Author: Agencies

ERNAKULAM (KERALAM): Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured that the Indian government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia. Speaking at a public rally in Ernakulam, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to protecting its citizens abroad and providing them with necessary support during crises. “It is natural for all of you to be concerned about what is happening in West Asia today. Millions of our brothers and sisters work there. But you must remember that the Bharatiya Janata Party–National Democratic…

NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’ from the Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1. According to an official release, the indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container is capable of delivering a payload of up to 150 kg. The system will significantly enhance naval operational logistics by enabling quick delivery of critical stores, equipment and medical supplies to naval vessels operating far from the coast or in distress at sea.…

NEW DELHI: IndiGo on Tuesday announced that its Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has stepped down from his position with immediate effect, months after the airline faced large-scale flight disruptions across India. In a statement, the airline said the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation thanked Elbers for his contribution and service to the organisation and wished him well for the future. “With immediate effect, Pieter Elbers will be stepping down as InterGlobe Aviation Limited’s (IndiGo) CEO. The Board of Directors would like to thank Pieter for his contribution and service to the organisation and wishes him well in his…

JAMMU: On the auspicious occasion of the 95th birthday of Karan Singh, former Sadr-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir and Chairman Trustee of the Dharmarth Trust, a series of religious ceremonies were organised on Tuesday to pray for his happiness, good health and long life. A solemn Rudrabhishek, Pooja Archana and Havan were performed at the historic Raghunath Temple, Jammu, invoking the blessings of Lord Rama for the well-being of the revered leader. Dr. P.S. Pathania, President of the Dharmarth Trust, performed the Havan at the temple premises. The rituals were conducted in accordance with Vedic traditions and were attended by…

JAMMU: The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army on Tuesday paid tribute to Sepoy Akshit Sharma, who tragically lost his life during a training exercise. In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said, “GOC, White Knight Corps and all ranks pay solemn homage to Sepoy Akshit Sharma who made the supreme sacrifice on March 10, 2026 during a training exercise.” The Army also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said it stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time. “In this hour of profound grief, the White Knight Corps stands in solidarity with the bereaved…

NEW DELHI: Reliance Industries on Tuesday said it is taking proactive steps in line with government guidelines to maximise production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from its refining and petrochemicals complexes at Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, the world’s largest integrated refining hub. In a statement, the company said it will continue to work closely with the Government of India and remain fully compliant with national guidelines and allocation priorities to ensure stable fuel supplies. The move comes amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has raised concerns about global energy supply and India’s energy security. “At a time…

JAMMU: The Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Chapter of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO) hosted “Samriddhi”, an event celebrating a year of impactful initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, grassroots entrepreneurship and collaborative development across the region. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while Poonam Sharma, National President of FICCI FLO, was the Guest of Honour. The event witnessed participation from FLO members, Self-Help Group (SHG) workers, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) representatives and dignitaries from various professional and social sectors. Addressing…

KATHUA: A one-day boot camp for girl students to mark the International Women’s Day 2026 was organised at the Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua by the BioNEST Bioincubation Centre–IBTP, Kathua and the IIIM-Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI), Jammu under the aegis of the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 150 students representing different higher educational institutions, aimed at encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and awareness about scientific incubation opportunities among young learners. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, virtually addressed the gathering and emphasized on the growing role of youth and women in science-driven innovation…

DUBAI: As escalating tensions and missile strikes in parts of the Middle East force residents to leave the region, animal rescue organisations in Dubai are reporting a troubling surge in abandoned pets. According to rescue groups and veterinarians, shelters across the city are struggling to cope with a sudden increase in dogs and cats being left behind as owners prepare to evacuate. Organisations such as K9 Friends say they have been inundated with calls from pet owners seeking to surrender their animals or requesting assistance to rehome them before departing the country. Veterinary clinics in Dubai have also reported an…

JAMMU: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), J&K Council, organised the 6th Edition of the ASSOCHAM J&K Women Achievers Awards 2026 at Hotel Radisson Blu, Jammu, to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women from across the Union Territory in diverse sectors. Avny Lavasa, Secretary, Transport Department, Jammu and Kashmir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Subah Mehta, Joint Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, attended as the Guest of Honour. Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director, Tourism, Jammu, was present as the Special Guest and also served as a jury member for the awards. In his…