Author: Agencies
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair): 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 has said that Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ biodiversity is crucial for environmental and economic security. The Minister was highlighting the strategic importance of island biodiversity, during his visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sri Vijaya Puram. Addressing scientists and officials, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Andaman & Nicobar Islands represent a “living laboratory of biodiversity”, where cutting-edge science must go hand…
NEW DELHI: As a follow up to the announcement made by by PM Sh Narendra Modi on November 3, 2025, the Research Development Innovation (RDI) funding for industry-backed projects will start by the end of this month, with the funding framework having entered into the execution phase, and two public sector institutions poised to start funding industry-backed projects. This was disclosed following a review of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund scheme at a meeting chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of…
JAMMU: A coordination meeting of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the Legal Metrology Department was held on Monday at the Jammu Divisional Office of Indian Oil, Bahu Plaza, under the chairmanship of Shiv Kumar Gupta, Controller, Legal Metrology, Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting aimed at strengthening inter-departmental coordination to ensure the smooth, timely and hassle-free inspection, verification and calibration of petrol pump dispensing units across the Union Territory. The objective of the exercise was to ensure correct quantity, transparency and enhanced consumer confidence at retail fuel outlets. The meeting was organised by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and led by…
JAMMU: Simran Bala, a 26-year-old Assistant Commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from Jammu and Kashmir, will lead an all-male CRPF contingent during the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, officials said on Monday. While women officers of the CRPF have commanded Republic Day contingents in the past, this will be the first time a woman officer will command a marching contingent of over 140 male personnel at the prestigious national event. Bala hails from Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir and is the first woman from the district to join the…
JAMMU: Kashmiri Pandits in large numbers on Monday staged a massive protest in Jammu in connection with the 36th Exodus Day, highlighting their long-pending demands related to displacement and rehabilitation. The protest was held under the banner of the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), with participants raising slogans and expressing anguish over their continued displacement since their mass exodus from the Kashmir Valley in 1990. The protesters reiterated their demand for justice, dignity, and a comprehensive rehabilitation policy, while observing the day as a reminder of the suffering endured by the community over the past three and a half…
KISHTWAR: In a remarkable feat of engineering and dedication, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored vital connectivity on the strategic Paddar–Kishtwar axis in a record time of just 14 hours following the collapse of a bridge. Battling harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain, BRO personnel worked round the clock to construct an alternate route, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of traffic and providing timely relief to the local population. The swift response once again underscored BRO’s critical role in maintaining lifeline infrastructure in remote and strategically important regions.
KULGAM: A joint team of security forces on Monday carried out a comprehensive mock drill at Qazigund Railway Station to assess emergency preparedness and enhance passenger safety measures, officials said. The drill was jointly conducted by Kulgam Police, the Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles (9RR), CRPF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), IRP, and health teams. According to officials, the exercise aimed at testing response mechanisms to potential emergency situations, improving coordination among different security and rescue agencies, and ensuring swift evacuation and rescue operations in case of any exigency. They added that such mock drills are part of routine preparedness…
JAMMU: The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps on Monday paid rich tributes to Special Forces Havildar Gajendra Singh, who laid down his life while courageously undertaking a counter-terrorism operation in the Singpura area of Kishtwar during the ongoing Operation TRASHI-I. In a post on X, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps, along with all ranks, expressed deep respect and homage to the fallen soldier, acknowledging his supreme sacrifice on the night of January 19, 2026. The Corps hailed Havildar Gajendra Singh’s exceptional courage, valour and unwavering commitment to duty, stating that his gallantry and devotion to the…
LEH: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Leh district of Ladakh on Monday, causing tremors to be felt in parts of the region. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 11:51 am (IST) and had a focal depth of 171 kilometers, indicating a deep-seated seismic event. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage at the time of filing this report. Authorities are monitoring the situation, while residents have been advised to remain alert.
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has filed a charge sheet against a retired Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department employee for allegedly posing as a migrant and fraudulently availing relief amounting to ₹18.30 lakh, officials said. According to an official statement, the charge sheet has been produced before the Hon’ble Court of 19-Electricity Magistrate, Jammu against Mohd Hussain Shah, a resident of Syedapura, Shopian, presently residing at Nunar Kawabagh, Ganderbal. The accused retired from the PHE Department, Ganderbal Division. Investigations revealed that the accused had unlawfully registered himself and his family members as…