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One Dead, Several Injured After Tempo Overturns On NH-44 In Udhampur

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One person lost his life while several others were injured after a tempo overturned near Celebration Hall, Battal Ballian on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Thursday.

An official said, the vehicle was on its way from Jammu towards Udhampur at around 4:30 AM when it lost control and turned turtle, leaving multiple passengers injured.

All the injured were immediately shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur for treatment, official said.

However, one of the injured, identified as Shakeel (40), son of Irshad and resident of Punia, Bihar, succumbed to his injuries, he said.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident, and further investigations are underway. (KNC)

Jammu And Kashmir | Doda Tense, Prohibitory Orders Remain In Force

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Tension prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district and adjoining areas on Thursday following the detention of over 80 people and violent clashes between protesters and security forces after the arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).

Prohibitory orders remained in force for the third consecutive day on Thursday in Doda district, where mobile internet and WiFi services continued to remain suspended as a precautionary measure.

The administration invoked Section 163 of the BNSS Act restricting public movement without prior permission on Monday.

The situation remained calm overnight with no fresh protests reported, officials said, adding security personnel are maintaining vigilance.

Security forces were deployed in strength around Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and Thathri amid tension over alleged administrative high-handedness. Concertina wires were installed near government offices to prevent any untoward incident.

Police vehicles patrolled the area making announcements urging residents to stay indoors. Malik, who won the Doda seat in the 2024 Assembly elections by over 4,500 votes, was detained on Monday under the PSA for allegedly disturbing public order, officials said. He was subsequently lodged in the Kathua district jail.

This is the first time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been taken into custody under the stringent law, which allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases.

On Wednesday, protesters tried to defy restrictions, leading to baton charge by security personnel at three places. Several protesters, including women, were detained during clashes, and some were released later in the day. Ex-BDC Kahara reportedly sustained injuries near Premnagar.

Sources said 80 people were taken into preventive custody since Wednesday, of whom 21, including five women, were shifted to Bhaderwah while others were moved to Kishtwar. Several detainees are expected to be released tonight.

All schools in the district will remain closed till Sunday, according to orders from the Chief Education Officer, while all business establishments remained shut. The district administration cited the volatile atmosphere following Malik’s detention, describing him as a government critic whose arrest was based on “provocative speeches and abusive language” on social media, alleged to disturb public peace.

Malik’s father, Shamas Din Malik, appealed for his son’s release, stating he no longer wished to pursue the matter in courts.

“I want my son back. I met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who said he would see what he could do,” he said.

The AAP has accused the Centre of targeting the party politically. At a protest in Jammu, AAP MP Sanjay Singh condemned the arrest, stating the party would continue its struggle “injustice on the streets, in Parliament, and if necessary, in the Supreme Court.” Eight police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a Station House Officer, were reportedly injured during the clashes earlier this week. (Agencies)

Amit Shah Launches Faster Immigration Clearance Programme At 5 More Airports

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), which fast-tracks the immigration process of pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders, in five more airports.

The special initiative was first rolled out at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here in July 2024 and two months later launched in seven more airports — Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad. Today, the FTI-TTP was launched in Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode and Amritsar.

“Fast Track Immigration: Trusted Traveller Programme makes immigration simpler, faster and hassle-free,” the minister said at a special programme held virtually.

OCI card holders and Indian citizens travelling abroad will receive the maximum benefit under the programme, Shah said. So far, three lakh people have registered and 2.65 lakh availed the facility so far.

The programme ensures faster immigration clearance. Several thousand passengers have been granted faster immigration clearance through e-gates till now, officials added.

The FTI-TTP, aimed at facilitating international mobility with faster, smoother, secure immigration clearance, has been started for Indian nationals and OCI card holders on a gratis basis in the initial phase .

The FTI-TTP is similar to the Global Entry Program offered by the US that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in America in select airports, another official said.

The FTI-TTP will eventually be launched at 21 major airports in the country. Eligible passengers will be allowed to utilise e-gates and bypass regular immigration queues for a seamless journey. They will need to apply online and submit their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) along with other required information as specified in the application form. The FTI registration will be valid for a maximum of five years or until the validity of the passport, whichever comes first.

A traveller can avail the facility by applying through the government website www.ftittp.mha.gov.in and providing the required details, which will be verified by the Bureau of Immigration.

Approved applications would receive a message to schedule an appointment to provide their biometrics details at designated international airports in India or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The applicants need a minimum passport validity of at least six months.

The programme will be implemented in two phases — Indian citizens and OCI cardholders in the first and foreign travellers in the second.

The Bureau of Immigration will be the nodal agency for fast track immigration of various categories of travellers under this programme.

After necessary verification, a White List of ‘Trusted Travellers’ will be generated and fed for implementation through e-gates.

Once the genuine identity of the passenger is established and biometric authentication done, the e-gate will open automatically and immigration clearance will be deemed to have been granted.

The Union home ministry also shared a support help desk email ID — india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in. (PTI)

National Foundation for Journalism & Media (NFJM) Emerges as Collective Voice of Indian Media

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Jammu, September 11: The Indian media landscape is undergoing a major transformation with the rise of digital platforms, new regulatory frameworks, and the growing challenge of fake news. In this scenario, the National Foundation for Journalism & Media (NFJM) has emerged as a collective national body of journalists, editors, and media institutions committed to strengthening ethical journalism and responsible communication.

NFJM brings together more than 150 media houses and professionals across the country under one umbrella. Its mission is to ensure that the Code of Ethics, IT Rules 2021, and Press Council norms are upheld while safeguarding the freedom of the press.

A key initiative of NFJM is the establishment of a Grievance Redressal Mechanism in line with the IT Rules, 2021, giving media institutions and the public a fair and transparent process for handling complaints.

Beyond regulation, NFJM also focuses on journalist welfare, training workshops, and media literacy campaigns to bridge the gap between the media, government, and society.

As NFJM expands its footprint across states, with Press & Media Clubs in every district, it is fast becoming a nationally recognised platform where media meets governance and public interest.

Karra Terms PSA on AAP MLA Mehraj Malik ‘Attack on Democracy’

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Jammu, Sep 10: Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday voiced strong concern over the imposition of the Public Safety Act (PSA) on Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik, describing it as a “direct attack on democracy.”

Prohibitory restrictions were imposed in Doda district on Tuesday after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces during demonstrations against Malik’s detention under the PSA. Additional security personnel have also been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation.

“We believe that both sides should have opted for restraint on the issue. They should have seen that the Public Safety Act slapped on a public representative is a direct attack on democracy,” Karra told reporters while visiting flood-hit areas of RS Pura border belt.

Karra, who toured Badayal Brahmana and the Gharana Wetland to assess crop damage caused by recent heavy rains, interacted with farmers and inspected fields affected by the losses.

Responding to questions on Malik’s detention, Karra said, “It has two aspects. One aspect is that both sides are correct, and the other aspect is that both sides are wrong. Perhaps the attitude of the concerned MLA is not appropriate, but applying the PSA on an elected member is fundamentally wrong.”

He added that the present scenario reflects a “tussle between bureaucracy and democracy.” Emphasizing the need for dialogue, he remarked, “We believe that both sides should have been prepared to resolve the issue through dialogue and mutual understanding.”

Karra further cautioned that such measures raise serious questions about democratic principles and urged authorities to reconsider their approach in dealing with elected representatives.

(Agencies)

J&K BJP Congratulates Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji on Being Elected as the 15th Vice President of India: Gaurav

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Jammu, 10 September 2025: 

Gaurav Gupta, Spokesperson BJP J&K UT, said, “This is a proud moment for the nation and for every BJP karyakarta. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji’s distinguished public life, humility, integrity, and lifelong dedication to serving society, especially the poor and marginalised, make him the ideal custodian of this high constitutional office. His emphatic victory reflects not only the trust of Parliament but also the unity, discipline, and strategic strength of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which has once again demonstrated its decisive role in shaping the nation’s democratic and constitutional processes under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.”

Shri Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate and Maharashtra Governor, polled 452 first-preference votes against 300 votes secured by INDIA bloc candidate and former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy. Fifteen votes were declared invalid, and 13 MPs abstained. The election witnessed an impressive 98.2% turnout, with 767 Members of Parliament casting their vote out of 781 electors. The results highlighted considerable cross-voting from Opposition MPs, reflecting cracks within the Opposition ranks, even though the NDA had a pre-election numerical advantage. The election was conducted 50 days after the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health reasons during the first day of the Monsoon Session.

 Gupta emphasized that the NDA’s cohesive strategy, disciplined teamwork, and alliance coordination played a pivotal role in ensuring this historic mandate. He added, “This victory is a testament to the NDA’s commitment to democratic principles, parliamentary decorum, and the collective strength of its member parties, which consistently work together to serve the nation and strengthen India’s constitutional institutions.”

Distinguished Career of Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Shri Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Jana Sangh, later joining the BJP. He served as a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, President of BJP Tamil Nadu unit, Governor of Jharkhand, and later Governor of Maharashtra, with additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry. He also chaired the Coir Board (2016–2020) under the Ministry of MSME, boosting exports to record levels, and served as BJP’s in-charge for Kerala (2020–2022), strengthening the party organization in the state.

Shri Radhakrishnan has been a key contributor to the NDA’s national strategy, supporting alliance cohesion and parliamentary coordination across multiple states. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening parliamentary committees and enhancing legislative processes, ensuring effective debates and policy discussions at the national level.

A graduate in Business Administration, he is a sports enthusiast, excelling in table tennis, and taking keen interest in cricket and volleyball. Shri Radhakrishnan has represented India in multiple international delegations across Asia, Europe, and North America, projecting India’s democratic ethos globally.

Concluding the statement, Gaurav Gupta said that the BJP family of Jammu & Kashmir proudly joins the NDA in celebrating this historic occasion, confident that Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji’s tenure will uphold the dignity of the Vice President’s office, strengthen parliamentary traditions, and inspire future generations with service, integrity, and constitutional commitment, while reaffirming the pivotal role of the NDA in India’s democratic journey.

Situation Peaceful In J&K’s Doda, Prohibitory Orders Remain In Force

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Prohibitory orders remained in place for the second consecutive day on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district which witnessed clashes between protesters and security forces during demonstrations against the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The arch of these restrictions has been widened to Bhaderwah valley, with all shops and business establishments shut in the town.

At least eight police personnel, including two officers, were injured in the clashes on Tuesday. Demonstrations erupted after Malik was detained under the PSA and lodged in Kathua jail for allegedly disturbing public order.

“The situation is peaceful. There are no reports of any untoward incidents from anywhere,” a police officer said, adding there are no reports of fresh protests in the district.

Authorities in Doda district on Tuesday imposed prohibitory restrictions in view of apprehensions of breach of peace, law and order concerns, and possible unlawful assemblies.

Additional District Magistrate Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur, issued an order stating that the assembly of four or more persons is prohibited across the district until further orders.

The order further directs that no individual shall deliver provocative speeches, raise slogans, or display gestures that may disrupt peace and communal harmony. Carrying lathis or sharp-edged weapons in public has also been banned.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of these restrictions in both letter and spirit.

Officials warned that any violation of the prohibitory order will invite punitive action under relevant provisions of law.

As a result, shops and business establishments remained closed in Doda and Bhaderwah towns besides other towns, and traffic remained thin on the roads. Locals reported internet slowdowns, but district authorities denied any restrictions, attributing issues to technical restoration work.

Additional security personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas of the district, including Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Bhalessa, Chilli Pingal, Kahara, and Thathri, officials said.

Protests also rocked Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kishtwar. The National Conference, PDP, and People’s Conference condemned Malik’s detention, calling it an “assault on democracy.” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Malik posed no threat and termed the PSA detention “wrong.” (Agencies)

Late PM Manmohan Singh Conferred Posthumous P V Narasimha Rao Memorial Award For Economics

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New Delhi, Sep 10: Late former Prime Minister and renowned economist Dr Manmohan Singh has been posthumously conferred the P V Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for Economics for his contributions to India’s economic transformation and nation-building.

The award was received on his behalf by his wife Gursharan Kaur, in the national capital last week, the Hyderabad-based PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Foundation (PVNMF) said in a statement.

The award was conferred by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission and distinguished fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress.

The award was instituted by the PVNMF to recognise outstanding contributions in economics.

PVNMF President K Ramchandra Murthy and General Secretary Madhamchetty Anil Kumar were present at the ceremony. (Agencies)

Jammu-Srinagar NH Reopens For LMVs After 8 Days, Heavy Traffic Still Suspended

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The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, closed for over a week due to massive landslides at Thard in Udhampur district, was partially reopened for vehicular traffic on Wednesday, officials said.

An official said, light motor vehicles (LMVs) were allowed to move from 9:20 AM onwards, bringing partial relief to stranded passengers. However, movement of heavy vehicles will remain suspended until the restoration work is fully completed.

Officials added that efforts are continuing on a war footing to clear the debris and stabilize the affected stretch to ensure the safe resumption of full traffic flow. (KNC)

Cong Sends ‘Impartiality’ Reminder To VP-Elect, Recalls Words Of S Radhakrishnan In 1952

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NEW DELHI, Sept 10: The Congress on Wednesday extended best wishes to vice president-elect C P Radhakrishnan and recalled first vice president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s words in the Rajya Sabha in 1952 that a democracy is likely to “degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the government”.

 The opposition party asserted that Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan practised what he preached, both in letter and spirit.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “While extending its best wishes to Shri C P Radhakrishnan, the newly-elected Vice President of India who will also be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Indian National Congress recalls the wise words of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the very first Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.”Online shopping in India

“On the opening day of the Rajya Sabha on May 16, 1952, the very eminent philosopher-educationist-author-diplomat had said: ‘I belong to no party, and that means I belong to every party in this House. It shall be my endeavour to uphold the traditions, the highest traditions, of parliamentary democracy and act towards each party with fairness and impartiality with ill-will to none and goodwill to all….A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the Government’,” Ramesh posted on X.

“Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan practised what he preached, both in letter and spirit,” he added.

NDA candidate C P Radhakrishnan was elected the next vice president of India as he bagged 452 votes against the opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy’s 300, winning the contest with a bigger than expected margin.

After the results for the vice presidential polls were declared, the Congress on Tuesday had said the BJP’s “arithmetical” victory in the vice presidential election is both a “moral and political defeat” for the ruling party. It had asserted that the Opposition stood united in the election with “most respectable” performance.Online shopping in India Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had extended best wishes to Radhakrishnan on securing victory in the election, while also expressing sincere gratitude to Reddy for being the “united Opposition’s joint candidate” and for his spirited and principled fight.

Ramesh had asserted that the Opposition stood united for the vice presidential election.

“Its performance has undeniably been most respectable. Its joint candidate Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy secured 40% of the vote. In 2022, the Opposition had received 26% of the vote in the vice presidential elections,” Ramesh had said on Tuesday.

“The BJP’s arithmetical victory is really both a moral and political defeat. The ideological battle continues undiminished,” Ramesh had said. (Agencies)