Monday, July 13, 2026
Home Blog Page 101

“Inspired Our Nation To Dream Big”: PM Modi Pays Tribute To APJ Abdul Kalam On His Birth Anniversary

0

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, saying that the former President and eminent scientist inspired the nation to dream big.

In a post on X, PM Modi, reflecting on APJ Abdul Kalam’s life, said he is remembered as a “visionary who ignited young minds”

He expressed his commitment to build a “strong, self-reliant and compassionate nation as envisioned by Abdul Kalam.

“Remembering Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Ji on his birth anniversary. He is remembered as a visionary who ignited young minds and inspired our nation to dream big. His life reminds us that humility and hard work are vital for success. May we continue to build the India he envisioned…an India that is strong, self-reliant and compassionate,” PM Modi said.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931-2015), widely known as the “Missile Man of India,” was an eminent scientist and the 11th President of India (2002-2007). Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a humble family, Kalam rose through sheer hard work and determination.

Kalam made a significant contribution as Project Director to develop India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully injected the Rohini satellite into near-earth orbit in July 1980 and made India an exclusive member of the Space Club. He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO’s launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration.

He was responsible for the development and operationalisation of AGNI and PRITHVI Missiles and for building indigenous capability in critical technologies through the networking of multiple institutions.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Kalam was deeply passionate about inspiring the youth of India. He authored several influential books such as “Wings of Fire,” “Ignited Minds,” and “India 2020,” all centered around dreaming big and building a stronger nation.

APJ Abdul Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015. (Agencies)

Kohli and Rohit Set Sights on 2027 ODI World Cup, Gambhir Stresses Presence

0

India’s star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are eager to participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the need to concentrate on current challenges during a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday.

With Shubman Gill now appointed as India’s ODI captain, the national selectors have initiated a transition phase in the format. By 2027, Kohli and Rohit will be 39 and 40 years old, raising questions about their long-term roles within the squad.

Gambhir commented, “The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, they are quality players. Their experience will be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, both can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we can have a successful series.”

His remarks highlight the importance of focusing on immediate challenges rather than getting entangled in long-term uncertainties.

Sources indicate that Kohli and Rohit’s participation in the World Cup may hinge significantly on their performances in the next nine ODIs, including three games each against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand in the upcoming months.

In his inaugural year as head coach, Gambhir has actively worked to identify new talent while establishing a more stable selection process across all formats. When discussing the attributes he seeks in players prepared for national selection, he stated: “First and foremost, you look at talent. Then the work ethic. You look at the character in that dressing room — especially in red-ball cricket. You also see how hungry they are. If a player has all these attributes, he will have a successful Test career.”

Moreover, he acknowledged the highly competitive nature of international cricket, describing it as an “insecure environment” due to limited opportunities for talented players.

“It’s important to give players a longer run. Only 15 can represent the country at one time, but many are waiting for their turn. So, if you pick the right characters, give them time to prove themselves rather than chopping and changing,” he explained.

Gambhir further shared his thoughts on the emotional aspects of selection, clarifying his aversion to the term ‘dropping players’. He articulated: “You don’t drop players, you only select players. When someone misses out, the least a coach can do is be empathetic, not ruthless.”

He lauded the team’s impressive work ethic during their recent tour of England, emphasizing the significance of discipline and commitment in the squad. “The Test squad that went to England was superb in terms of discipline and hard work. For me, that was a huge tick,” Gambhir concluded.

As India navigates through this transitional phase, the emphasis on nurturing young talent while balancing experience will be crucial. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate seeing how Kohli and Rohit perform in the upcoming series, determining their potential roles in future World Cups.

Punjab Police Bust Illegal Weapon Smuggling Module; One Arrested with 6 Pistols and 111 Live Cartridges

0

In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police on Tuesday claimed to have busted an illegal weapon smuggling module operating in the border areas of Amritsar district with the arrest of a man identified as Amarbir Singh alias Amar, a resident of Dairiwal village under Tarsikka Police Station limits.

According to officials, the police recovered six pistols, 11 magazines, and a total of 111 live cartridges from the accused.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav shared the details of the operation on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Rural Police busts an illegal weapon smuggling module and apprehends Amarbir Singh @ Amar, resident of Dairiwal, PS Tarsikka, Amritsar and recover 6 pistols, 11 magazines, 91 live cartridges of .30 bore and 20 live cartridges of 9mm.”

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Amarbir Singh recently returned from Canada and was in close contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, DGP Yadav added.

Police officials said a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and further investigation is underway to identify other operatives, trace forward and backward linkages, and dismantle the entire cross-border smuggling network.

Senior officials said this seizure once again underscores the active nexus between foreign-based handlers and local networks attempting to push illegal weapons into Punjab through cross-border channels.

Nine Candidates Nominate for Four Rajya Sabha Seats in J&K

0

The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir intensifies as nine candidates file nominations for the four Rajya Sabha seats available, with the ruling National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vying for dominance. The nominations came in before the Returning Officer, Manoj Pandita, Secretary of the Assembly, today.

Among the first notifications, Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan of the NC and Dr. Ali Muhammad Mir of the BJP, alongside independent candidate Prabhakar Dada, have thrown their hats in for one available seat. The NC-led coalition, commanding a total of 53 MLAs, positions Ramzan as the likely winner without needing support from allies like the Congress, which holds 26 MLAs.

In the race for a second seat under the same notification, Sajad Kichloo from the NC and Rakesh Mahajan from the BJP have also submitted nominations. Based on the prevailing voting patterns, Kichloo appears to be another strong contender for victory.

This nomination process advances into the third notification stage, where two seats are open. NC candidates Gurwinder Singh Oberoi (alias Shammi Oberoi) and Imran Dar, alongside BJP candidate Sat Pal Sharma and independent Kante Sayanna, have entered the contest. Observers predict that the two candidates with the highest votes will take these seats. The NC coalition expects to allocate 29 votes to Oberoi and 24 to Dar, while Sharma is anticipated to garner all 28 votes from BJP legislators.

After filing his nomination, BJP candidate Rakesh Mahajan expressed gratitude towards the party leadership and conveyed his optimism about the results. “I am thankful to the national leadership for this honour. I am sure we will win all three seats,” he noted, emphasizing the inclusive opportunities provided by the BJP.

Sat Sharma, the BJP president and candidate, also took the opportunity to critique the ruling NC, asserting the BJP’s commitment to pursuing more than one seat this election cycle. “We will fight with all our strength and script history,” Sharma proclaimed.

Dr. Ali Muhammad Mir, another BJP nominee, conveyed his appreciation for being trusted with party representation. “Entire Kashmir is happy. I thank the central leadership for considering me competent for this responsibility,” he remarked.

On the part of NC, chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq confirmed that the nomination process proceeded smoothly. “We are confident of winning all four seats. However, it is unfortunate that Congress did not agree to what was offered. I urge all secular forces to support our candidates,” Sadiq stated, reflecting on the necessity of unity among progressive groups.

Senior NC leader Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, competing for the Rajya Sabha seat, highlighted his commitment to address pressing developmental and political issues in Parliament. “We will come up to people’s expectations. There are a number of issues — developmental and political — that must be addressed, and we will talk about them,” he assured stakeholders.

The eagerly anticipated elections for the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for later this month, promising to shape the political future on several fronts.

Jammu Motor Mahindra Inaugurates its NEW MAHINDRA LAST MILE MOBILITY SHOWROOM at BAKSHI NAGAR, JAMMU

0

JAMMU, 14th Oct., 2025: Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP (an Authorized Dealership of MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA), inaugurated its NEW MAHINDRA LAST MILE MOBILITY SHOWROOM at BAKSHI NAGAR. The Inauguration was done by Mr Manoj Sahai, Zonal Manager of Mahindra & Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, in the Presence of Mr Rajneesh Patyal, Area Sales Manager-MMLMM, Sh. Swatantar Aggarwal, Chairman of Aggarwal Group, and Mr Vineet Aggarwal, Nitin Aggarwal, other Directors& Family Members of Aggarwal Group, along with dignitaries from prestigious Banks, NBFCs, Customers and Staff Members of Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP.

 

Mr Vineet Aggarwal, the managing partner of Jammu Motor Vehicles, said, “I am thrilled to welcome you all to the inauguration of our new Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Showroom here at Bakshi Nagar, Jammu. It is an honour to have Mr Manoj Sahai, Zonal Manager of Mahindra & Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, and other dignitaries join us on this special occasion.At Jammu Motor Vehicles, we are committed to providing our customers with the best-in-class Last Mile Mobility solutions. With this new showroom, we aim to take our services to the next level and cater to the growing demands of our customers in Jammu.Our showroom will offer a wide range of Last Mile Mobility Vehicles, including Treo Plus Auto, Alfa Load, Jeeto, and Treo Auto, among others. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and support to ensure a seamless experience for our customers.I would like to express my gratitude to Mahindra & Mahindra for their continued support and trust in us. I also appreciate the support of our partners, banks, and NBFCs, who have been instrumental in our growth.Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this showroom a reality. I invite you all to explore our showroom and experience the best of Mahindra’s Last Mile Mobility solutions.Jai Jammu!”

Mr Vineet Aggarwal further said, “Jammu Motor Mahindra offers Last Mile Mobility Vehicles already at its existing showrooms at Greater Kailash, Digiana, Ramban, Poonch & Kishtwar.  In addition, Jammu Motor Mahindra has a wide range of Mahindra Vehicles & Network across Jammu province byway of having Showrooms at B C Road Rehari, Kunjwani, Poonch, Reasi, Banihal and Kishtwar, offering a complete range of Premium & Personal SUVs like New Thar, Thar Roxx, SCORPIO-N,XUV 7OO, SCORPIO CLASSIC, BOLERO Neo and BEV vehicles XEV 9E and BE6 intheirdifferentvariantsalong with the facility of In-House Finance & Exchangeof Used Cars to Customers.

Going further, Mr Vineet Aggarwal stated that Jammu Motor Mahindra has established its active presence in the CommercialVehicles Segment as well by having its Showrooms in Greater Kailash, Mishriwala, Poonch, Reasi, and Kishtwar, presenting vehicles like Bolero Pick up, Maxx Pick up, Bolero Camper, and Veero. He continued, “Jammu Motor Mahindra has its state-of-the-art Workshop and Bodyshop with professionally trained manpower and high-tech diagnostic and repair equipment at Lane No. 12, Industrial Area, Gangyal, Jammu to provide the best possible services to customers.”

 

While concluding the function, Mr Nitin Aggarwal, Partner of Jammu Motor Mahindra, thanked the Chief Guest and all distinguished guestsfor gracing the occasion with their presence. He also assured that Jammu Motor Mahindra will strive hard to serve its customers and make every possible effort to provide the best services at all times it remains.

 

Thanks, and Warm regards 

 

 

Jammu Motor Mahindra (Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP) Mahindra and Mahindra |  

Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir 

Mobile– +91 8899915444 | Email: gmsales.jammumotorvehicles@gmail.com

J&K: Brothers Accused Of Murder Arrested In Punjab

0

Two brothers were arrested in Punjab on Monday for allegedly murdering a man over a personal dispute on the outskirts of Jammu city, officials said.

According to the police, the incident occurred at Simbal Camp in the Miran Sahib area on October 9, when Narinder Singh was attacked by Tanveer Singh alias Kalu and Bavneet Singh alias Babby, along with their family members, resulting in his death.

The police said the arrests were made within hours of the incident, reflecting the force’s swift response and commitment to public safety.

Following a complaint lodged on October 9 by the deceased’s wife, Harbhajan Kaur, an FIR was registered against the two for attempt to murder, wrongful restraint and rioting at Miran Sahib Police Station.

According to the complaint, Narinder was severely assaulted by Tanveer and Bavneet, along with their family members.

The injured was rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead, officials said, adding that Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was later added to the case.

After medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to the family for the last rites, and a police team launched a manhunt to trace the culprits.

After multiple raids across Jammu and neighbouring districts, and acting on specific intelligence, the team apprehended Tanveer and Bavneet, both residents of Simbal Camp in Miran Sahib, police said.

The duo had fled to Punjab after committing the crime, but were arrested in a coordinated operation, they added.

“The accused are in police custody for further interrogation. The investigation team is also probing the involvement of other accomplices, including family members who may have aided in the crime,” a police official said. (Agencies)

LG Sinha Chairs 36th Meeting Of Executive Council Of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University

0

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 36th meeting of Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, at Raj Bhawan today.

The Executive Council discussed several important academic and administrative issues and gave in-principle approval to various agenda points presented during the meeting.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the University to take a comprehensive review of the various important initiatives and programmes to regularly update the curriculum to meet the objectives of National Education Policy-2020 and transforming SMVDU into a premier educational institute at the National level.

He highlighted the need for a dedicated focus on lifelong learning skill and community engagement, increasing enrolment, industry collaboration and networking, Skill enhancement through short term courses, research, innovation and incubation, patents, strengthening of faculty and staff, and the introduction of new programs from the upcoming academic year.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the University to establish a specialized faculty for languages to offer integrated courses in Hindi, Dogri, French, and German. He emphasized on encouraging students enrolled in foreign languages and technical courses to also pursue Hindi and Dogri languages.

He also instructed the SMVDU to implement the complete digitalization of all University records.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing projects and construction works in the University, implementation of NEP-2020, important matters pertaining to admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, non-functional promotions for non-teaching staff, end to end digitisation of student life cycle management process and utilization of e-Samarth dashboard.

The chair was informed that the university has now been designated as a ‘TCS Priority College’ by Tata Consultancy Services for a period of three years as part of their campus placement program.

Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University presented various Agenda items before the Executive Council for approval and ratification.

The meeting was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor Jammu University; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Management, Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT, Jammu; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, SMVDSB; Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar, SMVDU and other members of Executive Council.

Four NC Candidates File Nomination Papers For Rajya Sabha Polls

0

Four candidates from the National Conference (NC) on Monday submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24.

Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan (former minister), Sajad Kichloo (former Minister of State), and Shammi Oberoi (NC Treasurer) submitted their nomination papers earlier in the day.

However Imran Nabi Dar, party’s state spokesperson was the last to file his nomination.

“I have filed my nomination papers,” Dar confirmed. (KNO)

Police Conduct Searches Linked To Banned JeI And Hurriyat Associates In Srinagar

0

Police in Srinagar today conducted coordinated search operations at multiple locations linked to individuals allegedly associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Hurriyat Conference as part of its ongoing crackdown on proscribed organisations.

The house’s searches included the residence of former separatist leader Ashraf Sehrai, who died during detention in 2021.

Police said searches were carried out at the residences of several individuals, including Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat alias Goga Shahib alias Mushtaqul Islam of Kashi Mohalla, Batamaloo; Ashraf Sehrai of Baghat; Mehrajuddin Kalwal alias Raj Kalwal of Rainawari Kalwal Mohalla, presently residing at Hamza Colony, Kenihama and currently in NIA custody; and Zameer Ahmad Sheikh of Gulshan Nagar, Nowgam.

“The searches were conducted strictly in accordance with legal procedures. During the operations, various materials including literature and photographs allegedly linked to banned separatist outfits were seized. These actions form part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling the terror and separatist ecosystem in the Valley by targeting its support structures and networks,” a police statement said.

Srinagar Police reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and public order, asserting that action will continue against individuals and groups found involved in unlawful or anti-national activities. (AGENCIES)

Sonia Gandhi Unveils Statue Of Ex-Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh In Shimla

0

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Monday unveiled a statue of six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh, at Daulat Singh Park on the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla.

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Gandhi, accompanied by her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, paid floral tributes to the late leader after inaugurating the statue.

 The six-foot-tall bronze statue is placed near statues of notable leaders such as YS Parmar, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mahatma Gandhi and former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

There was a huge turnout at the event and police have beefed up security measures.

A company linked to renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar and his son Anil Ram Sutar built the statue at Rs 40 lakh — Rs 24 lakh for construction and Rs 16 lakh for installation. Ram Sutar was also behind the 182-ft Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue built to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Scion of the Rampur-Bushahr royal family, Virbhadra Singh first took office as chief minister on April 8, 1983 and spent the next four decades in public life, becoming the CM five more times. He died in 2021 after a prolonged illness.

His wife, Pratibha Singh, is the state party chief and his son, Vikramaditya Singh, is the Public Works Minister in the Himachal Pradesh government.

The statue unveiling and a rally that followed, were organised by Vikramaditya Singh, who is also the chairman of the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation.

The statue’s unveiling was initially planned for Virbhadra’s birth anniversary on June 23, but was postponed.

A huge number of party workers and the general public turned up for the event. Security was tightened and around 400 police personnel were deployed for the event.

The city was divided into five security sectors with a special plan for traffic and parking. The movement of transport and utility vehicles and heavy vehicles within the city was suspended till 3 pm.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, HPCC president Pratibha Singh, as well as Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi, Sachin Pilot, and Deepender Hooda were present at the event.

The Congress’s state in charge, Rajni Patil, cabinet ministers of the state and Congress leader Rajiv Shukla also attended the statue unveiling. (AGENCIES)