Health

Enrolment In Govt Schools Fell By Nearly 86 Lakh Between 2023-24 And 2025-26: MoE Report

New Delhi, Jul 7: Enrolment in government schools fell by nearly 86 lakh between 2023-24 and 2025-26 while private unaided recognised schools added more than 88 lakh students during the same period, according to the UDISE 2025-26 report released by the Ministry of Education. UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is the Centre’s…

Enrolment In Govt Schools Fell By Nearly 86 Lakh Between 2023-24 And 2025-26: MoE Report
Health National
Jaishankar Meets Chinese VP; Says Normalisation Of Ties Can Produce Mutually Beneficial Outcomes
Health International National

Jaishankar Meets Chinese VP; Says Normalisation Of Ties Can Produce Mutually Beneficial Outcomes

Beijing, Jul 14: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday conveyed to Chinese Vice President Han Zheng that continued normalisation of India-China ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes and an open exchange of views between the two sides is “very important” considering the “complex” global scenario. The external affairs minister held talks with Zheng shortly…

Amit Shah Reviews Security Along Indo-Pak Border, Airports With Top Officials

New Delhi, May 9: Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation along India’s border with Pakistan and airports in the country amid the military conflict between the two countries, sources said. The meeting came hours after the Border Security Force said it has foiled an infiltration bid from across the International Border…

Amit Shah Reviews Security Along Indo-Pak Border, Airports With Top Officials
Health National
Govt committed to offer 200 units free electricity: CM Omar Abdullah
Health Jammu and Kashmir National

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…

Business

Kashmir Continues To See Dip In Night Temp, Dense Fog In Morning

Srinagar, Dec 26: Tuesday's low temperatures dropped throughout the night in the majority of Kashmir, officials reported here, despite heavy fog causing disruptions to the Valley's early morning activities for the second day in a row. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, saw a low of minus 3.0 degrees Celsius on Monday night, which was a little less than the minus 2.3 degrees Celsius the night before, according to reports. The minimum temperature in Pahalgam, in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir, which is one of the base camps for the yearly Amarnath Yatra, was recorded at minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, according to reports. This is a decrease from the previous night's minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, and it is the coldest place in the Kashmir Valley.A low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius was recorded at Gulmarg, a well-known ski resort in Baramulla, according to officials. The temperature dropped to minus 3.0 degrees Celsius at Qazigund, minus 2.0 degrees Celsius in Kokernag town, and minus 3.5 degrees Celsius at Kupwara. According to the Met Department, the weather is probably going to stay mostly dry through the end of the month. For the second day in a row, a thick fog blanketed Srinagar city, making it difficult to go about daily business, according to officials. Due to the decreased visibility, there was comparatively less traffic on the roads in the morning, with cars appearing to be travelling at slower speeds.Because of the fog, the visibility in Srinagar at 9:25 a.m. was only 91 metres. Because of the poor visibility, drivers should exercise caution when driving, according to a local meteorological office official. The 40-day worst winter season, known as "Chilla-i-Kalan," is presently engulfing Kashmir. It is characterised by a cold wave, significant temperature drops, and the freezing of water bodies, such as Dal Lake, and water supply lines in various Valley locations. During this time, there is a greater likelihood of snowfall, and most places—especially the higher reaches—get a lot of snowfall. The last day of "Chilla-i-Kalan" is January 31.But after that, there will be two more cold spells: a 10-day "Chilla-i-Bachha" and a 20-day "Chilla-i-Khurd" (small cold).    

Rajnath Singh likely to visit Jammu on 27 Dec

JAMMU: On December 27, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to travel to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the security situation. He will spend a day meeting with senior Army officers at 16 Corps, which is stationed in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan has resurrected terrorism following two decades of peace. Along with meeting with senior Army brass, Rajnath may also visit Rajouri and Poonch and engage with both military personnel and civilians. At Jammu Raj Bhawan, he will also host a security review meeting in which high-ranking members of the Army, intelligence services, police, BSF, CRPF, and other agencies will be present. The residents of the area where three civilians reportedly died last week while in the Army's custody are scheduled to meet with the minister of defence. [caption id="attachment_7748" align="alignnone" width="300"] Rajnath Singh likely to visit Jammu on 27 Dec[/caption]  

Army initiates Court of Inquiry as police lodges murder case over killing of 3 civilians

JAMMU: According to official sources on Monday, the Army has opened a Court of Inquiry and police have filed a murder case against unidentified individuals for the deaths of three civilians who were apprehended by the force and questioned after three soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack in Poonch recently. A related development is that three officers of the 48 Rashtriya Rifles are facing legal action, and a brigadier-level officer was moved. The Army has taken serious note of the incident, which sparked outrage and allegations of torture during detention. On December 21, in the Surankote area of Poonch, terrorists ambushed the soldiers' vehicles at Dhatyar Morh, between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz, resulting in their deaths.After the attack, the Army reportedly picked up three civilians, ages 27 to 42, for questioning; they were discovered dead on December 22. Social media users shared videos that appeared to depict their torment. "Search operations by the security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of December 21," the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated in a post on X on December 23. There have been three reported civilian deaths in the region. An investigation is being conducted into the matter. The Indian Army is dedicated to offering its complete assistance and collaboration in carrying out the inquiries.The Army has opened a Court of Inquiry into the suspected torture and subsequent deaths of the three civilians, according to the sources, who are carrying out their investigation. According to the sources, a brigadier-level officer who was overseeing the Surankote belt was moved, and other officers in the unit in question will also face consequences. In October, the Army's counter-insurgency unit made headlines for the wrong reasons when one of its major-rank officers exploded grenades inside the Neeli post camp near Thanamandi, wounding five people, including three officers. According to the sources, police have also filed a case against an unidentified accused army personnel under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with murder. "...after terror incident at DKG on December 21, army troops carried out searches in Topa Peer in buffliaz for the terrorists who escaped after the attack. A few local youth were detained by Army troops during searches and questioned; three of these youth, Safeer Ahmad, Mohd Showkat, and Shabir Ahmad, reportedly died as a result of their injuries. Thus, a section 302 IPC cognizable offence is established. Based on this data, a case is immediately registered. An official stated, citing the FIR, "As the current case is of a unique nature, a special report will be submitted separately as investigation is taken up."A relative of one of the deceased, Mohd Sadiq, claimed that three men were picked up by the troops in full view of the public, escorted by policemen Mohd Rashid and Mohd Rafiq and their sources, Jagi and Ganesh. "We want names of the concerned Army major, policemen and the army sources to be included in the FIR besides immediate shifting of the Rashtriya Rifles camp," he stated, adding that "innocent persons were killed in cold blood and we want justice for them" [caption id="attachment_7745" align="alignnone" width="300"] Army initiates Court of Inquiry as police lodges murder case over killing of…

Army chief arrives in Jammu to review security situation amid anti-terror operation in Poonch

JAMMU: In the middle of a massive ongoing operation to track down the terrorists responsible for a recent ambush on Army vehicles that left four soldiers dead in the border district of Poonch, Army chief General Manoj Pande arrived here on Monday to review the current security situation in the Jammu region, according to officials. According to a defence spokesperson, the chief of Army staff arrived in Jammu and then departed for the Rajouri-Poonch area to assess the force's operational readiness and the current security environment. In order to oversee the counterterrorism operation and uphold law and order, senior civil administration and police officers, along with Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command and Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, General Officer Commanding of the White Knight Corps, based in Jammu, are camped in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The four soldiers were killed on Thursday when terrorists ambushed their vehicles at Dhatyar Morh in the Surankote area of Poonch, between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz. Three civilians, ages 27 to 42, were allegedly picked up by the Army to be questioned following the attack. December 22nd, they were discovered dead.According to the officials, a thorough search is still underway in the vicinity of the ambush, encompassing Surankote as well as the Thanamandi forest in the neighbouring district of Rajouri. For the third day in a row, Poonch and Rajouri were without mobile internet. Following the three civilians' deaths, which occurred just hours after they were allegedly taken up by security guards to be questioned about Thursday's ambush, the services were suspended early on Saturday. The Jammu and Kashmir administration stated on Saturday that the medico-legal procedures had been completed and that the relevant authorities had started legal action in the case. It also announced that the families of the civilians who had died would receive compensation and jobs. The three civilian deaths have prompted the Army to order a comprehensive internal investigation, and the Army has stated that it will provide full support and cooperation for the investigation. "Search operations by the security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of December 21," the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army stated in a post on X on December 23. There have been three reported civilian deaths in the region. An investigation is being conducted into the matter. The Indian Army is dedicated to providing its complete assistance and collaboration in the course of the inquiries." [caption id="attachment_7727" align="alignnone" width="300"] Army chief arrives in Jammu to review security situation amid anti-terror operation in Poonch[/caption]

Kharge To Chair Meeting With J&K Leaders To Discuss Poll Preparedness

NEW DELHI, Dec 25: At the party headquarters, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will meet with leaders of Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kharge is currently meeting with leaders of various states to discuss poll preparations. Party leaders say that on Tuesday, Kharge, who met separately with the leaders of 24 states, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, and a number of other prominent figures, will meet with the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. The party chief stated that Rahul Gandhi will attend the meeting along with other prominent figures and state leaders. The leader of the party stated that during the just ended Winter Session of Parliament, the leaders will have talks about the state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir and the readiness for the polls. The party chief stated that the alliance with the National Conference and the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir will also be discussed by the party leaders during the meeting.   [caption id="attachment_7724" align="alignnone" width="278"] Kharge To Chair Meeting With J&K Leaders To Discuss Poll Preparedness[/caption]  

Lt Colonel who was in coma after gunfight with terrorists in Kupwara dies after 8 yrs

CHANDIGARH: Lt Col Karanbir Singh Natt, Sena Medal, died on Saturday in Military Hospital Jalandhar. He had been in a coma for the past eight years following severe injuries he sustained fighting terrorists in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2015. It was confirmed by Brig BA Dhillon (retd), Director Sainik Welfare, Punjab, that Lt Col Natt had passed away. In November 2015, Lt Col Natt was leading a combing operation against terrorists holed up in a village near Kupwara while acting as the second-in-command (2IC) of 160 Territorial Army Battalion (JAK Rifles). In 1998, Lt Col Natt was first commissioned in The Brigade of Guards as an officer under the Short Service Commission. Before being released from the regiment in 2012, he had…

2 of marriage party dead, 13 others injured as vehicle falls into gorge in Reasi

REASI: In Reasi district on Monday, a car transporting a marriage celebration skidded off the road and tumbled down into a gorge, killing two people and injuring at least 13, according to officials. According to them, the Ecco car (JK20C-2474) was involved in an accident in the Mohre area while travelling from Balmatkote to Baddar Road. Locals and police launched a massive rescue operation immediately following the accident, they said.Two individuals lost their lives, but at least 13 others were hurt and taken to District Hospital Reasi, from where four critically injured patients were sent to GMC Rajouri for additional care, according to reports. It was confirmed by SDM Mohre Sayed Mazhar Ali Shah. These people were returning from a marriage ceremony, according to officials. According to a police official, an investigation has been launched and a case has been filed. [caption id="attachment_7711" align="alignnone" width="300"] 2 of marriage party dead, 13 others injured as vehicle falls into gorge in Reasi[/caption]  

Centre needs to address the root cause of terrorism in J&K: Farooq

JAMMU: President of the National Conference Farooq Abdullah stated on Sunday that the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be won by the use of force, and he urged the Centre to look for solutions to deal with the underlying causes of the threat. According to the former chief minister, since terrorism is taking the lives of innocent people, the general public should also realise how pointless the ongoing violence is. Speaking with reporters outside of this book launch, Abdullah attacked the BJP for claiming that things are back to normal in Jammu and Kashmir"Promoting tourism or shouting for normalcy won't put an end to terrorism, which still exists. They were saying that the repeal of Article 370 (in 2019) put an end to terrorism, but after four years, it is still present and won't end until its underlying causes are identified, according to Abdullah. He was responding to the murder of retired police officer Mohd Shafi, who was shot dead by terrorists inside a mosque in his Gantmulla village in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir while delivering the "azan," or call to prayer. "I'm sorry the officer was killed. Those who are advocating for normalcy remain silent; instead of tackling the underlying issue, they attempted bandaging the wounds superficially. The common people need to realise that we are losing both officers and soldiers," Abdullah declared. The president of the National Conference stated that he is unable to comprehend how killing innocent people will benefit those who commit acts of violence. "To put an end to the carnage in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government needed to find the right approach. We have to find ways to stop terrorism instead of claiming normalcy or bringing up tourism, which is vulnerable in the face of terrorism, since we are, and always have been, a part of India," the speaker stated. According to him, using military or police force won't put an end to terrorism. "We have to go deeper and address the root cause to finish it off." Questioned about the increasing terror activity in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, Abdullah said that this goes against the government's assertions that everything is 'honky-dory'. "Who are the people calling for normalcy? Propaganda won't accomplish anything because people are dying in this place. They need to come up with a solution, and Farooq Abdullah doesn't have a book that offers one," he remarked. When asked if he thought India and Pakistan should discuss the issue, Abdullah replied that the central government should make the final decision In a different interview with the media, Abdullah voiced his worries about the possible deaths of three civilians while in detention after five soldiers were killed in a mash in the Poonch area of Surankote. He added that winning the fight against terrorism depends on the support of the populace. Terrorists who had earlier attacked and murdered our brave soldiers also tortured and killed three locals. This is bad news because the fight is against terrorism, not internal problems. If we aggravate our people, we will never win this war," he said.  [caption id="attachment_7708" align="alignnone" width="300"] Centre needs to address the root cause of…