Himalayan Express

Category: Uncategorized

  • LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign In Kupwara

    LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign In Kupwara

    The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today joined ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ Padyatra in Kupwara. The Lieutenant Governor also addressed a public gathering.
    The Lieutenant Governor said that over the past 32 days, civil and police administration struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem and this people’s movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics.
    “Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
    The Lieutenant Governor stated that at the start of this campaign in April, many doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs and underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support.
    “With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighborhoods, schools, colleges, and the streets of Jammu Kashmir.
    This fight against drugs is a long one. For decades, people in Jammu Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as separate threats. But they are not two problems but they are the two heads of the same snake. One head makes money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism. Our terrorist neighbor is involved in financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both drugs and money against innocent Kashmiris,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
    The Lieutenant Governor further observed that the drug smuggling is destroying families and communities and it is providing terror groups their oxygen. He said by dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is cutting the lifeline that feeds the fire of terror.
    “In Kupwara and Handwara areas combined, 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars. I want to urge our police officers, the soldiers guarding Kupwara’s borders, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force warriors that not a single guilty should escape. As a border district, Kupwara must stay extra vigilant and take the harshest action against drug smugglers,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
    It is pertinent to mention that every police station in Kupwara has been directed to gather full details on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their areas and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.
    The Lieutenant Governor also urged citizens of Kupwara to participate in awareness drive. He also emphasized on rehabilitation and asked the officers and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as a victim trapped in the dark web of narcotics.
    “The drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We have to support every young man and woman seeking counseling or treatment. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream. Senior officials must ensure swift action on every complaint and tip coming through the Manas portal and toll-free number. This has to be done with commitment. Every citizen of Kupwara must remember that we will reach every young person extending a hand for help. Together, we will dismantle the drug smuggling networks, free our youth from addiction’s clutches, and reconnect them to the path of progress,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
    The Lieutenant Governor challenged those criticizing ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ and said that they should name just one innocent person who was unfairly targeted and effective action will be taken. He said if anyone is trying to protect drug smugglers, we must ask ourselves should they face consequences or not? The Lieutenant Governor said that people of Jammu Kashmir are very clear and firm and they want stringent action against drug smugglers and when the people unite, no force can stop us.
    “In the days ahead, our crackdown against drug smuggling network will grow tougher and more powerful. The women of Dardpora village had met and they shared how drug smuggling funded weapons that slaughtered their families. That’s why I say it loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
    On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled the trophies of Kupwara Forest League by Forest Department and Youth Service and Sports’s Volleyball Championship under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan.
    He also felicitated the winner of reel making competition on drug abuse.
  • Seems Hosabale’s Recent US Trip Impacted Him As Well As RSS: Cong’s Dig Over Pak Remarks

    Seems Hosabale’s Recent US Trip Impacted Him As Well As RSS: Cong’s Dig Over Pak Remarks

    The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale over his remarks that there should always be a window for dialogue with Pakistan, saying his recent US trip has impacted him as well as the Sangh.
    The opposition party also wondered how the “bhakt brigade, including the various TV channels”, would have frothed, fumed and fulminated if the remarks were made by someone else.
    Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh tagged a post on X carrying the video clip of Hosable’s remarks in an interview to PTI.
    “It appears that the recent US trip of Shri Hosabale, during which one of his colleagues admitted to the PM doing what the US wanted him to do, has impacted him as well as the RSS,” Ramesh said on X.
    “Just imagine how the bhakt brigade including the various TV channels would have frothed, fumed and fulminated if..,” Ramesh said.
    In an interview with PTI Videos, Hosabale has said people-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue.
    Hosabale said Pakistan’s military and political leadership have lost India’s confidence and it is time for civil society to lead the way.
    “The security and self-respect of a country have to be protected and the government of the day should take care of it. But at the same time, we need not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage them in a dialogue,” he said.
    The RSS general secretary termed people-to-people contact the key in breaking the deadlock between the two countries and said that it “should be tried more and more now”.
    The RSS had been on a mission to remove the misconceptions about it in the western world with senior leader Hosabale reaching out to intellectuals and academics in the US and the UK last month to convey the aims and objectives of the organisation in its centenary year.
    Hosabale, the RSS general secretary, toured different cities across the US, addressing conferences at the Stanford University in San Francisco and Hudson Institute here and meeting a cross-section of the Indian diaspora.
    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had dubbed the RSS as “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh” and alleged that its leader Ram Madhav has revealed the outfit’s true nature of “farzi (fake) nationalism” here and “pure servility” in the US.
    He was referring to a video of Madhav from an event in the US, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said that India agreed to stop buying oil from Iran and Russia and also agreed to higher tariffs imposed by the US.
    Madhav, however, later apologised, saying what he said was “factually incorrect” as India did not agree to stop importing oil from Russia and had “vigorously protested” the 50 per cent tariff imposition by the Trump administration. (Agencies)
  • Sonia Gandhi Visits Medanta Hospital For ‘Routine’ Check-Up

    Sonia Gandhi Visits Medanta Hospital For ‘Routine’ Check-Up

    Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday visited Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for a routine check-up, a police source said.
    The former Congress president is at the hospital and will leave soon, the officer said.There was no comment from the hospital on the visit. (AGENCIES)

  • CM Vijay Orders Closure Of 717 Liquor Shops Across Tamil Nadu

    CM Vijay Orders Closure Of 717 Liquor Shops Across Tamil Nadu

    Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets across the state.
    Considering the welfare of the public in mind, Vijay issued orders to shut down the retail liquor outlets. Accordingly, 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 outlets near bus stands will be closed within the next two weeks, an official release said.
    There has been widespread demand, especially from women and a few political parties in the state, that all the liquor shops in the state should be closed.
    The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets across the state. (Agencies)
  • GMC Jammu Launches Heat Stroke Awareness Initiative

    GMC Jammu Launches Heat Stroke Awareness Initiative

    Jammu, May 11: In response to the surging temperatures and heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu launched a crucial public health initiative focused on heat stroke prevention.

    The campaign aims to educate the public about heat stroke, widely recognized in local parlance as “Loo Lagna.” The advisory emphasizes the causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventive strategies to combat heat stroke, particularly in the peak summer months when exposure to the sun and dehydration can pose severe health threats.

    According to GMC’s advisory, heat stroke manifests when an individual’s body temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C) and their thermoregulation fails. The primary triggers of this condition include excessive heat exposure, insufficient water intake, and strenuous physical exertion in high temperatures.

    Vulnerable groups identified in the advisory include children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals with existing health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, or thyroid problems. Furthermore, the advisory warns that high alcohol or substance consumption may exacerbate the risk of developing heat stroke.

    Medical experts from GMC Jammu have urged the community to recognize heat stroke symptoms, which can include a high body temperature, profuse sweating, dizziness, headaches, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and weakness. Immediate action is essential.

    The official guidelines recommend swift first aid responses, such as relocating affected individuals to a cooler environment, hydrating them with cold water, applying cold compresses, and securing medical assistance promptly.

    To effectively prevent heat stroke, GMC Jammu advises the public to consume ample fluids, particularly water, and to avoid outdoor activities between 10 AM and 4 PM, when temperatures peak. Wearing loose, breathable cotton clothes and incorporating oral rehydration solutions (ORS), coconut water, and seasonal fruits into the diet are also recommended methods to stay hydrated and healthy.

    By launching this awareness initiative, GMC Jammu appeals to everyone in the region to remain vigilant throughout the summer. Following the recommended preventative practices will help protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of heat-related illnesses.

  • Cong Declares Support To TVK, Says Alliance Covers Future Polls As Well

    Cong Declares Support To TVK, Says Alliance Covers Future Polls As Well

    The Congress party, a long-time ally of the DMK, on Wednesday announced support to actor-politician Vijay’s TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu and severed ties with the Dravidian major.
    The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) have decided to extend its full support to the TVK to form the government, AICC Tamil Nadu incharge Girish Chodankar said in a statement citing TVK chief Vijay’s request seeking support.
    He said: “Our support shall be conditional upon the TVK keeping out from this alliance any communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution of India. This alliance between the TVK and the Tamil Nadu Congress will strive to bring back Perunthalaivar Kamaraj’s glory days of Tamil Nadu, with a strong commitment to Thanthai Periyar’s social justice ideals and Dr BR Ambedkar’s constitutional ideals in the years and decades to come.
    This alliance – founded on mutual respect, appropriate share, and shared responsibility between the two parties is not only for the formation of this government, but also for future elections to the local body organisations, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.” (AGENCIES)
  • West Bengal Polls: BJP Crosses Majority Mark, Leads In 185 Seats; Mamata Ahead In Bhabanipur

    West Bengal Polls: BJP Crosses Majority Mark, Leads In 185 Seats; Mamata Ahead In Bhabanipur

    Signalling a potential churn in West Bengal, a state long dominated by TMC’s Mamata Banerjee, the BJP surged past the halfway mark on Monday, leading in 185 assembly seats against the TMC’s 91 as counting progressed steadily, according to the Election Commission data.
    With the majority mark of 148 in the 294-member House breached in early trends, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s momentum pointed to a possible breakthrough, while the ruling Trinamool Congress scrambled to close the widening gap in what has emerged as a potentially game-changing electoral battle.

    The early numbers, indicating a possible outcome that could reshape the state’s political landscape following a fiercely fought elections, also suggested a geographically split mandate, with the BJP pushing ahead in border, tribal and industrial regions, while the TMC held ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.
    Counting for 293 Assembly seats began at 8 am with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes.
    The Election Commission has countermanded polls in the entire Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas district, citing “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during polling in a large number of polling stations”.
    The election is widely seen as a referendum on Banerjee’s bid for a fourth consecutive term against an aggressive BJP that has sought to convert its 2021 gains into a decisive breakthrough.

    Even as the broader trend favoured the BJP, Banerjee was ahead in her Bhabanipur stronghold by 16,706 votes over BJP challenger Suvendu Adhikari after five rounds of counting, offering early comfort to the TMC in a prestige seat.
    The Bhabanipur contest witnessed sharp swings through the morning, with Banerjee leading in the first round, trailing in the second, and regaining the advantage in the third — underlining the volatility of early trends.
    However, in Nandigram, the other marquee battleground, Adhikari was ahead by over 3,135 votes against TMC’s Pabitra Kar after two rounds of counting. Beyond the headline numbers, the trends indicated a deeper churn in the state’s political landscape.

     
    For a party that has known uninterrupted power since 2011, the current numbers — with the BJP surging ahead in over 174 seats and the TMC trailing well behind — suggest the possible unravelling of a carefully constructed political machine that thrived on centralised authority, welfare outreach and relentless booth-level mobilisation.
    The scale of the shift is reflected in emerging vote share patterns, with the BJP’s share rising to around 44.8 per cent — a sharp jump from 2021 — while the TMC’s dipped to nearly 41.7 per cent, indicating erosion across segments that once formed its dependable base.
    Perhaps more telling is the churn in the 177 constituencies where voter deletions had exceeded previous victory margins — a silent faultline that appears to have turned electoral.
    The BJP was holding ground in all the seats it had won in this category in 2021 and making inroads into several of the 120 segments that the TMC had previously dominated, pointing to a deeper, more systemic shift rather than a transient swing.
    Initial trends from across the state showed several TMC heavyweights trailing, triggering concern within the ruling camp.
    In Cooch Behar district’s Dinhata, minister Udayan Guha was trailing by 6,259 votes against BJP’s Ajay Ray after four of the 24 rounds of counting.
    TMC’s Manas Ranjan Bhunia was trailing in Paschim Medinipur district’s Sabang constituency, where he has won seven elections earlier, with BJP’s Amal Kumar Panda ahead by 693 votes after the third round.
    In Kolkata, BJP’s Purnima Chakraborty was leading by 1,430 votes over TMC minister Shashi Panja, signalling early cracks in some urban pockets for the ruling party.
    In Monteswar, BJP’s Saikat Panja was ahead by 13,308 votes over TMC’s Siddiqullah Chowdhury, while in Asansol Dakshin, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul was leading by 18,812 votes.
    West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee was trailing by 1,448 votes in Baruipur Paschim constituency.
    The BJP was also leading in a swath of constituencies, including Dinhata, Gosaba, Baghmundi, Bankura, Durgapur Purba, Binpur, Nayagram, Rajganj and Bhagwangola, indicating traction across Junglemahal, north Bengal and industrial belts.
    In contrast, the TMC retained leads in pockets such as Deganga, besides urban seats like Kasba, Ballygunge, Bhabanipur and Entally, and rural belts including Singur, Raina, Jamalpur, Khandaghosh, Sitai, Malatipur and Mothabari.
    The CPI(M) was leading in Domkal in Murshidabad district, while the ISF was ahead in Minakhan in South 24 Parganas. Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir was leading in Nowda in Murshidabad over his nearest TMC rival after the first round, with a margin of 2,890 votes and several rounds remaining.
    Officials cautioned that trends could shift significantly as more rounds are counted, with clearer patterns expected only later in the day. (AGENCIES)

     

  • Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Including Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal Quit Party; To Join BJP

    Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Including Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal Quit Party; To Join BJP

     In a massive jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday, seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, quit the party.
    Addressing a press conference, Chadha, flanked by Pathak and Mittal, said that two-thirds of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MPs have quit the party and will join the BJP as a faction.
    Chadha said that party MPs Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal are also quitting the AAP.
    “AAP, that I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has completely strayed from its principles, values and core morals,” he said.
    Chadha was recently removed as the deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha and was replaced by Mittal in the Upper House.
    “In the Rajya Sabha, the Aam Aadmi Party has 10 MPs. More than two-thirds of them are with us in this initiative.
    “They have already signed, and this morning we submitted all the required documentation, including signed letters and other formal paperwork, to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha,” Chadha told reporters.
    Hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, Chadha said that the party is no longer working for the country, but for its own benefit.
    “Over the past few years, I have increasingly felt that I am the right person in the wrong party. Today, I announce my decision to move away from AAP and work more closely with the ‘janata’ (public),” he said.
    Another Rajya Sabha MP, Sandeep Pathak, said that he had never thought that this situation would arise, but it has.
    “For 10 years, I remained associated with this party. And today, I am parting ways with the Aam Aadmi Party,” Pathak said.
    On April 15, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at business entities linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab as part of a FEMA probe. (Agencies)
  • Time to Unite Against Drug Menace: Dr. Rufayee Supports LG’s Initiative

    Time to Unite Against Drug Menace: Dr. Rufayee Supports LG’s Initiative

    Jammu, April 20:

    Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media, has appreciated the strong and determined stance taken by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Sh.Manoj Sinha in launching an intensified campaign against the growing drug menace in Jammu & Kashmir.

    He lauded the administration’s commitment under the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” initiative and termed it a timely and much-needed step to safeguard the future of the youth and restore the social fabric of the region. Dr. Rufayee stated that drug abuse is not merely a law-and-order issue but a serious societal challenge that demands collective responsibility.

    “Such a decisive approach sends a strong message that the government is committed to eradicating this menace from its roots. However, the success of this campaign depends largely on active public participation,” he said.

    Dr. Rufayee urged parents, teachers, community leaders, and especially the youth to come forward and support the initiative. He emphasized the crucial role of families and civil society in identifying early signs of substance abuse and guiding affected individuals toward rehabilitation.

    He also called upon social organizations, educational institutions, and media bodies to actively contribute by spreading awareness and building a strong public movement against drugs.

    “Every citizen must act as a stakeholder in this fight. Only through collective efforts can we ensure a safe, healthy, and drug-free Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.

    Dr. Rufayee reaffirmed his organization’s full support to the campaign and expressed willingness to collaborate in awareness drives and outreach programs across the region.

  • Imagine Tresor North India’s Largest Apple Partner Launches “Summer Fest” in Jammu with Exciting Tech Deals and In-Store Experiences

    Imagine Tresor North India’s Largest Apple Partner Launches “Summer Fest” in Jammu with Exciting Tech Deals and In-Store Experiences

    Jammu, India — 18 April — Imagine, a leading Apple Premium Partner, has announced the launch of its much-anticipated “Summer Fest” in Jammu. The limited-time retail event is designed to bring exclusive seasonal offers, hands-on product experiences, and attractive upgrade opportunities to customers across the region.

    The Summer Fest campaign will run for a short duration across Imagine stores in Jammu at Residency road and Wave Mall outlets, offering customers access to special pricing on a wide range of Apple products and compatible accessories. The initiative aims to make premium technology more accessible while enhancing the in-store shopping experience.

    The fest was inaugurated by Dr. Arvind Karwani (JKAS) Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner and senior leadership members from the Tresor family.

    Dr. Arvind Karwani said, “We are delighted to see initiatives like the Imagine Summer Fest being brought to Jammu, as they reflect the growing demand for technology-driven lifestyles in our region. Such platforms not only make premium innovations from Apple more accessible to people, but also encourage digital adoption among youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

    I appreciate the efforts of Imagine in creating an engaging and customer-focused experience through this Summer Fest. Events like these contribute positively to the local economy while empowering individuals to stay connected with the latest advancements in technology. I wish the team great success for this initiative and look forward to more such opportunities for our community.”

    Mr. Shaurya Seth, Director, Tresor Systems Pvt. Ltd., stated “We are pleased to introduce the Imagine Summer Fest in Jammu, a region that continues to demonstrate a growing appetite for premium technology and elevated retail experiences. This initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening customer engagement and making innovative products more widely accessible.

    Through the Summer Fest, we aim to deliver not only attractive value but also a superior in-store experience. Jammu remains a significant market in our expansion strategy, and we will continue to focus on enhancing our presence while providing exceptional service to our customers.”

    Amit Malhotra, Cluster Head Jammu said, “During the event, customers can explore the latest offers on products like iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and Protect+ with AppleCare Services. Customers also get personalized assistance from trained experts, and can take advantage of bundled offers and exchange programs. The festival also highlights accessories and complementary tech products, catering to students, professionals, and everyday users looking to upgrade their devices this summer.”

    Speaking on the product portfolio, Dr. Shravan Kokroo, Group Head – Marketing, Tresor, said: “Imagine brings together Apple’s complete portfolio, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Beats, complemented by a carefully curated range of branded accessories. Designed to address productivity, creativity, and lifestyle needs, the store enables customers to experience the Apple ecosystem in its entirety and make informed choices. The campaign is also being promoted through local outreach and digital platforms, ensuring that customers stay informed about ongoing deals and limited-time offers.”

    Customers are encouraged to visit their nearest Imagine store in Jammu to experience the Summer Fest first hand and take advantage of exclusive in-store benefits.

     

    About Imagine – Apple Premium Partner

    Imagine Apple Authorised Reseller lives and breathes Apple. The brand offers expert guidance, the complete Apple product line-up, software, and accessories under one roof, along with hands-on demonstrations, workshops, and events. Imagine caters to individual consumers as well as business and professional users looking to maximize their Apple experience.

    Apple products are also available online at myimaginestore.com.