Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the Jammu and Kashmir government will allocate five marlas of land to each flood-affected family who has lost their homes and land due to devastating floods and landslides this year.

The announcement came during an interaction with residents of Duggain and Billawar, where the impact of the recent flooding has left families without shelter or means for recovery. Accompanied by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Abdulaziz conducted an aerial survey of affected areas in the district.

“The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir. From dry spells in spring to relentless rains and landslides later, the damage across the region has been unprecedented,” Omar Abdullah stated. He emphasized the urgency of relief and rehabilitation, directing local administration to ensure prompt assistance.

The Chief Minister revealed that torrential rains have inflicted severe damage, including the destruction of over 350 bridges and around 2,000 km of roads, alongside significant loss of agricultural land and standing crops. He highlighted that both government and private buildings suffered extensive damage. “Given this scale of destruction, we appeal for a comprehensive relief package from the Central Government,” he remarked, seeking support amid the recovery processes.

In his commitment to assess the situation, Omar Abdullah visited remote regions like Kathua to understand the ground realities. His aerial surveys covered critical entry points into Jammu and Kashmir, including Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, providing him with firsthand insights into the devastation.

After his inspections, he convened a meeting with district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, and senior civil and police officers. He instructed district officials to conduct thorough inspections of all flood-affected areas and submit detailed reports on the damages and required support.

During the engagement, Dr. Rameshwar Singh brought attention to the extensive damages in the Bani region, caused primarily by landslides following heavy rains. He stated that villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra have witnessed complete loss of land and property, affecting nearly 100 families. Singh requested the immediate allotment of five marlas of land for these families and raised additional concerns such as damages to the Jalana Bridge, delays in infrastructure projects, and requested amnesty from loans and utility bills for the affected.

In response to these representations, CM Omar Abdullah assured the gathered representatives that the government would review these demands earnestly. He emphasized the state’s priority on ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to support those suffering from the floods.

The Chief Minister’s proactive approach and promise of five marlas of land allocation embodies an essential step towards recovery. As Jammu and Kashmir faces ongoing challenges from natural calamities, government support will be pivotal in rebuilding the lives of countless families affected by this year’s unprecedented floods.

A Pakistani intruder faced arrest along the International Border in the R S Pura sector on Thursday, officials confirmed. This incident marks the second Pakistani national apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) in this area within September.

The BSF personnel, remaining vigilant, detected the movement of an individual attempting to cross into Indian territory from Pakistan. They promptly responded, overpowering the intruder as soon as he crossed the border.

No incriminating items were discovered on the arrested individual, who is currently under interrogation by combined teams from various security agencies. This comprehensive investigation aims to ascertain the intentions behind the intrusion and gather intelligence about potential network links.

Earlier this month, on September 8, another Pakistani intruder was detained in the same R S Pura sector, enhancing concerns over border security. The troops engaged in the earlier incident fired warning shots after challenging Siraj Khan, a resident of Sargodha in Punjab, Pakistan, who tried to breach the border fence.

During the September incident, BSF personnel recovered several Pakistani currency notes from Khan, highlighting the persistent infiltration issue along the Indo-Pak border. As tensions continue to simmer, this latest arrest underscores the concerted efforts of the BSF to maintain national security.

Authorities emphasize the importance of heightened surveillance and proactive measures to deter such incursions. Highlighting their commitment, a BSF spokesperson stated, “We remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard our borders and protect the integrity of our nation against such infiltration attempts.” These apprehensions reflect ongoing challenges faced by security forces amid escalating border tensions.

With the region’s security dynamics in constant flux, the BSF’s operational readiness remains critical. The frequent arrests of Pakistani nationals attempting to infiltrate India reinforce the ongoing need for vigilance. Stakeholders are increasingly focused on enhancing intelligence-sharing protocols and coordination among various defense agencies to counteract these challenges effectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 11th anniversary of the ‘Make in India’ initiative on Thursday, stating that it has significantly bolstered India’s economic growth and propelled the nation towards self-reliance. Modi emphasized the positive impact of this initiative in promoting innovation and job creation across various sectors.

In a detailed statement shared on X, PM Modi remarked, “It is gladdening to see how 11 Years Of Make In India has contributed to furthering economic strength and laying the foundation for Aatmanirbharta.” He pointed out the initiative’s role in harnessing India’s entrepreneurial spirit, claiming it has created a global impact.

Reflecting on the launch of ‘Make in India’ 11 years ago, the Prime Minister noted that it aimed to accelerate India’s development and leverage its immense entrepreneurial potential. “Make in India has given an impetus to India’s entrepreneurs,” he said.

During the event, which coincided with the inauguration of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025, PM Modi stressed the need for a shift towards indigenous production across all sectors. He asserted that the government stands firmly behind stakeholders, pushing for a substantial focus on establishing a ‘Swadeshi’ economy in the years ahead.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, PM Modi stated, “The government is putting a strong emphasis on Make in India manufacturing.” He expressed ambitions for comprehensive production capabilities in India, from chips to ships, while ensuring that the business environment remains conducive. Significantly, he announced the removal of over 40,000 compliance requirements and the decriminalization of more than a thousand laws to facilitate smooth business operations.

As ‘Make in India’ enters its second decade, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal praised the government’s strides in indigenous defence manufacturing during a similar address. He expressed that “the world is a witness to India’s defence manufacturing strength today,” attributing this achievement to PM Modi’s strategic vision.

In an illustration of India’s growing defence capabilities, the nation successfully launched the Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a railway-based mobile launcher. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the agencies involved for this significant milestone.

‘Make in India’ continues to define the landscape of the Indian economy, propelling growth and enabling the nation to aspire towards self-sufficiency. With such assertive governmental support, experts believe that the initiative will further enhance India’s global competitiveness in manufacturing.