Author: Agencies

JAMMU: India’s 70th Railway Division, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, has completed one year of operations, marking a transformative phase in rail connectivity and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir. Officially established and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 6, 2025, the Jammu Division has played a pivotal role in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, instilling a renewed sense of hope and progress across the region. During 2025, the division achieved several historic milestones, most notably the inauguration of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), ensuring all-weather rail connectivity to the Valley. The…

NEW DELHI: Investigations into the “white-collar” terror module behind the November 10 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort have revealed that highly educated doctors used a sophisticated network of “ghost” SIM cards and encrypted messaging applications to coordinate with handlers based in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday. The findings of the probe formed the basis for a sweeping directive issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must remain continuously linked to an active physical SIM card installed in the device. Officials said the investigation uncovered…

NEW DELHI: Marking the 41st Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today announced a major relaxation of the mandatory three-year existence condition of eligibility for deep-tech StartUps to avail recognition and sanction of loans or other financial support .  The move, aimed at accelerating India’s StartUp ecosystem, is expected to provide early momentum to early starters or beginners of StartUp projects as well as…

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday flagged off a group of 25 youth from various districts of South Kashmir for a 10-day educational and cultural exposure tour aimed at promoting communal harmony and national integration. The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the participants and extended his best wishes, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity. During the tour, the students and emerging youth leaders will visit Chandigarh, Haryana and Shimla, where they will gain exposure to the country’s cultural diversity, heritage and developmental initiatives. Aligned with the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the programme seeks to foster…

JAMMU: Weather across Kashmir is expected to remain largely dry over the next two days, with a brief change likely around January 6, according to the latest forecast. A weather official said that January 4 and 5 are expected to remain mostly dry across the region, bringing some relief from active winter conditions. On January 6, weather is likely to turn generally cloudy, with a possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir. He said plains and lower areas are unlikely to witness any significant precipitation during this period, though higher altitude areas may experience…

JAMMU: Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” Jammu & Kashmir is scripting a new chapter of self-reliance and entrepreneurship through Mission YUVA, a flagship initiative transforming employment pathways for the youth of the Union Territory. Conceived by the Government of J&K in collaboration with IIM Jammu, NABARD, J&K Bank, other financial institutions and livelihood experts, Mission YUVA is a data-driven, ecosystem-based intervention aimed at bridging the gap between entrepreneurial aspiration and access. A diagnostic assessment revealed that unemployment stemmed not just from limited jobs or finance, but from weak institutional support, lack of guidance and post-credit…

JAMMU: Authorities on Sunday announced the reopening of the Mughal Road for limited vehicular movement, permitting Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) to ply during a fixed time window. As per official traffic advisories, the road will remain open only for LMVs from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. The decision was taken following an on-ground assessment of weather and road conditions along the high-altitude stretch, particularly near Peer Ki Gali, which remains vulnerable to snowfall and icy conditions during winter. Officials clarified that Heavy Motor Vehicles and passenger buses will not be allowed. Only LMVs complying with safety requirements and winter preparedness…

JAMMU: Authorities in Jammu have barred courier companies and parcel services from transporting narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other contraband without a valid permit, and directed them to ensure mandatory police verification of all employees. The directions were issued by District Magistrate Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, on Saturday under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) read with relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. According to the order, no courier company, parcel service or logistics operator functioning within the district shall accept, book or transport any narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or other contraband items unless it holds a valid…

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday booked seven landlords in Jammu for allegedly keeping tenants in their premises without mandatory police verification, officials said. The action was taken as part of an intensified tenant verification drive in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, aimed at strengthening security arrangements across the city. Police Station Bahu Fort registered five FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against house owners for violating the orders of the District Magistrate, Jammu, by failing to verify tenants. In addition, two similar FIRs were registered at Police Station Channi Himmat, police said.…

JAMMU: Around 85 members of the Village Defence Group (VDG) from remote border villages are undergoing intensive training in Jammu to enhance their operational preparedness, police said on Saturday. The training programme for VDG members hailing from Arnia, R S Pura and Kanachak areas near the International Border was inaugurated by Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, Joginder Singh at the District Police Lines, Jammu, a police spokesperson said. The specialised training is aimed at equipping the VDGs with skills in handling automatic weapons, minor tactics, self-defence, bunker construction and repelling enemy attacks, enabling them to act as first responders during…