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Rajya Sabha adjourned for day; to discuss Operation Sindoor tomorrow

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Parliament adjourned amid Oppn sloganeering, debate on 'Op Sindoor' to start post noon

New Delhi, July 28: Amid Opposition sloganeering by Opposition MPs, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day and will meet again at 11 am on Tuesday to discuss Operation Sindoor.
The proceedings of the Upper House began at 2 am after being adjourned twice, only to follow the same course again as the Opposition raised slogans against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.

“Stop vote theft”, Opposition MPs hollered before the house was adjourned.

The house will meet again on Tuesday for a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor. According to sources, Rajnath Singh and S Jaishankar will be among the ministers who will take part in the discussion in the Rajya Sabha. PM Modi is also expected to intervene in the discussion.

The largest opposition party, Congress, has been allotted an approximate time of two hours in the discussion. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge will open the debate for them.

Meanwhile, the discussion on Operation Sindoor has finally begun in Lok Sabha after being adjourned three times earlier in the day.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened the discussion, calling the military operation that was launched by the Indian armed forces as “historic”, Singh paid tributes to the soldiers who always remain ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation.

“The Parliament is ready to discuss Operation Sindoor. First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude on behalf of the Parliament towards brave jawans who have sacrificed for the country whenever required,” Singh said in his address to Lok Sabha.

He emphasised that Operation Sindoor was a “decisive and effective demonstration” of India’s policy against terrorism.

“On May 6 and 7, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, which remains historic. Operation Sindoor was not merely a military operation but a decisive and effective demonstration of our policy against terrorism. It also reflected commitment to India’s sovereignty, its identity, and our responsibility towards the citizens of the country,” Rajnath Singh said.

Along with Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, BJP Vice-President Baijayant Panda will also speak in Lok Sabha.

Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, will lead the opposition’s discussion. He will be aided by other Congress MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Praneet Shinde, Saptagiri Ulaka, and Bijendra Ola.

Lok Sabha is also set to hold a discussion on Operation Sindoor, with top leaders from the ruling alliance and the opposition participating. Ahead of the 16-hour-long discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has appealed to the opposition not to speak the language of Pakistan.

Greater Kashmir

Op Sindoor non-escalatory; hit terror sites hard: Rajnath in Lok Sabha

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Op Sindoor non-escalatory; hit terror sites hard: Rajnath in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Jul 28: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asserted that the armed force are ever vigilant to defend India’s borders and Operation Sindoor was an effective and well-coordinated strike against nine terror sites.

Opening the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, he said seven terror camps were fully destroyed. He said India has proof of the damage incurred inside PoK and Pakistan.

The entire operation was over in 22 minutes and the Pahalgam killings were avenged.

The attacks, he asserted, were non-escalatory in nature.

“Before executing Operation Sindoor, our forces studied every aspect and chose option that would cause maximum damage to terrorists, while ensuring no harm to innocent civilians,” Singh said.

Greater Kashmir

Prominent Kashmiri comedian Bashir ‘Kotur’ is no more

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Prominent Kashmiri comedian Bashir 'Kotur' is no more

Srinagar, July 28: Renowned Kashmiri comedian Bashir Ahmad Bhat, popularly known as Bashir Kotur, a beloved figure in the region’s entertainment scene, passed away at his residence in Hanjigund Chadoora on Monday—just a day after being discharged from the hospital.

Family sources told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that he had been suffering from multiple health issues.

He was recently admitted to the ICU in critical condition and was discharged on Saturday. However, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away this afternoon, they said.

Known for his commanding stage presence and impeccable comic timing, Bashir Kotur entertained generations and earned widespread respect in Kashmir’s performing arts community.

His death has left a deep void in the world of Kashmiri comedy and folk theatre, with tributes pouring in from across the region.

Funeral prayers are expected to be held later today at his native village. (KNO)

Greater Kashmir

Shashi Tharoor declined to join ‘Operation Sindoor’ debate: Congress sources

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Tharoor slams ‘zealots’; says was clearly speaking only about reprisals for terrorist attacks

New Delhi, July 28: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, one of the party’s most articulate voices in Parliament, has opted out of the much-anticipated debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ scheduled for discussion on Monday, according to senior party sources.

The Lok Sabha is set to engage in a 16-hour marathon discussion on ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The operation, involving cross-border strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, has since sparked political, diplomatic, and public debate.

Tharoor’s absence from the speakers’ list has drawn considerable attention, particularly given his prominent role in leading a diplomatic outreach delegation to the United States following the operation.

Sources within the Congress revealed that Tharoor was invited to participate but declined for unspecified reasons.

The Congress lineup for the debate includes Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Deputy LoP Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Parineeti Shinde, Shafi Parambil, Manickam Tagore, and Raja Barad.

On the government side, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to open the debate, outlining the strategic objectives and outcomes of ‘Operation Sindoor’.

He will be flanked by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who will present the administration’s account of the Pahalgam attack and India’s retaliatory military strategy.

BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey are also slated to speak, reinforcing the ruling party’s narrative and highlighting national security priorities.

In response, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other Opposition members, are preparing to challenge the government’s version of events, demanding greater transparency, accountability, and clarity on the operation’s long-term impact.

The Congress has issued a strict three-day whip to ensure full attendance by its MPs, underlining the importance the party places on this high-stakes debate.

Since the Monsoon Session began on July 21, Parliament has seen repeated adjournments over the Opposition’s demand for urgent discussions on issues of national interest — including the Pahalgam attack and the Election Commission’s ongoing SIR exercise in Bihar.

Adding to the political pressure, the Opposition is also demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address comments made by US President Donald Trump, who claimed to have facilitated a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of ‘Operation Sindoor’.

However, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon following persistent sloganeering and disruptions by Opposition MPs.

Greater Kashmir

World hepatitis day 2025:This year’s theme and call for clean water and better sanitation

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World hepatitis day 2025:This year’s theme and call for clean water and better sanitation

Srinagar, July 28: World hepatitis day- theme and awareness World Hepatitis Day is observed globally every year on 28 July, and in 2025, it falls on a Monday. The day raises awareness about hepatitis—a liver inflammation that can lead to serious conditions like liver disease and cancer.

The significance of the day is also tied to Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and developed the first vaccine. His groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize. Viral hepatitis affects more than 300 million people worldwide and leads to more than 1 million deaths each year. Despite effective vaccines, prevention strategies, and medications, deaths from hepatitis are increasing globally.

CDC and other organizations around the world recognize WHD by raising awareness about viral hepatitis, the burdens people with hepatitis face, ongoing work to combat viral hepatitis across the globe, and actions people can take to prevent future transmission.

The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025 is Let’s Break It Down, which encourages immediate action to eliminate financial, social, and systemic barriers—including stigma—to hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.

The theme signifies simplifying, expanding, and integrating hepatitis services—vaccination, safe injection practices, harm reduction, and, most importantly, testing and treatment—into national health systems.

Kashmir is witnessing a concerning rise in Hepatitis A cases, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and water supply. Health experts attribute the increase to contaminated water, poor hygiene practices, and low public awareness. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and fever, but the infection is preventable through vaccination and better sanitation.

A paediatrician warned that children are especially vulnerable due to greater exposure to unsafe environments. He stressed the need for public health campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, and timely interventions to curb the spread
Simple everyday precautions to Prevent Hepatitis A
1. Ensure Clean Drinking Water
Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water.
Avoid water from open or untreated sources (springs, rivers, etc.).
2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before eating or cooking.
3. Eat Safe, Cooked Food
Avoid street food or raw/uncooked meals.
Ensure fruits and vegetables are washed with clean water or peeled before eating.
4. Vaccinate Against Hepatitis A
o The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective, especially recommended for children and those in high-risk areas.
5. Maintain Proper Sanitation
Use proper toilets, avoid open defecation.
Safely dispose of waste and ensure proper sewage systems.
6. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Do not share items like toothbrushes, utensils, or razors that could be contaminated.

Greater Kashmir

Tourist footfall dipped in J&K post Pahalgam attack, no economic assessment impact done yet: Centre

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Tourist footfall dipped in J&K post Pahalgam attack, no economic assessment impact done yet: Centre

New Delhi, July 28: The Centre on Monday said that while tourist arrivals to Jammu and Kashmir have declined in post Pahalgam terror attack, no assessment has been made so far on the economic impact of the incident on tourism-dependent stakeholders in the region.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that tourist data is provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, and the Ministry relies on their figures for assessments.

He said that the number of domestic tourist visits (DTVs) and foreign tourist visits (FTVs) in Jammu and Kashmir has been rising steadily over the past five years, except during the pandemic period. “However, figures for the current year show a decline when compared to the previous year”.

Quoting the data provided by the tourism department, he said, 2.35 crore domestic tourists and 65,452 foreign tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024. “In the first six months of 2025, the region has received 95.9 lakh domestic tourists and 19,570 foreign tourists”.

He said no study or formal assessment has been conducted to measure the business losses or economic impact caused by the decline in footfall following the attack in Pahalgam.

In response to a query on government measures to restore confidence and promote tourism in the region, the minister listed a number of schemes and initiatives being implemented across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for development of tourism infrastructure through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), and Assistance to Central Agencies.

He added promotional campaigns such as ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, ‘Chalo India’, and events like International Tourism Mart and Bharat Parv are used to boost tourism in domestic and international markets.

The minister also said the ministry has launched the Incredible India Content Hub and uses various digital platforms, including social media and its official website, to promote tourism destinations across India.

He also said the government is promoting thematic tourism including wellness, culinary, rural, and eco-tourism, and is focusing on skill development initiatives like the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator and Paryatan Mitra programmes. (KNO)

Greater Kashmir

Monday weekly wrap- Top headlines from Kashmir and beyond

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Monday weekly wrap- Top headlines from Kashmir and beyond

Srinagar, July 28: Here are top headlines of past week from Kashmir and beyond.

Amarnath Yatra crosses mark of 3.77 Lakh pilgrims in 25 days

Over 3.77 lakh people performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra since it started this year on July 3 as another batch of 1,635 devotees left Jammu for the Valley on Monday.

Officials of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said the ‘Chhari Sthapana’ ceremony was held at the Shri Amareshwar Temple inside the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar yesterday.

Doctors will be transferred after every four years: Sakina Itoo

Delegation of MLAs calls on Lieutenant Governor, demands fair probe into killing of youth in Jammu

A delegation of MLAs today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to demand a fair probe into the tragic killing of youth Parvaiz Ahmed in police firing at Nikki Tawi, Jammu.

The delegation comprised MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary, and MLA Mahore Er. Khursheed Ahmed.

Need unified political approach for restoration of J-K’s statehood: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad has called for a unified political approach for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Azad also expressed concern over the state of development in Jammu and Kashmir, saying while central projects were progressing, state-level initiatives were “completely halted”.

Yemen’s Houthis say to target ‘all foreign ships’ linked to Israel

Yemen’s Houthi armed group said in a statement that it will begin targeting “all foreign ships linked to Israel… regardless of their destination,” citing retaliation for what it called Israel’s “blockade and starvation” campaign against Gaza.

“This escalation includes targeting all ships belonging to any company that deals with Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality and wherever they may be, within our forces’ reach,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

The latest child to starve to death in Gaza weighed less than when she was born

A mother pressed a final kiss to what remained of her 5-month-old daughter and wept. Esraa Abu Halib’s baby now weighed less than when she was born.

On a sunny street in shattered Gaza, the bundle containing Zainab Abu Halib represented the latest death from starvation after 21 months of war and Israeli restrictions on aid.

 

 

Greater Kashmir

US mandates In-person Visa interviews for most, reversing 2025 waiver updates

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US mandates In-person Visa interviews for most, reversing 2025 waiver updates

Srinagar, July 28: The U.S. Department of State has announced major changes to its visa interview waiver policy, effective from September 2. All non-immigrant visa applicants — including children under 14 and adults over 79 — will now be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.

This applies to all non-immigrant visa categories, such as tourist and business (B-1/B-2), student (F and M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas. Diplomatic visas under categories A and G are also included.
The update, issued on July 25 to bolster security, has sparked concerns among H-1B holders and other visa applicants about potential delays and longer processing times.
All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, except for the following categories:

• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1
• Diplomatic or Official-Type Visas: Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas
• Renewing B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 Visa Holders: Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that consular officers continue to have the authority to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis, regardless of eligibility for an interview waiver. This new guidance overrides the previous Interview Waiver Update issued on February 18, 2025.

“Consular officers may still request an in-person interview for any reason,” the USCIS stated in its release. “Applicants are advised to visit the websites of U.S. embassies or consulates for detailed information on visa application requirements, procedures, and the current operational status of services.”

Greater Kashmir

Four held, Tehsildar among three still on the run, says Crime Branch Kashmir

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Corruption Case: Four held, Tehsildar among three still on the run, says Crime Branch Kashmir

Srinagar, July 28: The Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) on Monday said that four persons have been arrested in a corruption and cheating case while three others, including a Tehsildar, are still absconding.

“The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) has arrested four out of seven accused individuals involved in a case of corruption, cheating, false mutations and wrongful insertions in Revenue records following a thorough investigation based on evidence,” read a statement, issued by CBK.

“An FIR No. 14/2025 U/S 167,420, 120-B RPC r/w 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006. dated 09.07.2025 stands registered against seven individuals, including two revenue officers for their involvement in corruption, cheating, false mutations and wrongful insertions in Revenue records. These involved persons have been operating in an organized manner causing substantial financial loss and agony to gullible people in District Srinagar and District Budgam areas,” it added.

As per the statement, those arrested have been identified as Riyaz Ahmad Bhat S/o Ghulam Mohammad Bhat R/o Nowgam Srinagar; Mohammad Shafi Lone @ Shaff Cheeni S/o Abdul Ahad Lone R/o House No. 187 Sec B, Peerbagh Srinagar, Shahnawaz Ahmad Rather S/o Noor Mohammad Rather R/o Padshahi Bagh Srinagar; and Shabir Ahmad Wani S/o Mohammad Ismail Wani R/o Bagandar Lasjan

“The alleged accused Ms. Nusrat Aziz D/o Abdul Aziz Lone R/o Gurez A/P Mehjoor Nagar Srinagar (Tehsildar), had applied for “bail”, however, it was cancelled by the Hon’ble Court of Anti Corruption Judge Srinagar. Since then the Tehsildar is at large and is evading her arrest. She is also involved in four other FIR’s (two in Crime Branch Kashmir & two in ACB Kashmir),” read the statement further.

“Furthermore, the other two accused individuals Ashiq Ali S/o Ghulam Rasool Khan R/o Panner Jagir A/P Hawal Srinagar (the then Patwari, Balhama Srinagar) and Shamima Akhter W/o Mohammad Shafi Lone R/o Gooripora Rawalpora are also at large and efforts are underway to apprehend them at the earliest as per the rule of law.”

Greater Kashmir

Parliament adjourned amid Oppn sloganeering, debate on ‘Op Sindoor’ to start post noon

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Parliament adjourned amid Oppn sloganeering, debate on 'Op Sindoor' to start post noon

New Delhi, July 28: Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon on Monday following persistent sloganeering and disruptions by Opposition MPs.

The Lok Sabha witnessed particularly tense scenes as Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, raising slogans and throwing pamphlets, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene sharply.

As proceedings began, Speaker Birla admonished the protesting MPs, stating, “Honourable Members, do you want to disrupt the House? Do you not want to discuss Operation Sindoor? You said that Operation Sindoor should be discussed. Then why are you not allowing the House to do so?”

He further addressed Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi directly, saying, “Leader of the Opposition, please explain to the members of your party. They have not been sent to throw pamphlets in the House. You want to behave in this manner? The country will see that you personally disrupted the Question Hour, carried placards, threw slips, and raised slogans.”

Despite repeated warnings, the ruckus continued, leading the Speaker to adjourn the House till noon. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha was also adjourned till noon.

The adjournment comes just hours ahead of a significant 16-hour-long debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’, which is expected to be a defining moment of the session, focussing on national security and India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will initiate the ‘Operation Sindoor’ debate later in the day, presenting the government’s position on the objectives and outcomes of the operation.

He will be joined by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both of whom are expected to lay out the government’s narrative on the Pahalgam terror strike and India’s subsequent military actions.

Prominent BJP MPs, including Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey, will also be speaking during the session, reinforcing the government’s stand.

On the Opposition Benches, Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge are expected to lead the counter-narrative.

They will be joined by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and several other Opposition leaders. All of whom are likely to question the transparency, execution, and impact of the operation.

Recognising the weight of the debate, the Congress party has issued a three-day whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs, mandating their presence in the House.

Greater Kashmir

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