officials today. "In the first place, connections of 1702 consumers including influential consumers (Industries, Hotels and Influential persons) were disconnected to sensitise the masses to clear their liabilities on account of electricity bills and develop habits of paying electricity bills in time," it stated. The JPDCL Spokesperson said, "A total of 49,028 inspections."All customers have been advised by JPDCL to pay their outstanding balances right now in order to prevent being disconnected.During the crackdown, which was a component of JPDCL's continuous efforts to stop energy theft and deal with financial irregularities, the inspection procedure was strengthened and included both day and night patrols to look for power theft. Spokesman for JPDCL emphasised that the initiative's goal was to tighten the noose around customers who frequently connect up, violate agreed-upon loads, and bypass metres. The JPDCL reaffirmed in a formal statement its dedication to helping legitimate customers and making sure they are not burdened by the misdeeds of bad people. The electricity distribution company emphasised even further how actions like energy theft must be taken seriously. These actions not only cause blackouts but also damage to transformers, which inconveniences law-abiding customers. JPDCL's two-day operation yielded significant revenue, including pending arrear dues on Tuesday alone. This indicates the gravity of the problem and the company's resolve to rapidly resolve outstanding payments. With 1411 inspections conducted throughout the Jammu Division, the inspection covered a number of circles. In the course of these initiatives, 432 KW of load was added in each of Jammu Province's 10 districts. In the meantime, JPDCL claimed in an official statement that several Sub Divisions of JPDCL initiated a new, enormous disconnection drive against powerful and persistent defaulters with significant arrears after realising that the defaulters were not receiving a consistent supply of power over the winter. Targeted during the initiative were domestic, commercial, and industrial customers with sizable outstanding debt. In order to prevent power disconnections, the JPDCL asked customers to pay their outstanding bills as soon as possible. They also pledged to continue supplying dependable and continuous electricity to those who meet their financial commitments. [caption id="attachment_10020" align="alignnone" width="300"] Acting tough against defaulters, JPDCL disconnects power of more than 1700 consumers, realizes huge arrears in 2 days[/caption]…

Police rescue 300 tourists stranded near Atal Tunnel in Rohtang after snowfall

KULLU: Following Tuesday night's intense snowfall, 300 visitors who were stuck close to the Atal Tunnel's South Portal (SP) in Rohtang were rescued by Himachal Pradesh Police. According to Kullu SP Sakshi Verma, "three hundred tourists were travelling at the South Portal (SP) of ATR when about fifty vehicles and one bus from the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) were trapped. The ATR has been cleared of all tourists." SP Kullu went on to say that she carried out a rescue mission with the assistance of the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manali, Tehsildar Manali, Station House Officer (SHO) Manali, and a team.This is in response to an orange notice that the India Metrological Department issued on Tuesday for a number of locations in Himachal Pradesh, warning of the probability of rain in some areas of the state and snow in the higher mountains during the course of the following 48 hours. IMD states that there is a chance of heavy rain or snowfall in certain areas of the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, Mandi, and Shimla between the late hours of January 30 and the early hours of February 2. Snowfall has been forecast by the Meteorological Department for both the lowlands and the state's high-altitude regions. In the higher regions of Himachal Pradesh, rain and snow are possible starting tonight and lasting for the next five to six days. Tonight is when the rainy activity will begin. There is a risk of moderate to severe snowfall in the districts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu on January 31 and February 1. For these places, we have issued an orange alert. Districts of Kangra, Bilaspur, and Shimla are likely to have rain and thunderstorms with lightening activity, according to IMD Senior Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma. [caption id="attachment_9960" align="alignnone" width="300"] Police rescue 300 tourists stranded near Atal Tunnel in Rohtang after snowfall[/caption]  

Uber launches operations in Srinagar its 1st stop
Business header Jammu and Kashmir National

Uber launches operations in Srinagar its 1st stop

SRINAGAR: Uber, a ride-hailing service, began operating in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Srinagar was the first location. In the valley, the company has launched "UberGo" and "Intercity," an out-of-town product. Shiva Shailendran, Head of Supply and Regional Operations, said in a statement: "With the global ride-hailing app now available in Srinagar, tourists, as well as locals, will now find a trusted ride in and around Srinagar with a few taps on the app." "The launch of our service will also create meaningful earning opportunities for drivers and will support the economic growth of local communities," he stated. According to the firm, Uber's entry into Srinagar is consistent with its aspirations to expand throughout India, with the goal of broadening its reach and product offerings to local markets. You can reserve intercity transport to visit popular tourist spots in and around Srinagar, such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam. Return trips lasting up to five days can be scheduled for intercity travel, during which time passengers can keep both the driver and their Uber and make additional stops along the way. All Uber rides can now be reserved up to 90 days in advance, giving users more time to arrange their travels and improving journey planning. According to the corporation, this function also benefits drivers because it allows them to project their profits in advance and budget their spending appropriately. [caption id="attachment_9954" align="alignnone" width="300"] Uber launches operations in Srinagar its 1st stop[/caption]

Munawar wins Bigg Boss 17, beats Abhishek Kumar to win the finale race

MUMBAI: Bigg Boss 17's stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui has been crowned the winner after months of fierce competition. He won the finale by defeating fellow competitor Abhishek Kumar. He received a highly sought-after trophy and a Rs 50 lakh cash award. During the 17th season of Colours, Munawar was one of the most well-liked competitors. Thanks to his shayaris, he has dominated the spotlight ever since entering the Bigg Boss house. But his plan quickly backfired, and he encountered a number of difficulties, chief among them being Ayesha Khan's entry onto the programme and her grave accusations against him. He was accused by Ayesha of lying to her, cheating on her, and making a marriage proposal to a different female. Though his performance plummeted, he was still able to stand tall. Prior to 'Bigg Boss 17', Munawar became well-known for winning the 'Lock Upp' reality show. [caption id="attachment_9842" align="alignnone" width="300"] Munawar wins Bigg Boss 17, beats Abhishek Kumar to win the finale race[/caption]  

Successful diversion of Chenab River achieved at Ratle HE Project

KISHTWAR: With the Chenab River's diversion through the Diversion Tunnels at Drabshalla, the 850 MW Ratle HE Project in Jammu and Kashmir has reached a significant milestone. The river diversion will make it possible to isolate the dam region at the riverbed and begin the crucial task of digging and building the dam. In order to support the project's efforts to meet its May 2026 projected commissioning date, it will expedite project construction activities and help minimise delays. R K Vishnoi, the Chief Medical Director of NHPC, officially opened the River Diversion event. H Rajesh Prasad, the Principal Secretary (PDD); I D Dayal, the Chairman of RHPCL; Pankaj Mangotra, the MD of JKSPDC; NHPC Directors; A K Nauriyal, the CEO of RHPCL; and other dignitaries from NHPC and GoJK were present. Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a joint venture between NHPC Limited and GoJK with a 51:49 percent stake, is responsible for carrying out the Ratle Project. The 850 MW Ratle HE project is located in the Kishtwar District on the Chenab River. The project received CCEA approval from the Indian government in February 2021, with a total estimated cost of Rs 5281.94 crore.   [caption id="attachment_9836" align="alignnone" width="300"] Successful diversion of Chenab River achieved at Ratle HE Project[/caption]

4 lakh penalty recovered from vehicles involved in illegal mining

KATHUA: Today, a group from the Geology and Mining department, under the direction of District Mineral Officer (DMO) Rajinder Singh Rana, began taking legal action against one JCB and fourteen vehicles involved in illicit mining and transportation. In the Mager Khad areas, a JCB machine was confiscated and fined for excavating more than 1000 MT of river bed material. Two dumpers were seized for moving minerals without e-challans, while a Mega Engineering Company tipper was detained in Hatli for lifting clay without the proper paperwork. Similarly, according to legal documents presented by the drivers of the trucks, 13 Punjab-based trucks were fined at the toll post in Lakhanpur for loading crushed aggregate and screened sand beyond the carrying capacity. The fine was collected from the trucks immediately.Tipper drivers were instructed not to engage in the unlawful or unapproved transportation of minerals during the Lakhanpur checkpoint. Instead, they were to load minerals strictly in accordance with the valid e-challans and GST bills. According to the DMO, mining guards have been assigned to all mining sites and hotspots where mining operations are conducted. He further mentioned that a permanent naka has been established in Lakhanpur to monitor dumpers heading into Punjab. [caption id="attachment_9824" align="alignnone" width="300"] 4 lakh penalty recovered from vehicles involved in illegal mining[/caption]      

BRO Breakthrough On Golden Arc Road By Building 700 Meter Naushera Tunnel

New Delhi, Jan 28: According to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the construction of the 700-meter-long Naushera tunnel on the Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway (NH-144A) represents a significant advancement for the "Golden Arc Road." The amount of time needed for the construction of the tunnel's two ends to meet is called the breakthrough. According to BRO, the 200 km Golden Arc Road connects the south Kashmir-Jammu region to the west of Jammu. It is an ancient and extremely significant route. With the groundbreaking ceremony for the Naushera Tunnel on Sunday, "the construction of a pivotal infrastructure project National Highway-144A connecting Akhnoor to Poonch reached a significant milestone," according to BRO.Golden Arc Road, according to the government, links the border districts of Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor. The amazing 700-meter tunnel is reportedly a vital link bridging Akhnoor and Poonch. According to BRO, there are four main tunnels along this stretch: the Sungal, BhimberGali, Naushera, and Kandi tunnels. According to the BRO, the Kandi tunnel's breakthrough on November 25 of last year marked the company's efforts to provide connectivity between the Rajouri and Poonch districts.According to BRO, "the National Highway project is expected to be completed by 2026 before its specified time." Progress on the project has accelerated. The BRO is leading vital road initiatives to connect isolated communities with important centres in the Jammu-Poonch region, according to Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, DG Border Roads. With its rapid advancement, the Jammu-Poonch link is expected to be completed within the next several years, the speaker stated. When it comes to developing defence infrastructure along the LoC, DG BR stated that the Border Roads Organisation is dedicated to bolstering defence infrastructure by constructing and modernising important roads all along the IB, LC, and LAC.He declared that BRO and Project Sampark remain unwavering in their resolve to establish, foster connections, provide care, and preserve the lives of the people living in its jurisdiction. It has recommitted itself to building border road infrastructure in order to promote socioeconomic advancement and adheres to the maxim "Roads Build Nation," he said. [caption id="attachment_9812" align="alignnone" width="300"] BRO Breakthrough On Golden Arc Road By Building 700 Meter Naushera Tunnel[/caption]

DGCA Slaps Rs 1.10 Cr Penalty On Air India For Safety Violations
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DGCA Slaps Rs 1.10 Cr Penalty On Air India For Safety Violations

NEW DELHI, Jan 24: Air India has been fined Rs 1.10 crore by the aviation authority DGCA for safety violations pertaining to flights conducted on specific lengthy itineraries. According to a notice on Wednesday, the regulator conducted a thorough investigation following receipt of a voluntary safety report from an airline employee claiming safety violations of flights operated by Air India on specific long-range terrain-critical routes. According to the DGCA, Air India was given a show-cause notice since the inquiry appeared to establish that the airline was not in compliance.The Air India-operated leased aircraft were covered by the safety report. According to the release from the DGCA, "Air India has been fined Rs 1.10 crore and enforcement action has been initiated by the DGCA because the said operations of the leased aircraft were not in line with regulatory/OEM performance limits." [caption id="attachment_9533" align="alignnone" width="300"] DGCA Slaps Rs 1.10 Cr Penalty On Air India For Safety Violations[/caption]  

Govt Raises Import Duty On Gold, Silver Findings To 15 Pc
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Govt Raises Import Duty On Gold, Silver Findings To 15 Pc

NEW DELHI, Jan 23: The Finance Ministry increased import taxes on gold and silver jewellery and coins made of precious metals from 10% to 15%. Coins made of precious metals and findings made of gold and silver will now have an import charge of 15%. According to an official statement, this includes 10% Basic Custom Duty (BCD) and 5% of AIDC (Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess). The Social Welfare Surcharge (SWC) does not apply to this. A little element, like a hook, pin, or screw, that secures all or a portion of a piece of jewellery is called a finding, usually made of gold or silver.Additionally, the Ministry increased import taxes on wasted catalysts that contained valuable metals. With the exemption of SWS, the tax has been increased to 14.35 percent, which now includes 10 Basic Custom tax (BCD) and 4.35% AIDC (Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess). The announcement stated that the higher tariffs would take effect on January 22. [caption id="attachment_9484" align="alignnone" width="300"] Govt Raises Import Duty On Gold, Silver Findings To 15 Pc[/caption]