Kargil (Ladakh), October 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed in Kargil on Monday to celebrate the festival of light with soldiers said Diwali means the “festival of end of terror” and that Kargil had made it possible.
Addressing soldiers Prime Minister said, “For me, all of you have been my family for years now. It is a privilege to spend Diwali with our brave jawans in Kargil.”
“The forces are the pillar of India’s security. From this victorious land of Kargil, I wish the countrymen and the world a very happy Diwali. There has not been a single war with Pakistan where Kargil has not hoisted the flag of victory. The meaning of Diwali is end of Atank (terror) and Kargil made it possible,” he said.
“In Kargil, our forces crushed terror. I was fortunate enough to be a witness. I was shown my old photos here, and I am grateful for that,” he added.
The Prime Minister has been celebrating the festival with soldiers for several years now.
In 2019, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. He had called soldiers as his family and lauded them for guarding the borders even during festivals. He had exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station.
In 2018, Prime Minister Modi had celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at Harsil in Uttarakhand. Following that he had offered prayers at the Kedarnath shrine. In 2017, the Prime Minister celebrated the festival of light with army soldiers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora District.
In 2016, the PM went to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival with Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at an outpost.
He visited the Punjab border to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in 2015. In 2014, Prime Minister Modi spent Diwali in Siachen with soldiers.
Notably, PM Modi has been visiting soldiers on Diwali, ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. (AGENCIES)
“You have been my family…”PM Modi’s Diwali message in Kargil to soldiers
COVID-19: India records 1,334 fresh cases
New Delhi, Oct 24: India has recorded 1,334 fresh coronavirus infections, the lowest in 188 days, which took the tally of cases to 4,46,44,076, while the number of active cases has declined to 23,193, the Union health ministry said on Monday.
The death toll has climbed to 5,28,977 with 16 fatalities, which include 12 deaths reconciled by Kerala, data updated by the ministry at 8 am stated.
The active cases comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections, while the national recovery rate has increased to 98.76 per cent, it said.
The ministry said that a decrease of 239 cases has been recorded in active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours.
While the daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.52 per cent, the weekly positivity rate stands at 0.95 per cent, it said.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,40,91,906, while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.18 per cent.
According to the ministry, 219.56 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine has been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.
India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19, 2020.
India recorded two crore cases on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year, and four crore on January 25.
Of the four fatalities, recorded in the past 24 hours, one each was reported from Karnataka, Odisha, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh. (Agencies)
Dry weather with hazy mornings, evenings likely in J&K: MeT
JAMMU, Oct 24: The Meteorological (MeT) department on Monday forecast dry weather with hazy mornings and evenings during the next 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir.
Weather was dry in the union Territory during the last 24 hours.
“Dry weather with hazy mornings/evenings is likely in J&K during the next 24 hours”, an official of the MeT department said.
Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded 3.7 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam zero and Gulmarg 0.5 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature this morning.
Drass town in Ladakh region had minus 4.1 degree, Kargil minus 1.2 and Leh minus 1.8, while
Jammu clocked 14.2, Katra 13.6, Batote 7.5, Banihal 5 and Bhaderwah 5.3 degrees. (Agencies)
Bhandari lashed out at Dr Jatinder Singh, Termed his visit an eye Wash
Kishtwar 23 Oct:- Thakur Randeep Bhandari Youth Leader of Azad led DAP Kishtwar have lashed out at Dr.Jatinder Singh MOS PMO, slamed his visit to Kishtwar only an eye wash and alleged he has done nothing new for Kishtwar. Bhandari claimed that Singh has done nothing for the development of Kishtwar and in last 8 Years as MP he only visited Kishtwar 6 times and added that it was tenture of Ghulam Nabi Azad Kishtwar got District keeping all parameters in considerstion and all now Kishtwar is hub of development and when he visit Kishwar he only recall old work because he got nothing to show and he remind one thing that GMC at Doda was announced by Ghulam Nabi Azad. Bhandari advised Singh to check fact before commenting and he must go and check his adopted village Bhatan Nagseni which is zero in development at this time.
NYK organises District level Yuva Utsav at Bhadarwah, more than 500 students participated
By King RJ
Bhadarwah: To engage youths in positive activities and to provide them a platform to showcase their talent, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) Doda, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India organised a one day ‘District Level Yuva Utsav’ at Community Hall, Bhadarwah under the aegis of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
The event was organised on the theme “Sense of Duty among the Citizens”. Six different events including Young Artist Camp, Young Writers Contest, Photography Contest, Declamation Contest, Cultural Fest and Yuva Samvaad were held during the day long event.
Dhanater Singh, Chairman District Development Council Doda was the Chief Guest where as Dil Mir Choudhary, ADC Bhadarwah was the Guest of Honor. While Aftab Alam SP Bhadarwah was the Special Guest of the programme. Yousaf Ul Umar, EO MC Bhaderwah also attended the event along with Jury members belonging to different academic backgrounds.
At the outset, Khushal Gupta, District Youth Officer welcomed the guests and participants and briefed about the objectives of organising such events.
Thereafter more than 500 young boys and girls showed their talent in their respective categories. Cultural teams belonging to the remotest corners of the district made the event more colourful. After the competitive events, Prizes and Certificates were distributed among the winners of all events followed by the addresses of all guests.
Dhanater Singh (DDC Chairman) welcomed such initiatives being undertaken by NYK Doda to provide platform to the youngsters and extended his cooperation towards such nation building events. He welcomed all the participants on the land of Bhaderwah. Dil Mir Choudhary, ADC Bhadarwah also encouraged the youth and spoke about the various initiatives being taken by district administration to uplift the youth of rural areas. Aftab Alam SP Bhadarwah lauded the efforts of NYK Doda to bring the youth under one platform and guided the participants to remain away from Drug Addiction and come towards nation building activities.
Participants Mehr-Ul-Nisa and others expressed their gratitude to the organizers for providing them an opportunity to perform and showcase their talent.
7th Ayurveda day celebrated at Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College, Akhnoor
7th Ayurveda Day celebrated with enthusiasm at Govt. Ayuvedic Medical College Akhnoor with the theme Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda (Ayurveda Everyday, Ayurveda Everywhere) to promote Ayurveda in leading a healthy life. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Shashi Sudhan in her address emphasis to adopt Ayurveda not only for treatment but also for prevention of disease process, so that burden of disease can be decreased. The programme commenced with Lamp lighting ceremony, Dhanwantri Vandana followed by a amazing skit on Lord Dhanwantri’s Avataran & Samudra Manthan presented by BAMS students under guidance of Dr. Sheetal Sharma & Dr. Anupama Thakur, department of Samhita & Siddhanta, GAMC Akhnoor. Dravyaguna department organized a workshop on Ayurveda in the Kitchen in which Dr. Rajesh Sharma & Dr. Dheeraj Khajuria explained the importance and scientific value of various herbs (spices) used in the kitchen like cumin seeds in anaemia, Tamarind in liver disorders, Clove for toothache, Trikatu most essential spices (Black Pepper, Long Pepper, Dry Ginger) for recurrent cough and obesity (in children). A Health check-up and free investigation camp organized by department of Roga Nidana under the leadership of Dr. Priya Puesh Pargotra, Associate Professor, GAMC. The function was attended by Accounts Officer, Statistical Officer, Faculty members, Non teaching staff, Hospital staff and BAMS students. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Twinkle Gupta, Associate Professor, GAMC.
Regards
Dr Abhishek Magotra
Police seize 21 kg of heroin from truck on Jammu-Srinagar highway, driver detained
JAMMU, Oct 23: Police detained a truck driver on Sunday after heroin weighing more than 21 kg was seized from his vehicle on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur.
”During the checking of vehicles at Zero Point on the highway at Chenani, a truck coming from Kashmir and driven by Kulwinder Singh of Punjab’s Nawanshahr was intercepted,” Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Mukesh Singh said.
On a search of the vehicle, 18 packets of heroin, weighing around 21.5 kg, were seized, he added.
The seized contraband is worth crores of rupees in the international market, the officer said.
The truck driver has been detained and is being questioned, he added. (Agencies)
J&K Govt Warns Doctors Of Strict Action If Found Doing Private Practice During Duty Hours
BARAMULLA, Oct 23: Jammu and Kashmir Government warned the doctors of strict action in case they were found doing private practice during duty hours.
Bhupinder Kumar, Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education, during an inaugural awareness programme on ‘Benefits of Golden Card at Boniyar in Baramulla, said, that those who are withdrawing Non Practicing Allowance (NPA) and are indulging in private practicing will be dealt strictly as per the law.
He said, that doctors who are skipping their duties and doing private practices in other places are also being viewed very seriously.
Earlier this year, in the month of October, the government issued clear directions, asking doctors and paramedical staff to restrain private practice during duty hours in health institutions.
Besides, monthly basis reports were also sought from HoDs with the direction not to allow any doctor borne on the establishment of Health and Medical Education Department to indulge into malpractices.
“Strict vigilance shall be kept and such cases will be recommended for strict action by the Regulatory Authorities”, reads a government order.
Pertinently, the move comes after it was observed that certain Doctors borne on the establishment of Health and Medical Education Department are indulging into private practices during official hours as well as while they are on duty rosters in the Government Health Institutions. (KNO)
Rape survivor seeks President Murmu’s permission for euthanasia
A woman, who was allegedly raped by her own step son for months and also her husband’s friends, has written a letter to President Draupadi Murmu seeking permission for ‘death by euthanasia.
The 30-year-old woman has written that she has lost all hope for justice.
She said in her letter that the police deliberately did not arrest any of the accused despite an FIR on October 9 at Puranpur Kotwali police station even after court orders.
She added that she has been getting frequent death threats from them, asking her to stay quiet about her abuse.
“I have struggled enough and don’t think I will get any justice. So, I want to end my life with your (President’s) permission,” she wrote in the letter.
According to the woman, she had married a 55-year-old farmer from Chandigarh, also a divorcee, the second time after her divorce three years ago.
She alleged that her step son approached her in April for an illicit relationship and she has been sexually assaulted, repeatedly, ever since.
The step son threatened her with ‘consequences’ which initially forced her to remain quiet.
She further claimed that when she became pregnant and was mercilessly hit in her stomach when she wanted to go for a DNA test.
Later, she was forced for an abortion at a private hospital in Puranpur.
The victim further stated that on July 18, she was taken to a farmhouse of her husband’s friend where one of his relatives and two colleagues raped her. Her written complaints to the local police and other senior officials fell on deaf ears.
Left with no choice, she moved court which issued an order to the police to lodge an FIR.
The FIR was recently registered by Puranpur Kotwali police station and five men, including her husband and step son, were booked under IPC sections 376-D (gang-rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
But no arrests have been made.
The woman currently lives in Bareilly with her mother, brother and six-year-old son from her earlier marriage.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Dinesh Kumar Prabhu, said, “This is a complicated case with layers of facts and evidence. We are holding a fair investigation and it will be completed soon. Thereafter, action will be taken accordingly.”
Punjab | Drone activity along India-Pak border poses challenge for security agencies
CHANDIGARH, Oct 23: Movement of drones for airdropping drugs, arms and ammunition continues to pose a challenge for security agencies with over 150 such activities noticed this year so far at several points along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, said officials.
They said the use of drones for the smuggling narcotics, arms and ammunition first came to notice in 2019 in Punjab.
The Border Security Force, which is guarding the 553 km stretch of border with Pakistan, has this year shot down 10 drones–three in the last week–besides thwarting intrusion of many unmanned aerial vehicles, the officials said.
“More than 150 drone activities have been spotted so far,” said a senior official of the BSF (Punjab Frontier).
One drone was shot down near the Shahpur border outpost in Amritsar on October 14, two were gunned down on October 16 and 17 in the Amritsar sector, said the officials.
The officials said smugglers backed by Pakistan’s spy agency ISI are using sophisticated and high-end Chinese drones, with minimum sound and capable of flying at higher level.
A drone which was shot down on October 14 was a quadcopter (DJI Matrice) and a holding and releasing mechanism also found with this drone.
Most drone activities have been concentrated in areas along the international border in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts, said the officials.
However, drone movements have also been spotted in Ferozepur and Gurdaspur areas, they added.
The BSF had coordinated with the Punjab Police in busting a gang involved in smuggling of narcotics and weapons from across the border in Tarn Taran area this year, said the senior BSF official.
Last month, the BSF had decided to shoot Indian smugglers who come to collect narcotics and weapons, smuggled from Pakistan, near the international border.
“If a smuggler comes to receive the consignment or attacks, the law permits us to fire at the smuggler,” said the BSF official.
The BSF has also decided to reward its personnel who gun down a drone sneaking into Indian territory.
In April this year, the BSF had announced to give Rs 1 lakh reward to a person who provides information leading to the arrest of persons using drones for smuggling of narcotics, arms and ammunition from Pakistan. (AGENCIES)