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Showing posts from March, 2024

Congress Releases List Of Star Campaigners For UP Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls

The Congress on Sunday released the list of star campaigners who will campaign for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections. The names of campaigners include Congress's top leadership- National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The list also includes names of some former Chief Ministers from the party. Ashok Gehlot, Digvijay Singh, Bhupesh Baghel, Harish Rawat are included as the star campaigners. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy will also campaign for the party in Uttar Pradesh. Ajay Rai, Salman Khurshid, Sachin Pilot, Rajiv Shukla, Imran Pratapgarhi, Deepender Singh Hooda, Raj Babbar, Supriya Shrinate and Alka Lamba are also included. Earlier, the Indian National Congress (INC) released a list of 27 star campaigners on Saturday for Jammu and Kashmir, including party president Mallikarjun ...

Landslides Triggered By Rains Block Jammu-Srinagar National Highway

Vehicular movement was suspended on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Sunday following landslides, triggered by overnight rains, at a few places in Ramban district, officials said. A traffic department official said road clearance work at Kishtwari Pather and Mehar-Cafeteria Morh has been going on since morning to ensure early restoration of traffic on the 270-km-long highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country. A massive landslide hit Kishtwari Pather near Nachalana in the Banihal area around midnight, while a mudslide and shooting stones from a hillock blocked the road at Mehar-Cafeteria Morh near Ramban town, the officials said. The traffic department official said that following the landslides, the Srinagar-bound vehicles were stopped at Nagrota in Jammu and at Jakhani in Udhampur this morning. Vehicles heading towards Jammu were not allowed to go beyond Qazigund in south Kashmir. A truck was damaged after being hit by a rock that rolled...

Sunita Kejriwal Reads Out Jailed Husband's 6 Guarantees Ahead Of Polls

Jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita today entered the political battleground with a fiery speech that attacked the BJP-led central government over allegedly targeting the Opposition with central agencies ahead of the national election. At a massive rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan where leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc including Rahul Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray, Mehbooba Mufti, and Mallikarjun Kharge, among others, attended, Sunita Kejriwal read out a message sent by her jailed husband. "The people of India stand with Arvind Kejriwal. He can't be kept in jail forever," Sunita Kejriwal said today in her first major political speech ever in front of hundreds of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters. "I am not asking for votes from you. I am not asking you to help defeat someone in elections. I am only asking 140 crore Indians to help in taking this country forward," Sunita Kejriwal said, quoting her husband's message from jail. Sh...

Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi Among 27 Congress Poll Campaigners For J&K

The Indian National Congress (INC) released a list of 27 star campaigners on Saturday for Jammu and Kashmir, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others. These leaders will campaign for the party candidates in Jammu and Kashmir during the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held in five phases. The list of star campaigners for the parliamentary elections in J-K was submitted by INC general secretary KC Venugopal to the Secretary Election Commission of India. The list of star campaigners included Mallikargjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ambika Soni, KC Venugopal, Sachin Pilot, Bharatsingh Solanki, Vikar Rasool Wani, GA Mir, Tariq Hameed Karra, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revanth Reddy and Harish Rawat. The list of 27 names also included Pramod Tewari, Pawan Khera, Ranjeet Ranjan, TS Singh Deo, Imran Pratapgarhi, Raj Babbar, Pirzada Mohd Sayeed, Manoj Yadav, Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla, Chow...

Darjeeling Tea, Terracotta Murti: What PM Modi Gifted To Bill Gates

Following an extensive discussion on topics ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), UPI payments, technology, to COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Microsoft co-founder and CEO Bill Gates with a 'Vocal for Local' gifts during their meeting on Friday. The meeting between the two took place at the PM's residence here on Friday. PM Modi gifted him a 'Vocal for Local' gift hamper that contained pearls and terracotta statues- a miniature work of art representing India's vibrant culture from Tamil Nadu, Pashmina shawl and saffron from Kashmir, as well as Darjeeling tea and Nilgiri tea. "In Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu they cultivate pearls. It is also known as the Pearl City. The local fishermen have done remarkable work in this field. During my visit, I decided I would show this to you and bring some for you,' PM Modi said while gifting pearls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi further gifted terracotta statues- a miniature work of art representin...

Above-Normal Temperatures, Heat Wave Expected In April, May: Weather Office

The India Meteorological Department has predicted that temperatures may be above normal and heat wave conditions are expected in the months of April and May. IMD Senior Scientist Dr Naresh Kumar said that there is a forecast of heavy rainfall today in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The IMD said that very light rainfall is expected in Delhi in a in a few days. Responding to a question relating to summer this year, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said that it will be too early to say anything now but he expected that the temperature will be above normal and heat wave conditions are expected in the months of April and May. "We are expecting above-normal temperatures as we are approaching April. In April, we will experience heat wave conditions over the central part of the country," he said. "May is the warmest month of the seasons and the country may experience heat waves over northwest and central India," he further said while adding that "as per our long...

"I Am The Spider Of Guna-Shivpuri": Jyotiraditya Scindia In Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the BJP's candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Guna for the Lok Sabha elections, on Thursday said that he is 'spider' of the constituency as he has created a vast network of roads there. Scindia, while addressing a gathering of the Rawat community in Guna's Shivpuri, also asked people to ensure the BJP gets 370 votes extra in every booth when compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls so that Narendra Modi is elected as prime minister for a third term. "Twenty years ago when I resolved to walk on the path of dedication, I decided that if no one would solve your problems, Jyotiraditya Scindia would... I am the spider of Shivpuri. I have built a network of roads here, a network of substations, a network of irrigation facilities, and a network of progress and development for the people here..." he said. "To make Narendra Modi PM for the third time, we have to work on increasing (BJP) votes by 370 in each booth," he said....

J Scindia's "Increase Votes By 370 In Each Booth" Pitch For PM's 3rd Term

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday asked people to ensure the BJP gets 370 votes extra in every booth when compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls so that Narendra Modi is elected as prime minister for a third term. Mr Scindia, who is the ruling party's candidate from Guna, was addressing a gathering of the Rawat community. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the slogan of ' abki baar 400 paar '. Under his leadership, Article 370 has been abrogated in Jammu and Kashmir. (Jan Sangh founder) Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee (Jan Sangh's founder) sacrificed his life for removal of Article 370," he said. "To make Narendra Modi PM for the third time, we have to work on increasing (BJP) votes by 370 in each booth (in the Lok Sabha polls)," he said. Under the PM's leadership, several welfare schemes were underway for farmers, women, youth and the poor, including giving free rations to 80 crore people and the Ayushman Bharat health initiative,...

Filing Nominations For 2nd Phase Of Lok Sabha Polls Begins Today

The process of filing nominations for 88 parliamentary seats across 12 states in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections began on Thursday. The notification for the second phase of the parliamentary polls -- to be held on April 26 -- was issued by the Election Commission on behalf of the president early on Thursday. The last date for filing nomination papers for this phase is April 4. On April 5, the nomination papers will be scrutinised in all states and Union Territories, except Jammu and Kashmir. In Jammu and Kashmir, the scrutiny will be held on April 6. Polling in one part of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency will also be held during this phase. The notification for elections in the Outer Manipur constituency was included in the gazette notification issued for the first phase on March 20. Fifteen assembly segments in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19. Thirteen assembly segments of the constituency will go ...

"AFSPA Needed To Fight Terrorists, Can Be Revoked When...": Anurag Thakur

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) can be revoked when militancy is completely over in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday, as he highlighted a positive change in the overall security situation in the Union Territory. He was reacting to the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah that the central government will consider revoking the AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with the JK Media Group, Amit Shah also said the government has plans to pull back troops in the UT and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. "AFSPA is needed to fight terrorists but when there is no more militancy, it can be revoked. Amit Shah had rightly said as Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is moving towards peace and prosperity," Anurag Thakur told reporters on the sidelines of a road show in Udhampur district. The road show was organised by the BJP in support of the party's candidate and Unio...

"Our Preparedness Levels Of Very High Order": Army Chief On China LAC Row

In the backdrop of the nearly four-year border row with China in eastern Ladakh, Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Wednesday said the Indian Army's preparedness levels are of a "very high order" and the force is keeping a "very close watch" on developments across the border. In response to questions asked during a panel discussion at Times Now Summit  in New Delhi, General Pande also said he believed that it was "only through talks" that one can find a resolution of the balance issues that are currently at hand. The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area. The ties between the two countries nose-dived significantly following the clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. "We are prepared in every manner. Our levels of operational readiness, and operational preparedness is of a very high order. In terms...

Centre To Consider Revoking AFSPA, Pull Back Troops From J&K: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the central government will consider revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with the JK Media Group, Mr Shah also said the government has plans to pull back troops in the Union Territory (UT) and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. "We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir police was not trusted but today they are leading the operations," he said. On the controversial AFSPA, the home minister said, "We will also think of revoking AFSPA." The AFSPA gives the armed forces personnel, operating in the disturbed areas, sweeping powers to search, arrest and to open fire if they deem it necessary for "the maintenance of public order". An area or district is notified as disturbed under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces. Mr Shah had ear...

"Fight Will Go On": Sonam Wangchuk Ends 21-Day Fast Over Ladakh Demands

After surviving on salt and water for 21 days, noted climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike to press for statehood for Ladakh and the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecology, but insisted that his fight will continue. "I will continue to fight for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and people's political rights," Mr Wangchuk said as he ended the hunger strike. Thousands gathered in various parts of the Union Territory as the fast ended, and women's groups have said they will now begin a hunger strike over the same demands.  When he had begun his fast on March 6, the reformer - whose life had inspired the character of Phsukh Wangdu in the 2009 film '3 Idiots' - had said he would continue it for 21 days and that it could be "extendable till death".  Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Wangchuk had urged the Union government to "show character" and meet the demands of the people of Ladakh. In a video pos...

"Show Character": Sonam Wangchuk As Fast Over Ladakh Demands Enters Day 21

As his hunger strike to press for statehood for Ladakh and the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecology entered its 21st day on Tuesday, noted climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has urged the Union government to exhibit statesmanship and meet the people's demands.  In a video posted on X, a smiling Mr Wangchuk said he is surviving on water and salt and 350 people have joined him in the fast despite temperatures dropping to -10 degrees Celsius.  Pointing to a frozen glass of water to highlight the conditions amid which the protest is being held outdoors, Mr Wangchuk said, "We are trying to remind and awaken the consciousness of our Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and Home Minister Mr Amit Shah to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains in Ladakh and the unique indigenous tribal cultures that thrive here." "We do not want to think of PM Modi and Amit Shah ji as just politicians, we would rather like to think of them as states...

Armyman Sexually Assaults, Kills Adopted Daughter, Wife Attempts Cover-Up

In a shocking crime, an Armyman and his wife have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting and murdering their adopted 11-year-old daughter in Madurai, the police said on Tuesday. The woman is the girl's aunt and had taken her in after her mother died and she was abandoned by her father.   Investigators say the man, who is a Subedar in the Indian Army and was serving in Jammu and Kashmir, had sexually abused the girl after reaching home last week for a month-long vacation. The girl had complained to her aunt, who did not alert the police and attempted a cover-up, officials from the Oomachikumal police station said.     The abuse came to light after the couple took the dead child to the government hospital in Madurai on March 22, claiming that they had found her unconscious. A post-mortem revealed sexual abuse and the couple was arrested on Sunday after being interrogated for two days. "The man had smothered the child to death," a police officer told NDTV. ...

Brain Dead Soldier's Organs Give New Lease Of Life To 2

The family members of a CRPF soldier in Odisha's Khurda district on Monday donated his heart and liver following his brain death. A doctor in the private hospital where he died said the two organs were carried to Kolkata and Mumbai to give a new lease of life to two persons. According to sources in the hospital, Krushna Chandra Mahabhoi was serving as a havildar in CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir. Suffering from a chronic kidney disease, he has been undergoing dialysis for some two years. He was found brain dead at a hospital here on March 20. “After his brain death, we sought permission from the family members for organ donation and they agreed. Subsequently, arrangements were made for that,” said Dr Alisha Choudhury of the private hospital. Initially, the family was reluctant to allow doctors to take out the organs from his body. "But my mother suggested that my father has devoted his life to the nation. Now, if two people can survive with my father's organ, that will al...

2 Arrested, Arms Seized In Army, J&K Police's Joint Operation At Anantnag

Two individuals have been arrested and a pistol, hand grenade, improvised explosive device (IED), and other war-like stores were recovered in a joint search operation launched by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, army officials said. The operation named Lukhbhawan was carried out at the Larkipora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, they added. "OP LUKHBHAWAN, #Anantnag Based on specific inputs from intelligence agencies, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on the intervening night of 23-24 Mar in area Lukhbhawan, Larkipora, Anantnag," the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said in a post on 'X'. "Two suspected individuals have been arrested along with the recovery of 01xPistol, 01xHand Grenade, 01xIED & other war-like stores. Further interrogation is in progress," they added. Earlier on Saturday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint op...

Team Shinde Workers Burn Omar Abdullah Photo Over Maharashtra Bhavan Remark

Some workers of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena burnt the photo of National Conference leader Omar Abdullah in Thane, nearly 23 km from Mumbai, for opposing the construction of Maharashtra Bhavan on a 2.5-acre land in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam. The workers first tried to burn an effigy of Mr Abdullah but were stopped by the police after which they burnt his photo. They also raised slogans against him. Recently, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the purchase of land for the bhavan in Budgam. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, however, said last week that if his government comes to power, he would have the deal relooked. "The Eknath Shinde government proposed the bhavan in Kashmir for tourism point of view, so that people from Maharashtra can go there and can be assisted there. But, Omar Abdullah has opposed it and which is why we have taken to the streets," said Rahul Londhe, Eknath Shinde camp spokesperson. He further warned that if need be, "the worker...

Shashi Tharoor's Biblical Post Amid Confusion Over Congress's Poll Choice

The Congress's third list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls had big names such as Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, but its Jaipur pick has made the most headlines. Sunil Sharma, the party's choice for the key seat, has emerged as a talking point for the past two days over his alleged links with a platform, 'The Jaipur Dialogues', known to mock the Congress party and its leaders. The Clarification Mr Sharma has issued a statement, saying that while he has attended some panel discussions hosted by Jaipur Dialogues, he has no link with its management. I am in no way related to the Jaipur dialogues YouTube channel or Twitter handle. This is completely fake news and false propaganda being floated to diminish the prospects of the Congress Party. — Sunil Sharma (@I_SunilSharma) March 23, 2024 "I was never associated with the management of Jaipur Dialogues YouTube channel. I am often invited by TV channels and YouTube platforms as a panelist to articulate the Congress perspec...

Jaish Terror Module Busted In Srinagar, 3 Operatives Arrested With Weapons

Security forces on Saturday busted a Jaish-e-Mohammad module by arresting four terrorist associates in Srinagar, police said. Police along with security forces in Srinagar today busted a major terror module linked with proscribed terror outfit JeM by arresting four terrorist associates, a police spokesperson said. Acting on specific information, a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was established in Kenihama area in Nowgam in the outskirts of the city this evening, the spokesperson said. Srinagar Police alongwith SF's busted JeM #terror module, 04 #terrorist associates arrested & huge cache of Arms/Ammunition recovered from their possession. FIR registered, #Investigation set in progress. pic.twitter.com/D3au5eFw7k — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) March 23, 2024 During checking, a vehicle was intercepted by the security forces and four terror associates were arrested, the spokesperson said. He identified them as Mohammad Yaseen Bhat, Sheraz Ahmad Rather, a...

Minister Jitendra Singh's Wealth More Than Doubled In 10 Years, Shows Data

Union minister Jitendra Singh, who is fighting his third Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur parliamentary constituency, recorded a growth of over 100 percent in his wealth over the past 10 years, according to his poll affidavit. The moveable and immovable assets of Mr Singh's wife Manju – a housewife whose source of income is interest from bank deposits -- also increased from over Rs 65.42 lakh in 2014 to over Rs 1.54 crore, a comparison of his affidavits of 2014 and 2024 showed. The 67-year-old Singh, a retired medicine professor, filed his nomination papers including the mandatory affidavit from the Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday. Mr Singh retained Udhampur Lok Sabha seat in 2019 defeating Congresss' Vikramaditya Singh, the grandson of erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh, by a huge margin of 3,53,272 votes. In 2014, Mr Singh had defeated former Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad by 60,976 votes and assumed charge as minist...

Tulip Garden In Srinagar, Asia's largest, Opens For Public

Ensconced between the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills, Asia's largest tulip garden was thrown open to the public on Saturday, officials said. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, earlier known as Siraj Bagh, was opened for the public as tulips of different colours have started to bloom, Floriculture department officials said. "The tulip garden has been thrown open to the public," the department's Commissioner Secretary Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad told PTI. The department plants the tulip bulbs in a phased manner so that the flowers remain in the garden for a month or more. "When the garden blooms fully, there will be a rainbow of tulips," department officials said. The department added that five new varieties of tulips have been added to the existing 68 this year. It has also increased the area of the tulip garden by adding another two lakh bulbs. A record 17 lakh tulip bulbs have been planted in the garden spread over 55 hectares, the officials said. Othe...

2nd-Biggest Donor Bought Some Electoral Bonds Close To Bagging Contracts

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd made a number of electoral bond purchases close to the date of bagging crucial projects, including the all-weather Zojila tunnel that is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore in Jammu and Kashmir. Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) has emerged as the second-biggest buyer of electoral bonds worth Rs 966 crore, according to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday. The unlisted firm donated the highest amount of about Rs 585 crore to the BJP, followed by Rs 195 crore to BRS, and Rs 85 crore to the DMK. As per available information, MEIL had bought bonds worth Rs 20 crore in October 2020. The company secured the project to construct Asia's longest bi-directional road tunnel project in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the October-November period of the same year. In March 2023, MEIL had bagged a Rs 3,681 crore project for construction of a bullet train sta...

Firm Building Uttarakhand Tunnel That Collapsed Donated Rs 55 Crore To BJP

Hyderabad-based Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd (NEC), which is constructing the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand, a portion of which collapsed last year, purchased Rs 55 crore worth of electoral bonds and donated the entire amount to the BJP, as per data released by the Election Commission. A total of 41 workers were trapped after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed on November 12, 2023. The workers were rescued on November 28. The Silkyara-Barkot tunnel project - cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in 2018 - was to be completed in 2022, but its deadline has been extended. NEC purchased 55 electoral bonds of Rs 1 crore each between April 19, 2019 and October 10, 2022. Navayuga Engineering, the flagship company of the Navayuga Group, is an engineering and core infrastructure company, according to information posted on the company's website. The company said it has constructed the Dhola-Sadia Bridge - the country's longest river bridg...

Jitendra Singh Files Nomination From J&K's Udhampur-Kathua For 2024 Polls

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday filed his nomination papers from the Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha constituency for the first phase of general elections in Jammu and Kashmir on April 19. The notification for the Udhampur-Kathua constituency was issued on Wednesday along with 102 seats in 17 states and four Union Territories where polls will be held in the first phase. Flanked by wife Manju Singh and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Mr Singh filed his nomination papers at the office of Returning Officer Rakesh Minhas in Kathua town, officials said. Mr Singh, whose candidacy was announced in the BJP's first list on March 3, performed a puja at his residence in the Trikuta Nagar area of the city in the presence of friends and relatives earlier in the day. Filed my Lok Sabha Nomination this morning from #Udhampur constituency of #JammuAndKashmir . Thanks Sh Gajender Singh Shekhawat @gssjodhpur ji for accompanying. Thanks @GreatKhali for being there. pic.twitter.co...

I'm Indian: Kashmir Separatist's Daughter Distances From Father's Ideology

Jailed Kashmir separatist Shabir Ahmad Shah's daughter Sama Shabir and Pakistan supporter Syed Ali Shah Geelani's granddaughter Ruwa Shah have dissociated themselves from the separatist ideology and pledged their loyalty to the sovereignty of Union of India. In identical public notices published in local newspapers, they distanced themselves from separatist politics. Ruwa Shah, daughter of Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmad Shah alias Altaf Fantoosh, issued a public notice distancing herself from the Hurriyat Conference faction founded by her late grandfather. She also declared she had no inclination or sympathy towards the Hurriyat Conference ideology. "I am a loyal citizen of India not affiliated with any organisation or association which has an agenda against the Union of India and I owe allegiance to the Constitution of my country (India)," Ms Shah said in the notice published in a local daily earlier this week. Her father, who was also in jail for alleged ...

Security Forces Uncover Huge Cache Of Arms, Ammunition In Jammu And Kashmir

Border Security Force personnel on Wednesday uncovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. The seizure was made during a joint search operation by the BSF, the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the border guarding force said. "On specific intelligence of #BSF, a joint search operation was launched by @BSF_Kashmir, #IndianArmy & #JKP at Rangwar, #Kupwara today & recovered, 9 mm Pistol with 01 mag 29 Rds,01 mag of AK 47/400 Rds,02 Comn Sets, 01 IED, 01 Hand Grenade & other war-like stores from a hideout," the BSF posted on 'X'.  On specific intelligence of #BSF , a joint search operation was launched by @BSF_Kashmir , #IndianArmy & #JKP at Rangwar, #Kupwara today & recovered, 9 mm Pistol with 01 mag 29 Rds,01 mag of AK 47/400 Rds,02 Comn Sets, 01 IED, 01 Hand Grenade & other war-like stores from a hideout. pic.twitter.com/kiPRPL6dB1 — BSF Kashmir (@BSF_Kashmir) March 20, 2024 (Ex...

Jailed Ex-MLA Charged Under Anti-Terror Law To Contest In Lok Sabha Polls

Engineer Rashid, who is currently lodged in jail on UAPA charges, will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla constituency on an Awami Ittehad Party ticket. Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid (56) is a former MLA. He was arrested in 2019 and charged by the National Investigation Agency under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), becoming the first mainstream politician to be booked under the stringent anti-terror law. "The political affairs committee of the Awami Ittehad Party decided that we will field Engineer Rashid as our candidate from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency," Firdous Baba, the party's spokesperson, said on Wednesday. The party is hopeful that Rashid will be released from prison before the elections, he said. "In case that does not happen, it has been decided that Rashid will contest the polls from jail. Our Constitution allows an accused person, who is not convicted, to contest elections from j...

CBI Files 2 Chargesheets Against 15 Accused In J&K Gun Licence Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday filed two separate charge sheets against 15 accused, including two bureaucrats, in a case related to issuance of firearms licences to ineligible persons in violation of rules during 2012-16, an official said. The charge sheets against the accused were filed in the court of special judge, CBI cases, Srinagar, a spokesperson of the agency said. The official said the first charge sheet was filed against 10 persons including the then Kupwara district magistrate Itrat Hussain Rafiqi and four gun house dealers and middlemen, while the then additional district magistrate Ravinder Kumar Bhat and four others including gun house dealers and middlemen were named in the second charge sheet. The case was registered in 2018 on the request of the then J&K government. Later, a notification of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, was issued transferring to the CBI the investigation of the FIR registered on May 17, 2018...

No CAA, Civil Code; Chief Minister To Approve Governor: DMK Manifesto

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or DMK today announced its 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha election. Tamil Nadu Chief minister MK Stalin also unveiled the party manifesto for the election and hit out at the BJP alleging that the party had destroyed India. "It is not only a DMK manifesto but the people's manifesto. When the BJP came to power in 2014, they destroyed India. None of the election promises were fulfilled. We have formed the INDIA Alliance, and we will form our government in 2024. In our manifesto, we have announced special schemes for Tamil Nadu and schemes for every district are given in this manifesto" MK Stalin said. "It is DMK that makes the manifesto before elections and continues to do what we say; this is what our leaders taught us. As Kanimozhi said, we went all over the state and listened to various people" MK Stalin added In its election manifesto the DMK hit out at the Governor's office saying that till the office of Governor is abolis...

Nomination Process Begins For Lok Sabha Elections After Poll Body Notice

The nomination process for 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories for the 2024 general elections with the Election Commission on behalf of the President issuing its notification. Candidates contesting in the elections must file their nomination papers within a specified timeframe. The last date for filing nomination papers for most constituencies is March 27. However, in Bihar, due to a festival, the deadline is extended to March 28. Candidates also have the option to withdraw their nomination before a specified deadline. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 20 for most constituencies, and April 2 for Bihar. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases, starting on April 19 and concluding on June 1. Each phase will cover different constituencies across various states and Union territories. The results of the election will be announced on June 4. The first phase of polling includes states such as Arunachal Pradesh, As...

Poll Body Issues Notification For First Phase Of Lok Sabha Elections

The nomination process for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread across 21 states and Union territories, where polling would be held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, began on Wednesday with the issuance of a notification. According to the notification issued by the Election Commission on behalf of the President, the last date for filing nomination papers is March 27. However, due to a festival, March 28 is the last date for filing nominations for the Lok Sabha seats in Bihar going to polls in the first phase. Voting in four out of 40 seats in Bihar will be held in the first phase. Nomination papers will be scrutinised on March 28. For Bihar, it would be done on March 30. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 20 while for Bihar, it is April 2. The elections for the 18th Lok Sabha will begin on April 19 followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes is on June 4. The states where ...

5 Points About Pralhad Joshi, BJP Candidate From Dharwad

Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pralhad Joshi will contest from the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka for a fifth straight term. The Dharwad Lok Sabha Constituency has been a BJP stronghold since 1996. Previously held by Congress from 1980 to 1996, BJP's Vijay Sankeshwar won the seat in 1996, breaking Congress' winning streak. Since then, BJP has retained the seat, with Pralhad Joshi securing victory between 2004 and 2019. Here are five facts about Pralhad Joshi: Pralhad Joshi is currently the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister and he also holds the portfolio of coal. He was born on November 27, 1962, in Vijayapura, Karnataka, to Venkatesh Joshi and Malatibai. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from KS Arts College in Hubli. Mr Joshi was a businessman before joining politics. Mr Joshi ventured into politics by leading movements such as hoisting the national flag at Idagah Maidan and the "Save Kashmir Movement" in Hubli from 19...

North India Winter Quickly Transitioning To Summer-Like Conditions: Report

An analysis of temperature data since 1970 shows that winters are quickly transitioning to summer-like conditions in north India, shortening the spring season. Researchers at the US-based Climate Central, an independent group of scientists, conducted this analysis to place India within the context of global warming trends, focusing on the winter months (December-February). The analysis revealed abrupt changes in temperature occurring in late winter across north India. The average temperatures in states in north India showed either a cooling trend or slight warming in January, followed by strong warming in February. This indicates that these regions are now experiencing abrupt transitions from cool winter-like temperatures to much warmer conditions traditionally observed in March, the researchers said. To show this change, the researchers calculated the difference between the warming rates in January and February, expressed as the change in average temperature since 1970. The most...

Maiden Formula 4 Car Racing On Banks Of Srinagar's Dal Lake Enthralls Fans

Srinagar hosted the first-ever Formula 4 car racing demonstration event on Sunday on the banks of the world-famous Dal Lake. The event enthralled locals and motorsport fans as they witnessed stunts performed by professional Formula 4 drivers. Sleek racing cars roared along a 1.7 km track from Lalit Ghat on the banks of Dal Lake to Nehru Park in the city. The first ever Formula-4 car show was held on the banks of the Dal Lake Srinagar today. Here are some visuals from this action packed event! #srinagar #carshow #formula4 #kashmir #dallake ⁦ @MudgalYasha ⁩ ⁦ @diprjk ⁩ pic.twitter.com/S82FaafQzD — Jammu & Kashmir Tourism (@JandKTourism) March 17, 2024 Hundreds of enthusiastic youths lined the picturesque Boulevard road at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range to witness the event. According to local authorities, the event was organized to promote tourism in the region and to encourage youth to consider the sport as a career choice. The event, the first of its kind ...

"Very Heartening To See": PM On First-Ever Formula-4 Car Show In Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that it was heartening to see the first-ever Formula-4 car show that was held on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, and that it will further help showcase the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. "This is very heartening to see. It will help further showcase the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. India offers great opportunities for motorsports to thrive and Srinagar is right on top of the places where it can happen!" PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi shared an individual's post on X, that read, "Mera Kashmir badal raha hai--PM Modi has changed Kashmir! The first-ever Formula 4 car show was held on the banks of Dal Lake, Srinagar, today! #Article370." This is very heartening to see. It will help further showcase the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. India offers great opportunities for motorsports to thrive and Srinagar is right on top of the places where it can happen! https://t.co/RNSRy4NnZ3 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) Marc...

Mayawati's Party, CPI(M) Among Parties That Did Not Receive Electoral Bonds

While several political parties received donations worth crores of rupees via electoral bonds, there is a vast majority which did not get any money through the now-scraped scheme for political funding. Over 500 recognised and unrecognised political parties had shared details on electoral bonds in sealed covers to the Supreme Court. The data was submitted through the Election Commission and was put in public domain by the poll panel on Sunday. Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party, which is a recognised national party, has told the Election Commission that it did not receive any funding through electoral bonds since the inception of the scheme. The National People's Party, which rules Meghalaya, is another national party which received no donations through electoral bonds. National Conference, a recognised state party in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has disclosed receiving Rs 50 lakh from the Bharti group through electoral bonds. The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) dis...