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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Discusses Katra Ropeway Project and Other Key Initiatives

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Discusses Katra Ropeway Project and Other Key Initiatives

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the openness of the administration to dialogue with all stakeholders regarding the Katra Ropeway Project. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Sinha assured that the project would boost pilgrimage numbers while addressing concerns of local traders and service providers.

Ropeway Project: Stakeholder Engagement and Benefits

  • A High-Level Committee, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, is actively engaging with stakeholders to address grievances and ensure consensus on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project.
  • The committee includes Dr. Ashok Bhan, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, and CEO SMVDSB Anshul Garg.
  • The committee is open for dialogue and has already held consultations with stakeholders, including those agitating against the project.

Background of the Ropeway Project

  • Initiated following the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2017 directive to phase out mules on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track due to environmental concerns.
  • A Rehabilitation Scheme was introduced for service providers, including 3,844 ponywallahs, 4,233 pithus, and 3,300 palkiwallahs.
  • The Supreme Court recommended a ropeway facility in 2018, and global tenders were invited to complete the project in four years.
  • The finalized alignment is from Tarakote to Sanjichhat, as alternative routes faced technical and logistical challenges.

Proposed Benefits

  • Enhanced Pilgrimage: The project is expected to increase pilgrimage numbers and provide emergency evacuation capabilities.
  • Support for Service Providers: The Lieutenant Governor guaranteed compensation, including financial aid of Rs. 50,000 and alternative livelihood opportunities for affected stakeholders.
  • Boost for Katra Town: A ticketing counter at Niharika Bhawan and other infrastructural developments, including two helipads, will further enhance Katra’s economy.

Industrial Package: Seeking Expansion

  • The Lieutenant Governor has proposed an increase in the Rs. 28,400 crore Industrial Package, which has been exhausted due to high demand.
  • Industrial investment proposals worth Rs. 1.60 lakh crore have been received, with projects worth Rs. 19,000 crore already underway and Rs. 8,000 crore in production.
  • New Industrial Estates are being developed to overcome land constraints.

Anti-Terror Achievements and Future Plans

  • Sinha highlighted significant progress in counter-terror operations, with 75 terrorists eliminated in 2024, including 55 foreign operatives.
  • The administration is targeting a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir by 2025, leveraging a comprehensive approach to dismantle terrorist ecosystems.
  • Peaceful conduct of elections and revival of normalcy, including cinema halls and nightlife, reflect the changing landscape of the Union Territory.

Governance and Business Rules

  • On relations with the newly elected government, Sinha stated that all institutions are functioning as per the Constitution.
  • A Cabinet Sub-Committee is drafting Business Rules for the Union Territory, which will be finalized soon.

Focus on Development and Infrastructure

  • The administration is committed to infrastructure development, promoting tourism, and addressing concerns of all stakeholders through dialogue and constructive action.
  • Efforts to align with modern needs while preserving local interests remain a cornerstone of the government’s approach.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Chairs 88th University Council Meeting of Jammu University

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Chairs 88th University Council Meeting of Jammu University

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the 88th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Raj Bhawan, focusing on academic and administrative advancements.

Key Attendees

The meeting saw the participation of prominent figures, including:

  • Sakina Itoo, Minister for Higher Education
  • Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department
  • Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor
  • Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu
  • Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Vice Chancellor, Lucknow University
  • Prof. K.S. Chandrasekhar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Jammu
  • Prof. AK Kaul, Former Professor, BHU Varanasi
  • Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Jammu University

Additionally, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Planning, Monitoring and Development Department; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University; and Prof. Mohd Mohin, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, joined virtually.

Deliberations and Approvals

The council discussed and approved several proposals, focusing on:

  • Adoption of UGC guidelines and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provisions.
  • Regular revision of curriculum and the introduction of new courses aligned with emerging global trends.
  • Promoting local languages and cultural heritage of the region.
  • Accelerating recruitment processes for teaching and non-teaching staff and addressing promotion-related matters under the Career Advancement Scheme.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for:

  • Streamlining the e-office system.
  • Ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects.

A Milestone Achievement

Council members congratulated the Vice Chancellor, faculty, and staff for earning the coveted A++ Grade from NAAC with a CGPA score of 3.72, making the University of Jammu the only A++ university in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.

Discussions on Key Initiatives

The council reviewed and discussed:

  • The success of the “Design Your Own Degree” undergraduate program.
  • Recruitment processes and onboarding of sports experts for effective implementation of the university’s Sports Policy.
  • A detailed credit framework for the “Design Your Degree” program.

Vice Chancellor’s Report

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, presented a comprehensive report highlighting:

  • The university’s focus on research, skill development, internships, and start-ups.
  • Initiatives in experiential learning through major projects.
  • Digital and environmentally friendly measures.
  • Efforts toward promoting trans-disciplinary and holistic education.

Actionable Insights

The council was briefed on actions taken on directives issued during the previous meeting, ensuring accountability and progress in institutional goals.

The meeting reiterated its commitment to enhancing educational excellence, fostering innovation, and aligning with modern-day requirements to solidify Jammu University’s position as a leading academic institution.

Jasprit Bumrah Among Nominees for ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2024

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Jasprit Bumrah Among Nominees for ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2024

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been nominated for the prestigious ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award, alongside England’s Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis.

Bumrah’s Dominance in 2024

Bumrah has been a standout performer in Test cricket, finishing the year with:

  • 71 wickets in 13 matches
  • Best bowling average: 14.92
  • Strike rate: 30.16

The ICC hailed Bumrah as the year’s best bowler, citing his stellar performances in various conditions, including South Africa, Australia, and India.

“Having returned to the Test arena following his recovery from a recurring back injury in 2023, Bumrah delivered his best-ever annual tally — 71 wickets — finishing the year with more Test wickets than any of his counterparts,” the ICC noted.

Bumrah’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was exceptional, where he claimed 30 wickets in just four Tests Down Under, including match-winning spells at Perth that led India to a 295-run victory.

England’s Joe Root: The Batting Mainstay

Joe Root emerged as the most dominant batter in 2024, accumulating:

  • 1,556 runs from 17 Tests
  • Batting average: 55.57
  • Centuries: 6
  • Half-centuries: 5

Root’s performance included a career-best 262 against Pakistan at Multan and marked the fifth time he crossed the 1,000-run milestone in a calendar year.

“Root’s second-best annual run-tally in Tests was a testament to his consistency, both home and away,” the ICC said.

England’s Harry Brook: Breakthrough Performer

Harry Brook made a significant impact with:

  • 1,100 runs from 12 Tests
  • Batting average: 55.00
  • Centuries: 4

Brook’s aggressive batting style made him a flagbearer of England’s quick-scoring approach, with his 317 off 322 balls being a standout innings.

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis: Rising Star

Kamindu Mendis impressed with:

  • 1,049 runs from 9 Tests
  • Batting average: 74.92

Mendis became the joint-third fastest to score 1,000 Test runs, equalling Sir Don Bradman’s 13-innings record. His twin centuries against New Zealand played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s push for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship Final.

The ICC praised Mendis as the batter with the highest average among those who played more than two Tests in 2024.

The Verdict

The ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award recognizes excellence in the longest format, and all four nominees have had remarkable performances in 2024. While Bumrah’s unmatched bowling statistics make him a strong contender, Root, Brook, and Mendis have left an indelible mark with their batting prowess.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Offers Prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Offers Prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain

UJJAIN, Dec 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain city on Monday to offer prayers.

Expressing his spiritual experience, Singh stated, “I feel blessed after having darshan of Lord Mahakal.”

  • Sanctum Sanctorum Prayers: Wearing a saffron-coloured dhoti, the minister offered prayers for about 20 minutes in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
  • Meditation: Following the prayers, Singh meditated in the Nandi Hall of the temple.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlings in the country, holding immense spiritual significance.

Two-Day Visit to Madhya Pradesh

Rajnath Singh is on a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh, which began on Sunday.

  • Tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Singh paid homage at the memorial of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Mhow, Indore district.
  • Address to Army Personnel: The Defence Minister also addressed Army personnel at the historic Mhow Cantonment, which has a legacy spanning over two centuries.

The visit highlights both Singh’s spiritual devotion and his commitment to honoring India’s military and socio-political history.

BJP Demands CBI Probe Into Contractor’s Suicide, Threatens Protest

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BJP Demands CBI Probe Into Contractor’s Suicide, Threatens Protest

Mounting pressure on the ruling Congress in Karnataka, the BJP on Monday reiterated its demand for a CBI inquiry into the contractor’s suicide and the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge. The party warned of a protest to lay siege to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Kalaburagi in January if their demands are not met.

“The Kharge family is very powerful, and the state police cannot investigate them impartially. Hence, the matter should be handed over to the CBI,” BJP state president B Y Vijayendra told reporters.

Civil Contractor’s Allegations
Sachin Panchal, a civil contractor, allegedly died by suicide on December 26 by lying before a moving train in Bidar district. In his suicide note, Panchal accused Priyank Kharge’s close aide Raju Kapanur of pressuring him to pay ₹1 crore. He also alleged that he received death threats, compelling him to take the drastic step. Kapanur has denied the allegations.

Priyank Kharge, while denying any involvement, said his name was not mentioned in the suicide note. He also called for an inquiry to uncover the truth.

BJP Intensifies Pressure
The BJP has intensified its demands, alleging that the police in Kalaburagi district are influenced by the Kharge family. Vijayendra called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand Priyank Kharge’s resignation and to hand over the investigation to the CBI.

Compensation Demands
The BJP has also demanded:

  • Protection for Panchal’s family.
  • Compensation of ₹1 crore for the family.
  • A government job for one family member.

Ultimatum and Planned Protest
Vijayendra announced that the party would wait until January 3 for the Chief Minister to order a CBI inquiry. “If our demands are not met, the BJP will stage a massive protest in Kalaburagi on January 4 and lay siege to Kharge’s house,” he added.

Conspiracy Claims
Vijayendra highlighted another serious aspect of Panchal’s suicide note, alleging a conspiracy to eliminate BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimud, leaders Chandru Patil, Manikanth Rathod, and pontiff Siddalinga Swami. He claimed contract killers from Maharashtra were involved, which demands urgent investigation.

The BJP’s demands have set the stage for a political showdown, with the party accusing the Congress government of shielding its leaders and ignoring the gravity of the allegations.

Vitul Kumar to Assume Charge as Director General of CRPF

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Vitul Kumar to Assume Charge as Director General of CRPF

Senior IPS officer Vitul Kumar will take charge as Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after incumbent Anish Dayal Singh retires on Tuesday.

Kumar, a 1993 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Special Director General of the CRPF.

The competent authority has approved to assign the officiating charge for the post of DG, CRPF, to Vitul Kumar upon superannuation of Anish Dayal Singh, a 1988 batch Manipur cadre IPS officer, on December 31, 2024, till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further order, whichever is earlier, said an order issued by the Union Home Ministry.

 

Tazeem Akhter, Chairperson, District Development Council Poonch called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha,

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Tazeem Akhter, Chairperson, District Development Council Poonch called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha,

Subsequently, public delegation led by Sangita Sharma, Member, District Development Council Seri; BJP delegation from Nowshera, and representatives of Beopar Mandal Rajouri also called on the Lieutenant Governor.

A delegation of J&K Kho Kho Association headed by its President Dr Baljinder Kour also called on Lieutenant Governor. The members of the delegation extended invitation to the Lieutenant Governor for the inaugural function of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The upcoming Kho Kho World Cup is set to take place in New Delhi from 13th January to 19th January, 2025.

Abhijeet Jasrotia, BJP Spokesperson was also present during the interaction.

Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, an international mountaineer and three-times Everest Summitteer called on Lieutenant Governor. The Lieutenant Governor lauded Col Jamwal’s extraordinary achievements in the field of mountaineering and bringing pride to J&K and the nation.

Col Jamwal also presented a coffee table book “Har Shikhar Tiranga”. The book chronicles the unparalleled journey of climbing the highest peaks across the country. This mission was conceptualized and led by Col Jamwal.

 

Anti-Ropeway Protests in Katra Escalate as Deadlock Continues

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Anti-Ropeway Protests in Katra Escalate as Deadlock Continues

Katra: The anti-ropeway protests in Katra entered their fifth day, with no resolution in sight between the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Reasi administration, and the Sangharsh Samiti led by Beli Ram Rana.

The Sangharsh Samiti is demanding the cancellation of the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project, which aims to connect the Katra base camp with Sanjhi Chhat near the shrine. They are also calling for the unconditional release of 18 youth detained during earlier protests.

Protest Intensifies Amid Stalemate

The agitation, which began on December 25, was extended by another 72 hours on Friday night. However, no representative from the administration has approached the protesters for dialogue, according to Sangharsh Samiti members.

Click here to watch video

Political Leaders Join the Protest

Prominent political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, senior NC members, former BJP leaders, and Congress representatives, visited the Tarkote Marg area, the proposed site for the ropeway project. They later addressed protesters at Baba Shridhar Chowk and Shalimar Park.

In solidarity with the protesters, the local market remained shut, although some hotels and restaurants stayed open, causing discontent among youth on a hunger strike at Shridhar Chowk.

Assurance from Local Business Owners

Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotels and Restaurants Association, assured protesters that after December 31, no new bookings would be taken, and all hotels and restaurants would close to support the Sangharsh Samiti.

Posters Reflect Frustration

Posters calling Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma “missing” appeared in Katra, showcasing public frustration over the absence of their elected representative.

Deputy Chief Minister’s Address

During his address, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasized that development must not threaten livelihoods.

“While development must be appreciated, it shouldn’t harm any individual’s livelihood,” he stated.

Choudhary warned that the ropeway project could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. He reassured locals of the NC leadership’s support, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and pledged to raise the issue with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Choudhary also called for the release of detained youth.

Support and Criticism from Local Leaders

Local MLA Baldev Raj Sharma supported the release of the detained youth but acknowledged resistance from some political leaders unless the ropeway project is cancelled. Despite this, he expressed continued support for the Sangharsh Samiti.

Former MoS and BJP leader Ajay Nanda criticized the administration for underestimating the resolve of the people of Jammu.

“The administration thought that bringing in a new Deputy Commissioner from outside would end this agitation, but they were wrong. When the Dogras unite, they achieve the impossible,” he said.

Participation from Opposition Leaders

Former Congress leader Jugal Kishore Sharma, who contested the Assembly polls from Katra as an independent, joined the protests, demanding the shelving of the ropeway project and release of the detainees.

Senior Congress leader Yogesh Sawhney and J&K Congress Sewa Dal Chief Vijay Sharma also expressed support for the demonstrators.

Pawan Khajuria, a former BJP leader, along with Parikshit Singh, DDC Jaganoo, addressed the protesters at Shridhar Chowk and Shalimar Chowk, where five youth are on an indefinite hunger strike.

Ohio Becomes First State to Recognize Diwali and Hindu Religious Holidays for Students

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Ohio Becomes First State to Recognize Diwali and Hindu Religious Holidays for Students

Columbus, Ohio: Hindu students in Ohio will now receive school holidays for Diwali and two additional Hindu holidays each year, thanks to a new law announced by Indian American State Senator Niraj Antani. The bill, co-sponsored by Antani, was passed by the Ohio Legislature and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine.

“Because of this law that I co-sponsored, every Hindu student in Ohio will be able to take school off as a holiday for Diwali beginning in 2025, and then for the rest of history. This is an incredible victory for Hindus in Ohio,” said Antani.

A Historic Milestone

Antani highlighted that this legislation makes Ohio the first state in American history to grant every student the right to take Diwali as a school holiday. As the first Hindu American State Senator in Ohio and the youngest Hindu American state or federal elected official in the nation, Antani described this as a groundbreaking step toward religious inclusivity.

The law goes further than recognizing Diwali, allowing students to take off for two additional religious holidays of their choice. “A Gujarati Hindu student can take a day off for Navaratri or Annakut, a BAPS devotee can take off for Pramukh Swami Maharaj Jayanti, a Telugu Hindu student can take off for Ugadi, a Tamil Hindu student can take off for Pongal, and so on,” Antani explained.

Addressing Cultural Challenges

Antani reflected on his own childhood, saying, “I remember as a kid during Navaratri on weeknights not being able to stay for dandiya at the end of the night. This will no longer be a problem for any Hindu kid in Ohio henceforth.”

The bill requires parents to send a signed letter to the school principal, specifying the religious holidays their child will observe. The letter must be submitted within 14 days of the school year’s start, and the principal must approve the days off.

Broad Support and Recognition

“Ohio is setting an example for the rest of the country on how schools can ensure all students can practice their faiths fully without the fear of negative academic consequences,” said Samir Kalra, Managing Director of the Hindu American Foundation.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has designated October 20 and 21, 2025, as Diwali holidays.

Community Reactions

Rakesh Ranjan, Director of the Cleveland Chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), celebrated the decision. “As a Hindu parent of students who recently graduated in Cleveland, this would have been astounding to have during Diwali. It would have allowed my children to observe Diwali fully and without worrying about their studies. Now, no other Hindu student or parent in Ohio will have this worry,” he said.

Utsav Chakrabarti, Executive Director of HinduACTion, added, “This landmark effort empowers nearly 120,000 Hindus across the state to celebrate their cherished traditions with their families, fostering inclusion and cultural understanding. More importantly, it furthers Ohio’s commitment to upholding family values. This will serve as a template for other states with significant Hindu populations to emulate.”

Singapore Transitions Leadership Amid Strengthened India Ties in 2024

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Singapore Transitions Leadership Amid Strengthened India Ties in 2024

Singapore: After two decades, Singapore witnessed a leadership change in 2024 with a planned transition to the fourth generation of People’s Action Party (PAP) politicians. Economist Lawrence Wong, 51, succeeded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, in May after Lee’s two-decade tenure. The ruling PAP, which has steered Singapore’s economic progress for over five decades, continued to lead under Wong’s guidance.

Strengthened India-Singapore Bilateral Relations

As India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore in September. Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule described 2024 as an “eventful year for India-Singapore relations.”

Ambule emphasized that the strengthened bilateral ties would contribute to India’s economic growth in the years ahead. During Modi’s visit, both sides announced plans to collaborate in the semiconductor industry, signaling significant future investments from Singaporean companies in India.

Landmark Meetings and Collaborations

The 2nd round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in August brought together four senior ministers from India and six from Singapore to discuss opportunities in digitalization, skills development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. “This 4+6 meeting was unprecedented for both sides,” Ambule noted.

In October, the inaugural Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore, and in November, Wong joined Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil, where India launched the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI, and Data for Governance.

Economic Engagement and SICCI Initiatives

The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties. Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted SICCI’s efforts in providing local firms with outreach and advice on the Indian market. SICCI’s “India Fever” initiative deepened trade and investment links, with six successful trade missions in the last 18 months led by its Internationalising Sub-Committee, chaired by Neil Parekh.

Cultural and Scientific Collaborations

Key events in 2024 included:

  • The inaugural ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave.
  • E-workshops on digital health and medical technologies and the green economy.
  • Participation of Singaporean Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam in World Tamil Diaspora Day 2024 in Chennai, reflecting the close cultural ties between the nations.

Defense Cooperation

The 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was held in India in October. Soldiers from both nations participated in Agni Warrior, a regular military exercise, and the 12th edition of Joint Military Training, which took place in India from October 4 to December 16. Additionally, the expanded 4th edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise was hosted by India in November.

A Year of Contrasts

While bilateral ties flourished, Singapore faced its first political corruption trial in nearly half a century. Former cabinet minister S Iswaran was sentenced to one year in prison for obstructing justice and receiving over USD 300,000 worth of gifts.

As Singapore transitions into a new era of leadership under Lawrence Wong, its strengthened partnership with India sets the stage for deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest, marking 2024 as a milestone year for both nations.

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