SRINAGAR: The Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) has swung into legal action against Sony Pictures Networks, the makers of the popular reality show "Shark Tank India" and Tramboo Sports Pvt. Ltd. The dispute stems from claims made on the show during an episode that aired on January 30th, 2024.

A delegation of CBMAK, the recognized amalgam body of all cricket bat manufacturers in the Kashmir Valley while talking to Kashmir based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com strongly refuted the portrayal of Tramboo Sports as the sole manufacturer of Kashmir willow cricket bats. 

They expressed deep concern about the claims made by Tramboo Sports on "Shark Tank India," alleging they have misled the public and caused significant harm to its members' businesses.

They claim these misrepresentations have resulted in a "severe jolt" to the sales of their members' bats and tarnished the image of the entire indigenous Kashmiri bat-making industry.

“The bats manufactured by CBMAK members are highlighted for their superior quality, with various star cricketers endorsing and utilizing them. This sets the stage for the association's claims against Tramboo Sports,” the delegation said.

“We express astonishment at the claims made by Tramboo Sports on the 'Shark Tank India' Season 3 episode dated 30th January 2024,” they said.

They alleged that Tramboo Sports falsely presented themselves as the sole manufacturers of Kashmir willow bats, causing harm to CBMAK members.

“We contend that Tramboo Sports' false assertions have led to a severe jolt in the sales and supply of CBMAK members' bats. The claims have also misled the public and purchasers, tarnishing the image of the indigenous industry,” they said.

“CBMAK emphasizes its role as the true and only representative of Kashmir's cricket bat manufacturers,” the association said while claiming unequivocal support from its members, portraying itself as the guardian of the prosperity and welfare of the local bat manufacturing industry.

The Association through its counsel has also sent a detailed legal notice demanding an on-air apology within 15 days from both Sony Pictures Networks and Tramboo Sports. Additionally, the association through legal notice have sought compensation of Rs. 100,00,00,000 (One Hundred Crores) for damages, loss, and mental agony suffered by CBMAK. (KDC)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will take salute at Main function at Maulana Azad Stadium Jammu while Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar will preside over the celebrations at Srinagar. 

The DDC Chairpersons’, as per an order copy available with GNS, will take salute at main function in respective district headquarters’. 

The SDM/Tehsildar/Senior most civil officer to be nominated by the Deputy Commissioner concerned at respective sub-divisional/tehsil/municipal headquarters. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said that the cooperation and support of the people on the anti-terror front has been overwhelming and police have been moving forward successfully and are very close to realizing the terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a public darbar at Bani in Kathua District of Jammu Zone, Singh accompanied by ADGP Jammu, Mukesh Singh and IGP (Hqrs/CIV) B.S Tuti, the DGP thanked the people for their participation and assured them that their highlighted grievances would be taken up with concerned authorities for redressal.

He cautioned them about the conspiracy being made by some elements to revive terror activities in the district and said that like in the past, we have to work together to foil their ill intentions.

“We have been moving forward successfully and are very close to realizing the terror-free Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

He appreciated the people for maintaining the highest level of brotherhood in the district.

Recalling his posting as DIG JSK, the DGP said that the cooperation and support of the people on the anti-terror front has been overwhelming.

When peace is around everything looks fine, he said and added that public support was of utmost importance in strengthening the peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

With regard to the welfare measures of Police Pariwar, Singh said that welfare of Jawans and officers has always been the priority of PHQ and said that every possible help and assistance is being provided to our Jawans and officers including SPOs and NOK of martyrs.

At Sarthal the DGP and other officers interacted with the Police Post and Special Operation Group personnel.

Later during his visit to Gandoh in Doda district, the DGP inaugurated the newly constructed Police Station building and SDPO office.

Soon after the inauguration of these facilities, the DGP inspected the building infrastructure. He interacted with the officers and jawans of the Police Station.

He also took stock of the functioning of the Police Station and checked the crime records.

He directed for speedy redressal of the public grievances/complaints and prompt police action in case of any untoward incident or any kind of emergency.

He reiterated the commitment of J&K Police for protection of life and property of the public and stressed upon the officers to work in tandem with the people for peace and stability in the area.

Speaking to the media, the DGP said that the visit was aimed to review the crime scenario of the Bani area and to interact with the locals. He said that the overall situation of the Kathua District is peaceful yet J&K Police and other security forces are keeping a strong vigil as the district is connected with other districts of UT and Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

“Pakistan and its agencies are frustrated by witnessing growing peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir and are continuously making attempts to create disturbance here,” he said and added that together we would foil the evil designs as has been done before.

At Gandoh, he said that Pakistan and its agencies have been using Narco-terrorism in J&K for the last around two years to target our younger generation and to raise funds for terrorist activities.

He added that during these two years a number of Narco-terrorism modules have been busted and said that around 20 cases of this nature are under investigation which shows the involvement of terrorists and their handlers.

He said strong action is being taken against the anti-national elements who are operating at the behest of handlers from across the border to destabilize the peace and tranquillity of J&K. Massive crackdown has been launched against those elements, he added. Referring to the 119 proclaimed offenders of the area who are in Pakistan, the DGP said that every action will be taken against them adding that they are not wanted by the Police only but by the people also for their betrayal. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that everybody knows that the land of Ladakh has been taken away by China from India and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not speaking the truth about the issue.
Gandhi was addressing a public rally in Kargil district of Ladakh in the Union Territory on Friday.
“Ladakh is a strategic place and when I went to Pangong it was clear that China has grabbed thousands of kilometers of Indian land”, Rahul said.

"It is sad that the Prime Minister of India announced during the opposition party meeting that not an inch of Indian land has been grabbed by anybody, ” he said.

“This is totally a blatant lie as everybody in Ladakh knows that the land of Ladakh has been taken away by China from India and the Prime Minister is not speaking truth”.

He said whenever India needed the help of people of Ladakh and Kargil on the borders during the war, they with one voice stood with the Indian army.

This is not for the first time but it has been observed that people of Kargil and Ladakh always stand with the army whenever their services are required, Rahul said and congratulated the people of Kargil on the occasion for their role.
He said he went to all the four sides of Ladakh and thinks that this is the only beautiful place of India.
“I went to almost every part of Ladakh on motorbike to hear the voices of the people to understand their problems”, Gandhi said and added “the people alleged that their voices are being suppressed even though they were provided with the status of Union Territory”.

He said that people had told him that the promises made by the administration to provide jobs and employment proved all false.

The Congress leader said if anyone goes anywhere in Ladakh as any person, he will tell you that Ladakh is the epicenter of unemployment. He said the people also alleged that there is no good cell phone communication and Aeroplanes are not landing here despite having an airport.

The Wayanad MP said there are numerous people living in India of different religions, caste and speaking separate languages…they all should live honorably and peacefully.

Rahul promised the people that Congress party is with them to support them in saving their land, providing employment, safeguarding the culture and language always. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: : The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha has congratulated the ISRO, team Chandrayaan and the entire space scientists community for successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the moon. India has become the fourth country ever to land a spacecraft on the moon and the first country to land on the south pole.

In a tweet the Lt Governor said: "India is on the moon! Heartiest Congratulations to team @ISRO for success of #Chandrayaan3 lunar mission. Absolutely momentous achievement and important milestone in the development of India's space programme".

The World University of Design (WUD) has once again pushed the boundaries of creativity with the presentation of INTERFACES, an Indo-European exhibition in association with Alliance Française. This unique exhibition celebrates the transformative power of printmaking and brings together renowned artists from India, France, and Belgium. The exhibition is currently on display at Alliance Française de Delhi until July 3rd, 2023.

INTERFACES, a HolzIndia presentation, showcases a diverse range of artworks that highlight the evolution of printmaking in the contemporary art scene. The exhibition features the works of Indian artists such as Ananda Moy Banerji, Anita Das Chakracorty, Dattatraya Apte, Hemavathy Guha, Kanchan Chandar, Moti Zharotia, Prof. Rajan Shripad Fulari, Seema Kohli, Sushanta Guha, Dr. Sushma Yadav, and Prof. V. Nagdas. The exhibition also includes the works of French artist Olivier Deprez and Belgian visual artist Roby Comblain.

To further explore the significance of printmaking in the visual arts, WUD organized a thought-provoking "Panel Discussion on Printmaking – Transformation in New India." The panel discussion featured esteemed artists and printmakers, including Ananda Moy Banerji, Kanchan Chander, Prayag Shukla, Prachi Sahasrabudhe, Seema Kohli, and Prof. Rajan Fulari from WUD. This diverse group of panelists shared their experiences and insights into the evolving landscape of printmaking in India.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Stephane Alamir, Director of Alliance Française de Delhi, who commended the collaborative effort and the artistic exchange between India and Europe. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.

Prof. Ranjan Shripad Fulari, Dean of the School of Visual Arts at World University of Design, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating, "We are honored to put together a platform that touches upon the Printmaking aspect that has evolved over the years and has now rejuvenated into a form that is changing dynamics and dimensions of the Visual Arts scene in India. I am glad to have with me such eminent panelists who have had enriching experiences in India and abroad. There is so much to learn from here!"

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design, also shared his views on the collaboration, saying, "This is a prestigious platform for connoisseurs of art and visual arts to align with. It is a pleasure to be here amongst such significant people who have marked their niche in their domain of the creative field. I thank Alliance Française for joining hands with us in this great merger of thoughts across geographies."

INTERFACES not only showcases the artistic excellence of printmakers but also highlights the World University of Design's commitment to breaking traditional educational patterns and providing an academic-oriented approach to design education. With its dedication to fostering creativity and innovation, WUD continues to play a vital role in shaping the design education landscape in India.

Alliance Française de Delhi's Gallery Romain Rolland, known for its focus on contemporary art and cultural events, has once again provided a platform for artistic and cultural exchanges between India and France. By hosting INTERFACES, the gallery strengthens cross-cultural understanding and appreciation in the artistic community.

For more information about the World University of Design, please visit their official website at https://worlduniversityofdesign.ac.in/.

About World University of Design:
World University of Design (WUD) is India's first university dedicated to educating students in the creative domain. Located in Sonipat, Haryana, WUD offers substantiated degrees under the UGC Act and is at the forefront of revolutionizing the education system by providing academic-oriented design education.

About Alliance Française:
Alliance Française de Delhi is a renowned cultural center that promotes artistic and cultural exchanges between India and France. With a focus on contemporary art and cultural events, the gallery showcases the works of emerging and established artists, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) has questioned the government’s claim that

more than 1.60 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2022 and termed it a “propaganda”

The NC was apparently reacting to the claim made by the government during the third Tourism G20 Working Group where they said they hosted over 18 million tourists last year, which was unparalleled since Independence.

NC said it takes a little bit of analysis to make sense of these numbers.

“The government has suddenly come up with this claim that for the first time since Independence some 1.60 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. We have been in the government and never able to get more than 14-15, maybe 16 lakh, tourists in a year. What the hell did we do wrong!?,” the NC tweeted

“Also, where do these tourists stay? Because we haven’t seen any new hotel, new accommodations. Yes, some people have converted their houses into guest houses and home stays. So where did these 1.6 crore tourists stay?,” the party added.
“But then, when we start looking at the numbers, we realise that actually all the government has done is reverse a previous decision, which is that the previous governments didn’t count yatris [pilgrims] as tourists. Hardly any yatris actually perform the activity of a tourist. Now the government has started to count Yatris as tourists too, and hence the inflated number! Easy to juggle with the numbers when you change the entire methodology!,” NC said.

On Tuesday, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said a record number of 18 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in the last year and the tourism sector made a 7 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday said that it has decided to withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation in line with its "Clean Note Policy."

"The banknotes in Rs 2000 denomination will continue to be legal tender," the central bank said in a press release.

The RBI said that the Rs 2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes ceased to be legal tender.

It further said that the objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities.

As per the central bank, printing of Rs 2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19.

About 89% of the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes were issued prior to March 2017 and are at the end of their estimated life-span of 4-5 years. The total value of these banknotes in circulation has declined from Rs 6.73 lakh crore at its peak as on March 31, 2018 (37.3% of notes in circulation) to Rs 3.62 lakh crore constituting only 10.8% of notes in circulation on March 31, 2023.

The RBI said that it has also been observed that the banknotes in Rs 2000 denomination are not commonly used for transactions. Further, the stock of banknotes in other denominations continues to be adequate to meet the currency requirement of the public."In view of the above, and in pursuance of the “Clean Note Policy” of the Reserve Bank of India, it has been decided to withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation," the RBI said.

The RBI has asked the public to deposit Rs 2000 banknotes into their bank accounts and/or exchange them into banknotes of other denominations at any bank branch.

"Deposit into bank accounts can be made in the usual manner, that is, without restrictions and subject to extant instructions and other applicable statutory provisions," it said.The central bank said that in order to ensure operational convenience and to avoid disruption of regular activities of bank branches, exchange of Rs 2000 banknotes into banknotes of other denominations can be made upto a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time at any bank starting from May 23, 2023.

"To complete the exercise in a time-bound manner and to provide adequate time to the members of public, all banks shall provide deposit and/or exchange facility for Rs 2000 banknotes until September 30, 2023," the RBI statement said.

The RBI has advised banks to stop issuing Rs 2000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect.

"Members of the public are encouraged to utilise the time up to September 30, 2023 to deposit and/or exchange the Rs 2000 banknotes," it said. (UNI) 

SRINAGAR: Ahead of G-20 summit in Srinagar, the National Investigation Agency on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir including summer capital Srinagar in a terror funding case registered by the national probing agency.

Reliable sources told Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that sleuths of NIA with the assistance of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF carried out raids at Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Budgam and other locations of Jammu and Kashmir. The searches are being carried out in a terror funding case registered by the National Investigation Agency.

In Srinagar, the house of Shabir Ahmad Bhat (contractor) son of Abdul Rehman, a resident of Shah Anwar Colony Hyderpora H. no 47 Sector H. lane 11 was thoroughly searched by the agency.

Another team of the sleuths raided the residence of Manzoor Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a resident of Wanpora at present Bagati Kanipora of Budgam district.

The residences of Faroz Ahmad Khan son of Jahangeer Ahmad Khan, of Bongam Shopian and Nissar Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Aziz Bhat, of Bongam Bab Mohallah in Shopian were searched by the NIA.

At Verinag in Anantnag district, the residence of one Rouf Ahmed Wani (journalist) ‘contributor to ETV Bharat’ son of Farooq Ahmed Wani was searched by the agency this morning. One Laptop and one mobile phone was seized and later Wani taken along to police station Doru for questioning.

At Hunipora village of Wanpora Pulwama, the house of Abdul Sattar Bhat son of Abdul Khaliq Bhat, his brother namely (Tariq Ahmad Bhat is currently in PoK) and has been there for the last 20 years was also searched by the sleuths of NIA, reported Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com. At Trumchi village of Nowpora Pulwama NIA raided the house of Abdul Gani Dar, son of Mohd Ismail.

At Chatpora industrial complex the NIA raided Gulab Enterprises Manufacture Readymade Garments Mill, owned by Zahoor Ahmad from Pampore and seized 02  cell phones and 01 DVR of CCTV.

In Ratnipora village of Pulwama NIA raided the house of Jalal-ud-Mir, son of Mohd Akram, and seized a cell phone, laptop, and some bank documents.

At Nehama village of Kakpora in Pulwama district the house of Bilal Ahmad Lone son of Ali Mohammad Lone was searched and seized one cell phone, (Z.Fold Samsung).

The house of Fayaz Ahmed Lone son of Ghulam Ahmed, a resident of Pahoo was raided by the selauths of agency and the house at Samboora Pampore belonged to Ghulam Nabi Dar, son of Mohammad Rajab Dar, was also searched by the sleuths of agency ad 01 cell phone was seized.

Reports said that many other locations were being searched by the NIA. (KDC)

SRINAGAR: Describing the routing of the BJP in Karnataka Assembly election as the "beginning of the end" of the saffron brigade before the 2024 Lok Sabha poll, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said when people want plurality and democratic forces to win, no "central design to dominate can repress" their spontaneity.

Talking to newsmen, who gathered in front of her residence at Kalighat here, Banerjee said, " It's a No Vote To BJP for its arrogance, intolerable behaviour and agency politics. "

"I salute the people of Karnataka, all the voters. I also salute the winners for their victory. Even Kumaraswamy did well. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh elections are coming, and I think BJP will lose both elections," commented the Chief Minister. "Starting from South India to North India, the BJP is nowhere barring a few," she mentioned.

Banerjee also said she will support SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh to help fight the BJP. Saluting the people of Karnataka for their decisive mandate in favour of change, Banerjee iterated that "brute authoritarian and majoritarian politics is vanquished".

"When people want plurality and democratic forces to win, no central design to dominate can repress their spontaneity, Banerjee said adding, " That is the moral of the story, lesson for tomorrow. "

Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said the people of Karnataka have spoken just as the people of Bengal did in 2021 and the people of India will in 2024.

Stating that the "politics of hate" will be rejected every time, Banerjee said, " Prioritising development is an alien idea for @BJP4India, all they have to offer is communal propaganda. "

"The people of Karnataka have spoken, just as the people of Bengal did in 2021 and the people of India will in 2024!, " he said adding, " No Vote To BJP, which was raised in West Bengal in 2021 Assembly election, was echoed in Karnataka too. "

Harping on opposition UNITY against DIVISIVE tactics, Banerjee said, " The anti-BJP votes must not be split between the opposition parties. They must fend off the BJP in their respective turfs. "

"Political differences aside, defeating @BJP4India must be the priority, " quipped Banerjee.

The Congress juggernaut literally mowed down the saffron brigade in Karnataka, wresting power from the BJP to be in the saddle. (UNI) 

SRINAGAR: Bringing laurels for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in general and for district Baramulla in particular, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar has achieved the coveted Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration-2022, India’s highest award in civil services.

Dr Sehrish has been selected for this prestigious achievement in the category of Aspirational Districts programme as she has brought transformative changes in the identified parameters envisaged in the said programme.

As per reports, key aspects for Aspirational District Programme in Baramulla for which the Deputy Commissioner was awarded by the Prime Minister include establishment of Birth Waiting Wards in Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Upgradation of diagnostic services at all delivery points and Poshan Tracker Tabs for all Anganwadi workers.

The Deputy Commissioner supported farmers through mechanism, plant protection, nursery strengthening, robust root stocks, quality planning material etc and organized marketing facility established at Sopore which is the second largest Fruit Mandi in Asia.

Severe Acute Malnutrition has been reduced in the district to 0.01 percent from 3 percent and Moderate Acute Malnutrition to 0.039 percent from 11.93 percent. A two-year paramedical diploma course has been introduced for 300 border area students to fill up the critical gap in the health sector.

Under financial inclusion, 56,215 PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts have been opened in Baramulla district.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders including Lieutenant Governor have extended their warm appreciations and felicitations to Dr. Syed Sehrish for this achievement besides earning accolades from several other quarters. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah held a review meeting on the security situation of Jammu & Kashmir in New Delhi on Thursday. National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), RAW Chief and other senior officials of the Government of India, including the Officers from Jammu &Kashmir attended the meeting.

Union Home Minister reviewed the functioning of the security grid and various aspects related to security, according to a statement.

He reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Government of India is committed towards zero tolerance against militancy.

Amit Shah also reviewed the Area Domination Plan, “Zero Terror Plan”, Law and order situation, cases related to UAPA and other security related issues.

“Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for substantial reduction in cross border infiltration and improvement in law & order and also advised to strengthen the routine policing.” 

Home Minister also reviewed the preparation of G-20 Meeting which is scheduled to be held in Srinagar in May, 2023 and asked all agencies to work in a coordinated manner for successful conduct of the event, the statement added. (GNS)