RAMBAN, JULY 28: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, an awareness program regarding various Self Employment Schemes under Mission Youth J&K and the Schemes of Industries Department, was conducted today at BDO office Khari.
The program was conducted in coordination with Rural Development Department and District Industries and Commerce Department Ramban.
The event aimed at generating mass awareness among the unemployed Youth of the block.
At the beginning of the programme, Amir Hassan Carrier Couselling Officer Ramban briefed about the schemes of Mission youth like MUMKIN, Tejaswini and Spurring Entrepreneurship Initiatives.
He elaborated the eligibility conditions, benefits and procedure of applying under the schemes. He further requested the youth to think differently and bring out innovative ideas and this department is ready to provide any financial and other support in the establishment of the unit and assured that such camps shall be held on monthly basis in each Block. About 20 young people showed their willingness to apply under these schemes.
Representatives of JK bank were also present whi elaborated the sponsoring mechanism of the government Sponsored self employment cases, under various self-employment schemes at Bank level and assured that the proper SOP shall be followed to prevent unnecessary delay at bank level.
The camp was also attended by various labourers/ construction workers, to whom official of Labour Department gave detailed information about welfare schemes being provided by the the JKBOCWWB and briefed the new rates of the education assistance to be provided to the wards of the registered construction workers applicable from this financial year 2024-25.
L&E Deptt conducts awareness programmes on Self-Employment initiatives & opportunities at Block Khari, Ramban
‘World Hepatitis Day’ celebrated across various institutions of GMC Srinagar
Mega Screening Camps also held
SRINAGAR, JULY 28: In connection with ‘World Hepatitis Day,’ a number of programmes were held in various associated hospitals of Govt. Medical College Srinagar.
In this regard, a screening cum awareness camp was organised by the National Health Mission in SMHS Hospital, which was inaugurated by Principal /Dean GMC Srinagar, Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan.
The event was attended by Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak; Nodal Officer NHM Kashmir Division, Dr Mushtaq; HOD Gastroenterology, Prof(Dr) Shoukat Ahmad Kadla; Hod Psychiatry, Prof. (Dr) M. Maqbool; HOD Pathology, Prof. (Dr) Bilal Ahmad; HOD Medicine, Prof. (Dr) Rakesh Kaul; HOD Nephrology Dr Tajamul Hussain; Prof (Dr)Shazia Handoo from Blood Bank; Dr Shazia Jeelani Deptt of Dermatology and Dr Reyaz, Deptt. Of Microbiology.
Medical Superintendent SMHS Hospital Dr Tasneem Shoukat; Dr Imtiyaz from NHM, Dr.Nazir, CMOs, RMOs and Medical & para-Medical Staff were also present on the occasion.
About 200 persons were screened in the camp.
Dr. Showkat Kadla and Dr. Mohammad Maqbool on this occasion gave awareness to the participants about Hepatitis, precautions to be taken and available medical treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan called for comprehensive awareness programmes for the general public and highlighted the importance of such awareness and screening camps for the general population.
This was followed by important statistical and insightful information about hepatitis by HOD Gastroenterology and HOD Psychiatry GMC Srinagar.
Similarly on World Hepatitis Day, Govt. Psychiatric Diseases Hospital (IMHANS) OST Centre Srinagar organised a Hepatitis screening camp in collaboration with FPA INDIA.
A good number of people were screened on this occasion.
Arjun Meghwal Accuses Opposition of Creating False Narrative Over Budget
JAMMU, July 27: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated on Saturday that the Union Budget has laid a strong foundation for achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat-2047,’ while accusing the opposition of creating a “false narrative” to mislead the public. He argued that the opposition’s “Constitution in danger” propaganda failed during the recent Lok Sabha polls and predicted a similar outcome this time.
Opposition parties have accused the Union government of giving “step-motherly” treatment to states governed by non-NDA parties and claimed the financial packages to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh reflected a Budget driven by “compulsion.” In response, Meghwal asserted, “A strong foundation has been laid in the Union Budget for ‘Viksit Bharat-2047.’”
Addressing reporters at the BJP headquarters, Meghwal refuted the opposition’s claims. “Since the names of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were mentioned in the Budget, they are trying to create a false narrative. I come from Rajasthan, and its name was not mentioned in the Budget. Does that mean that the state will not get money? When roads are expanded, wouldn’t it be done in Rajasthan too?” he asked.
The press conference, also attended by Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina and MP Jugal Kishore, saw Meghwal accusing opposition parties of deliberately misleading the public. “They tried such tactics during the Lok Sabha elections by claiming that the Constitution is in danger, but their propaganda fell flat. The same will happen with their false narrative about the Budget,” he said.
On the increase in terror activities in the Jammu region, Meghwal emphasized that peace is essential for development and investment. “If there is no law and order problem, investment flows freely. We are working on a strategy to ensure that terrorism is effectively dealt with and peace is maintained in the Jammu region,” he stated.
Meghwal assured that the Union Budget will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on infrastructure projects such as roads and railways, alongside strengthening security measures.
Regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walking out of the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Meghwal said, “The meeting was convened to discuss and deliberate on the country’s development. The state governments should extend their full support. This type of politics should not happen.”
Legal Action to Follow Analysis Report on Meat Consignment Species
Bengaluru, July 29 – Following a chaotic scene at Bengaluru railway station over a large meat shipment, the Karnataka Food Safety and Standards department announced on Saturday that it has collected samples from the consignment for laboratory analysis, and legal action will be taken based on the results.
The incident unfolded when a consignment of approximately three tonnes of meat arrived from Jaipur on a train late Friday night. Tensions escalated as self-styled cow vigilantes claimed the meat was dog meat, a charge that was refuted by meat dealer Abdul Razzaq, who asserted it was sheep meat.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority Commissionerate reported that both police and food safety officials conducted an investigation on July 26. They found the parcels, which had arrived from Rajasthan, being unloaded into a transport vehicle at the station’s outer premises.
The consignment consisted of 90 parcels, which contained animal meat. Samples from these parcels were collected and sent to a food laboratory for species identification.
“Legal action will be based on the results of the analysis report,” the statement said. “We are also gathering detailed information about the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licenses of the senders and recipients. If any irregularities are detected, further legal proceedings will follow as per regulations.”
PM: Every Indian State Can Play an Active Role in Achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 Ambition
New Delhi, July 27 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Saturday that transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 is a shared ambition of all Indians, and states have a crucial role to play in achieving this goal due to their direct connection with the people.
Speaking at the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Modi highlighted that states can significantly contribute to the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” by leveraging their local engagement. He noted that this decade presents significant technological and geopolitical changes, along with numerous opportunities.
Modi urged India to seize these opportunities and ensure that policies are favorable for international investments, which he sees as a critical step towards progress and development.
The meeting aims to enhance participative governance and strengthen collaboration between the Centre and state governments, with a focus on improving the quality of life for both rural and urban populations through effective implementation of government initiatives.
The NITI Aayog Governing Council, chaired by Modi and comprising all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers, will also address recommendations from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries held last December.
IAF Achieves Major Success as S-400 Air Defence System ‘Shoots Down’ Nearly Entire ‘Enemy’ Package in Exercise
New Delhi, July 27: The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a significant milestone in a recent exercise, successfully ‘shooting down’ 80 percent of an ‘enemy’ fighter aircraft package and forcing the remaining aircraft to abort their missions, according to defence sources.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the exercise to demonstrate the full integration of the S-400 system into its operations. Real fighter aircraft were employed during the drill to test the S-400’s capabilities, known as Sudarshan, named after the divine Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishna.
During the exercise, the Sudarshan system ‘locked on and targeted’ with impressive accuracy, neutralizing 80 percent of the simulated enemy offensive package. The remaining aircraft were intercepted and forced to retreat before reaching their intended targets within Indian territory.
The IAF has fully integrated the S-400 system, with three of its squadrons already inducted and two more expected to be delivered by 2026. India has requested Russia to expedite the delivery of these systems, following a high-level visit to Russia where this request was made.
India and Russia have signed a contract worth over Rs 35,000 crore for five squadrons of the S-400. Alongside the recent induction of indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems and Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, the S-400 is anticipated to be a game changer for the IAF.
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council has recently approved the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha, following clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
India has significantly enhanced its air defence capabilities in recent years, responding to the substantial deployment of air defence systems by the Chinese military across the Line of Actual Control.
Government Transfers Two BSF Battalions from Odisha to Terror-Affected Jammu
New Delhi, July 27 – The government has ordered the transfer of two Border Security Force (BSF) battalions, comprising over 2,000 personnel, from Odisha to bolster security in the terror-affected Jammu region along the India-Pakistan border, official sources said on Saturday.
This decision comes in response to a recent surge in terror attacks in Jammu. The two BSF battalions, previously assigned to anti-Naxal operations in Odisha, will now be deployed as a secondary defense line to support existing units along the international border in Jammu. Their primary roles will include preventing terrorist infiltration and addressing attacks within the region.
The battalions are expected to be stationed in Samba and near the Jammu-Punjab border. The move follows two recent high-level security meetings in Delhi and Jammu, which highlighted the urgent need to strengthen BSF presence in the area.
Originally, there was a proposal to redeploy these battalions to Chhattisgarh to enhance anti-Naxal efforts. However, given the current security situation in Jammu, the decision was made to send them there instead.
The BSF is responsible for guarding over 2,289 kilometers of the international border across Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Of this, Jammu accounts for 485 kilometers, characterized by dense forests and mountainous terrain. Currently, about a dozen BSF battalions are stationed along this border.
Recent terror attacks in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, and Doda districts have raised security concerns, resulting in the deaths of 22 people, including 11 security personnel and a village defense guard member. Last month, five terrorists were killed in encounters in Kathua and Doda.
The two battalions will be withdrawn from Malkangiri and Koraput districts in Odisha, where each district previously had four battalions assigned to anti-Naxal operations. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed this redeployment.
The replacement of these battalions in Odisha will be decided at a later date. The plan to deploy BSF units in “second line” and “depth” areas along the Jammu border has been long proposed to counter infiltration and terrorist activities. The infrastructure for this deployment will be developed over the coming months and years, while the new units will initially oversee the Jammu international border.
Kargil War Hero Recounts 8 Mountain Division’s Crucial Role in Securing LoC on 25th Anniversary
New Delhi, July 27 – Post-retirement, Lt Gen (Retd) Mohinder Puri stays fit and busy by playing golf, but 25 years ago, he led the crucial 8 Mountain Division in the Kargil War. This division played a key role in securing and restoring the Line of Control (LoC) and capturing strategic heights in the challenging terrain of Ladakh.
On Friday, the nation celebrated the silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas with patriotic fervor in Dras. Lt Gen (Retd) Puri and several other Kargil veterans who played decisive roles in the 1999 war were honored by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in Delhi.
Speaking at the ‘Kargil Diwas Honours’ hosted by TV9 Network to mark the 25th anniversary of the war, CDS Chauhan emphasized the importance of learning the right lessons from the war’s aftermath.
Reflecting on his war memories, Lt Gen (Retd) Puri highlighted the first success as his most significant memory, alongside the disturbing recollections of the officers and men lost. He praised the bravery, courage, and determination of his young officers and men in the 8 Mountain Division, which played a fantastic role in the war. He encouraged the youth of India to develop the discipline represented by the Army, even if they do not join it.
Capt (Retd) Yashika Tyagi, who served in the logistics unit, also shared her experiences from the war. Pregnant at the time, she recalled the resilience and human spirit she witnessed. She recounted a poignant moment when her commanding officer instructed her to keep 25 coffins ready at all times. However, her team of carpenters refused to make coffins in advance, as they did not want to anticipate the death of their soldier brothers.
Brig BM Cariappa, another Kargil hero from the 5 Para Regiment (Special Forces), emphasized the need to be fit and prepared for any eventuality. He recounted how his team navigated through landmines laid by the enemy.
Special honors were posthumously conferred on two Kargil war heroes. Neha Dwivedi, daughter of Maj CB Dwivedi, received the honor on behalf of her family. Co-author of “Vijyant At Kargil: The Biography of a War Hero,” Dwivedi reflected on the mixed emotions of pride and sadness as she remembered her father and other bravehearts who contributed to the victory in the Kargil War. Despite the passage of 25 years, she recalled her father’s presence vividly and spoke of processing and retelling his story over the years.
