JAMMU, Jan 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the Bailey Suspension Bridge over river Chenab in Ramban district, officials said.
An official said that completed a month before deadline by the Border Roads Organisation, 240 feet bailey suspension bridge was virtually inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today morning.
He said the old bridge constructed before 1960 was declared unsafe.
“On October 1, the launching of the new bailey suspension reinforced bridge was initiated and on October 30, the project was completed, well before its scheduled deadline of November 30,” he added.
He said the bridge with a load capacity of 40 tonne single vehicle at a time has a wooden decking.
The penal-launching work was completed ahead of the scheduled time by a Kolkata-based company GRSE, engaged by GREF.
Ramban district magistrate Mussrat Islam, Senior Superintendent Police, Ramban Mohita Sharma among others were also present during the virtual inauguration. (KNO)
Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Bailey Suspension Bridge In Ramban
Russia plans prolonged attacks with Iran-made drones: Volodymyr Zelensky
Kiev, Jan 3: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is planning prolonged attacks with Iran-made “Shahed” drones in a bid to “exhaust” the war-torn nation. In his nightly video address to the nation on Monday, the President said that since the beginning of 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have shot down over 80 Russian drones, reports Ukrayinska Pravda.
“Only two days have passed since the beginning of the year, and the number of downed Iranian drones over Ukraine is now over 80. This number may increase in the near future. Because the nights can be quite restless these weeks.
“We have information that Russia is planning a prolonged attack with Shahed drones. Their bet may be on our exhaustion. The exhaustion of our people, our air defence, our electricity,” he added.
He went to say that “the Russian regime needs sentiments that would lead to higher support of mobilisation. Something that they can demonstrate to their country in order to lie further, as if everything is going according to plan”.
Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes on Ukraine appear to have increased in recent days, with Moscow launching attacks on cities and power stations across the country over the past three nights.
Continued Russian attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have destroyed power stations and plunged millions into darkness amidst the country’s freezing winter.
Zelensky’s remarks also came hours after Ukraine confirmed that it carried out a strike in the occupied region of Donetsk, that killed hundreds of Russian troops, the BBC reported.
In an extremely rare admission of battlefield losses, Russia said the attack killed 63 of its troops — the highest number of deaths acknowledged by Moscow since the war began on February 24, 2022.
The claims have not been verified as access to the attack area is restricted.
MHA constitutes high powered committee to ensure protection of land and employment for Ladakh
More than two years after Ladakh became a Union Territory, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a high-powered committee headed by Minister of State Nityanand Rai to “ensure protection of land and employment” for the people of Ladakh.
The 17-member committee that includes Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R.K. Mathur will “discuss measures to protect the region’s unique culture and language taking into consideration its geographical location and its strategic importance”, an order by MHA said.
Statement Made By A Minister Cannot Be Attributed Vicariously To Govt: SC
NEW DELHI, Jan 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said a statement made by a minister cannot be attributed vicariously to the government even when applying the principle of collective responsibility.
A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice S A Nazeer said that no additional restrictions, other than those prescribed under Article 19 (2) of the Constitution, can be imposed on the right to free speech of a citizen.
The apex court said the restrictions under Article 19(2) are exhaustive.
The SC also said that a minister’s statement can’t be vicariously attributed to the government.
“The minister is liable for the statement himself,” said the Justices S Abdul Nazeer, B R Gavai, A S Bopanna, V Ramasubramanian and B V Nagarathna, the latter writing a separate judgment.
“Fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) can be exercised even against other instrumentalities other than the state,” the bench, also comprising Justices B R Gavai, A S Bopanna, V Ramasubramanian, said.
Justice B V Nagarathna, who was also part of the bench, wrote a separate judgement and said freedom of speech and expression is a much needed right so that citizens are well informed and educated on governance.
She said hate speech strikes at the foundational values by making society unequal and also attacks citizens from diverse backgrounds especially “in a country like us that is ‘Bharat’.”
The judgement came on a question of whether restrictions can be imposed on a public functionary’s right to freedom of speech and expression.
Justice Nagarathna, who wrote a dissenting view on the validity of 2016 demonetisation, said she differed in approach to the issue of free speech relating to statements made by ministers and politicians.
Hate speech strikes at the root of equality and fraternity and said fundamental duties could be used to check disparaging speeches and promote harmony among citizens, she said.
She said that if a minister makes a statement then it can be vicariously attributed to the government, unless the government has made public its views opposed to that of the minister.
“Parliament may enact a law against hate speeches and disparaging remarks against fellow citizens. It is for political parties to control their members not to cross limits of free speech. Citizens can approach court against hate speech by fling criminal or civil cases,” she added.
The pronouncement of the majority judgment by Justice Ramasubramanian was to the point and lasted mere seven minutes.
But Justice Nagarathna read out major portions from her minority view for nearly 30 minutes and thanked the lawyers and audience for their patience. (Agencies)
Defense Minister in Arunachal today; to open strategic Siyom Bridge
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will be in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, his first visit to the state since the December 9 physical clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector. The minister will inaugurate multiple infrastructure projects completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
One of the strategic projects to be inaugurated by the Defense Minister is the Siyom Bridge, a 100-metre ‘Class-70’ steel arch superstructure constructed on the Along-Yinkiong Road. The bridge is militarily significant since it will enable faster movement of troops, heavy machinery and weapons like howitzers and mechanised vehicles, to forward areas of the Upper Siang district, Tuting and Yinkiong regions along the Line Of Actual Control with China.
The minister will also inaugurate virtually 27 other projects of the BRO. He will also release the BRO Vision and New Tech Handbook. The Defense Minister will also meet and interact with the local people in the state, reported IANS.
The infrastructure boost in the region comes as the border dispute between India and China worsened over the last few years, the recent being the Tawang clashes which saw multiple soldiers suffering injuries.
In 2022, the state also witnessed massive infrastructure development, ranging from road construction to a greenfield airport. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has also undertaken work on the Arunachal Frontier Highway, one of the country’s “biggest and toughest” projects.
The frontier highway is said to be a “strategic project and was objected to by China in the past. The 2,000-km-long road will begin from Mago, near Bhutan, and pass through Tawang, Upper Subansiri, Tuting, Mechuka, Upper Siang, Debang Valley, Desali, Chaglagam, Kibithu, Dong, before ending at Vijayanagar near the Myanmar border. The project will cost at least Rs 40,000 crore.
The work on the Sela tunnel, located at a height of 13,700 feet, being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is expected to be completed by July 2023. The movement through the present Sela Pass road is affected badly due to heavy snowfalls during the winter.
Once built, the Sela tunnel will be the longest bi-lane tunnel in the world.
PM Modi to virtually address 108th Indian Science Congress today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) on Tuesday. The focal theme of this year’s ISC is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment,” and is expected to deliberate on the measures for increasing the representation of women in science and technology.
The participants in the conference will hold discussions on issues of women’s empowerment, women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and the role of science and tech in sustainable development, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The participants will discuss and deliberate on ways to increase the number of women in higher echelons of teaching, research and industry, along with trying to find ways to provide women with equal access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, research opportunities and economic participation. A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology will also be held, which will also witness lectures by renowned women scientists, PMO added.
Several other programmes will also be organised alongside ISC. Children’s Science Congress will also be organised to help stimulate scientific interest and temperament among children. Farmer’s Science Congress will provide a platform to improve the bio-economy and attract youth to agriculture. Tribal Science Congress will also be held, which will also be a platform for scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge systems and practice, along with focusing on the empowerment of tribal women.
The first session of Congress was held in 1914. The 108th annual session of ISC will be held at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, which is also celebrating its centenary this year.
Intense Cold Conditions Continue Despite Slight Rise in Temperature In Kashmir
Srinagar : Intense cold conditions continued in Kashmir Valley despite slight rise in mercury on Tuesday.
A meteorological department official here told that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.4°C against last night’s minus 5.4°C. Today’s minimum temperature was 2.3°C below normal for the summer capital, the official said. Srinagar has so far seen the coldest temperature this season on December 25 when mercury plummeted to minus 5.8°C.
Qazigund recorded a low of minus 5.8°C against minus 5.8°C on the previous night. The temperature was 2.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 7.2°C against minus 9.6°C on the previous night which was the coldest night recorded this season in the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, he said. Today’s minimum temperature was 0.6°C below normal for the place, he said.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 4.1°C against minus 4.6°C on the previous night, he said. It was 0.6°C below normal for the place, he said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 9.2°C against minus 10.0°C on the previous night (coldest so far this season), the official said. It was 2.2°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 4.1°C against minus 5.7°C on the previous night in the north Kashmir area, he said. The official said that the temperature was 2.8°C below normal.
Jammu recorded a low of 3.6°C against 4.2°C on the previous night. It was 3.7°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal recorded a low of minus 1.4°C (below normal by 1.6°C), Batote 0.1°C (below normal by 1.9°C), Katra 5.0°C (1.3°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 0.2°C (0.7°C below normal).
In Ladakh, Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 14.0°C and minus 17.2°C respectively, the official said.
Kashmir is under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21. It does not mean an end to the winter either. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1.
Regarding the forecast, the MeT official said mainly clear weather was expected till January 6. “Expect further fall in minimum temperature across J&K,” he said, adding, “On January 7, weather is expected to be cloudy and from January 8-10, weather is expected to be cloudy with possibility of snowfall and rain (in plains of Jammu) at many places of J&K (70% chance).”
India Sees 132 New COVID Infections
New Delhi, Jan 3: India saw a single-day rise of 134 in coronavirus infections, with the active cases declining to 2,582, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,78,956).
The overall death toll to date stands at 5,30,707, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The daily positivity was recorded at 0.09 per cent, while the Weekly positivity was pegged at 0.13 per cent.
Active cases comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.80 per cent, according to the health ministry website.
A decrease of 88 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The number of people who recovered from the infection surged to 4,41,45,667, while 1.19 per cent of those infected succumbed to it.
According to the ministry’s website, 220.11 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive.
India’s COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, and 50 lakh on September 16.
It crossed the grim milestone of four crore on January 25, 2022. (Agencies)
Rahul Gandhi To Hoist National Flag In Srinagar On January 30
NEW DELHI, Jan 2: The Bharat Jodo Yatra will resume its second leg of the journey from Delhi on January 3 after covering nine states and a Union Territory in its first leg and will end it with the hoisting of the national flag by Rahul Gandhi in Srinagar on January 30.
Addressing a joint press conference here, AICC general secretary organisation K C Venugopal and AICC general secretary, communications Jairam Ramesh, said the Bharat Jodo Yatra has so far covered 3,122 km from Gandhi Mandapam in Kanyakumari to the Red Fort in Delhi.
Over the 108 days, the Yatra has covered 49 districts in nine states and one Union Territory — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
”The Yatra will continue from Delhi on January 3, walking through Uttar Pradesh from the same day to January 5, Haryana from January 6 to 10, Punjab from January 11 to 20 and spending one day in Himachal Pradesh on January 19.
”The Yatra will enter Jammu and Kashmir on the evening of January 20 and will end with a flag hoisting on Srinagar on January 30,” Venugopal said.
He said the message of ”Bharat Jodo” is not limited only to the 12 states and two Union Territories through which the Yatra passes.
Several state-level Yatras have already been announced, and the upcoming ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan’ will take the message of Bharat Jodo to the doorstep of every Indian, he said.
Through all these activities, we will continue to take the message of the Bharat Jodo Yatra forward, he noted.
Ramesh said most importantly, Rahul Gandhi and the Bharat Yatris have been meeting, interacting, and conveying the message of Bharat Jodo to tens of thousands of people every single day.
”This Yatra is truly a Yatra for listening to the people of India. The Yatra listens to people through large numbers of meetings,” he said.
So far, there have been 87 sitting interactions of 30-40 min with various groups, usually 20-30 people in each group, the Congress leader said.
These groups raise various issues of the localities and states we are walking through and there have been over 200 planned walks with smaller groups of 4-5 people, which range from celebrities to intellectuals to activists to ex-servicemen to local children.
In addition, there have been uncounted people whom Rahul Gandhi has greeted and walked with during the Yatra.
”To convey the message of the Yatra, there have been 95 corner meetings, where Rahul Gandhi makes a short speech about the message of the Yatra at the end of the day. ”In addition, 10 large public meetings have been held, to which lakhs of people have attended. There have also been nine press conferences, one in each state, where media, especially local media, have freely asked questions,” Ramesh said.
The spirit of Bharat Jodo has also been celebrated with visits to several important religious and spiritual centres, interactions and performances by numerous artistes, and two Bharat Jodo concerts, he said.
”Through this range of mass contact efforts, the Yatra is a significant milestone in the Congress Party’s rich tradition of representing the voice of all Indians,” Ramesh said.
Asked if the concerns raised by them about the security of Gandhi and other Yatris have been addressed, Venugopal said the Delhi police has been holding a meeting to deal with such concerns on Monday.
He said Rahul Gandhi is not afraid of any security concerns as people in large numbers are joining him. The Yatra has been incident-free so far and will continue to be so.
Venugopal added that he has already held a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on security arrangements in their states and they have assured of their cooperation. (Agencies)
BJP scared of Assembly Polls in J&K: Harsh Dev
Chenani, 02-01-2023: Accusing the BJP govt of dilly dallying over the issue of holding Assembly Elections in J&K, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh, Former Minister and senior AAP leader said that the saffron regime seemed to be hell bent to deny the people of the UT their right to have a democratically elected govt of their own. Despite the 4 year long proxy rule in J&K since 2018 having proved a flop show, there was hardly any indication of restoring popular govt in the UT in the near future. He said that BJP govt had failed to deliver and to redeem its promises and therefore evading elections on one pretext or the other for the last four years besides having created huge confusion by spreading canards of preponement of panchayat and local bodies polls in the UT. Having antagonized its own electorates as well, the BJP was trying hard to buy time and thereby resorting to delay and deny tactics over the issue of conduct of Assembly elections in J&K. Scared to face the people in the wake of its multiple betrayals with peoples’ cause, it preferred repeated postponement of polls and continuation of its proxy rule in the UT, said Mr. Singh. He was addressing huge gatherings in Bali and Moud villages of Chenani constituency.
Reiterating the need for the early elections to J&K Legislative Assembly in J&K, Mr. Singh said that any delay in this regard would not only amount to subversion of democracy but also violate the orders of the Supreme Court. The people could not be deprived of their democratic rights in the state only for the political inexpediencies of the ruling party at the centre by taking to frivolous excuses, said Mr. Singh. He said that a full time elected govt was a must to deal with the armed insurgency in the erstwhile state besides coping with the multiple issues confronting the UT. The militancy which had erupted in early 90s in J&K had gradually subsided after the formation of an elected govt in the state. It had almost died down during popular govts but unfortunately got revived during the centre’s proxy rule. Any delay therefore in handing over power to the sons of soil through free and fair elections could prove counterproductive and further complicate the already volatile situation in the UT said Harsh.
Pointing towards the growing tensions in various parts of the UT and the failure of administration to come up to the peoples’ expectations, Mr. Singh said that bureaucratic rule was no answer to the prevalent crisis. The LG administration had lost connection with the masses. The unemployed, semi-employed and contractuals were on the roads with none to even take note of their sufferings and grievances. The people inhabiting the rural areas were suffering badly for basic amenities with no access whatsoever to the corridors of power. With hardly any forum to ventilate their grievances, the people were suffering badly in the absence of a popular govt thereby resulting in growing alienation amongst the masses.