header Archives - Page 548 of 655

“Tanzania is biggest, closest partner of India in Africa”: PM Modi

editor October 9, 2023

NEW DELHI: While speaking at the Exchange session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that Tanzania is India's largest and closest ally in all of Africa and that today is a momentous day for relations between the two countries. "Today marks a turning point in India and Tanzania's relationship. We are attempting to turn our long-standing friendship into a Strategic Partnership today, he remarked. PM Modi noted that Tanzania and India are significant trading and investment partners, adding that "both sides are working on an agreement to increase trade in local currencies." In addition, PM Modi noted that "Tanzania is the biggest and closest partner of India in the entire Africa." On Monday, PM Modi and Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania, attended the MoU exchanging programme at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The Indian Navy and the Tanzanian Shipping Agency exchanged technical agreements regarding their cooperation in sharing white shipping information, the National Sports Council of Tanzania and the Sports Authority of India exchanged MoUs regarding their cooperation in the field of sports, and India and Tanzania also exchanged agreements regarding their cultural exchange programme for the years 2023 to 2027.Additionally, there was a discussion regarding the establishment of an industrial park in Tanzania between the Tanzania Investment Centre and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, which is a division of the Ministry of Port, Shipping, and Waterways of India. Finally, an MoU exchange about cooperation in the maritime industry was place between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Marine Services Corporation Limited. India has significantly aided Tanzania in developing its capacities and skills. "ICT centres, vocational schools, defence training, and scholarships from ITEC and ICCR. By collaborating in key areas including agriculture, health, water supply, and education, we have attempted to improve Tanzanians' quality of life. President Narendra Modi saidRegarding the defence industry, PM Modi mentioned that a five-year framework has been agreed upon by Tanzania and India. "Through this, new dimensions will be added in areas like military training, maritime cooperation, capacity building, and defence industry," he stated. He also expressed his happiness that Tanzania had chosen to join the Global Biofuels Alliance, which had been established at the G20 Summit by India. "I am glad that Tanzania has decided to join the Global Biofuels Alliance launched by India at the G20 Summit," he stated. In the presence of US President Joe Biden, Presidents Luiz Inacio of Brazil, Alberto Fernandez of Argentina, and Giorgia Meloni of Italy, PM Modi established the Global Biofuels Alliance during the G20 Summit.Everyone agrees that the greatest security threat to humanity is terrorism, including India and Tanzania. "In this regard, we have also decided to increase mutual cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism," said Prime Minister Modi. "The most important thing that binds our relationships is our strong and oldest people-to-people ties," said Prime Minister Modi. The establishment of the IIT Madras centre in Zanzibar, according to PM Modi, is a significant turning point in our relationship. On July 4, in the presence of Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of an IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar was signed by the Ministry of Education (MoE), the central government, IIT Madras, and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) of Zanzibar, Tanzania. "Technology is the biggest pillar for the path of development between India and Tanzania," PM Modi stated. The Union Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi met Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was in India at President Droupadi Murmu's invitation, on Sunday at the Delhi airport.Earlier today, President Hassan received a formal welcome on the Rashtrapati Bhawan forecourt and took part in the wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat. The day before, President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised the outstanding relations between the two nations and noted that her visit will open up new doors for Tanzania's and India's political and economic development.

Breaking News header Jammu and Kashmir National

32,355 SPOs , 4,153 Village Defence Groups Deployed In J&K

editor October 9, 2023

New Delhi, Oct 9: In Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 32,355 Special Police Officers and 4,153 Village Defence Groups (VDG) were assigned various duties for the protection of people and coanti-terrorists activities. The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was impacted by terrorist and secessionist activity that was sponsored and backed from across the border for approximately three decades, according to the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2022–2023.According to the report, terrorists are continuing to cross the border into Jammu and Kashmir through both the International Border and the Line of Control. According to the MHA annual report, the Jammu and Kashmir government first announced the Village Defence Group programme in 1995. On August 14, 2022, the programme was amended and re-notified in light of the current security environment. "Village Defence Guards are the official title for the Village Defence Group members. According to the report, 4,153 Village Defence Groups have been established out of the 4,985 total authorised members of the Village Defence Group.The Village Defence Committee (VDC) was the VDG's first name. According to sources, the concept to establish VDC originated from arming former service members during the 1965 and 1971 wars to prevent Pakistani espionage and infiltration. The VDCs were established in the Jammu region to provide locals with the means of self-defense against ongoing terrorist threats. According to the plan, each VDC had a Special Police Officer (SPO) in command and 10 to 15 additional volunteer members, most of whom were former service veterans. They were provided with.303 rifles and ammo. The SPO in charge of the VDC received compensation, but everyone else was a volunteer.Village Defence Groups—members of which are referred to as Village Defence Guards (VDGs)—were formed in 2020, updating the Village Defence Committees' strategy. The committees' organisational structure has also altered, in addition to the name. All VDGs are now paid, in contrast to VDCs where only SPOs were. According to the officials, certain VDGs are paid a uniform salary of Rs 4,000 per month, while others are paid Rs 4,500 per month in more susceptible locations. The District Superintendent of Police or Senior Superintendent of Police is in charge of the VDGs' operations.The sanctioned strength of Special Police Officers (SPOs) is currently 34,707, of which 32,355 SPOs are appointed, according to the MHA annual report. The Jammu and Kashmir Police oversee and direct them as they complete the different tasks assigned to them. In Jammu & Kashmir, the Special Police Officers (SPOs) institution was established in 1995. According to the report, the main goal of the creation of SPOs was to aid law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, involve the local population in protecting themselves, and assist the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces in containing the threat of militancy.SPOs in the Jammu and Kashmir Police are now paid up to Rs 18,000 per month in the following increments: SPOs with less than three years' experience are paid Rs 6,000, SPOs with more than three years' experience but less than five years' experience are paid Rs 9,000, SPOs with more than five years' experience but less than ten years' experience are paid Rs 12,000, SPOs with more than ten years' experience but less than fifteen years' experience are paid Rs 15,000. [caption id="attachment_3761" align="alignnone" width="300"] 32,355 SPOs , 4,153 Village Defence Groups Deployed In…

Breaking News header Jammu and Kashmir National Political

EC : Polls In J&K Will Be Held At ‘Right Time’ Keeping Security Situation In Mind

editor October 9, 2023

New Delhi, Oct 9: The Election Commission announced on Monday that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would take place at the "right time" while taking into account the local security situation. This was said by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar during a news conference to reveal the dates for the assembly elections in five states. According to him, the polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held when the commission determines it is the "right time" in light of the local elections already taking place and the security situation.A different question was addressed to Kumar, who responded that announcements of freebies usually have the "tadka" of populism and that the general public has a right to know where the freebies will come from. The Election Commission announced that voting will take place in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram on various dates from November 7 to 30. Votes for the five states will be tallied on December 3, setting the stage for the 2024 Lok Sabha election semifinals. Prior to the Lok Sabha elections next year, this will be the final round of assembly elections. [caption id="attachment_3758" align="alignnone" width="300"] EC : Polls In J&K Will Be Held At ‘Right Time’ Keeping Security Situation In Mind[/caption]

Breaking News header International National

Toll mounts to 34, IAF begins rescuing stranded tourists : Sikkim flash flood

editor October 9, 2023

GANGTOK: Officials reported on Monday that 34 dead, including those of 10 army jawans, had been pulled from the Teesta River's mud and debris as a result of the devastating flash flood that also left over 105 others remained unaccounted for. The first group of trapped tourists was airlifted from Lachen to Mangan in North Sikkim by the Indian Air Force, which has begun rescue and relief operations in the Himalayan state. In order to coordinate relief and rescue efforts with the armed forces, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met with Chief Secretary VB Pathak, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, who has arrived in Gangtok.The Jalpaiguri district administration in neighbouring northern West Bengal stated that 40 bodies had also been pulled from downstream Teesta in addition to the 34 fatalities reported in Sikkim. Officials cautioned, however, that there might be some overlap in the death tolls given by the two states. With 22, including 10 soldiers, Pakyong district in Sikkim recorded the most fatalities, followed by Gangtok with six, Mangan with four, and Namchi with two. Six days after a cloudburst over Lhonak lake in Mangan district triggered an increase in the Teesta river, flooding many towns on the river basin spanning four districts in the Himalayan state, 105 people are still unaccounted for.According to a statement from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, 63 of the missing people are from Pakyong, 20 are from Gangtok, 16 are from Mangan, and six are from Namchi. Up to 3,432 kuccha and pucca homes have suffered damage. 5,327 persons in total have been saved and evacuated. The state's transportation network has been hampered by the total of 14 bridges that have either been washed out or submerged. 6,505 individuals who were made homeless as a result of the flash flood are being housed in 26 relief camps spread across four districts.There were 85,870 persons impacted by the flash flood. The ongoing relief and rescue efforts were discussed at a high-level meeting that CM Tamang called at his official house with Chief Secretary VB Pathak, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, and other officials. According to an official, the purpose of the conference was to ensure that trapped individuals were quickly rescued while coordinating efforts with the military. According to a defence official, the Indian Air Force has begun disaster relief and humanitarian aid operations in Sikkim and has flown a chopper to rescue the first group of stranded tourists from Lachen to Mangan. It also delivered vital supplies and emergency personnel to Lachen. Although the precise number of tourists saved in the first batch is not yet known, the MI-17 helicopter that was employed in the rescue mission has a capability to carry 25 to 30 passengers. "The IAF commenced its humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations from Air Force Station Bagdogra for the flood victims of Sikkim on the Air Force Day," said a defence official. Using Chinook and MI 17 V5 helicopters, the air force has begun delivering Garud commandos, communication equipment, fuel, medications, and search and rescue equipment to the state as of Sunday, he said. The official stated that the IAF is completely prepared to assist the victims of the catastrophic floods that left the small Himalayan state in shambles and that the Eastern Air Command is coordinating HADR operations. "The helicopters are kept ready to transport the stranded tourists and local residents to safer locations as soon as the weather conditions improve," stated a Defence Department official. On Monday, the Met Department issued a five-day rainfall forecast for Sikkim and sub-Himalayan West Bengal that included mild to moderate rain in various locations along with thunderstorms and lightning. The Jalpaiguri district administration in West Bengal has reported that 40 dead have been found so far from the Teesta River's downstream.According to officials, 10 bodies have been identified so far. The precise death toll will be known in the next days after compiling the information, according to officials, as victims are still being discovered in both states among the slush and debris left behind by Teesta. [caption id="attachment_3755" align="alignnone" width="300"] Toll mounts to 34, IAF begins rescuing stranded…

Breaking News header International National

IAF conducts disaster relief operations in Sikkim

editor October 9, 2023

KOLKATA: According to a defence spokesman on Monday, the Indian Air Force has begun providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief in Sikkim, which was severely damaged by a Teesta River flash flood. The flash flood that ravaged Sikkim has so far resulted in the recovery of 33 bodies, including those of nine army jawans, while the hunt for more than 105 persons who remain missing is ongoing, according to officials in the Himalayan state. According to the Jalpaiguri district administration in neighbouring northern West Bengal, 40 dead were pulled from the river below. Even though both governments were keeping each other up to date on their individual rescue efforts, officials cautioned that the numbers given by Sikkim and West Bengal may have some overlap. "The IAF commenced its humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations from Air Force Station Bagdogra for the flood victims of Sikkim on the Air Force Day," said a defence official. Using Chinook and MI 17 V5 helicopters, the air force has begun delivering Garud commandos, communication equipment, fuel, medications, and search and rescue equipment to the state as of Sunday, he said. The official stated that the IAF is completely prepared to assist the victims of the catastrophic floods that left the small Himalayan state in shambles and that the Eastern Air Command is coordinating HADR operations. "The helicopters are kept ready to transport the stranded tourists and local residents to safer locations as soon as the weather conditions improve," stated a Defence Department official. On Monday, the Met Department issued a five-day prediction for sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim that included mild to moderate rain in several locations along with thunderstorms and lightning. The Jalpaiguri district administration in West Bengal has reported that 40 dead have been found so far from the Teesta River's downstream. According to officials, 10 bodies have been identified so far. The precise death toll will be known in the next days after compiling the information, according to officials, as victims are still being discovered in both states among the slush and debris left behind by Teesta.A cloudburst early on Wednesday morning caused the flash flood, which has affected 60,870 individuals. According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 2,563 people have already been evacuated from various regions of the state, the majority of which have been shut off from the rest of the nation. [caption id="attachment_3752" align="alignnone" width="300"] IAF conducts disaster relief operations in Sikkim[/caption]

Breaking News Business header Jammu and Kashmir National

Chopper service to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine becomes expensive

editor October 9, 2023

JAMMU: Beginning today, those who wish to use the helicopter service between Katra and Sanjhi Chhat while visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine will have to pay more. According to reports, the airline that was awarded the contract for the following three years has set its one-way air fare at Rs. 2100 per person and its round-trip air fare at Rs. 4200 per person. It used to cost Rs 1820 per person for a one-way ticket between Katra and Sanjhi Chhat and Rs 3640 for an up-and-down ticket. As a result, starting today, the air fare for the helicopter service will have increased by more than 20%. The amount of GST to be paid on the chopper ticket is unclear, according to the sources. [caption id="attachment_3748" align="alignnone" width="300"] Chopper service to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine becomes expensive[/caption]

Breaking News Business header National

SRK gets Y Plus security cover amid threats

editor October 9, 2023

MUMBAI: In light of the "imminent and probable threats" to Shah Rukh Khan's life, the Maharashtra police have given him Y+ security protection, an official said on Monday. According to him, the Y+ cover is guarded by 11 security men, including 6 commandos, and a police escort car. After the release of his most recent film, "Jawan," Khan (57), has received threats, the official claimed. The security coverage is provided in exchange for money. The cost of Khan's protection will be his responsibility, he said. After reviewing it in a meeting of a powerful committee last week, it was decided to increase Khan's security, the official said.Accordingly, the State Intelligence Department informed the Special Protection Unit, the offices of the superintendents of police, and all police commissionerates, he said. An argument broke out over the song "Besharam Rang" from Khan's movie "Pathaan" last year. The actor had received a threat from an Ayodhya seer. Khan's security was increased in 2010 as a result of threats he got in relation to the premiere of his movie "My Name Is Khan." [caption id="attachment_3745" align="alignnone" width="300"] SRK gets Y Plus security cover amid threats[/caption]

header Jammu and Kashmir National Political

Ram Leela to be staged at Dewan Mandir from 15 Oct : Yudhvir

editor October 9, 2023

JAMMU: Yudhvir Sethi, vice president of the J&K BJP and chairman of Shree Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, Dewan Mandir Club, announced the upcoming Ram Leela, which would start on the auspicious first day of Navratra, October 15, carrying on a rich cultural tradition that dates back more than 160 years. Anil Masoom, the club president, and Sat Paul Sharma, the director, joined Yudhvir Sethi in a press conference to express their excitement for the approaching Ram Leela. Ram Leela is a long-standing custom that portrays our culture in dramatic fashion, and Sethi emphasised the importance of preserving it in its entirety.He claimed that for at over 160 years, the Ram Leela has been a beloved tradition, enthralling audiences from the same stage. He said that well-known Bollywood actors like Om Parkash, Om Puri, and PrithviRaj Chouhan had appeared at the Ram Leela Club. The Ram Leela aims to present fresh artists and scenes this year, revitalising the experience for visitors. The talented cast set to perform in Ram Leela included Laxman Puri, Vijay Sharma, Sahil Gupta, Sanjana, Sanjeev Kerni, Kannav Chopra, Subash Jamwal, Rakun, Rakesh Dogra, Amit Khajuria, Pawan Sharma, Raj Kumar, Ram Paul, Litchee Sharma, Sachin Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Sanjeev Anand, Rishu, Ramesh Kumar, Jitender Sharma, Abhi Sharma, Rajesh Kumar, and many more.Vishal Gupta, Chanchal Sharma, and Kuldeep Verma will write and score the event's music. Ashok Gupta will be in charge of the lighting design, and Sardar Harbhajan Singh, Ajay, Rahul, and Kala will design the sets. The people of Jammu City were cordially invited by Yudhvir Sethi to the Ram Leela to offer their support for the accomplished performers of the Ram Leela Club. He continued, "Their presence will undoubtedly boost the performers' spirits, ensuring the continuation of this beloved cultural tradition." [caption id="attachment_3742" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ram Leela to be staged at Dewan Mandir from 15 Oct : Yudhvir[/caption]

Breaking News header International National

Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan won’t perform in Canada now: ‘Responsible & necessary’

editor October 9, 2023

NEW DELHI: Gurdas Maan, a Punjabi musician, has had his trip to Canada cancelled due to the continuing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. According to the production company, this is the most responsible and practical course of action at this time. Gurdas Maan's tour has been cancelled, the production company announced on Facebook. "In light of the current diplomatic unrest between the two countries and after careful consideration and assessment of the unpredictable circumstances, it has been determined that the cancellation of the event is the most responsible and necessary course of action for the time being," the production house wrote. Between October 22 and October 31, Gurdas Maan was slated to do performances around Canada.But after Canada accused India of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar there, tensions between the two countries erupted. India rejected the claim and demanded details about it, which according to New Delhi, Ontario never delivered. However, Canada asserted that had delivered the information many weeks ago. As a result of India accusing Canada of meddling in its domestic affairs, Canada began removing its diplomats from India while India suspended its visa services in Canada. India further claimed that militants from the Khalistan region to whom India repeatedly notified Canada were given safe shelter by Canada. One of them was Nijjar, yet Canada treated Nijjar as a leader of a religion. [caption id="attachment_3739" align="alignnone" width="300"] Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan won't perform in Canada now: 'Responsible & necessary'[/caption]

Breaking News header Ladakh National Political

Congress, NC sweep LAHDC-Kargil polls, win 22 seats

editor October 9, 2023

KARGIL: Officials announced on Sunday that the National Conference and the Congress had won a total of 22 seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil poll. The first election after Ladakh was divided into a Union Territory as a result of the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution was held for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil. On October 4, elections for 26 council seats were held. Four voting members are proposed by the administration for the 30-member council. The National Conference (NC), which is now the single-largest party, got 12 seats, according to the officials, while its ally Congress won 10 seats. According to them, the BJP won two seats and two Independent candidates also won.74,026 of the 95,388 eligible voters cast ballots in the election, yielding a 77.61 percent turnout. On October 1, the current council, led by NC representative Feroz Ahmad Khan, finished its five-year term. Before October 11, the new council will be in place. Despite announcing a pre-election cooperation, the NC and Congress only fielded 17 and 22 candidates, respectively. Both parties claimed that the agreement was only applicable to regions where the BJP was a formidable opponent. The BJP ran 17 candidates this time around, up from the previous election when it won one seat and eventually added two PDP councillors to bring its total to three.Along with 25 Independents, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) tried its luck for four seats. In the district's 278 polling places where the council elections were held, electronic voting machines were employed for the first time. [caption id="attachment_3734" align="alignnone" width="300"] Congress, NC sweep LAHDC-Kargil polls, win 22 seats[/caption]

Breaking News

Jammu and Kashmir

Sports

Health

Advertisement

Latest News

Business

Corona