Prerna Bhat, celebrity guest from Mumbai while expressing happiness over her presence
said that she would like to come back often. She said the love she received from people in
Kashmir is overwhelming.

It is pertinent to mention that Vomedh has emerged as the most active cultural organisation
in JK UT and has done many large-scale programs in Kashmir this year which includes a
state level weeklong theatre festival and an international film festival.
The event was executed by RIFK (Roots in Fateh kadal) entertainment. Rohit Bhat,
President Vomedh presented the vote of thanks by expressing gratitude to co presenter
JKTDC and other sponsors viz Noor Kesar, Kesar land, Jannat Events, Atlas Events,
Abhinavgupt Edtech, Geniun Advertising, RIFK Events

Collaboration with JKTDC blends in the Harissa festival to create delightful winter experience
for tourists and locals
21 Dec; Pahalgam, Kashmir
Vomedh ended the year on a high note in terms of its activities in cultural sphere by
organizing an extravagant cultural program in collaboration with JKTDC at the Club in
Pahalgam here today. Themed to usher in the fabled Chille Kalan (The onset of harsh
winter), Vomedh created a wonderful experience by blending in Harissa Festival organised
by JKTDC into the cultural program.
The program presented the performances of local singers, rock band and dance groups. The
highlight of the program was the presence of TV and Bollywood actress Prerna Bhat who
happens to be the daughter of the soil too. The program witnessed huge participation from
locals and tourists alike.
“Vomedh has had a very engaging year with regards to cultural activities. Our focus is
promotion of language and culture. We will always encourage local youth rather than inviting
performers from outside of J&K. We have immense local talent. They just need right
platforms to showcase it and Vomedh is trying to provide the same”, said Rakesh Roshan
Bhat, mentor of Vomedh in his statement.
Tariq Ahmad Kakroo, GM JKTDC, delivered the welcome address. “Looking at the response
we have received for Harissa festival and the way it was blended into the cultural fest by
Vomedh, we are encouraged to do more such programs in future. Kashmir has unique
experiences to offer to tourists in every season and we will keep innovating on the same
front”, added Kakroo
The welcome address was followed by felicitation of the guests. Mr. Mushtaq ( Former
director IMPA ) was the chief guest and Mr. Muzafer Ganai the guest of honour.
The picturesque venue The Club belonging 5o JKTDC wore a festive look. Pamposh Baand
group performed the folk band outside the venue which added to the festive aura.
Yemberzal cultural group performed the rouf and other dances. The performance by peacock
rock band , Shabir Ahamad, M.A. and Raza enthralled the audience. Audiences grooved to
their energetic performances. The program was hosted by Rashid Nizami
Chief Guest Mr. Mushtaq in his address lauded the efforts of Vomedh. He also appreciated
the support provided by JKTDC. He said there is need for more such organized and
collaborative efforts.

NEW DELHI: Led by the Congress, the entire Opposition boycotted the Rajya Sabha proceeding for the day on Thursday after a discussion on the China border issue was disallowed in the House.

They also raised an objection to certain remarks made on Bihar by the Leader of the House Piyush Goyal earlier during the session.

In the morning session (Zero Hour), the Opposition stood in protest and entered the Well of the House, demanding a discussion on the issue of border conflict with China and Goyal’s remark which they alleged was an “insult” to Bihar.

While Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar repeatedly appealed to the protesting members to take their seats, the unrelenting MPs continued to raise slogans.

“We have been demanding a discussion on the border conflict with China from day one but the government is adamant. The entire opposition has decided to boycott the proceedings of the House for the entire day today,” Congress leader K C Venugopal told PTI.

The Leader of the House has also insulted Bihar and its millions of people by his remarks.

Other opposition members also joined the Congress in boycotting the proceedings to press their demand for a discussion on China and an apology from the Leader of House for his remarks on Bihar.

Goyal made the remark on Tuesday when RJD MP Manoj Jha was speaking during a discussion on the Appropriation Bill seeking Parliament’s nod for additional spending.

As he said the government should devote equal attention to the poor and corporate houses, Goyal responded saying “inka bas chale to desh ko Bihar bana dein (if they have their way, they will turn the country into Bihar).”

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the second time on Thursday amid the opposition’s persistent demand for a discussion on the China-India border issue.

As soon as the House reassembled at 12 noon after the first adjournment, opposition members again raised the demand for a discussion on the issue and shouted slogans.

Amid noisy scenes, the standing committee reports and other documents were laid on the table of the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said since the winter session would conclude on Friday, important legislative business should be allowed to take place.

He also said that in the past, when the UPA was in power, no discussion on such sensitive issue was allowed in the House and the opposition had agreed to that.

Rajendra Agrawal, who was chairing the proceedings, urged the members to allow the House to function smoothly as Thursday was practically the last day to take up legislative business.

With the opposition refusing to relent, he adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.

NEW DELHI, Dec 22: Senior IPS officer and former director general of Tihar Prisons Sandeep Goel has been suspended by the Union Home Ministry for alleged dereliction of duties, officials said here on Thursday.
Goel, a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was removed as the head of Delhi’s Tihar Prisons last month and attached to the Delhi Police headquarters.
He has been suspended by the home minister for “dereliction” of duties during his tenure as DG of Tihar, a ministry official said.
No specific reason has been cited in the suspension order.
Goel was removed from the post after alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar made sensational claims that he had paid Rs 12.5 crore to the officer as “protection money” for his safety in Mandoli Jail, where he is lodged in connection with a Rs 200-crore money laundering case.
Chandrasekhar also claimed in his letter to the lieutenant governor of Delhi that he had paid more than Rs 50 crore to the city’s ruling AAP for an “important” post in the party and another Rs 10 crore to jailed minister Satyender Jain as “protection money”.
The claims were made by him in a letter dated October 7. (AGENCIES)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the situation related to COVID-19 in the country at a high-level meeting Thursday afternoon, officials said.

The meeting comes a day after Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the situation and asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated.

Official sources have said random sample testing will be done at airports for international passengers arriving from China and other countries.

There has been a sudden spurt in Covid cases in China and some other countries.

In view of a sudden spurt in COVID cases in China and some other countries, the Union health minister on Wednesday reviewed the situation in the country and asked people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded places, and get vaccinated.

“COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had said.

During the meeting, attended by experts and senior officials, the minister was briefed on the global COVID-19 situation and the domestic scenario, including the preparedness of all stakeholders.

Noting that only 27-28 per cent of India’s eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul, after the meeting, said people should take the jab and also wear masks in crowded places.

Paul urged people not to panic and said that there was no change in the guidelines for international air travel so far.

“People should wear masks in crowded areas. Those with comorbidities and old should especially adhere to this,” Paul said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday foiled yet another drone intrusion attempt from Pakistan’s side in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab, a BSF statement said.

The incident occurred along the India-Pakistan international border in the Ferozepur sector. A senior BSF officer informed that on Wednesday at about 8 pm, BSF troops detected drone intrusion from Pakistan in the area of responsibility of border outpost Harbhajan in the Ferozepur Sector of district Tarn Taran, following which BSF troops fired at the drone.

The officer further said the area was cordoned off, and a search for the drone was conducted on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
In the morning at 8 am on Thursday, BSF troops recovered the drone from a farm. Further search is in progress to recover contraband, he added.

The BSF has foiled several drone intrusions attempts recently.
On Wednesday, BSF troops shot down a drone that entered India from Daoke Border Outpost (BoP) in the Amritsar sector from the Pakistan side on the International Border on Tuesday evening.

“The Pak drone which had entered India at 1920 hrs in the AOR of BOP Daoke in the AOR of 144 Bn, Amritsar sector was found fallen this morning in Pak area, 20 meters in their territory opposite the AOR of BOP Bharopal. It hovered in the sky for a few minutes when counter-drone measures were taken and fell while returning,” BSF said in a statement on Wednesday.

Earlier on November 26, a suspected flying object coming from the Pakistani side was shot down by the security personnel deployed at Daoke Border Outpost (BoP) in Amritsar sector on India-Pakistan international border.
Security personnel fired six rounds from their INSAS rifles and downed a drone.

Later, it was found to be a China-made Quadcopter DJI Matrice 300RTK brand drone, lying in the field near the border. A few cameras were also found fitted in the drone.

In the last two months, Border Security Force (BSF) has shot down three drones in the Amritsar area.