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Contractual manager of DRDO guest house in Jaisalmer arrested on charges of spying for ISI

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Pakistani intruder arrested along LoC in J&K’s Poonch

Rajasthan, August 13: Mahendra Prasad, a contractual manager of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Guest House near Chandan Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, was arrested on Tuesday by Rajasthan’s CID Intelligence on charges of spying for the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and sending confidential and strategic information of the country across the border to Pakistan.

Prasad will be presented in court on Wednesday, where he will be taken on remand, and further interrogation will be conducted.

Inspector General of Police CID (Security), Rajasthan, Jaipur, Dr. Vishnukant, said that keeping in mind the upcoming state-level Independence Day celebrations, Rajasthan CID Intelligence is constantly monitoring the possible anti-national and subversive activities carried out by foreign agents in the state.

During this surveillance, it was learnt that Mahendra Prasad, a resident of Palyun, Almora, Uttarakhand, who is working as a contractual manager at DRDO Guest House Chandan Field Firing Range Jaisalmer, is in contact with Pakistani intelligence agency through social media and is providing confidential information related to the movement of DRDO scientists and Indian Army officers who come to Firing Range for missile and other weapons testing to Pakistan handlers.

On this, the suspect Mahendra Prasad was jointly interrogated by various intelligence agencies at Central Interrogation Centre, Jaipur and his mobile phone was technically tested. He was found to be providing sensitive information related to DRDO and the Indian Army to Pakistan handlers.
On this, a case was registered against Mahendra Prasad, son of Chaniram, age 32 years, on August 12 under the Official Secrets Act 1923, and he was arrested by CID Intelligence, Rajasthan, on charges of espionage.

Greater Kashmir

All schools to remain closed today in Poonch due to bad weather

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All schools to remain closed today in Poonch due to bad weather

Poonch, Aug 13: In view of the prevailing bad weather conditions, the district administration in Poonch has ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the district today for the second consecutive day due to incessant rains, officials told Greater Kashmir.

However, officials said schools participating in the Full Day Rehearsal will be exempt from the order.

According to the Dy.CEO Poonch “As per the directions received from the District Administration,
in view of the inclement weather conditions and continuous rainfall, all Government and Private schools in District Poonch shall remain closed today on 13.08.2025 except those schools participating in the Full Day Rehearsal.”

Greater Kashmir

Yemen’s Houthis claim drone attacks on four Israeli cities

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Yemen's Houthis claim drone attacks on four Israeli cities

Sanaa, Aug 13: Yemen’s Houthi group said that it launched four drone attacks targeting the Israeli cities of Haifa, Negev, Eilat, and Be’er Sheva.

Using six drones, the attacks “successfully achieved their objectives,” the group’s military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV on Tuesday.

Sarea said the attacks were carried out in response to Israel’s “implementation of its plan to eliminate the Palestinian cause through genocide, starvation, and displacement.”

He also vowed continued attacks against Israel until “aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and the blockade is lifted.”

There were no immediate comments from Israel regarding the group’s alleged attacks, Xinhua news agency reported.

Houthi forces have fired dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, citing solidarity with the Palestinians.

Most of the projectiles have been intercepted or have missed their targets. In response, Israel has carried out a series of strikes on ports and other infrastructure in Yemen.

Earlier on Saturday, Yemeni government forces repelled a large-scale offensive by the Houthi group in southern Yemen’s Dhalea province and killed three Houthi militants during the confrontation, a military official told Xinhua.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that the Houthis used heavy artillery in an attempt to break through government defensive lines in the Bab Ghalaq area in northern Dhalea, triggering intense fighting between the group and government forces.

The fighting lasted for about an hour before the Houthis were forced to withdraw in disarray toward their positions, whereas the government forces maintained their defensive positions, said the official.

Greater Kashmir

‘Farmer participation in HADP jumps 35% in J&K’

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‘Farmer participation in HADP jumps 35% in J&K’

Srinagar, Aug 12: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed the progress and impact of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), noting significant gains in farmer engagement and scheme implementation across Jammu & Kashmir.

Since January, farmer registrations under the five-year programme have jumped 35% to over 3.01 lakh, while total applications rose 33% to 4.92 lakh, officials informed. Of these, 3.48 lakh applications have been approved — a 24% increase.

Reviewing all 29 schemes under HADP, Dulloo urged departments and Deputy Commissioners to sustain momentum and adopt a “whole-of-government” approach to meet targets, describing the programme as a potential game-changer for making J&K’s agriculture and horticulture sectors sustainable, profitable and employment-rich.

Farm Mechanisation and Automation leads scheme uptake with 74,448 approvals, followed by Fodder Resource Development (36,129) and Vegetable/Exotic Vegetable Promotion (33,202). The “DakshKisan” skilling programme has trained nearly 1.95 lakh farmers, with 2.81 lakh courses completed so far.

Officials also briefed the CS on new initiatives, including an end-to-end Project Tracking System, expansion of the Kisan Sathi Portal to integrate CAPEX schemes, and a monitoring system for R&D activities under HADP.

Launched to modernise J&K’s agriculture sector through technology integration, financial support and market linkages, HADP aims to boost farmer incomes, enhance productivity and create rural employment across the UT.

Greater Kashmir

6th J&K Kudo Championship 2025 concludes in Srinagar, Budgam tops Over 350 athletes from 14 districts competed in three-day martial arts event

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6th J&K Kudo Championship 2025 concludes in Srinagar, Budgam tops Over 350 athletes from 14 districts competed in three-day martial arts event

Srinagar, Aug 12: Budgam district emerged champions at the 6th J&K Kudo Championship 2025, which concluded at the Indoor Stadium, Polo View, Srinagar in Srinagar with more than 350 athletes from 14 districts competing in the three-day martial arts event.

As per a statement issued, the three-day event brought together the best Kudo talent from across the Union Territory, showcasing skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The event was graced by Raja Ghulam Nabi Wani as the Chief Guest, while Dr Sareer (KAS) and Manzoor Sahab attended as the Guests of Honour, lending prestige to the closing ceremony.
After intense and spirited competition, Budgam district claimed the 1st place, demonstrating outstanding performance and teamwork. Srinagar district secured the 2nd place, while Jammu district earned the 3rd place.

A significant milestone of the championship was the Yellow Belt promotion of more than 60 players, an achievement conducted under the supervision of Rajinder Gupta, Technical Director, and Tanzeela Rafiq, General Secretary of the J&K Kudo Association. This advancement marked a step forward in the players’ martial arts journey, symbolising their hard work, dedication, and technical proficiency.

Speaking on the occasion, Raja Ghulam Nabi Wani congratulated the winners and participants, stating, “Sports not only build physical strength but also nurture discipline, respect, and unity among our youth. Events like the JK UT Kudo Championship are vital in shaping future champions for the nation.”

Tanzeela Rafiq, General Secretary of the J&K Kudo Association, expressed gratitude to all participating districts, technical officials, and the J&K Sports Council for their continued support. She added, “The growth of Kudo in J&K over the past years is truly inspiring. Our goal is to create opportunities for our players to excel at the national and international level.”

The event concluded with a vibrant medal ceremony, applause from spectators, and renewed enthusiasm for promoting martial arts across Jammu & Kashmir. The J&K Kudo Association reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talent and providing a platform for athletes to achieve excellence in the sport.

Greater Kashmir

KU honours Prof Rehman Rahi at national seminar with Sahitya Akademi

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KU honours Prof Rehman Rahi at national seminar with Sahitya Akademi

Srinagar, Aug 12: Celebrated Kashmiri poet, translator and critic Rehman Rahi (1925–2023)—the only Kashmiri ever to receive the prestigious Jnanpith Award—was the focus of a two-day national seminar jointly organised by the Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir (KU), and the Sahitya Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Widely regarded as a major literary voice, Rahi’s Kashmiri poetry and Urdu scholarship bridged regional and national literatures, while his role as a translator, critic, and author of the University anthem cemented his place as a cultural icon, said a statement.

Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, who was the chief guest at the inaugural session, recalled Rahi’s lasting impact on literary and cultural life and announced a dedicated hall in his name at the University. She urged the Department of Urdu to organise more such scholarly and cultural events to keep literary traditions alive.

“Honouring Rehman Rahi is our duty as an academic community; his work teaches us how literature can bridge languages and shape identity,” she said.

Dr Madhav Kaushik, President, Sahitya Akademi, in his presidential address, highlighted Rahi’s national stature and the significance of holding the commemoration in Kashmir.

“Rahi’s poetry and critical work occupy a distinct place in Indian letters; celebrating his life here recognises both his art and the region that shaped him,” he said.

The seminar was organised as part of events marking Rehman Rahi’s birth centenary. Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Dean, School of Languages, Central University of Kashmir, and Prof. Shad Ramzan, Convener, Kashmir Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, spoke on Rahi’s literary reach and cultural plurality. Prof. Aejaz Muhammed Sheikh, Head, Department of Urdu, noted the department’s role in promoting comparative and cross-linguistic scholarship.

 

Greater Kashmir

Dr Karan Singh honoured with Era Sezhiyan award in Chennai

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Dr Karan Singh honoured with Era Sezhiyan award in Chennai

Chennai, Aug 12: Veteran statesman, scholar, and cultural ambassador Dr Karan Singh was conferred the prestigious Era Sezhiyan Award at a grand ceremony at VIT Vellore’s Chennai campus. The award, recognising outstanding contributions to society and culture, was presented in the presence of several dignitaries, including former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, who presided over the function, as per KNS.

Organised under the leadership of VIT Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, who personally invited Dr. Karan Singh, the event drew a distinguished audience of academicians, students, and cultural enthusiasts.

In his acceptance address, Dr. Karan Singh fondly recalled his long association with Tamil Nadu, praising its artistic brilliance, literary richness, and classical heritage. “Tamil culture is not just a regional treasure—it is a national heritage. Its music, dance, architecture, and philosophy have enriched India for centuries,” he remarked. Expressing gratitude, Dr. Karan Singh said, “Recognition such as this strengthens my resolve to keep working for the preservation and promotion of India’s diverse cultural traditions.

The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation, marking a memorable evening in Chennai’s cultural calendar.

 

Greater Kashmir

Tawi water level rises amid heavy rains

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Tawi water level rises amid heavy rains

Jammu, Aug 12: Torrential rains that lashed almost all parts of Jammu division on Tuesday affected life in low-lying areas of Jammu due to waterlogging and related aspects, while landslides in hilly areas disrupted road connectivity at several places in Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua, besides Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panjal region.

Heavy rains also led to increased water levels in the Tawi River, posing a threat to people living on and along its banks, particularly those living in Niki Tawi and Beli Charana area.

As a precautionary measure, the district administration has asked them to move to safer places.

“Water level in Tawi is rising continuously, so the people living on the banks have been asked to relocate to safer places along with their livestock,” officials said.

In this connection, the Police personnel could be seen alerting people and making announcements asking them to vacate and relocate to secure places.

In Reasi district, incessant rains have severely damaged Reasi-Kheral-Gupt Kashi road.

Locals said that due to the damaged road, over 200 students could not attend their schools for the past two days.

In the wake of the forecast of heavy rains triggering landslides and flash floods on August 12, in several districts of the Jammu region, including Reasi, the district administration had ordered the closure of schools in Reasi district on Tuesday.

According to Meteorological Department officials, Reasi district between 8:30 am on August 11 and 6:30 am on August 12 registered 280.5 mm rainfall, while Jammu and Samba districts recorded 96 mm rainfall during the same period.

Kathua district registered 148 mm of rainfall during that period.

On the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the flooded road disrupted traffic briefly at the Jagti stretch.

Greater Kashmir

Kashmir’s Sozni heartland set for makeover as Craft Tourism Village

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Kashmir’s Sozni heartland set for makeover as Craft Tourism Village

Srinagar, Aug 12: In a major boost to the famed craft sector of Kashmir, the Govt of India today sanctioned Craft Tourism Village for art treasure trove of Sonpah, en route picturesque Doodhpathri in Budgam District, at a total cost of Rs 10.00 Cr.

The sanction is accompanied by the release of the first installment of the Central share of Rs 4.50 Cr by the Union Ministry of Textiles under the flagship National Handicrafts Development Programme’s Infrastructure and Technology Support Scheme.

The project will be implemented by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, and the funds shall be routed through Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India.

In a press release issued here today, an elated spokesman of the department thanked the Central Government for sanctioning the project and recognising Sonpah’s legacy of Sozni craft artisans. “As many as 22 craftsmen from this Village of Awardees have distinguished themselves by winning many UT level and Shilp Guri Awards,” he added.

En route to the famous tourist destinations of Doodhpathri and Tossa Maidan, the Craft Tourism Village at Sonpah shall provide a great window of opportunity to the visiting tourists and art lovers for having a firsthand appraisal of the living crafts. “Under the project, the Department shall develop aesthetic enhancements like designer gates, mural paintings, cultural and interactive zones including Live Craft Demos; common work spaces for Display-cum-Sale counters, infrastructure development, community facilities and access to market and branding,” he added.

Highlighting the significance of Craft Tourism Villages for a Nature Destination like Kashmir, the spokesman said these works will transform Sonpah into a Modern Tourism Hub while preserving its rich cultural and craft heritage.

 

Greater Kashmir

Spectrum Kings beat Real Sultan in Natipora Knockout Cricket Tournament

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Spectrum Kings beat Real Sultan in Natipora Knockout Cricket Tournament

Pampore, Aug 12: A blistering 90-run knock by captain Mohammed Munazir powered Spectrum Kings Pampore to a 25-run win over The Real Sultan Summerbugh in the Natipora Knockout Tournament edition 2, with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding sealing the T20 victory.

As per a statement issued on Tuesday, batting first, Spectrum Kings posted a competitive total of 155 runs, thanks to a fiery captain’s knock by Mohammed Munazir.

In response, the Real Sultan Summerbugh struggled to keep pace, eventually being all out for 130 runs. Spectrum Kings’ bowlers proved too potent, and their fielding was equally impressive, with sharp catches and quick ground fielding that sealed the win.

The statement added that the team’s owner, Gowhar Bhat, and Sarfaraz Rashid deserved special mention for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in the team’s success. However, the mastermind behind this win is undoubtedly Coach/Mentor Asif Jeelani, whose strategic guidance and mentorship have propelled Spectrum Kings to new heights.

This victory showcases the team’s potential and highlights their contribution to promoting cricket in Pampore. With such performances, Spectrum Kings Pampore is indeed giving new horizons to the town of Pampore in cricket, inspiring young talent and cricket enthusiasts alike.

Greater Kashmir

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