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US lawmaker introduces bill for Greenland’s ‘annexation and statehood’

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US lawmaker introduces bill for Greenland’s ‘annexation and statehood’

Washington, Jan 13: Republican Congressman Randy Fine has formally introduced the ‘Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act’, a legislation aimed at giving the Trump administration a legal authority to pursue annexation and eventual statehood for Greenland.

“Huge News! Today, I am proud to introduce the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, a bill that allows the President to find the means necessary to bring Greenland into the Union,” Fine said in a post on X on Monday (local time).

He further asserted that America’s “adversaries” are trying to establish a foothold in the Arctic, and “we can’t let that happen”.

He claimed that these measures are critical to countering Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.

The Republican Congressman said that US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made it clear that Washington “needs to restore American Dominance by acquiring Greenland.”

“My bill turns this vision into reality and would give America the high ground for the next century by making it an official state. China and Russia should be put on notice that the days of impeding on our sovereignty in the Arctic region are over,” he added.

This legislation would strengthen the US to “take whatever steps necessary” to negotiate or acquire Greenland.

Earlier, the White House said that Trump believes the United States should acquire Greenland to prevent it from falling under the influence of rival powers.

Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt told reporters that the President views Greenland as strategically vital for US and European security.

“He said that he wants to see the United States acquire Greenland, because he feels that if we do not, then it will eventually be acquired, or even perhaps hostilely taken over by either China or Russia,” Leavitt said.

She added that such an outcome would be dangerous for multiple regions.

“Which is not a good thing for the United States or for Europe or for Greenland as well,” she said.

Leavitt said the President believes US control could also benefit Greenland itself.

“Let’s not forget, it would not just be in the best interest of the United States, but perhaps it would be in the best interest of Greenland as well, to be part of the United States,” she said.

Asked whether there is a timeline for pursuing such a move, Leavitt said no deadline has been set.

“He has not set a timeline, but it’s definitely a priority,” she said.

She emphasised that the President’s comments reflect broader national security concerns.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, occupies a strategic location in the Arctic and has gained increased attention due to climate change, shipping routes, and competition among global powers.

The United States maintains a military presence on the island, while China and Russia have expanded their Arctic ambitions.

Greater Kashmir

Why Jammu can’t demand NLU? asks Sham Lal Sharma

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Why Jammu can’t demand NLU? asks Sham Lal Sharma

Jammu, Jan 12: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former minister Sham Lal Sharma on Monday questioned why Jammu should not raise a demand for a National Law University (NLU).

He was reacting to the Chief Minister’s remarks asking why those alleging discrimination over the proposed NLU did not raise similar concerns when institutions such as IIT and IIM were established in Jammu and not in Kashmir.

“We are not raising a hue and cry over the issue of the NLU. We are only raising a public demand. Why should we not raise a public demand for an NLU? The Chief Minister himself speaks about issues related to his Assembly constituency. It appears that he does not consider Jammu as part of J&K. He should change his perspective,” Sharma said while responding to media queries after attending the Jammu district review meeting.

He further questioned whether the demand raised by the people of Jammu was not genuine.

“Is the demand of the people of Jammu not genuine, considering the climatic conditions, security perspectives, and other aspects? Even earlier, the central government allocated institutions in both regions. We are not saying that Kashmir should not get an NLU. But if Jammu also raises a demand for it, why should the National Conference or the Chief Minister object?” he asked.

The BJP MLA said Jammu had secured major institutions only after prolonged struggles, including IIT, AIIMS, Jammu University, and the Medical College, while IIM was allotted by the Centre.

“These are the reasons such demands arise and are later twisted and taken out of context. If we want to stay together, judicious decisions must be taken. The sentiments and requirements of the people here cannot be ignored,” Sharma said, obliquely referring to the demand for a separate Jammu state, which he had recently supported, once again triggering political debate.

Commenting on the review meeting, Sharma said it was long overdue and should be held at least twice a year.

“It should have been convened when the plan was finalised. However, better late than never. We received the agenda only during the meeting, whereas as per past practice, it should have been shared at least three days in advance to allow proper review of allocations, expenditure, work done, and shortcomings,” he said.

Sharma said BJP MLAs raised several pressing issues during the meeting, including frequent power disconnections and unscheduled long power cuts in Jammu, even as temperatures dropped below zero.

He said the Chief Minister assured that power supply to farmers’ pump sets would not be cut until March 31, even if smart meters had not been installed, and that farmers would be charged at flat rates.

“All 10 BJP MLAs also raised issues related to drinking water supply, irrigation, and flood damage, seeking judicious use of central assistance. The Chief Minister announced that a Rs 1,500-crore plan to lift 300 to 400 cusecs of Chenab water to address water shortages is in the pipeline,” Sham Lal Sharma added.

Greater Kashmir

Trump announces 25 per cent tariff on countries doing business with Iran

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Trump announces 25 per cent tariff on countries doing business with Iran

New Delhi, Jan 13: US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that have commercial ties with Iran, a move aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter their third week, the BBC reported.

According to the BBC, Trump said on social media that the tariff would be “effective immediately”, but did not clarify what activities would qualify as “doing business” with Iran. “Any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the order was “final and conclusive”.

The BBC said China is Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India. The White House has not provided further details on how the tariff will be implemented or which countries will be most affected.

The announcement comes amid escalating unrest in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and a sharp fall in the value of the rial, with human rights groups reporting hundreds of deaths during the protests.

Greater Kashmir

Groundbreaking study shows generic drugs in India match branded quality

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Groundbreaking study shows generic drugs in India match branded quality

Srinagar, Jan 12: A massive citizen-funded study has demonstrated that generic medicines in India are equivalent in quality to expensive branded drugs.

Available at a fraction of the price, the revelation could transform healthcare affordability for crores.

The research ‘The Citizens Generic versus Brand Drugs Quality Project,’ has tested 131 samples across categories.

The results, released earlier this month, show that all the generic drugs passed rigorous quality standards.

The findings challenge the long-held fears and concerns about generic drugs being inferior in quality.

The results have been reported to be unequivocal to prove that 100 percent of the samples met quality benchmarks.

No meaningful difference between generics and brands has been found.

The average drug content was 99.45 percent overall.

It was 101.35 percent for branded medicines and 99.10 percent for generics, both within acceptable limits.

However, when it comes to price, the disparities were stark: branded drugs averaged Rs 11.17 per tablet, while Jan Aushadhi generics cost just Rs 2.40 on average.

This made generics 49 percent cheaper overall.

Jan Aushadhi medicines emerged as the most affordable option for 82 percent of the tested medicines.

As an example, Pantoprazole costs Rs 16.82 per pill in branded form but only Rs 1.21 as a generic.

This price disparity, to the tune of 14 times, with the same quality strikes as a bolt from the blue for consumers in India, most of whom are struggling to make ends meet, and where the cost of medicines costs them a fortune.

Similarly, Atorvastatin, a medicine used for reducing cholesterol, is Rs 5.67 in branded form, while its generic costs Rs 0.98.

As per the details, published on the official X handle of Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, medicines across categories like antibiotics, heart medications, diabetes drugs, and pain relievers.

The samples were sourced from various outlets, including top branded products, branded generics, and Jan Aushadhi stores.

The study has been carried out through public contributions and no pharmaceutical sponsorship. Eureka Analytical Services Pvt Ltd, an accredited lab in Haryana, has tested the samples using Indian Pharmacopoeia standards for parameters including drug content (assay), dissolution, uniformity, impurities, and physical appearance.

“Every single generic passed! Same quality as expensive brands, and up to 14x cheaper,” Dr Philips posted on his X handle @TheLiverDoc.

Dr Phillips has spearheaded the initiative.

“This narrative that generic drugs ‘are never good’ has been deeply ingrained into doctors and patients alike,” he wrote.

However, the research has found some red flags too.

Generic Aadhaar Pharmacy products were found to be 67 percent to 887 percent more expensive than Jan Aushadhi equivalents in many cases.

The project has called for greater transparency, public quality data from policymakers, and pharmacist substitution of verified generics in order to make healthcare accessible for all.

Greater Kashmir

Drone sightings trigger night-long searches in Rajouri

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Drone sightings trigger night-long searches in Rajouri

Rajouri, Jan 12: Security forces conducted night-long Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) and area domination exercises across several hinterland areas of Rajouri district of Pir Panjal region following reports of drone sightings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri’s Nowshera sector and Poonch’s Mankote area, as well as along the International Border (IB) in Jammu’s Samba district.

Apart from the LoC belt, suspected drone activity was also reported from a few interior areas of Rajouri district, prompting security agencies to scale up vigilance and strengthen security arrangements.

Acting swiftly on the inputs, a high alert was sounded, and intensive night operations were launched at multiple sensitive and suspected locations on Sunday night.

The operations also continued on Monday morning.

As part of the enhanced security measures, special checkpoints were established on major roads and highways across the district where vehicles and pedestrians were subjected to thorough checking and frisking.

Night-long CASOs, area domination exercises, and vehicle checks continued across the district and were still underway in some remote hinterland areas.

Multiple drone sightings were reported on Sunday night along both the IB and the LoC in Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba districts.

The Army deployed along the LoC in the Nowshera sector also resorted to firing in an attempt to shoot down the suspected drone.

Greater Kashmir

Kashmir gets brief respite from cold

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Kashmir gets brief respite from cold

Srinagar, Jan 12: On Monday, Chillai Kalan loosened its grip on Kashmir slightly as minimum temperatures edged up by a few degrees, offering a modest respite from the cold wave, though residents gave mixed accounts of the change, with many saying the chill remained as harsh as before.

Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, up from minus 5.2 degrees Celsius a day earlier, while Qazigund improved to minus 3.6 degrees Celsius from minus 5.8 degrees Celsius.

South Kashmir locations, which bore the brunt of the cold on Sunday, also witnessed some relief, with Shopian rising to minus 5.2 degrees Celsius from minus 8.6 degrees Celsius and Pulwama to minus 6.5 degrees Celsius from minus 7.7 degrees Celsius.

Similar upward trends were recorded in north Kashmir, where Kupwara improved to minus 3.7 degrees Celsius from minus 5.6 degrees Celsius and Sopore to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius from minus 7.7 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg, the ski resort, recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius compared with minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Despite the increase, the change was unevenly felt.

“It felt slightly warmer this morning, especially after several harsh nights,” said a Srinagar resident.

He said that the chill was still intense during the early hours.

However, others said the difference was barely noticeable.

“For us, it felt almost the same. Water pipes are still frozen and mornings remain extremely cold,” said a shopkeeper in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Director Gulmarg Adventure Academy, Azhar Fayaz Lone said that people in the ski resort did not feel any relief from the cold conditions despite the night temperature raising by 3.2 degrees Celsius.

In some rural areas, residents said the cold continued to disrupt daily routines, forcing people to delay work until later in the day.

Meteorological officials said the rise in temperatures provided temporary respite but cautioned that cold conditions were likely to persist, with night temperatures continuing to hover below the freezing point across the region.

They said the weather is likely to remain dry till January 16.

M M Parvaiz reports from Ramban

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles on Monday, officials said.

Traffic authorities informed that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway is expected to remain open for two-way traffic on Tuesday.

However, despite uninterrupted movement in both directions, vehicular flow remained slow at several stretches between Udhampur and Banihal due to single-lane road conditions.

Officials said congestion was particularly witnessed at Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather.

The situation was further aggravated by the breakdown of several heavy vehicles at different locations along the highway.

Traffic authorities regulating movement in Ramban district said that, notwithstanding the slow pace, hundreds of LMVs and heavy vehicles successfully crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels till late Monday evening.

In a fresh traffic advisory, the Traffic Department announced that the highway would remain open for LMVs and heavy vehicles on Tuesday, subject to fair weather and good road conditions.

Commuters, particularly LMV operators and private car owners, have been advised to plan their journeys during daylight hours.

“Night travel should be avoided, as the movement of heavy vehicles between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels during late hours may cause inconvenience to commuters,” the advisory said.

Drivers have also been urged to maintain lane discipline, adhere to traffic regulations, and avoid overtaking or driving on the wrong side, which often leads to traffic jams and delays along the highway.

Traffic Police personnel, along with district police and highway patrol units, were deployed at major choke points to regulate traffic and ensure the safe passage of vehicles.

Authorities advised travellers to remain updated with the latest traffic advisories before commencing their journey.

Officials said that the Kishtwar-Sinthantop-Anantnag National Highway remained closed due to heavy accumulation of snow.

Meanwhile, authorities clarified that reports circulating on some media platforms regarding night travel banned on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway after breakdowns caused gridlock were false and misleading.

As of now, two-way traffic is moving smoothly and uninterrupted round the clock on the highway.

SSP Traffic, National Highway (Headquarters), Ramban, Raja Adil Hamid said that regular traffic advisories were being issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters J&K on a daily basis to keep people informed about the movement of vehicles on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Mughal Road, and other major highways in the region.

People have been advised to rely only on official traffic updates and verified sources for accurate information and to avoid spreading unverified reports.

Sumit Bhargav reports from Rajouri

The Mughal Road was fully restored on Monday, bringing relief to commuters after remaining closed for seven consecutive days due to adverse conditions.

On Sunday, authorities had partially restored the road, allowing only those vehicles to cross that were stranded on either side during the closure.

The movement was regulated and limited in nature as a precautionary measure.

However, with improvement in road and weather conditions, normal traffic movement was allowed on Monday.

All categories of vehicles were permitted to ply on the Mughal Road, marking the complete restoration of connectivity between the twin regions.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police issued fresh cut-off timings for vehicular movement on the road.

As per the advisory, vehicles would be allowed to proceed beyond the designated cut-off points only after 10 am and again after 2:30 pm.

Commuters have been advised to adhere strictly to the traffic schedule and follow the instructions of traffic personnel to ensure smooth and safe movement.

Greater Kashmir

Gangs making fake honey, fake desi ghee busted in Srinagar

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Gangs making fake honey, fake desi ghee busted in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 12: Food Safety officials early Monday morning uncovered a racket peddling adulterated honey and ghee.

The makers of this “sweet mixture” preyed on unsuspecting consumers amid soaring winter demand in Kashmir, the officials said.

The “natural honey” deception involved concocting fake honey from sugar syrups.

In addition, hydrogenated oil mixtures were being prepared to be passed off as pure desi ghee. Officials from the Food Safety Department, led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Yameen-ul-Nabi, conducted joint raids in the Qamarwari and Barthana areas, in collaboration with the DO Police Station Qamarwari, early Monday morning.

The team raided a makeshift “factory” where fraudsters were churning out these counterfeits.

The fakes were being packaged as authentic Kashmiri products and sold as home-made.

The authorities seized 36 kg of adulterated ghee and 15 kg of fake honey.

Assistant Commissioner Yameen said possible ghee adulterant hydrogenated oils were recovered alongside sugar packs.

This was being used to whip up deceptive honey mixtures.

“Samples of the confiscated items have been sent for laboratory analysis,” he said.

Yameen said that the module was busted on a tip-off.

The fakes were being marketed as premium, home-made Kashmiri specials, damaging public trust and health.

He said many vendors selling such products in the busy markets of Srinagar were also “rounded up” by a Police team accompanying the food safety officials.

“We have taken samples from their merchandise as well, and those will also be tested,” he said. “This action underscores our commitment to ensuring safe, authentic, and hygienic food for Srinagar’s citizens.”

During winters in Kashmir, demand for natural honey skyrockets.

Locals relish it for its perceived warming properties, immune-boosting benefits, and as a traditional remedy against cold and flu.

The scammers are fleecing consumers not just financially, by charging premium prices for synthetic mixtures, but also risking public health.

The department has advised people to purchase food items from reliable sources only. Consumers have also been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the department.

Greater Kashmir

India, Germany recast ties

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India, Germany recast ties

New Delhi, Jan 12: India and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a wide-ranging strategic partnership on Monday during the first official visit to India by German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included 23 leading German CEOs and industry leaders.

The visit, which takes place from January 12-13, is Chancellor Merz’s first trip to India and his maiden visit to Asia as Federal Chancellor, highlighting Germany’s growing focus on India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.

The visit comes amid celebrations marking 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad, where the two leaders paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram, participated in the International Kite Festival, and jointly addressed the India-Germany CEO Forum.

Chancellor Merz would also visit Bengaluru, with a focus on business and technology collaboration.

During restricted and delegation-level talks, the leaders reaffirmed shared democratic values and support for a rules-based international order.

They reviewed progress in defence and security cooperation and welcomed outcomes of the High Defence Committee meeting held in November 2025.

Both sides agreed to deepen military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, training, staff talks, and reciprocal naval port calls.

India welcomed Germany’s participation in Exercise MILAN, the IONS Conclave of Chiefs in February 2026, Exercise TARANG SHAKTI in September 2026, and Germany’s decision to deploy a Liaison Officer to the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

The leaders welcomed cooperation between DRDO and OCCAR under the Eurodrone MALE UAV programme and the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on Defence Industrial Cooperation, aimed at promoting co-development, co-production, and technology partnerships.

India and Germany strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, and denounced the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025 and the Delhi attack of November 2025.

They committed to enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, including through the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee, and welcomed progress under the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

The leaders welcomed the rise in bilateral trade, which crossed USD 50 billion in 2024, accounting for over 25 percent of India’s total trade with the EU.

Both sides encouraged stronger collaboration in SMEs, startups, digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence, and innovation-driven enterprises.

PM Modi invited German companies to expand investments in India, while Chancellor Merz highlighted Germany as an attractive destination for Indian investors.

Both leaders reiterated support for the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, expected to be a key outcome of the upcoming EU-India Summit.

India and Germany agreed to strengthen collaboration in semiconductors, critical minerals, digital technologies, telecommunications, health, and bioeconomy.

The leaders welcomed a new Joint Declaration of Intent on Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership and progress on critical minerals cooperation, covering exploration, processing, recycling, and third-country projects.

They also welcomed the extension of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) and progress in establishing Indo-German Centres of Excellence in areas such as digital convergence, battery technology, green transport, and affordable healthcare.

Space cooperation between ISRO and the German Space Agency (DLR) was also reviewed, with both sides agreeing to expand industry-level engagement.

The leaders reviewed progress under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), noting that Germany has already earmarked nearly 5 billion Euros of its 10 billion Euros commitment by 2030 for climate mitigation, renewable energy, green mobility, biodiversity, and sustainable urban development projects in India.

They welcomed advances in green hydrogen cooperation, including a major green ammonia off take agreement between Indian producers and German firms, and new working groups on solar manufacturing, wind energy, and battery storage.

India and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, respect for UNCLOS, and announced a new bilateral Indo-Pacific consultation mechanism.

Germany reiterated support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Both countries called for comprehensive UN Security Council reforms, expressed concern over the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and supported diplomatic efforts for lasting peace, humanitarian access, and a two-state solution in the Middle East.

The leaders highlighted the growing presence of Indian students and professionals in Germany and welcomed progress under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany’s decision to allow visa-free transit for Indian passport holders.

They welcomed new initiatives on global skills partnerships, renewable energy skilling, higher education collaboration, joint degree programmes, and the expansion of German language education in India.

Germany also invited Indian participation to meet its skilled labour needs, particularly in healthcare.

Chancellor Merz thanked PM Modi for the warm hospitality.

Both leaders agreed to hold the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations in Germany later in 2026 and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the strategic partnership across defence, economy, technology, climate action, and people-to-people ties.

 

Agreements and Announcements

India and Germany signed and announced a series of agreements and initiatives spanning defence, economy, technology, climate action, and people-to-people ties.

 

Defence and Security

Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to strengthen bilateral defence industrial cooperation.

 

Trade and Economy

JDI to enhance economic cooperation through the establishment of a CEO Forum under the Joint India-Germany Economic and Investment Committee.

 

Critical and Emerging Technologies

JDI on India-Germany Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership

JDI on cooperation in Critical Minerals

JDI on cooperation in Telecommunications

MoU between NIELIT and Infineon Technologies AG

 

Traditional Medicine

MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda and Charité University, Germany

 

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen

MoU between PNGRB and DVGW

Green Ammonia offtake agreement between AM Green and Uniper Global Commodities

 

Science and Research

JDI on joint R&D cooperation in Bioeconomy

JDI on extending the tenure of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC)

 

Education and Skilling

Indo-German Roadmap on Higher Education

JDI on Global Skill Partnerships for ethical recruitment of healthcare professionals

JDI to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Renewable Energy at NSTI Hyderabad

 

Culture and People-to-People Ties

MoU for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, with the German Maritime Museum

 

JDI on Postal Services Cooperation

Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts and Deutsche Post AG

 

JDI on Sports Cooperation

MoU on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation

 

Key Announcements

Visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders transiting through Germany

Establishment of a Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue

Creation of a bilateral Indo-Pacific dialogue mechanism

Adoption of the India–Germany Digital Dialogue Work Plan (2025-27)

1.24 billion Euros in new funding commitments under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP)

Launch of a Battery Storage Working Group under the India-Germany renewable energy investment platform

Scaling up Triangular Development Cooperation projects in Ghana, Cameroon and Malawi

Opening of an Honorary Consulate of Germany in Ahmedabad

Greater Kashmir

Saliq bin Farooq wins gold at Khelo India Beach Games

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Saliq bin Farooq wins gold at Khelo India Beach Games

Srinagar, Jan 12: Saliq bin Farooq of Srinagar clinched the gold medal in the 65–70 kg category at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, capping a dominant run in Pencak Silat and adding another national sporting honour to Jammu and Kashmir’s growing medal tally.

The 2nd Edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026, as per a statement issued on Monday was held in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu from January 5 to January 11, 2026.

On his path to the top podium, Saliq showcased exceptional skill, composure, and tactical brilliance throughout the competition. He secured a convincing victory in the quarter-final against Sudarshan K of Tamil Nadu, followed by a strong showing in the semi-final against Sheikh Arbaaj of Chhattisgarh. In the final bout, Saliq clinched the gold medal after defeating Ashish Kumar Singh of Delhi, sealing a memorable triumph for Jammu & Kashmir.

The Khelo India Beach Games 2026, organised by the Union Territory Administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, are being conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the respective National Sports Federations. The second edition of the Games witnessed the participation of over 1,100 athletes competing across eight beach sports disciplines, making it one of the largest beach sporting events in the country.

xpressing his happiness after the victory, Saliq bin Farooq credited his coach and support system, stating, “I am extremely grateful to my coach, coach Mohd Iqbal, whose constant guidance, motivation, and training have played a crucial role in my performance. This gold medal is a result of his dedication and belief in me.”

Sharing his experience at the national event, he added, “Competing at the Khelo India Beach Games was a wonderful experience. Pencak Silat is growing rapidly across India, and it is encouraging to see so many positive stories emerging from the sport.”

Saliq also acknowledged the sustained efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, particularly highlighting the role of Nuzhat Gull, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, in strengthening sports infrastructure and ensuring that opportunities reach youth at the grassroots level, enabling young athletes to excel on national platforms.

The Jammu & Kashmir contingent, supported and sponsored by the J&K Sports Council, delivered an outstanding overall performance at the Games, securing two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal across various disciplines. Adding to this historic achievement, the contingent was crowned Overall Men’s Champions in Pencak Silat, marking one of the finest performances by a northern state in coastal combat sports.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, also hailed the stellar performance of the J&K contingent.

In a tweet, he congratulated the athletes for their impressive medal tally and for emerging as Overall Men’s Champions in Pencak Silat, stating that these achievements are a testament to the growing strength of sports culture in Jammu & Kashmir.

Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, lauded the contingent for making the region proud. He stated that such achievements reflect the discipline, resilience, and positive energy of J&K’s youth, adding that sports play a vital role in promoting health, harmony, and peace across the Union Territory. The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and creating a supportive ecosystem for athletes to succeed at national and international levels.

The J&K Sports Council extended heartfelt congratulations to the medal winners, coaches, and support staff, noting that the results underline the effectiveness of focused training, institutional support, and sustained investment in sports development. The Council reiterated that athletes from Jammu & Kashmir are now competing with confidence and consistency against the country’s best.

Saliq bin Farooq’s gold medal victory in the 65–70 kg category stands as a significant milestone for Kashmir’s sporting fraternity and further highlights the steady rise of Pencak Silat as a competitive sport in India, reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir’s growing prominence on the national sports map.

Greater Kashmir

CM Omar Abdullah stresses permanent flood restoration at Jammu review meet

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CM Omar Abdullah stresses permanent flood restoration at Jammu review meet

Jammu, Jan 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall development scenario of Jammu district, with a focus on expediting key infrastructure projects, improving irrigation facilities, strengthening flood restoration works and ensuring optimal utilisation of funds.

The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chairman District Development Council Jammu Bharat Bhushan, Member of Parliament Jammu Jugal Kishore Sharma and all Members of the Legislative Assembly from the district.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Inspector General of Police Jammu B.S. Tuti, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas, heads of departments, and representatives of NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO and other concerned agencies were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister gave directions for early completion of development works taken up under CAPEX strictly as per availability of funds. He assured the MLAs that each of them would receive a detailed communication outlining the status of projects that can be taken up, those that could not be initiated so far, the reasons thereof, and the future roadmap.

“It should not happen that you feel a project has been taken on priority and then put on a back burner. You will receive a letter explaining what we are doing, what we have done and what we intend to do in future, so that everyone is kept in the picture,” the Chief Minister said.

On irrigation, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive ground-level inspection, particularly of tail-end areas of canals, to ensure proper desilting and equitable water distribution to farmers. He directed the concerned Minister to prepare a timetable and conduct on-site inspections along with the local MLAs.

Recalling past challenges, the Chief Minister said that farmers at the tail end of canals often suffered due to lack of desilting, which prevented water from reaching them when it was most needed. He stressed the need to take up desilting works in convergence with MGNREGA wherever feasible, so that labour costs are met under MGNREGA while material and machinery costs are borne by the department.

Referring to the issue of farmers being forced to use pumps due to inadequate canal irrigation, the Chief Minister said that unauthorised electricity connections for irrigation would not be disconnected and would be regularised as non-metered connections. He further announced that no hike in electricity charges for farmers would be proposed this year.

Directing the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, the Chief Minister called for maximum utilisation of funds in the remaining months of the financial year. He complimented the district administration for good performance and better-than-expected fund utilisation so far.

He stressed the need for close monitoring of SASCI projects, especially greenfield projects, to ensure timely fund utilisation and avoid additional financial burden under CAPEX. He also directed that MLAs be taken into confidence while organising Mission Yuva events in their constituencies to build momentum for employment generation initiatives.

Highlighting that more than Rs 1400 crore has been sanctioned for permanent flood restoration works, the Chief Minister instructed that the share allocated to Jammu district must be utilised judiciously to ensure durable and long-term solutions.

“The water levels we are seeing now are similar to those witnessed in 2014. Our restoration works must be planned keeping that in mind so that the assets created are not washed away during the next heavy rains. Restoration must be permanent, not temporary,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister complimented the district administration and the elected representatives for their collective efforts. During the meeting, the concerned Ministers also made interventions related to their respective departments and issued on-the-spot directions to the officers for prompt redressal of issues.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Jammu gave a detailed presentation on the financial and physical progress of various departments. He highlighted the achievements and ongoing works in sectors including Public Works (R&B), PMGSY, electricity, PMAY-G and PMAY-U, school education, skill development, health, youth services and sports, revenue, labour, agriculture and allied sectors, forest, geology and mining, tribal affairs and other departments.

Chairman DDC Jammu, Member of Parliament and MLAs also raised issues, demands and grievances pertaining to their respective constituencies for early resolution.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid e-foundation stones of housing and urban development projects worth Rs 13.48 crore and e-inaugurated projects related to school education, housing and urban development and rural development amounting to Rs 19.05 crore.

He also flagged off truck-mounted jetting-cum-sewer suction machines (6000 litres), truck-mounted jetting-cum-sewer suction machines (4000 litres), jetting, grabbing and rodding machines (3000 litres) and open nallah desilting machines mounted on tipper chasis with extendable crane.

An ambulance for CHC Pallanwalla was also flagged off on the occasion.

Greater Kashmir

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