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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses “heartfelt gratitude” to Australia upon departure

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses “heartfelt gratitude” to Australia upon departure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed heartfelt gratitude to Australia as he departed the country with strong outcomes.

PM Modi noted that the momentum of the partnership will benefit both nations.

In a post on X, he said, “As my Australia visit concludes, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Australia as well as to PM Albanese for their warmth. The outcomes of this visit have further strengthened our partnership and opened new avenues for cooperation across diverse sectors. The momentum in the times to come will benefit our nation and the entire planet.”

AAP to launch signature campaign seeking strict punishment for Ram temple donations theft ‘culprits’

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AAP to launch signature campaign seeking strict punishment for Ram temple donations theft ‘culprits’

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the party will launch a nation-wide signature campaign seeking strict punishment for the culprits in the Ram temple donations theft controversy, saying people have to come together and raise their voice in the matter.

Kejriwal also accused the Centre of protecting those responsible for the alleged theft of donations at Ram temple in Ayodhya.

“It is the duty of every Sanatan follower to ensure strict punishment for those responsible for donations theft at the Ram temple. We will launch a signature campaign in which every citizen will sign a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating their appeal,” Kejriwal said.

The AAP will organise a ‘Sundar Kaand’ recital at the Japani Park in Delhi’s Rohini on Sunday, from where the campaign will be launched, Kejriwal said.

“The Modi government is trying to save the people responsible for donation theft at the Ram temple. People must come together against this,” Kejriwal said, as he appealed to the public to join the campaign in large numbers.

The remarks came amid the opposition’s demand for a judicial probe into the alleged financial irregularities in the Ram temple’s donation management system.

The controversy erupted on June 7 after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir, a charge rejected by then temple trust general secretary Champat Rai, who said, “Nothing noteworthy came to light during the ongoing internal audit”.

Based on the preliminary report submitted by an SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, eight people associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram temple were arrested.

Rai later resigned as the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Five Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Injured in Highway Accident Near Udhampur

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Five Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Injured in Highway Accident Near Udhampur

Five pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra were injured after their vehicle met with an accident near Toldi Nallah in the Samroli area along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Friday.

The pilgrims were travelling in an Ertiga car as part of a convoy that had departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu for the Pahalgam route. According to officials, the vehicle reportedly went out of control and crashed into a retaining wall on the highway.

Following the incident, personnel from the CRPF 137 Battalion, Gorkha 4/3, Civil Defence, Traffic Police, and Jammu & Kashmir Police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured pilgrims were promptly shifted to the Associated Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur, for medical treatment.

Officials said that one of the injured pilgrims, identified as Seema Gupta, sustained serious injuries in the accident, while the condition of the remaining four is being monitored.

Further details are awaited.

Ninth Batch of 8,796 Pilgrims Departs Jammu for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra

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Ninth Batch of 8,796 Pilgrims Departs Jammu for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra

A total of 8,796 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in the ninth batch of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 during the early hours of Friday under tight security arrangements.

According to officials, 3,450 pilgrims departed via the Baltal route, while 5,346 pilgrims proceeded towards the traditional Pahalgam route.

The Baltal-bound convoy left Jammu at 2:42 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam-bound convoy at 3:24 a.m.

The batch comprised 6,426 men, 2,042 women, 228 sadhus, 56 sadhvis, 10 children, 33 foreign male pilgrims, and one transgender pilgrim.

A total of 354 vehicles were deployed for the day’s convoy, including 175 buses, 70 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 106 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and three two-wheelers. Of these, 173 vehicles were assigned to the Baltal axis and 181 vehicles to the Pahalgam axis.

With the departure of the ninth batch, the total number of pilgrims who have left the Jammu base camp for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has reached 61,612, officials said.

PM Vishwakarma Capacity Building Programme held at Bandipora

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PM Vishwakarma Capacity Building Programme held at Bandipora

BANDIPORA, JULY 09: Branch MSME DFO Srinagar, under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in collaboration with the District Administration Bandipora, organised a PM Vishwakarma Capacity Building Programme at the DC Office, Bandipora on Product Packaging, QR Code Generation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The programme was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Zaffar Shawal as chief guest, Joint Director and General Manager, DIC Bandipora, as guests of honour. Joint Director/HoO MSME DFO J&K & Ladakh, AK Tamaria also graced the occasion.

The ADC highlighted the need to integrate traditional crafts with modern technology to enhance the competitiveness of Kashmir’s rich artisan sector. The Joint Director reviewed the implementation and progress of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir and addressed the issues faced by the Vishwakarma beneficiaries.

The General Manager appreciated the efforts of artisans and assured continued institutional support through schemes implemented by DIC for eligible beneficiaries.

Saheel Alaqband, Assistant Director, Branch MSME DFO Srinagar, highlighted the importance of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in strengthening the skilled artisan workforce through capacity Building.

Experts from the banking sector, IUST and the State Level PMU conducted technical sessions on product packaging, QR code generation and the use of AI for business growth.

UAPA case: Raids carried out in Baramulla

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UAPA case: Raids carried out in Baramulla

Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out raids at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday in connection with a case registered under the UAPA.

The raids were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation in a case registered under Section 13 (unlawful activities) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 351(3) (aggravated threats) of the BNS at Baramulla police station, a police spokesman said.

He said the searches were carried out at the residences of Faraz Ashraf Gojri, a resident of Iqbal Colony, Waseem Ali Kar, a resident of Kanli Bagh, Tanveer Ahmad Mir alias Kaka Mir, a resident of Tawheed Gunj, presently residing at Gulnar Park, Azad Gunj, and Waseem Hussain Mir, a resident of Khawajabagh Jetty, Baramulla.

During the searches, four mobile phones and one laptop were seized, the spokesman said.

The electronic devices have been secured for forensic examination to aid the ongoing investigation, he said.

The searches were conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of law, in the presence of executive magistrates and independent witnesses, as part of the investigation into the case.

These proceedings form part of Baramulla Police’s sustained efforts to investigate offences related to unlawful activities in a professional, lawful, and transparent manner while safeguarding public order and national security, the spokesman added.

Sehyogdhara Expands Healthcare, Education Outreach in Remote Kishtwar Villages

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Sehyogdhara Expands Healthcare, Education Outreach in Remote Kishtwar Villages

In a major step towards improving healthcare and education in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Sehyogdhara has intensified its outreach in Kuntwara Bhandera of Kishtwar district, where residents continue to struggle with inadequate healthcare facilities, poor road connectivity and difficult terrain.

The organisation said patients, particularly the elderly and critically ill, are often forced to be transported to hospitals on carts or carried manually over long distances due to the lack of proper infrastructure.

Under its “Health and Education for All” initiative, Sehyogdhara has been working to bridge gaps in access to essential services and improve the quality of life in underserved rural communities.

As part of its expanding healthcare programme, the organisation announced plans to introduce a Telemedicine Programme, which will connect residents of remote villages with specialist doctors through digital consultations, reducing the need for long and difficult journeys for medical care.

During a recent health camp organised in Kuntwara, a large number of senior citizens and local residents underwent medical check-ups and received consultations, highlighting the urgent healthcare needs of the region.

In a humanitarian gesture, Sehyogdhara also pledged to bear the medical expenses of a 12-year-old girl suffering from a heart ailment who lost her mother, reaffirming its commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families.

The organisation has also adopted five school-going children and will sponsor their education, emphasising that education remains a key driver of social transformation and long-term community development.

Sehyogdhara expressed gratitude to the District Administration Kishtwar, the Indian Army’s Assam Rifles, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPC), healthcare professionals, volunteers, media personnel and the people of Kuntwara for their support in making the initiatives successful.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to extending quality healthcare and educational opportunities to the country’s most remote regions, ensuring that these essential services remain accessible to every citizen.

SDM chairs Sub-Division Level Disaster Preparedness cum Coordination meeting at Gool

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SDM chairs Sub-Division Level Disaster Preparedness cum Coordination meeting at Gool

RAMBAN, JULY 08: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gool Imtiaz today chaired a Sub-Division Level Disaster Management and Coordination Meeting to review disaster preparedness, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure effective relief measures for natural hazards such as floods, landslides and cloudbursts in the sub-division.

The meeting was attended by Tehsildar Harjeet Singh, SDPO Kuldeep Raj, Naib Tehsildar Inktikhab Ahmed, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) Sanjay Sharma, AEE Jal Shakti Rakesh Soni, AEE PMGSY Naveed Aslam Khan, AEE PWD Tanveer Ahmed and representatives from 23 RR Gool, Beacon Mahore and Batote. Officers from Health, PDD, FCS&CA, SDRF, Police and other line departments were also present.

During the meeting, a detailed review was taken on the existing disaster management plan, availability of men and machinery, stock of essential commodities, functioning of control rooms and communication systems in the sub-division. The SDM directed all line departments to remain on high alert in view of the monsoon season and to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods.

The SDM emphasized the need for proactive measures and seamless coordination among all departments to deal with any emergency situation. He directed the Jal Shakti, PWD and PMGSY departments to identify vulnerable spots and keep restoration teams and machinery ready for immediate response. The Health department was instructed to ensure availability of medicines, ambulances and medical staff at CHC Gool and PHCs. The FCS&CA department was directed to maintain buffer stock of ration, while PDD was asked to ensure backup arrangements for power supply.

The SDM further directed Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to conduct regular visits to vulnerable areas, maintain updated lists of disaster-prone pockets and generate public awareness regarding safety measures. He stressed on the importance of community involvement and urged the locals to disseminate information regarding dos and don’ts during disasters.

The police and 23 RR were asked to extend support for rescue and evacuation operations, while Beacon representatives were directed to ensure early restoration of roads in case of blockades.

The SDM reiterated that the safety of lives and property is the top priority of the administration. He said that effective coordination, timely response and public cooperation are key to minimizing the impact of disasters. He assured that the administration is fully prepared to tackle any situation arising out of natural calamities.

DDC, SSP Reasi visits Siyad Baba, Reviews tourism infrastructure development

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REASI, JULY 08: District Development Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek and SSP Mukund Tibrewal today conducted an extensive inspection of the Siyad Baba Waterfall area to review the existing infrastructure and assess the requirements for the planned development of the popular tourist destination.
During the inspection, the DDC took a comprehensive review of the amenities available at the site and interacted with the concerned officers regarding the scope for further improvement. Stressing the need for sustainable development, he directed the concerned department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a check dam. The proposed structure is expected to aid in water conservation, regulate water flow and enhance the scenic appeal of the waterfall area while ensuring ecological balance.
To improve the overall visitor experience, he instructed the concerned departments to construct modern public washrooms equipped with adequate sanitation facilities. He also directed the renovation of the existing changing rooms and the upgradation of bathing ghats to provide safe, convenient and hygienic facilities for tourists and devotees visiting the waterfall.
Emphasizing the importance of public safety, he directed the concerned officers to undertake dredging operations and remove debris accumulated near the waterfall. He stated that these measures would facilitate smooth water flow, reduce potential hazards and make the bathing area safer for visitors, particularly during the peak tourist season.
He further instructed the officers to ensure proper cleanliness, regular maintenance and coordinated efforts among all concerned departments for the timely execution of the proposed works. He underscored the need to preserve the natural beauty of the waterfall while creating quality infrastructure that caters to the growing influx of tourists.
ADC Rakesh Kumar, CPO Narinder Gupta, ACR Nitin Verma, Tehsildar Reasi and Thakrakote and other concerned officers were present during the visit.

‘Nun Chai Talks’ encourages Bandipora youth to Dream Big as Entrepreneur Jibran Khan shares Inspiring Journey

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‘Nun Chai Talks’ encourages Bandipora youth to Dream Big as Entrepreneur Jibran Khan shares Inspiring Journey

BANDIPORA, JULY 08: Stories of perseverance, ambition and resilience took centre stage at the latest edition of Nun Chai Talks , organised by the District Administration Bandipora at the Waqar Knowledge Centre, Mini Secretariat, where young participants had the opportunity to interact with Local entrepreneur Jibran Khan, founder of the renowned restaurant chain Zero Miles.

Bringing together students from HKM Degree College Bandipora, HSS Mantrigam and youth from across the district, the session created a vibrant platform for open conversations on entrepreneurship, career choices and the importance of believing in one’s potential.

In a candid interaction, Jibran Khan spoke about the humble beginnings of his professional journey, recalling how he worked in different jobs before taking the bold step of starting his own venture. He shared the setbacks, uncertainties and lessons that shaped his path, telling participants that success is rarely achieved overnight but is built through patience, hard work and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges.

Encouraging the youth to think beyond conventional career paths, he urged them to see entrepreneurship not merely as a business opportunity but as a way to create employment and contribute to society. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to remain innovative, embrace challenges with confidence and make effective use of the support available through various government schemes.

Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Bandipora, Dr. Suhaib wani also addressed the gathering and encouraged participants to strengthen their skills, remain focused on their goals and take advantage of government initiatives that promote innovation, self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Adding to the discussion, resource person from Waqar Knowledge Centre, Dr. Zulfi, familiarised the participants with the services and opportunities available at the Waqar Knowledge Centre. He explained how young entrepreneurs can benefit from mentorship, capacity-building programmes, skill development initiatives and financial assistance to transform their ideas into successful enterprises.

The interaction remained lively throughout, with students and young participants raising questions on business planning, overcoming initial hurdles, accessing financial support and identifying opportunities in the changing economic landscape.

The speakers responded with practical suggestions and real-life experiences, making the discussion both informative and inspiring.

Speaking on the occasion, BDO Aloosa and Nodal Officer, Waqar Knowledge Centre, Ulfat Ali, thanked Jibran Khan for sharing his remarkable journey and motivating the youth to pursue their aspirations with confidence. She said that the ‘Nun Chai Talks’ initiative has emerged as an important platform where young people can learn directly from individuals who have transformed determination into success, while reaffirming the District Administration’s commitment to organising more such interactive sessions for the youth of Bandipora.

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