Facebook Instagram Twitter
Facebook Instagram Twitter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Home Blog Page 857

Deputy Army Chief Lt Gen Rahul Singh

By
JKN Author
-
0
Deputy Army Chief Lt Gen Rahul Singh

New Delhi, July 04: China is using Pakistan as a proxy to test its military hardware, said Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), during a keynote address at a FICCI defence seminar on Friday.

Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Lt Gen Singh said, “It’s no surprise that 81% of the military equipment Pakistan has acquired in the past five years is Chinese. China would rather inflict pain through its neighbours than directly engage.”

He highlighted that China is using real conflicts as a “live lab” to assess its weapon systems.

“This must be taken very seriously,” he cautioned.

“We had one border and two adversaries, actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did. When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan was actually mentioning that your such and such important vectors are ready for action and requested us to pull it back. They were getting real time updates from China”, said the Lieutenant General.

On the need of a robust air defence system, he acknowledged that some indigenous air defence systems performed well during Operation Sindoor, while others revealed critical gaps.

“We don’t have the luxury of systems like Israel’s Iron Dome because of our vast geography and limited resources. Still, our population centres must be protected with layered air defence,” he said.

Lt Gen Singh underlined the growing role of drones, counter-drone systems, and long-range artillery in modern warfare.

“We need to move very fast. It’s a cat-and-mouse game,” he remarked.

He also emphasized the importance of enhancing C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities to maintain strategic dominance and civil-military fusion.

Notably, the Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory action, exposed both vulnerabilities and strengths—but more importantly, it showed the growing depth of Sino-Pak-Turkish defence cooperation.

Greater Kashmir

Lieutenant Governor addresses 6th Convocation Ceremony of SKUAST Kashmir

By
JKN Author
-
0
Lieutenant Governor addresses 6th Convocation Ceremony of SKUAST Kashmir

Srinagar July 04: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today addressed the 6th Convocation Ceremony of SKUAST Kashmir at Srinagar. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the Chief Guest for the Convocation Ceremony.

The Union Minister extended his best wishes to the graduating students on their new beginning.
“Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Prosperous farming community is our resolve. The Government of India, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is committed to develop J&K as a hub of Horticulture,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Union Minister also shared the experience of his visit to Jammu Kashmir. “The natural beauty of Kashmir and the love of its people has won my heart,” he said.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha congratulated the University for creating a competent and competitive human resource, shaping up farm sector in J&K UT, remarkable improvement in its ranking and also wished the students for their bright future.

He extended his felicitations to the women students for their excellent academic performance across the subjects.

“Proud to see our daughters breaking barriers and achieving success in Agricultural Science & Technology. Out of 150 students conferred with gold medals, 115 were women students. Out of 445 Certificates of Merit, 334 were conferred to girls. Out of a total of 5250 degrees of undergraduate, masters, PhD in today’s convocation, 2661 degrees have been awarded to women students. It reflects a bright future for J&K and the nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, spoke on the transformative reforms taking place in agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of Jammu Kashmir over the past few years.

“Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the agriculture and allied sector has truly become a mainstay of India’s economy. This change is strongly reflected in J&K’s agriculture landscape. Today, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has emerged as a role model of agricultural revolution in the entire country,” he said.

He highlighted that in the last five years, Jammu and Kashmir has set 4 major goals for agriculture and allied sector – to transform the agriculture sector into a sustainable-commercial agriculture economy, to create an agri-business ecosystem with value chain, farmer and community-centric approach for holistic development of agriculture and to increase the income of farming families and secure their livelihood.

The Lieutenant Governor urged the graduating students to make their valuable contribution to innovation and progressive farming and take the lead in agri-technology, food technology, and groundbreaking innovation. Your passion and ideas will shape the future of India’s Agriculture sector, he said.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. And, I firmly believe that if education is in accordance with the time and the needs of the global industry, then it is the most precious asset of the society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also commended the Vice Chancellor and his team for developing modern, state of the art infrastructure and a new-age educational platform. New academic programmes, centres of excellence and research in modern technology areas – artificial intelligence, machine learning, gene editing, regenerative medicine, speed breeding – have brought Jammu and Kashmir closer to achieving its goal of becoming a knowledge economy and provided an opportunity to promote the UT’s bio-economy.

Prof. Nazir Ah. Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir read out the university report and highlighted the academic, research and extension activities of the University.

On the occasion, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare laid the foundation stone for the Girls hostel at SKUAST Kashmir.

Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah; Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, J&K, Shri Javid Ahmad Dar; Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Ms Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo; Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production, Shri Shailendra Kumar; heads of various educational institutions; senior officials, prominent citizens, faculty members, staff, graduating students and their parents were present.

Greater Kashmir

I urge everyone to come and see Kashmir: Shivraj Chouhan in Valley

By
JKN Author
-
0
5 lakh homeless people in J&K to get permanent shelter: Union Minister

Srinagar, Jul 4: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday appealed to the general public to visit Jammu and Kashmir, the region recently hit by several terror killings.

“I want to tell my citizens that the people here are waiting to welcome with their hearts filled with love and warmth. So, come here without fear and set a new example of love and brotherhood.” Chouhan said, according to a press statement.

The agriculture and rural development minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the sixth convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).

His appeal comes after a slump in tourism in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which 25 tourists and a local pony operator were gunned down by terrorists.

“I have been in Srinagar since yesterday, and have been among the people continuously. The calmness of air, smell of the soil, the natural beauty and love shown by the people has won over my heart. This truly is the jewel crown of India and heaven on earth,” he said.

“I also visited Dal Lake and took a shikara ride there. An emotional incident that touched my heart was when a shikara wala asked me ‘Mama, ask the people to come here. Our hearts are filled with love for them,’” he said.

Chouhan said he held meetings with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed agriculture and rural development initiatives with him.

He said the Centre strives to make J-K a hub of horticulture and has to that end decided to set up a Rs 150 crore clean plant centre for apple, almond, and walnut.

“The farmers need good quality, disease-free plants and this centre will provide that. Subsidy will also be given to those who set up private nurseries. A tissue culture lab for saffron will moreover be established,” he said.

He said that under the PM Awaas Yojana, a survey of five lakh people has been done, and they will be given houses after verification.

Earlier, addressing students, he said, “We are number five in the state universities rankings, and it is my belief that we will soon reach number one.”

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said he wants to see Kashmir’s apple reaching every corner of the world.

“We have to make India the food basket of the world,” he said.

Greater Kashmir

Op Sindoor an example to show when fight to maintain Swaraj is needed, says HM Shah

By
JKN Author
-
0
Op Sindoor an example to show when fight to maintain Swaraj is needed, says HM Shah

Pune, July 04: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the responsibility of creating the India of Shivaji Maharaj’s dreams rested with 140 crore Indians, and sometimes, there is a need to fight to protect our ‘Swaraj’. He cited Operation Sindoor as an example of this.

“When there was a need to fight for Swaraj, we fought. If there is a need to fight to preserve Swaraj, we will fight. Operation Sindoor is an example of this. But alongside Swaraj, the idea of a great India also encompasses the concept of Shivaji Maharaj,” he stated in his speech after unveiling the statue of the great patriot and symbol of Maratha pride, Shriman Bajirao Peshwa, on the premises of the National Defence Academy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol were among others present on the occasion.

“Our goal should be to create an India where we are number one in the entire world. If there is a personality that inspires effort, dedication and sacrifice for this, it is Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa,” he noted.

“PM Modi has given the formula of development and heritage. There have been many personalities in our thousand-year-old culture who keep inspiring us. Their history needs to be given to today’s youth. Bajirao never fought for himself. He fought for the country and Swarajya. The British distorted history. Despite having so much prowess and power, Bajirao was a lifelong Peshwa. He fought for Swarajya. In his 40 years of life, he wrote an immortal history that no one will be able to write for many centuries,” said the Home Minister.

“The inspiration that will come from installing the statue of Shrimant Bajirao at the National Defence Academy, where the chiefs of all three armed forces train and graduate, will ensure that no one can touch India’s borders,” he asserted.

“Some rules of the art of war never become outdated. The importance of strategy in war, the importance of swiftness, the spirit of dedication, the spirit of patriotism, and the spirit of sacrifice are important. These are what lead armies to victory; only the weapons keep changing. The most exemplary embodiment of all these qualities in 500 years of Indian history is found only in Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa,” said HM Shah.

He further stated, “Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa fought 41 battles in 20 years and did not lose a single one, a record no other commander could match. The most fitting place to install the statue of such a brave warrior, who never let defeat come near him until his death, is the National Defence Academy.”

He said the land of Pune is the birthplace of the values of Swaraj. In the 17th century, it was from here that the concept of Swaraj spread across the nation.

“When the time came to fight for Swaraj again in the face of the British, it was Tilak Maharaj who first roared like a lion — ‘Swaraj is my birthright’. The example of how much a person can do for their country in their lifetime was also set by Veer Savarkar from this sacred land of Maharashtra,” he added.

HM Shah also connected Bajirao’s legacy to the broader historical context, crediting the Maratha warrior and the Peshwas for preserving India’s cultural and structural identity through their resistance against external forces.

He stated, “Had the battle for Independence that was started by Shivaji Maharaj and taken forward by the Peshwas for 100 years not been fought, India’s basic structure would have ceased to exist.”

Greater Kashmir

Search for terrorists in JK’s Kishtwar enters day 3, cordon strengthened

By
JKN Author
-
0
Search for terrorists in JK's Kishtwar enters day 3, cordon strengthened

Jammu, July 04: A search operation by security forces to track down terrorists hiding in a forest area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir entered the third day on Friday, with additional deployment made in the area to reinforce the cordon, officials said.

The operation follows an encounter that broke out between the terrorists and the security forces in the heavily forested Kanzal Mandu area of the Kuchal-Chatroo belt on Wednesday.

The encounter broke out when police, assisted by Army and CRPF, launched a cordon and search operation in Kuchal around 7:45 pm based on intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The search has been expanded in the Chatroo forest region to track down the hiding terrorists. It is believed there are two to three of them, the officials said.

Helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs are being used in the operation and the cordon has been further reinforced with the deployment of additional troops, they said.

Wednesday’s encounter was the second in the Jammu region in the last one week. On June 26, a terrorist of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed was killed in an encounter with the security forces while three of his associates managed to escape into the forested area of the Basantgarh belt in Udhampur district.

Greater Kashmir

Russia hammers Kyiv in largest missile, drone barrage since war in Ukraine began

By
JKN Author
-
0
8 dead, dozens injured in major Russian airstrike on Kyiv

Kyiv, Jul 4: Waves of drone and missile attacks targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in the largest aerial attack since Russia’s war in Ukraine began, injuring 23 people and inflicting damage across multiple districts of the capital.

Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight, the country’s air force said. The majority were Shahed drones, while Russia used 11 missiles in the attack.

Throughout the night, Associated Press journalists in Kyiv heard the constant buzzing of drones overhead and the sound of explosions and intense machine gun fire as Ukrainian forces tried to intercept the aerial assault.

Kyiv was the primary target of the attack. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 hospitalised, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Ukrainian air defences shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Another 208 targets were lost from radar and presumed jammed.

Russia successfully hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from intercepted drones fell across at least 33 sites.

The attack came hours after President Donald Trump held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and made his first public comments on his administration’s decision to pause some shipments of weapons to Ukraine.

That decision affects munitions, including Patriot missiles, the AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile and shorter-range Stinger missiles. They are needed to counter incoming missiles and drones, and to bring down Russian aircraft.

It’s been less than a week since Russia’s previous largest aerial assault of the war. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired 537 drones, decoys and 60 missiles in that attack.

Emergency services reported damage in at least five of the capital’s 10 districts. In Solomianskyi district, a five-story residential building was partially destroyed and the roof of a seven-story building caught fire. Fires also broke out at a warehouse, a garage complex and an auto repair facility.

In Sviatoshynskyi district, a strike hit a 14-story residential building, sparking a fire. Several vehicles also caught fire nearby. Blazes were also reported at non-residential facilities.

In Shevchenkivskyi district, an eight-story building came under attack, with the first floor sustaining damage. Falling debris was recorded in Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi districts.

Ukraine’s national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, said drone strikes damaged rail infrastructure in Kyiv.

Greater Kashmir

LG Sinha at 6th SKUAST-K Convocation

By
JKN Author
-
0
HADP improving income of 13 lakh farmer families in Kashmir: LG Sinha at 6th SKUAST-K Convocation

Srinagar, July 04: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is improving the income of 13 lakh farmer families.

Speaking at the 6th Convocation of SKUAST-K Sinha said, “SKUAST-K has made a lot of efforts to make the HADP scheme successful in Kashmir.”

Sinha further said that HADP in Kashmir is improving the income of 13 lakh farmer families.

“Today HADP across India is being seen as role model in the agricultural industry,” he said.

He further said that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest agricultural sectors in India and in past couple of years, the farmers here has secured fifth rank in agriculture and allied sector ranking. (KNO)

Greater Kashmir

SC rejects plea against NEET-UG 2025 answer key, results

By
JKN Author
-
0
SC rejects plea against NEET-UG 2025 answer key, results

New Delhi, July 4: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea raising questions on the final answer key and results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025 exam released by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Opining that there could be multiple correct answers for a question, a Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan remarked that the top court will not interfere with the results of a national-level examination at this advanced stage on the basis of a petition filed by an individual.

The petitioner’s counsel cited an order passed by the apex court last year asking the NTA to re-tally the marks of the candidates afresh in view of the opinion rendered by an expert panel of IIT Delhi in respect of a contentious physics question.

However, the Justice Narasimha-led Bench remained firm with its decision not to interfere with the results of the all-India examination, observing that last year’s order was warranted in view of widespread discrepancies and shortcomings in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

The latest writ petition filed through advocate Sriram P. sought judicial intervention against the NTA’s “arbitrary” and “erroneous” declaration of the final answer key and results, despite receiving well-substantiated objections backed by authoritative academic sources.

As per the writ petition, this refusal to correct demonstrably erroneous answers has led to a grave miscarriage of justice and an unconstitutional denial of marks, severely affecting the petitioner’s merit ranking and future career opportunities.

Relying upon the NCERT Biology book of Class 11, the petition said that it has been specifically stated therein that cortisol (which is an adrenal cortical hormone) is also involved in maintaining the cardiovascular system, and therefore, the authorities have erred in not granting marks in relation to Question No. 136.

Seeking a stay on results, the petitioner claimed that a total of 5 marks (4 marks along with the 1 mark for the incorrect answer deducted from the total marks) would affect his rank in getting a better medical college.

It may be recalled that a similar plea challenging the answer key of NEET-UG 2025 was very recently dismissed by the Supreme Court.

 

Greater Kashmir

Guards linked to U.S.-based aid agency accused of firing on Palestinian refugees: Report

By
JKN Author
-
0
Guards linked to U.S.-based aid agency accused of firing on Palestinian refugees: Report

Srinagar, July 4: Security guards working for a U.S.-based aid group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—reportedly part of an Israel-backed aid distribution effort—allegedly opened fire on Palestinian refugees seeking food and aid, according to an investigation by the Associated Press and BBC.

A former security subcontractor told the BBC that guards at the distribution sites used stun grenades and live ammunition, including machine gun fire, against unarmed civilians—elderly people, women, and children—accusing them of “moving too slowly” away from the area. The ex-contractor also claimed that some guards dehumanized the refugees, referring to them as “zombie hordes.”

In response to the BBC’s inquiry, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which began operations in the region in late May, denied all allegations and stated that no civilians had ever been fired upon at their distribution sites.

Contractor accounts, along with videos, internal memos, and text messages reviewed by The Associated Press, provide a rare window into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a recently established, closely guarded U.S. aid group operating with Israeli support to supply food across the Gaza Strip. In June, Washington committed $30 million to keep the operation running, marking the first publicly disclosed U.S. contribution; other funding sources remain unclear.

Because GHF distribution centers sit inside Israeli‑controlled military zones, reporters have been unable to visit the sites.

Safe Reach Solutions, the logistics firm contracted by GHF, as per reports have said that no serious injuries have occurred at any location. The company acknowledged that, during the most chaotic early days of distribution, security staff occasionally fired warning shots into the ground—aimed away from civilians—to regain control of desperate crowds and “ensure everyone’s safety.”

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has come under intense criticism from over 150 humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, following reports that more than 500 Palestinian refugees have been killed since the aid initiative began operations.

In a sharp rebuke, Amnesty International stated that GHF “fails to adhere to core humanitarian principles and standards.” The rights group condemned the shift from 400 community-level aid points to just four heavily militarized distribution sites, describing them as overcrowded zones that push over two million refugees into unsafe and restricted areas.

Doctors Without Borders, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning medical charity, issued one of the harshest critiques, calling the GHF’s operations “slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid.”

Allegations of refugees being shot at while queuing for food have surfaced repeatedly. Just last month, The New York Times reported that Israeli soldiers fired at civilians approaching an aid center.

Greater Kashmir

CM Omar at SKAUST-K Convocation

By
JKN Author
-
0
J&K's future lies in hands of young scientists: CM Omar at SKAUST-K Convocation

Srinagar, July 04: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the agriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir is not only the backbone of the economy but also central to the region’s culture and identity while the future of the Union Territory lies in the hands of young scientists.

Speaking at the 6th Convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), CM Oma said over 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly connected to agriculture.

He said that the vision guiding the transformation of agriculture in the region is rooted in the ideals of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and finds expression today in every lab and lecture hall.

He said the institution has contributed significantly to temperate horticulture research, sustainable farming in high-altitude areas, animal husbandry, and organic agricultural practices. “The graduates are not just degree holders but are becoming grassroots problem solvers”.

CM Omar said the agriculture of yesterday can not address the challenges of tomorrow. He named climate change, land degradation, and market volatility as major hurdles, along with the aspirations of a younger generation seeking growth and opportunity.

He said the administration has initiated a number of data-driven reform programs aimed at achieving real change on the ground and that holistic agriculture development program is one of the cornerstones of this effort.

“The program, with an investment of over Rs 5,000 crore, brings together science, finance, and governance to reshape agriculture into a high-value and technology-driven sector”.

The Chief Minister said the government is working closely with scientists, entrepreneurs, and farmers across several fronts, including precision farming, dairy modernization, and post-harvest processing. “29 major projects are being supported, including high-density apple and walnut plantations, sheep husbandry clusters, saffron revitalization, and new agribusiness models”.

He told graduates that this is their field and their opportunity. “The government’s mission is to empower young aspirations and has already launched support for hundreds of start-ups in food processing, agri-tech, dairy, and horticulture. The graduates will find support if they come forward with ideas and business plans.

He said that if young people have the courage to lead, the government will create platforms for them. He called the graduates the new torchbearers of change.

Addressing the graduates directly, he said the world needs not only their knowledge but also their courage, compassion, and character. He asked them to be bold with their ideas, to build agri-startups, to consult with farmer groups, and to digitize extension services. He said they are trained to bridge science and society.

He said they should stay rooted in their soil and never forget their land and people. “Whether they go to Bengaluru or any other place, they should carry Jammu and Kashmir in their hearts. They must also contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.”

He asked the graduates whether they could help double the income of small farmers, develop solutions for climate-smart agriculture, build agri-enterprises that generate rural employment, or mentor future generations. “If their answer is yes, they will have the full support of the Jammu and Kashmir government,” he said. (KNO)

Greater Kashmir

1...856857858...926Page 857 of 926
- Advertisement -
Google search engine

Recent Posts

JK News – Your go-to source for the latest and most reliable news from Jammu & Kashmir!
Contact us: info@jknews.in
Facebook Instagram Twitter

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

JK News © 2026