Srinagar, Jan 12: The Food Safety Department of Jammu and Kashmir has busted a module involved in the manufacture and sale of fake honey and desi ghee in Srinagar, which was being passed off as home-made products. Officials said a team of food safety officers conducted raids at multiple locations in the Barthana and Qamarwari areas of the Srinagar, during which the illegal manufacturing unit was detected. During the operation, the team recovered a large quantity of hydrogenated oil, which was allegedly being used to prepare a mixture sold as desi ghee at roadside outlets. Officials further said that sugar and other material used in the preparation of a mixture being sold as locally produced honey were also seized from the premises. The department has initiated further investigation to identify the supply chain and take action against those involved, under relevant provisions of the Food Safety Act.
Ahmedabad, Jan 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, witnessing the colour, energy and cultural vibrancy of the annual event. The International Kite Festival is held every year in Gujarat during January to mark Uttarayan, a significant period in the Hindu calendar that symbolises the sun's northward journey and the beginning of the summer season. The festival attracts participants and visitors from across India and around the world. PM Modi and Chancellor Merz were accorded a warm reception on their arrival at the venue and were presented with traditional Gujarati scarves as a mark of welcome. The atmosphere was festive as artists and performers from different parts of the state showcased traditional dance forms and folk music to greet the visiting German leader and celebrate the spirit of the occasion. Both leaders later joined the celebrations by flying kites, fully immersing themselves in the festivities. The Prime Minister was seen flying a specially designed kite bearing the message 'Bharat -- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', reflecting India's philosophy of the world as one family. Some kites also featured the tricolour, Hindu deities and motifs of both leaders. Large crowds gathered along the riverfront to catch a glimpse of the two leaders. Many were seen waving Indian and German national flags, underlining the long-standing friendship and growing partnership between the two countries. Several international participants who had travelled to Gujarat to take part in the festival were also present, and PM Modi and Chancellor Merz interacted with some of them during the event. The Prime Minister was also seen explaining to the German Chancellor the significance of the decorations, customs and traditions associated with the vibrant Uttarayan celebrations, highlighting the cultural importance of the festival in Gujarat. Chancellor Merz arrived in India early on Monday on a visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Germany. Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz visited the Sabarmati Ashram to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, where they viewed an exhibition showcasing Gandhi's life and legacy. The German Chancellor also recorded his remarks in the visitors' book. Later in the day, the two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, with discussions expected to focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The India-Germany strategic partnership has recently completed 25 years. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said the two leaders will review the progress made in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has recently completed 25 years. "Their discussion will also focus on further intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while also advancing collaboration in important domains of defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties," the statement reads. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues, as well as engage with business and industry leaders from India and Germany. (IANS)
Mumbai, Jan 12: Gold and silver prices touched record highs on Monday as markets reacted to the US Justice Department's escalation of tensions with the Federal Reserve and intensifying protests in Iran that heightened geopolitical risks. MCX gold February futures surged 1.46 per cent to Rs 1,40,838 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March futures rose 3.66 per cent to Rs 2,61,977 per kg. Spot gold price surged 1.45 per cent at $4,575.82 an ounce, after hitting a fresh record high of $4,601.17 level. Silver prices gained 4.85 per cent to touch $83.19, after hitting a record high of $83.88. Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed that the central bank had received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department tied to his June congressional testimony on renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. The development signalled sharp intensification of US President Donald Trump’s confrontation with the Fed and renewed concerns about the central bank’s independence. The surge to fresh record highs was supported by rising geopolitical risks, increasing political pressure on the US Federal Reserve, and weaker-than-expected US employment data, which strengthened safe-haven demand, said Rahul Kalantri, VP Commodities, Mehta Equities Ltd. Meanwhile, deadly demonstrations in Iran amplified safe‑haven flows, with markets weighing the chances of political upheaval and its implications for oil supplies. Trump had on Sunday indicated considering options on Iran, comments that added to uncertainty alongside other geopolitical flashpoints. Last week’s US jobs report showed weaker‑than‑expected payroll gains, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver further interest‑rate cuts this year. "Gold has support at Rs 1,34,550-1,32,310 while resistance at Rs 1,41,350-1,43,670. Silver has support at Rs 2,48,810 to 2,44,170 zone while resistance at Rs2,55,810 to 2,59,470 zone," said analysts. Gold gained over 4 per cent last week, while silver rallied more than 7 per cent. Russia's war in Ukraine, the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, and Washington's renewed signals over taking control of Greenland also act as tailwinds for rally of precious metals. (IANS)
New Delhi, Jan 12: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is slated to visit Israel from January 13-15, underscoring the growing strategic and economic engagement between India and Israel, an official statement said on Monday. The minister will participate in the ‘Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security: Sea the Future’ on the invitation of Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, Avi Dichter, the statement added. The visit is expected to further reinforce the longstanding partnership between India and Israel, strengthen collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture, and create new pathways for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. This reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, according to Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Apart from participating in the ‘Sea the Future Summit’, Singh is also expected to have separate bilateral meetings with his Israeli counterpart Dichter and Ministers of other countries attending the conference. The ministry said that discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation through policy alignment and institutional partnerships, promoting sustainable fisheries management and modern aquaculture technologies, enhancing research, capacity building and innovation linkages, facilitating trade and investment through improved market access and standards, joint R&D in advanced aquaculture and advancing the blue economy agenda with emphasis on sustainability, climate resilience and food security. Singh is also slated to meet CEOs of major Israeli companies and startups in fields of agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture. The programme includes visits to key institutions and innovation hubs offering insights into Israel’s cutting-edge technological ecosystem in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. Meanwhile, India’s seafood exports touched an all-time high (in value) at Rs 62,408 crore during 2024-25, up by 3.11 per cent compared to Rs 60,523.89 crore in 2023-24, and continues to rise this fiscal (FY26). Meanwhile, fish production increased to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY2024-25, from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY2013-14, up by a massive 106 per cent. (IANS)
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Food Safety Department of Jammu and Kashmir has busted a module involved in the manufacture and sale of fake honey and desi ghee in Srinagar, which was being passed off as home-made products. Officials said a team of food safety officers conducted raids at multiple locations in the Barthana and Qamarwari areas of the Srinagar, during which the illegal manufacturing unit was detected. During the operation, the team recovered a large quantity of hydrogenated oil, which was allegedly being used to prepare a mixture sold as desi ghee at roadside outlets. Officials further said that sugar and other material used in the preparation of a mixture being sold as locally produced honey were also seized from the premises. The department has initiated further investigation to identify the supply chain and take action against those involved, under relevant provisions of the Food Safety Act.
New Delhi, Jan 12: The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) on Monday made the first launch of 2026 with the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite aboard its PSLV-C62 rocket. The EOS-N1, also called the Anwesha, took off on the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at 10:17 am IST from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. "Liftoff! PSLV-C62 launches the EOS-N1 Mission from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota," ISRO shared in a post on the social media platform X. The launch aims to enhance India’s remote sensing capabilities across agriculture, urban mapping, and environmental monitoring. The mission, which carries 15 co-passenger satellites, is planned for injection into Sun Synchronous Orbit. “The PSLV-C62 mission will also demonstrate KID or Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator from a Spanish startup, which is a small-scale prototype of a re-entry vehicle being developed by the startup,” the Indian space agency shared before launch. The KID capsule is planned for a re-entry trajectory, according to ISRO. The KID will be the last co-passenger to be injected, after which it is slated to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere towards splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean. The PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission is the 9th dedicated commercial mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO. The launch is the fifth to use the PSLV-DL variant with two solid strap-on motors. PSLV has completed 63 flights, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1, and Astrosat Mission. In 2017, PSLV set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission. ISRO undertook the 101st launch endeavour with PSLV-C61 mission, in May, to deploy the 1,696 kg EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite into a 505 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. While the initial stages of the flight performed as expected, a technical anomaly in the rocket's third stage prevented the mission from reaching its intended orbit. (IANS)
Udhampur, Jan 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday conducted an extensive tour of far-flung areas of Tehsil Panchari of District Udhampur and felicitated the winners of 6th ISKOI India Karate Championship–2025 during an impressive medal ceremony held at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari here. Mission Director POSHAN Sajad Ahmad Ganai, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Joint Director School Education Udhampur -Reasi, DDC Member Panchari, other district officers, parents of medal winners and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the girl achievers, their parents and the local populace on the remarkable accomplishment of young girls. She lauded their dedication, discipline and fighting spirit and expressed pride in the fact that many of these medal winners hailed from far-flung and remote areas, overcoming limited resources and challenging circumstances, to bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena said that the achievements of these young girl sportspersons reflect their hard work and their parents as well as the growing sports culture in the region. “Your success proves that talent knows no geographical barriers. With determination and proper guidance, our youth can excel on any national and international platform,” she stated. Highlighting the importance of sports, the Minister said that sporting activities provide a common platform for budding sportspersons to showcase their talent and prepare them to face challenges in life. She urged the participants to actively engage in sports for physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personality development. She assured continued government support for promoting sports activities, especially in rural and far-flung areas, to ensure equal opportunities for talented players. She also lauded the efforts of the International Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation of India for promoting sports culture among youth, especially in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Minister interacted with the players, coaches and parents, appreciating the role of coaches and families in nurturing young talent. She encouraged the medal winners to continue their training and aim for greater achievements at national and international competitions. During the ceremony, as many as 47 medal winners of the 6th ISKOI India Karate championship–2025 were felicitated by the Minister and presented trophies and prizes to them. On the sidelines of the event, Sakeena Itoo Later distributed school bags and umbrellas under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Later, the Minister also interacted with DDC Member Panchari, former PRI members and locals who projected several issues and demands pertaining to health, education, road and other sector before the Minister. While interacting with them, the Minister said that the Director Health Services Jammu has been given strict instructions to prepare a holistic plan for upgradation of medical care facilities at the PHC Panchari as well as addressing shortage of staff, owing to the remoteness of area from district head quarters. She further added that the maintenance of road and allied works will be taken up with concerned quarters for immediate redressal. She reaffirmed that the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthen road connectivity, health infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure every basic service is available at the doorsteps of common people. She also said that the Tourism potential of the Panchari area will be tapped to its full extent by the Government, which will eventually lead to overall development of the area and add to its economic efficiency.
Bengaluru, Jan 9: BGS Bloomfield School celebrated its Annual Day 2026 with a grand cultural evening showcasing creativity, talent, and holistic learning. The event, held on the school campus, featured vibrant performances by students from Nursery to Grade 10, reflecting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, character-building, and co-curricular development. Member of Parliament from Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency, P C Mohan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while renowned Kannada stand-up comedian Gangavathi Pranesh was the Guest of Honour. Their presence added inspiration and enthusiasm to the celebrations, encouraging students to pursue their aspirations with confidence and dedication. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a series of captivating cultural performances, including classical dance, theatre, musical ensembles, and thematic presentations centred on unity, gratitude, and nation-building. Each performance reflected months of preparation and the dedicated guidance of the school’s faculty. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Dr B Gurappa Naidu expressed pride in the students’ achievements. “Annual Day is a reflection of our students’ creativity, discipline, and teamwork. At BGS Bloomfield, we strive to nurture every child’s potential by offering a balanced environment that promotes academic excellence alongside cultural enrichment,” he said. He added that the performances stood as a testament to the collective efforts of students, teachers, and parents. Chief Guest P C Mohan lauded the school’s holistic approach to education, saying it was inspiring to see young students display confidence, discipline, and creativity on stage. “Institutions like BGS Bloomfield play a vital role in shaping responsible and empowered citizens of the future,” he said. He congratulating the management, faculty, and students for the impressive celebration. Guest of Honour Gangavathi Pranesh brought a touch of humour to the occasion while appreciating the students’ heartfelt performances and the school’s emphasis on value-based education. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents, and partners in making the celebration memorable. "The Annual Day reinforced BGS Bloomfield’s vision of nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners," the handout reads.
Islamabad, Jan 11: The United Doctors Forum (UDF) — an umbrella organisation of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and the Young Doctors Association (YDA) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) -- has warned the authorities of launching a protest from January 26 if their "long-pending and legitimate" demands were not agreed to, local media reported. UDF Chairman Dr Wajid Khan and General Secretary Dr Arshad Raja, who are the heads of the PMA and YDA, respectively, made the announcement during a press conference, where they were joined by other office-bearers, including Dr Waqar Butt, Dr Basharat Hayat, Dr Aamir Ikram, Dr Raja Imtiaz and Dr Bilal Ahmed. The doctors criticised the years of delays that had impacted the health system and demoralised medical professionals and said they had shown patience and used all constitutional, legal and democratic ways for their problems, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. However, the authorities were not resolving their issues, they said. "Unfortunately, instead of being resolved, our issues are being further complicated, and decisions are repeatedly deferred," Khan said, adding that such delays had pushed the healthcare system into uncertainty. The UDF leaders said that the promotion process in the Health Department had stopped, with promotion cases remaining pending since 2019, leading to several doctors retiring without being promoted. They called the absence of a permanent Director General of Health a major issue, stressing that the department could not be run on an additional-charge basis. The UDF leaders voiced serious concern over the non-payment of financial benefits and allowances to doctors since June 2022, despite a verdict issued by the Supreme Court, Dawn reported. They mentioned that government hospitals were facing an acute shortage of medical facilities and modern equipment, and termed the presence of only one MRI machine in the entire region "deeply alarming". They even expressed concerns over security threats being issued to women doctors and paramedical staff, physical violence incidents in hospitals, one-sided probe, and police action. They claimed, "In every such incident, doctors are made scapegoats, which is grossly unfair." The UDF leaders announced that a two-hour open strike would start in PoJK from January 26, and it would continue for two weeks, adding that more than 1,200 doctors from the entire region were expected to observe the strike. During the strike, OPDs would remain shut while emergency services would continue, but failure to act by February 2 would lead to the launch of complete hospital shutdowns. (IANS)
Srinagar, Jan 11: Fauz e Azeem, popularly known by his in-game name Kalyug, has achieved a historic milestone in Indian e-sports. He became the only e-sports player from Kashmir to be nominated by Krafton Esports India at its first-ever award show, under the prestigious Rookie E-sports Player of the Year category. The award ceremony was held in Mumbai, bringing together the biggest names in Indian gaming. Fauz-e-Azeem’s nomination is the result of years of consistent performance, discipline, and resilience in the highly competitive Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) ecosystem. Having played BGMI since its inception, he steadily rose through the ranks, earning respect as a clutch performer and team player on the national stage. Over the past few seasons, Fauz-e-Azeem has delivered standout results across major LAN and national tournaments including Sky Realme LAN Championship and also achieved overall 17th rank in BGIS 2023 and 8th rank in BMPS LAN besides being recognised at the most valuable player securing rank 4. These achievements place him among India’s most promising emerging talents and underline his ability to perform under high-pressure LAN environments—an area where only the most composed players thrive. Fauz-e-Azeem’s journey is more than a personal success story. It represents a breakthrough moment for Kashmir’s gaming and youth community. Competing from a region with limited infrastructure and exposure, his rise to national recognition sends a powerful message—that talent from Kashmir can compete and shine at the highest levels of Indian e-sports. His nomination by Krafton Esports India not only validates his individual excellence but also opens doors for aspiring gamers from the region, encouraging them to pursue e-sports as a legitimate and respected career path. With his growing experience, consistent LAN performances, and national recognition, Fauz-e-Azeem “Kalyug” is widely seen as a player to watch in upcoming BGMI seasons. As Indian e-sports continues to expand, his journey stands as an inspiration—proof that passion, perseverance, and performance can overcome geographical and structural barriers.
Bandipora, Jan 12: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable died after a fire broke out in a barrack of the 62nd Battalion camp in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district late last night, officials said. An official said that the incident occurred in the Madar area of Bandipora, where a fire engulfed the barrack, completely gutting the structure. The constable, who was inside at the time, could not be rescued and was charred to death. The body was later shifted to the District Hospital Bandipora for medico-legal formalities, after which it will be sent to his native place. The deceased has been identified as Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Jalandhar, Punjab. Authorities have taken cognizance of the incident. (KNO)
Srinagar, Jan 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday said that the artisans’ hands carry forward centuries-old traditions, transforming raw material into masterpieces. "It reflects the spirit, resilience and rich cultural heritage of our Valley," he said. He was speaking while unveiling the Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s (H&HD) calendar 2026, a visual tribute celebrating the timeless craft traditions of Kashmir. “Our craftsmen are not just creators of art; they are the living ambassadors of Kashmir’s timeless legacy,” he said. The calendar beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Valley’s artistic heritage, highlighting the skill, dedication and commitment of the region’s artisans — the true custodians of Kashmir’s cultural legacy. “This calendar is an ode to the artisans who weave, carve and colour Kashmir’s soul," CM Omar Abdullah said. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Mussarat Islam, Joint Director Handicrafts Deeba Khalid, Deputy Director Handicrafts Mirza Shahid Ali, along with other senior officers, were present on the occasion. The 2026 calendar showcases an exquisite range of traditional crafts, including Namda, Kani shawl, Papier-mâché, wood carving, Sozni embroidery, carpet weaving, Wagguv and copperware, with each frame narrating a story of skills passed down through generations.
Srinagar, Jan 11: The residents of the Gandbal on Sunday were stirred by fresh developments after what appeared to be a human foot was spotted along the banks of the Jhelum River on Sunday. The possible humnan remains were spotted nearly two years after the tragic Gandbal boat capsizing incident, leaving eight people dead, According to locals, the suspected human remains were noticed by people collecting sand near the riverbank, following which police were immediately informed about the discovery. The object, partially buried in sand and in a decomposed condition, appeared to resemble a human foot. “We were shocked when we noticed it and did not touch anything. The police were informed at once,” a local resident said. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the remains are human or linked to any previous incident. Locals suspect that the remains could belong to Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, a 40-year-old mason who went missing during the Gandbal boat tragedy on April 16, 2024. Despite extensive search operations by SDRF, NDRF and MARCOS at the time, his body was never recovered. Meanwhile, police have initiated further examination and search operations in the area to ascertain the identity and origin of the remains. (JKNS)
Srinagar, Jan 11: Once celebrated as the face of Kashmir’s environmental conscience, Bilal Ahmad Dar the young man who became synonymous with the cleaning of Wular Lake today lies confined to a bed, battling neglect, disability, and broken promises. Bilal, a resident of Laharwalpora village in Bandipora district, rose to national attention in 2017 when a video of him single-handedly collecting plastic waste from the ecologically fragile Wular Lake went viral. A teenager then, earning a living as a ragpicker, Bilal’s selfless act of cleaning Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake caught the attention of authorities and environmentalists alike. His story was later documented in the film Saving the Saviour. Impressed by his dedication, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) appointed Bilal as the brand ambassador for Wular Lake and SMC Srinagar, projecting him as a symbol of cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Official records confirm that Bilal was formally engaged by the civic body in 2017, with verbal assurances that he would be given a permanent job once he attained the age of 18. Eight years later, that promise remains unfulfilled. Despite years of service, Bilal continues to work without regularisation. His monthly honorarium has remained stagnant at ₹8,000 since his initial engagement, with no written assurance, no increment, and no concrete steps towards permanent employment. His plight worsened dramatically last year when he met with a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of almost one leg. He underwent prolonged treatment and multiple medical procedures, spending nearly ₹14 lakh. Even today, Bilal is unable to move independently and remains largely bedridden. “I served SMC honestly for years. I cleaned Wular Lake, the Jhelum, and several streams flowing into the lake. I carried out awareness drives across Srinagar,” Bilal said. “I was promised a permanent job after I turned 18, but nothing changed. After my accident, no one came forward to help me.” He said the sense of abandonment weighs heavily on him. “Even after four years of turning 18, no official listens to me. I fear that one day SMC will also throw me out,” he said, adding that he still wishes to contribute towards keeping Wular Lake clean, if only he is given dignity and support. Bilal is now demanding that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation honour its commitment by granting him permanent employment, which he says was crucial for his survival and continued medical care.(KNS)
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
