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Adnan, Hayat power Aqua Avengers FC to 3-0 win

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Adnan, Hayat power Aqua Avengers FC to 3-0 win

Srinagar, Jul 22: Aqua Avengers Kashmir FC stormed to a dominant 3-0 win over Athwas India XI FC in the 13th match of the Khyber Cements Kashmir Super League at TRC Synthetic Turf Ground on Tuesday.

As per a statement issued, the team took the lead through Adnan Ayoub, whose opening goal set the tone early in the match. The momentum was carried forward by Hayat Bashir, who netted two quick goals to secure all three points for his team in an impressive attacking display.

Sharing the award winner details, the Khyber Game Changer Award was given to Furqan Dar, the Khyber Player of the Match Award was given to Hayat Bashir, the Athwas Golden Moment Award was given to Adnan Ayoub, and the Events Emporio X Factor Excellence Award went to Mousa Qureshi.

The felicitation ceremony was attended by Kaiser Bhat from Downtown Heroes FC, Majid Yousuf Dar, Chairman of KSL, Bashir Ahmad Malik, President of DFA Srinagar, and Mohammad Ibrahim Tramboo from Khyber Cements. The dignitaries presented the awards and praised the players for their outstanding performance and discipline.

The Khyber Cements Kashmir Super League continues to provide a high-quality platform for footballers in the region, inspiring the next generation of talent through professionalism, passion, and community engagement.

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BJP cells directed to fortify organisation at grassroots

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BJP cells directed to fortify organisation at grassroots

Jammu, Jul 22: Jammu & Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sat Sharma Tuesday asked all party Cells to fortify the organisation at the grassroots.

“BJP Cells are not just organizational units, they are the nerve centres of our political working,” he stated, while holding a meeting of party’s all Cells at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Besides Sat Sharma, Ashok Koul, general secretary (organisation); Bharat Bhushan, vice-president and DDC chairperson; Rakesh Mahajan, vice-president; Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA, and Ved Sharma, All Cells Incharge addressed the meeting.

Convenors and co-convenors of all the Cells of BJP participated in the meeting which witnessed the resolve to further strengthen the party’s structure and outreach across Jammu and Kashmir, through the effective functioning of party’s Cells.

Sat Sharma, in his address, said that Cells were the bridge between the party and various sections of society and were instrumental in policy feedback, public mobilization, and dissemination of the party’s ideology.

“Every Cell plays a unique role in connecting the BJP to the people. These Cells help us stay rooted in ground realities and shape our political strategies accordingly,” he added. He stressed that the activities of BJP Cells would now be intensified in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions, strengthening the party’s presence and outreach.

Ashok Koul appreciated the party’s growing influence in the Kashmir region and expressed confidence that the All Cells would work rigorously to further deepen BJP’s presence through targeted outreach and community-based programs.

Bharat Bhushan highlighted the importance of Cells in connecting people with the party, noting that such structures acted as vital links between the public and the BJP’s ideology and initiatives.

Rakesh Mahajan, who previously served as the All Cells Incharge, shared insights into the Cells’ performance during his tenure.

He reflected on past initiatives and expressed hope that under the new leadership, the Cells would achieve greater outreach and effectiveness.

Greater Kashmir

Dr Farooq, CM Omar Abdullah pay tributes

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Kashmiri Pandits pay tributes to 2003 LeT attack victims in J-K's Nadimarg village

Srinagar, Jul 22: National Conference  (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah and party Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid heartfelt tributes to the political leader  Ghulam Nabi Wani Sogami, on his 44th death anniversary.

Dr Farooq Abdullah, recalling Sogami’s legacy, said, “The late Sogami Sahib was not just a political leader, he was a visionary whose heart beat for the people, especially those living in the remotest corners of Kashmir. His work in Kupwara and other backward areas laid the foundation for grassroots empowerment.

Even his critics acknowledged the depth of his administrative wisdom and human empathy. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat.”

Echoing the sentiment, Omar Abdullah praised Sogami’s long-lasting impact on socio-economic upliftment. “Sogami Sahib will always be remembered for his political foresight and tireless service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His pioneering water harvesting initiatives unlocked new potential for agriculture in the rugged terrains of north and central Kashmir, lifting many out of poverty. On this day, we honor his memory and enduring contributions to our land and people,” he said.

 

Greater Kashmir

Russia, Ukraine to resume peace talks in Istanbul

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"Want to end war but not sure if Russia is ready": Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

New Delhi, Jul 22: Russia and Ukraine are set to resume peace negotiations in Istanbul on Wednesday, according to Ukrainian officials as reported by BBC. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate a war that has stretched on for over three years. The talks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s weekend proposal for renewed dialogue, amid preparations for another prisoner exchange. The upcoming session will be held at the same venue in Turkey where earlier negotiations in May and June failed to yield a breakthrough.

While Kyiv has confirmed Wednesday as the date for the meeting, Russian state media suggested the discussions might extend over two days, starting Thursday.

The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal statement regarding its participation, and expectations remain low for immediate progress, reports BBC, Russian officials have indicated that fundamental differences persist between the two sides.

The resumption of talks comes in the wake of intensified Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, which have led to a surge in civilian casualties. In response, the United States has pledged additional military assistance to Ukraine and issued a fresh warning to Moscow. President Donald Trump recently threatened severe sanctions against Russia if hostilities are not halted within 50 days. Despite international pressure and speculation about a possible meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, Russian officials have signalled little optimism.

Greater Kashmir

Centre steps up stray dog control measures

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Two CRPF personnel among seven injured in stray dog attack in Bijbehara

New Delhi, July 22: The Central government has intensified its efforts to manage the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents across the country.

According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel, India reported 37,17,336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024.

Municipalities, under Article 243(W), are mandated to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, focusing on neutering and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs. To streamline this, the government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, superseding the earlier 2001 rules.

These new rules incorporate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court directives, including guidelines for feeding and care of community animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued multiple advisories to ensure effective street dog population control and promote man-dog conflict resolution.

Between 2024 and June 2025, 166 letters were sent to RWAs and local bodies to ensure compliance.

On the health front, the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which includes setting up Model Anti-Rabies Clinics, ensuring vaccine availability, and launching the “Rabies-Free City” initiative.

Additionally, the Centre has allocated Rs 3,535.86 lakh over the past five years for anti-rabies vaccine procurement under the ASCAD scheme, including Rs 1,423.41 lakh in 2024-25 for over 80 lakh doses. The government has also urged States/UTs to adopt the ABC Programme through local bodies to enhance public safety, particularly for children.

The Department of Animal Husbandry conducts a five-year livestock census, which includes stray dogs, while municipalities have been advised to conduct annual local censuses under the ABC Rules.

The Centre’s comprehensive approach aims to address both public health and animal welfare in tackling the growing stray dog issue.

Greater Kashmir

Jailed MP Er Rashid gets custody parole to attend Parliament

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Terror funding case: Delhi HC issues notice to NIA on MP Engineer Rashid's bail plea

New Delhi, July 22: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted to jailed Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid custody parole between July 24 and August 4 to attend the monsoon session of Parliament.

Rashid has been lodged in Tihar jail since 2019 after he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case.

Additional sessions judge Chander Jit Singh granted the custody parole.

Counsel for Rashid, Vikhyat Oberoi, said that the custody parole was granted subject to payment of travel expenses.

The Baramulla MP sought either interim bail or custody parole to carry out his duty as a parliamentarian.

Custody parole entails a prisoner being escorted by armed police personnel to the plea.

Rashid’s counsel had earlier submitted his client should be allowed to attend the parliamentary session by granting interim bail.

In the alternative, Rashid could be allowed custody parole, without payment of travel costs, the advocate added.

The NIA opposed the plea, saying interim bail should not be granted and custody parole could be allowed only after payment of travel expenses.

The Baramulla MP, who defeated Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, is facing trial in a terror funding case with allegations that he funded separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the NIA’s FIR, Rashid’s name cropped up during the interrogation of businessman and co-accused Zahoor Watali.

After being chargesheeted in October 2019, a special NIA court framed charges against Rashid and others in March 2022 under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition) of IPC and for offences relating to terrorist acts and terror funding under UAPA.

Greater Kashmir

Three killed in Kishtwar road accident 

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Tragedy on Jammu-Pathankot Highway: Two youth killed in collision with Oil Tanker

Kishtwar, July 22: Three persons were killed on the spot after a JCB vehicle met with an accident at Sounder Dachan area of Kishtwar district on Tuesday.

The officials told JKNS that the JCB was moving through a hilly stretch when it met with an accident under unclear circumstances, leading to the instant death of all three onboard.

The deceased have been identified as, Nazir Hussain, son of Saiye, resident of Khatasoo Bhalessa, aged around 22–23 years; Ishaq, son of Farooz-ud-Din, resident of Khatasoo Bhalessa, aged around 26 years and Majeed, resident of Bhalessa, aged around 28 years.

All three bodies have been shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar, where medico-legal formalities are being conducted.

Authorities have taken cognizance of the matter and initiated further investigation.

Greater Kashmir

Air India plane’s auxiliary power unit catches fire after landing at Delhi airport from Hong Kong

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Air India plane's auxiliary power unit catches fire after landing at Delhi airport from Hong Kong

New Delhi, July 22: An Air India plane’s auxiliary power unit caught fire after landing at the Delhi airport on Tuesday afternoon, and all passengers and crew members are safe.

“Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 22 July 2025, experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after it had landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design,” an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson said there was some damage to the aircraft, while passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe.

“The aircraft has been grounded for further investigations and the regulator has been duly notified,” the spokesperson added.

Greater Kashmir

US says it’s leaving UN cultural agency UNESCO again, only 2 years after rejoining

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US says it's leaving UN cultural agency UNESCO again, only 2 years after rejoining

Paris, July 22: The United States announced Tuesday it will again pull out of the UN’s educational, scientific and cultural agency because of what Washington sees as its anti-Israel bias, only two years after rejoining.

“President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO — which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November,” White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly told the New York Post. UNESCO and the White House did not immediately confirm the US move.

This will be the third time that the United States has left UNESCO, which is based in Paris, and the second time during a Trump administration. President Donald Trump had already pulled out during his first term and the United States returned after a five-year absence after the Biden administration applied to rejoin the organisation.

The decision will take effect at the end of December 2026.

The decision will come as no surprise to UNESCO officials, who had anticipated such a move following the specific review ordered by the Trump administration earlier this year. They also expected that Trump would pull out again since the return of the US in 2023 had been promoted by a political rival, former President Joe Biden.

The Trump administration in 2017 announced that the US would withdraw from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias. That decision took effect a year later. The US and Israel stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.

The United States previously pulled out of UNESCO under the Reagan administration in 1984 because it viewed the agency as mismanaged, corrupt and used to advance the interests of the Soviet Union. It rejoined in 2003 during George W Bush’s presidency.

Greater Kashmir

Centre balancing inflation control with sustained economic growth: Minister

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Centre balancing inflation control with sustained economic growth: Minister

New Delhi, July 22: The government on Tuesday said it has undertaken a series of administrative measures, including fiscal and trade policy, to control inflation and mitigate its impact on the common citizen.

Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha that these coordinated actions are aimed at balancing inflation control with sustained economic growth.

These include the augmentation of buffer stocks for essential food items; strategic sales of procured grains in the open market; facilitation of imports and export curbs during periods of short supply; and implementation of stock limits to push more supplies of select commodities into the market, among others.

Other measures are retail sales of select food items under the Bharat brand at subsidised rates, and above all, distribution of food grains free of cost to around 81 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, and increasing the disposable income of individuals by exempting annual incomes up to Rs 12 lakh (and Rs 2.75 lakh for salaried individuals with standard deduction) from income tax.

Giving more details, the minister further stated that complementing these efforts, the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee raised the repo rate by 250 basis points cumulatively (4 per cent to 6.5 per cent) between May 2022 and February 2023, and thereafter maintained it at 6.5 per cent through January 2025.

Consequently, the average year-on-year retail inflation, as measured by the CPI, fell from 5.4 per cent in 2023-24 to 4.6 per cent in 2024-25, the lowest in six years.

As per the recent data, retail inflation dropped further to 2.1 per cent in June 2025.

Consequent to a broad-based decline in inflation and to promote growth, RBI has brought in 100 basis point cut in policy (repo) rate since February 2025. These coordinated actions are aimed at balancing inflation control with sustained economic growth, said the minister.

The Central Bank follows a policy of flexible inflation targeting as its primary monetary policy framework, whereby RBI targets Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (headline inflation) to be maintained at 4 per cent.

Over the past three quarters, the CPI inflation rate has been within the RBI’s tolerance band of 4 per cent (WPI is not a specifically targeted inflation rate for RBI).

Greater Kashmir

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