Home Blog Page 553

Infiltration bid foiled along LoC in J-K’s Uri: Army

0
Infiltration bid foiled along LoC in J-K's Uri: Army

Srinagar, Aug 25: Alert soldiers foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists on the line of control (LoC) in the Uri sector of J&K’s Baramulla sector on Monday, the Army said.

“Troops detected suspicious movement and opened fire,” an army official said, adding search operations were being undertaken in the area subsequently.

On August 13, two soldiers were martyred during operational duties in the Uri sector. A spokesman of the Army’s Srinagar headquartered Chinar Corps had identified the deceased as Havildar Ankit Kumar and Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar.

The 740-km long LoC in Jammu and Kashmir remained relatively calm since India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 this year to end four days of intense cross-border attacks and missile strikes, in the wake of the Pahalgam attack on April 22 that left 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local dead in a terror attack by Pakistan-backed LeT terrorists.

On August 13, the security forces had also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition in the Kupwara district of the Kashmir Valley.

The recovery included a 9 mm Chinese pistol, two 9 mm pistol magazines, five 9 mm pistol ammunition, three AK-47 magazines, 260 AK-47 ammunition, four UBGL grenades, an IED/mine, five metres mine wire, three hand grenades (Pakistani make), a PITO bag, and a handbag with a Pakistani address written in Urdu, two detonators, 30 mine fuses with wire, an electric machine (unknown device) and two battery connectors, and 16 brown sugar sachets.

Greater Kashmir

Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates high-tech innovation centres at IUST Awantipora

0
Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates high-tech innovation centres at IUST Awantipora

Awantipora, Aug 25: In a landmark development to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology, today inaugurated two cutting-edge facilities at IUST’s newly developed Innovation Campus in Awantipora. These include the Innovation Technology Business Incubator (iTBI), supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the iFactory under the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4), sponsored by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Both centers aim to nurture startups, advanced research, and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated IUST for setting up advanced labs and positioning itself as a hub of innovation. He announced a special grant of 5 crore to strengthen the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and will provide handholding support to 30 startups. He noted that India has emerged as a global leader in biotechnology, space technology, information technology, and ocean research, and urged students and researchers to seize these opportunities. He also expressed optimism about the immense entrepreneurial potential of Jammu & Kashmir and the key role of institutions like IUST in realizing it. On the occasion, an Ignition Grants worth Rs 40 lakh was disturbed by the Chief Guest to budding innovators.

The event was graced by Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K Government; D. S. Navalgundkar, Founder and CEO, C4i4; Praveen Roy Head TTI Division, DST, Government of India ; senior officers from the Government of India and J&K; Vice-Chancellors of sister universities; and industry leaders.

In his address, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, highlighted the university’s vision of contributing to Viksit Bharat@2047. He shared that every department/Centre at IUST is preparing a comprehensive development plan to align with this vision and strengthen the institution’s role in regional and national growth. Prof. Romshoo further emphasized that IUST has significantly enhanced its ecosystem for innovation, incubation, and startups over the past few years. Accordingly, the University has established a dedicated Innovation Campus that currently hosts nearly ten specialized centers, all working to foster entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and the development of viable startups.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, the Registrar IUST underlined the university’s commitment to building innovation and entrepreneurship as pillars of its academic and societal mission.

  1. S. Navalgundkar, CEO of C4i4, emphasized the role of Industry 4.0 technologies and expressed C4i4’s commitment to collaborate with IUST in fostering innovation-driven growth.

Shantmanu appreciated IUST for effectively leveraging Government of India’s initiatives and placing innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of its institutional development.

The event witnessed wide participation from academia, industry, and government, marking a significant milestone in fostering technology-driven solutions and a vibrant startup culture in the Union Territory. The inaugural function was moderated by Dr. Farhana Allia, while Prof. Parvez A. Mir proposed the formal vote of thanks.

Greater Kashmir

India alerts Pakistan of Tawi river flood threat — “on humanitarian grounds”

0
India says Pakistan violating Indus Water Treaty through terrorism

Srinagar, Aug 25: Despite the ongoing suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has conveyed a warning to Pakistan about a potential flood in the Tawi River—a move described as rooted in humanitarian concern. According to sources, the Ministry of Jal Shakti detected the high flood levels and relayed the alert to the Ministry of External Affairs, which then passed it on to Islamabad.

While the formal mechanisms of the IWT—in which flood data traditionally flows via the Indus Water Commissioners—are currently inactive, India chose to share critical information through diplomatic channels to help avert disaster

According to the Pakistani media outlet The News, India shared the information with Pakistan through the Indian High commission in Pakistan, marking the first significant exchange since the treaty’s suspension following the Pahalgam terror attack. Typically, such notifications occur via the Indus Water Commission, but those channels remain inactive. Pakistani authorities reportedly issued warnings based on the information, though neither country has officially confirmed the development.

This alert underscores that even during strained diplomatic times, essential disaster warnings can transcend political barriers.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs how India and Pakistan share rivers derived from the Indus Basin. Water from the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) is allocated entirely to India, while the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily serve Pakistan The Indian ExpressBusiness Standard.

In April, following the Pahalgam terror attack, India placed the IWT “in abeyance”, suspending treaty obligations until Pakistan demonstrably halts its involvement in cross‑border terrorism.

This action illustrates that even amid deep political tensions, channels for humanitarian communication can still operate. Transparent exchange of critical data—like flood warnings—can make a significant difference in preventing regional disasters, regardless of broader diplomatic standing.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan has already issued alerts for heavy monsoon rains expected through August 30

Greater Kashmir

Jammu division schools to remain closed tomorrow

0
Inclement weather: Schools closed in J&K's Ramban

Srinagar, Aug 25: Amid inclement weather, the government on Monday announced closure of all government and private schools in Jammu provision on August 26.

An order issued by Director School Education Jammu reads, “In view of the inclement weather conditions, it is hereby ordered that all Government as well as private schools in the Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed till tomorrow, i.e., 26.08.2025.

Pertinently, All Government and private schools were announced to be closed today amid inclement weather to safeguard the lives of students.

Greater Kashmir

Heavy rains, cloudburst likely in Kashmir districts in next 40 hours: DMA

0
Rains to continue during next 36 hours in Kashmir as MeT issues yellow alert

Srinagar, Aug 25: Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority forecast heavy rain and thunder in central and south Kashmir districts during next 40 hours, with possibility of cloud burst, flashfloods and landslides at few vulnerable places.

The authorities advised people to stay away from Nallas, river banks and loose structures to safeguard their lives.

“Possibility of heavy rain/thunder at many places of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Ganderbal and Budgam in next 40 hours. Possiblity of cloudburst/flashfoods/landslides at few vulnerable places. Stay away from Nallas/river banks/loose structures etc,” JKUTDMA said.

“Dial 112 in case of any emergency,” it added.

Greater Kashmir

Gold slips Rs 200 to Rs 1,00,170/10 g, silver trades flat

0
Gold declines Rs 600 to Rs 99,020 per 10 g; silver plunges Rs 1,000

New Delhi, Aug 25: Gold prices slipped Rs 200 to Rs 1,00,170 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday due to selling by stockists in line with a bearish trend in the global markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

On Friday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,00,370 per 10 grams.

In the national capital, gold of 99.5 per cent purity dipped by Rs 150 to Rs 99,900 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Monday. It had settled at Rs 1,00,050 per 10 grams in the previous market session.

Meanwhile, silver prices remained flat at Rs 1,15,000 per kg (inclusive of all taxes).

In global markets, spot gold traded 0.26 per cent lower at USD 3,363.45 per ounce in New York.

“Gold is trading lower on Monday, and is expected to trade with a positive bias if the US job market weakens, as the interest rate cut odds rise,” Praveen Singh, Head of commodities and Currencies at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.

Spot silver also went lower by 0.17 per cent to trade at USD 38.78 per ounce.

“Last week, gold and silver prices rebounded sharply following dovish comments from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Symposium. Powell hinted that the central bank may soon cut interest rates for the first time since December,” Rahul Kalantri, Vice-President of Commodities, Mehta Equities, said.

The upcoming US Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting is scheduled for September 16-17.

However, persistent inflation concerns and sluggish economic activity may prevent aggressive interest rate cuts, capping further upside in precious metals, Kalantri added.

According to Renisha Chainani, Head – Research at Augmont, investors will closely watch the preliminary reading of the US GDP for the second quarter, which is scheduled to release on Thursday will provide more insights into the monetary policy stance of the Federal Reserve and the trajectory of the bullion sentiment.

Greater Kashmir

Incriminating documents, digital evidence seized in Jammu, says ED

0
ED raids multiple locations in Jammu in connection with land scam

Jammu, Aug 25: The Enforcement Directorate on Monday said it has seized various incriminating documents and digital devices during recent raids at multiple locations here against some revenue department officials as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged grabbing of custodian land.

At least nine locations in Jammu and one in Udhampur were raided under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Friday, the agency said.

“The ED conducted the search operations in the case of illegal grabbing of 502.5 kanals (62.8 acres) of custodian land involving various patwaris, tehsildars, middlemen and land grabbers.

“During the searches, various incriminating documents relating to assets, revenue records and digital evidence were seized,” the agency said in a post on X.

Locations linked to patwari-rank officials Pranav Dev Singh and Rahul Kai and naib tehsildar Akeel Ahmed and some others are being covered in the case of alleged land grabbing and corruption related to custodian land (belonging to evacuees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) in Jammu since 2022, official sources said.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Greater Kashmir

Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills 15, including four journalists: BBC

0
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 60 people, including 22 children, Health Ministry says

New Delhi, Aug 25: At least 15 people, among them four journalists working for international media organisations, were killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, the BBC reported, citing local sources.

According to Reuters, one of its cameramen, Husam al-Masri, was among the dead. The other journalists were identified as Mohammed Salameh of Al Jazeera, Mariam Abu Daqa of the Associated Press, and Muath Abu Taha, a photographer with NBC.

Gaza’s Civil Defence said several were killed in an initial strike, followed by more casualties in a second strike as rescuers rushed to the scene. Footage from the site showed smoke billowing over the hospital. Al Jazeera said, an Al Jazeera journalist is among 15 Palestinians killed in an Israeli attack on the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. At least three other journalists were killed in this attack.

Greater Kashmir

ASP Perwaiz Ahmad Dar granted voluntary retirement

0
ASP Perwaiz Ahmad Dar granted voluntary retirement

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded sanction to the voluntary retirement of Perwaiz Ahmad Dar, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Ganderbal.

The voluntary retirement will be effective from the afternoon of 31.08.2025.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, sanction is hereby accorded to the voluntary retirement of Shri Perwaiz Ahmad Dar, ASP, Ganderbal, PID No. EXK931888, w.e.f. 31.08.2025 (AN), in terms of Article 230 of the J&K Civil Service Regulation, 1956, Volume-I.

Greater Kashmir

Better raise it in Delhi,’ CM Omar tells Mehbooba after protest on J-K prisoners’ return

0
Better raise it in Delhi,’ CM Omar tells Mehbooba after protest on J-K prisoners’ return

Srinagar, Aug 25: Shortly after People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti led a protest march demanding the return of Jammu and Kashmir prisoners to local jails, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that such decisions are under the authority of the Union Home Ministry in Delhi, not the administration in the Union Territory.

Referring to Mehbooba Mufti’s protest, he said, “She has raised the issue of prisoners’ rights, but these decisions are taken in Delhi.” He added that it would be more effective if political leaders meet the Home Minister and present their concerns directly.

He also spoke about the delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah said that during his first cabinet meeting after the government formation, a resolution was passed in support of statehood. “When I first met the Prime Minister, I handed him the cabinet resolution,” he said.

However, he added that no progress has been made since then.

Referring to the Supreme Court, Omar Abdullah said the Court has not scheduled a hearing on the matter and expressed disappointment.

He added that if the Supreme Court had not set a timeline for Assembly elections, they would not have been held. He hoped that when the case comes up again after October 10, the Court will set a deadline for restoring statehood.

When asked about his party’s signature campaign, Omar Abdullah said the campaign is ongoing and will be submitted to both the Central Government and the Supreme Court once completed.(KNS).

Greater Kashmir

- Advertisement -
Google search engine

Recent Posts