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Two killed, one injured as Swift car crashes into divider in J&K’s Udhampur

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3 injured as Eco collides with army truck in J&K's Poonch

Udhampur, June 13: Two persons lost their lives while another sustained injury in a tragic road accident on the National Highway-44 near the Mand area of Udhampur on Friday.

Official sources said the incident occurred at approximately 3:00 am when a Swift car bearing registration number JK21K 9423 hit a road divider, resulting in the death of two occupants on the spot while one person was injured.

The injured person was initially shifted to a nearby health facility and later referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for advanced treatment, they said.

Cognizance of the incident has been taken, and further investigation started. (JKNS)

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PM Modi visits Air India crash site in Ahmedabad

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PM Modi visits Air India crash site in Ahmedabad

New Delhi, June 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Air India plane crash site. He arrived in the city to take stock of the situation, a day after the deadly Boeing 787-8 crash, which claimed the lives of 241 people, including 12 crew members onboard.

He was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Union Minister C.R. Paatil at the domestic terminal of Ahmedabad airport.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed immediately after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.

The aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plunged into a residential complex near BJ Medical College, killing 241 people on board.

There were 230 passengers, 10 crew members and two pilots on the flight.

One person — the passenger of seat No. 11A — survived the crash, officials said. According to officials, the person is a British national of Indian origin who was seated in 11A, survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

The Prime Minister, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 12 years, had expressed his grief on his X handle on Thursday. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

The crash is being described as one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history.

The government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy. A team of forensic experts arrived at the crash site to begin an investigation and evidence collection as part of the ongoing probe

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who rushed to the crash site from Vijayawada on Thursday, confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been tasked with leading the inquiry.

“Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Additionally, the Government is constituting a high-level committee comprising experts from multiple disciplines to examine the matter in detail. The committee will work to strengthen aviation safety and prevent such incidents in future,” the Minister announced on his X handle.

The AAIB, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is India’s designated authority for probing serious aviation incidents and operates in accordance with global standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had issued a distress call moments before losing altitude, and investigators are now focused on the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder — commonly known as black boxes — to reconstruct the final moments of the flight.

Minister Naidu emphasised that the government is not limiting its response to routine procedures. A multidisciplinary high-level committee is being constituted to examine the broader implications of the crash. This panel will include aviation safety experts, engineers, air traffic control specialists, and representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

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India issues travel advisory for citizens in Iran

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India issues travel advisory for citizens in Iran

New Delhi, June 13: The Embassy of India in Tehran has issued a travel advisory urging Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran to exercise caution in light of the current security situation.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the embassy advised individuals to remain vigilant, avoid all non-essential movement, follow official embassy updates, and adhere to safety instructions issued by local authorities.

A message on X reads, “In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant , avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the embassy’s social media accounts and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. “

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Iran confirms deaths of two senior nuclear scientists in Israeli strikes; explosion reported at Natanz Facility

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Iran confirms deaths of two senior nuclear scientists in Israeli strikes; explosion reported at Natanz Facility

New Delhi, June 13: Iranian state media have confirmed that two prominent Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli airstrikes carried out overnight across multiple locations in Iran. The deaths mark a significant escalation in the fallout from Israel’s ongoing military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

According to the Tasnim news agency, the scientists killed were Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi, a nuclear physicist, and the president of Islamic Azad University, and Fereydoun Abbasi, a former head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI). Both were reportedly assassinated in separate targeted strikes.

In a further development, reports carried by Reuters and the BBC stated that a new explosion had occurred at the Natanz nuclear facility, one of Iran’s most sensitive and heavily guarded nuclear sites, located approximately 225 kilometres south of Tehran. The nature and extent of the damage at the site remain unclear.

The Israeli strikes also hit multiple other locations in and around the capital, as well as in other cities, in what appears to be a sweeping attempt to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities and senior leadership structure. The killings of nuclear scientists Tehranchi and Abbasi, both deeply involved in Iran’s nuclear research and administration, signal a direct targeting of the country’s scientific elite, adding to fears of a broader regional escalation. Iranian authorities have yet to issue an official response or outline potential retaliatory steps.

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Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

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Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

New Delhi, June 13: Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, leading to an escalation of tensions in the West Asia or Middle East. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, as reported by BBC stating that dozens of Israeli Air Force jets struck “nuclear and military targets” across multiple locations in Iran.
Loud explosions were reported in Tehran early Friday morning, while air raid sirens and emergency phone alerts were triggered in Jerusalem, as Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency. The Israeli government has warned of the potential for imminent retaliation by Iran.
IRNA news agency of Iran reports “Sounds of explosions have been heard in and near the Iranian capital, Tehran, amid reports in Israeli media that the Israeli regime is carrying out strikes against Iranian targets. The sounds were heard early on Friday. Unverified images and footage began to appear on social media of Tehran’s skyline in which plumes of smoke could be seen.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a national address, described the strikes as a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.” He said Iran had taken steps toward weaponising enriched uranium, posing what he called a “clear and present danger.” “In recent months, Iran has taken steps it has never taken before,” Netanyahu said. “If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” reports BBC.
According to the IDF, the first phase of the strikes involved a coordinated offensive on what it called “dozens of military targets, including nuclear facilities,” asserting that weapons of mass destruction in Iran’s hands would be an existential threat not only to Israel, but to global security. An IDF spokesperson said the strikes were a “pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive” in response to Iran’s “ongoing aggression against Israel.”
The scope of damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains unclear, and Iranian authorities have not yet issued a detailed response. However, Israeli officials have indicated that the operation may continue in phases depending on Iran’s response and the evolving threat landscape.
Meanwhile, the United States has moved to distance itself from the strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington was not involved in the operation, saying Israel had acted unilaterally and that the U.S. priority remains the safety of its forces in the region. “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved,” Rubio stated as reported by BBC. “Our top priority is protecting American personnel. Iran should not target U.S. interests.”
Amid rising security concerns, the U.S. has ordered yesterday the partial evacuation of its embassy in Baghdad. Non-essential diplomatic staff and their families are being withdrawn, with officials citing increased risk of Iranian retaliation in Iraq from several neighbouring US embassies in West Asia. The precaution follows reports earlier this week that the U.S. was informed of Israel’s intention to strike.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for regional spillover. Both military and diplomatic channels are closely monitoring developments, as fears grow of a wider conflict involving multiple regional actors.

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Downtown Los Angeles under curfew for second night, as immigration protests escalate across US

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Nearly 400 arrested in Los Angeles immigration protests

New Delhi, Jun 12: Downtown Los Angeles remained under curfew for a second consecutive night as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and military deployments entered their seventh day. The city has become a focal point for national unrest over immigration enforcement and the federal government’s use of military resources in domestic operations.

Protests have spread to several major US cities, including New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC. In Spokane, Washington, the mayor declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew after demonstrators blocked roads in protest of ICE activities in the region.

In Los Angeles, the U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 700 Marines stationed in the area have completed their rapid response training and are scheduled to be deployed within the next 48 hours. A hearing is set today in California to examine the state’s efforts to limit the federal government’s use of Marines and National Guard forces within its borders.

US Cities stimulating for larger protests on Saturday

US cities across the country are now bracing for a large wave of demonstrations planned for Saturday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, DC, marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army and his 79th birthday. More than 1,800 events under the banner of the “50501 movement” are planned in all 50 states, excluding the capital, as a coordinated national response to the parade. The “50501” initiative, short for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement,” is organising events under the theme “No Kings,” symbolising opposition to what organisers describe as authoritarian tendencies and unchecked executive power.

The movement has emphasised a commitment to nonviolence and lawful assembly, with strict instructions against bringing weapons to demonstrations, even where legally permitted. The official military parade in Washington, DC is expected to be the largest in decades, featuring vehicles and weaponry. The event’s financial cost is projected to reach into the tens of millions of dollars, with the US Army reinforcing streets along the parade route in early June to accommodate the heavy military equipment. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the state’s National Guard will be deployed in advance of expected protests, including a “No Kings” rally planned in San Antonio. Authorities nationwide remain on alert as tensions rise ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations, with federal and local governments preparing for both security challenges and political fallout.

 

 

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CS pushes for sport-driven youth engagement across J&K

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CS pushes for sport-driven youth engagement across J&K

Srinagar, Jun 12: In a significant move to harness the power of youth and channel their energies into productive and health-enhancing pursuits, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, on Thursday, chaired a high-level meeting to review the performance and roadmap of the Youth Services & Sports Department (YS&S).

The meeting witnessed vibrant discussions on expanding the sporting landscape of the Union Territory and enhancing youth engagement through structured and inclusive initiatives.

Calling the department’s role vital in building a fit, focused, and drug-free society, the chief secretary underlined the transformative power of sports in shaping personalities, cultivating discipline, and deterring youth from harmful distractions like substance abuse. He emphasised that increased community participation in sports must become a key pillar of public health and social development in the UT.

The department should aim to bring every young person into the fold of some sporting discipline. This not only nurtures physical well-being but also fosters a sense of purpose, teamwork, and self-control, Dulloo remarked.

He applauded the strides made in strengthening sports infrastructure, which he said now rivals national benchmarks. Encouraging the optimal utilisation of newly created stadiums, indoor arenas, and playgrounds across the UT, the Chief Secretary urged the department to aspire towards organising more mega sporting events that can spotlight local talent and inspire wider participation.

Recognising the natural water bodies as untapped potential for adventure and water sports, Dulloo also directed officials to initiate water-based sporting activities at Manasbal Lake and to explore competitive events at Ranjit Sagar Lake in Kathua, adding a thrilling dimension to the UT’s sports repertoire.

The meeting also marked a milestone celebration with the release of the Annual Sports Calendar, alongside beautifully curated coffee table books and compendiums that capture J&K’s remarkable journey in sports. These publications showcase the department’s achievements, the growth of infrastructure, and the rising graph of talent emerging from every corner of the UT.

The Commissioner Secretary, YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, in his remarks, gave a panoramic view of the sporting ecosystem in the UT. He informed that millions of youth have been directly or indirectly engaged in various sports activities organised at the block, district, and UT levels. The department, he noted, has created dozens of world-class infrastructure facilities over the past few years, many of which now align with national and even international standards.

He reiterated that the day is not far when Jammu & Kashmir’s sports infrastructure will be counted among the best in the country, adding that the department is also collaborating with national sports associations to host major events in the region.

Secretary of J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, also made a detailed presentation outlining the Council’s efforts in tournament organisation, grassroots coaching, and infrastructure upgradation. She highlighted the impact of trained coaches across disciplines and expressed confidence that, with continued support and planning, J&K’s athletes will soon rank among the country’s finest. With a renewed commitment to nurture sporting talent, promote physical fitness, and build a robust sports infrastructure here.

 

 

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2 injured as vehicle plunges into gorge in Rajouri’s Nowshera

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2 injured as vehicle plunges into gorge in Rajouri's Nowshera

Rajouri, Jun 12: A tragic accident occurred in Rajouri’s Nowshera sub-division when an Ecco vehicle bearing registration number JK11B 7378 plunged into a gorge at Rajal Thathi.

The vehicle was carrying two persons, identified as Mohammad Shokat and Ibrar Ahmed, who sustained injuries in the accident.

The injured persons were immediately shifted to the Nowshera sub-district hospital for treatment. Police said it has taken up necessary legal proceedings into the matter.

 

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CUS authorities interact with DYD programme students

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CUS authorities interact with DYD programme students

Srinagar, Jun 12: In the wake of introducing an innovative Design Your Degree (DYD) programme in the Cluster University Srinagar (CUS), Vice Chancellor CUS Prof Muhammad Mobin, Controller of Examinations, Prof Khursheed Ahmad Mir, and Dean Academics, Prof Seema Naz interacted with the first batch of students registered for the innovative DYD programme in the CUS.

A statement of CUS issued here said that the program would be conducted from Amar Singh College and Government College of Education (IASE), the two constituent colleges of Cluster University Srinagar.

It said that to run the DYD programme in its letter and spirit, it necessitates broader and deeper collaborations between the constituent colleges of CUS including other lead institutions in J&K and outside.

Prof Mobin while alleviating the concerns about the DYD programme assured the students full support from the university to meet the needs and demands of this course.

ìThe programme is in line with and represents the real spirit of NEP-2020 in its curricular, pedagogic and assessment domains,î the VC said. ìIt is no wonder that the students registering for this programme too must have the required attitude for immersing themselves wholeheartedly in this programme.î

Controller of Examinations Prof Mir congratulated the students for joining the first-of-its-kind innovative DYD programme offered by CUS.

He said that the programme would surely prove to be the game changer in the lives of students as it is attuned to the needs of the present times.

ìThis program is unconventional, in itself a disruptive program in the array of conventional programs offered by universities around the world,î he said. ìItís doing away with dead theory classrooms and bringing in a real-life curriculum into the university ecosystem.î

Prof Naz while highlighting the key features of the programme said, ìThe programme curriculum is curated and devised in such a fashion that it would trigger the critical and creative capacities of learners. This program will also test our institutional capabilities since its out-of-the-box courses like critical thinking, disruptive technologies, digital humanities and problem-solving in everyday life are knit with the day-to-day activities of life. The real-life problems while being brought to the classroom will invoke and incite diverse potentialities and capabilities in learners towards a focused and functional knowledge construction under the guidance of the mentors from diverse backgrounds.î

The CUS officials said that 30 students have already registered for the programme and as soon as the admission formalities are completed the programme would begin in the designated constituent colleges of the CUS as per the specified date.

They said that both the constituent colleges have been ramping up their efforts to provide deeper and wider experiences to the students of the programme.

ìCollaborations and partnerships have been cemented and strengthened with multiple institutions besides undertaking capacity building of mentors nominated for the programme,î the official said.

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Tata pledges Rs 1 Cr to family of each person

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Tata pledges Rs 1 Cr to family of each person

New Delhi, Jun 12: Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the family of each person who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday. ìWe are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured,î Tata Group and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran said.

He said that the Tata Group would provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy.

In the message posted by Tata Group on ëXí, Chandrasekaran said the group would cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support.

ìAdditionally, we will provide support in the building up of the BJ Medicalís hostel. We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,î he said.

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