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Gaza war death toll surpasses 62,000, says Palestinian Health Ministry

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67 killed in Gaza as Israeli strikes hit aid seekers amid growing hunger crisis

Cairo, Aug 18: The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Monday that more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month war in Gaza.

At least 60 people were killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war that started on Oct 7, 2023, to 62,004. Another 156,230 have been wounded, it said.

The Health Ministry said 1,965 people have been killed while seeking aid from aid convoys or killed close to aid distribution sites. At least seven Palestinians were killed attempting to access aid on Monday morning.

The ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, is staffed by medical professionals. The United Nations and other independent experts view its figures as the most reliable count of casualties.

Israel has disputed its figures, but hasn’t provided its own account of casualties.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Monday that more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month Gaza war.

At least 60 people were killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war that started on Oct 7, 2023 to 62,004. Another 156,230 have been wounded, it said.

The Health Ministry said 1,965 people were killed while seeking aid from aid convoys or killed close to aid distribution sites. At least seven Palestinians were killed attempting to access aid on Monday morning.

Also on Monday, Egypt’s top diplomat condemned Israel’s plan to forcibly resettle Palestinians outside of Gaza and said the country is attempting to restart ceasefire negotiations along with Qatar.

Mediators are “exerting extensive efforts” to revive a US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire during which the warring parties will negotiate an end to the war, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on the Egyptian side of a crossing between Egypt and Gaza. He met there with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

Greater Kashmir

NIT Srinagar secures 32nd position in ‘India Today’ engineering college rankings 2025

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NIT Srinagar secures 32nd position in 'India Today' engineering college rankings 2025

Srinagar, Aug 18: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has secured the 32nd position among engineering colleges across India in the India Today Rankings 2025, improving slightly from the 33rd rank in 2024.

In the category of Government Engineering Colleges, the institute retained its 23rd position, while among Top Technical Universities in India; it rose to 22nd place from last year’s 21st.

The institute scored 23 in Admissions & Student Quality and 23 in Placement & Career Progression, showing the high standard of students and successful career support.

In other key areas, NIT Srinagar achieved scores of 191.2, 190.2, 176.6, 92.6, and 184.9, reflecting its strengths in academics, research, infrastructure, and student development.

The total score across all parameters was 835.5, with a cumulative benchmark of 533.7, resulting in an overall score of 1369.2. These numbers underline the institute’s commitment to quality education and overall student growth.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia said that it is a proud moment for the institute to be recognized nationally. He said over the past year, the Institute has focused on enhancing laboratory facilities, updating curricula, and encouraging students to undertake innovative projects.

“These initiatives, combined with the active participation of our faculty in research and national and international conferences, have contributed significantly to our improved ranking. This achievement also strengthens our resolve to maintain and exceed this performance in the coming years,” Prof. Kanaujia said.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, said these rankings highlight the institute’s dedication to academic and institutional excellence. It encourages us to further strengthen administrative processes and provide enhanced support to both faculty and students,” he added.

Prof. Rehman also praised the contribution and role of NIRF team for their exemplary work during the survey.

Chairman NIRF, Prof. Babar Ahmad said that this achievement belongs to every student, teacher, and staff member who contributes to making NIT Srinagar a hub of learning and innovation.

Meanwhile, NIRF Coordinator:, Dr. Vijay Kumar said that over the past year, NIT Srinagar has upgraded labs, revised curricula, and encouraged students to explore creative projects.

“These steps, along with active faculty research, have played a key role in this recognition and motivate us to aim even higher in the future,” he added.

Dr. Vijay expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Director, Registrar, and the entire NIRF team for their guidance and support throughout the ranking process.

He also acknowledged the contribution of the NIRF Chairman Prof Babar Ahmad and Junior Assistant Ajay Kumar for their dedicated efforts, coordination, and assistance in compiling and submitting the necessary data.

Greater Kashmir

Gold trades flat at Rs 1,00,920/10 g, silver climbs Rs 1,000

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

New Delhi, Aug 18: Gold prices remained flat at Rs 1,00,920 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

On Saturday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had declined Rs 500 to close at Rs 1,00,920 per 10 grams from Thursday’s closing of Rs 1,01,420 per 10 grams.

The Bullion markets were closed on Friday on the country’s 79th Independence Day.

In the local market, the yellow metal of 99.5 per cent purity remained flat at Rs 1,00,500 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Monday.

“Gold traded flat to volatile as the US-Russia meeting over the weekend did not yield any clear resolution on the Moscow and Kyiv peace process, though the tone of talks was positive.

“This has kept prices in a consolidative phase, as any breakthrough towards peace could pressure gold lower, while prolonged delays in resolution are likely to keep prices supported,” Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst, Commodity and Currency at LKP Securities, said.

However, silver prices rallied Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,15,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) on Monday, as per the Association.

It had settled at Rs 1,14,000 per kg in the previous market close.

On the global front, spot gold went up marginally to trade at USD 3,349.29 per ounce in New York.

Spot silver was trading at USD 38.14 per ounce, up 0.35 per cent in the international markets.

“Investors are anticipating release of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, which may provide further context for the decision to maintain interest rates at their current level,” Renisha Chainani, Head of Research at Augmont, said.

With labour markets trembling, inflation sending conflicting signals, and market pricing in interest rate cuts, Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium 2025, could prove to be a turning point for US monetary policy and gold sentiment, Chainani added.

Greater Kashmir

PM Modi, Putin speak after Russian leader’s meeting with Trump

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PM Modi speaks with 'friend' Putin, reaffirms commitment to deepen India-Russia ties

New Delhi, Aug 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the Russian leader shared details of his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska.

“Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

The call assumes significance coming a week after the Trump–Putin talks in Alaska, and just hours before President Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington along with several European leaders. India has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward in Ukraine, while keeping channels open with all key stakeholders.

Greater Kashmir

Court convicts former Girdawar in 2008 bribery case

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Pulwama court orders admin to refrain from erecting height barriers on Naina-Awantipora link road till next hearing

Srinagar, Aug 18: An anti-corruption court on Monday convicted and sentenced former Girdawar, Ghulam Hassan Kumar of Kulgam, to over three years in prison in a 2008 bribery case.

Kumar was found guilty of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹2,000 from a complainant in Shopian for demarcating agricultural land.

He has been convicted under Section 5(2) read with 5(1)(d) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006 and Section 161 of the Ranbir Penal Code.

The court sentenced him to three years and six months of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹20,000 under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and one year of simple imprisonment with a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 161 RPC. Both sentences will run concurrently.

The judgment recalled the 2008 trap operation, where a vigilance team caught Kumar red-handed accepting the tainted money.

While the defence pleaded for leniency citing the convict’s age, health issues, and clean past record, the court dismissed the argument, stressing that corruption is “a malignant affliction that strikes at the very foundation of a democratic polity and the rule of law.”

The case was registered in June 2008 following a complaint by Mohammad Yousuf Mir of Shopian, who alleged that Kumar had demanded a bribe for demarcation of inherited land.

Following investigation, sanction for prosecution was obtained and a charge sheet was filed. Twelve prosecution witnesses testified during the trial.

Greater Kashmir

What could get cheaper under new GST regime: cars, mobile phones, computers

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What could get cheaper under new GST regime: cars, mobile phones, computers

Srinagar, Aug 18: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is set for a major revamp, described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “next-generation” reform in his Independence Day address last week. The overhaul aims to bring down prices of essential goods by simplifying the structure and reducing the number of tax slabs.

As part of the changes, taxes on passenger vehicles and two-wheelers are also expected to be lowered. As per an NDTV report, a two-tier system with 5% and 18% brackets has been proposed, with items currently under the 12% and 28% slabs likely to be reclassified into these categories.
Specifically, according to sources the government plans to cut tax on 90 per cent of all goods currently attracting 28 per cent GST and drop these products into the 18 per cent bracket. A similarly large chunk of goods now taxed at 12 per cent will face reduced levies – five per cent only.

The five per cent bracket will include ‘daily-use’ items, the government had said.

In addition, there will be a special ‘sin tax’ of 40 per cent on certain items, including tobacco products. There will be only five to seven goods in this list, sources said.

Daily-use items may soon become cheaper under the proposed GST overhaul:

Sources told NDTV in July that products like toothpaste, umbrellas, pressure cookers, sewing machines, small washing machines, and bicycles could see price cuts. Readymade garments over ₹1,000, footwear between ₹500–₹1,000, vaccines, ceramic tiles, agricultural tools, mobile phones, computers, processed foods, hair oil, and school stationery may also be included.

Meanwhile, items like televisions, refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines, aerated drinks, and construction goods (cement, ready-mix concrete) are likely to fall under the new 18% GST slab.

Passenger vehicles, currently taxed at 28% plus cess, may shift to the 18% bracket—potentially cutting car and bike prices by 10%. Electric vehicles will continue at 5%.

Markets have already reacted, with the Nifty Auto index jumping 4.6% Monday morning.

The full product list will be announced later, but according to sources the government hopes lower taxes will spur consumer spending and growth. The reforms also follow S&P’s credit rating upgrade for India—the first in nearly 20 years.

Greater Kashmir

10 senior IAS, IPS officers deployed to oversee rescue work in cloudburst-hit Chisoti

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10 senior IAS, IPS officers deployed to oversee rescue work in cloudburst-hit Chisoti

Jammu, Aug 18: The Lieutenant Governoror administration on Monday deployed 10 senior IAS and IPS officers to supervise relief and rescue operations in the cloudburst-hit Chisoti village of Kishtwar district that left 62 people dead.

On August 14, flash floods triggered by the cloudburst 14 in Chisoti — the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple — also left at least 116 people injured.

Eighty-two people — 81 pilgrims and one CISF personnel — are reported missing.

“In order to supervise relief and rescue operations in response to the recent tragic cloudburst, the officers, as per the roster, are hereby deputed to Chisoti in district Kishtwar,” read an order issued by Commissioner-Secretary to the Government M Raju.

The officers will be deployed in the hamlet for the next eight days, with one IAS and one IPS officer overseeing operations for two days each.

Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti, and Inspector General of Police (Operations & Services) Uttam Chand will supervise operations on August 19 and 20, followed by Principal Secretary Anil Kumar Singh and IGP Sujit Kumar on August 21 and 22.

Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra and IGP Suleman Chaudhary will be deployed on August 23 and 24, followed by Secretary Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and IGP Vivek Gupta on August 25 and 26.

Rescue operation continued amid rain on Monday, the fifth day since the tragedy, to trace those buried under debris in the remote village.

Wearing raincoats, the rescue teams were seen working at multiple locations, especially at the major impact spot near a langar (community kitchen) site. Earthmovers were at work to clear the rubble as police dogs sniffed for signs of life.

The annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5, remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day.

The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-foot-high shrine starts from Chishoti, about 90 km from Kishtwar town.

Greater Kashmir

Srinagar admin issues advisory amid inclement weather in J&K

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J&K braces for moderate to heavy rain, gusty winds

Srinagar, Aug 18: The Srinagar district administration on Monday issued an advisory after forecast of heavy rain, thundershowers, cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in parts of Kashmir from August 18 to 19.

According to the advisory, residents, particularly those in Fakir Gujri, its surrounding areas, and Khonmouh, have been advised to avoid slopes, water bodies, and low-lying areas until conditions improve.

It also cautioned tourists, local shikara wallas, and sand miners in the Jhelum River and other water bodies not to attempt crossings without first assessing the condition of the river and its tributaries.

“For any assistance or updates, the public can contact the emergency operation centre (DEOC), emergency response support system (ERSS), or the police control room Srinagar at 0194-2457543, 9103998355, 112, 0194-2477567, 0194-2483651, 9103998356, 0194-2457552, 9103998357,” reads the advisory.—(KNO)

Greater Kashmir

Vehicular movement suspended on Margan Top, Sinthan Top amid bad weather

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Vehicular movement suspended on Margan Top, Sinthan Top amid bad weather

Srinagar, Aug 18: Authorities on Monday ordered suspension of all types of vehicular movement on Margan Top and Sinthan Top routes in view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions.

According to a weather advisory issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to avoid mishaps due to slippery road conditions, apprehension of landslides, and poor visibility.

The advisory directed concerned departments to ensure strict compliance and regulate movement accordingly. “General public is requested to cooperate and avoid travelling on these routes till further orders,” it reads.

Officials have urged people to exercise caution, while police and traffic authorities have been asked to enforce the order in letter and spirit. (KNC)

Greater Kashmir

Over 20 monkeys attack and kill elderly man in Bihar’s Madhubani

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Over 20 monkeys attack and kill elderly man in Bihar’s Madhubani

Srinagar, Aug 18: A 67-year-old man was reportedly attacked by a group of over 20 monkeys while he was collecting firewood. The incident occurred unexpectedly, leaving the man severely injured as the monkeys swarmed him.

By the time people gathered to rescue him, Ramnath Chaudhary, a retired clerk of the now-closed Lohat Sugar Mill, was badly injured. He was taken to Madhubani Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

The incident triggered panic in the area. On being informed by local mukhiya Ramkumar Yadav, Pandaul circle officer Purushottam Kumar and police station in-charge Md Nadeem visited the village and urged the forest department to capture the monkeys.

Such aggressive encounters have raised growing concerns about human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas where monkey populations are increasing and encroaching on human habitats.

Greater Kashmir

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