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UN chief welcomes Hamas’ statement on US Gaza proposal

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UN chief calls for ceasefire in Gaza

United Nations, Oct 04: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage on the basis of the proposal by US President Donald Trump, the UN chief’s spokesperson said.

The secretary-general “welcomes and is encouraged” by the statement issued by Hamas, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The UN chief urged all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the conflict in the Gaza Strip to an end, and thanked Qatar and Egypt for their invaluable mediation work, said the spokesperson.

Dujarric said the secretary-general reiterated his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access. “The United Nations will support all efforts toward these objectives to prevent even more suffering.”

Hamas announced Friday that it has submitted its response to Trump’s Gaza peace proposal to regional and international mediators, saying it has agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a press statement, the Palestinian armed group also agreed to transfer the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, formed through national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic countries.

“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump said Friday on Truth Social, adding that Israel must immediately stop its bombing of Gaza. “We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

On Monday, the Trump administration unveiled a 20-point proposal after the US president held talks with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which outlines a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, a phased Israeli withdrawal, a demilitarized Gaza, and international oversight of Gaza’s reconstruction and governance after the end of the conflict.

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Hamas ready to release hostages, Trump Says Group ‘Ready for Lasting Peace’

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Hamas proposes one-time hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners 

New Delhi, Oct 4: Hamas said it is prepared to release all remaining Israeli hostages under the framework of the US peace plan for Gaza, while seeking further negotiations on key points, the BBC reported. A Hamas spokesperson told the BBC that US President Donald Trump’s remarks were “encouraging,” adding: “We are ready to begin negotiations immediately to achieve a prisoner exchange, end the war, and secure the withdrawal of the occupation.”

In its statement, Hamas confirmed agreement to “release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met.” It also said it would “hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents” based on national consensus and with Arab and Islamic backing.

On the broader question of Gaza’s future, Hamas said Palestinian rights must be rooted in international law and discussed “within a national framework” in which the group would participate.
Qatar welcomed the Hamas statement, saying: “We also affirm our support for the statements made by the President calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages, and to achieve rapid results that would put an end to the bloodshed of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.” Doha added it had begun coordinating with Egypt and the US to resume ceasefire talks.

Trump, responding on Truth Social, said: “Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long-sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

The announcement came just after Trump gave Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the US proposals or face “all hell.” The 20-point plan – already accepted by Israel – calls for an immediate ceasefire, a staged prisoner exchange, and Hamas’s disarmament, while ruling out the group’s role in Gaza’s future governance.

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Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended from Oct 5-7 due to inclement weather forecast

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Vaishno Devi Board denies disregarding weather advisories, says yatra halted before cloudburst

Jammu, Oct 03: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Friday night announced the suspension of pilgrimage to the cave shrine atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district from October 5-7 due to an inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

More than 1.70 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the Vaishno Devi temple during Navratri, with the Yatra going on smoothly, officials said.

“In view of an inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department, the Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain suspended from October 5 to 7,” the Shrine Board said in a post on X.

The Yatra will resume on October 8, it said, adding that devotees may stay updated through official channels.

The Shrine Board has taken the step as a precautionary measure in view of the threat perception of landslides, flooding, and cloudbursts due to heavy rain.

The pilgrimage to the shrine resumed on September 17 after remaining suspended for 22 days due to a devastating landslide along the track caused by torrential rain on August 26, which killed 34 people and injured 20 others.

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J&K Govt employees to get revised HRA, CCA

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J&K Govt employees to get revised HRA, CCA

Jammu, Oct 3: The government on Friday amended Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (House Rent Allowance and City Compensatory Allowance) Rules, 1992.

Following the amendment, the House Rent Allowance to the government employees of Jammu and Kashmir will be payable in the revised pay structure.

In exercise of the powers conferred by proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India, the Lieutenant Governor has directed to add new proviso as fifth proviso to rule 4(1) of the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (House Rent Allowance and City Compensatory Allowance) Rules, 1992, as contained in Schedule XXII of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, Vol. II.

“Provided also that with effect from January 1, 2024, the House Rent Allowance to the Government employees of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, shall be payable in the revised pay structure (as per classification notified by Central Government),” the new proviso read.

As per this proviso, the HRA in All Metropolitan Cities (X Class Cities) will be payable at the rate of 30 percent of Basic Pay; in Srinagar and Jammu Urban areas (Y Class Cities), the rate will be 20 percent of Basic Pay while at ‘Other places’ (Z Class locations), the rate will 10 percent of basic pay.

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Shopian district administration organises grievance redressal camp at Kaprin

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Shopian district administration organises grievance redressal camp at Kaprin

Shopian, Oct 3: The Shopian district administration on Friday organised a grievance redressal camp at Kaprin, aimed to bring governance to the doorstep of people and ensure prompt redressal of their grievances.

The camp, presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, sought to take necessary steps for timely redressal to ensure a prompt response and resolution of public concerns.

At the outset, a pledge ceremony was held wherein the participants reaffirmed their commitment to curbing the drugs and eradicating them from the Shopian district, enabling the younger generation to realise their true potential.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that the camp was being observed in Kaprin to promote participatory governance, transparency, and service delivery at the grassroots level.

He emphasised the role of such grievance redressal camps in strengthening trust between the people and the administration.

The locals welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the administration’s outreach, stating that such camps help in addressing long-pending issues without delay.

On the occasion, BDO Kaprin, Tariq Ahmad, also briefed the gathering about various welfare schemes and urged people to avail the benefits to achieve self-reliance and an improved quality of life.

A large number of people from Kaprin and delegations from adjoining areas participated in the camp and got their demands redressed.

These included the dilapidated road from Wangam to Mantribugh, the construction of the Dangam bridge, a shortage of staff at the GHSS in Kaprin, Ratnipora, Kashipora and Tikipora, poor road connectivity, drinking water supply, healthcare, education, electricity, sanitation and other issues.

Some demands and issues of public importance were also resolved on the spot.

Such grievance redressal camps are part of the district administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public outreach and provide citizens with a platform to raise their issues of public importance.

ADC, Zakir Hussain Faaz, Tehsildar, Shopian, Anjum Bashir, officers and officials from the Rural Development Department, civil society members, and other concerned officials were present on the occasion, who responded to public queries and grievances and assured prompt resolution within fixed timelines.

 

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Veteran journalist T J S George dies at 97

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Veteran journalist T J S George dies at 97

Bengaluru, Oct 3: Renowned journalist and author Thayil Jacob Sony George, popularly known as T J S George, passed away at a private hospital here on Friday. He was 97.

A Padma Bhushan awardee, George was widely respected for his incisive writings, often marked by satire and sarcasm.

He was the Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express and gained acclaim for his widely read weekly column, Point of View, which he wrote for 25 years until 2022, continuing till the age of 94.

Hailing from Kerala, George spent most of his life in Bengaluru and Coimbatore. He is survived by his children, Sheba Thayil and author-poet Jeet Thayil.

Mourning his demise, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on ‘X’, “Saddened by the passing of veteran journalist, editor & author T J S George. With his sharp pen and uncompromising voice, he enriched Indian journalism for over six decades. He was a true public intellectual who made readers think, question, and engage. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and countless admirers.”

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy also expressed his condolences, noting George’s contributions in various roles, including editor, editorial director, and editorial advisor of national and international newspapers.

“I have closely read the Point of View column he wrote in The New Indian Express. I was captivated by his writing talent after reading his book MS–A Life in Music, based on the life of the great musician Smt M S Subbulakshmi,” Kumaraswamy wrote on ‘X’.

“May the departed soul rest in eternal peace and may God grant his family, fans, and well-wishers the strength to bear the grief,” he added.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, along with Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal, visited George’s residence to pay homage to the veteran journalist.

 

 

 

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Sat Sharma calls to intensify ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’

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Sat Sharma calls to intensify ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’

Jammu, Oct 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, under the leadership of its President Sat Sharma (CA), held an organisational meeting at Mahanpur in Basohli to review the ongoing activities and future roadmap of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan. Sharma called upon the party leaders and cadre to transform the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan into a mass movement. He said the campaign, launched on September 25 on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, will culminate on December 25, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Highlighting the core focus of the Abhiyan, Sharma said that “Vocal for Local” is the bedrock of India’s journey towards true self-reliance. He asserted that the movement draws its strength from villages, farmers, women, youth, and the poor, and is an extension of decentralization and Swadeshi as advocated by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Sat Sharma emphasised that every citizen must contribute to the mission by adopting ‘Swadeshi’ in daily life, maximizing the use of local products. He underlined that the party cadre has been tasked to reach every household in the coming three months to make the campaign a true people’s movement.

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Arif Laigaroo visits Kani Mazar Habba Kadal for condolences

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Arif Laigaroo visits Kani Mazar Habba Kadal for condolences

Srinagar, Oct 3: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former State Secretary Arif Laigaroo visited Kani Mazar, Habba Kadal, to offer condolences on the demise of Farooq Ahmed Zadoo, who recently passed away due to cardiac arrest.

The deceased was the uncle of PDP senior worker Bilal Naik. He was accompanied by Zone President Habba Kadal Tufail Bhat, Ward President Kani Mazar Shakeel Ahmed, Ghulam Ahmed, Aqib Bangroo and other party workers. Laigaroo expressed deep sorrow over the irreparable loss and conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family, praying for peace to the departed soul.

“The demise of Farooq Ahmed Zadoo is a personal loss to all of us. He was a noble soul, respected in his community, and his passing has left a deep void. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bilal Naik and the entire family in this hour of grief,” Laigaroo said.

 

 

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India, China to resume direct flights by late October

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India, China to resume direct flights by late October

New Delhi, Oct 3: India and China have agreed to resume direct air services by the end of this month, marking a step towards the gradual normalisation of bilateral ties.

According to an official announcement, civil aviation authorities of the two countries have been engaged in technical-level talks since early this year.

These discussions focused on restoring direct connectivity and revising the Air Services Agreement. Under the agreement, flights between designated cities in India and China will restart with the onset of the winter schedule in late October 2025. The resumption will depend on the commercial decisions of designated carriers and the completion of operational requirements. Officials said the move is expected to boost people-to-people contact and ease travel, further contributing to the ongoing efforts to normalise exchanges between the two Asian neighbours.

 

 

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Khyber Cement marks 5th edition of ‘swachhata hi seva’ 2025

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Khyber Cement marks 5th edition of ‘swachhata hi seva’ 2025

Srinagar, Oct 3: Khyber Cement celebrated the fifth edition of “swachhata hi seva 2025”, under the aegis of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Dehradun Region, and the Directorate General of Mines Safety, Srinagar Region.

The initiative, themed “Let’s Build a Cleaner Tomorrow,” commenced on September 17 and concluded on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

The program began with a Swachhata pledge ceremony at Khyber Cement’s factory premises, led by Sri Ramachandran, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, Srinagar Region, reflecting a shared commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and social responsibility. Over two weeks, Khyber Cement, alongside local schools, administration, and nearby villagers, undertook a range of activities including cleanliness drives, health awareness campaigns, and plantation initiatives. On September 30, a plantation drive at the Green Belt around the Khyber Cement factory premises saw the planting of diverse tree species, with the active participation of the Khyber Cement team and locals.

Riaz Tramboo, Director of Operations, said, “Through initiatives like Swachhata Hi Seva, Khyber Cement has always been at the forefront, leading such drives that make a tangible difference in the communities we serve. We are proud to not only organise these activities but also actively engage employees, local schools, and villagers, fostering awareness and participation. Our commitment goes beyond business as we aim to set a benchmark in social responsibility and sustainable development.”

Myser Ahmed Khan, Chief of Mines, added, “Khyber Cement’s initiatives demonstrate that corporate responsibility can drive meaningful change. Through programs like Swachhata Hi Seva, we are fostering a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Kashmir.”

Khyber Cement has consistently been at the forefront of such government-led programs, ensuring active engagement of local communities. Through this edition of Swachhata Hi Seva, the company reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, social responsibility, and community growth, demonstrating that its impact goes far beyond cement production, contributing to a cleaner, greener, and thriving J&K.

 

 

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