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
header Health Jammu and Kashmir National

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…

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NIA Files Supplementary Charge-Sheet In KTF Recruitment, Arms Smuggling Case
Breaking News header International National

NIA Files Supplementary Charge-Sheet In KTF Recruitment, Arms Smuggling Case

NEW DELHI, Nov 11:According to an official, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary charge-sheet against four people in the Khalistan Tiger Force recruitment and arms smuggling case. According to a federal agency spokesperson, the charge-sheet was filed before the Special NIA Court in New Delhi against Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amrik Singh, both deported from the Philippines, as well as Jassa Singh and Gagandeep Singh alias Mithi.On July 22, the agency filed a charge-sheet against nine defendants in the case. Twelve other members of the terrorist outfit Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and their associates, who are linked to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the KTF, are being investigated for their role and involvement in this terror conspiracy. According to the spokesperson, a "listed individual terrorist," Canada-based Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, in collaboration with accused Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, indoctrinated and recruited Amritpal, Amrik, Jassa, and Gagandeep into his terrorist group.Amritpal and Amrik, who were based in the Philippines, were actively recruiting young people. Their activities included smuggling arms and explosives from Pakistan, as well as extortion and then channelling the extortion proceeds into terrorist activities, according to the official. The NIA successfully deported Amritpal and Amrik from the Philippines during the course of the investigation, according to the spokesperson. "The charge-sheeted accused persons played a pivotal role, at the behest of Arsh Dala, in a larger conspiracy, primarily focused on raising funds for the proscribed KTF," a spokesperson for the prosecution said.Arshdeep and his arrested accomplice Manpreet arranged the recruitment of potential members, forming terrorist gangs in Punjab, and carrying out targeted killings and firings at potential victims' homes, coercing them into complying with their extortion demands, according to the official. "Investigations also revealed that extortion funds were being systematically routed to various foreign countries via both banking and non-banking channels." These illegal financial transactions were intended to fund terrorist activities in India, according to the spokesperson. According to the agency, investigations have revealed that KTF operatives based abroad were involved in the regular recruitment and management of their terror syndicate associates."They were also involved in the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and explosives across the border using drones and other means." These terror hardware supplies were then used to carry out terrorist activities on Indian soil," according to the spokesperson. [caption id="attachment_5429" align="alignnone" width="300"] NIA Files Supplementary Charge-Sheet In KTF Recruitment, Arms Smuggling Case[/caption]  

Iceland declares state of emergency after 800 earthquakes in 14 hrs hit nation
Breaking News header International National

Iceland declares state of emergency after 800 earthquakes in 14 hrs hit nation

NOV 11, 2023 : Iceland declared a'state of emergency' on Friday after a series of small and medium-sized earthquakes jolted the country's southwest Reykjanes peninsula. Iceland's authorities warned in an official statement that the seismic activity could lead to volcanic eruptions in the country. According to Iceland's Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, "the National police chief... declares a state of emergency for civil defence due to the intense earthquake (activity) at Sundhnjukagigar, north of Grindavik." "Earthquakes can become larger than those that have already occurred, and this series of events could lead to an eruption," the administration added in the statement. The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) stated that volcanic eruptions in Iceland could occur "in a matter of days."Around 4,000 small to medium intensity earthquakes struck the southwest Reykjanes peninsula on Friday. According to preliminary IMO data, the largest tremor had a magnitude of 5.2 and occurred north of Grindavik, a village on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula. According to the IMO, 24,000 tremors have been recorded on the peninsula since late October, with "a dense swarm" of nearly 800 quakes registered between midnight and 2 p.m. GMT Friday. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, has been temporarily closed due to the possibility of eruptions. [caption id="attachment_5414" align="alignnone" width="300"] Iceland declares state of emergency after 800 earthquakes in 14 hrs hit nation[/caption]  

Bring perpetrators of 26/11 attack, Pathankot strike to justice: India, US
Breaking News header International National

Bring perpetrators of 26/11 attack, Pathankot strike to justice: India, US

NEW DELHI: India and the United States reiterated their condemnation of the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Pathankot strike in a veiled message to Pakistan on Friday, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial dialogue, New Delhi and Washington condemned terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the use of terrorist proxies and logistical, financial, and military support to terror groups. The American delegation was led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, while the Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two sides also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and urged the Taliban to keep their promise to prevent any group or individual from using Afghan territory to threaten the security of any country. India and the United States also urged the Taliban to respect all Afghans' human rights, including women, children, and members of minority groups, and to maintain freedom of movement. "India and the US reiterated their condemnation of the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Pathankot attack and called for bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice," the statement went on to say."The ministers also called for concerted action against all terrorists, including through designations of individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as Al-Qa'ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed," according to the statement. Terrorist groups based in Pakistan were responsible for the 26/11 and Pathankot attacks in 2016. The ministers emphasised the importance of adhering to international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards, as recommended by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating in FATF and other multilateral forums."They expressed determination to counter new and emerging forms of terrorism and violent extremism and the use of emerging and evolving technologies such as unmanned aerial systems and the internet for terrorist purposes," the statement went on to say. The ministers agreed to hold the 20th meeting of the India-US joint working group on counter-terrorism and the fifth designations dialogue early next year at a mutually convenient time. "Both parties are looking forward to the 2024 edition of the Homeland Security Dialogue, where leaders will advance security cooperation through capacity building and other activities."The two sides also agreed on the importance of strengthening the security of critical networks and information infrastructure." The ministers also discussed Afghanistan's situation. "The ministers urged the Taliban to keep their promise to prevent any group or individual from using Afghan territory to threaten the security of any country, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2593 (2021), which states that "Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack any country, or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist attacks." "They also emphasised unhindered access to deliver humanitarian assistance and recommitted to having consultations on Afghanistan to help facilitate an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans," the statement said. [caption id="attachment_5395" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bring perpetrators of 26/11 attack, Pathankot strike to justice: India, US[/caption]  

ICC suspends SL cricket membership with immediate effect
Breaking News header International National Sports

ICC suspends SL cricket membership with immediate effect

Nov 10 : The ICC issued a statement announcing the suspension of Sri Lanka cricket's membership with immediate effect on November 10. The decision comes a day after Sri Lanka's World Cup 2023 campaign came to an end with a thrashing at the hands of New Zealand. In the nine games they played in the 2023 World Cup, the 1996 World Cup champions won only two. However, the problems confronting Sri Lankan cricket go beyond poor performance on the pitch. The Sri Lankan government fired the cricket board after it was accused of widespread corruption. Following a humiliating 302-run defeat against India in the World Cup 2023, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe fired the entire cricket board.Arjuna Ranatunga, the World Cup-winning captain in 1996, has been named chairman of the interim board, which includes three judges. This would be followed by a resolution passed unanimously by the Sri Lankan parliament on November 9 calling for the sacking of the country's cricket governing body, with both the ruling and opposition parties supporting it. The ICC has now announced that it has suspended Sri Lanka's membership with immediate effect for breaching its obligations as a member. The ICC will determine the terms of the suspension in due course, but it is possible that Sri Lanka will miss the major ICC events, beginning with the 2024 World Cup."The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket's membership of the ICC with immediate effect." "The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka." "The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course," the International Criminal Court (ICC) said. [caption id="attachment_5391" align="alignnone" width="300"] ICC suspends SL cricket membership with immediate effect[/caption]  

BSF chief visits forward base along LoC after Pak Soldeirs ‘ violate ceasefire
Breaking News header International Jammu and Kashmir National

BSF chief visits forward base along LoC after Pak Soldeirs ‘ violate ceasefire

NEW DELHI:Director General Nitin Agrawal of the Border Security Force (BSF) visited the forward areas of sector Srinagar along the Line of Control (LoC) on Friday to assess the operational readiness of the units in light of the death of a BSF Head Constable the previous day due to an unprovoked firing by Pakistan Rangers in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramgarh. The DG also spoke with the soldiers, praising their professionalism, dedication, and strong morale. The deceased was identified as BSF head constable Lal Fam Kima, 50, who was assigned to the Narayanpur post in Ramgarh and served in 148 battalions.Kima was a native of Aijwal, Mizoram. According to officials, Pakistani Rangers fired at the Narayanpur post from their Ashraf position at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, causing the BSF to respond with similar vigour. For a while, the two border guard units exchanged gunfire using automatic weapons. The BSF appropriately responded to the breach of the ceasefire along the international boundary in the Ramgarh and Arnia sectors of Jammu & Kashmir's Samba district by initiating gunfire on the intervening night of November 8–9. [caption id="attachment_5384" align="alignnone" width="300"] BSF chief visits forward base along LoC after Pak Soldeirs ' violate ceasefire[/caption]    

Mysterious redness seen in skies of Ladakh, Indian telescopes capture rare event
Breaking News header International Ladakh National

Mysterious redness seen in skies of Ladakh, Indian telescopes capture rare event

LEH: Images of a rare redness in the skies were taken by the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle and Merak, Ladakh, in an unexpected yet breathtaking celestial event. The unusual spectacle of red-colored auroral activity that began on November 5 was ascribed to a Stable Auroral Red (SAR) event, a rare atmospheric phenomenon that contrasts the more common green and blue curtains of light typically associated with auroras at higher latitudes with vivid red skies. A geomagnetic storm—a significant disruption of Earth's magnetosphere brought on by a solar storm—caused the SAR incident. From 10 p.m. until midnight, the northern horizon was illuminated by the red aurora phenomenon, which peaked in intensity at 10:40 p.m.This remarkable occurrence was recorded using an All-sky Camera by the Indian Astrophysics Observatory (IAO), run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. These kinds of uncommon events can be captured on camera since it continuously scans the whole sphere of space. Merak, another place in Ladakh on the banks of Pangong Tso, was also able to catch this amazing show of stars. Higher mountains in the area largely blocked Merak's view, which was known as the planned location for the National Large Solar Telescope. Hanle and Merak weren't the only ones attending this SAR event. This unusual show was observed in several places worldwide, making it a worldwide astronomical event.Such an auroral emission at lower latitudes, as 33° North Ladakh, is an uncommon and exciting event, enhancing Hanle's appeal as a centre for scientific research and astrotourism. Studying more of these auroral events from Hanle, especially during the Sun's active periods, excited the IIA. Hanle remains a popular place for astronomy enthusiasts and scholars due to these uncommon celestial phenomena. [caption id="attachment_5381" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mysterious redness seen in skies of Ladakh, Indian telescopes capture rare event[/caption]  

Rupee falls 4 paisa to settle at all-time low of 83.33 against US dollar
Breaking News Business header International National

Rupee falls 4 paisa to settle at all-time low of 83.33 against US dollar

Mumbai : The rupee fell 4 paise to end the day at its all-time low of 83.33 (provisional) against the US dollar, amid increases in the price of crude oil and outflows of foreign money. Forex dealers stated that in the midst of a weak US dollar abroad and encouraging signals from the equities markets, investors were anticipating statistics on industrial output and inflation on the home front. The rupee began trading at 83.28 versus the US dollar at the interbank foreign exchange and fell as low as 83.49 during the day. The currency ultimately reached a record low of 83.33 (provisional) against the US dollar, down 4 paise from its previous close. Prior to this, on September 18 of this year, the currency's lowest closing level was noted at 83.32 against the dollar.The rupee's closing value versus the US dollar on Thursday was 83.29. The dollar index, which measures the strength of the US dollar relative to a basket of six other currencies, was down 0.02 percent at 105.89 in the meantime. The benchmark for global oil, Brent crude futures, increased by 0.81 percent to USD 80.66 a barrel. Regarding the local equities market, the BSE Sensex concluded at 64,904.68 points, up 72.48 points or 0.11 percent. To reach 19,425.35 points, the larger NSE Nifty increased 30.05 points, or 0.15 percent. According to exchange data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 1,712.33 crore on Thursday, making them net sellers in the capital market. [caption id="attachment_5370" align="alignnone" width="300"] Rupee falls 4 paisa to settle at all-time low of 83.33 against US dollar[/caption]