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Govt Plans To Sell FCI Rice Under Bharat Brand; Price Not Yet Decided

editor December 28, 2023

NEW DELHI, Dec 28: According to a Food Ministry official, the government is considering selling FCI (Food Corporation of India) rice under the "Bharat" brand in an effort to control the inflation of rice. However, the discounted rate has not yet been determined. x There has been a lacklustre response to the Ministry's efforts to control retail rice prices by increasing domestic availability through the sale of FCI rice through an online auction under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). The official told on December 27 that "there is a proposal to retail 'Bharat rice,' but the price has not yet been decided."The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is providing high-quality rice under the OMSS at a reserve price of ₹29 per kg. "The Group of Ministers must decide whether to sell Bharat rice at the same rate or at a reduced rate," the official continued. Under the Bharat brand, the government already sells pulses and wheat flour (atta) through stores run by Kendriya Bhandar, National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF), and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). Thus far this year, FCI has only been able to sell 3.04 lakh tonnes of rice under OMSS. According to official data, the nodal agency has sold 82.89 lakh tonnes of wheat under OMSS.Ahead of the general elections in 2024, the government is concerned about key food prices due to the 13% annual inflation rate in rice. [caption id="attachment_7890" align="alignnone" width="300"] Govt Plans To Sell FCI Rice Under Bharat Brand; Price Not Yet Decided[/caption]

header National Political

Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi’s Name In ED’s PMLA Case Charge-Sheet

editor December 28, 2023

New Delhi, Dec 28: First, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has been named by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in its charge sheet. The charge sheet mentions Priyanka Gandhi's purchase and sale of an agricultural land measuring 40 kanal (five acres) in Haryana's Faridabad from Delhi-based real estate agent HL Pahwa in 2006 and February 2010. The land was bought in Amipur village, Faridabad, from Pahwa, the agent who also helped Robert Vadra, Priyanka's husband, buy three parcels of land in Amipur village totaling 40.08 acres (or 334 kanals) between 2005 and 2006; Pahwa sold the land to Robert Vadra in December 2010.The agent is the same one who sold land to CC Thampi, an NRI businessman. The main case concerns Sanjay Bhandari, a fugitive arms dealer who is being investigated by several agencies for violating the Official Secrets Act, foreign exchange and black money laws, and money-laundering. In 2016, he left India for the UK. Together with British national Sumit Chadha, Thampi is accused of helping Bhandari conceal illicit gains. Robert Vadra was identified by the ED as an alleged close aide of Thampi in its previous charge sheet pertaining to the case.It is stated in the most recent charge sheet that Pahwa was taking cash out of the books to purchase land. Additionally, it was observed that Robert Vadra had not given Pahwa the full sale consideration. In this regard, the ED investigation is still ongoing. Nonetheless, a copy of "the ledger accounts in the Pahwa books reflecting the transactions mentioned above were taken on record via letter dated November 17, 2023" was obtained."It is submitted that on November 1, 2007, and November 16, 2007, respectively, Robert Vadra incorporated entities in India under the names Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd and Sky Light Realty Pvt Ltd. They were downloaded from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' website. On April 1, 2009, Sky Lite Investment FZE was established in the United Arab Emirates, and CC Thampi is the only shareholder of the company, according to the charge sheet. "While Thampi and his Indian eatities were being investigated in the case bearing no.In T-3/219/HQ/2015, a FEMA-mandated investigation, it was discovered that Thampi bought 486 actes (approximately) of land in the village of Amipur in the Faridabed district of Haryana between 2005 and 2008 via a real estate agent located in HL Pahwa, Delhi NCR. The charge sheet also states that on November 1, 2007, Robert Vadra registered a company in India under the name Blve Breeze Trading Pvt Ltd, which was subsequently changed to LLP. "Either since it was a Private Limited company or after it was changed to an LLP, the email address of the aforementioned entity has always been [email protected] ic. The aforementioned entities' incorporation documents were downloaded from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' website. The charge sheet states, "It is the same email address that one Beena, an employee of CC Thampi in Dubai, used to communicate in connection with the property 12 Bryanston Square, London.In the process of looking into another PMLA case (pertaining to ECIR/OG/HIU2018) that is being looked into against Robert Vadra, his company Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd, and others, it was discovered that a resident of Delhi NCR named Mahesh Nagar represented a number of Robert Vadre entities when buying and selling different plots of land in Delhi-NCR and Bikaner, Rajasthan. Robert Vadra was also mentioned by the ED on Tuesday in a statement regarding the purchase of a London property that is under investigation.The charge sheet describes the relationship between Thampi and Vadra in detail, saying, "It is discovered during the course of this case's investigation that CC Thampi and Robert Vadra have a long and thick relationship." Not only do they share a friendly and personal relationship, but they also have comparable business interests. When Thampi was detained in January 2020, he purportedly told the ED that he had known Vadra for more than ten years and that they had met multiple times when Vadra travelled to Delhi and the United Arab Emirates. [caption id="attachment_7887" align="alignnone" width="300"] Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi’s Name In ED’s PMLA…

Coronavirus header National

India Records 6 Covid Deaths, 692 New Cases In 24 Hrs; Total Active Caseload At 4,097

editor December 28, 2023

New Delhi, Dec 28: In the past 24 hours, 692 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India. Union Health Ministry data show that the total active caseload increased by four, to 4,097. Six deaths have been reported in the nation in the last 24 hours, according to official data. Two of these deaths have occurred in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. With an increase of 702 cases in the last day, the total number of coronavirus cases in India since the outbreak in January 2020 is now 4,50,10,944. With six more deaths in the past day, the total number of deaths in India from COVID-19 cases is now 5,33,346. Delhi announced its first case of COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 on Wednesday.Delhi reports JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron, in its first case. JN.1 and Omicron are two of the three samples that were sent for genome sequencing, according to Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. Notably, the Omicron subvariant known as BA.2.86, or Pirola, is the ancestor of the JN.1 sub-variant. Kerala was the site of the first case of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant. According to sources in the Health Ministry, 109 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant had been identified in India as of Wednesday. The World Health Organisation did stress that, according to available data, the overall risk posed by JN.1 is still low.In response to the unexpected spike in coronavirus cases across the nation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has released guidelines for COVID-19 suspected or positive cases that will be reported at hospitals. The director of AIIMS Delhi met with the hospital's heads of departments on Wednesday to discuss COVID-19 backup plans. Policies regarding COVID-19 testing, the locations to be assigned for positive patients, and their hospitalisation were deliberated during the meeting. [caption id="attachment_7884" align="alignnone" width="300"] India Records 6 Covid Deaths, 692 New Cases In 24 Hrs; Total Active Caseload…

header Jammu and Kashmir National

Thick fog blankets Kashmir amid severe cold

editor December 28, 2023

SRINAGAR: On Thursday, severe cold wave conditions covered most of Kashmir, including Srinagar, in a thick layer of fog. According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.3°C, which was 1.2°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K at this time of year, compared to minus 2.6°C the night before. Fog returned to most of the Valley, including Srinagar, causing visibility problems and slowing down traffic. According to him, Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.8°C as opposed to minus 3.2°C the night before. According to the MeT official, the minimum temperature was 1.5°C lower than usual for Kashmir's gateway town. Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 5.44°C, which was 0.2°C below normal for the well-known south Kashmir resort, compared to minus 4.6°C the night before. According to the official, Kokernag, located in south Kashmir, saw a minimum temperature of minus 2.0°C, down from minus 2.2°C the night before. The temperature was also 0.7°C higher than usual for the area. According to the official, Kupwara town in north Kashmir saw a low of minus 4.3°C, down from minus 4.2°C the night before. It was also 1.8°C below average. According to the official, Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.6°C, down from minus 2.8°C the night before. The temperature was also 3.6°C higher than usual for the well-known north Kashmiri skiing resort. According to him, Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8°C, which was 1.6°C below normal for the winter capital of J&K, compared to 7.6°C the night before. According to him, the lows at Banihal (9.2°C), Batote (6.2°C), and Bhaderwah (2.0°C) were recorded. The Kashmir valley is experiencing "Chillai-Kalan," a severe 40-day winter season that ends on January 30. It does not, however, signal the end of winter. The next two periods are called "Chillai-Khurd," which lasts for 20 days from January 30 to February 19, and "Chillai-Bachha," or "baby cold," which lasts for 10 days from February 20 to March 1. The weatherman has forecast a day of mostly cloudy skies with a chance of light snowfall in a few isolated higher regions. "Generally dry weather with moderate to dense fog over Central Kashmir, Plains of Baramulla, Ganderbal and Pulwama districts is expected till 31st December," said a MeT official. He did, however, mention that there might be some light snowfall over higher areas on December 31st evening or night. He said that dry weather is predicted for January 1-2.On January 3–4, generally cloudy conditions with light rain or snow are predicted in "isolated" locations. [caption id="attachment_7881" align="alignnone" width="300"] Thick fog blankets Kashmir amid severe cold[/caption]

Breaking News header National

134 Flights Delayed, 22 Trains Running Late As Dense Fog Grips Delhi

editor December 28, 2023

New Delhi, Dec 28: Passengers experienced inconvenience on Thursday due to train and flight delays in Delhi caused by a thick layer of fog that enveloped the nation's capital during a cold wave. Images taken at the Indira Gandhi International Airport showed travellers waiting in queue at the gates in the thick fog. Due to fog, the Delhi airport reported that 134 domestic and international flights—both arriving and departing—were delayed in flight operations. While 35 international flight departures got delayed from Delhi, 28 international arrivals got delayed as well. However, there were delays in 28 domestic arrivals and 43 domestic departures.Due to poor visibility, up to 22 trains experienced delays at the New Delhi Railway Station as well. For over an hour, trains such as the Howrah New Delhi Rajdhani and Jammu Tawi Rajdhani were running late. Images from the station showed a number of people waiting in the bitter cold. The IMD had predicted that Thursday's high would be 22 degrees Celsius and that the low would be 7.8 degrees. The national capital was under a dense fog alert earlier on Wednesday, according to the IMD. The IMD stated in a post on "X" that "it is to inform to all that dense fog has already set in over some pockets of Delhi, including at IGI Airport Palam since 08:30pm today of December 27, 2023."There was another post that stated, "Dense fog warning for Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi: Very dense fog in night & morning hours till 30th Dec. morning and Dense fog on 31st Dec. 2023." Additionally, according to the weather office, on Wednesday, visibility at Delhi-Palam Airport decreased from 100 metres at 2130 IST to 50 metres at 2200 IST. On Thursday morning, a group of bikers decided to venture out on the Kartavya Path despite the cold weather.It is chilly and foggy. But this season is the most enjoyable for cycling...It's critical that you leave. One of the bikers stated, "Any dreams we have in our beds will only come true when we get out." The fitness enthusiast emphasised that using fog light is crucial during this season, regardless of whether one is riding a bicycle or a car. It should keep you 50% safe, in my opinion.…

header Ladakh National

Himalayan blue poppy declared Ladakh’s State Flower

editor December 28, 2023

LEH, Dec 27: The Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis Aculeata Royle, has been designated as the Union Territory of Ladakh's "State Flower." According to an official spokesman, Meconopsis Aculeata Royle, also known as the Himalayan Blue Poppy or Ladakhi-Tser-sNon, has been named the "State Flower" of the Union Territory of Ladakh by Lieutenant Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra. [caption id="attachment_7875" align="alignnone" width="300"] Himalayan blue poppy declared Ladakh’s State Flower[/caption]

header Jammu and Kashmir National

1 overground worker of LeT arrested from Sharkwara, arms and ammunition recovered

editor December 28, 2023

BARAMULLA: Authorities in this area said that one overground worker (OGW) connected to the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was taken into custody from the Shrakwara area. Officials said on Wednesday that Imran Ahmed Ganaie, a resident of Nowpora Wagoora, Kreeri, was arrested during a check at the Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) set up by 52 Rashtriya Rifles at Shrakwara, close to the bus stop. The OGW, who was travelling from Nowpora towards Shrakwara, attempted to leave the area during the check, but the security forces skillfully caught him. "Recovered items included a mobile phone, magazine pistol 01, 9mm Chinese pistol 01, and pistol rounds 09." As a result, the Kreeri police station has filed Case FIR No. 127/2023 under section 7/25 of the Arms Act and the 13, 20, 23, 38 UAP ACT, and an investigation has been launched, according to officials. [caption id="attachment_7872" align="alignnone" width="300"] 1 overground worker of LeT arrested from Sharkwara, arms and ammunition recovered[/caption]

header Jammu and Kashmir National Political

AC accords approval to different developmental projects, land transfers

editor December 28, 2023

JAMMU: The Administrative Council (AC), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved various development initiatives in this area, such as building a road in the Reasi district and establishing an industrial estate in Akhnoor, in addition to transferring land for various public uses. Attending the meeting were Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, the Lieutenant Governor's principal secretary, Atal Dulloo, the chief secretary, and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, the advisor. In its meeting, the AC approved the construction of a road in the district of Reasi that would run from Sujandhar to Ratnote via Gabbar Sarote. The road would be 13.10 km long and would cost an estimated Rs 27.588 Cr under RIDF XXIX, which is funded in 90:10 ratio by the UT government and NABARD loan assistance.About 10,000 people who suffer from a lack of terrestrial connectivity in the Reasi District's villages of Sujandhar, Samak, Chardel, Doda, Tolan Laid, Lower Gabbar, Bagdhar, Jhatakote, Batalade, Ratnote, and surrounding habitations will benefit from this road. The AC also authorised the departments to receive land for public use in order to carry out various development projects. Ten Kanals of land located in the village of Padergund, Tehsil Villagam, District Kupwara, for the construction of the Government Boys High School Dahama, and two Kanals of land located in the village of Nowhatoo, Tehsil & District Anantnag, for the construction of the Government Middle School Nowhatoo, Zone Anantnag, were transferred in favour of the School Education Department.Additionally, 8 Kanals of land in the estate Pallar, Tehsil, and District Budgam were transferred to the Social Welfare Department so that Vatsalya Sadan could be built. Additionally, the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Awantipora, has been granted 200 Kanals of land in the estate Larmoo Tehsil Awantipora District Pulwama for the purpose of building the required infrastructure. The Higher Education Department was granted 300 Kanals of land in the estate Kenihama, Tehsil B.K. Pora, District Budgam by the AC for the construction of multiple establishments of Cluster University, Srinagar. In a different ruling, the AC approved the development of the Industrial Estate project at Sole Sungal, Akhnoor. This involved the construction of an administrative block, street lighting, centralised effluent treatment Plants, power and water supplies, retaining/boundary walls, and road widening on 100 kanals of land.The project will be financed from the department's 2023–2024 capital expenditure budget. The project would cost Rs 23.78 Cr to complete. As of right now, 72 of the 100 kanals of land have been given to entrepreneurs, and the remaining 28 kanals are used for utilities. The project aims to establish a developmental estate that would attract investment of Rs 33.27 Cr, creating job opportunities for approximately 500 youth and boosting industrial development in Jammu Division. [caption id="attachment_7869" align="alignnone" width="300"] AC accords approval to different developmental projects, land transfers[/caption]

Breaking News header National Political

Ayodhya Railway station in UP renamed ‘Ayodhya Dham Junction’

editor December 28, 2023

LUCKNOW: The city MP Lallu Singh announced on Wednesday that the Ayodhya Railway Station, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to open on December 30, has been renamed to "ayodhya-dham">Ayodhya Dham" Junction. "Ayodhya-dham">Ayodhya Dham" Junction replaced "Ayodhya Junction." The name of Ayodhya Junction of the recently built grand Ayodhya Railway Station has been changed to #ayodhyaa_dhaam_jNkshn in accordance with public sentiment, under the direction of Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri @narendramodi ji," Lallu Singh stated in a post on X. On December 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the state-of-the-art Ayodhya railway station and airport.In addition, the Prime Minister will be in charge of Ayodhya's preparations for the grand opening of Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. There will be medical facilities, a tourist information centre, and lifts in the grand railway station. Comprehensive preparations of all kinds are being finished. The Ayodhya railway station is currently undergoing renovations that will include murals of Lord Ram painted on the walls, escalators, refurbished platforms, and new signboards. It is said that this train station is as mythologically significant as it is contemporary. From the outside, it resembles a grand temple, and inside, it has equally contemporary amenities. [caption id="attachment_7865" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ayodhya Railway station in UP renamed 'Ayodhya Dham Junction'[/caption]

header Jammu and Kashmir National Political

AC approves Rs 26.87 Cr for construction of Nallahs from Peerkho to Dounthly

editor December 28, 2023

JAMMU: The project to build nallahs on the right bank of the Tawi River from Peerkho Main to Dhounthly was approved by the Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the direction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 26.87 crores and will be funded through the Capex Budget. Attending the meeting were Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, the Lieutenant Governor's principal secretary, Atal Dulloo, the chief secretary, and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, the advisor.The project was created in accordance with guidelines provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for reducing pollution in the Tawi River by treating and diverting untreated wastewater that would otherwise fall into the river from storm water drains. In addition to guaranteeing compliance with the directives of the NGT and CPCB regarding the mitigation of pollution in the River Tawi here, this will ensure proper drainage and sewerage network of the area, which will directly benefit the households/local inhabitants. [caption id="attachment_7861" align="alignnone" width="300"] AC approves Rs 26.87 Cr for construction of Nallahs from Peerkho to Dounthly[/caption]

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