3 BJP workers shot dead in Kulgam; Resistance Front claims responsibility

30/10/2020
Srinagar, Oct 29: Three BJP workers were shot dead by militants in Kulgam district on Thursday, police said. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a shadow group of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killings. Fida Hussain, Umer Hajam and Umer Rashid Beigh were shot by militants in Y K Pora area of Kulgam district late on Thursday evening, a police official said. He said the trio was rushed to a local hospital at Qazigund where doctors declared them dead on arrival. ...

Pakistan army violates ceasefire along LoC in Shahpur sector

30/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 29: The Pakistan army violated ceasefire on Thursday by resorting to heavy firing and shelling along the LoC in Poonch district, prompting Indian troops to retaliate befittingly, an official said. At 1710 hours, the Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling mortars along the LoC in Shahpur sector in Poonch district, a defence spokesman said. He said the Indian Army retaliated befittingly. Pakistan has violated ceasefire 26 times t...

Whole world knows Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism: MEA

30/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 29: The whole world knows about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism and no amount of denial can hide this truth, India said on Thursday in a sharp reaction to Islamabad's objection to references to it and cross-border terrorism in the Indo-US joint statement after their 2+2 dialogue. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the country that provides shelter to "maximum number of UN-proscribed terrorists" should not even attempt to play the victim card. ...

LAND LAWS: Will not stay silent: Mehbooba

30/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that she will not let anyone "loot" land and resources in J&K. "We will not stay silent and will make efforts that nobody takes away our land and resources. We will not let it happen," said Mufti during a press conference at her residence in Srinagar. Mufti alleged that the Centre has no love for the Kashmiris but only for its resources. Warning the Centre th...

NIA raids NGOs, trusts in Kashmir, Delhi in connection with terror funding case

30/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: After choking the funding of separatist groups, the NIA carried out fresh raids for the second day on Thursday on some more organisations as part of its investigations into NGOs within and outside Jammu and Kashmir that are allegedly being used as modes for "terror funding". In continuation of the searches carried out on Wednesday, seven more locations in Srinagar, Baram-ulla, Anantnag and Kulgam in the union territory and two locations in Delhi were raided, National Invest-i...

Court appoints former District Judge as receiver to conduct election of CCI

30/10/2020
Jammu, Oct 29: 2nd Additional District Judge Jammu Virender Singh Bhou appointed Suresh Sharma former District & Sessions Judge as receiver for conducting the election of Chamber of Commerce. 2nd Additional District Judge Jammu Virender Singh Bhou observed that taking in view and evaluation all the facts and circumstances especially in the light of Covid-19 related scenario, it is deemed fit to appoint a receiver for the defendant no. 1. Accordingly Mr. Suresh Sharma, a former District and Ses...

Pak minister admits Pakistan’s role in Pulwama terrorist attack

30/10/2020
ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: In a sensational admission, a senior Pakistani minister on Thursday admitted that Pakistan was responsible for the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 that killed 40 CRPF personnel and brought the two countries to the brink of a war. "Humne Hindustan koghuskemaara (We hit India in their home). Our success in Pulwama, is a success of this nation under the leadership of Imran Khan. You and we are all part of that success," Science & Technology Minister Fawad ...

Economic recovery faster than expected, confident of meeting $5-trn target by 2024: Modi

30/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 29: The Indian economy is getting back on track faster than expected as a timely lockdown and various relief measures announced by the government helped address issues faced by all sections of society and all economic sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said. He also expressed confidence that the target of making India a USD 5-trillion economy will be achieved by 2024, saying that the crisis gave the government an opportunity to carry out refor...

Other states, UTs have laws to protect their land, why not J&K: Omar

30/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Thursday said many states especially in the northeast have special laws relating to land ownership whereby people from other parts of the country cannot buy land there, and questioned why Jammu and Kashmir could not have similar laws. "There are many states like Himachal Pardesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland and union territories where no Indian can go and buy land even today," the former chief minister said. "Why is it only us who ...

J&K records 551 fresh cases, 11 more deaths

30/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 29: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 551 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday which took its virus count to 93,764, while 11 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 1,466, officials said. Of the fresh cases, 197 are from Jammu and 354 from the Kashmir valley, they said. Srinagar district reported the highest number of new cases at 127, followed by 109 in Jammu district, according to the officials. There are 6,928 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVD-19), while 85,370 patients have ...

Man shot dead after fight over borrowed money

30/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 29: A man was shot dead after an altercation with his friend over repayment of money borrowed by him in Kathua district on Thursday, officials said. Sanjeev Sharma went to the house of his friend Banu to get back his money borrowed by his friend in Kathua, they said. An altercation between the duo ensued and Sharma was fired upon by the accused with a single barrel gun, they added. The injured was shifted to a hospital but doctors declared him dead on arrival, they said. The po...

With 49,881 new cases, India’s Covid-19 count rise past 80-Lakh mark

30/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 29: With 49,881 new cases, India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 80-lakh mark on Thursday while recoveries have increased to 73.15 lakh, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. India's total cases surged to 80,40,203 while with 517 new deaths reported, the death toll had mounted to 1,20,527, as per the Union Health Ministry. Total active cases are 6,03,687 after a decrease of 7,116 in the last 24 hours. The total cured cases are 73,15,989 with 56,480 new discharges in the...

Govt constitutes Committee for selection of President, Members for State & District Disputes Redressal Commissions

30/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a selection committee for selection of Presi-dent and Members of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission & District Consumer Disp-utes Redressal Comm-ission under Consumer Protection Act, 2019. An order issued in this regard by Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, states, "In terms of Rule 6 of the Consumer Protection (Qualification for appointment, Method of recruitment, Procedure of appointment, t...

Onion traders to get three days’ time before enforcement of stock limits: Govt

30/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 29: The Union government on Thursday said onion traders will be given three days' time for grading and packing of onions from the date of purchasing the commodity from mandis before stock holding limits come into force. In the wake of spiralling onion prices, the government has imposed stock limits on retail and wholesale onion traders with effect from October 23. Till December-end, retailers are allowed to stock onions only up to 2 tonnes while wholesale traders can keep up to ...

Pak Army chief’s ‘legs were shaking’ as Qureshi said India would attack if Abhinandan not freed

30/10/2020
ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was perspiring and his "legs were shaking" as Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said during a meeting that if Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was not released, India would attack Pakistan at 9 PM, a top Opposition leader has said. Recalling the tension in Islamabad after India bombed a terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiqc...

Indian troops standing firm; talks with China to continue: Rajnath

29/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 28: Hailing the Indian Army's actions in "truly" protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that while the troops are standing firm in eastern Ladakh, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution of the crisis will continue. In an address to the top commanders of the Army, the defence minister described the Army as one of the "most trusted and inspiring" organisations in the country and said it is a national responsibil...

2 militants killed in Budgam encounter

29/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 28: Two unidentified militants were killed by security forces in an encounter that broke out on Tuesday night in Budgam district, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation at Moachwah in Chadoora area of Budgam district around 7 pm on Tuesday following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter around 9 pm after militants opened fire at security forces positions. Two ...

Lt Governor inaugurates J&K International Arbitration Centre; launches JKIAC website

29/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 28: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the much awaited Jammu and Kashmir International Arbitration Centre (JKIAC). The occasion also marked the launch of the website of J&K International Arbitration Centre. The Lt Governor, during his address, observed that the establishment of International Arbitration Centre in Jammu and Kashmir in the time of Liberal Economy and Globalization is a significant move. With this institution of arbitration, Jammu and Kashmir ha...

NIA searches trust, NGOs in Srinagar in terror funding case

29/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 28: The NIA on Wednesday searched 10 locations in the Valley and one in Bangalore in connection with a case related to NGOs and trusts diverting funds meant for charitable activities to secessionist and separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Several incriminating documents and electronic devices were seized, the National Investigation Agency said in a statement. Those whose premises were searched include Khurram Parvez (coordinator of the J&K Coalition of Ci...

J&K reports 4 more deaths, 536 fresh cases

29/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 28: Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday recorded 536 fresh COVID-19 cases, while four fatalities took place in the past 24 hours, taking the infection tally to 93,213 and death toll to 1,455, officials said. Out of the fresh cases, 199 are from Jammu and 337 from the Kashmir Valley, the officials said. Srinagar district reported the highest number of 131 new cases, followed by 118 in Jammu district, the officials said. There are 6,976 active cases, while 84782 patients have recovered s...

Two more die of COVID-19 in Ladakh; 46 new cases

29/10/2020
LEH, Oct 28: Two more persons died of COVID-19 in Ladakh, taking the death toll in the Union Territory to 73 while 46 fresh cases pushed the tally to 6,024, officials said on Wednesday. Forty-six more patients also recovered from the disease, bringing down the active cases to 689 - 556 in Leh district and 133 in Kargil district, they said. Two patients, who had recently tested positive for coronavirus, died at a hospital in Leh, the officials said, adding that the number of COVID-related deat...

Terrorist hideout unearthed in Mendhar sector

29/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 28: Security forces have busted a terrorist hideout in a forest area in Poonch district, leading to recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. The hideout was unearthed during an overnight joint operation by police and Rashtriya Rifles in the forest area of Kalaban in Mendhar sector, Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, Ramesh Angral said. He said the search of the hideout led to the recovery of an AK 56 rifle, three magazines, 79...

Lawyers continue protest, demand opening of court premises

29/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 28: Continuing its struggle since 15th of October for opening of Courts for lawyers and litigant public, for physical hearings and other demands, the Lawyers Action Committee of Advocates Bar Jammu constituted by the Practicing Advocates in High Court and Subordinate Courts in Jammu, held an impressive Dharna in the Janipura Court area today. Besides the lawyers practicing in Jammu High Court and District Courts, the lawyers practicing in Samba District Court and RS Pura Court pa...

India, UK strike new COVID-19 research tie-ups

29/10/2020
LONDON, Oct 28: India and the UK on Wednesday clinched new partnerships to boost bilateral cooperation on combating the coronavirus pandemic as part of the 10th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), held virtually following the COVID-19 lockdown and travel constraints. A GBP 8-million joint funding initiative announced as part of the EFD outcomes will support collaborative research focused on understanding the severity of COVID-19 in South Asian populations in India. The UK Research...

Bihar's provisional voter turnout 53.54 pc, slightly lower than 2015

29/10/2020
PATNA, Oct 28: The coronavirus pandemic did not have much impact on the voter turnout in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls as an estimated 53.54 voters exercised their franchise compared to 54.75 per cent in these districts in 2015, according to provisional figures. This is the first major election being conducted amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The 2020 poll percentage is likely to go up as the Election Commission is updating the data with more inputs from 71 constitu...

Closely monitoring progress of MSMEs: Sitharaman

29/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 28: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that she was closely monitoring the progress of Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), whom she called as the growth engine of the country. Addressing the Tech Sparks 2020, Sitharaman said, "We have changed the definition of MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and expanded the scope of MSMEs. Because of this change, more MSMEs have come into the system, and they've benefited from the schemes given by the go...

Smriti Irani tests positive for COVID-19

29/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 28: Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday said she has tested positive for COVID-19. The women and child development and textiles minister asked the people who came in contact with her to get themselves tested for the disease at the earliest. "It is rare for me to search for words while making an announcement; hence here's me keeping it simple -- I've tested positive for #COVID and would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest," she...

All Indians can now buy land in J&K, Centre amends laws

28/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 27: The Centre on Tuesday cleared the decks for people from across the country to buy land in Jammu and Kashmir by amending several laws, a move which mainstream political parties in the union territory said was akin to putting the erstwhile state up "for sale". The BJP, however, said the amendments, which came over a year after the Centre nullified Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution, will open the "floodgates of development" and mark the beginning of a new era o...

India-US partnership stands on firm foundation of shared principles, common strategic interests: Modi

28/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 27: India and the US held a "productive" and "successful" third round of 2+2 dialogue here, signing the foundational Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) and expanding their defence cooperation as visiting Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States will stand with India as it confronts threats to its sovereignty and liberty and referred to the sacrifice of 20 Indian soldiers who were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June this ye...

My Govt is committed to peace, progress & prosperity in J&K: Lt Governor

28/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today announced the sanctioning of over 10,000 cases under B2V3 Self Employment Programme, Economic Package and My Town-My Pride. The Lt Governor was addressing the media persons during a Press Conference at Raj Bhavan Auditorium. The Lt Governor's press conference witnessed the announcement of some major reforms in the business sector, giving a determined push to the business revival and economic development of J&K, besides empowering yo...

More transparency required to check corruption: Jitendra

28/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 27: Asserting that the central government has been following a policy of zero tolerance against corruption, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said it more transparency is a must to check graft in the country. Addressing the national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption, he said the CBI has got full autonomy and independence to carry out its work in the last six years of Narendra Modi-led government. "We believe that to check corruption, it is mandatory to have mor...

452 fresh COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths in last 24 hours

28/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 27: Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday recorded 452 fresh COVID-19 cases and seven fatalities in a day, which pushed the infection tally in the union territory to 92,677 and death toll to 1,451, officials said. Of the fresh cases, 194 are from Jammu and 258 from the Kashmir valley, they said, adding Srinagar district reported the highest 118 new cases, followed by 109 in Jammu district. There are 6,990 active cases of COVID-19 in the union territory, while 84,236 patients have recovered ...

452 fresh COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths in last 24 hours

28/10/2020

Current guidelines on reopening of activities to be applicable till Nov 30

28/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 27: The Centre on Tuesday said the current guidelines allowing various activities like opening of cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 percent of their seating capacity will continue to be applicable till November 30 in areas outside the containment zones. Earlier, the guidelines for reopening activities issued on September 30 were to be in force till October 31. he Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order today to extend this period till November 30, a home ministry...

US says it stands with India in efforts to defend its sovereignty; Two countries Ink key defence pact BECA

28/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 27: In the midst of China's military belligerence in eastern Ladakh, the US on Tuesday said it stands firmly with India to confront threats to its sovereignty as the two countries vowed to ramp up their overall security ties, and inked the strategic defence pact, BECA, during the third edition of the Indo-US 2+2 dialogue here. During the high-level dialogue, led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the Indian side and their US counter...

Hizb chief Sallahuddin, IM’s Bhatkal brothers among 18 designated ‘terrorists’ under UAPA

28/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 27: Continuing to deal with terrorism with an "iron hand", the government on Tuesday designated 18 more individuals as "terrorists" including chief of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Sallahudin, founders of Indian Mujahideen Bhatkal brothers and a close lieutenant of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel, taking the total number of such proscribed persons to 31. The announcement by the Union Home Ministry came on the day the India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue took place...

JKHCBAJ forms Presidium, Wazir appointed Chairman

28/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 27: After the spike in Covid-19 pandemic the outgoing office bearers of the JKHCBAJ could not commence any sort of election process on account of lockdown w.e.f. the third week of March, 2020. The said lockdown and its restrictions are still in force. By virtue of various circulars issued by the High Court of J&K, from time to time, in adherence to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the physical appearance of the advocates in the High Court as well in the subordin...

Top Army, police officials review security arrangements

28/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Top Army and police officials reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in view of the upcoming panchayat elections in the Union Territory. "In the backdrop of the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps Lt Gen. BS Raju and Director General of Police Dilbag Singh co-chaired a meeting of the core group consisting of top officials of the civil administration, intelligence agencies, security forces and divisional ...

Encounter breaks out between security forces and militants in Budgam

28/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 27: An encounter broke out on Tuesday between security forces and militants in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Moachwah in Chadoora area of Budgam district following information about presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened firing towards security forces positions. The exchange of firing was going on between the t...

SHO, HC arrested accepting bribe

28/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Gowhar Gul, SHO & HC Nazir Ahmad Bhat of Police Station Khag, District Budgam trapped by ACB while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs. 4000 in lieu of disposal of a complaint* ACB received a complaint that SHO and MHC of Police Station Khag are demanding Rs.4000/- as bribe from the complainant for settlement/disposing of the complaint lodged by him. On the basis of the complaint Case FIR No.21/2020 U/S 7 Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at PS ACB Srinagar and a t...

BJP wins LAHDC-Leh polls; bags 15 seats out of 26

27/10/2020
LEH, Oct 26: Retaining power, the BJP on Monday won the election to the 26-member Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh by bagging 15 seats, while the Congress got nine seats. Independents won two seats in the election, the first since Ladakh was made a Union Territory in August last year. BJP president J P Nadda termed the party's victory in the Thursday vote as historic. "Gratitude to the people of Ladakh for their faith in BJP," he tweeted and congratulated party leade...

India’s energy plan aims to improve lives but with smaller carbon footprint: Modi

27/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 26: India's energy plan aims to ensure energy justice to improve lives of citizens but with a smaller carbon footprint, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Monday. The Prime Minister was making the inaugural address at 4th India Energy Forum by CERAWeek, in which he took part through video conferencing. He further said India believes that access to energy must be affordable and reliable so that socio-economic transformation can take place. "India's energy plan aims to ens...

Terrorist killed, another surrenders during encounter with security forces

27/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: An unidentified terrorist was killed, while another surrendered during an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district on Monday, a defence spokesperson said. A joint operation was launched by the security forces at Noorpora in the district's Awantipora area on the basis of inputs provided by police, the Army said. While one terrorist was eliminated during the gunbattle, another ultra responded to appeal for surrender. "The terrorist, a resident of Gulshanpora area...

Major setback to PDP; three senior leaders resign

27/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: In a blow to the PDP, three of its founding members, including former Rajya Sabha MP T S Bajwa, on Monday resigned from the party, saying they were feeling "uncomfortable and suffocated" due to party chief Mehbooba Mufti's "undesirable utterances", especially those which hurt patriotic sentiments. The resignations came after Mufti said on Friday that she would not hold the tricolour till Jammu and Kashmir's special position, including its separate state flag, was restored....

J&K reports 364 new COVID-19 cases, six deaths

27/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 26: Jammu and Kashmir on Monday recorded 364 fresh COVID-19 cases, while six fatalities took place in the past 24 hours, taking the number of cases to 92,225 and the death toll to 1,444, officials said. Out of the fresh cases, 147 are from Jammu and 217 from the Kashmir valley, they said. Jammu district reported the highest number of 108 new cases, followed by 76 in Srinagar district, the officials said. There are 7,296 active cases of COVID-19, while 83,485 patients have recovere...

Infiltration down, Pak making attempts to send militants: Lt Gen Raju

27/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: General Officer Commanding (GoC) 15 Corps Lt General B S Raju on Monday said the number of infiltration has come down this summer though Pakistani is trying to push trained militants into this side. Reiterating his appeal to local militants to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream and lead a normal and peaceful life with their families, Lt Gen Raju warned that those who are holding the gun will be dealt with sternly by the security forces. This summer th...

India delighted to host US Defence Secretary, discussions will add new vigour to defence ties: Rajnath

27/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday said that talks with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper were fruitful and were aimed at further deepening defence cooperation in a wide range of areas. In a tweet, the minister said that talks between the two countries will add new vigour to India-US defence relations and cooperation. "India is delighted to host the US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Mark Esper. Our talks today were fruitful, aimed at further deepening defence cooperation...

Online mediation training for Judicial Officers launched

27/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: Mediation and Conciliation Committee of High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, under the patronage of Chief Justice of J&K High Court, Gita Mittal and under the guidance of Chairman Mediation and Conciliation Committee, Justice Tashi Rabstan and members of the committee including Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Javed Iqbal Wani today launched online 40 hour mediation training for the Judicial Officers of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh so as ...

Kashmir’s tourism industry hoping to turn the corner despite COVID dampener

27/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: Hit hard by the twin-lockdowns since August last year, the tourism sector in Kashmir is cautiously optimistic about getting back on its feet in the coming months. The Valley did not see much tourist activity since August last year due to the lockdown imposed by authorities, first after the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and then due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to officials of the tourism department, around 43,000 tourists arrived in the period ...

Pakistan Rangers shell forward areas along IB

27/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 26: Some houses were damaged as Pakistan Rangers heavily shelled forward hamlets and border outposts (BoPs) along the International Border (IB) in Kathua district, official sources said on Monday. Pakistan Rangers resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on BoPs and hamlets in Londi, Manyari, Karol Matra, Check Changa areas in the Samba-Hiranagar sector, they said. In the shelling, some houses were damaged, triggering panic among residents, they said. Sunder Lal of Check Chang...

Army commanders begin 4-day conference

27/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 26: Top commanders of the Army on Monday held extensive deliberations on a plethora of issues relating to human resource management in the 1.3 million-strong force, on the opening day of a four-day conference, official sources said. On Tuesday, the commanders are likely to carry out a comprehensive review of India's combat readiness in eastern Ladakh as well as other sensitive areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The sources said the commanders held detailed...

Male govt employees entitled to child care leave as single parents: Jitendra

27/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 26: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said male government employees who are single parents are now entitled to child care leave. "Single male parent" includes employees who are unmarried or widower or divorcee and may therefore be expected to take up the responsibility of caring for a child single-handedly, he said. Describing it as a path-breaking and progressive reform to bring ease of living for government servants, Singh said orders regarding the decision were issued...

Remember soldiers guarding our borders, light a ‘diya’ for them: Modi

26/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Asserting that India stands firmly with its brave soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to light a 'diya' at their homes to honour security forces guarding the country's borders while they celebrate festivals. In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast, Modi also made a strong pitch for unity in the country while remembering Sardar Patel whose birth anniversary will be marked later this month on October 31. "Unity is power, unity is strength, unit...

India wants end to border tension with China but will not cede an inch of land: Rajnath

26/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said India wants an end to the border tension with China in eastern Ladakh, but at the same time asserted that Indian soldiers will never allow even an inch of the country to be taken away by anyone. The defence minister made the remarks after performing "Shastra Puja" the customary worship of weapons at the Sukna-based headquarters of the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Darjeeling district of West Bengal on the occasion of Dussehra. The d...

Army commanders to review situation in Ladakh, internal reforms at 4-day conference

26/10/2020
New Delhi, Oct 25: Top commanders of the Army will carry out a comprehensive assessment of India's combat readiness in eastern Ladakh as well as other sensitive areas along the Line of Actual Control with China at a four-day conference beginning Monday, government sources said. The commanders will also deliberate on a slew of long-pending reform measures like cutting down on ceremonial practices and non-military activities to ensure a rational distribution of resources, they said. Chief of Ar...

Drass, adjoining areas experience season’s first snowfall

26/10/2020
KARGIL, Oct 25: Ladakh's Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world, experienced the season's first snowfall on Sunday. It started snowing in Drass and its adjoining areas, including Zojilla pass and Mina-Marg along the 434-km Srinagar-Leh national highway, in the morning and so far two to four inches of snow has accumulated on the ground, officials said. However, the traffic on the Srinagar-Leh national highway was progressing smoothly till last reports were received. The early ...

Accession of J&K with India final & complete: Jitendra

26/10/2020
New Delhi, Oct 25: Asserting that the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India was final and complete, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was responsible for the delayed integration of the erstwhile state. "If there was a delay of over two months, it was not on account of Maharaja Hari Singh but on account of the then Prime Minister Nehru who was not forthcoming in his approach and was instead being led by cues and inputs from Sheikh Abdullah (...

Will fight even on foreign soil to protect India: Doval

26/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 25: On a day when RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat talked about China "encroaching" on Indian soil, a video of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has surfaced in which he can be purportedly seen and heard asserting India's capability to fight on its own soil as well as on foreign soil. In the video, uploaded on the Facebook page of a Rishikesh-based ashram called 'Parmarth Niketan', Doval can be seen sharing space with the head of the ashram, Chidanand Saraswati. The video is dated Oct...

Protesters try to hoist national flag at PDP office

26/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 25: Protesting against PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's remarks on the national flag, a group of youths took out a march outside the party office on Sunday and tried to hoist the tricolour atop the building but were stopped by police. The incident came days after the Peoples Democratic Party president said she is not interested in contesting elections or holding the tricolour till the constitutional changes enforced on August 5 last year are rolled back. Mufti had said she would hold the...

J&K records 532 fresh COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths

26/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 25: The Government on Sunday informed that 532 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 177 from Jammu division and 355 from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 91861. Also 08 COVID-19 deaths have been reported; 3 from Jammu division and 05 from Kashmir Division. Moreover, 639 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 263 from Jammu Division and 376 f...

Please don’t presume what SC will say on restoration of Article 370: Omar takes swipe at Prasad

26/10/2020
Srinagar, Oct 25: National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah took a dig at Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday over his remarks that Article 370 of the Constitution will not be restored, and urged him not to presume what the Supreme Court judges would decide on the matter. "Dear Ravi Shankar Prasad ji, we don't expect you to restore anything but unless you are suggesting the Supreme Court has surrendered its independence & takes dictation from you please don't presume to kn...

India reports 50,129 new COVID-19 cases, recovery rate touches 90 pc

26/10/2020
New Delhi, Oct 25: Even as new coronavirus cases continue to decline, India achieved a significant feat with the national recovery rate touching 90 per cent on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry. The country India's coronavirus count reached 78,64,811 on Sunday after 50,129 new cases were reported. With 578 new deaths, the death toll not stands at 1,18,534. The total number of active cases stands at 6,68,154 after a decrease of 12,526 in the last 24 hours while total cured cases ar...

India should be bigger than China in power and scope: Bhagwat

26/10/2020
NAGPUR, Oct 25: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India needs to grow bigger than China in terms of shakti and vypati (power and scope), adding the world knows that country's expansionist designs. Mr Bhagwat was speaking at the RSS's annual Vijayadashami rally, which this time was limited to an indoor event attended by 50 swayamsevaks (volunteers) due to COVID-19 guidelines. The RSS chief said India needs to be militarily better prepared against China. Many ...

RBI Guv tests positive for COVID-19; to continue work from isolation

26/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das on Sunday said he has been tested positive for COVID-19 and will continue to work from isolation. Das said he is asymptomatic and has alerted those who came in contact with him in recent days. "I have tested COVID-19 positive. Asymptomatic. Feeling very much alright. Have alerted those who came in contact in recent days. Will continue to work from isolation. Work in RBI will go on normally. I am in touch with all Dy. Govs and ...

Army Chief scheduled to visit Nepal from Nov 4-6 with an aim to reset ties

26/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Army Chief Gen MM Naravane's three-day crucial visit to Nepal beginning November 4 is expected to have a significant diplomatic overtone with India looking at resetting relations with the Himalayan nation after the ties came under severe strain following a bitter border row, officials said on Sunday. The Chief of Army Staff is scheduled to hold extensive talks with the top civilian and military brass of Nepal including his counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa on a range o...

Farooq to lead Gupkar alliance, Mehbooba to be vice chairperson

25/10/2020
Srinagar, Oct 24: Seven mainstream parties of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday gave a formal shape to their recently cobbled alliance for the restoration of Article 370, electing National Confer-ence's Farooq Abdullah as its chairman and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti as vice-chairperson, and asserted that theirs was "not an anti-national" grouping. Veteran CPM leader M Y Tarigami was elected as the convenor while Lok Sabha member from South Kashmir Hasnain Masoodi would be the coordinator of the congl...

We are anti-BJP, we are not anti-national: Farooq

25/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said the Peoples' Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which is fighting for restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is an anti-BJP platform but not an anti-national amalgam. "I want to tell you that this false propaganda by the BJP that the PAGD is anti-national. I want to tell them that this is not true. There is no doubt that it is anti-BJP but it is not anti-national," he told reporters here. ...

Rules modified to enable quota for SC, ST and women in DDC

25/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday amended the Panchayati Raj rules, making provision for reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women in the district development councils. "In exercise of powers conferred by section 80 of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 and all other provisions enabling in this behalf, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has made amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996," an official spokesman sa...

Jitendra assures help to casual labourers body

25/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 24: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday asked the advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir Lt governor to look into the issues raised by an organisation representing casual labourers in the Union Territory. A delegation of All Jammu & Kashmir Casual Labourers United Front met Singh here and sought his intervention for the redressal of their grievances. During a meeting with Singh, members of the delegation said that they had been suffering from financial hardship due to meager wa...

Pak violates ceasefire in 3 sectors along LoC, IB

25/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 24: Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing and mortar shelling in three sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. The Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) retaliated effectively, they said. "At about 6.30 pm (on Saturday), Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling mortars along the LoC in the Degwar sector in Poon...

J&K records 577 fresh COVID-19 cases, 6 deaths

25/10/2020
Srinagar, Oct 24: The COVID-19 tally of Jammu and Kashmir rose to 91,329 on Saturday with 577 fresh cases, while the death toll climbed to 1,430 as six more people succumbed to the disease, officials said. Of the fresh cases, 213 are from Jammu and 364 from the Kashmir Valley, they said. Srinagar district reported the highest number of new cases at 130, followed by 116 in Jammu district, the officials said. There are 7,680 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while 82,219 patie...

Rajnath reviews LAC situation in eastern sector at Army’s Trishakti Corps in Sukna

25/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 24: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army at the Sukna-based headquarters of its 33 Corps which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector, officials said. The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, in Darjeeling district in late afternoon as part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military prepared...

Seven held as police bust international drugs racket

25/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 24: Seven people, including two who were accused in the 2005 Delhi blast case, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 62 kg of heroin and opium last month near the Indo-Pak border here, police said on Saturday. The seizure was made on the intervening night of September 19 and 20 by a joint team of the Jammu Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) near the Budhwar Post, Inspector General (IG) of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh, told reporters here. With these arrests an...

Mehbooba’s remarks on ‘state flag’ reflect feelings of an average Kashmiri: Soz

25/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: Former Union Minister Prof. Saifuddin Soz on Saturday seconded PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, saying that her remarks on 'state flag' reflected the feelings of an average Kashmiri. "Mehbooba Mufti has reflected the feelings of an average Kashmiri by saying that she will not hold tricolor till the State's flag is restored with the status of the State," Soz said, in a statement. "The question is as to what does the Union expect from the beleaguered people of Kashmir who are d...

Farooq prays for peace, well being of humankind at Durga Nag temple

25/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday visited the ancient 'Durga Nag' temple here on the occasion of 'Durgaashtami' and Mahanavami', and paid obeisance to the deity. The National Conference (NC) leader, who turned 84 earlier this week, prayed for peace and wellbeing of humankind. He arrived at the temple located at the Dalgate along with members of his party when priests from the Kashmiri pandit community were performing a 'havan' there. "This ...

Police registers case in connection with child pornography

25/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered a case in connection with production, possession and transmission of child pornography by some persons in the valley, a police spokesman said on Friday. The case was registered by the Cyber Police on the basis of 'Tipline Reports' received from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a US-based non-profit organization. Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone, Srinagar has received a number of reports from the NCME...

Surveillance drone shot down by Army along LoC

25/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: A surveillance drone of Chinese make was on Saturday shot down by Army troops shortly after it crossed into this side of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, fitted with cameras, was spotted hovering in air by the alert troops in Keran sector and subsequently shot down, the officials said. They said the drone was seized and further investigation is on. There has been a spurt in the use of drones from Pa...

MBBS SEATS INCREASED FROM 500 TO 1100 IN GMCs

24/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: In a significant achievement, the total number of MBBS seats in Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 500 for 2018-19 to 1100 seats for the current academic session 2020-21. In this regard, Health & Medical Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir got Letter of Permission (LoP) from National Medical Commission, New Delhi for Government Medical College Doda to admit 100 MBBS students for the current academic session 2020-2021 whi...

DB seeks information regarding SOPs, COVID guidelines on reopening of Schools

24/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 23: In an application seeking direction to respondents that teachers may be allowed to take classes through virtual mode till the pandemic is over or direct the authorities to make arrangements for the connectivity in Schools through multimedia. A Division Bench of J&K High Court Comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Puneet Gupta after hearing counsel for the applicant issued notice to Education Department which was accepted by Sr. AAG NH Shah. DB also directed Sr. A...

BJP has demolished India’s Constitution, wants to replace it with own manifesto: Mehbooba

24/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday hit out at the BJP, saying the party has "demolished" the country's Constitution and wants to replace it with its manifesto. In her first media interaction in over 14 months after the abrogation Article 370 provision in August last year and her subsequent detention, she said the opposition parties in the country, except a few, went silent on the issue thinking this happened in Kashmir and not with them. "But the...

J&K Election Authority issues instructions regarding electoral rolls for all Panchayats

24/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 23: The Election Authority, Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act 1989 directed that "The Electoral Roll for every District Development Council Constituency shall consist of the electoral rolls for all the Panchayat Halqas comprised within that District Development Council Constituency and it shall not be necessary to prepare or revise separately the electoral roll for any such District Development Council Constituency. The Authority further directed that updation of electoral rolls ...

Action Committee of Advocates Bar Jammu hold dharna, demand physical reopening of courts

24/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 23: The action committee of advocates bar Jammu constituted by the Practicing Advocates in High Court and Subordinate Courts in Jammu held an impressive Dharna in the Janipura Court area today. The participating lawyers were protesting against closure of entry for lawyers and general public to High Court and Subordinate Courts in Jammu besides on other issues. They were raising slogans in support of their demand. The prominent participants in today's Dharna were JA Kazmi (Former ...

586 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths

24/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 23: Jammu and Kashmir on Friday recorded 586 fresh COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 90,752, while 12 fatalities took the death toll to 1,424, officials said. Out of the fresh cases, 206 are from Jammu and 380 from the Kashmir Valley, they said. Srinagar district reported the highest number of 154 new COVID-19 cases, followed by 121 in Jammu district, the officials said. There are 7,842 active covid-19 cases, while 81,486 patients have recovered so far, they said. Meanwhile, 1...

ACB arrests NGO director for embezzling funds under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

24/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 22: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday night arrested a director of an NGO for allegations of fraud, corruption and embezzlement of public money worth over Rs 38 lakh under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan in Jammu, officials said. A joint surprise check was conducted by the ACB to look into the allegations against an NGO named Social Welfare India and officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) regarding the construction of Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL) units unde...

Modi, Rahul clash in battleground Bihar, weaponise Art 370, Chinese intrusion, migrant tragedy

24/10/2020
SASASAM/BHAGALPUR, Oct 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi kicked off their campaign in battleground Bihar on Friday and went for each other's jugular over the Chinese intrusion in Ladakh, both crying "insult" to soldiers and their families. The abrogation of Article 370 and farm sector reform laws figured prominently in the bitter electoral discourse where "jungle raj" during the 15 years of RJD dispensation, the migrant crisis and joblessness were also hotly deb...

Pak army shells forwards areas along LoC

24/10/2020
JAMMU, Oct 23: The Pakistan army opened heavy fire and shelled forward areas and posts in three sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Friday, officials said. The Indian Army retaliated effectively, they said. "At about 1800 hours today, the Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along LoC in Kirni, Qasba and Malti sectors in district Poonch," defence spokesperson said. He said the Indian Army retaliat...

J&K becomes first UT to launch Public Financial Management System at district level

24/10/2020
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has become the first UT in the country to operationalize Public Financial Management System (PFMS) at the district level with e-inauguration of eight district offices here on Friday by Additional Controller General of Accounts, Subodh Kumar Mathur. Joint Controller General of Accounts, Sushil Pal and Assistant Controller General of Accounts, Shakeel Maqbool were present on the occasion. The rolling out of these offices in Jammu and Ka...

Govt imposes stock limit on onion traders to check prices

24/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 23: To contain onion prices, the Centre on Friday imposed stock holding limit on retail and wholesale traders till December 31 to improve the domestic availability of the commodity and provide relief to consumers. Retailers can stock onion only up to 2 tonne, whereas wholesale traders are allowed to keep up to 25 tonne, Consumer Affairs Secretary Leena Nandan said in a press conference. She said the government had to invoke the Essential Commodities (Amendment) law -- which was...

I-T dept raids business group in Kashmir, seizes Rs 1.82-cr cash

24/10/2020
NEW DELHI, Oct 22: The Income Tax Department on Thursday conducted raids against a Kashmir-based group engaged in various businesses and seized Rs 1.82 crore in cash and jewellery worth Rs 74 lakh, the Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) said. A total of 15 premises of three assessees of the group -- involved in multiple businesses including real estate, construction and renting of commercial and residential complexes in Srinagar, hotel industry, handicrafts, carpet trading -- were searche...