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BJP Holds Tridev Sammelans Across Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu, Aug 12 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu & Kashmir has organized a series of Tridev Sammelans throughout the region, led by prominent party leaders. These gatherings were aimed at showcasing the achievements of the Modi Government and mobilizing party workers to further its agenda.

In the Nowshera Assembly constituency, BJP President Ravinder Raina addressed the Sammelan, urging party workers to become advocates of the developmental work accomplished under the Modi administration. Raina emphasized the BJP’s commitment to socio-economic development and highlighted the improvements made in infrastructure across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and technology. He encouraged workers to continuously inform voters about these advancements.

The Tridev Sammelan in Bishnah Assembly constituency featured former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta and Shrikant Sharma, MLA from Mathura (UP). Similarly, in Rajouri, BJP General Secretary Adv. Vibodh Gupta delivered a speech at the Sammelan.

In Ramgarh, the Sammelan was addressed by Dr. Devinder K. Manyal, General Secretary of J&K BJP, and Shrikant Sharma. Suchetgarh Assembly constituency saw speeches from former Minister Priya Sethi and BJP Vice-President Sham Lal Choudhary.

Former MP Shamsher Singh Manhas spoke at the Sammelan in Samba Assembly constituency, while DDC Chairperson Bharat Bhushan addressed the gathering in Chhamb. Kathua’s Sammelan was led by senior leader Munish Sharma, and Jangbir Chiku spoke in Billawar.

In Budhal, senior leader Talib Hussain addressed the Sammelan, and Ramesh Sharma spoke in Banihal. Gurdeep addressed the event in Haveli, while senior leaders Jugal Dogra, Raghunandan Bablu, and former MLC

SPO Succumbs to Injuries from Road Accident in Bandipora

Bandipora, Kashmir – A Special Police Officer (SPO) named Muhammad Maqbool, a resident of Gurez in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, has tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident on August 3. Reports indicate that Maqbool was riding his Scooty when he was struck by a speeding vehicle.

Following the accident, the injured officer was initially taken to Community Health Center (CHC) Dawar and later transferred to SKIMS in Soura for advanced medical treatment. Unfortunately, he passed away late last night.

Authorities have registered a case regarding the incident, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Over 380 Pilgrims Embark on Budha Amarnath Yatra Amid Tight Security

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POONCH, Aug 12: Chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” with great enthusiasm, more than 380 pilgrims set out from a base camp in Jammu on Monday to visit the revered shrine of Budha Amarnath in Poonch district, officials reported.

The sixth batch of 382 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at 5:15 AM in a convoy of 10 vehicles, escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police. This group included 283 men, 90 women, and nine children, who traveled in eight buses and two light motor vehicles (LMVs), filled with the spirited chants of “Bum Bum Bhole,” “Har Har Mahadev,” and “Jai Shri Ram.”

The yatra, which commenced on August 7, is scheduled to conclude on August 20. The Budha Amarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Rajpura village within the Mandi tehsil of Poonch and is one of the oldest shrines in the Jammu region. Each year, it attracts a significant number of devotees during this pilgrimage.

The yatra culminates with the arrival of the ‘Charri Mubarak’ (holy mace) at the shrine from Dashnami Akhara, Poonch. Pilgrims often take a ritual bath in the sacred Pulsata River that flows near the temple before entering the shrine, signifying purification.

Thousands of devotees undertake this yatra annually to pay their respects at this renowned shrine of Lord Shiva, reaffirming their faith and devotion.

Kolkata Government Threatens CBI Involvement in RG Kar Hospital Murder Case

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KOLKATA, Aug 12 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday that her government will transfer the investigation into the murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if local police fail to make progress by Sunday.

Banerjee expressed her desire for a swift resolution to the case and emphasized the importance of trying it in a fast-track court. “I want the police to arrest the culprits as soon as possible. If they are unable to crack the case by Sunday, we will hand it over to the CBI. I don’t have an issue with the central agency taking over, but its success rate is low,” she stated during a visit to the deceased doctor’s family.

The body of the post-graduate trainee, who was allegedly raped and murdered in a seminar hall at the hospital, was discovered on Friday morning. A civic volunteer was arrested on Saturday in connection with the crime. Banerjee noted that the victim’s family suspects that an insider may be involved, urging police to question anyone who may have had contact with the victim, including her friends.

In response to the incident, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, resigned on Monday following calls for his removal from junior doctors, who accused him of failing to ensure the safety of staff. Banerjee confirmed that Ghosh has been reassigned to another department and announced the removal of the medical superintendent and vice principal for negligence. Additionally, the head of the chest medicine department and the Kolkata Police’s Assistant Commissioner in charge of the hospital’s security were also dismissed.

Banerjee has previously vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused, highlighting the severity of the crime. “We want this case to go to a fast-track court. We will also demand capital punishment. Some people may have forgotten how to behave in society. It is a heinous crime to engage in such violence against women,” she asserted.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, who accompanied Banerjee during her visit, assured that all individuals connected to the incident are being questioned. “All those who were near the place of occurrence and have a connection or involvement are being called and will be summoned if they haven’t been yet. We are certain that within the next four to five days, if there are more culprits, we will be able to arrest them,” he stated.

Goyal also announced the establishment of a helpline for doctors, allowing them to report information anonymously. “Doctors can share information if they wish to communicate anonymously. They can come and talk to us in person as well,” he added.

As the investigation continues, the government and police face increasing pressure to deliver justice swiftly in this high-profile case that has shaken the local medical community and raised serious concerns about safety and security within healthcare institutions.

 

 

Disappointing Campaign for Indian Boxing Contingent at Paris Olympics

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New Delhi, Aug 12 – The Indian boxing contingent, featuring two reigning world champions, Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, entered the Paris Olympics with high hopes for a medal haul. However, they ultimately fell short, concluding the tournament without any medals, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and analysts alike.

Boxing has long been a medal hope for India, especially after Vijender Singh’s historic bronze in the 2008 Beijing Games and MC Mary Kom’s women’s bronze in 2012. Despite a medal-less outing at the 2016 Rio Games, Borgohain’s bronze at the Tokyo Olympics reignited optimism for Indian boxing ahead of Paris. Expectations were high, with analysts predicting at least one, if not two, medals from the six qualified boxers, including two-time world champion Zareen (50kg), Borgohain (75kg), and 2023 world championship bronze medallist Nishant Dev (71kg).

Underwhelming Performance
Unfortunately, the Indian boxers struggled to find their rhythm throughout the competition. With the exception of Nishant, who faced a contentious decision in his quarterfinal bout, the rest of the team fell short against strong opponents. Zareen and Borgohain, in particular, were unable to deliver performances reflective of their world champion status. Both faced formidable Chinese competitors in the second round and were unable to mount a significant challenge.

Zareen, seen as a potential gold medallist, appeared off-colour and revealed she had resorted to extreme measures to maintain her weight limit, which impacted her performance. After a scrappy first-round win, she lost to Wu Yu in the second round. Borgohain also suffered a setback against her longtime rival, Li Qian, who has bested her in three of their four encounters. Amit Panghal (51kg) also underperformed, falling to Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba, who was eliminated in the next round.

Jaismine Lamboria, competing at 57kg after moving down from 60kg, faced a tough opponent in Tokyo silver medallist Nesthy Petecio and was eliminated as expected. However, Preeti Pawar (54kg) delivered a commendable performance against reigning world silver medallist Yeni Marcela Arias, showcasing promise for the future.

Financial Support and Preparation
In preparation for the Olympics, the Sports Ministry allocated significant resources, including 17 national camps and 23 foreign exposure trips for nine core boxers under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), amounting to Rs 60.93 crore. Individual athletes also received substantial funding, with Zareen receiving Rs 91.71 lakh, Borgohain Rs 81.76 lakh, Panghal Rs 65.90 lakh, and Nishant Rs 65.86 lakh.

Issues in Coaching and Selection
One of the critical factors contributing to the Indian boxing team’s underperformance was the instability within the coaching staff. Since the Tokyo Games, multiple coaches have departed, disrupting the continuity essential for Olympic preparation. Notable changes included the exit of Women’s High Performance Director Raffaele Bergamasco shortly after Tokyo and the subsequent departure of men’s HPD Santiago Nieva in May 2022. The appointment and reassignment of head coaches, including the reinstatement of CA Kuttapa, further complicated the situation.

Additionally, the Boxing Federation of India’s new selection policy, which replaced the traditional trial system, sparked controversy. Panghal was left out of the national team until the final qualifier, with Deepak Bhoria being selected based on a performance assessment system. While Panghal eventually secured a quota spot, his lack of recent international competition contributed to his struggle during the Games.

Conclusion
The Indian boxing team’s disappointing campaign in Paris serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing athletes, even with significant financial backing. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the Boxing Federation of India to address coaching instability and refine selection processes to better support their athletes in future competitions. As fans look ahead, the hope remains that Indian boxing can reclaim its position as a medal contender on the world stage.

 

 

Srinagar: Police Launch Comprehensive Operation to Destroy Wild Cannabis in Baramulla

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Baramulla: The Baramulla police, in a decisive move against drug cultivation, launched an extensive operation today to eradicate wild cannabis in several areas, including Dungdara Kreeri, Pattan, Hanjiwera, and Kungamdara.

The operation involved a collaborative team comprising police officials, revenue officers, excise authorities, and other stakeholders. Together, they successfully conducted a destruction drive across approximately 12 kanals of land known for wild cannabis growth.

Authorities reported that the initiative has received widespread appreciation from the general public, highlighting the police’s commitment to combating drug abuse in the region. Community members expressed their support for the campaign and have urged the police to extend the drive to other areas, reinforcing the collective effort against drug-related issues.

As the operation continues, police officials are optimistic about further collaboration with the community to enhance awareness and prevention efforts regarding drug abuse.

Prime Minister Modi Reaffirms India’s Commitment to Elephant Conservation on World Elephant Day

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NEW DELHI, Aug 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India’s dedication to ensuring that elephants have a conducive habitat in which to thrive. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) to mark World Elephant Day, Modi emphasized the importance of community efforts in protecting these majestic creatures.

He stated, “At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to doing everything possible to ensure elephants get a conducive habitat where they can thrive. For us in India, the elephant is linked to our culture and history, too. It is gladdening that over the last few years, their numbers have been on the rise.”

Modi’s message highlights the significance of elephants in Indian culture and the collective responsibility to preserve their habitats, reflecting a growing awareness and commitment to wildlife conservation in the country.

Case Registered Against YouTuber for Allegedly Posting “Peacock Curry Recipe” Video in Rajanna Sircilla

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Hyderabad, Aug 12: A case has been registered against a YouTuber in Rajanna Sircilla district for allegedly uploading a video featuring a “peacock curry recipe” on his channel. According to preliminary investigations, the YouTuber reportedly resorted to this act to attract more views and subscribers.

Upon receiving information about the video, a team of forest officials swiftly arrived at Tangallapalli village, where they discovered that the man had actually prepared chicken curry, not peacock. The curry sample has since been sent to a laboratory for forensic analysis, and the investigation is ongoing. A formal case was registered against the individual on Sunday.

The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly from animal rights activists, who raised concerns about the implications of such content. Following the outcry, the YouTuber removed the controversial video from his channel.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure accountability and protect wildlife.

Over 1 Lakh Pilgrims Participate in 45-Day Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra

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The 45-day-long Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra, which commenced on July 25, 2024, has witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with over 100,000 pilgrims participating in the revered pilgrimage thus far. This year’s Yatra has been hailed as a resounding success, with devotees expressing immense satisfaction regarding the comprehensive arrangements made by the authorities.

Devotees have commended the Divisional and District Administration for the introduction of several new facilities, including the extension of the road up to Chashoti. This enhancement has significantly reduced the trekking distance, making the journey less arduous for pilgrims.

In addition to improved road access, the availability of 4G connectivity, helicopter services, and online registration has further streamlined the pilgrimage experience. These facilities allow devotees to focus on their spiritual journey with ease and convenience.

The administration’s efforts to prioritize the comfort and well-being of pilgrims have also been noteworthy. Clean and hygienic accommodation facilities have been ensured, enhancing the overall experience for yatris. Furthermore, the Health Centres and the Ayush Department of Kishtwar have set up medical camps at Machail, en route, and at the base camp to provide essential patient care to the pilgrims.

To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, the administration has appealed to the yatris to adhere to the established guidelines and stay informed by visiting the official website shrimachailmatayatra.com for online registration and updated information.

The overwhelming positive feedback from the devotees highlights the effectiveness of the arrangements made this year, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enhancing the Shree Machail Mata Yatra experience for all pilgrims.

 

 

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Inaugurates New Yagyashala at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage at the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine today, praying for the peace, prosperity, and progress of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit, he inaugurated the new Yagyashala facility, dedicated to enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.

The newly constructed Yagyashala, an integral part of the religious landscape at the shrine, has been meticulously designed to accommodate the growing needs of pilgrims. Located near the old Bathing Ghat, below the Atka area at the main Bhawan, the facility features five Hawan Kunds spread across an impressive 1,600 square feet. This expansion allows for a threefold increase in capacity, enabling up to 10 groups of pilgrims to perform Hawan Poojan simultaneously, compared to the previous limit of just three groups.

In addition to the Yagyashala, an approach gallery with a covered area of 1,100 square feet has been constructed, providing easy access for devotees. This gallery can comfortably accommodate more than 100 pilgrims during the Shat Chandi Mahayagya, which is conducted regularly during the auspicious Navratras.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner of Reasi; Mohita Sharma, SSP Reasi; as well as numerous officials from the Shrine Board and a large number of devotees.

This new facility is expected to significantly enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims visiting the shrine, ensuring that their religious needs are met in a serene and accommodating environment.

The Lieutenant Governor’s initiative reflects a commitment to fostering spiritual growth and improving infrastructure at one of India’s most significant pilgrimage sites.