Himalayan Express

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Indian Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to France Results in Approval of Procuring 26 Rafale Jets for Navy

New Delhi: The defence ministry has granted approval for the acquisition of 26 naval variant Rafale jets from France, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision was made during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Paris.

In addition to the Rafale jets, the DAC also greenlit a proposal for the construction of three more Scorpene submarines in India. The announcement of these significant defence projects is expected following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday.

The DAC’s approval follows the clearance of these projects by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) approximately a week ago. The Indian Navy aims to procure 26 deck-based fighter jets for the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. After an extensive evaluation process, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and Dassault Aviation’s Rafale M emerged as the top contenders. Ultimately, the naval variant Rafale-M emerged as the winner in the closely contested selection process.

It is worth noting that India has already procured 36 Rafale jets from France for the Indian Air Force. This acquisition marks a significant milestone as it is India’s first major purchase of fighter planes in 23 years since the import of Sukhoi jets from Russia.

Another significant project involving France is the follow-on order for three Scorpene submarines. Under Project 75, India has already manufactured six Scorpene submarines domestically.

The procurement of the naval variant Rafale jets and the construction of additional Scorpene submarines demonstrate India’s commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities and strengthening its defence forces.

July 13, 2023
Pakistan’s Election Commission Issues Non-Bailable Arrest Warrant for Imran Khan on Contempt Charges

Islamabad, Jul 11: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued non-bailable arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry in a case of contempt. The ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against Khan, Chaudhry, and Asad Umar, former leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, for allegedly using disrespectful language against the electoral watchdog and its Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

The arrest warrant order was issued by a four-member ECP bench led by member Nisar Durrani after Khan and Chaudhry failed to appear before the commission despite repeated warnings. However, Umar was exempted from the arrest warrant as his counsel cited other commitments and a medical appointment.

The ECP had requested the PTI leaders to present themselves or their counsels to explain their position, but instead, they challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in higher courts. In January, the Supreme Court allowed the ECP to proceed with the case against Khan, Chaudhry, and Umar, leading to the framing of charges against them by the ECP.

Imran Khan, 70, has faced numerous cases in various courts since his removal from power in April of the previous year. Fawad Chaudhry, once a staunch supporter of Khan, resigned from PTI following violent protests carried out by party supporters on May 9, after Khan’s arrest at the Islamabad High Court. The government responded with a crackdown on PTI leaders and workers, leading to arrests and charges related to attacks on civil and military installations.

During the protests, Khan’s supporters vandalized several military installations and stormed the Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The clashes resulted in a death toll of 10, according to the police, while the PTI claimed that 40 of its workers were killed in the firing by security personnel.

July 11, 2023
Amarnath Yatra Suspended for Third Day Due to Bad Weather

Srinagar, July 9: The annual Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for the third consecutive day on Sunday due to unfavorable weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities halted a batch of devotees at the Jammu Base camp as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed.

As a result of the Yatra suspension, approximately 6,000 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were stranded at Ramban, officials reported. Adverse weather conditions also trapped around 80 people from Karnataka in Panchtarni, six kilometers away from the Amarnath cave.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mussarat Islam, assured that the administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of the stranded pilgrims. He stated, “The Amarnath Yatra was suspended yesterday following inclement weather… We have all the facilities available here at the ‘yatri niwas’ for the pilgrims. We are taking all possible steps to ensure that the pilgrims don’t face any problems.”

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) remained closed for vehicular traffic at Ramban due to a landslide, according to officials.

Since the beginning of the Yatra on July 1, a total of 67,566 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath cave shrine. On July 5, 18,354 pilgrims performed the darshan, departing from both the Baltal base camp and Nunwan base camp.

The official spokesperson emphasized that state agencies and civil departments are providing assistance and making essential facilities available to the devotees during their entire journey. Various departments, including the police, SDRF, army, paramilitary, health, and education, have deployed their personnel and resources to meet the requirements of the pilgrims.

The 62-day-long Shri Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 31, 2023.

July 9, 2023
Kajol Faces Backlash for Criticizing Lack of Education among Political Figures in India

Popular Bollywood actress Kajol recently faced severe criticism from netizens after she made a statement in a promotional interview, highlighting the lack of education among the majority of political figures in India. While Kajol is known for her down-to-earth demeanor and witty remarks, her comment sparked a backlash from online users.

While some netizens agreed with Kajol’s observation, many others brutally mocked her for being a school dropout. Social media platforms were flooded with tweets ridiculing her and even targeting her husband, Ajay Devgn, for his academic background.

Kajol expressed her opinion on the slow pace of societal changes in a country deeply rooted in customs like India. She emphasized, “We have political leaders who do not have an educational system background. You are being ruled by leaders who do not have that viewpoint, and education does give you that.” Despite knowing the potential backlash, she chose to speak her mind.

The online response was swift and harsh, with individuals highlighting Kajol’s own educational background and questioning her credibility. The criticism ranged from labeling her as a “school dropout after class 8th” to targeting her husband’s profession and accusing her of overconfidence.

Alongside her promotional activities, Kajol is set to make her long-awaited OTT debut in the series “The Trail” on Disney+ Hotstar. Additionally, she will be seen in the suspense thriller film “Do Patti,” where she reunites with her co-star from “Dilwale,” Kriti Sanon, after an eight-year hiatus.

July 9, 2023
Himachal Pradesh Becomes First Hilly State to Achieve 100% Household Water Supply

Shimla, July 8: Himachal Pradesh has accomplished a significant milestone by becoming the first hilly state in India to provide tap water connections to every rural household. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that all 17.08 lakh rural families in the state now have access to tap water.

The achievement comes as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was launched on August 15, 2019, with the goal of providing household tap connections to all households across the country by 2024.

Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the top nine states in the country in terms of drinking water supply. As per the mission’s provisions, each person is now entitled to 55 liters of clean drinking water per day through tap connections.

The state has also received additional incentives from the central government for its efficient assessment and superior performance in maintaining drinking water quality.

Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that the State Level Scheme Sanctioning Committee has approved 1,742 schemes with an estimated amount of Rs 5,757.79 crore. These schemes were implemented in drought-prone areas, tribal regions, aspirational districts, and Sansad Adarsh Gram Panchayats.

To ensure water quality, 69 laboratories have been established in the state, along with field test kits distributed to each village for regular water testing.

The Jal Shakti Vibhag has also trained 14,200 youths through skill development centers, aiming to provide employment opportunities and support the maintenance and management of drinking water schemes. Students in relevant fields are being trained and given a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000.

Furthermore, 49 rural drinking water schemes have been handed over to gram panchayats for operation and maintenance. Training has been provided to 28,600 panchayat representatives and 22,562 Village Water and Sanitation Committee members for effective management.

The Jal Shakti Vibhag remains vigilant in tackling challenges such as silt deposition, pipeline leakage, and other obstacles to ensure uninterrupted water supply. Back-end schemes worth approximately Rs 1,000 crore are being implemented to stabilize and maintain the quality and quantity of water supply.

The state is actively promoting rainwater conservation, introducing solar energy-based schemes for power supply, and developing anti-freeze technology under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure continuous water supply in snow-bound areas. Efforts are also being made to revive and conserve natural water sources such as bawdies and springs.

The accomplishment of achieving 100% household water supply ahead of schedule under the Jal Jeevan Mission marks a significant milestone in the state’s progress and prosperity.

July 8, 2023
CM Yogi: Modi Continues Shyama Prasad’s Legacy

New Delhi, July 06 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commends Prime Minister Narendra Modi for carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, a devoted advocate of India and Indianism. CM Yogi paid homage to Dr. Mukherjee on his 123rd birth anniversary at Civil Hospital, Park Road, Lucknow. He emphasized the nation’s gratitude for Dr. Mukherjee’s sacrifices in preserving India’s unity and integrity.

Describing Dr. Mukherjee as a guiding light for India’s industrial and food policies, CM Yogi noted that when the Nehru-led government adopted appeasement as a policy, Dr. Mukherjee resigned from the cabinet and formed the Jansangh. Their differences also surfaced when the Nehru government attempted to enforce Article 370 on the Indian Constitution, jeopardizing the country’s unity and security. Dr. Mukherjee staunchly opposed it and championed the slogan of “Ek desh mein do Pradhan, do Vidhan aur do Nishan nahin chalenge” (The country cannot have two prime ministers, two constitutions, and two national emblems).

Highlighting Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s role as a prominent freedom fighter, patriotic figure, and eminent educationist during the freedom movement, CM Yogi emphasized his significant contributions as the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, where he made remarkable strides in the field of education at a young age of 33. He also cited Dr. Mukherjee’s exemplary service to humanity during the devastating Bengal famine prior to independence.

CM Yogi stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi effectively implements Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s ideology for India. Prime Minister Modi abolished the long-standing issue of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, advancing the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir are now experiencing unprecedented development.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, State BJP President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, and BJP workers.

July 6, 2023
Teenager killed, 6 other injured after Sumo fell into gorge at Gowari area of Doda
By King RJ

Bhadarwah, July 5: In tragic incident, a 14 years boy got killed, while 6 others injured after a vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into gorge near Gowari area of Doda on Wednesday afternoon.

While confirming the incident, ASP Bhadarwah Vinod Sharma said that a Tata Sumo (JK14C 7231), on way from Gowari to Kota Bhunecha on Gowari-Changa road, fell into deep gorge at Tawai bridge near Gowari area of Bhallesa in District Doda, after the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp curve.

ASP Bhadarwah said that Police, locals immediately reached the spot and shifted all 7 persons on board to CHC Changa, where doctors declared one 14 years old boy as brought dead, while 6 others are undergoing treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Sonu Kumar 14 s/o Jamit Ram R/O Bhuneecha.

The injured have been identified as 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐒/𝐎 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐥 𝐫/𝐨 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚, 𝐃river 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐒/𝐎 𝐉𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑/𝐎 𝐒𝐨𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐧 𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐒/𝐎 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡, 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐖/𝟎 𝐇𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐫/𝟎 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚, 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐒/𝐎 𝐊𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐫/𝟎 𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐭𝐢 and 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐬/𝟎 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐫/𝟎 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚.
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  "A Case vide FIR No 58/2023 U/S 279,337 IPC has been registered and investigation of the case is going on, " ASP Vinod informed. 

Later 3 seriously injured were shifted to GMC Doda for further treatment.
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Meanwhile Vice-Chairperson DDC Doda Sangeeta Bhagat expressed shock over the loss of precious life and injury to 6 persons in the tragic incident which took place in Gowari area of Doda. She prayed for eternal peace to departed soul and early recovery to injured persons.
July 6, 2023
JKEDI Facilitates Idea Pitching Session, Empowering Startups in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organized a dynamic idea pitching session, highlighting the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

In collaboration with various stakeholders, JKEDI provided a valuable platform for startups in J&K to present their innovative ideas and seek support from experienced professionals in the industry.

The event, held under the leadership of Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, JK, is part of a series of initiatives organized by JKEDI across the UT. Over the past few months, the institute has conducted entrepreneurship awareness programs, entrepreneurship training programs, startup workshops, and idea pitching workshops, among others.

Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director of JKEDI, expressed the significance of the pitching session, stating, “We are committed to supporting these budding entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to thrive in the competitive business environment.”

The session brought together a diverse group of aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and startups from various sectors, including technology, e-commerce, education services, and social impact initiatives.

Noteworthy startups such as Aspire Educational Service Private Limited, Sky Robo Drones Private Limited, NEKOD Software Solutions Private Limited, United Floritech, Walnut Willie, Kashmir Kraft, and many others participated in the event, showcasing their innovative ideas.

The inclusivity and reach of the event were enhanced as startups from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir were able to connect and present their ideas remotely. The session witnessed the participation of more than 100 aspiring and established entrepreneurs.

The pitching session provided a platform for entrepreneurs to present their compelling business models, demonstrating their potential to address key challenges and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the UT. Investors and mentors actively engaged with the entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights, guidance, and constructive feedback. These interactive sessions fostered meaningful discussions and facilitated connections that could pave the way for future collaborations and investments.

Impressed by the depth of talent and innovative solutions presented, investors emphasized their commitment to supporting agri-based businesses and environmentally friendly and sustainable startups, which have the potential to drive the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

July 5, 2023
Syllabus – Datesheet

July 3, 2023
Aakash BYJU’S Felicitates its Top Performers in NEET UG 2023 from Jammu

Jammu, June 17, 2023: Aakash BYJU’S, India’s leader in test preparation services, today felicitated its students from Jammu who were among the Top rank holders in the NEET UG 2023 entrance examination. Registering one of the best results, around 1,06,870 students from Aakash Institute, have qualified the prestigious NEET UG Examination 2023 nationally. A total of 708 Aakashians have cleared the NEET examination from Jammu.

Notable achievers who were felicitated today are Aarush Gupta who scored 678 marks and secured AIR 1803, Rifaaqat Ghani scored 670 marks with AIR 2884 and Saqib Mehmood scored 657 marks AIR 5166 amongst others.

This year Aakash Institute students have secured an impressive number of 5 students from across India in the Top 10 of NEET UG 2023; 29 in Top 50; and 56 in Top 100and a whopping 381 in Top 1000 in General Category. 17 students became State/UT Toppers of Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Tripura and Chhattisgarh. 94,762 students qualified from classroom program while 12,108 students qualified from Digital and Distance Learning programs.

On the occasion, Mr Parmeshar Jha, Regional Director, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) said “We congratulate the students for their exemplary feat. Their achievement speaks volumes of their hard work and dedication. The credit goes to the efforts put in by the students, proper guidance by the faculty and as well as the quality test preparation imparted at the institute. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the parents for being a constant support to their children. I wish them all the best for their future endeavours”

NEET is conducted annually by National Testing Agency as a qualifying test for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS) and AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, etc.) courses in government and private institutions in India and also, for those intending to pursue primary medical qualification abroad.

20.87 lakhs students were registered for NEET(UG) and 20.38 lakhs students were appeared. Out of 11.46 students qualified NEET(UG) examination.

June 17, 2023