Author: Agencies

JAMMU: The Jammu Division of Northern Railway has announced the operation of a special train service between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to cater to the increased passenger demand, particularly from devotees traveling to the holy shrine. The service—Train No. 04081/04082—will run from December 12 to 14, providing added convenience and improved travel options during the peak period. Special Train Timings and Route Train No. 04081: New Delhi → Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Two Trips | December 12–13, 2025 Train No. 04082: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra → New Delhi Two Trips | December 13–14, 2025…

JAMMU: AIIMS Jammu on Thursday carried out a large-scale Emergency Preparedness Mock Drill in collaboration with the 13 Battalion National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), showcasing the institute’s expanding capability to manage high-pressure disaster scenarios with accuracy and coordination. The exercise simulated a complex mass-casualty situation within the hospital premises and involved active participation from clinical, administrative, and security teams. A specialised rescue unit from the 13 BN NDRF, led by Deputy Commandant Praveen Singh Charak, executed high-intensity disaster response operations including structural evacuation, victim stabilisation, rapid triage, crowd management, and safe transfer of casualties to designated medical zones. Prof. (Dr.)…

JAMMU: The Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a fresh advisory predicting light snowfall over the isolated higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir between December 13 and 17. According to an official, the weather across J&K is expected to remain partly cloudy on December 12. From December 13 to 17, the region may experience partly to generally cloudy skies, with very light snowfall likely over the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. The MeT further informed that weather conditions on December 18 and 19 will remain partly to generally cloudy, with no major precipitation…

NEW DELHI:  Speaking in the Rajya Sabha today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the “Jigyasa” Student–Scientist Connect Programme of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), initiated by the Modi Govt, has emerged as one of the most impactful initiatives for fostering scientific curiosity among school children.  The Minister stated that the programme has benefitted more than 14 lakh school children and around 80,000 teachers across the country so far,…

JAMMU: As part of its ongoing Water Conservation Campaign, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has ramped up efforts to restore traditional water bodies and rejuvenate natural water sources across various wards of the city. In a key push toward enhancing urban water sustainability, JMC Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav on Wednesday inspected restoration work at water bodies in Ward No. 55 (Deeli) and Ward No. 68 (Ratnu Chak). During the visit, Dr. Yadav emphasized the critical importance of conserving age-old water sources and protecting them from encroachment and deterioration. He noted that JMC has rolled out a comprehensive plan aimed at…

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday handed over government job appointment letters to 41 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed in terrorism-related incidents in the Jammu division. Appointment letters were also issued to 22 beneficiaries under age-relaxation cases and 19 wards of J&K Police martyrs under the Compassionate Appointment Rules (SRO-43) and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS). Earlier, on July 28, 2025, the Lt Governor had provided jobs to 94 NoKs of terror victims from the region. With today’s appointments, relief has now reached 135 families who, according to the LG, had been denied justice for decades. Addressing…

NEW DELHI: Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Goa nightclub, were detained by Thai Police early Thursday at the request of Indian authorities, sources confirmed. The duo fled India after last week’s devastating blaze at their establishment, which claimed 25 lives. The brothers had travelled to Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the incident. Thai authorities on Thursday released photographs showing the two in custody. They are expected to be deported and handed over to Indian agencies, with an Indian team already in Thailand to facilitate the process, sources said. Rapid Interpol Action Following the tragedy, Goa Police approached the Interpol…

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under an extended dry spell, with the rainfall deficit widening dramatically to around 86 percent, triggering widespread concerns over diminishing water levels and heightened forest fire vulnerability. According to data from the Meteorological Department (MeT), the Union Territory recorded only 6.1 mm of rainfall between November 1 and December 9, against the normal average of 43.1 mm for this period. This marks one of the driest early winter phases in recent years. The overall deficiency stands at 82.6 percent in the Jammu division and 82.1 percent in the Kashmir division. In Srinagar, the…

KULGAM: Police in Kulgam successfully traced two missing minors within hours after a 7-year-old girl from Redwani Payeen and her juvenile cousin, aged around 13, went missing on Wednesday morning. Police Station Qaimoo received information that the young girl had left home on her bicycle around 10:00 AM and had not returned. During verification, it emerged that her 13-year-old cousin, who had been playing with her at their residence, was also missing along with his bicycle. Family members searched among relatives, but the duo remained untraced. After an appeal for help was posted on Facebook, some unknown individuals attempted to…

JAMMU: KC International School celebrated its Junior School Annual Day with great enthusiasm and grandeur, showcasing the creativity and talent of students from Pre-Primary to Grade 5. The event highlighted cultural performances, academic achievements and the spirit of young learners. Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), attended the function as Chief Guest. He appreciated the school’s efforts toward holistic education and applauded the confidence and artistic expression of the students. Distinguished Guests of Honour present included Subah Mehta (Joint Commissioner, JMC & Additional CEO, Jammu Smart City), Yogesh Sawhney (Former MLA), Justice Sunil Hali…