Home Blog Page 34

6 dead, 14 injured as water, debris enter tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli

0
6 dead, 14 injured as water, debris enter tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli

Dehradun, Aug 14: Six people died and 14 sustained injuries on Thursday after water and debris entered a tunnel under construction at a hydroelectric project site in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, officials said.

According to preliminary information shared by the officials, 22 workers were trapped inside the tunnel. Twenty people have been brought out of the tunnel. Of them, six were declared dead, while 14 others have sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.

Information about the remaining two workers was not immediately available.

The incident occurred at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) Limited’s project site in the Pipalkoti area. The construction work is being carried out by the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), the officials said.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan told PTI earlier that according to reports, several workers were trapped after water and debris entered the tunnel of the Pipalkoti hydroelectric project.

Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other agencies rushed to the spot.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Rudraprayag was on the way to Pipalkoti to join the rescue operation. Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Army teams were also deployed. District Magistrate (DM) Gaurav Kumar reached the spot and was overseeing the entire operation, officials said.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Dhami expressed concern over the incident and directed all agencies to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, said the situation is being continuously monitored from emergency operation centres and additional teams will be deployed if needed.

Greater Kashmir

J&K Govt approves Chief Minister’s Digital Internship Programme 2026

0
J&K Govt approves Chief Minister’s Digital Internship Programme 2026

The J&K Government has accorded approval to the Chief Minister’s Digital Internship Programme 2026 (Batch-I), a six-month paid internship initiative aimed at providing talented local youth with hands-on experience in emerging areas of technology and digital governance.

Executed by the J&K e-Governance Agency, the programme will offer eligible students pursuing BE/B.Tech, M.Tech, MCA and M.Sc. in Computer Science/Information Technology an opportunity to gain practical exposure through their engagement in real-world GovTech projects.

The initiative will provide interns with hands-on learning opportunities in areas including GovTech, cybersecurity and digital services, enabling them to understand and contribute to technology-driven solutions for governance challenges.

The programme will also provide structured mentorship from leading experts, helping interns strengthen their technical capabilities and gain valuable professional experience.

To recognise excellence and encourage innovation, interns will receive certificates signed by the Chief Minister, while the best-performing projects will be considered for the ‘Best Intern Initiative Award’.

As part of the programme, selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of 10,000, providing financial support while they gain practical experience in the field of digital governance.

The Chief Minister’s Digital Internship Programme reflects the Government’s steadfast commitment to empowering youth, recognising merit and creating meaningful opportunities for local talent to contribute to J&K’s digital transformation.

By connecting young technology professionals with real-world governance requirements, the initiative seeks to nurture innovation and channel their skills towards developing practical solutions to contemporary public service challenges.

Greater Kashmir

JKPEECC calls off indefinite strike as JPDCL management revokes suspension orders

0
JKPEECC calls off indefinite strike as JPDCL management revokes suspension orders

Jammu, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir Power Employees and Engineers Coordination Committee (JKPEECC) on Friday called off its indefinite strike immediately after JPDCL management conceded its major demand of revocation of suspension orders during post-midnight negotiations.

The PDD employees, on the call of JKPEECC, had gone on indefinite strike on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in support of their demands including immediate revocation of suspension orders, registration of FIRs in power theft cases and a comprehensive SOP for damaged meters.

A memorandum of agreement, on the 9-point charter of demands projected by JKPEECC, was signed at around 1.45 am following hours-long deliberations and negotiations held among Sachin Tickoo, convenor JKPEECC and president JKEEGA, Sanjay Sharma president DEA and Gurpal Singh, Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL).

Singh was also joined by Arshad Hussain Reshi, Chief Engineer (Distribution), JPDCL; Ravi Kant Kalsotra, Chief Engineer (Projects), JPDCL; Anil Verma, Superintending Engineer (Technical officer to Managing Director JPDCL) and Rohit Bhagotra, CEO (IT) during the deliberations.

With regard to demand for registration of FIRs in electricity-theft cases where the requisite cases are submitted by the concerned SDOs to the respective Police Stations or SHOs under the provisions of Section 135(1A) of the Central Electricity Act, 2003, it was agreed upon by JPDCL management that complaints as well as any other action as mandated by Section 135(1A) read with Section 151 of the Electricity Act 2003 will be filed or taken by the authorised officer of JPDCL.

The competent authority of JPDCL will authorise the officer concerned for this purpose within four weeks. 

With regard to immediate revocation of suspension orders issued vide numbers 187-192/MD/JPDCL of 2026 all dated August 6, 2026, show cause notices issued vide MD/JPDCL/1605-07, 1608-10 dated August 6, 2026 along with detachment of staff of Miran Sahib sub division attached in Managing Director office and other places, the management informed that suspension orders were revoked and show cause notices have been kept in abeyance.

Besides, the attached staff (of Miran Sahib sub division) was relieved and placed at the disposal of Superintending Engineer, O&M Circle, Jammu.

Revocation of suspension orders pertained to six employees. They included two linemen, two meter-readers, one Junior Engineer (JE) and one Assistant Engineer (AE), who is presently promoted to the rank of Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE).

In case of demand for comprehensive SOP for damaged meters, Chief Engineer (Distribution), JPDCL; CEO (IT), JPDCL and Technical Officer (TO) to MD JPDCL assured to frame it (SOP) on this issue within a month’s time. For this purpose, they will be at liberty to take reference to similar SOPs issued by other DISCOMs as well as Central Electricity Authority and also hold consultation with RECPDCL.

Regarding SOP for billing of damaged or non-communicating meters in accordance with JERC regulations, it was agreed that before the next billing cycle i.e., for month of September, the matter will be taken up with the JERC for resolution. 

In case of demand about contractual or penal action against REC and executing agencies where deficiencies are established in the supply, installation, replacement, communication or maintenance of meters under the relevant contracts, the management agreed that action would be taken as per contract and necessary responsibility will be fixed on the PIA or AMISP concerned. 

It was agreed that suspensions against employees in cases of the detection of theft will be taken after following rules or enforcement mechanisms.

To address the concerns of employees regarding action related to solar installations performance, apart from the awareness activities carried out by DISCOM, the vendors of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana empanelled by JPDCL for the installation of solar roof top will also be encouraged to organise fairs, banners, promotion activities, in order to percolate the message for consumers. Any action, if required, will be taken only after assessing the performance. 

With regard to the demand that accountability must be systemic, it was assured that the complete enforcement chain will function together i.e., detection, inspection and meter verification.

In case of violation, action will be taken under Section 135 read with Section 151 of the Electricity Act 2003.

It was assured that the DPCs of all cadres will be conducted on a fast-track basis as per the circulars of GAD. 

Greater Kashmir

Iran says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US meets conditions

0
Iran says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US meets conditions

Iran’s new security chief Mohsen Rezaei has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends its war and blockade against Iran and agrees to a broader regional ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported.

In a social media post after meeting China’s ambassador to Tehran, Rezaei said Iran’s conditions also included the release of frozen Iranian assets and a ceasefire covering Lebanon and Gaza.

“Until all conditions are met, the Strait will remain closed,” said Rezaei, a former wartime commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

His remarks came as military activity continued around the Strait, the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, further dimming hopes of an early reopening of the vital shipping route. Rezaei also said any potential agreement with Oman over the Strait was separate from Washington, while Iran continued to press for closer ties with China.

Greater Kashmir

Shahnawaz Choudhary meets Kharge, Venugopal in New Delhi, discusses J&K affairs

0
Shahnawaz Choudhary meets Kharge, Venugopal in New Delhi, discusses J&K affairs

District Congress Committee President Poonch and senior Congress leader Shahnawaz Choudhary met AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence and AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal Ji at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi.

During the meetings, Shahnawaz Choudhary discussed the prevailing social, political and organisational affairs of Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir, along with various issues concerning the people of the Union Territory.

He also apprised the Congress leadership of the tragic cloudburst in the Pir Panjal region, which has claimed 27 lives, and briefed them about the situation following the tragedy.

Shahnawaz Choudhary also exchanged views with the senior leadership on matters of political and organisational importance in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meetings were meant to deliberate on the challenges facing the people of the region and the need to continue raising their concerns on appropriate platforms.

Greater Kashmir

Rabi-ul-Awwal to begin on August 15: Grand Mufti

0
Rabi-ul-Awwal to begin on August 15: Grand Mufti

The crescent moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal was not sighted on Thursday, August 13, corresponding to 29 Safar 1448 AH, and therefore the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal will be observed on Saturday, August 15, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, said.

In a statement, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said Rabi-ul-Awwal is the month in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Imam-ul-Anbiya, was born. He extended greetings to Muslims, particularly the people of Jammu and Kashmir, on the arrival of the blessed month.

Rabi-ul-Awwal holds special religious significance across the Muslim world, including Kashmir, where the month is observed with religious fervour. Special gatherings, sermons and congregational prayers are held at mosques, shrines and religious centres across the Valley.

Roads and markets in several areas also take on a festive look, with devotees and local communities putting up banners and displays expressing their love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“Rabi-ul-Awwal is a very righteous and blessed month for Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born in this month and came as a blessing for the entire world. People here look forward to observing the month with devotion and love,” said Farooq Bhat, a Hazratbal resident.

The biggest gatherings during the month are witnessed at Dargah Hazratbal, where devotees from different parts of Kashmir throng the shrine, particularly during the first 12 days of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Congregational prayers and religious programmes are held during the period, while surrounding markets and roads witness increased activity.

“We especially look forward to the first 12 days of Rabi-ul-Awwal. A large number of people visit Hazratbal during this period, and there is a different kind of hustle and bustle in the area. For vendors, too, these days are important as the footfall increases considerably,” said a vendor near Hazratbal shrine.

Meanwhile, officials said special arrangements were being put in place at Hazratbal and other major mosques and shrines expected to witness large gatherings during the month.

Officials from the police, transport, health, Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), among other departments, are expected to remain on alert to ensure smooth movement of devotees and adequate civic and emergency services.

“Necessary arrangements are being coordinated among the concerned departments, particularly at places where large gatherings are expected. The focus will be on traffic management, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare and maintaining law and order so that devotees can observe the month without inconvenience,” an official said.

Greater Kashmir

Always believed India call-up was coming

0
Always believed India call-up was coming

Galle, Aug 13: Amid a prolonged wait for his maiden India Test call-up, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi never lost faith, continuing to perform with the belief that his chance to represent the country would eventually arrive.

That opportunity finally came when Nabi was drafted into the Indian squad as a replacement for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning here on Saturday.

Nabi, who played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy title triumph last season, said he always believed that consistently putting in strong performances would eventually earn him a national call-up.

“Yes, I had expectations. But the mindset of a cricket player should be of performing and that the other people are watching,” Nabi told fellow uncapped player Saransh Jain in a video shared by the BCCI.

“I knew that I would get the call-up today or tomorrow because when you are doing well for so many years, you are meant to get the returns from the hard work.”

“So I would bowl with the mindset that my job is to take wickets and perform and the rest is up to the one above. I felt great when my name came up. My family is very happy and I don’t think there can be anything greater than this,” Nabi added.

Saransh, who was a member of the Ranji Trophy-winning Madhya Pradesh team in 2021-2022 which beat the mighty Mumbai in the final, said he too kept the belief that his chance would come.

“You have to have patience in Test cricket and if you want to play Test cricket for India, you have to have patience in that too,” the 33-year-old Saransh said.

“I made my debut at Ranji Trophy in 2014-15. It’s been a long journey. There was a lot of hard work and sacrifices. But I had the belief that one day, I will definitely play for India and for this achievement my family has a big role to play in it.”

“My dad, who is a Ranji Trophy player, told me the same thing. You just have to have patience, things will automatically come to you,” he added.

Both Nabi and Saransh also recalled the moments they learnt about their India call-ups.

Greater Kashmir

Formalities should not override equity: CAT

0
Formalities should not override equity: CAT

A division bench comprising Judicial Member, M S Latif, and Administrative Member, Prasant Kumar observed that employment is a national wealth which must be shared equally among citizens as adherence to equality in public employment remains a basic feature of the constitution.

“Law is no more res integra and there is no doubt that employment is a national wealth that must be shared by all citizens and adherence to the rule of equality in public employment is a basic feature of our Constitution and the rule of law is the core of our constitution,” it said.

The tribunal observed that the controversy herein falls squarely within the domain of SKUAST-K, saying however, in addition to conforming to the rules and regulations, there is a concept of equity in law, as transparency, equal opportunity, and merit-based selection is the hallmark and bedrock of the constitution.

The aggrieved candidate had challenged the SKUAST-K order dated August 11, 2026, whereby her candidature was rejected for allegedly failing to comply with the requirement of submitting a printout of the online application along with self-attested copies of supporting documents, certificates and testimonials.

The issue to decide for the tribunal was whether a candidate could be deprived of consideration merely for not submitting hard copies of documents that had already been furnished online, and whether such a stand could be sustained in law.

The varsity argued that the candidate had missed the prescribed deadline and that allowing her to submit the documents after the cut-off date would amount to granting her an unfair relaxation, potentially discriminating against other candidates who may also have missed the deadline.

The bench agreed with the university’s proposition but noted that the candidate had subsequently submitted a representation along with all the required hard copies before the interview.

It observed that she could, therefore, have been considered for participation in the interview, particularly as mere participation would not confer any right of selection or appointment.

The tribunal said the varsity could consider the candidate’s case in view of the principles of transparency, equal opportunity and merit-based selection, observing that the concept of equity must also be kept in mind alongside procedural requirements.

“In addition to conforming to the rules and regulations, there is a concept of equity in law,” the bench observed, stressing that transparency, equal opportunity and merit-based selection constitute the hallmark of the constitutional scheme.

The tribunal also took note of submissions regarding the candidate’s age, PhD qualification, research credentials and academic experience. 

It observed that, having reached such a stage in her academic career, she must have worked hard and “dreamt, at least, to have been considered for her participation in the interview.”

The tribunal said the university was well within its rights to allow her to participate in the interview, “at her own risk and responsibility,” if it found her case deserving of consideration.

It further requested the Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K to make every endeavour to decide the matter in accordance with its directions and within the required timeframe.

The bench emphasised that its order was passed in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case so that the candidate was not deprived, at least, of her right to be considered for participation in the interview.

“The ultimate object of judicial proceedings is to discern the truth and do justice,” the tribunal observed while disposing of the plea.

Greater Kashmir

Parliament’s Monsoon Session adjourned sine die

0
Parliament’s Monsoon Session adjourned sine die

New Delhi, Aug 13: The Monsoon Session of Parliament which commenced on July 20 was adjourned sine die on Thursday. The session provided 19 sittings spread over a period of 25 days. During the session, 11 Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha and two Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha.

Twelve Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 12 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha. The total number of Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament during the session was 12.

Two Bills replacing and encompassing the provisions of the Ordinances, The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, and the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, which were promulgated by the President before Monsoon Session, were considered and passed by both the Houses.

Demands for Excess Grants for the year 2022-23 were taken up and the related Appropriation Bill was introduced, considered and passed by Lok Sabha on August 4 and returned by the Rajya Sabha on August 6.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was referred to the Joint Committee of the Houses for examination and report.

In order to address, with immediacy, the concerns of students relating to public examinations, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced to amend the parent act of 2024 as a major initiative to strengthen the integrity and credibility of the public examination system.

The Bill seeks to ensure speedy investigation and time-bound trial of offences under the Act; empower state governments and union territory administrations to designate Special Fast Track Courts and appoint Special Public Prosecutors; mandate completion of investigations within two months and trials within three months; enable the Central Government to constitute Special Task Forces for investigation, wherever necessary; enhance penalties for offences; and provide for a time-bound appellatemechanism before a Division Bench of the High Court. The bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and has been assented to by the President.

Some other major Bills passed by both Houses during the Session are as under:

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Act of 1971 to bring VandeMataram, honoured as the National Song, within the ambit of Section 3 of The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and proposes to make it an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of VandeMataram or cause disturbance to any assembly engaged in its singing, thereby extending legal protection to the National Song and making such acts punishable under the act.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to amend the parent Act of 1969 to make provisions for delayed registration of births and deaths more stringent by prescribing a streamlined verification mechanism.

The Bill provides for registration after one year and up to two years only with the approval of the competent Executive Magistrate, and after two years only with the approval of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Act of 2006 to provide for a national digital platform for free and voluntary registration of MSMEs and strengthen the MSME sector by improving access to finance, ensuring faster adjudication of delayed payment disputes of micro and small enterprises, promoting ease of doing business, and decriminalising offences regarding contravention of certain provisions, replacing conviction-based fines with graded penalties by including warning at the first instance.

The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, seeks to expand the scope of the definition of “bankers’ books” to include all forms of records maintained by banks, whether in physical, electronic, digital, virtual, cloud-based or in any other form, thereby providing a comprehensive, technology-neutral and future-ready legal framework.

It standardises certificates and recognises manual, digital and electronic authentication, while enabling electronic records to be produced physically or electronically.

It further empowers the central government to extend coverage across the financial sector and defines “special cause” for judicial production.

The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution by altering the name of State of “Kerala” as “Keralam” in accordance with article 3 of the Constitution.

The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962, to expand the definition of “foodstuffs” to include any other food items as may be notified by the central government, remove the geographical restriction applicable to industrial goods, strengthen the cooperative sector by updating statutory references, removing obsolete provisions, and empowering the corporation with necessary incidental powers.

These measures will facilitate the collection and sharing of credit and other relevant information with authorised institutions, while providing greater flexibility, legal clarity, and operational efficiency and enable timely, direct and responsive financial assistance for co-operative development.

The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, seeks to improve the efficiency, ensure independence, transparency, and uniformity in the qualifications, appointment, terms and conditions of service of chairpersons and members of various tribunals, the administration and functioning of the tribunals, to establish a National Tribunals Commission and to make consequential amendments in related enactments and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to provide certainty, stability and predictability in the fiscal regime in the mineral sector, thereby giving impetus to national economic growth which would facilitate the aims of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ultimately attaining the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approximately 19 percent and that of Rajya Sabha was approximately 39 percent.

Greater Kashmir

Amit Shah hoists tricolour at home, says PM Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign strengthening patriotism

0
Amit Shah hoists tricolour at home, says PM Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign strengthening patriotism

New Delhi, Aug 13: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah hoisted the Tricolour at his residence in New Delhi today as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. The Home Minister appealed to every citizen to unite with millions of others in this movement and celebrate patriotism by hoisting the Tiranga at their homes and uploading a selfie on http://harghartiranga.com.

In a post on X, Union Home Minister said, “Today, at my residence in New Delhi, I hoisted the Tricolour under the #HarGharTiranga campaign. This campaign, launched under the leadership of Modi ji, is today further strengthening the sentiment of patriotism and pride in the heart of every Indian. Today, crores of countrymen are connecting with the Tricolour and empowering the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”

The Home Minister said in another post on X, “The Tiranga stands for the sacred pride we take in our nation and the might of our unity. Joined the #HarGharTiranga movement by hoisting our national flag. I urge every citizen to unite with millions of others in this movement and celebrate patriotism by hoisting the Tiranga at your homes and uploading a selfie on

Greater Kashmir

- Advertisement -
Google search engine

Recent Posts