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PM Trudeau Outlines Measures to Combat Fentanyl Trade: ‘Canada is Tackling It Head-On

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Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently unveiled steps under the country’s “Canada’s Border Plan” aimed at addressing the fentanyl trade. The plan includes increasing the number of border personnel and launching a specialized unit to detect precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. Additionally, a new drug profiling center will be established to support these efforts.

Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to tackling the global fentanyl crisis directly, stating that the country is taking strong action to address the deadly drug trade.

This announcement follows a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who mentioned that Canada would implement a USD 1.3 billion border strategy to help stop fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. In exchange, Trump offered a temporary pause on tariffs on Canadian goods for 30 days, pending the effectiveness of the plan.

Trump praised the border security measures, including increased technology, personnel, and coordination with U.S. authorities, as part of the effort to combat fentanyl. He expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of Americans is his top priority.

A report from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) revealed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border in the past year, in contrast to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern border.

Government Offers Rs 40.96 Lakh to Five NGOs in Jammu Kashmir

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NGOs

SRINAGAR: The government has sanctioned ₹40.96 lakh in financial aid to five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Jammu and Kashmir for the 2024-25 financial year. This funding aims to support disability care and rehabilitation services across the region.

The beneficiary NGOs, receiving assistance under various welfare initiatives, include:

  • Voluntary Medicare Society, Srinagar (Vikaas – Day Care Scheme) – ₹5.43 lakh
  • Muskan Foundation, Samba (Vikaas – Day Care Scheme) – ₹13.10 lakh
  • Chotay Taray Foundation, Srinagar (Vikaas – Day Care Scheme) – ₹1.95 lakh
  • Swamy Vivekanand Educational Trust, Vijaypur (Gharaunda – Group Home for Adults Scheme) – ₹13.70 lakh
  • Society for Women Entrepreneurs, Ganderbal (Vikaas – Day Care Scheme) – ₹5.78 lakh

The allocated funds are designated to enhance essential services such as education, rehabilitation, and care for individuals with disabilities. The selection process was based on an evaluation of each organisation’s work and compliance with programme guidelines.

Authorities have assured that fund usage will be strictly monitored, requiring NGOs to submit progress reports to ensure transparency and effective execution of their initiatives.

This initiative is expected to strengthen disability care services and improve the overall well-being of differently-abled individuals in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Shah to Chair High-Level Security Meeting on Jammu & Kashmir Today

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New Delhi, Feb 4 (KNS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair a high-level security review meeting on Tuesday to evaluate the implementation of the Centre’s zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

This meeting comes in the wake of a terrorist attack on ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family on Monday. While Wagay lost his life, his wife and niece are currently receiving medical treatment.

Key officials expected to attend include Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officers from the J&K Police, the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Home Ministry.

In a previous security review on December 19, Shah emphasized the need for coordination among security forces to completely root out terrorism. The government has maintained that incidents of terrorism, infiltration, and recruitment have significantly decreased.

Recently, security forces have ramped up operations in Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on forested and high-altitude areas near the Line of Control (LoC). These efforts aim to eliminate terrorists responsible for multiple attacks last year. Districts such as Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Jammu, and Rajouri have seen a rise in terrorist activities in recent years.

Kulgam attack disputes centre’s normalcy claims in J&K: Dr Farooq Abdullah

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JAMMU: National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah has questioned the Centre’s assertions of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir following a recent terrorist attack in Behibagh village, Kulgam district.

Speaking to reporters during an event in Jammu, Dr. Abdullah challenged those celebrating the alleged end of militancy. “Those who claim, both inside and outside Parliament, that militancy has been eradicated and normalcy restored in J&K should answer this,” he remarked.

The attack, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the killing of a former army soldier and injuries to his wife and niece.

Dr. Abdullah emphasized that incidents of violence contradict the government’s claims. “The central government repeatedly states that terrorism has been eliminated in Jammu and Kashmir, but the ground reality tells a different story. They should present the facts honestly,” he said.

Addressing a question about upcoming elections in Delhi, he suggested that political realities would become evident over time. “Earlier, the BJP boasted about sweeping elections in J&K, but the results told a different story. They expected overwhelming support but were rejected by the people. Let the Delhi elections take place, and the results will speak for themselves,” he added.

Jammu Kashmir to Play Ranji Trophy Quarterfinal Against Kerala in Pune

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Pune, Feb 2: The Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match between Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala is set to take place at the MCA International Stadium in Pune from February 8-12, as confirmed by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) on Sunday.

Earlier, sources had indicated that the match, originally scheduled to be held in Jammu, was being shifted due to winter weather conditions. The MCA has now officially stated that the relocation decision was made following communication from BCCI officials regarding potential weather-related disruptions in Jammu.

“We have top-class infrastructure to host cricket matches, and we believe both teams will have an excellent playing experience here. We look forward to a competitive encounter and extend our best wishes to Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala,” said MCA President Rohit Pawar.

Despite the venue change, Jammu & Kashmir will still be considered the host team as they topped Elite Group A with 36 points. “Our venue is free from weather-related concerns, making it a suitable choice for this crucial match. We take pride in successfully hosting games while adhering to BCCI’s guidelines,” added MCA Secretary Kamlesh Pisal.

This marks Jammu & Kashmir’s return to the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals after five years. Kerala, on the other hand, has reached this stage for the first time in six years, making it only their third appearance in the tournament’s history.

Other quarterfinals scheduled for February 8 include Vidarbha vs. Tamil Nadu at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, Haryana vs. Mumbai at Chaudhry Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium in Lahli, and Saurashtra vs. Gujarat at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The semi-finals will take place from February 17-21, followed by the championship final from February 26 to March 2.

Off-Duty Missing Territorial Army Soldier Returns Home In Jammu and Kashmir

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Srinagar: A Territorial Army jawan who had been unaccounted for since Saturday has safely returned to his home in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials confirmed on Monday.

Rifleman Abid Hussain Bhat, a resident of Kharpora-Chittergul, was scheduled to report for duty at Rangreth on Saturday. However, when he failed to reach his camp by Sunday morning, authorities filed a missing person report, officials said.

Bhat, who serves in the 162 TA unit, had been on a month-long leave and was due to resume duty when he went missing. He returned home on Sunday evening, and the police are now questioning him regarding his whereabouts over the past two days. Officials noted that, as of now, there are no indications of any terror-related involvement.

While the Srinagar-based defence PRO has not commented on the matter, such incidents often raise concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. In previous cases, missing soldiers have been abducted by militants, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes. Last year, on October 8, Territorial Army soldier Hilal Ahmed was kidnapped and killed by militants in Anantnag’s Kokernag area, while his fellow soldier managed to escape with injuries.

JK Students Association Denounces Tragic Rape and Killing of Medical trainee in West Bengal

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students

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) strongly denounced the tragic incident in West Bengal, where a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College lost her life after a brutal assault.

Expressing deep sorrow over the case, the association emphasized the need for justice and stronger safety measures for healthcare workers.

Farhat Riyaz, the national spokesperson of JKSA, condemned the crime, calling it a reflection of a larger societal problem that demands urgent attention. “This case highlights the deep-rooted issue of gender-based violence. Mere condemnation is not enough—there must be concrete steps to eliminate such atrocities,” she stated.

Riyaz urged a collective effort to combat violence against women and called for swift action against the perpetrators. “This horrifying act is a stain on our collective conscience. Authorities must act decisively to ensure justice is delivered without delay,” she added. She stressed the importance of setting a strong legal precedent to deter future crimes.

Emphasizing the need for an unbiased and transparent investigation, Riyaz insisted that the case must be handled with the highest standards of integrity. “The credibility of our justice system depends on ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, free from political influence. The public is watching and demands accountability,” she said.

She also criticized the West Bengal Chief Minister, questioning the government’s handling of the case. Riyaz accused the administration of attempting to shift focus instead of taking firm action against the culprits.

The association further called for a nationwide movement to address the root causes of violence against women. “Beyond legal action, we must focus on preventive measures to tackle the cultural and societal factors contributing to such crimes,” JKSA stated.

Nasir Khuehami, the national convenor of JKSA, condemned the brutal killing, stating that it has deeply shaken society. He demanded strict punishment for those responsible and criticized the Chief Minister’s response. “Words and statements are not enough. Strong action is needed to ensure justice,” he asserted.

Khuehami urged the authorities to make women’s safety a top priority and ensure that justice is served without delay. He added that the entire nation is shocked by the appalling crime and expects the government to act decisively.

Kolkata Police Enforces Section 144 as Protests Erupt Over Rape and Murder of Doctor in West Bengal

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kolkata protests

Kolkata authorities have implemented Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023—previously known as Section 144 of the CrPC—around RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for a week, beginning Sunday, August 18. The decision comes in response to ongoing protests surrounding the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the institution.

In an official notice issued on Saturday, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal announced that gatherings, demonstrations, rallies, and protests involving five or more people are restricted in the designated area.

“By the authority granted under Sub-Section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and in conjunction with Sub-Section (3) of the same section, I, Vineet Kumar Goyal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, hereby prohibit, for a period of seven (7) days from 18.08.2024 to 24.08.2024, or until further notice, any unlawful gathering of five (5) or more individuals, carrying of lathis, weapons, or any act that may disturb public peace and order in the designated area,” the order stated.

Authorities cited intelligence reports indicating a potential threat of violent demonstrations, which could disrupt public order, endanger safety, and obstruct medical personnel from performing their duties.

The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked outrage among medical professionals nationwide. The murder of the young doctor led to widespread demonstrations and strikes by the medical community.

Tensions escalated further on Wednesday when a mob vandalized parts of RG Kar Medical College’s premises, prompting security personnel to intervene and disperse the crowd.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman to Hold Performance Review Meeting with PSU Banks and RRB Chiefs on August 19

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Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to lead an important review session at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday to assess the performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

The primary goal of the meeting is to evaluate key financial indicators and the success of various government initiatives, ensuring these financial institutions align with broader economic objectives.

The morning session, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, will focus on the performance of PSBs. Areas under review will include deposit growth, the credit-to-deposit ratio, and asset quality—essential metrics for assessing the health of these banks.

Additionally, the meeting will evaluate the current status of accounts managed by the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL), discuss the progress made, and outline future strategies.

The Finance Minister will also assess how PSBs are performing in the context of government schemes such as the PM Awas Yojana, PM Surya Ghar, and PM Vishwakarma, while reviewing progress in digital payments and cybersecurity measures.

From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the meeting will shift focus to RRBs. Key topics will include financial performance, Ground Level Credit (GLC) for agriculture, and the status of technology upgrades.

The session will also address efforts to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the effectiveness of government schemes, recent interventions, and unresolved issues needing attention.

This review is expected to provide crucial insights into the operations of PSBs and RRBs, helping the government strengthen its economic contributions and maintain financial stability across the country.

IIT Delhi Research Paves the Way for Alternatives to Lithium-Ion Batteries

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iit-delhi

New Delhi: Researchers from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi introduced a groundbreaking study on room-temperature sodium-sulphur (RT-Na/S) batteries on Friday, offering a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries face challenges related to the scarcity of key materials and supply chain issues for critical components, pushing manufacturers to seek other viable battery technologies.

RT-Na/S batteries, which utilize abundant and cost-effective materials like sodium and sulphur for their electrodes, present a potential solution, according to the IIT Delhi team. These batteries function through a different chemical process, allowing them to store significantly more energy than their lithium-ion counterparts.

However, one major issue with RT-Na/S batteries is the growth of dendrites—branched formations that develop on the sodium metal anode, which can lead to battery failure over time.

Researchers at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE) at IIT Delhi have been working to address this problem. These dendrites can cause short circuits and compromise battery performance.

In their study, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry, the team found a way to stabilize RT-Na/S batteries by using an iodide-based additive in the organic electrolyte solution.

To prevent dendrite formation, the team introduced Bismuth iodide (BiI3) as an additive to modify the electrolyte properties.

BiI3 decreases the energy needed for sodium ions to transition from the solvent to the electrode, improving the battery’s charge transfer efficiency. This leads to enhanced performance and quicker charging, according to the research team.

Prof. Vipin Kumar from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Delhi remarked, “This innovative work emphasizes the importance of research in overcoming global energy challenges. By leveraging the potential of abundant and safe materials like sodium and sulphur, and enhancing their performance with additives like BiI3, we are moving toward more sustainable and accessible energy storage solutions.”

He added, “Room-temperature sodium-sulphur batteries could be highly effective in applications such as electric vehicles and grid storage.”

This version maintains the key ideas but is reworded to avoid direct plagiarism while keeping the content intact.

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