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LG Manoj Sinha Chairs 48th Board Meeting of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board

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LG Manoj Sinha Chairs 48th Board Meeting of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 48th Board Meeting of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan today, finalizing the arrangements for the much-awaited Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025. The annual pilgrimage will commence simultaneously from the Pahalgam route (Anantnag district) and Baltal route (Ganderbal district) on July 3, concluding on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Key Discussions & Proposals:

The Board discussed various measures to enhance facilities and services for the pilgrims, focusing on:

  • Lodgement Expansion: Increasing the lodging capacity at centers in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims.
  • Pilgrim Facilitation: Setting up Yatri facilitation centers for e-KYC, RFID issuance, and on-spot registration at Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.
  • Facility Enhancement: Upgrading facilities at Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, Pantha Chowk Srinagar, and other transit points.
  • Security & Surveillance: Implementing a digital pre-paid system for hiring services, ensuring enhanced security measures at the holy cave.
  • Infrastructure Development: Improvements in Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar; widening of yatra tracks; decongestion of holy cave areas.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening medical care facilities, deploying heli services, and enhancing weather forecasting systems.

Board Members & Officials Present:

The meeting was attended by Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, D C Raina, Kailash Mehra Sadhu, KN Rai, Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina, and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, along with key government officials.

LG Sinha’s Address:

Expressing gratitude towards the Board members, LG Sinha emphasized ensuring smooth arrangements for the pilgrims. He instructed departments to accelerate ongoing projects and ensure timely completion of facilities.

CEO’s Presentation on Yatra Arrangements:

Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SASB, gave a detailed presentation on the Yatra arrangements, covering insurance provisions, service providers, ponies, online services, and communication strategies.

Prominent Attendees:

The meeting was attended by:

  • Atal Dulloo (Chief Secretary)
  • Shaleen Kabra (Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department)
  • Nalin Prabhat (DGP)
  • Chandraker Bharti (Principal Secretary Home)
  • Divisional Commissioners of Jammu & Kashmir
  • Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal & Anantnag
  • Senior Officers from UT Administration & Shrine Board

The high-level discussions aimed to make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for thousands of devotees.

Fresh Snowfall in Kishtwar Brings Winter Charm

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Fresh Snowfall in Kishtwar Brings Winter Charm

The district of Kishtwar experienced fresh snowfall today, beginning after 11 AM, transforming the region into a winter wonderland. The snowfall added to the scenic beauty of the area, covering the mountains and valleys in a pristine white layer.

Residents and tourists enjoyed the mesmerizing sight, capturing the snow-covered landscapes. The drop in temperature has brought a crisp winter chill, and people have been advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe.

With winter still in effect, the snowfall has added to the region’s seasonal charm, bringing joy to locals and visitors alike. Authorities have urged residents to stay updated on weather conditions while embracing the beauty of nature.

Mayawati Removes Nephew Akash Anand from All BSP Posts, Names New Coordinators

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Mayawati Removes Nephew Akash Anand from All BSP Posts, Names New Coordinators

Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday removed her nephew Akash Anand from all party positions, appointing his father Anand Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam as national coordinators in his place. She also declared that she would not name a successor in her lifetime.

Mayawati, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, asserted that the party’s interests come before family ties, emphasizing that the BSP and its movement are supreme.

This decision comes after she had earlier sacked Akash Anand last year, only to reinstate him later and name him as her political heir. However, citing internal conflicts, she has once again stripped him of his responsibilities.

In a strong rebuke, Mayawati blamed Akash Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, for dividing the party and weakening its foundation. “He also ruined the political career of Akash Anand,” she said.

Last month, Siddharth was expelled from the BSP over charges of factionalism and anti-party activities.

New Leadership and Party Strategy

Mayawati has entrusted Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam with the responsibility of strengthening the BSP’s organizational structure across India.

She praised her brother Anand Kumar, who also serves as the BSP’s national vice-president, for his dedication to the party. “Be it paperwork, Income Tax matters, or legal battles, he has always handled them with commitment,” she noted, adding that he had also cared for BSP founder Kanshi Ram during his illness.

To prevent further political disruptions, Anand Kumar deliberately married his children into non-political families, she revealed, ensuring that no one could harm the party like Ashok Siddharth did.

Political Roadmap and Criticism of Governments

During the meeting, Mayawati emphasized the importance of expanding the BSP’s reach to all sections of society and resolving organizational shortcomings.

She strongly criticized both the central and Uttar Pradesh governments, calling their budgets “unrealistic and disconnected from ground realities.”

Accusing the government of neglecting key issues, she said, “Rising inflation, poverty, unemployment, and backwardness continue to worsen, yet the government remains indifferent.”

She further argued that “India continues to be a country of the poor despite being called a rich nation.”

Reaffirming the BSP’s commitment to B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals, Mayawati vowed that the party would continue working for the upliftment of marginalized communities.

CM Rekha Gupta Announces ‘Viksit Delhi’ Budget to Be Tabled Between March 24-26

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CM Rekha Gupta Announces ‘Viksit Delhi’ Budget to Be Tabled Between March 24-26

New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced that the Delhi government will present the ‘Viksit Delhi’ budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the assembly between March 24 and 26.

Addressing a press conference, Gupta stated that the budget will be formulated after incorporating suggestions from various sections of society to ensure inclusivity.

“To make this a people’s budget, we will engage with representatives from women’s organizations on March 5 at the assembly premises. Additionally, discussions with education sector stakeholders and traders will be held on March 6,” she said.

She also shared an official email ID and a WhatsApp number, inviting Delhi residents to submit their suggestions for the budget.

Gupta reaffirmed that all promises made in the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ would be fulfilled, assuring that her government is working on a “war footing” to implement key initiatives.

Additionally, she criticized the previous AAP government, stating that two Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports tabled so far have exposed multiple corruption charges.

“Twelve more CAG reports are yet to be presented, and more irregularities are likely to come to light,” she added.

The press conference was attended by Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Deputy CM Felicitates Rajat Singh Chib for Historic Judo Bronze at National Games

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Deputy CM Felicitates Rajat Singh Chib for Historic Judo Bronze at National Games

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today felicitated Rajat Singh Chib for securing a Bronze Medal in Judo at the 38th National Games held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

In a special interaction with the young athlete, Choudhary lauded the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote sports by strengthening infrastructure and providing necessary support to athletes. He emphasized the crucial role of sports in fostering physical and mental well-being while expressing immense pride in the achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s sports personalities.

Rajat Singh Chib, a resident of Hunjana, Nowshera in district Rajouri, etched his name in history by clinching a medal in Men’s Judo after a long gap of 35 years. His remarkable feat has brought pride and recognition to the region’s sporting community.

The Deputy CM assured full support from the Government in nurturing young sporting talent and reiterated the administration’s commitment to assisting athletes in their pursuit of national and international success.

India Storm into Semifinals with 44-Run Win Over New Zealand

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India Storm into Semifinals with 44-Run Win Over New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer’s pressure-defying half-century and Varun Chakravarthy’s exceptional spin performance guided India to a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand on Sunday. The win ensured India topped Group A, setting up a high-stakes semifinal clash against Australia in the Champions Trophy.

Iyer Anchors Indian Innings

Despite a top-order collapse, Iyer displayed remarkable composure, scoring 79 off 98 balls. His crucial partnership of 98 runs with Axar Patel (42 off 61) stabilized the innings before Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 45 off 45 propelled India to a modest yet competitive total of 249 for 9. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry (5/42) was the wrecker-in-chief, dismantling India’s top order early on.

Chakravarthy Leads India’s Spin Assault

Chasing 250, New Zealand struggled against India’s potent spin attack. Chakravarthy (5/42) turned the game on its head, relentlessly attacking the stumps and dismantling New Zealand’s middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel provided crucial support, while Hardik Pandya drew first blood by dismissing Rachin Ravindra.

Kane Williamson waged a lone battle with a gritty 81, but lack of support from the other end saw New Zealand fold for 205 in 45.3 overs. Despite brief partnerships, Kuldeep Yadav’s dismissal of Daryl Mitchell and Axar’s crucial breakthrough against Williamson sealed India’s victory.

Key Highlights

  • India’s top-order struggle: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli fell cheaply, leaving India reeling at 30/3.
  • Iyer’s resilience: The middle-order batter held the innings together with his well-crafted 79.
  • Spin dominance: Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul dismantled the Kiwi chase.
  • Williamson’s valiant effort: The New Zealand captain’s 81 went in vain.

With this victory, India now braces for a semifinal showdown against Australia on Tuesday, while New Zealand faces South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.

Brief Scores: India: 249/9 in 50 overs (Shreyas Iyer 79; Matt Henry 5/42).
New Zealand: 205 all out in 45.3 overs (Kane Williamson 81; Varun Chakravarthy 5/42).

 

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Stresses Balance Between Tradition and Modernity Cultural Heritage and Nation-Building

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RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Stresses Balance Between Tradition and Modernity Cultural Heritage and Nation-Building

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday highlighted the significance of maintaining a balance between cultural heritage and modern aspirations.

Visit to Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo
During his visit to the Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo, a revered prayer center of the Nyishi community in Naharlagun near Itanagar, Bhagwat spoke on the role of spiritual practices in fostering societal harmony and nation-building. The Namlo, located near the banks of the Pachin river, is a sacred site where devotees worship the sun (Donyi) and the moon (Polo), holding immense cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous people of the region.

Emphasis on Preserving Traditions
Bhagwat participated in the traditional prayer ceremony and engaged in discussions with Namlo priests and devotees, appreciating their dedication to preserving their customs. He underscored the importance of safeguarding ancient traditions while embracing progress, stating that spiritual practices like those at Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo play a crucial role in strengthening social unity and contributing to nation-building.

Four-Day Arunachal Pradesh Tour
His visit to the Namlo marked the conclusion of his four-day trip to Arunachal Pradesh. During his stay, Bhagwat also participated in a two-day RSS ‘Karyakarta Shivir,’ which saw participation from RSS members across the state.

RSS Centenary Celebrations
Following his engagements in Arunachal Pradesh, Bhagwat will return to Guwahati for further centenary-related programs. The RSS is set to complete 100 years on Vijaya Dashami this year, with nationwide events planned to mark the occasion.

UDAN Yatri Café to Expand to More Airports: Civil Aviation Minister

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UDAN Yatri Café to Expand to More Airports: Civil Aviation Minister

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans to introduce UDAN Yatri Cafés at two more airports within the next month, furthering the government’s vision of inclusive and affordable air travel.

Making Air Travel Accessible
Speaking at a press conference, the minister emphasized that the UDAN Yatri Café aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to making air travel more accessible and convenient for all citizens. The café provides hygienic refreshments at nominal prices, offering water bottles for ₹10, tea for ₹10, coffee for ₹20, samosas for ₹20, and local sweets for ₹20.

Successful Implementation in Kolkata and Chennai
The first UDAN Yatri Café, launched at Kolkata Airport in December last year, witnessed record sales. Encouraged by its success, a second facility was recently inaugurated at Chennai Airport. Plans are now in place to expand the initiative nationwide in a phased manner, with Hyderabad Airport set to receive the facility soon.

Aviation Sector Growth Under PM Modi
Highlighting the rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, the minister noted that the number of airports has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from 79 to 150. He also mentioned the rising demand from smaller towns for new airport infrastructure.

Seaplane Operations to Begin in April
Discussing seaplane connectivity, Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that trials have been completed successfully. Operations are set to commence in April, with Telangana’s first seaplane service launching on the Hyderabad-Srisailam route.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans to introduce UDAN Yatri Cafés at two more airports within the next month, furthering the government’s vision of inclusive and affordable air travel.

Making Air Travel Accessible
Speaking at a press conference, the minister emphasized that the UDAN Yatri Café aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to making air travel more accessible and convenient for all citizens. The café provides hygienic refreshments at nominal prices, offering water bottles for ₹10, tea for ₹10, coffee for ₹20, samosas for ₹20, and local sweets for ₹20.

Successful Implementation in Kolkata and Chennai
The first UDAN Yatri Café, launched at Kolkata Airport in December last year, witnessed record sales. Encouraged by its success, a second facility was recently inaugurated at Chennai Airport. Plans are now in place to expand the initiative nationwide in a phased manner, with Hyderabad Airport set to receive the facility soon.

Aviation Sector Growth Under PM Modi
Highlighting the rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, the minister noted that the number of airports has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from 79 to 150. He also mentioned the rising demand from smaller towns for new airport infrastructure.

Seaplane Operations to Begin in April
Discussing seaplane connectivity, Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that trials have been completed successfully. Operations are set to commence in April, with Telangana’s first seaplane service launching on the Hyderabad-Srisailam route.

LoP Sunil Sharma Meets LG Manoj Sinha Ahead of Budget Session

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LoP Sunil Sharma Meets LG Manoj Sinha Ahead of Budget Session

Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today to discuss key issues concerning the upcoming Budget Session. The session is set to commence tomorrow, marking an important phase for legislative discussions in the Union Territory.

Focus on Budget Priorities
During the meeting, Sharma emphasized the need for addressing critical public concerns, including economic development, employment generation, and infrastructural growth in Jammu & Kashmir. He urged the administration to ensure that the budget reflects the aspirations and needs of the people.

Legislative Agenda & Public Welfare
Sharma also stressed the importance of a transparent and accountable governance system, highlighting key areas that require urgent government attention. He reiterated the opposition’s commitment to voicing public grievances and ensuring a fair and balanced budget debate in the Assembly.

LG’s Assurance for Inclusive Development
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that the upcoming Budget Session will focus on holistic development, welfare programs, and economic reforms aimed at boosting J&K’s progress. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a people-centric approach in policymaking.

Political Significance of the Meeting
The discussion comes at a crucial juncture, as political leaders prepare to engage in intense deliberations over financial allocations and policy initiatives. The opposition is expected to play a vital role in scrutinizing the budget proposals and advocating for measures that benefit the common people.

 

JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra Slams BJP Over Statehood Issue

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JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra Slams BJP Over Statehood Issue

JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra strongly criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill its commitment to restore Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood. Addressing a massive gathering of Congress workers in Bishnah, he accused the BJP of punishing the people of J&K simply because they did not receive the mandate to rule in the recent Assembly elections.

BJP Ruling by Proxy
Karra alleged that the BJP, despite not securing a mandate, now seeks to govern through the LG administration. He termed this move as a “betrayal” and a clear violation of repeated commitments made to the people, as well as a defiance of the Supreme Court’s directive for early restoration of statehood.

Congress Demands Full Statehood
Reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment, Karra emphasized the mission of “Jai Bapu Jai Bhim Jai Samvidhan,” advocating for full statehood and constitutional rights. The rally, organized in Salerh, Bishnah by AICC secretary Neeraj Kundan, was attended by senior party leaders and supporters.

Historical Betrayal & Dogra Legacy
Karra criticized the ruling party for erasing historical contributions, stating that those in power today had no role in India’s freedom struggle. He recalled the legacy of Dogra warriors who expanded the boundaries of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh up to Gilgit-Baltistan. He accused the BJP of dismantling the historical Dogra state and forcing the people, especially Dogras, to take to the streets to demand justice.

People’s Issues Raised
Neeraj Kundan expressed gratitude to the people of Bishnah for their support in the elections and pledged to continue serving them. He highlighted the pressing issues of smart meters, unjust electricity disconnections, and the eviction of poor farmers from lands they have cultivated for decades.

Massive Support for Congress
Working president Raman Bhalla thanked the people for their overwhelming support, citing over 40,000 votes in the Lok Sabha elections and continued backing in the Assembly polls. He highlighted the suffering of border residents due to BJP policies.

Dogra Struggle & Call for Constitutional Safeguards
Senior leaders, including Tara Chand and ex-MP Ch. Lal Singh, denounced BJP’s actions, accusing them of snatching away the Dogra state against the will of the people. They condemned the exploitation of J&K’s resources, land, and job opportunities post the abrogation of special status. The leaders called for strong constitutional safeguards to protect future generations.

Congress Leadership Stands United
The event witnessed the presence of prominent Congress leaders, including Yogesh Sawhney, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Hari Singh Chib, Indu Pawar, MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, Manmohan Singh, M.K. Bhardwaj, Narinder Sharma, Vijay Sharma, Dwarka Chaudhary, and Ajay Lakhotra.

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