J&K: Bhaderwah covered in thick blanket of snow; tourists flock to Guldanda meadow
A huge influx of tourists thronged to the famous Guldanda meadow of Jammu and Kashmirs Bhaderwah on Monday. This comes after the authorities allowed traffic movement on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot National Highway after the clearance of snow upto Guldanda. The Guldanda meadow is covered in a large amount of snow where tourists were seen enjoying. This []
Dodas Guldanda Sees Rush After Highway Reopens Post-Snowfall
JAMMU: Hundreds of tourists flocked to the snow-covered Guldanda in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district after authorities reopened the Bhadarwah-Pathankot national highway for traffic on Sunday, officials said. The interstate highway, passing through the 9,555-foot-high Guldanda and the 11,000-foot Chattargalla pass, had been closed for traffic after Thursdays snowfall to avoid any untoward incidents due [] The post Dodas Guldanda Sees Rush After Highway Reopens Post-Snowfall appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Couriers to soldiers, BSF at work
CHANDIGARH: The BSF has a novel idea to discourage Punjab youth in the border areas from becoming drug couriers. It gives them paramilitary and armed forces training to motivate them to take up soldiering instead. The forces focus is on the Punjab districts along the Indo-Pak international border that suffer from cross-border drug supply vial drones, turning youth into couriers or addicts. For long, the BSF has been fighting the brutal battle of securing the border, checking the drug menace and stopping the youth from becoming couriers for Pakistan smugglers and, in the process, becoming addicts. Now it has hit upon the training idea and begun the reformation exercise in earnest. Youngsters are being tried out for fitness and mental and physical strength and commitment to training them. They hail from border areas of Punjab like Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Ferozepur. Thus, now you are given pre-recruitment training for paramilitary and armed forces so they do not fall into the wrong hands. A few hundred of them have been selected for this, said a senior officer of BSF on the condition of anonymity. Also, next month, a marathon will be held from Amritsar to Attari, where the BSF expects some 700 youth from border areas to participate. As motivation, motorcycles will be given away as prizes. The BSF is in talks with various sponsor companies regarding this. The BSF has also started a community interface as it has established a number of vocational training centres to train the youth in tailoring, carpentry, mobile repair, plumbing, harnessing dairy products and computer-related skills. Many got successful placements at the end of their training. An English coaching class for the youth of the border villages has come up in the Taran Taran district. They aspire to clear competitive examinations for higher studies in the countrys premier institutions or go abroad. Around 50 youth have been given coaching in English speaking and writing. To generate job creation and empower local artisans, BSF distributes toolkits to artisans. The BSF has also established a number of Ankur Primary Schools under the aegis of BWWA (BSF Wives Welfare Association) in the remote areas of the Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Taran Taran, Pathankot, Fazilka and Jalandhar districts where school infrastructure is deficient. Inspector General of BSF Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele, told this newspaper, After having analysed the need to minimise the alienation, BSF had embarked upon a number of initiatives in different fields, from skill development of youth to provide education to children and health care, as the people living along the border face numerous challenges due to their geographical location and socio-political dynamics. The larger aim is to motivate youth to choose the right path to understand the legal ramifications of drug smuggling and addiction. Last year, BSF intercepted and seized approximately 270 drones along the Punjab border, against 107 last year and to just 21 in 2022. The seizures led to the confiscation of 254 kg of heroin in 2023, compared to 440 kg in 2022 and 317 kg in 2021. 700 youth to take part in marathon A marathon will be held next month from Amritsar to Attari, where the BSF expects some 700 youth from border areas to participate. As motivation, motorcycles will be given away as prizes. The BSF is in talks with various sponsor companies regarding this. The BSF also started a community interface as it has established a number of vocational training centres to train the youth in tailoring, carpentry, mobile repair, plumbing, harnessing dairy products and computer-related skills. Many got successful placements at the end of their training.
Bhaderwah, Adjoining Areas In Jammu Division Receive Fresh Snowfall
Doda, Jan 16: Jammu divisions Bhaderwah valley in Doda district received a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday, as did the adjacent region of Bhalessa which was blanketed in pristine white. Poonch, too, was freshly covered in snow; while further north in Kashmir valley, there has been snowfall in Anantnag and the adjoining areas of south Kashmir. Competing healthily with spells of snowfall in Kashmir valley, following the restoration of the Bhaderwah-Basholi-Pathankot National Highway, a large number of tourists thronged [] The post Bhaderwah, Adjoining Areas In Jammu Division Receive Fresh Snowfall appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
How AI helped nab Army deserters wanted for brutal murders of 2006
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a random check using an AI tool by the police technical intelligence wing that led to the recent arrest of two Army men, who had been on the run for nearly two decades after murdering a woman and her newborn twins. Heres a quick flashback. The crime occurred in 2006, at Areyam near Anchal in Kollam district. Although the investigation was handed over to the CBI in 2010, the Kerala Police unofficially continued its pursuit of the suspects Divil Kumar B of Anchal and Rajesh P of Sreekandapuram who were serving in the 45 Air Defence Regiment of the Army, posted in Pathankot at the time. On January 24, 2006, Renjini gave birth to twin daughters. The 24-year-old and her newborns were found murdered on February 10. It was a brutal murder. Their throats were slit, and there were severe stab injuries on their bodies, recalls an officer, who had worked at the Anchal police station in 2006. Renjinis mother, Santhamma, was not at home at the time as she had gone to the panchayat office to obtain birth certificates for her granddaughters. Santhamma mentioned that a man named Anil Kumar had visited the house just before she left. That is when we started tracking Anil. Investigators soon discovered that Renjini had been in a relationship with Divil, a fellow native of Anchal, who was stationed in Pathankot. Renjini and her mother had approached the Kerala State Womens Commission after Divil refused to acknowledge the children. The commission decided to conduct a DNA test to establish the childrens parentage. However, we confirmed that Divil was in Pathankot at the time of the murders, the officer notes. Our focus shifted to Anil, who had become acquainted with Renjini and her mother at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and regularly visited their home. A breakthrough came when police recovered a motorcycle registration certificate at the crime scene. The vehicles owner had sold it to a used-motorcycle shop in Thiruvananthapuram. We showed a photograph of Divil to the shop employee, who identified him. However, the identity of the second person remained a mystery. On one occasion, a shop employee mentioned that the second individual had taken him to an ATM to withdraw cash. That was a crucial lead, says the officer. Police scrutinised ATM transactions and found a withdrawal linked to a Pathankot bank account belonging to Rajesh, an Army colleague of Divil. Rajesh was on leave at the time of the murders. On our request, the Army faxed us a photograph of Rajesh. Santhamma and the shop employees confirmed that Anil was, in fact, Rajesh from Sreekandapuram in Kannur, the officer recalls. With Rajeshs involvement established, the police pieced together the plot. Disturbed by the Womens Commissions intervention, Divil sought Rajeshs help. Rajesh befriended Renjini and her mother, and committed the murders while on leave in Kerala. Meanwhile, Divil went into hiding on realising that he was a suspect. The police tracked their ATM withdrawals and discovered the duo had travelled to Delhi, Nashik, and Nagpur. State Special Branch SP Shanavas A, who initially investigated the case as circle inspector in Anchal, says, We worked tirelessly to nab the accused, travelling to various states. However, they always managed to evade us. They were eventually arrested after a recent tip-off from police to the CBI. In 2010, the High Court had directed the CBI to take over the probe. The Army, by then, declared both men deserters. Enter AI Of late, the Kerala Police intel wing has been on an unofficial mission to track those accused on the run in grave, long-pending cases. Though the Anchal murder case was under CBI investigation, police sleuths used an AI tool to recreate images of the fugitives as they might appear now. They then scanned social media platforms using these images. We identified a photograph of one accused on Facebook. Our probe revealed that he was living in Puducherry under the name Vishnu, says an officer who was part of the investigation. Rajesh, using the alias Praveen, was also in Puducherry. Both were running an interior design business, and had settled there with their families. This info was passed to the CBIs Chennai unit, which confirmed their identities. On January 3, the CBI arrested the duo and produced them before the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrates Court, where they were remanded in judicial custody. We preserved the childrens DNA, knowing it could be crucial for future investigations. The CBI can now use these samples to confirm the parentage of the murdered babies, says the officer. Case diary This weekly column brings you exciting, intriguing police stories, straight from the crime files.
Train link in J&K to be extended to border dists: Sinha
SRINAGAR: Ahead of direct train connectivity between Kashmir and Delhi, the train service in J&K will be further extended to border town of Uri and Kupwara in north Kashmir and border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region. It will connect the Line of Control (LoC) with the rail link. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under consideration for new railway lines. For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration. The prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari which will boost tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region, Sinha said. He said several transformative projects are in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir. The extension of the rail link to the border town of Uri and border districts will generate employment for the locals and improve connectivity. The link to Uri and border districts would also help in the mobility of the troops deployed at the LoC and other forward areas of J&K. It would help with quick transportation of troops and military hardware. The L-G also said that DPR is also under examination for the new line between Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line. By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the regions untapped potential and boost local economies, he said. Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah said creation of Jammu Railway division is a historic moment. He allayed fears of Jammu that it would suffer losses due to direct train connectivity between Kashmir and Delhi. I want to assure people that rail connectivity to Kashmir will benefit Jammu. It will increase trade, tourism and connectivity of Jammu, he said. Maintaining that trade and industry in J&K would benefit from train connectivity, Omar said job opportunities will increase with the new railway division in Jammu.
Modi launches major railways projects in Telangana, J&K and Odisha
Srinagar: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday, after virtually inaugurating the newly carved out Jammu Railway Division (JRD), said that this historic milestone will create steps to take Jammu and Kashmirs journey of developmental infrastructure and connectivity to higher levels. The integration of J&K into the national railway network is a monumental step towards transforming Indian Railways into a global leader in efficiency, speed, and passenger experience, he said, adding, The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project is a landmark achievement that demonstrates India's engineering excellence. The 742.1-kilometre long JRD comprises of the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (423 km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 km), Batala-Pathankot (68.17 km) and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar routes (163.72 km). It is expected to create new employment opportunities in J&K and neighbouring Punjab and apart from boosting up infrastructure development promote tourism and the overall socio-economic development of the region, officials said in Jammu. Endorsing it, the Prime Minister said that the JRD would not only benefit the people of J&K but also extend its advantages to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh. He termed its inauguration as a symbol of Indias collective progress under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, filling colours in the dream of Developed India. He said the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, will play a key role in connecting J&K with the rest of the country India through rail besides providing convenience to the people of Leh-Ladakh. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana which too will promote tourism and add to socio-economic development in these states. According to an official statement, the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with provision of a second entry with a cost of around 413 crore. This environment friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda, the statement said. It added that the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Prime Minister through video conferencing will improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and nearby areas and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region. The Prime Minister said, We are taking forward the development of railways in India on four parameters. First- modernization of railway infrastructure, Second- Modern facilities for railway passengers, Third- Railway connectivity in every corner of the country, Fourth- Railways for creating jobs and supporting industries. The Prime Minister said, Today is a big day for new-age connectivity. It shows that the entire nation is moving forward together. He asserted that in order to translate the dream of Vikshit Bharat, it is crucial to develop Indian Railways. He said the past decade has witnessed a transformational change in railway infrastructure modernization, enhanced connectivity, and improved facilities for passengers. The Prime Minister said, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab Riverthe worlds highest railway bridgeare marvels that are making waves globally. He said that the government has laid more than 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks in the last ten years, nearing 100 percent electrification, compared to just 35 percent existing in 2014 (when he took over as the Prime Minister) and that all manual crossings on broad-gauge tracks have been removed during this period. Mr. Modi while lauding Indias fast-paced progress in connectivity said that since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1,000 kilometers. While referring to the recent inauguration of Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR along with the launch of Delhi Metro projects on Sunday, the Prime Minister asserted, Todays event is a further testimony to the fact that the entire nation is moving forward together, step by step, as projects launched in J&K, Odisha and Telangana mark a major leap in modern connectivity for these the north, east and south regions of the country. He said the work on modern rail networks like the Dedicated Freight Corridor is progressing rapidly in the country and that these special corridors will reduce pressure on the regular tracks apart from creating more opportunities for high-speed trains. He reiterated that the railways are undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India. He said modern coaches are being developed for metros and railways, stations redeveloped, solar panels installed at stations and One Station, One Product stalls set up at railway stations. All these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector. Over the last decade, millions of young people have secured permanent government jobs in the railways, he said, adding, The demand for raw materials in factories producing new train coaches leads to more job opportunities in other sectors as well. The Prime Minister said that the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana has the potential of accelerating regional development by connecting to the Outer Ring Road. This station, connected to the Outer Ring Road, will significantly boost development in the region, he said and highlighted the stations modern amenities including its platforms, lifts, escalators, solar-powered operations. The Prime Minister said, This is a step forward in creating sustainable infrastructure as this new terminal will ease the pressure on existing stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, making travel more convenient for the people. He said Odisha is blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline, and holds significant potential for international trade. He said that several railway projects worth over 70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry. He said the Rayagada Railway Division will strengthen the states railway infrastructure promoting tourism, business, and employment in Odisha, especially South Odisha, where the number of tribal families is higher. Mr. Modi said that such projects not only enhance the ease of living but also promote the ease of doing business, aligning with Indias broader infrastructure goals. He said India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks. The number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today. The metro services have expanded from 5 cities to 21 cities across the country. These projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country, he said. He added, I am sure that together we will accelerate this growth even further. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, G. Kishan Reddy, Jitendra Singh, V. Somanna, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Governor of Odisha Jishnu Dev Varma, his counterpart of Telangana Hari Babu Kambhampati, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah, A Revanth Reddy and Mohan Charan Majhi, the chief minister of J&J, Telangana and Odisha, respectively were present among other dignitaries at the event.
PM Modi Launches Major Railway Projects in Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several significant railway projects across Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development. The virtual event, held on Monday at 12:30 PM IST, was a major milestone in the countrys railway infrastructure upgrades. One of the standout initiatives was the inauguration of the new Jammu Railway Division, covering over 742 kilometers and vital routes such as Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla. This development is set to improve transport links in Jammu and Kashmir, offering the region enhanced access to other parts of India. Local aspirations for better connectivity will be met, boosting tourism and providing employment opportunities while driving regional economic growth. Alongside this, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telanganas Medchal-Malkajgiri district. With an investment of around Rs 413 crore, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to be eco-friendly and passenger-centric. It will alleviate congestion at existing coaching terminals in Hyderabad, including Secunderabad and Kacheguda. This new terminal will play a key role in improving the region's railway infrastructure. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, aimed at improving rail connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and surrounding regions. This project will contribute to the socio-economic development of these areas by providing better transportation options. The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampat, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. These initiatives form part of the government's ongoing commitment to modernizing the railway network, enhancing infrastructure, and improving services for millions of passengers nationwide. The project, aimed at connecting vital regions such as Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, holds significant promise for the region's growth. By improving connectivity, it will not only foster smoother movement of people and goods but also facilitate the integration of these areas with the broader national network. This enhanced connectivity is expected to stimulate economic activities, boost trade, and create new employment opportunities, unlocking the untapped economic potential of the region. Furthermore, the project reflects the governments firm dedication to addressing regional disparities, ensuring that remote and underserved areas are brought into the national economic fold, and promoting balanced development across the country. Ultimately, this initiative has the potential to play a pivotal role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Snow-Clearing Operations: Bhaderwah Highway Reopens | #watch #trendingshorts | N18S
| Bhaderwah, Doda (J&K) | NH Bhaderwah-Pathankot opens for tourist vehicles after Border Roads Organisation's snow clearance operation. n18oc_shortsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
The last time a new division was declared in the Indian Railways was in November 2007 when the Salem Railway Division was constituted
PM Modi to inaugurate key railway projects on January 6
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several key railway projects via video conferencing from New Delhi on Monday, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity. Among the projects, PM Modi will inaugurate the newly established Jammu Railway Division in Jammu & Kashmir and the recently completed Charlapalli Terminal Station in Telangana. He will also lay the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of the East Coast Railway in Odisha. The creation of the Jammu Railway Division encompasses 742.1 km of railway lines, including the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla route, the Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot line, the Batala-Pathankot section, and the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar stretch. According to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Sunday, the new division is expected to bring substantial benefits to Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring areas, fulfilling a long-standing demand for improved rail connectivity with the rest of India. It will create employment opportunities, foster infrastructure development, promote tourism, and lead to overall socio-economic progress in the region, the PMO stated. Located in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana, the Charlapalli Terminal Station has been developed as a new coaching terminal at an estimated cost of 413 crore. This eco-friendly terminal, equipped with excellent passenger amenities, will help reduce congestion at existing coaching terminals in the city, such as Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda, the PMO highlighted. The foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building in Odisha will also be laid during the event. Situated in a tribal-dominated and mineral-rich region, the Rayagada division is being carved out of the existing Visakhapatnam Division in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative will enhance connectivity across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and neighbouring regions, contributing to socio-economic growth and improved transportation infrastructure, the PMO stated. Railways to develop Bargarh-Nuapada new line in Odisha as a special project These projects are part of the governments broader strategy to bolster the nations railway infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote regional development, the statement added.
PM Modi to inaugurate Jammu rail division, lay foundation for Rayagada division
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly created Jammu rail division and lay the foundation of the Rayagada railway division through video conferencing on 6 January from New Delhi. With the creation of these two new railway divisions, the total number of operational railway divisions will rise to 70 under 17 zones of the Indian Railways. The headquarters of the newly created Jammu and Rayagada railway divisions will be located in Jammu and Rayagada, Odisha, respectively. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the new terminal at Charlapalli railway station in Hyderabad. Confirming this development, Executive Director (I&P) of the Railway Ministry, Dileep Kumar, told this newspaper on Thursday, The government has decided to set up a new division with headquarters at Jammu under the Northern Railway by reorganising the Firozpur division. The new Jammu division is likely to have the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur (now Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan) Srinagar-Baramulla (423 route km), the Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 route km), Batala (excluding)-Pathankot (68.17 route km), and the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar (NG section covering 163.72 route km) under its jurisdiction. The final jurisdiction will be determined based on the Detailed Project Report, Kumar added. The headquarters of the newly created Jammu division will be equipped with modern, hi-tech facilities, utilising the full potential of Information Technology (IT). Meanwhile, the Rayagada division in Odisha is being set up by reorganising the Visakhapatnam division in Andhra Pradesh to cater to the transportation needs of this mineral-rich and tribal-dominated region. With the creation of these two new divisions, the Indian Railways will have a total of 70 divisions under its 17 various zones, said an official at the Ministry. There has also been a longstanding demand for the creation of a South Coast zone in Andhra Pradesh as Indian Railways 18th zone. Reportedly, tenders have been invited for the construction of the proposed South Coast railway zones office at Visakhapatnam. Dwelling upon the significance of the Jammu division, a senior railway official said, The establishment of the Jammu division coincides with the inauguration of several railway projects in the region, including the highly anticipated Chenab River Rail Bridge, and will deliver a strong message of the central governments commitment towards improving railway networks across J&K. The Chenab River Rail Bridge, located in the Reasi district, stands 1,178 feet above the riverbed, making it 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Jammu division will also oversee the USBRL project, which has now been completed. Currently, railway services in J&K are managed by the Firozpur division of Northern Railways. The new Jammu rail division will encompass over 36 railway stations, including prominent stations such as Jammu Tawi, Katra, and Udhampur, along with several other new stations being developed on new rail routes across J&K. In Odisha, the Rayagada division will improve railway connectivity in the region, strengthening Indian Railways' reach. Rayagada, being a tribal-dominated area, will witness more efficient transportation of minerals and passengers with this development.
Remembering the Pathankot Attack: A 2016 Assault on India's Security
On January 2, 2016, the Indian Air Force's Pathankot Airbase was attacked by a group of militants, marking a devastating and deadly event in Indias fight against terrorism. The attack, carried out by militants linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed the lives of at least six soldiers and several attackers after a 17-hour battle. The airbase, a crucial part of India's Western Air Command, became the site of intense combat that would reverberate through India-Pakistan relations for years to come. The Attack Unfolds The assault began on the early morning of January 1, 2016, when armed militants dressed in Indian Army uniforms breached the high-security perimeter of the Pathankot airbase. They infiltrated the base using the thick elephant grass surrounding the area, making their entry via a nylon rope that was found on the 3.4-meter-high wall. Equipped with grenade launchers, AK rifles, and a GPS device, the attackers moved swiftly into the base. Initial reports suggest that the militants aimed to destroy aircraft and helicopters stationed at the base, which were crucial assets for India's defense operations. They succeeded in making their way about 400 meters into the base but were halted by Garud commandos, who confronted them in a forested area. The attackers were armed with heavy artillery and explosives, including mortars and grenades. A Lengthy Battle The ensuing gun battle led to the deaths of four attackers and two security personnel on January 2, 2016. Another security officer succumbed to injuries a few hours later, raising the toll of Indian security personnel. The battle, however, didnt end there. The attackers remained elusive, and further gunshots and explosions were heard, signaling more militants were at large inside the base. The Indian Army intensified its search operation, named Operation Dhangu, to neutralize the remaining militants. By January 4, a fifth attacker was killed, and the operation continued as security forces combed the area. Tragically, the violence claimed additional lives, with three more soldiers dying due to an IED explosion on January 3. International and Domestic Repercussions The attack, claimed by the United Jihad Council-- a Kashmir-based militant organizationwas widely condemned internationally. While the group took responsibility, it was speculated that the attackers were members of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based group designated as a terrorist organization by India, the US, and several other nations. The attack deepened the already strained relations between India and Pakistan. Evidence found at the site of the attack indicated that the militants likely crossed into India from Pakistan, which further fueled tensions between the two countries. The attack also raised concerns that it was an attempt to derail peace talks meant to stabilize the fragile diplomatic relations between the neighboring nations. Aftermath and Legacy The Pathankot attack remains a somber reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism. The attack also led to greater scrutiny of the security measures at Indian military installations and the relationship between India and Pakistan. As of 2023, the impact of the attack continues to affect the dynamics of the two countries, with relations remaining largely unresolved. In October 2023, Shahid Latif, the alleged mastermind behind the attack and a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Pakistan, highlighting the complex and ongoing nature of terrorism-related conflicts in the region. The Pathankot attack of 2016 stands as one of the most significant security challenges faced by India. The lives lost and the bravery of the security forces during the operation exemplify the sacrifices made in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The event not only shook the nation but also served as a grim reminder of the volatility in the region and the fragile nature of peace between India and Pakistan.
Indian Railways Cancels 70 Trains on January 2: Check the Full List
Indian Railways has announced the cancellation of nearly 70 train services on January 2, 2024. This step was taken to facilitate scheduled maintenance work and address operational requirements. Maintenance activities are essential to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the vast rail network across the country. Advisory for Passengers Passengers planning to travel are advised to verify the updated status of their trains before heading to the station. The latest train schedules and real-time updates can be accessed through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES). The NTES platform is available as a mobile application for both Android and iOS users, making it convenient to check the live status of trains anytime. Key Details About the Cancellations Indian Railways has emphasized that the cancellations are part of routine procedures to improve efficiency and ensure passenger safety. The affected trains include those connecting major cities and smaller towns, spanning various regions of the country. Below is the comprehensive list of the trains that will not operate on January 2, 2024: Cancelled Trains List: 14324 Rohtak-New Delhi 14323 New Delhi-Rohtak 04241 Mankapur Jn-Ayodhya Cantt Jn Memu 04242 Ayodhya Cantt-Mankapur Memu 04259 Mankapur Jn-Ayodhya Cantt Memu 04260 Ayodhya Cantt-Mankapur Jn Memu 04381 Prayagraj Sangam-Ayodhya Cantt Memu 04382 Ayodhya Cantt-Prayagraj Sangam Memu 04257 Mankapur Jn-Ayodhya Dham Memu 04258 Ayodhya Dham-Mankapur Jn Memu 04217 Varanasi-Lucknow Special 04218 Lucknow-Varanasi Special 04829 Jodhpur-Gorakhpur Special 22430 Pathankot-Delhi Junction 12497 New Delhi-Amritsar Junction 12498 Amritsar Junction-New Delhi 14662 Jammu Tawi-Barmer 12412 Amritsar Junction-Chandigarh 2479 New Delhi-Lohian Khas Junction 22480 Lohian Khas Junction-New Delhi (This is a partial list. Please check NTES for the full list of cancelled trains.) How to Stay Updated To avoid inconvenience, travelers are encouraged to use the NTES application to confirm train schedules and cancellations. This system provides real-time updates, ensuring passengers are informed well in advance. Indian Railways continues to prioritize passenger safety and service reliability by undertaking necessary maintenance and operational adjustments. While these cancellations may disrupt travel plans, they are aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of the railway network.
20 injured as bus overturns in fields on Jalandhar-Jammu NH
Hoshiarpur: A private bus overturned in fields near village Kurala on the Jalandhar-Jammu National Highway on Wednesday, injuring 20 passengers, police said. Tanda SHO Gurwinderjit Singh said nine injured passengers were admitted to the Civil Hospital in Dasuya, while 11 were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Tanda for treatment. Four critically injured passengers were referred to the Government Hospital in Hoshiarpur from Dasuya Civil Hospital here. Some of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid at CHC, Tanda. The bus was travelling from Pathankot to Jalandhar, the police said. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle near Kurala village, SHO Singh said, adding that further investigations are underway.
3 Khalistani terrorists killed in UP encounter
Chandigarh: The Uttar Pradesh Police and Punjab Police successfully carried out a joint operation, leading to an encounter with three members of a Pakistan-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror module. The suspects fired at the police party during the operation, which took place in the Puranpur area of Pilibhit district. The three 'terrorists', believed to have been responsible for the grenade attack on a police station in Gurdaspur, were identified as Gurvinder Singh, Virendra Singh alias Ravi, and Jaspreet Singh alias Pratap Singh. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed the 'breakthrough' in a post on X, stating, In a major breakthrough against a #Pak-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force(KZF) terror module, a joint operation of UP Police and Punjab Police has led to an encounter with three module members who fired at the police party. Yadav further explained that the terror module is involved in grenade attacks at police establishments in the border areas of Punjab. The encounter occurred within the jurisdiction of Puranpur Police Station, Pilibhit, and involved joint police teams from Pilibhit and Punjab. The three suspects were reportedly involved in a grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur. Following the encounter, the injured individuals were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Puranpur for urgent medical treatment. Investigations into the terror module are ongoing, with authorities working to uncover more details about the group's operations. Further, as per the Punjab DGP, during the operation, the police recovered two AK rifles and two Glock pistols, believed to have been used in the attacks. Meanwhile, on Sunday, two gangsters were arrested, and four magazines and 14 cartridges were recovered as Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence team busted a major gangster module in Pathankot.The Punjab DGP confirmed the arrests on Saturday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sunil Kumar alias Ashu, a resident of Rauwal in Batala, and Dilpreet Singh alias Dil, a resident of Raimal in Batala. Accused Sunil alias Ashu has a criminal history, including a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He was released on bail from Gurdaspur Jail on February 27, 2024, according to a release. Yadav said that preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had received the consignment of weapons from the Ajnala area of Amritsar following instructions from their handlers and were directed to deliver it to an unknown party. Further investigations are underway to uncover the source of the weapons and identify more suspects involved in the network. Sharing details of the operation, AIG CI Pathankot, Sukhminder Singh Mann, said that secret information was received indicating that accused Sunil Kumar and Dilpreet Singh were in contact with unknown gangsters and had recently received a consignment of arms and ammunition. Based on this information, the CI Pathankot team laid a trap and arrested both accused individuals after recovering the arms and ammunition from their possession. He further stated that efforts are underway to track previous consignments retrieved and delivered by the accused. In this regard, an FIR (No. 71 dated 21.12.2024) has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar. The arrested accused will be produced in court to obtain police remand, the statement added.
Alternative route to Leh-Ladakh: MoD seeks transport ministry nod for tunnel
CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approve the construction of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel. This tunnel will connect Jogindernagar in the Mandi district with the Kullu district via the Lag Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is proposed that this route be designated as a project of strategic importance, serving as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh. In its communication, the Defence Ministry emphasized the crucial role that this highway and tunnel will serve as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh, thereby greatly improving the operational readiness of the armed forces stationed in forward areas. In addition to its strategic importance, the tunnel is anticipated to provide significant socio-economic benefits to the region. Consequently, budgetary provisions for this project will now be made. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the path for the construction of the much-awaited tunnel in the state has been cleared. He reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the project. I personally met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritisation of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state. he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel aims to reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers. Once completed, it will also shorten the travel distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot. The tunnel will start in Kullu and connect to the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via the Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot, and Shilh-Badhwani. This project is expected to provide significant benefits to the local population, boost tourism in the region, and strengthen the economy of the people.
Defence Ministry recommends MoRTH approval for Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal
CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal Pradesh as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh to be designated as a project of strategic importance. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the critical role the highway and tunnel would play, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in forward areas. Apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel was expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the region and budgetary provisions for the project will now be made accordingly. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the he path for the construction of the much-awaited Bhubu Jot Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh has been cleared and he reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the Bhubu Jot Tunnel project. I personally met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritization of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state, he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel would reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers once it is completed, the distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot will be reduced. The road will begin from Kullu and join the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot and Shilh-Badhwaniand and will deliver immense benefits to the local population and boosting tourism in the region thereby strengthening the economy of the people. The state government was prioritizing tunnel construction to enhance road connectivity, promote sustainable development and minimize environmental impact. The construction of the Bhubu Jot Tunnel would be a transformative step for the development of Himachal Pradesh. This project would not only strengthen strategic infrastructure but also catalyze socio-economic growth in the region, Sukhu added. Bhubu Jot remains covered with heavy snow during winter and the proposed tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity. The tunnel is strategically important as it will reduce the distance from Pathankot to Manali by around 63 km and lessen the travel time by two hours. Former Chief Minister PK Dhumal had announced its construction in 2009.
Two arrested with pistols, cartridges in Punjab
CHANDIGARH, Dec 21: Punjab Police has arrested two persons and recovered two pistols and cartridges from their possession, a top officer said on Saturday. In a major breakthrough, CI (Counter Intelligence) Pathankot apprehends two persons based on reliable input, leading to the recovery of 2 Glock pistols, 4 magazines, and 14 live cartridges of 9mm caliber, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X. A case has been registered in the matter and further investigation [] The post Two arrested with pistols, cartridges in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Temperatures drop in Delhi, Punjab; slight respite from cold for Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Cold weather conditions persisted in parts of north and west India on Sunday with the mercury dropping several notches in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan. Kashmir and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received some respite from the intense cold as minimum temperatures rose. The respite for Kashmir is likely to be short-lived as the meteorological department has predicted a cold wave in parts of the valley over the next three days. Delhi's minimum temperature dropped to 4.9 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches below normal, but cold wave conditions did not prevail, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mercury settled at a low of 8 degrees Celsius in the city on Saturday. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 0.2 notches below normal, the IMD said. The weather department has forecast moderate fog in Delhi on Monday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at 5 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively. Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of cold weather conditions with Faridkot recording the lowest temperature in the region at 1 degree Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Punjab's Gurdaspur and Bathinda recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius respectively at night, it said. The mercury settled at a low of 3.5 degrees Celsius in Pathankot, 3.9 degrees Celsius in Amritsar, 6.8 degrees Celsius in Ludhiana and 3.8 degrees Celsius in Patiala. In Haryana, Hisar shivered at 1.7 degrees Celsius and Narnaul recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Bhiwani recorded a low of 4 degrees Celsius, Gurugram 5.6 degrees Celsius, Rohtak 5.2 degrees Celsius and Ambala 5.7 degrees Celsius. The weather office said that Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rose by three to five notches in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while cold wave conditions gripped the lower hills as the weather remained dry. Tabo was the coldest place in the state at night with a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius and Shimla was the warmest at 12.2 degrees Celsius, 6.5 notches above normal. The adjoining resorts of Kufri and Narkanda recorded a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius respectively. In the lower hills, Una recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius and Sundernagar 0.6 degrees Celsius. The local meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' warning for cold wave at isolated places in the lower hills and plains till Thursday and predicted dry weather in the state over the next seven days. Cold wave conditions will prevail in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and parts of Kangra districts, the weather office said. There was no significant change in maximum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh. Solan was the hottest during the day at 24.7 degrees Celsius followed by Shimla at 19 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. Kashmir saw a slight respite from intense cold wave conditions as minimum temperatures rose across the valley, though they remained below the freezing point. The summer capital of Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, an improvement from minus 4.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said. Gulmarg, a tourist destination popular for skiing, registered a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius -- a rise of nearly four notches from the night before. Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, logged a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, three notches higher than the previous night. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest place in the valley with the mercury settling at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, 3.7 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and 2.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. According to the meteorological office, the weather in the valley is likely to remain mainly dry till December 21. Minimum temperatures are predicted to drop and a cold wave is likely over many stations during the next three days, the weather office said. In Rajasthan, cold wave conditions prevailed in most parts and Fatehpur recorded sub-zero temperatures for the third consecutive day on Sunday. According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature in Fatehpur settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Churu recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius; Bhilwara 2.2 degrees Celsius; Sangaria, Pilani and Sirohi 2.6 degrees Celsius; Chittorgarh 3.2 degrees Celsius and Alwar 4 degrees Celsius. The mercury settled below 10 degrees Celsius at several other places in the state.
Cold wave sweeps Punjab, Haryana; Faridkot chills at 1 degree Celsius
Cold weather gripped Haryana and Punjab on Saturday, with Faridkot, Punjab experiencing the lowest temperature at 1 degree Celsius. Other cities in both states also recorded low temperatures, including Pathankot at 2.3 degrees Celsius and Karnal at 4 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the shared capital, recorded a minimum temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius.
DMU resumption shows commitment of PM: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that resumption of DMU train service from Pathankot to Udhampur with immediate effect within 24 hours is yet another reiteration of PM and high prioritization of Jammu and Kashmir In a tweet the Minister said In response to a representation made yesterday by #Udhampur West MLA Pawan Gupta on behalf of the local public which was followed by [] The post DMU resumption shows commitment of PM: Dr Jitendra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab govt in fix as Army seeks 300 units of free power per month for its personnel
CHANDIGARH: Citing the free power given by the Delhi government to service personnel posted there, the Indian Army has approached the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and requested that 300 units of free power per month be given to its personnel posted in the state. This has left the cash-strapped government in a Catch-22 situation as it already has to pay a Rs 9,076 crore power subsidy bill to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Sources said the South Western Command of the Indian Army has written a letter to the state government saying that though the latter has been giving 300 units of free power to domestic consumers since July 2022, this has not been extended to service personnel and defence civilians residing in accommodations for married people in cantonments and military stations in Punjab. While the demand has been made only by the South Western Command, which has its formations located in Bathinda and a few other places in Malwa region of the state, if the state government extends this free power facility to army personnel, it will have to do so for army cantonments and formations at Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Amritsar and Pathankot too. It is learnt that over one lakh troops are presently stationed across the state. All officers and junior commissioned officers (JCO) are authorised for family accommodation as are 35 per cent of jawans. In addition, a large number of civilian employees of the Defence Ministry posted at these places are also entitled for accommodation. A senior officer on condition of anonymity said the request by the army is now being discussed at the top level in the state government as it has put them in a fix. Free power subsidy cannot be given to the residents in cantonments and military stations as these stations get bulk power supply. The subsidy is given to individual domestic consumers, he argued. He further said that the bulk supply is given to BSF, Indian Railways, CPWD and other central government entities besides big industry. If any policy decision has to be taken, it will taken at the top level and will be for all bulk consumers, he said. The free electricity scheme of 300 units has led to a surge in domestic connections, raising consumption and projected subsidy costs, thus risking PSPCL's financial stability. The number of domestic electricity connections has increased by 80,000 after this scheme was launched in 2022. Before the launch of this scheme, the corporation had approved 5.5 lakh new domestic electricity connections between 2020 and 2022 but the number rose to 6.27 lakh between 2022 and 2024. The average annual rise in new connections used to be around 2.2 lakh, but the introduction of the free electricity scheme saw 3.65 lakh new connections in 2022-23, followed by 2.63 lakh in 2023-24. It is estimated that nearly one lakh of these new connections are split connections apparently created to take advantage of the 300-unit subsidy, said sources. When this scheme was launched, 63 lakh out of 74.6 lakh consumers were using less than 300 units of electricity per month. The number of domestic consumers with zero bills has since surged, climbing from 67.53 per cent in August 2022 to 89 per cent by the end of the 2022-23 financial year. The PSPCL data shows that domestic power usage reached 17,510 million units in 2022-23. The state government is hard pressed to pay the power subsidy to PSPCL due to its own poor fiscal health. Till November 13, the government could only pay Rs 4,508.2 crore to PSPCL out of the total subsidy due to be paid by it for free domestic power. Of the total subsidy bill of Rs 20,477 crore, Rs 11,401.26 crore has been paid. In this month, besides the subsidy of Rs 200 crore paid to the corporation, the state government has given them a grant-in-aid of Rs 2,387 crore. It is estimated that the total domestic power subsidy bill of the state government is already expected to be Rs 8,785 crore, an increase of Rs 1,550 crore over the last financial year.
Jammu Petrol Pumps Declare No Fuel For Vehicles Driven By Minors, DSE Issues Circular
Jammu, Nov 21: In a bid to ensure the safety of underage children, petrol pumps in Jammu have put up posters declaring no fuel for vehicles driven by minors. The Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of School Education (DSE) has also issued a circular prohibiting minor students from driving motor vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, to school. The poster, first displayed at petrol pumps in the Gandhi Nagar area on the Jammu-Pathankot highway reads, No fuel for minors. The poster, which [] The post Jammu Petrol Pumps Declare No Fuel For Vehicles Driven By Minors, DSE Issues Circular appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BSF solider found hanged in rented accommodation at Paloura
NL Correspondent Jammu Tawi: A Border Security Force soldier was found dead on Monday under suspicious circumstances at his rented accommodation, officials said. Nitish Kumar(33 years), a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Paloura locality in the outskirts of the city, they said. The officials [] The post BSF solider found hanged in rented accommodation at Paloura appeared first on Northlines .
BSF Jawan Found Dead In Rented Accommodation In Jammu
JAMMU, Nov 4: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his rented accommodation here on Monday, officials said. Nitish Kumar (33), a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Paloura locality in the outskirts of the city, they said. The officials said Kumar, posted at the Jammu headquarters of the BSF, was putting up at the private accommodation, along with his wife and their minor [] The post BSF Jawan Found Dead In Rented Accommodation In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Karate team wins 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze medals
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: J&K Karate team participated in North India Invitational Karate Championship at SDRSDN College Pathankot and won 13 Gold, 10 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. The Championship was organized by Punjab Karate Association. The winners of gold medals were Aditya Rajput, Ayaan Bhagat, Divam, Sahil, Varun Kumar, Suffyan Khan, Shiv Pratap Manhas, Raunika Mahajan, Aadya Mahajan, Khushali Gupta, Riya Gupa, Abhigya Pathania and Abhudhay Singh Manhas. Winners of silver medals were Shubam Kumar, Ibrahim, Dhruv [] The post J&K Karate team wins 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze medals appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DPS students win Gold in Karate-Do Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Students of Delhi Public School (DPS) Jammu have won Gold medals in 5th Invitational North India Open Karate-Do Championship 2024 organized by Sports Karate-Do Association of Pathankot at Pathankot. The winner students are Riya Gupta (IX-F) and she won Gold medal in Under 50 kg category; Khushali Gupta (IV-G), won Gold medal in Under 30 kg category and Pragnay (I-C), won Gold medal in Under 20 kg category. The management of DPS Jammu including [] The post DPS students win Gold in Karate-Do Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Happy Diwali: HRTC Adds 155 Extra Buses for Diwali Travel in Himachal Pradesh
In a recent announcement, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has rolled out 155 additional buses to cater to the rising travel demand during the Diwali festival. This service, which begins on Tuesday, aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers during this busy season. Tickets can be booked online, allowing travelers to secure their seats in advance and avoid the last-minute rush. Additional Services HRTC's extra services primarily target the popular routes between Delhi and various locations in Himachal Pradesh, which often see heavy traffic during Diwali. On October 30, the corporation will deploy 60 extra buses from Delhi to key districts, including Palampur, Baijnath, Jogendranagar, Pathankot, and Dharamshala. Passengers can choose from both standard and luxury buses for routes to Dharamshala, ensuring comfort during their journey. From Chandigarh, HRTC will operate 70 extra buses on October 29 and 30, covering several destinations within Himachal Pradesh. On the first day, two buses will serve Chamba and Dharamshala. The following day, four additional buses are scheduled for Bilaspur, providing ample options for travelers heading home or visiting family during the holiday. Furthermore, 25 extra buses will be added for the town of Baddi on both days, improving travel convenience in that area. Regular Bus Services These additional services are set to run outside HRTCs regular bus schedules, helping to ease congestion on usual routes and improving travel for the Diwali rush. With these extra options, HRTC aims to make holiday travel more efficient and safer for everyone. In addition to increasing bus services, HRTC has also revised its fare structure, which will affect both passenger fares and luggage charges. Some ticket prices may see significant hikes, with certain fares potentially doubling. Recently, a proposed toilet tax has sparked political debate in Himachal Pradesh, prompting the Chief Minister to address concerns raised by the BJP and provide clarifications. HRTC's addition of 155 extra buses highlights its commitment to ensuring that families can travel conveniently to celebrate Diwali together. This initiative underscores the important role of public transportation in facilitating festive gatherings and maintaining connections among people during significant occasions like Diwali. Through these efforts, HRTC plays a crucial part in fostering the spirit of celebration and togetherness in the region. Diwali, Chhath Puja 2024: Indian Railways Runs 200 More Special Trains, Check List Here Diwali Delights: A Culinary Journey Through India's Diverse Festive Flavors Ayodhya's Deepotsav: A Dazzling Display of 28 Lakh Diyas and 18 Colorful Tableaux To Show
Punjab farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks alleging tardy paddy procurement
CHANDIGARH: Punjab farmers blocked roads and squatted on rail tracks across the State on October 13 as a part of the protest against the alleged tardy procurement of paddy in the ongoing Kharif marketing season. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blamed the Centre over the issue and alleged that the root cause lies with the Union Government. It has been more than twelve days since the paddy procurement began, and the commission agents and the rice millers have refused to participate in the process, despite the assurances promised by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Mann had said that he would meet the Union Consumer Affairs Minister on October 14 to flag the demands of protesting rice millers and arthiyas. He added the demands of the rice millers and commission agents were genuine and the union government must take a sympathetic view. The farmers disrupted road traffic at many places, including Samrala, Kohara, Khanna, Raikot, Doraha, Payal and Jagraon in Ludhiana. In Amritsar, farmers held road blockades at places, including Attari, and Kukrawal village near Ajnala town. They also squatted on the Wallha railway crossing and Sunam railway station in Sangrur. The Ferozepur-Ludhiana national highway was blocked near Duneke in Moga. The State rice millers and the commission agents are also supporting the farmers' protest. Senior SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said despite assurances by the State government regarding the smooth procurement of paddy, farmers are facing problems in grain markets. A senior railway official said, As many as 20 trains have been affected due to the protest. The Shatabdi express train (12046) was delayed by two hours in starting from the Chandigarh railway station. A farmer leader Parminder Singh Ugrah said the farmers have blocked the Amritsar-Pathankot rail track. The protesters also claimed that farmers' produce was not being lifted at grain markets. While commission agents (arthiyas) are pressing for a raise in their commission, the state rice millers have raked up the issue of space crunch for storing the fresh paddy crop. The millers have also expressed concern over the out-turn ratio (post-milling yield) of the PR-126 paddy variety, claiming that it will lead to huge losses. Meanwhile, AAP leader and senior spokesperson Neel Garg said that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is deliberately not emptying the grain godowns, leading to current challenges. Garg acknowledged the farmers' right to protest but also emphasized that the situation has arisen due to the Central Government's policies and its neglect of Punjab. He said that even if Punjab has contributed to the central grain reserves for many years, the FCI has not emptied the warehouses, causing losses for rice millers. This has led to a halt in the buying of new paddy, he said. He also claimed that the Chief Minister and other ministers have engaged with the Union Agriculture Minister, who assured a solution, but the progress has been slow. The AAP Punjab government is working diligently to clear the warehouses so that new grain can be stored. Garg said that while some special trains have been initiated by the Central Government for lifting grain, the process remains sluggish. He also urged the farmers' organizations not to stop the trains, as this could become an excuse for the Central Government for the slow pace of lifting.
Punjab's first forest control room in Pathankot to combat illegal mining and tree felling
CHANDIGARH: To address illegal mining, forest fires, and illegal tree felling in the Pathankot forest division of Punjab, which borders Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the state is setting up its first permanent forest control room. This facility will be equipped with solar-powered CCTV, mobile phones, television sets, and computers, along with other necessary infrastructure. A GPS camera app will also be utilized to monitor the movement of field staff within their respective jurisdictions. Sources indicate that in the first phase, thirty locations have been selected for the installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras, along with mobile phones and other equipment. Control of the cameras will be centralized at the head office, connecting senior officers to junior employees through an online network. If illegal mining or tree cutting is detected in the forest area, the entire team will be activated immediately. The GPS camera app will facilitate regular monitoring of staff across different beats, blocks, and ranges. Additionally, CCTVs will be installed in all rest houses, eco-tourism sites, and nature parks developed by the forest department to prevent any unwanted incidents. The department has identified several tourist destinations for the first phase of camera installation, including Mini Goa in Chamrod, Nature Awareness Park in Pathankot, the Chavki Darya area, and the Ravi River in Narot Jamal Singh, as well as the Mirthal belt and forest guest house. In a statement, Divisional Forest Officer of Pathankot, Dharmveer Dairu, noted that the control room will enable monitoring of illegal mining and tree felling, particularly given the limited staff available. This initiative will significantly improve the management of illegal logging and mining activities, as Pathankot has a forest cover of 22 percent (22,096 hectares), the highest in the state. We receive complaints about mining and tree cutting at night. This real-time tracking will disrupt the operations of illegal timber mafias and promote the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources. Sources further explained that the primary reason for this initiative is the shortage of staff within the forest department, making it challenging to deploy personnel at every site. Consequently, incidents of illegal mining and forest fires are frequently reported. In many cases, although the department registers complaints, the culprits are rarely apprehended. The Pathankot range faces significant challenges from illegal tree felling and mining, especially near the borders with Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, forest fires pose a severe threat to the environment, necessitating prompt detection and response strategies, an anonymous officer stated. It has been reported that seven CCTV cameras have already been installed near the Nature Awareness Camp in Chamrod, with plans to increase the number in the second phase. Sources noted that the khair mafia exploits delisted areas to conduct illegal tree cutting. The forest department regularly issues distress reports and collaborates with local police to combat this issue. Additionally, wood-based industries in Jugial are implicated, rapidly disposing of illegally harvested timber.
