Srinagar, Feb 07 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The Lieutenant Governor commended the endeavour of National Book Trust, India, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for providing an engaging platform to book lovers, publishers and authors.  He has also asked the National Book Trust to regularly organise annual book festivals in Jammu and Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X:

“World Book Fair is the ideal opportunity to promote reading habits, celebrate the contribution of literary communities, keep track of new ideas and invite writers and citizens for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse to expand our horizon.

A book is the best companion, which offers new ideas and perspectives in our life journey. It is the best medium for thinkers, scientists and spiritualists to preserve and carry forward the wealth of knowledge for the benefit of future generations.” (ANB)

Srinagar, Feb 6 : Kashmiri engineer Abdul Rafi Baba, who was arrested in Saudi Arabia two years ago, has been sentenced to 31 years in prison on charges of “cyber-related crimes linked to terror activities” and for “circulating objectionable videos on social media.”

Baba, a resident of Srinagar’s Soura area, was working at King Faisal University in the Hofuf region when he was arrested in early March 2022.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association stated that India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to their appeal for intervention in Baba’s case. According to the association, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that Baba, holding Passport No. S7725981, has been imprisoned in Dammam Intelligence Jail since March 1, 2022.

Initially, Baba was sentenced to 11 years in prison. However, following an appeal filed both by him and the Public Prosecution, the court increased the sentence to 31 years under relevant Saudi laws. His case is currently under review by the Supreme Court.

The association’s spokesperson stated that consular access was provided to Baba on multiple occasions, including May 3, 2021, September 6, 2022, February 20, 2023, September 5, 2023, and September 11, 2024. [KNT]

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Another milestone in offing as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the Jammu Railway Division from New Delhi on January 6, marking a significant step ahead of the launch of train services connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.

Currently, Jammu falls under the Firozepur Railway Division of Northern Railways. The establishment of the Jammu Railway Division fulfills a long-standing demand of local organizations in the region.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, will represent the event in Jammu. Alongside Jammu, two other Railway Divisions will also be inaugurated across the country on the same day.

The creation of the Jammu Railway Division is expected to benefit both passengers and railway employees, enhance connectivity, and foster economic development in the region. Officials have stated that this move will improve infrastructure and provide enhanced services to the public.

The decision comes as the Railways prepare to launch a direct train to the Kashmir Valley, anticipated around January 20.

While the exact date and venue for the train’s inauguration remain undecided, the project represents a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure development.

Currently, train services in Jammu and Kashmir operate between Sangaldan and Baramulla. Meanwhile, a trial run is underway on the crucial 18-km Katra-Reasi section, a vital segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The trial assesses technical parameters such as track stability, tunnel ventilation, signaling, and control systems.

The USBRL project aims to provide world-class rail infrastructure with advanced amenities. Proposed train services include routes connecting New Delhi-Srinagar-Baramulla and Jammu-Srinagar. The Katra-Reasi section is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including modern signaling systems, tunnels, and bridges, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Indian Railways currently operates 17 zones and 68 divisions. 

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Moscow — An explosive device planted near an apartment building in Moscow killed the head of Russia’s nuclear and chemical forces early Tuesday, officials said.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said the bomb, which was triggered by the device placed in a scooter, killed Lt. General Igor Kirillov and his assistant.

Kirillov, who was named the head of Russia’s nuclear defense forces in April 2017, was under sanctions from several countries including the U.K. and Canada for his role in Ukraine.

The bomb was triggered remotely and had the power equivalent to roughly 300g of TNT, Russian state news agency Tass reported, citing unnamed sources in the emergency services.

State television footage from the scene showed shattered windows and scorched and blackened brickwork.

“Investigators, forensic experts and operational services are working at the scene,” the committee’s spokesperson, Svetlana Petrenko, said in a statement. Investigative and search activities are being carried out to establish all the circumstances around this crime.”

She also said Moscow is treating the bombing as a terrorist attack.

Ukraine’s Security Services, the SBU, charged Kirillov on Dec. 16 with the use of banned chemical weapons during Russia’s military operation in Ukraine that started in Feb. 2022.

In May, the U.S. State Department also said in a statement that it had recorded the use of chloropicrin, a chemical weapon first used in World War I, against Ukrainian troops. The SBU also said they had recorded more than 4,800 uses of chemical weapons on the battlefield since February 2022, particularly K-1 combat grenades.

Tuesday’s attack is not the first to target a Russian official.

On Dec. 9, an explosive device was placed underneath a car in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Donetsk, reportedly targeting Sergei Yevsyukov, the head of the Olenivka Prison where dozens of Ukrainian prisoners of war died in a missile strike in July 2022. One other was injured in the blast.

Russia’s Federal Security Service said on Sunday a suspect was arrested and charged with detonating the device.

During the almost 3-year operation, Russia has made small but steady territorial gains to the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine it already controls. — (AP)

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Srinagar June 19 : Senior photojournalist Nissar Ahmad, who was associated with The Hindu for 25 years, died of cancer in Srinagar on June 19.

Mr. Ahmad, 59, was admitted to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS) hospital a few days ago but his health condition started deteriorating on June 18. He was surrounded by immediate family members when he breathed his last at the hospital on June 19 noon.
Mr. Ahmad is survived by his spouse, two sons and a daughter. He had joined The Hindu on August 1, 1998.

The final rites of Mr. Ahmad took place at his residence in Srinagar’s Natipora area. He was buried at his ancestral graveyard in Natipora. Hundreds of local residents joined the funeral prayers. His death was widely grieved by the journalistic fraternity of Kashmir. 

Senior politicians of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their grief over Mr. Ahmad’s untimely demise. Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah posted his condolence message in microblogging site X. “Nissar was a regular presence at events and press conferences over the years. His absence will be greatly felt. May Allah grant him a place in Jannat. My condolences to his family and colleagues,” Mr. Abdullah.

Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her condolences. “Very sorry to hear about the passing away of veteran photojournalist Nissar Ahmed. May Allah give his family and loved ones strength to bear this loss,” Ms. Mufti said.

CPI (M) leader M.Y. Tarigami also extended his condolences to the bereaved family.  

SRINAGAR: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth around Rs 290 crore in Jammu Kashmir’s Anantnag.

“This is yet another milestone in district Anantnag's path to economic and social progress. A slew of projects dedicated to the people today in the Health, Education, Water Supply, and Urban Development sectors will empower all sections of the society,” the Lt Governor said.

He said our focus on health and education will prepare the people for future challenges and revitalize the growth story of the district.

The Lt Governor said the foundation stone laid for projects in Rural Development, PW (R&B), Jal Shakti, Fisheries and Tourism sectors will bring visible impact on the quality of lives of the people.

“The prime goal of the administration is rapid economic growth integrated with speedier social development. With collective efforts to synergize strengths of different sectors, improving standards of living and seizing the vast opportunities in the industrial sector, J&K is today at the forefront of development transformation in the country,” the Lt Governor said.

The 37 projects worth Rs 124.17 crore inaugurated by Lt Governor include 29 projects of Jal Shakti; Beautification of main market Pahalgam; Multi-storied building in Boys Degree College Khanabal and Academic Block & additional class room at Degree College Bijbehara; office complex at Town hall premises, MC Qazigund; Block office building at Ruhoo & Footbridge at Kanganhall; NTPHC Kehribal under Languishing Project and upgradation of roads in the district.

The 39 projects at a cost of Rs 166.56 crore for which foundation stones were laid by Lt Governor include 20 projects of Rural Development Department; 9 projects of PWD (R&B); 4 projects of Fisheries; development of recreation spot on River Bank at Pahalgam; Nagar Van (City Forest), Munjhadan, Mahind and Water Supply Schemes at Siligam Tantraypora, Imoo Sundoo, Brad Ikhrajpora & Shumhall Hassanoor. (UNI)

A massive earthquake of 6.8 hit the Hindu Kush area in Afghanistan on Tuesday, sending tremors across Delhi, Noida and surrounding areas of the national capial. The quake was at a depth of 184 km (114 miles).

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February 12 : Surpassing 28000 mark and still thousands missing the death toll is bound to cross 50000 mark in the days to come. If The UN Chief for Relief is to be believed the death toll is bound to cross 50000 mark across the countries of Syrea and Turkey in the days to come.The death toll across Turkey and Syria following Monday’s earthquake reached 28,192, CNN Reported the updated official figures on Saturday evening. 

Turkey’s death toll climbed to 24,617, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said in a news conference.

In Syria, the total number of confirmed deaths stands at 3,575, including 2,167 in rebel-held areas in the northwest, according to the White Helmets civil defence group.

An additional 1,408 deaths have been recorded in government-controlled territories, according to Syrian state media, which cited the country’s health ministry.

Meanwhile, An Indian national missing since the earthquake in Turkey on February 6 was found dead under the debris of a hotel in Malatya, the Indian Embassy in Turkey informed in a tweet on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Vijay Kumar, was on a business trip to Turkey.

“We received a report yesterday that his luggage and passport were found but there wasn’t a body. We were hoping for his well-being, that he would have escaped. His father had passed away around a month back and now this has happened,” said Gaurav Kala, a relative of Vijay Kumar.

Kumar’s family members were in deep shock as they learned of the tragic news. They cried inconsolably. He is survived by his mother, wife, and six-year-old child. He had lost his father about one and a half months back.

“We received a call from Embassy in the afternoon. They wanted confirmation for identification, so we told them about a mark on the left hand. He worked in a company in Bengaluru & left from here on 22nd Jan. He was scheduled to return on 20th Feb, said Kala.

The Indian Embassy in Turkey informed on Saturday that the mortal remains of Kumar have been found.

“We inform you with sorrow that the mortal remains of Shri Vijay Kumar, an Indian national missing in Turkiye since the February 6 earthquake, have been found and identified among the debris of a hotel in Malatya, where he was on a business trip,” the Embassy said in a tweet.

“Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are making arrangements for the earliest possible transportation of his mortal remains to his family,” it added.

Ministry of External Affairs had said earlier this month that ten Indians were struck in remote parts of Turkey after the country was hit by two “biggest natural disaster” earthquakes. Still, they are safe while one citizen is missing.

“There are 10 individuals who are stuck in some remote parts of the affected area but they are safe. We have one Indian national missing, on a business visit to Turkey’s Malatya. And he has not been traced for the last two days. We are in touch with his family and the company in Bengaluru,” Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in Ministry of External Affairs, had said at a media briefing on ‘Operation Dost.’

Srinagar Feb 11 : “Haj forms have been made available on the official website of HcOI: https://hajcommittee.gov.in/haf23,” HCoI Member, Er Aijaz Hussain told news agency—. He said the forms are absolutely free of cost as already announced by the HCoI under its Haj policy 2023.

Er Aijaz said all the steps will be taken to provide as much as possible relief to the pilgrims performing Haj 2023. He said that under the Haj policy 2023, 25 Haj Embankment points will be set up across country to facilitate the pilgrims by all means. This year, as per the bilateral agreement between Government of India and Saudi Government, over 1,75000 pilgrims will perform the holy pilgrimage of Haj 2023. Pertinently, HCoI has already abolished the VIP quouta under which 5 to 10 persons were allowed to perform the pilgrimage. This year, there is no such quouta. Er Aijaz reiterated that this year, pilgrims above 70 years of age will be given priority.

He said HCoI is taking every step to make Haj 2023 cheaper with all possible best facilities available for the pilgrims visiting both holy cities of Makah and Madina—

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Srinagar, Feb 10: The J&K meteorological department on Friday issued a clarification saying that the yellow snowfall in north Kashmir yesterday was due to dust carried by winds from Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

The MeT, in a statement, said that the satellite analysis has revealed dust carried out by winds from central Pakistan and southern Afghanistan. 

"Analysis of  2nd Generation Weather Satellite (Meteosat-9) of EUMETSAT( European Operational Satellite Agency) confirms that Yesterday's Yellowish/Dusty Snowfall over some parts of North Kashmir was dust carried out by winds from central parts of Pakistan & southern Afghanistan which started around 7 PM IST travelled northeast wards and reached north Kashmir around 02:00hrs AM(IST), " the statement said.