Jammu University Employees Tournaments Kick Off with Great Enthusiasm
The Jammu University Employees Tournaments for men and women officially began today at the University Campus, featuring competitions in Table Tennis, Carrom, Chess, and Badminton. Organized by the Campus Sports Committee of the University of Jammu, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from various departments.
Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba, Chairman of the Campus Sports Committee, inaugurated the Inter-Departmental Tournaments 2024 and engaged with the players prior to the matches commencing.
Held at the Gymnasium Hall of the Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, the tournaments showcased a variety of matches across different sports disciplines. In Table Tennis, Deepka Badyal triumphed over Prince Partap Singh with a score of 2-0, while Komal Bakshi also claimed victory against Dr. Sunita Wadhera by the same margin.
In Badminton, Tinku Kumar secured a decisive 2-0 win against Rajesh Sharma. Other notable results included Niranjan Singh Charak’s win over Neeraj Bhardwaj and Pushminder Singh’s narrow victory against Sunil Kumar. The women’s badminton competition saw Pinkey Bazaz defeating Riya Bajral, followed by Deepika Singh overcoming Pinkey Bazaz in the next round.
The Carrom matches featured impressive performances, with Tinku Sharma achieving a notable win against Er. Rajesh Kumar and Vishal Sudan winning against Sunil Kumar. In the women’s category, Pooja Manhas emerged victorious over Dr. Sunita Wadhera.
In the Chess competitions, Dr. Sandeep Arya, Deepak Badyal, and Dr. Noor-ul-Asrar each secured wins in their respective matches.
The tournaments are being officiated by a team of referees, including Raj Kumar Bakshi, Ravish Vaid, and others, under the supervision of Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba.
This event highlights the university’s commitment to fostering a competitive and spirited environment among its employees, showcasing their diverse sporting talents and encouraging camaraderie within the university community.
India Successfully Tests Long-Range Glide Bomb “Gaurav” from Su-30 MK-I Fighter Jet
India has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its long-range glide bomb (LRGB) named “Gaurav” from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force. The test, carried out off the coast of Odisha, demonstrated the bomb’s precision by hitting a target at Long Wheeler’s Island with pinpoint accuracy, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Air Force, and industry partners for this significant achievement, describing the successful test as a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to develop indigenous defense technologies and enhance the capabilities of its armed forces.
According to the ministry, “Gaurav” is an air-launched glide bomb weighing 1,000 kg, designed to strike targets at long distances. After being launched, the bomb navigates toward its target using a highly accurate hybrid navigation system.
The project has been indigenously designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. During the flight test, telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range along the coastline captured complete flight data, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of the trial.
Senior DRDO scientists oversaw the flight, and the test involved participation from development-cum-production partners, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge.
Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the entire DRDO team on the successful flight test of the Gaurav glide bomb, marking a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities
Ministry of External Affairs Calls Claims of Maldives Island Handover “Misleading and Fake”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has labeled a social media post claiming that the Maldives “handed over” 28 islands to India as “misleading and fake.” This clarification comes following the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Maldives from August 9 to 11.
The MEA responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named “Baba Banaras @RealBababanaras,” which falsely stated that President Mohamed Muizzu signed an agreement to hand over the islands to India. The MEA asserted, “On record Fact Check: This headline is misleading and fake.”
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar inaugurated completed water supply and sewerage facilities across 28 islands in the Maldives, a project funded by India’s Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank. President Muizzu highlighted that these initiatives would provide significant economic benefits and boost local economies, contributing to the nation’s overall prosperity. He characterized the projects as vital milestones in Maldives-India bilateral relations.
President Muizzu praised the High Impact Community Development Projects funded by Indian Grant Assistance, which reflect the strong engagement between the two nations in socioeconomic development. He noted that several transformative initiatives are currently underway, aiming to accelerate the delivery of these benefits to communities. The President expressed gratitude for India’s flexibility in restructuring the Line of Credit arrangement.
In a post on X, President Muizzu stated, “It was a pleasure to meet @DrSJaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister @narendramodi, for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.”
The ceremony marking the handover took place at the President’s Office, where EAM Jaishankar officially handed over the completion letter for the project to Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. The project, initially announced on March 28, 2019, aimed to establish water and sewerage facilities in 34 islands, with the contract awarded to EXIM Bank on March 18, 2019.
The completed project includes water supply facilities on 22 islands, sewerage facilities on two islands, and combined facilities on four islands. Key components of the water supply projects involve installing Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, water storage tanks, distribution pipelines, and solar panels to power RO operations. The sewerage system includes laying network pipelines and constructing sewage pumping stations.
With the inauguration of these 28 facilities, approximately 28,298 beneficiaries have gained access to essential clean water and sanitation services, covering around 7% of the total population of the Maldives.
The specific islands where water facilities were established include:
Kelaa (Haa Alif Atoll)
Funadhoo (Shaviyani Atoll)
Manadhoo (Noonu Atoll)
Kaashidhoo (Kaafu Atoll)
Kurendhoo (Lhaviyani Atoll)
Felidhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Meedhoo (Dhaalu Atoll)
Bilehdhoo (Faafu Atoll)
Maabaidhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Maamendhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Gan (Laamu Atoll)
Kolhufushi (Meemu Atoll)
Muli (Meemu Atoll)
Maduvvari (Meemu Atoll)
Hirilandhoo (Thaa Atoll)
Maamendhoo (Gaafu Alif Atoll)
Gemanafushi (Gaafu Alif Atoll)
Faresmaathodaa (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Hoadhehdhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Madaveli (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
The islands where sewerage facilities were established include:
Thoddoo (Alif Alif Atoll)
Dhagethi (Alif Alif Atoll)
The islands with both water and sewerage facilities established are:
Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Thinadhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Bandidhoo (Dhaalu Atoll)
Dharanboodhoo (Faafu Atoll)
This project aims to improve the quality of life for Maldivians by providing essential services and strengthening bilateral ties with India.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Chairs Meeting on Heritage Preservation and Pediatric Healthcare in J&K
Jammu, August 13: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today presided over the 2nd Executive Committee Meeting of the Society for the Revival, Restoration, Preservation, and Maintenance of Heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Principal Secretary of Culture, the Principal Secretary of the Agricultural Production Department, the Principal Secretary of Finance, Divisional Commissioners from both Kashmir and Jammu, the Director of Archives and Archaeology, the Engineer-in-Chief, and other relevant officers.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the importance of restoring heritage sites while respecting local culture and aesthetics. He urged the department to identify heritage locations across each district that require revival and to incorporate the aspirations and demands of the community into the planning process.
Principal Secretary of Culture Suresh Kumar Gupta reported that the first Executive Committee meeting had reviewed and approved 35 proposals for the revival and restoration of heritage sites, with a total financial implication of ₹6,556.36 lakh, most of which have been completed. The District-Level Coordination-cum-Implementation Committees have recommended 126 projects for the value-based revival and restoration of heritage sites. The committee approved several proposals for expedited action.
Some of the key sites scheduled for restoration this year include:
Poonch Fort
Baldev Ji Temple, Jammu
Ancient Mint at Basholi
Old Heritage of Uttervehini
Rattangarh Fort, Doda
Raghunath Ji Temple, Channi Sunderbani
Machail Mata Temple, Padder
Asthapan of Shah Asrar Ud-Din Bagdadi, Kishtwar
Pakka Pond at Jaganoo, Udhampur
Khanqahi Naqashband Sahib, Srinagar
Hazrat Syed Mohammad Jan Baz Wali (RA) at Khanpora, Baramulla
Neolithic Site at Gufkral, Tral
Imambara Qadeem Hussaini Mohalla, Shilvat, Sonawari
Shri Mata Baderkali Temple at Wadipora, Handwara
Sheikh Ul Aalam Shrine at Qaimoh, Kulgam
Uma Bhagwati Asthapan, Brari Angan (Uttresoo)
Baba Naseeb-ud-din Gazi Shrine, Bijbehara
Ziyarat Asaar Shareif, Pinjoora (Shopian)
Markazi Imam Bara, Budgam
In a separate meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo reviewed the functioning of the newly established 500-bedded Children’s Hospital in Bemina, along with officials from the Health and Medical Education Department, including the Secretary of Health, the Principal of GMC Srinagar, the Director of Health Kashmir, and various Heads of Departments from the Pediatric Hospital.
During the assessment, Dulloo reiterated that the relocation of the hospital from GB Pant, Sonwar, aimed to enhance facilities and introduce advanced procedures under one roof. He stressed the importance of timely implementation of these objectives and urged the hospital administration to focus on offering high-end pediatric care.
The Chief Secretary also called for the recruitment of full-time faculty to fill critical vacancies, including Professors and Associate Professors, to ensure the hospital provides top-quality medical care. He emphasized the need to develop a strategy to increase seats for DM and Senior Residents to cultivate a pool of pediatric specialists in the Union Territory.
Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, provided an overview of the current status of services at the hospital, outlining plans to establish it as a state-of-the-art pediatric medical facility in the region.
The meetings underscore the government’s commitment to preserving J&K’s rich heritage and enhancing healthcare services for its youngest residents.
Ravinder Raina and BJP Leaders Lead Tiranga Yatra in Poonch
Poonch, August 13: Ravinder Raina, along with other prominent BJP leaders, spearheaded a vibrant Tiranga Yatra in Poonch on Tuesday. The event, aimed at celebrating national unity and pride, saw a substantial turnout of local residents and party supporters.
The Tiranga Yatra, which translates to “Tricolor March,” was organized to honor the national flag and promote patriotic sentiments among the community. The procession wound through key areas of Poonch, with participants carrying Indian flags and chanting slogans in support of national integrity.
Ravinder Raina, the President of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of national unity and the spirit of patriotism. He praised the people of Poonch for their enthusiasm and commitment to the nation.
The event also featured various cultural performances and speeches by local BJP leaders, who highlighted the government’s efforts in fostering development and improving the lives of people in the region. The Tiranga Yatra concluded with a call to action for continued support and dedication towards national progress and unity.
The successful turnout and enthusiastic participation underscored the strong sense of patriotism and community spirit in Poonch, reflecting the region’s commitment to the values symbolized by the national flag.
A Remarkable Milestone for GMC Udhampur: Successful Knee Replacement Surgery for 65-Year-Old Patient
Udhampur, Jammu – In a significant achievement, Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur has once again demonstrated its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services by successfully performing a total knee replacement surgery on a 65-year-old female patient from Chenani, suffering from advanced osteoarthritis. This operation was conducted by an expert team of doctors at GMC Udhampur and was provided completely free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
The patient, who had previously consulted multiple government and private hospitals in Jammu and beyond, faced repeated refusals for surgery due to her complex medical history. After a thorough evaluation, the dedicated medical team at GMC Udhampur, led by renowned orthopedic specialists Dr. Nikhil Gupta and Dr. Vinit Gupta, accepted the challenge and provided the necessary surgical intervention.
The successful surgery marks a new chapter in the patient’s life, offering her the hope of improved mobility and quality of life after years of suffering. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme, aimed at providing affordable healthcare to vulnerable populations, has made this procedure accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
“This achievement is a testament to the skill and dedication of our medical team at GMC Udhampur,” said Dr. Nikhil Gupta. “We are proud to serve our community and provide care to those in need, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
The administration of GMC Udhampur continues to work towards enhancing healthcare facilities and ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment, reinforcing its position as a leading medical institution in the region.
7th Reasi District Rifle Shooting Championship 2024 Concludes in Jammu
Jammu – The 7th Reasi District Rifle Shooting Championship 2024 wrapped up at the 10X Shooting Academy, organized by the J&K Rifle Association. The event attracted shooting enthusiasts from across the Reasi district, showcasing impressive marksmanship in various categories.
Manu Partap, the chief guest, along with Rahul Bakshi, presented medals and certificates to participants, celebrating their achievements and motivating them to further pursue their dedication to the sport.
As a result of their outstanding performances, Vijay Kumar, Subashish Padha, Bhumika, Yashika Sharma, Sachin Sharma, and Charanpreet Kour have been selected to represent District Reasi in the upcoming J&K Rifle Shooting Championship in Jammu.
The championship was conducted under the technical supervision of Rajesh Virdhy and Arjun Chib, ensuring that the event was well-organized and successful.
Manu Bhaker May Skip World Cup Following Break After Olympic Success
New Delhi, Aug 13 – Paris Olympic double medallist Manu Bhaker is considering skipping the upcoming World Cup in October as she plans to take a three-month break from competitive shooting, according to her coach, Jaspal Rana.
The 22-year-old shooter made history for India at the Paris Olympics, where she clinched bronze medals in both the women’s 10m air pistol and the mixed team 10m air pistol events alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh. Following her remarkable achievements, Bhaker returned from Paris early Tuesday and is set to step away from the sport for a short period.
Rana stated, “I am not sure whether she will be at the Shooting World Cup in October because she is taking a three-month break. It’s a normal break; she has been training for a long time.”
The Shooting World Cup is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 13 to 18. Rana, who played a key role in guiding Bhaker to her Olympic success after she left Tokyo Games without a medal three years ago, emphasized that they will focus on preparation for the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games following her break.
Congress Gears Up for Upcoming Assembly Polls in Key States
New Delhi, Aug 13 – Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge convened a crucial meeting on Tuesday with general secretaries, state unit chiefs, and AICC state in-charges as the party prepares for the forthcoming assembly elections. The meeting, held at the AICC headquarters, was attended by former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal, among others. Sources indicate that Kharge assessed the party’s readiness for the upcoming polls in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, with potential elections also on the horizon for Jammu and Kashmir. During a recent parliamentary party meeting, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, stating that the “mahaul (public mood)” appears favorable. However, she cautioned against complacency and overconfidence following the goodwill garnered during the Lok Sabha elections. Leaders from the poll-bound states have been holding discussions with Venugopal and other party leaders to update them on their preparations. Earlier this month, the Congress established screening committees for Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir to identify suitable candidates for the elections. For Haryana, Ajay Maken has been appointed as the chairman of the screening committee, while Girish Chodankar will lead the committee for Jharkhand. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has been named the chairman for the Jammu and Kashmir screening committee, and Madhusudan Mistry has been appointed for Maharashtra.