Author: Agencies
Amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of critical undersea internet infrastructure passing through key maritime choke points. Tensions have intensified around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb, both of which host a dense network of subsea fibre-optic cables that carry the bulk of global internet traffic linking Europe, Asia and Africa. According to industry estimates, at least 17 submarine cables run through the Red Sea, while key systems such as AAE-1, FALCON, Gulf Bridge International and Tata-TGN Gulf pass through the Persian Gulf region, forming a…
CHANDIGARH: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone of the first-ever dedicated BioFoundry Centre under the Department of Biotechnology at Chandigarh, with an outlay of about ₹42 crore over the next two years. The facility is being established as a national platform for developing and scaling advanced biomanufacturing processes, particularly in agri-food biotechnology, including smart proteins, bio-inputs, and bio-based products. The Minister said this centre will help bridge laboratory research with industrial-scale applications and strengthen India’s bioeconomy. Dr Jitendra Singh said that National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (NABI) has emerged…
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that India’s bioeconomy has expanded from about USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 195 billion in 2025, reflecting a massive growth trajectory over the past decade. He said the sector has recorded an annual growth of around 17–18 percent in the last year alone, rising from approximately USD 165 billion to USD 195 billion, marking India’s emergence as a major global biotechnology hub. Addressing the 14th Foundation Day celebrations…
JAMMU: In a major milestone for cancer treatment in the region, AIIMS Jammu has successfully performed two advanced HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedures, becoming the only government centre in the region currently offering this specialised therapy. The two patients, hailing from Doda and Muthi, have been discharged and have begun further systemic treatment. The achievement marks a significant step forward in delivering complex oncological care within the public healthcare system. The surgeries were led by Dr. Paras Khanna, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, with key intraoperative support from Dr. Raksha Kundal and her team. Explaining the procedure, Dr. Khanna…
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir holds immense potential for a dynamic and prosperous future, stressing that the vision depends largely on the role of the younger generation. Speaking at the Navreh celebrations organised by Kashmiri Pandit Sabha at Amphalla in Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor expressed hope that youth would draw inspiration from the wisdom of their ancestors and work with determination to transform the Union Territory into one of the country’s developed regions. He invoked the blessings of Maa Sharika and extended greetings, wishing that the New Year brings renewed hope, prosperity, and well-being…
JAMMU: With the March 31 deadline for payment of water bills approaching, Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), has issued directives to boost public participation and streamline the collection process across the city. Acting on these directions, the Jal Shakti Department, particularly Divisions 1 and 2 under JMC’s jurisdiction, has launched a large-scale awareness and facilitation campaign. As part of the drive, 12 camps have been set up across Jammu to educate residents and enable on-the-spot bill payments. Under Division 1, camps have been established at Roopnagar, Dhonthli, Resham Ghar, Janipur and Hazuri Bagh. Division 2…
SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall was recorded in several higher reaches of Kashmir, including the tourist resorts of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, while the plains witnessed heavy rainfall, officials said on Thursday. According to officials, both Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district received intermittent snowfall. Gulmarg alone recorded an accumulation of around five to six inches of fresh snow since the previous day. Other high-altitude areas, including Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road, Razdan Top in Gurez, and Sadhna Top, also experienced fresh snowfall. Most upper reaches of the valley have been witnessing intermittent snow…
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday paid obeisance at the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. The Lieutenant Governor offered prayers for peace, prosperity, happiness, and the well-being of all. His visit coincided with the beginning of Navratri, a period marked by heightened श्रद्धा and a surge in pilgrim footfall at the shrine. Officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to facilitate devotees visiting the holy cave shrine during the festival period.
MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday issued a statement regarding HDFC Bank following the resignation of its part-time Chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, amid recent developments at the country’s largest private sector lender. The central bank said it has approved a transition arrangement for the position of part-time Chairman, as requested by the bank. It also underlined that HDFC Bank, designated as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB), continues to maintain strong financials, a professionally managed board, and competent leadership. According to the RBI’s periodic supervisory assessments, there are no material concerns regarding the bank’s governance or conduct. The…
JAMMU: The Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday visited a forward post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops, officials said. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command interacted with personnel on the ground and assessed the prevailing security situation. He commended the troops for their professionalism, alertness, and steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Lt Gen Sharma also lauded the soldiers for successfully foiling an infiltration attempt last week under Operation Balliyan. The operation, carried out by alert troops, prevented militants from…