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ED Director Rahul Navin gets one-year extension

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ED Director Rahul Navin gets one-year extension

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Centre has extended the tenure of Enforcement Directorate Director Rahul Navin by a year beyond August 13, a government order said.

A 1993-batch Indian Revenue Service officer of the Income Tax cadre, 59-year-old Navin has been leading the federal anti-money laundering agency as its full-time chief since August 14, 2024.

The order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Saturday said it has approved extension in tenure of Navin as ED Director for a period of one year beyond August 13, 2026, i.e. up to August 13, 2027, including extension in service beyond the date of his superannuation, i.e. July 31, 2027, or until further orders whichever is earlier.

According to rules, an officer can be appointed ED director for a tenure of two years followed by three one-year extensions each.

In September 2023, Navin was made acting director of the agency.

The ED, during Navin’s tenure, has continued and launched several high-profile investigations including those related to the political consultancy firm I-PAC, Reliance Anil Ambani Group and multiple online money gaming companies.

His tenure has seen ED focusing on multiple cases of frauds by real estate giants against homebuyers and the agency using powers under the anti-money laundering law to restore assets worth crores of rupees to the victims.

The federal agency has also initiated processes to reduce litigation going on for years by getting adjudicated cases registered under the repealed Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) and initiating compounding under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Holding B.Tech and M.Tech from IIT-Kanpur and an MBA from the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Navin has also authored several books, journals and articles on various international taxation and transfer pricing issues related to direct taxation.

The ED investigates financial crimes under two criminal laws– the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), apart from the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Greater Kashmir

Ganderbal police crack backward linkage in NDPS case, supplier among 3 held

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Ganderbal police crack backward linkage in NDPS case, supplier among 3 held

Ganderbal, Aug 09: Ganderbal Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in an NDPS case by establishing the backward linkage from street-level peddlers to their supplier, resulting in the arrest of 03 persons and recovery of 63 grams (approximately) of heroin-like substance and Rs.20,950 in suspected drug proceeds.

A police spokesperson said that on 7th August 2026, during naka checking at Warpora Crossing, police apprehended two persons, identified as Javaid Ahmad Dar and Arbaz Ahmad Reshi, after they attempted to flee on noticing the naka party. During their personal searches, 11 grams (approximately) heroin-like substance was recovered from their possession.

He said that during sustained investigation and backward-linkage verification, police traced the source of supply to Ajaz Ahmad Dar of Chowdribagh, Ganderbal. A search conducted at his premises led to the recovery of 52 grams (approximately) of heroin-like substance and Rs.20,950 cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking. He was subsequently arrested in accordance with law.

Accordingly, 03 persons have been arrested and a total of 63 grams (approximately) heroin-like substance has been recovered in Case FIR No. 131/2026, under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act at Police Station Ganderbal.

The seized substance has been secured as per due procedure and samples are being forwarded for Forensic Science Laboratory examination. Further investigation is underway to uncover additional linkages and identify other persons involved in the drug network, spokesperson said.

Ganderbal Police reiterated its firm commitment to dismantle the entire drug supply chain and take stringent action against those involved in drug trafficking.

Greater Kashmir

PARAS Health Srinagar launches gratitude campaign, celebrates trust of people

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PARAS Health Srinagar launches gratitude campaign, celebrates trust of people

Srinagar, Aug 9: Recognising the trust and confidence placed by people in its doctors, healthcare professionals and services, PARAS Health Srinagar has launched a special gratitude campaign titled ‘Thank You Kashmir’, expressing appreciation to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for making the healthcare facility an integral part of their medical journey.

The campaign is aimed at acknowledging the patients and families who have chosen PARAS Health Srinagar for their treatment and have reposed faith in its doctors, medical teams and management over the past three years.

The initiative comes as PARAS Health Srinagar continues to expand its range of specialised and advanced healthcare services, with a focus on bringing sophisticated medical technology, specialised expertise and comprehensive treatment closer to patients in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director, PARAS Health, said serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir had always been an important vision for the organisation.

“It was always a dream to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the best possible healthcare facilities. Our endeavour has been to ensure that sophisticated machines, advanced technology and specialised medical facilities are available to the people of Kashmir at their doorstep, so that they do not have to travel outside the region for quality treatment,” Dr Nagar said.

He said the ‘Thank You Kashmir’ campaign was essentially a message of gratitude to the people who had trusted PARAS Health and its teams.

“Healthcare is ultimately about trust. The faith that patients and their families place in their doctors and healthcare institutions is our biggest responsibility. We are grateful to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for giving us the opportunity to serve them,” he said.

Seema Vig, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, PARAS Health, commended the Srinagar team for its efforts and commitment towards strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in the region.

She said the campaign was not merely a celebration for the institution but a tribute to the people whose trust had enabled PARAS Health Srinagar to grow.

“Our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and the entire Srinagar team have worked with tremendous dedication. Their exemplary work has helped build confidence among patients and families,” Vig said.

She reiterated the organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir.

“We want to be the first, and we want to provide everything up to standard. Our commitment is to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have access to the best possible healthcare facilities, technology and expertise,” she said.

Dr Murtuza Habib, Associate Vice President and Facility Director, PARAS Health Srinagar, said establishing a credible space in the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir was not an easy journey.

“Creating a space in healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir was not easy. It takes time to build an institution, but more importantly, it takes time to build trust,” Dr Habib said.

He attributed the growth of PARAS Health Srinagar largely to the people of the region, saying their confidence in the doctors, medical teams and the healthcare process had been the biggest strength of the institution.

“I would give the biggest credit to the people. They trusted our doctors, they trusted the process and they gave us the opportunity to serve them. That trust is what has brought us to where we are today,” he said.

Dr Habib said the ‘Thank You Kashmir’ campaign was therefore a way of acknowledging that relationship.

“This campaign is our way of saying thank you to every patient, every family and every person who believed in us. For us, their trust is not just an achievement; it is a responsibility that motivates us to do better every day,” he said.

The campaign also seeks to highlight the larger transformation taking place in the region’s healthcare sector, where patients increasingly seek access to advanced diagnostics, specialised procedures, multidisciplinary care and modern medical infrastructure closer to home.

Over the past three years, PARAS Health Srinagar has expanded its clinical services across multiple specialties and has undertaken various community outreach initiatives, including medical camps and awareness programmes, aimed at taking healthcare beyond the hospital premises.

The ‘Thank You Kashmir’ campaign places patients and their families at the centre of this journey, celebrating the relationship between the institution and the community it serves.

For PARAS Health Srinagar, the message behind the campaign is simple: every patient who walked through its doors, every family that placed its faith in its doctors, and every life touched by its services has contributed to the institution’s journey in Kashmir.

As the campaign unfolds, PARAS Health Srinagar says it intends to carry forward the same relationship of trust while continuing to invest in technology, medical expertise, infrastructure and patient-centric care.

‘Thank You Kashmir’ is, ultimately, a thank-you from the healthcare institution to the people who made it possible for it to become a part of Kashmir’s healthcare story.

Greater Kashmir

Two drug peddlers held in separate cases of contraband trafficking in Shopian and Pulwama

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Two drug peddlers held in separate cases of contraband trafficking in Shopian and Pulwama

Srinagar, Aug 09: Continuing its sustained efforts to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from society, police have arrested two drug peddlers in Shopian and Pulwama and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that during routine naka checking at Manihal Crossing, a police party from Police Station Imamsahib intercepted a suspicious person. During his personal search, approximately 44 grams of Charas sticks were recovered. The accused identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Dar son of Jalal-ud-din Dar resident of Tulkhan Bijbehara has been arrested and shifted to police station.

Similarly in Pulwama, a Police party of Post Newa during naka checking at Checkpora Bypass Bridge intercepted a motorcycle bearing registration No. JK01BD-5904. During checking, 27 bottles of Wecan-D (Codeine) concealed beneath the seat of the motorcycle were recovered. The rider has been identified as Adil Bashir Ganie son of Bashir Ahmad Ganie resident of Dangerpora, Pulwama, and was arrested on the spot, spokesperson said.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been taken up to establish forward and backward linkages and dismantle the larger drug network involved.

Police remain firmly committed to its mission of creating a drug-free society and appeal to the general public to extend their cooperation by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse in their localities. Citizens can report such activities to the nearest police station. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, police spokesperson added.

Greater Kashmir

Op Sindoor showed India will go to any extent to ensure its citizens’ safety: Rajnath Singh

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Op Sindoor showed India will go to any extent to ensure its citizens’ safety: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of the country’s armed forces, who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.

He was addressing an event held at the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment.

Singh commended the defence forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences.

Indian armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor in May 2025 in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

“Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women,” Singh said at the blood donation camp, titled ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’, at the Base Hospital here.

Drawing a parallel with the mega blood donation camp, Singh asserted that it represents compassion while Operation Sindoor showcased courage.

Approximately 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra were among the donors who participated in the camp, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the armed forces, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Expressing gratitude to the donors, the Union minister expressed confidence that the blood donated today would serve as a credible reserve for needy soldiers and their families in the future.

He described blood donation as ‘jivandan’ and ‘mahadan’, stressing that despite remarkable advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed.

Since (human) blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, Singh said, blood donation remains “one of the noblest forms” of charity.

He underlined that every blood donor and recipient is, in their own way, serving the nation, and urged the people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture.

“When we celebrate 100 years of our independence in 2047, our aim should not be limited to a developed economy; we must also envision a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and precious resources like blood are readily available in times of need,” Singh said.

The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Minister of Industries Uday Ravindra Samant, MP Srikant Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other senior military and civil dignitaries, the statement said.

For AFMS, maintaining adequate blood reserves assumes particular significance as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies.

The participation of nearly 500 voluntary donors reaffirmed the ethos of ‘service before self’ and underscored the role that every eligible citizen can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation, the ministry said.

Greater Kashmir

Eight injured as Tempo overturns on NH-244 in Doda’s Assar

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Eight injured as Tempo overturns on NH-244 in Doda’s Assar

Banihal, Aug 09: Eight persons were injured when a tempo travelling from Srinagar towards Doda overturned near Trungal Assar on National Highway-244 in Doda district on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Block Medical Officer, Assar, Dr Syed Mohammad Ismail, said the accident occurred at around 12:06 p.m. He said a local resident informed the 108 ambulance service, following which three ambulances were rushed to the accident site from PHC Assar.

Soon after the accident, locals, police personnel and volunteers launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Assar, where they received initial treatment.

The BMO said all eight injured persons were subsequently referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for advanced treatment and further management.
The injured were identified as Surjeet Kumar (27), Parveez Ahmed (44), Kewal Krishan (41), Mubeena Begum (36), Mohd Irfan (36), Altaf Hussain (35), Muneeba Farooq (24), and Ayaz Ahmed (36).

Further details about their condition were awaited

Greater Kashmir

Special funds for winter clothing, equipment of CRPF troops posted at heights post Pahalgam attack

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Special funds for winter clothing, equipment of CRPF troops posted at heights post Pahalgam attack

New Delhi, Aug 9: A special winter clothing and equipment fund has been sanctioned by the Union home ministry for CRPF troops operating from the Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) created for fighting terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir post the 2025 Pahalgam attack.

Official sources told PTI that an allocation of more than Rs 4.54 crore has been granted to the paramilitary few weeks ago to procure gaiters, sleeping bags, snow boots and goggles, extreme cold weather clothing developed by the DRDO (Himsuraksha brand), insulating mats, rucksacks, gloves, tents, thermal insoles, blankets and rescue bags for about 600 troops.

While most of these items were already provided to the TOB troops since the last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July granted “complete authorisation” to a CRPF proposal for procuring these items so that the troops can be better equipped for long duration reconnaissance patrols, survival and combat against terrorists in the higher reaches, they said.

The life expectancy of these items is about two years and the funds can be revised upwards for fresh procurement, the sources added.

The TOBs, established above the height of 6,000 feet, house Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos for launching search and assault operations where terrorists are holed up in ‘dhoks’ (mud and stone huts).

It has been found that terrorists used the snow-bound and arduous hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir to hide before or after perpetrating violence in the plains and, hence, the CRPF and Army troops are now stationed here.

The first such rocks and mortar base was created by the CRPF in July 2025 and, as per latest data, the force has erected 55 TOBs in both Jammu and Kashmir regions of the Union Territory. The TOBs hold a team of about 15-25 armed troops with basic facilities of rest and recuperation.

One such TOB of the CRPF was used as a base by the security forces to eliminate in July 2025 the three terrorists who were responsible for the Pahalgam attack. This mission was called ‘Operation Mahadev’.

‘Operation Mahadev’ began on May 22, 2025 as part of a security plan that was drawn a day after the April 22 attack in the scenic Baisaran valley of Pahalgam where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by the terrorists who had taken shelter in the higher locations.

While the proposal to create TOBs for CRPF commandos, like the Army, was being planned since 2022-23, they were made operational post the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, official sources said.

Greater Kashmir

Dozens of PDP workers from Gool join National Conference in Banihal

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Dozens of PDP workers from Gool join National Conference in Banihal

Banihal, Aug 09: Dozens of prominent workers and activists associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Gool today joined the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) in Banihal, reaffirming their faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the people-centric development agenda being pursued by the NC-led government.

Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, senior National Conference leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, said that the growing influx of people into the National Conference was a clear endorsement of the party’s politics of development, dignity, secularism and protection of the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Shaheen said the people were increasingly recognising the difference between those who stood with them during difficult times and those who compromised their political positions for short-term power. He said the PDP’s 2014 alliance with the BJP had left a deep political and institutional legacy for which the people of Jammu & Kashmir were still paying a heavy price.

“Those who promised to safeguard the interests and special status of Jammu & Kashmir ultimately joined hands with the BJP. The PDP’s politics of opportunism and its alliance with the BJP contributed to the political circumstances in which the special constitutional position of Jammu & Kashmir was subsequently downgraded and eroded. The people have neither forgotten nor forgiven this betrayal,” Shaheen said.

He accused the PDP leadership of practising a dual politics, claiming to champion the interests of Jammu & Kashmir while simultaneously enabling forces whose political agenda was contrary to the aspirations and constitutional rights of the people of the erstwhile state.

“The people of Jammu & Kashmir are today paying the price of the political misjudgements and compromises of those who betrayed the trust reposed in them. History will judge those who chose power over principles,” he said.

Shaheen asserted that the National Conference, in contrast, has consistently remained a guardian of the political, constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, irrespective of circumstances.

“From Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, the National Conference has never abandoned the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We have faced difficult periods, stood against injustice and continued to raise our voice for the dignity, identity, rights and democratic aspirations of our people,” he said.

He said the growing support for the National Conference was also a reflection of the people’s appreciation of the development-oriented and people-friendly governance under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Shaheen highlighted what he described as a renewed and equitable development push across Jammu & Kashmir, saying that infrastructure, roads, education, health, power, water supply, tourism, sports and other sectors were receiving focused attention.

He said the objective was not merely to develop urban centres but to ensure that remote, hilly and historically neglected areas also received their rightful share of development.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, development is being pursued on the principle of equity. From the plains to the mountains and from towns to remote villages, every region is being brought into the development process. Banihal-Gool is also witnessing this transformation,” he said.

Referring specifically to the Banihal-Gool constituency, Shaheen said several major development initiatives had either been sanctioned, approved or taken up during the present tenure. He said the ongoing development process was aimed at creating better connectivity, employment opportunities, educational facilities, healthcare infrastructure and economic avenues for the people, particularly those living in remote mountainous areas.

Welcoming the former PDP workers, Shaheen said their decision to join the National Conference demonstrated that political workers were increasingly seeking a platform rooted in principles, public service and inclusive development.

“The doors of the National Conference remain open to all those who believe in democratic values, secularism, social justice, development and the political and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

Shaheen said the latest political shift in Gool was not merely an organisational development for the National Conference but a reflection of a larger change in public sentiment, with people choosing performance, accessibility and principled politics over political opportunism.

He called upon party workers to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and remain connected with the people, saying that the National Conference would continue to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a more equitable, peaceful and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir

Those who participated in Quit India movement remain inspiration for every Indian: PM Modi

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Those who participated in Quit India movement remain inspiration for every Indian: PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 09: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered those who participated in the historic Quit India Movement, and said their courage will always remain an inspiration for every Indian.

The Quit India Movement was launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi on August 9, 1942 and gave a decisive impetus to India’s quest for independence.

“Remembering all those who participated in the historic Quit India Movement. Their courage will always remain an inspiration for every Indian,” Modi said in a post on X.

The prime minister said the clarion call of Quit India infused new energy in the freedom struggle and reflected the unwavering determination of people to break free from colonial rule.

August 9, 2026, marks the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, one of the defining milestones in the nation’s freedom struggle.

Greater Kashmir

After decades, Kupwara’s Kawari-Awoora road project finally takes off

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After decades, Kupwara’s Kawari-Awoora road project finally takes off

Kupwara, Aug 8: After decades of delay, work on the long-pending Kawari-Awoora road project in Kupwara district has finally begun under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV).

The 1.6-km road has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 329.63 lakh. It will connect Kawari with Awoora and cover the stretch from RD 700 to Manwan Bala under Package No. JK08-4008.

MLA Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz said the road had remained pending for years despite being a longstanding demand of residents.
“I took it as a challenge and ensured that the project was brought on the ground,” Fayaz said.
The road will have a sanctioned carriageway width of 3.75 metres and is scheduled to be completed within 548 days. Bhat Infrastructure has been entrusted with the construction work.

Residents welcomed the start of the project, saying the road would ease their daily travel and improve access to essential services.
“We are thankful to the MLA for taking up the issue seriously,” a local resident said. “The road has been needed for a long time.”
Another resident said the project would improve connectivity with nearby markets and other facilities.
“It will make access to healthcare, education and markets easier,” he said.

The road is expected to provide better connectivity to residents of Kawari, Awoora and adjoining areas.

Greater Kashmir

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