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Artificial Snow Essential to Safeguard Gulmarg’s Winter Sports: Omar Abdullah

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stressed the urgent need for artificial snow generation in Gulmarg, warning that climate variability poses a serious threat to traditional winter sports in the region.

Addressing the inauguration of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, the Chief Minister welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of adapting to changing weather patterns. He noted that recent snowfall trends have become increasingly unpredictable, compelling authorities to rethink long-term infrastructure planning for winter sports.

Abdullah said the government is committed to developing Gulmarg as an international skiing destination and ensuring consistent sporting activity despite climate-related challenges. He underlined that relying solely on natural snowfall is no longer sustainable and called for the introduction of artificial snow generation systems to secure the future of winter games.

While acknowledging possible concerns over artificial snow projects, he said such measures are necessary to prevent the loss of tourism opportunities and protect the livelihoods of thousands of local stakeholders, including hoteliers, guides, transport operators, and small businesses dependent on the winter season.

The Chief Minister also assured full administrative support for athletes and sports infrastructure to nurture more international-level competitors from Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulating skier Arif Khan for bringing laurels to the region, he expressed hope that more talented athletes would emerge from the games.

He added that participation in sports is as important as winning medals and said sustained investment in winter sports and tourism would position Gulmarg among the world’s leading skiing destinations while ensuring economic stability for local communities.

Supreme Court Says Pre-2018 NHAI Land Acquisition Cases Cannot Be Reopened for Interest Claims

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The Supreme Court of India on Monday orally observed that land acquisition cases settled before 2018 cannot be reopened for the grant of compensation with interest to farmers whose land was acquired under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Act.

A special bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan made the observation while hearing in open court NHAI’s review plea against a 2019 judgment of the apex court. In its 2019 verdict (Tarsem Singh case), the court had ruled that farmers whose lands were acquired under the NHAI Act between 1997 and 2015 would be entitled to “solatium” and interest, holding that Section 3J of the Act was unconstitutional for violating Article 14 (right to equality).

Representing NHAI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the 2019 ruling imposed a massive financial burden of approximately ₹32,000 crore and should apply only prospectively. However, the bench indicated that while pending claims could continue, matters that had attained finality prior to 2018 could not be reopened.

“The cut-off date appears to be 2008, provided claims were alive then. Pre-2018 matters cannot be reopened,” the Chief Justice observed, adding that while parity in terms of solatium may be considered in certain cases, reopening closed matters for interest claims would not be permissible.

Earlier, on February 4, 2025, the apex court had rejected NHAI’s plea seeking prospective application of the 2019 ruling and reaffirmed the principles laid down in the Tarsem Singh judgment. The court had emphasised that excluding solatium and interest under Section 3J created an unjust classification among similarly situated landowners, violating Article 14.

The court clarified that its 2019 decision was intended to remedy inequality faced by landowners whose lands were acquired by NHAI between 1997 and 2015. However, it did not direct the reopening of cases that had already attained finality.

After brief arguments on Monday, the bench granted time to the parties to file written submissions and listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks.

J&K and Ladakh High Court Reserves Order on PSA Detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik

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The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Malik, who serves as president of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, was detained on September 8 last year under the stringent PSA for allegedly disturbing public order. He was subsequently lodged in Kathua jail.

On September 24, Malik moved a habeas corpus petition before the High Court, contesting his detention and seeking compensation of ₹5 crore.

The matter was heard by Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, who reserved the case for pronouncement of orders. Advocate Appu Singh Slathia, who also represents the AAP as its spokesperson, said the court has granted both parties — Malik’s legal team and the State — one week to file written synopses or any additional submissions.

Describing the proceedings as a long and challenging legal battle, Slathia expressed hope and confidence in the judicial process. She also appealed to Malik’s supporters and party workers to remain calm and maintain a positive outlook as they await the court’s decision.

Omar Abdullah Calls for Artificial Snow in Gulmarg to Safeguard Winter Sports, Tourism

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday underscored the urgent need for artificial snow generation in Gulmarg to protect winter sports and sustain tourism, warning that climate variability poses a growing challenge to traditional winter games in the region.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, the Chief Minister welcomed athletes from across the country and highlighted the importance of adapting to changing weather patterns. He observed that snowfall in recent years has become increasingly unpredictable, affecting the planning and smooth conduct of winter sporting events.

Stressing the government’s commitment to developing Gulmarg as an international skiing destination, he said reliance solely on natural snowfall is no longer viable. He advocated for the installation of artificial snow generation systems to ensure consistent sporting activity and safeguard the future of winter games in the region.

While acknowledging that artificial snow projects may invite certain concerns, Abdullah maintained that such measures are essential to prevent disruptions to tourism and protect the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the winter season, including hoteliers, guides, transport operators and small businesses.

Reaffirming support for athletes and sports infrastructure, he said the administration would take all necessary steps to nurture more international-level competitors from Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulating skier Arif Khan for bringing laurels to the region, he expressed confidence that many more athletes would emerge through sustained investment in winter sports.

He added that participation in sports is as important as winning medals and emphasized that long-term investment in winter sports and tourism will help position Gulmarg among leading global skiing destinations while ensuring economic stability for local communities.

Centre Appoints Panel of Advocates for J&K and Ladakh High Court, CAT Jammu Bench

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The Central Government has appointed a panel of advocates to represent it in cases before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu Wing, as well as the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench.

The appointments have been made for a period of three years. The empanelled advocates will handle litigation on behalf of various Central Government departments, ministries and agencies, ensuring effective representation in civil, service and other matters before the courts and tribunal.

The move is aimed at strengthening legal coordination and streamlining the conduct of Central Government cases in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Drone Recovered from School Lawn in Jammu; Manhunt Launched After Car Snatching in Samba

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A suspected drone was recovered from the lawns of a private school in the Domana area of Jammu on Monday, prompting a swift response from the police.

According to officials, the device was first noticed by a security guard, who immediately alerted the local police station. A police team reached the spot and seized the drone. Preliminary investigation suggests that it appears to be a toy drone. However, it has been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed examination to rule out any security concerns.

In a separate incident, police have launched a manhunt after four unidentified persons allegedly snatched a private car near Rakh Barotian in the Vijaypur area of Samba district early Monday.

Officials said the vehicle, bearing a Punjab registration number, was on its way to Jammu when it was intercepted and taken away by the accused. The suspects reportedly fled towards Ring Road Jammu.

A high alert has been sounded across the region, and security agencies have intensified efforts to trace the accused and recover the stolen vehicle.

Bombay High Court Sets Aside Interim Relief to Anil Ambani in Bank Fraud Classification Case

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In a significant setback to industrialist Anil Ambani, the Bombay High Court on Monday quashed a single bench interim order that had stayed proceedings initiated by public sector banks to classify his and Reliance Communications’ bank accounts as “fraud”.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad allowed appeals filed by three public sector banks and audit firm BDO India LLP against the December 2025 interim order. The division bench termed the earlier order “illegal and perverse” while setting it aside.

Counsel for Ambani sought a stay on the division bench’s ruling to enable an appeal before the Supreme Court. However, the High Court declined the request.

The banks had challenged the December 2025 single bench order, which granted interim relief to Ambani and his company, citing alleged violations of mandatory guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India. The single bench had also observed that the banks appeared to have “woken up from deep slumber” after several years.

The interim order had restrained Indian Overseas Bank, IDBI Bank and Bank of Baroda from taking present or future action against Ambani and Reliance Communications, holding that the move was based on a legally flawed forensic audit and in violation of RBI norms.

In their appeals, the banks contended that the forensic audit conducted by BDO India LLP was legally valid and revealed serious findings of fund diversion and misutilisation, forming the basis for classifying the accounts as fraud.

Ambani had challenged show-cause notices issued by the banks before the single bench, arguing that BDO LLP was not qualified to conduct a forensic audit as the signatory was not a chartered accountant. He had also claimed that BDO LLP functioned as an accounting consultant rather than a statutory audit firm.

The single bench had accepted these arguments and stayed the banks’ action. With the division bench now overturning that order, proceedings to classify the accounts as fraud are expected to move forward.

Mega Health Check-Up Camp Organized by Dr. KD Multispeciality Hospital at Amar Singh Club

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Jammu February 22:

In a remarkable initiative towards promoting preventive healthcare, Dr. KD Multispeciality Hospital organized a Mega Health Check-Up Camp at Amar Singh Club on Sunday, 22nd February. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from club members, who availed themselves of comprehensive health consultations and diagnostic services.

The camp was headed by Dr. Sumit Sharma, CEO, KD Multispeciality Hospital, who emphasized the importance of regular health screenings and early diagnosis in maintaining overall well-being. A dedicated team of senior consultants provided expert medical evaluations, including Dr. Ankur Malhotra (Physician), Dr. Tajinder Pal Singh (General Surgeon), Dr Nitin sharma orthopaedic surgeon ,Dr. Shekhar Sharma (Senior Eye Consultant), and Dr. Surekha Thakur (Gynaecologist).

During the camp, doctors conducted detailed health check-ups of all attending members. Blood investigations and other essential diagnostic tests were also carried out by the hospital’s medical team to ensure accurate assessment and timely medical advice. The initiative aimed to create awareness about lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac ailments, and other common health concerns.

Members of the club appreciated the well-organized camp and the professional approach of the hospital staff. Secretary Amar singh club Mr. Vijay Saraf applauded the hospital management for conducting such meaningful and community-oriented health initiatives at Amar Singh Club. He expressed hope that similar camps would continue in the future for the benefit of members and the larger community.

Dr. Sumit Sharma reiterated the hospital’s commitment to serving society through outreach programs, health awareness drives, and preventive care initiatives. The camp concluded successfully, reinforcing KD Multispeciality Hospital’s mission of delivering quality healthcare beyond hospital premises and into the community.

Mega Health Check-Up Camp Organized by Dr. KD Multispeciality Hospital at Amar Singh Club

0

Jammu February 22:

In a remarkable initiative towards promoting preventive healthcare, Dr. KD Multispeciality Hospital organized a Mega Health Check-Up Camp at Amar Singh Club on Sunday, 22nd February. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from club members, who availed themselves of comprehensive health consultations and diagnostic services.

The camp was headed by Dr. Sumit Sharma, CEO, KD Multispeciality Hospital, who emphasized the importance of regular health screenings and early diagnosis in maintaining overall well-being. A dedicated team of senior consultants provided expert medical evaluations, including Dr. Ankur Malhotra (Physician), Dr. Tajinder Pal Singh (General Surgeon), Dr Nitin sharma orthopaedic surgeon ,Dr. Shekhar Sharma (Senior Eye Consultant), and Dr. Surekha Thakur (Gynaecologist).

During the camp, doctors conducted detailed health check-ups of all attending members. Blood investigations and other essential diagnostic tests were also carried out by the hospital’s medical team to ensure accurate assessment and timely medical advice. The initiative aimed to create awareness about lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac ailments, and other common health concerns.

Members of the club appreciated the well-organized camp and the professional approach of the hospital staff. Secretary Amar singh club Mr. Vijay Saraf applauded the hospital management for conducting such meaningful and community-oriented health initiatives at Amar Singh Club. He expressed hope that similar camps would continue in the future for the benefit of members and the larger community.

Dr. Sumit Sharma reiterated the hospital’s commitment to serving society through outreach programs, health awareness drives, and preventive care initiatives. The camp concluded successfully, reinforcing KD Multispeciality Hospital’s mission of delivering quality healthcare beyond hospital premises and into the community.

Mega Health Check-Up Camp Organized by Dr. KD Multispeciality Hospital at Amar Singh Club

0

Jammu February 22:

In a remarkable initiative towards promoting preventive healthcare, Dr. KD Multispeciality Hospital organized a Mega Health Check-Up Camp at Amar Singh Club on Sunday, 22nd February. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from club members, who availed themselves of comprehensive health consultations and diagnostic services.

The camp was headed by Dr. Sumit Sharma, CEO, KD Multispeciality Hospital, who emphasized the importance of regular health screenings and early diagnosis in maintaining overall well-being. A dedicated team of senior consultants provided expert medical evaluations, including Dr. Ankur Malhotra (Physician), Dr. Tajinder Pal Singh (General Surgeon), Dr Nitin sharma orthopaedic surgeon ,Dr. Shekhar Sharma (Senior Eye Consultant), and Dr. Surekha Thakur (Gynaecologist).

During the camp, doctors conducted detailed health check-ups of all attending members. Blood investigations and other essential diagnostic tests were also carried out by the hospital’s medical team to ensure accurate assessment and timely medical advice. The initiative aimed to create awareness about lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac ailments, and other common health concerns.

Members of the club appreciated the well-organized camp and the professional approach of the hospital staff. Secretary Amar singh club Mr. Vijay Saraf applauded the hospital management for conducting such meaningful and community-oriented health initiatives at Amar Singh Club. He expressed hope that similar camps would continue in the future for the benefit of members and the larger community.

Dr. Sumit Sharma reiterated the hospital’s commitment to serving society through outreach programs, health awareness drives, and preventive care initiatives. The camp concluded successfully, reinforcing KD Multispeciality Hospital’s mission of delivering quality healthcare beyond hospital premises and into the community.