Health

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…

Jaishankar Meets Chinese VP; Says Normalisation Of Ties Can Produce Mutually Beneficial Outcomes
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Amit Shah Reviews Security Along Indo-Pak Border, Airports With Top Officials
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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…

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
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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…

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4 soldiers martyred, 2 injured after terrorists attack army vehicles in Rajouri
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4 soldiers martyred, 2 injured after terrorists attack army vehicles in Rajouri

RAJOURI: According to Army Officials, the number of Army personnel who have died as a result of the terrorist attack on two military vehicles in the Thanamandi area of the Rajouri sector on Thursday has now reached four. The terrorist attack on two military vehicles in the Rajouri sector resulted in the injuries of two soldiers. In Thanamandi, Rajouri, the terrorists ambushed two army vehicles carrying troops. "On December 21, at around 3:45 PM, two army vehicles carrying troops were travelling to the operational site when they were fired upon by the terrorist."Our troops responded to the fire right away," an Army official stated. Since the evening of December 20, the operation has been taking place in the DKG (Dera ki Gali) general area. The Indian Army troops struck back as soon as the terrorists attacked.The troops were to support a coordinated counterterrorism operation that has been going on in the region since last night. According to Army officials, the operations are happening in the 48 Rashtriya Rifles area. They said that the operation is underway and that more information is being gathered. [caption id="attachment_7619" align="alignnone" width="300"] 4 soldiers martyred, 2 injured after terrorists attack army vehicles in Rajouri[/caption]      

Kalhota, other Doda villages to be linked to new NH 244: Dr Jitendra
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Kalhota, other Doda villages to be linked to new NH 244: Dr Jitendra

NEW DELHI: Kalhota and other Doda villages will be connected to the upcoming NH 244. Following a meeting with Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Dr. Jitendra Singh, a Union Minister and local MP in the Lok Sabha, made this statement. It is noteworthy to mention that Dr. Jitendra Singh's native ancestral village is Kalhota. Work on the Khellani-Goha road National Highway-244 is being done in two shifts to make up for the pandemic-related delay and to guarantee that the project is finished as soon as possible. At Dr Jitendra Singh's request, the double shift was started earlier this year. Goha-Khellani-Khannabal National Highway NH-244, which connects Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khellani-Chattroo-Khannabal, will offer a different route for road transportation. This route is significant from a security perspective in addition to being convenient for travel. The Goha-Khellani road's Phase I is expected to be finished by the end of this year, according to the timeline set after the pandemic, and the remaining portion up to Chattroo in the district of Kishtwar is anticipated to be finished by February 2024. At a cost of Rs 76.49 crore, the bi-directional tunnel's construction on the Khellani-Khannabal section is finished. Dr. Jitendra Singh also praised Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his commitment to building National Highways and other significant roads to connect the remote, previously undeveloped regions of J&K. [caption id="attachment_7616" align="alignnone" width="300"] Kalhota, other Doda villages to be linked to new NH 244: Dr Jitendra[/caption]  

Making J&K more attractive to tourists admin’s top priority: Chief Secretary
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Making J&K more attractive to tourists admin’s top priority: Chief Secretary

SRINAGAR: Atal Dulloo, the chief secretary for Jammu and Kashmir, stated on Thursday that increasing the Union Territory's tourist appeal is the administration's top priority. Speaking with reporters following his first visit to the SPS Museum in Srinagar, Dulloo stated that the administration's top goal is to increase tourism in J&K, particularly in Kashmir, as it is a popular destination. He stated that renovations to the SPS museum building have been ongoing for the past few years and that it will soon attract a lot of tourists. [caption id="attachment_7601" align="alignnone" width="300"] Making J&K more attractive to tourists admin’s top priority: CS[/caption]  

UNESCO recognises Terminal 2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda as one of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’
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UNESCO recognises Terminal 2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda as one of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’

BENGALURU: Airport Kempegowda International Bengaluru has won important prizes at the 2023 Prix Versailles held by UNESCO. Selected as one of the 'World's most beautiful airports,' Terminal 2 (T2) also took home the coveted 'World special prize for an interior 2023.' The world judges panel for the Prix Versailles 2023, which was presided over by famous fashion designer Elie Saab, unveiled the most recent architectural projects to win a global title. Bengaluru Airport is the only Indian airport to be recognised in this way, underscoring the airport's dedication to world-class design and architecture. Bengaluru Airport's accolades and accomplishment place it in the top tier of airports worldwide. Thrilled to have been acknowledged, "The nomination of terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves," stated Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bengaluru International Airport Ltd. T2, with its singular fusion of technology and art, is a unique entryway that leaves a lasting impression on visitors from around the world and provides a taste of our state's and nation's abundant offerings." The Indian Green Building Council previously awarded Terminal 2 of the Bengaluru International Airport the prestigious IGBC platinum certification under the IGBC Green New Building Rating system. Phase 1 of T2's design will allow it to handle 25 million passengers annually (MPPA), in line with its goal of combining practicality and visual appeal. With its carefully chosen artwork and décor pieces, which are a part of its recently launched art programme that promises to be astounding and make passengers' experiences travelling through the terminal an unforgettable one, T2 hopes to be a visual delight for all travellers. The airport's dedication to environmental responsibility is reflected in the sustainable design of T2, the largest terminal in the world and the first to be pre-certified with a platinum lead rating by the US Green Building Council prior to its official opening. Furthermore, according to an official statement, it has earned the esteemed platinum certification under the IGBC green new building rating system. [caption id="attachment_7598" align="alignnone" width="300"] UNESCO recognises Terminal 2 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda as one of 'World's Most Beautiful Airports'[/caption]  

3 More Opposition MPs Suspended From LS, Total No Now 100
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3 More Opposition MPs Suspended From LS, Total No Now 100

NEW DELHI, Dec. 21: Due to their disruptive behaviour, three Congress MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Thursday for the balance of the Winter session. This brings the total number of lower House members against whom such action has been taken to one hundred. Pralhad Joshi, the minister of Parliamentary Affairs, proposed to suspend D K Suresh, Deepak Baij, and Nakul Nath. "This House has duly noted the misbehaviour of Deepak Baij, D K Suresh, and Nakul Nath, who disregarded the House and the Chair's authority by putting up signs and going into the House Well.maybe removed from the House for the duration of the session, according to Joshi.Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla had cautioned the three MPs against staging protests in the House earlier in the day. Opposition lawmakers persisted in their protest this morning in the House, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah and a conversation about the issue of Parliament security breaches. They also objected to the suspension of numerous lawmakers. MPs from the opposition were heard yelling catchphrases during Question Hour. [caption id="attachment_7595" align="alignnone" width="300"] 3 More Opposition MPs Suspended From LS, Total No Now 100[/caption]  

Parliament Passes Bill On Appointment Of CEC, Election Commissioners
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Parliament Passes Bill On Appointment Of CEC, Election Commissioners

New Delhi, Dec 21: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners' terms of office are to be regulated by a bill that Parliament passed on Thursday. Arjun Meghwal, the Minister of Law, stated that the legislation was brought about in response to a Supreme Court ruling. Following a brief debate, the Lok Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. The Rajya Sabha approved it last week. 97 members of major opposition political parties were suspended for the remainder of the winter session due to "misconduct," but they nevertheless participated in the bill debate.The Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners' pension, leave, resignation, and terms of office are all covered by the bill, along with their qualifications, search and selection committees, pensions, and terms of office. Meghwal stated that there are no provisions pertaining to the qualifications, search committee for assembling a group of candidates for consideration, and recommendation by the Selection Committee for appointment as CEC and election commissioners in the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.In a writ petition, the Supreme Court ruled that the President would appoint CECs and ECs based on recommendations from a committee that included the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the leader of the largest opposition party in the House. Meghwal stated that the ruling had stated that the Supreme Court's standard would remain applicable until the Parliament passes a new law. He declared, "We are bringing the law for this purpose."He said that the search committee will now be led by the Law Minister rather than the Cabinet Secretary as a result of a bill amendment. According to the bill, the President will appoint CECs and ECs based on the Selection Committee's recommendation. The Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition, or the head of the biggest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, will make up the Selection Committee. The Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 will be superseded by the Bill.The provisions of the bill have previously drawn the serious concern of opposition members, who have called it "one of the biggest blows to democracy" by the Modi government in the last nine years. Congress leader stated that while "election credibility" was once associated with EC, it is now associated with "elections compromised." [caption id="attachment_7592" align="alignnone" width="300"] Parliament Passes Bill On Appointment Of CEC, Election Commissioners[/caption]  

“Very Dangerous For Our Country’s Unity”: Kiren Rijiju Rips Congress
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“Very Dangerous For Our Country’s Unity”: Kiren Rijiju Rips Congress

New Delhi, Dec 21: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised leaders of the Congress and the DMK, India's two main block partners, on Thursday for their "disparaging" comments regarding the recent historic Supreme Court decision that upheld the region's division into two distinct Union Territories (UTs)—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh—and upheld the revocation of special constitutional privileges under Article 370 from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. "This is not only pejorative remarks on the Supreme Court but the motive behind is very dangerous for our country's unity," Rijiju wrote from his official X handle, sharing a video clip of the Lok Sabha's proceedings during the current Winter Session of Parliament.The Rajya Sabha floor saw a heated exchange between DMK MP Mohamad Abdulla and Congress member Venugopal, who were heard criticising the apex court's ruling on the abrogation of Article 370. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reprimanded the members, telling them that "they can't ridicule the judgement of the highest court of law." The video clip was shared by the Union Minister. Although India is renowned for its diversity, it will fragment if the Congress and DMK agenda is allowed to gain traction.The Union Minister continued, "Freedom of speech is not for self-determination," in his post. Congress Rajya Sabha MP KC Venugopal is heard in the video defending the DMK member, saying, "The member has the freedom to speak about that (Supreme Court judgement)." He is perfectly entitled to disagree with the ruling as well. During a debate on two draft legislations on Jammu and Kashmir in the Upper House, DMK MP Mohamad Abdulla said, "Every race has a right to self-determination that appeals to the people of Kashmir," which caused a rift in the Treasury benches.Dhankhar expressed his strong disapproval of the DMK MP's comments by saying, "This is improper." A ruling has been rendered by the nation's highest court. The honourable member is discussing...You cannot make fun of the verdict. "Freedom of speech does not grant you the right to express yourself however you want. You must be very responsible. Dhankhar cautioned Venugopal, saying, "You have to take responsibility." Previously, the Supreme Court affirmed the Union government's choice to remove Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, ruling that no decision made by the federal government on behalf of a state could be overturned in court. [caption id="attachment_7589" align="alignnone" width="300"] “Very Dangerous For Our Country’s Unity”: Kiren Rijiju Rips Congress[/caption]    

Our nation on cusp of take-off… Indians want this flight to be expedited: PM Modi
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Our nation on cusp of take-off… Indians want this flight to be expedited: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence as he returned to his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg home for a third consecutive term in office, stating that his fellow citizens have realised that the nation is ready for a massive leap and want their dreams to come true as soon as possible. With victories in last month's assembly elections in three core states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh—the BJP gained significant electoral momentum ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.Prime Minister Modi stated that Indians want "this flight to be expedited" and that they now recognise and accept that their nation is about to take off in an interview with the UK-based daily Financial Times. His statement is being considered in relation to the upcoming general elections of 2024, which are slated to take place in April and May. Using his government's record of implementing "solid change in the common man's life," Prime Minister Modi declared that he was "very confident of victory."In the interview, Prime Minister Modi stated, "The people of India have very different aspirations today than they had ten years ago. They realise that our nation is on the cusp of a take-off." They know who is best to make sure this is the one who got them this far, and they want this flight to be expedited." With Prime Minister Modi at the centre of their campaign, the BJP won resounding mandates in the heartland states of the recent Assembly elections in five states, surprising not only their rivals but also some pollsters who had predicted close races in MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.The BJP won 115 seats in Rajasthan, sweeping aside predictions from the exit polls that the contest would be close. With 69 seats, the Congress finished a distant second. On December 15, Bhajan Lal Sharma, a Sanganer native and first-time MLA, took the oath of office as the chief minister of Rajasthan. Additionally sworn in as the desert state's deputy chief ministers were Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa.On December 13, Vishnu Sai, the neighbouring Chhattisgarh chief minister, took the oath of office. Sai represented the Raigarh constituency in the Lok Sabha for four consecutive terms, from 1999 to 2014. In Chhattisgarh, out of 90 assembly constituencies, the BJP won 54, while the Congress, the party in power, only managed to win 35. Despite fighting against nearly two decades of anti-incumbency, the BJP won a resounding mandate in Madhya Pradesh, securing 163 seats, while the Congress saw its total fall to 66 seats.On December 13, BJP MLA Mohan Yadav, who was unexpectedly chosen by the party's upper echelons to be the chief minister, was also sworn in. Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda, two other party leaders, swore in as the state's deputy chief ministers.   [caption id="attachment_7586" align="alignnone" width="300"] Our nation on cusp of take-off... Indians want this flight to be expedited: PM Modi[/caption]  …