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Every terror attack from Uri to Pahalgam given befitting reply: Amit Shah

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Every terror attack from Uri to Pahalgam given befitting reply: Amit Shah

Srinagar, July 12: Stating that the Government of India responded to the Uri terrorist attack with a surgical strike and to the Pulwama attack with air strikes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was another example of decisive cross-border action.

Speaking at a public meeting in Kerala, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) referred to the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack as examples of how the government responded with military action. “We responded to the Uri attack with a surgical strike and to the Pulwama attack with air strikes,” Shah said.

He also cited “Operation Sindoor” as another example of decisive cross-border action, describing it as an instance where Indian forces entered terrorist hideouts and carried targeted operations. “Terrorism has no place anywhere. The BJP-led government will eliminate it wherever it exists,” he added.

He said that terrorism cannot be countered by anyone other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, and pointed to past operations in Jammu and Kashmir as evidence of that stance.

He also said the government is working toward making India free of Naxalism by March 31, 2026. “This goal is part of a broader national security strategy aimed at addressing internal threats,” he added.

The Home Minister criticised opposition-led state governments for what he called a lack of effective action against extremist groups.

Without naming specific parties, he questioned their silence on the activities of banned outfits and called for a national consensus on security issues.

Greater Kashmir

Indian-American Sabih Khan named Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer

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Indian-American Sabih Khan named Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer

 

Srinagar, July 9: Sabih Khan, an Indian-American technology executive, has been named the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Apple Inc., the company announced. A veteran at Apple with nearly three decades of service, Khan will officially take over the role later this month, succeeding Jeff Williams. He currently serves as Apple’s Vice President.

Apple CEO Tim Cook hailed Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and credited him as a key force behind the company’s global supply chain. “Sabih leads with heart and values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer. He helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges,” Cook said in a statement.

Williams, who has overseen major projects including the Apple Watch, will remain with the company until his planned retirement later this year, continuing to lead the design and Apple Watch divisions in the interim.

He was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and moved to Singapore at the age of 10. There, he enrolled at Tufts University and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mechanical engineering. He later pursued a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

In 1995, he started working with Apple. During his 30-year stint at the tech company, he played a crucial role in shaping Apple’s global supply chain.
In 2019, he became the senior vice president of operations and was in charge of forming alliances with suppliers of green manufacturing, helping in planet conservation measures.

Greater Kashmir

28 Palestinians including children killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza

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US presents 'bridge' proposal to extend Gaza ceasefire, push for permanent solution

Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), July 12: Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including four children, hospital officials said Saturday.

The children and two women were among at least 13 people who were killed in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, after Israeli airstrikes pounded the area starting late Friday, officials in Al-Aqsa Martyr’s Hospital said.

Another four people were killed in strikes near a fuel station, and 15 others died in Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, according to Nasser Hospital.

The Israeli military said in a statement that over the past 48 hours, troops struck approximately 250 targets in the Gaza Strip, including militants, booby-trapped structures, weapons storage facilities, anti-tank missile launch posts, sniper posts, tunnels and additional Hamas infrastructure sites. The military did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment on the civilian deaths.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people in their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and abducted 251. They still hold 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

Israel’s offensive has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, which is under Gaza’s Hamas-run government, doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. The UN and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war casualties.

US President Donald Trump has said that he is closing in on another ceasefire agreement that would see more hostages released and potentially wind down the war. But after two days of talks this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu there were no signs of a breakthrough.

Greater Kashmir

New COVID subvariant XFG raises concerns over worldwide rapid spreading

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New COVID subvariant XFG raises concerns over worldwide rapid spreading

Srinagar, July 12: Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we’re now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid.

This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed “Stratus”) and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a “variant under monitoring” in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000.

It is spreading rapidly across the globe. According to the World Health Organisation, XFG is one of the seven variants under monitoring. With a high transmission rate, XFG could become the next dominant variant worldwide. It is currently rapidly spreading across several countries in the South-East Asia Region.

A “variant under monitoring” signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants.

XFG is a recombinant strain formed from the merging of two subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. This means it carries genetic material from both. Recombinant variants are typically labeled with an “X” at the beginning of their name.

Although recombination and spontaneous mutations are common in SARS-CoV-2, they become concerning when the resulting subvariant develops traits that make it more harmful or harder to control. A significant increase in hospitalisation has also been reported. As of June 22, a total of 1,648 XFG genome sequences from 38 countries had been reported to the global database GISAID, which monitors Covid variants.

Greater Kashmir

India rolls out 1st electric truck scheme with maximum incentive of Rs 9.6 lakh per vehicle

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India rolls out 1st electric truck scheme with maximum incentive of Rs 9.6 lakh per vehicle

New Delhi, Jul 11: The Centre on Friday launched a groundbreaking scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative, with the maximum incentive set at Rs 9.6 lakh per vehicle.

This marks the first time the government is extending direct support for electric trucks, aiming to accelerate the country’s transition to clean, efficient and sustainable freight mobility. The scheme is expected to support the deployment of approximately 5,600 e-trucks across the country.

“Diesel trucks, though constituting only 3 per cent of the total vehicle population, contribute to 42 per cent of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions and significantly worsen air pollution,” said Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy.

This pioneering scheme, guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents India’s first dedicated support for electric trucks.

“It will drive our nation toward sustainable freight mobility, a cleaner future, and the realisation of Viksit Bharat by 2047, in alignment with our net-zero emissions goal by 2070,” said the minister.

Under the scheme, demand incentives will be extended to N2 and N3 category electric trucks, as defined under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).

The N2 category includes trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) above 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes.

The N3 category covers trucks with a GVW exceeding 12 tonnes and up to 55 tonnes. In the case of articulated vehicles, incentives will apply only to the puller tractor of the N3 category.

“To ensure reliability and performance, the scheme mandates comprehensive manufacturer-backed warranties. The battery must be covered under a warranty for five years or 5 lakh kilometres, whichever is earlier. The vehicle and motor must have a warranty of five years or 2.5 lakh kilometres, whichever is earlier,” according to an official statement.

To promote affordability, the incentive amount will depend on the GVW of the electric truck, with the maximum incentive set at Rs 9.6 lakh per vehicle. These incentives will be offered as an upfront reduction in the purchase price and reimbursed to OEMs via the PM E-DRIVE portal on a first-come, first-served basis.

A dedicated provision for 1,100 e-trucks registered in Delhi has been made, with an estimated outlay of Rs 100 crore, aimed at addressing the capital’s serious air quality challenges.

The initiative has received a warm response from both manufacturers and users of e-trucks, who acknowledge the scheme’s potential to lower logistics costs and reduce carbon emissions.

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has committed to procure 150 e-trucks over the next two years for deployment across multiple locations. Additionally, SAIL has set an internal target to ensure that at least 15 per cent of all vehicles hired across its units are electric.

To qualify for the incentives, the scrapping of old, polluting trucks is mandatory, ensuring a dual benefit of modernising vehicle fleets and reducing emissions, said the ministry.

Greater Kashmir

Mumbai likely to play first-ever Ranji Trophy match in Kashmir this October

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Mumbai likely to play first-ever Ranji Trophy match in Kashmir this October

Srinagar, Jul 11: The Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar is likely to host the first Ranji Trophy match between Jammu & Kashmir and the powerhouse Mumbai team later this year.

This will mark the first time that Mumbai — India’s most decorated domestic side — is expected to play a Ranji Trophy game on Kashmiri soil.

The officials at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said that fixture was tentatively scheduled for October 15

“This is a big development for cricket in the region. Having a team like Mumbai play here in Srinagar is a proud moment for us,” a senior JKCA official said.

The Mumbai squad, if they confirm participation, is expected to feature a host of international and India A stars, bringing glittering names like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, and Sarfaraz Khan to the Valley — a rare treat for local fans. Their arrival is expected to draw massive crowds and give Kashmir’s passionate cricket community a chance to witness top-tier domestic cricket in their own backyard.

The contest also carries historic weight. While Mumbai boasts an unmatched Ranji legacy, J&K has surprised them twice in past editions — pulling off famous upsets that still resonate in the local cricketing memory. Now, with Mumbai stepping into J&K’s home territory for the first time, the script is wide open.

“Beating Mumbai at home would be massive for our players and fans. But this won’t be easy,” said a former J&K cricketer. “But more than that, it is the kind of exposure our young talent needs, playing against players who have represented India at the highest level.”

Meanwhile, as per the cricket observers in the valley, local players will be banking on home advantage, crowd support, and familiarity with the conditions to continue their strong record against the 41-time Ranji champions.

The fixture is also seen as a confidence-building measure by the BCCI and JKCA, signalling that the region is being brought into the mainstream domestic cricket fold.

The Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium has hosted a handful of domestic games in the past and two One Day Internationals in the 1980s, but this match promises to be one of the most significant events in the Valley’s cricketing calendar in recent decades.

Greater Kashmir

“Op Sindoor led to increase in demand for our Indigenous defence products”: Rajnath Singh

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"Op Sindoor led to increase in demand for our Indigenous defence products": Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, July 07: The demands for Indian defence equipment have increased following Operation Sindoor, said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, noting that the world military expenditure has increased to over USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, and a big market is awaiting India.

Speaking at the Controllers Conference organised by DRDO, the Union Defence Minister said, “The world is looking towards our Defence sector. The valour that our soldiers have shown during Operation Sindoor, as well as the way we showcased the capabilities of our domestic equipment, has led to an increase in demand for our indigenous defence products. World military expenditure has increased to over $2.7 trillion in 2024 – such a big market is awaiting us.”

Singh further mentioned that India’s Defence budget is bigger than the GDP of various countries in the world, highlighting the need to utilise the resources in the right way.

“…If you look at our Defence budget, it’s bigger than the GDP of some countries in the world. When a significant portion of people’s hard-earned income is allocated to the Defence Ministry, our responsibility increases exponentially–we ned effective growth. Our Defence expenditure should be such that not only does the budget increase, but also we should utilise it in the right way – by proper deployment at the right time for the right objective, ” said Union Minister Singh.

The Union Minister lauded the decision of the Defence Acquisition Council to grant permission for capital procurement from the GeM portal.

He said, “Defence Acquisition Council for the first time has permitted the capital procurement from the GeM portal, it’s a commendable step… I have also been informed that the department is working on the Comprehensive Pay System and centralised database management for defence personnel…”

The Union Minister further said, “…You have organised a controllers conference, but I think your mind should be open and receptive, so that you can discuss and share about the changes occurring in the defence ecosystem with all stakeholders. Such events give us a chance to do introspection and self-analysis. We can think about the reforms that are needed to bring… This department’s responsibility is not just to manage accounts on paper, but also an important part of our security system. When you honestly, its impact even reaches the soldiers guarding our borders. They feel that they have a system behind them that will be with them in all circumstances…”

The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) is hosting the Controllers’ Conference 2025 from July 7-9 at the Dr SK Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.

The conference was inaugurated today by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of top military and civilian leadership including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) SG Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Mayank Sharma, marking it as a key platform for shaping the future of India’s defence financial architecture.

A flagship forum for policy dialogue, strategic review, and institutional innovation, the Controllers’ Conference brings together top leadership from DAD, civil services, academia, think tanks, and stakeholders across the defence and finance sectors.

It serves as a vital platform for evaluating challenges, initiating reform, and advancing the role of financial governance in defence preparedness.

The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics,’ reflects a paradigm shift within the department, repositioning DAD from a finance & accounts body to a future-ready institution focused on Defence Finance and Economics.

This transformation, guided by the strategic vision articulated by the Defence Minister on October 1, 2024, is internally driven, inclusive, and aligned with emerging national security imperatives. The transition is anchored in DAD’s new Mission Statement and Motto ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ which will be formally released during the event.

The conference features eight high-level business sessions (Manan Satras), covering areas such as budget and accounts reform, internal audit restructuring, collaborative research, pricing innovation, and capacity building.

These sessions will explore the evolving role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in balancing fiscal prudence with strategic support for a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

Managing a defence budget of Rs 6.8 lakh crore, including Rs 1.7 lakh crore dedicated to pensions, DAD plays a pivotal role in payroll, pension disbursement, audit, procurement pricing, and strategic financial advice. Over the past year, the department has made significant strides in digital transformation, with flagship reforms like: –

SAMPURNA: An AI-driven, end-to-end automation system for defence procurement and payments, enhancing transparency and agility

SPARSH: Now serving over 32 lakh pensioners, this digital platform has redefined pension delivery with transparency and accessibility

SPARSH VAN: A mobile outreach innovation launched in Tamil Nadu, delivering pension services directly to veterans’ doorsteps

e-Raksha Awaas: Automated recovery of over Rs 500 crore in rent, generating Rs 2,700+ crore in rent bills

Defence Travel System (DTS) and AI-based procurement tools: Building a smarter, data-centric financial network for defence.

Greater Kashmir

Strong winds wreak havoc in Srinagar; uproot trees, damage vehicles

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Strong winds wreak havoc in Srinagar; uproot trees, damage vehicles

Srinagar, July 07: Several parts of Srinagar city on Monday afternoon received rain and hailstorm along with strong winds, causing damage to vehicles and electric infrastructure.

The afternoon rains and hailstorm lashed several south-end parts of the district, while gusty winds uprooted trees and electric poles at many places which snapped electric supply in several areas.

Eye witnesses said that the gusty winds uprooted a tree between Batwara and Pandrethan area which crashed onto an e-rickshaw bearing registration number JK01AV-1587, causing damage and road blockade.

The authorities however swung into action and pressed men and machinery into service to restore the services.

Earlier the Meteorological department in an advisory had predicted light to moderate spell of rain and thundershower over Kashmir parts during next three hours. The department had said that few places may receive intense showers, triggering flash floods, landslides and mudslides.

MeT had also said that few places may experience strong gusty winds up to 40-50 KMPH.

Greater Kashmir

NIA gets custody of two accused for 10 more days

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NIA gets custody of two accused for 10 more days

Jammu, July 07: A special court in Jammu on Monday granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 10 more days’ remand of the two accused arrested for allegedly harbouring Pakistani terrorists involved in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April, officials said.

After the expiry of the earlier 10-day remand, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar were produced before the Special NIA Court, which extended their remand to enable the NIA to carry out its investigation in the case, the officials said.

The two were arrested on June 22 and were presented in a local court in Jammu the next day. The court initially granted the NIA five days’ remand before the case was shifted to the special court.

According to the NIA, the accused disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack and confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The federal agency alleged that Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the terrorists at a seasonal ‘dhok’ (hut) in Hill Park in Pahalgam before the April 22 attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead and 16 others injured.

The two provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who, on the fateful afternoon, selectively targeted and killed tourists based on their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks in recent memory, the NIA said, as it continues its probe into the terror network behind the massacre in Kashmir’s tourism hub.

Greater Kashmir

Brighter night-time light exposure may not be good for your heart

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Only 3 out of 5 heart failure patients see cardiologist at least once a year: Study

New Delhi, July 07: Are you in the habit of sleeping with lights on during the night? Beware, a study led by an international team of researchers found that brighter night-time light exposure may increase the risks of five major cardiovascular diseases.

Light at night causes circadian disruption, which is a known risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, it is not well understood whether personal light exposure patterns predict an individual’s risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In a study of 88,905 people, yet to be peer-reviewed, researchers from the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, along with colleagues in the UK and the US, showed that avoiding exposure to night light may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The study posted on the pre-print site medRxiv, that night light exposure to women more, with stronger associations for heart failure and coronary artery disease. Younger participants were also found at an increased risk for heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

“Night light exposure was a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. In addition, to current preventative measures, avoiding light at night may be a useful strategy for reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases,” the researchers said.

In the study, the team used approximately 13 million hours of personal light exposure data, tracked by wrist-worn light sensors (one week each).

The findings showed that people sleeping with the brightest nights had significantly higher risks of developing coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), and stroke, compared to people sleeping in the dark.

The relationships were robust after adjusting for established risk factors for cardiovascular health, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol, diet, sleep duration, socioeconomic status, and polygenic risk.

The researchers explained that unnatural light may cause circadian disruption which “may trigger metabolic and vascular perturbations elevating cardiovascular risk”.

Greater Kashmir

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