New Delhi, May 29: India has reported 310 new coronavirus infections, resulting in a decrease in active cases from 4,972 to 4,709, as per the latest data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The death toll has risen to 5,31,866 with two additional fatalities. The total Covid-19 case tally stands at 4.49 crore (4,49,90,054). Active cases now constitute only 0.01 percent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has reached 98.80 percent, stated the ministry. The number of individuals who have recovered from the disease has surged to 4,44,53,479, and the case fatality rate stands at 1.18 percent. The ministry’s website also reveals that the country has administered 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine so far as part of the nationwide vaccination drive.
Category: Uncategorized
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Security Forces Engage in Search Operation in Village of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu, May 29: Acting on a tip-off about the presence of suspicious individuals, security forces conducted a search operation in a village located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. A resident of Purani village noticed the movement of three suspicious persons during the early hours and promptly informed the police. Assisted by the Army and the CRPF, the police swiftly established a cordon and conducted thorough house-to-house searches. However, no suspicious individuals were found. Local residents expressed concern, highlighting that this was the second instance in a fortnight where suspicious movements were detected by vigilant villagers. They also called for a permanent security post in the village to ensure ongoing protection. The security forces remain on high alert in Poonch and nearby Rajouri districts following a series of three separate terror attacks since January, resulting in the loss of ten soldiers and seven civilians.
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Over 100 Tourists, Including Women and Children, Rescued After Being Trapped in Snow in Ladakh
Ladakh, May 27 : In a remarkable operation initiated by the Leh administration, more than 100 tourists, including women and children, who were stranded in the perilous Chang-la Axis of Ladakh due to heavy snowfall, have been successfully rescued.
The operation, which began on Friday evening, continued into Saturday morning as the Ladakh Police UTDRF, along with personnel from the Kharu police post, sprang into action. Eight tourists were rescued from Chang-la Top amid challenging snowfall conditions, bringing relief to the distressed visitors, according to the Ladakh UT’s additional DGP.
With the assistance of the Army, GREF, and other teams, the rescue operation was carried out successfully. Reports had been pouring in about tourists encountering difficulties due to snow at the Zojila Pass in the Kargil district of Ladakh. Police are providing assistance to tourist vehicles at the Zojila axis, and highway patrols have been intensified to aid those in distress, as stated by the Kargil Police.
The situation at Chang La, a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 17,688 ft in the Ladakh Range between Leh and the Shyok River valley, posed a significant challenge. Chang La, located on the Leh to Pangong Lake road, forms part of the Leh-Karu-Sakti-Zingral-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangtse-Pangong Lake motorable road.
The rescue operation was necessitated by continuous intermittent snowfall over the past two days, resulting in treacherous and slippery road conditions. Leh District Police successfully rescued hundreds of stranded passengers, including women, children, and tourists, who found themselves immobilized at Changla Top.
In response to the emergencies caused by inclement weather and intermittent snowfall compounded by icy road conditions, the police teams from Kharu and Tangste police posts swiftly rushed to Changla Top. Their primary focus was to rescue and evacuate stranded passengers, with particular attention given to women, children, and tourists. Those with self-driven cars were transferred to police vehicles and local taxis, ensuring their safe transport to secure locations. Private vehicles were also guided to safety with the assistance of local drivers. Moreover, priority was given to tourists and children with medical complications, ensuring their timely evacuation to Leh.
The Ladakh Police’s UTDRF rescue team, along with the Army and GREF rescue teams, played an active role in the operation. Through their combined efforts, all stranded individuals were safely evacuated without any untoward incidents. The rescued individuals were transported to Leh for further assistance, as confirmed by the police.
Due to the significant influx of tourists and local passengers requiring assistance, the rescue operation continued until the early hours of the morning. The Ladakh Police appealed to tourists and the general public to adhere to weather advisories, plan their journeys accordingly, and prioritize safer travel experiences.
In a separate incident, the Baramulla Police successfully rescued a tourist family from Telangana who had lost their way and become stuck in Kangdoori, Gulmarg, after going on a Gondola ride. The timely intervention of the police ensured their safe return.
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PM Modi Chairs 8th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, Eight Chief Ministers Absent
New Delhi , May 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the eighth governing council meeting of NITI Aayog on Saturday. Held at the new Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the meeting focused on the theme of “Viksit Bharat @2047: Role of Team India.” The agenda included discussions on health, skill development, women empowerment, and infrastructure development, with the objective of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
The council meeting witnessed the participation of Chief Ministers from various states, along with the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Among the Chief Ministers present were Bhupesh Baghel from Chhattisgarh, Jagan Mohan Reddy from Andhra Pradesh, Hemant Soren from Jharkhand, Pema Khandu from Arunachal Pradesh, and Eknath Shinde from Maharashtra.
The NITI Aayog outlined eight prominent themes for discussion during the meeting, including the development of a futuristic India, focus on MSMEs, infrastructure and investments, minimizing compliance burden, women empowerment, health and nutrition, skill development, and the promotion of area development and social infrastructure through Gati Shakti.
The absence of several Chief Ministers, including Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), K Chandrashekar Rao (Telangana), Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan), Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala), and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (due to international travel) marked the meeting.
The 8th Governing Council Meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the Centre and states and foster partnerships in pursuit of the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Additionally, it aligned with India’s G20 Presidency and its motto of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” emphasizing the country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in the next 25 years.
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Arrest Made in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir: Suspected Associate of LeT Militant Apprehended
Srinagar, May 27 : In a significant operation, security forces apprehended a suspected militant associate affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Acting on intelligence regarding the movement of militants in Nagbal village, security forces set up a mobile vehicle checkpoint at the Shranz Crossing Nagbal, leading to the successful arrest, according to a police spokesperson.
The individual, identified as Mohammad Ashraf Mir, a resident of Laridoora Chandoosa, attempted to flee upon spotting the security personnel but was tactfully apprehended. During the arrest, a grenade was recovered from the suspect, who had been working as a terrorist associate for LeT. It was revealed that Mir had surrendered as a former terrorist.
Authorities have registered a case under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, initiating an investigation into the matter. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat militancy in the region.
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Bear Spotted Roaming Freely on School Grounds in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir
JAMMU, May 27: In a startling occurrence, a black bear entered the premises of a government-run school in Banihal town, Ramban district, before the students’ arrival on Saturday morning. This prompted a collaborative rescue operation involving the police and wildlife department, according to officials.
Fortunately, the students were allowed into the school approximately one hour later than their usual schedule as it was discovered that the bear had escaped, taking advantage of the dense vegetation in the area.
Panic spread in Banihal around 9 am when some locals noticed the black bear entering the government higher secondary school for boys from a nearby government building, where it is believed to have sought refuge overnight.
Upon receiving the information, the police and wildlife protection teams swiftly responded to the scene with the intention of capturing the bear. However, they were unable to locate it after initially spotting it near the school laboratory, as reported by officials.
To ensure public safety, the joint teams have been deployed throughout the area in an effort to track down the bear.
Abdul Rashid Giri, the school’s principal, confirmed that students were permitted to attend their classes after a delay of nearly one hour due to the presence of the wild bear.
Local residents expressed concern over the increasing frequency of bear sightings in the town and surrounding areas, including along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
“The presence of three bears in Banihal poses a serious threat, and the concerned department should take necessary measures to promptly capture them for the safety of the people,” stated Farooq Ahmad, a resident of the area.
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Weekend Weather Forecast: Cloudy to Mostly Dry, Rainfall Expected in J&K from May 29-31
Srinagar, May 27: The weather forecast for the upcoming weekend in Jammu and Kashmir indicates mostly dry conditions with intermittent spells of “light to moderate” rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. There is also a possibility of hailstorms and gusty winds at a few places from May 29 to May 31, according to the meteorological department.
Currently, Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing partly cloudy weather, with brief rain showers and thunderstorms expected in scattered areas later in the afternoon and evening of May 27. However, May 29 is predicted to be mainly dry with no significant precipitation.
From May 29 to May 31, intermittent episodes of light to moderate rain, along with thunder and lightning, are expected at various locations. There is also a potential for hailstorms and gusty winds at select places during this period.
Farmers are advised to take advantage of the favorable weather conditions and proceed with all types of agricultural operations until May 29.
Temperature-wise, Srinagar recorded a low of 9.0°C, slightly lower than the previous night and below the normal average for this time of year. Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kokernag, and Gulmarg also experienced below-normal temperatures. In Jammu, the temperature was lower than usual for the winter capital. Similarly, Banihal, Batote, Katra, Bhaderwah, and Leh in Ladakh also recorded temperatures below the normal average.
Despite the upcoming rainfall, the weather conditions during the weekend are expected to be predominantly cloudy with limited dry periods.
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Shiv Sena questions PM Modi’s view of new Parliament building as his ‘estate,’ raises query on Advani’s inauguration invitation
Mumbai, May 26 : The Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, has strongly criticized the BJP government at the Centre for not inviting President Droupadi Murmu to the upcoming inauguration of the new Parliament building. In an editorial published in its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, the Sena (UBT) alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers the new complex as his personal “estate” because he believes it was solely created by him.
The party also took a swipe at the BJP, questioning whether senior party leader L.K. Advani has been invited to the May 28 event. Twenty opposition parties, including the Congress and the Sena (UBT), have announced their boycott of the inauguration, arguing that the President should be the one to perform the honors.
In the editorial, the Sena (UBT) emphasized that the President is not only the head of the country but also the first citizen of India, and therefore, her position should not be disrespected. It criticized Modi’s view that the new Parliament building belongs to him, asserting that it actually belongs to the nation and not any political party.
The party further stated that it was ironic for BJP leaders to speak about democracy while displaying such arrogance. It also questioned the absence of an invitation to Advani, who played a pivotal role in the BJP’s success.
Highlighting the importance of the Leader of Opposition, the Sena (UBT) suggested that it would have been more dignified to include the name of the LoP in the invitation, as the position holds equal status to that of the Prime Minister.
The party criticized the government’s message, stating that attending their “private party” would result in insult. It referred to Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, popularly known as “Mindhe-Fadnavis,” who enjoy attending such events, and raised doubts about whether there would be space for Advani.
The Sena (UBT) concluded by emphasizing that if the President of India has not been invited, the presence or absence of other invitees becomes irrelevant.
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Provide adequate compensation to hailstorm-affected farmers and orchardists: Ghulam Hassan Mir
Says, the heavy rains and severe hailstorm have wreaked havoc on crops and fruits in various areas across the Valley
Srinagar, May 26: Former cabinet minister and Apni Party’s Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir on Friday urged the LG administration to provide adequate compensation to the agricultural farmers and orchardists who met with huge losses due to the recent heavy rains and hailstorms in various parts of the Valley.
In his statement, Ghulam Hassan Mir, said, “The recent hailstorm has damaged fruit-laden trees, including apple, cherry, and pear in the orchards, and crops including wheat, rice, and vegetables in various places.”
“The damages to the crops and fruits have been caused, especially in many parts of north and central Kashmir, causing heavy damages to farmers. This is the second time these recent months that the farmers and orchardists have suffered massive losses due to the adverse weather situation. The destructive hailstorm destroyed standing crops and the fruit that was still in its initial form.”
Demanding an official assessment of the losses, which should be followed by adequate compensation to the affected people, Ghulam Hassan Mir, said, “Given the fact that crops and orchards are the primary sources of livelihood to a large population across the Valley, the administration is supposed to provide swift relief and proper compensation to the sufferers so that the affected people can overcome the loss caused by the weather fury.”
Mir appealed to the LG administration to ensure the official teams are immediately sent to the affected areas to assess the losses and provide compensation swiftly to the sufferers. -
Nehru Yuva Kendra Udhampur organized Yuva Utsav on thetheme “Panch Pran” in GDC Udhampur
Nehru Yuva Kendra Udhampur, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. Of India organized “Yuva Utsav” in collaboration with NSS Unit of Govt Degree College, Udhampur in which 500 young participants from across the district participated in 5 different competitive events viz Young Artists Camp – Painting, Young Writers Contest – Poetry, Mobile Photography Contest, Declamation Contest and Group Cultural Fest.
The colorful event organized on the theme “Panch Pran” witnessed exhibitions and stalls from Central Bureau of Communication and Department of Agriculture. The Chief Guest of the event was Vice-Chairperson District Development Council Advocate Juhi Manhas Pathania whereas Sh. Shaid Nahiem Ahmed, Dy SP was the guest of honor. The event started with the traditional lamp lightening ceremony followed by the Ganesh Vandana by students of DPS Udhampur. At the outset, District Youth Officer Khushal Gupta welcomed the Guest, Jury, Faculty members, Staff and students of various educational institutions. He focused on Panch Pran and briefed the audience about the objectives of organizing such events.
He said that Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan through its field offices is organizing Yuva Utsav in all the districts across the nation and that that the winners of all components of Yuva Utsav will qualify for State Level Yuva Utsav followed by the National level Yuva Utsav.
After the welcome address, various cultural teams gave their performances and participants of declamation contest also spoke on the topic “Panch Pran”. In the conference hall, the students wrote their poems and contestants of Mobile Photography were given the time of 2 hours to take their best photographs. Advocate SD Kotwal also presented his self-written poems on Patriotism and Nation Building.
In the end, Ms. Juhi Pathania lauded the efforts of Nehru Yuva Kendra Udhampur for organizing such grand event. She added that youth should come forward and participate in such programmes. She urged the rural youth in particular to make the best use of such platforms and represent themselves in nation building activities. Dy SP Shaid Nahiem also put his views on the rising menace of drug addiction and said that such events are necessary in
today’s era to bring youth in mainstream. At the end, prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners and jury members .