The Economic Times

The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed from Jammu after a six-day suspension due to bad weather. Over six thousand pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar base camp for Baltal. The yatra was halted due to persistent rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the region. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway reopened after landslides and shooting stones caused closure. This pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jammu Sub Zonal Office has conducted search operations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 on July 23 at 09 locations in Punjab and Jammu and Kasmir Inear Line of Control (LOC) in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation relating to Narco-Tenor Funding, involving cases registered by Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police.

In a striking development, Lok Sabha proceedings faced interruptions for five straight days as Opposition members demanded the resignation of the Education Minister following the NEET paper leak controversy. The government sought a debate on the issues, arguing that avoiding discussions conveys a poor message. Prime Minister Modi pledged to establish strict laws and accelerated trials for those implicated.

Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition will not hold any discussion with the government until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over exam paper leaks and Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologises for the alleged police crackdown on student protesters. He also alleged that he was prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha after his microphone was switched off.

Flash floods in Rajouri have severely damaged local power infrastructure, washing away and damaging many transformers. Power Development Department authorities are working around the clock to restore electricity to affected areas. Additional manpower and local residents are assisting in the challenging restoration drive.

Thousands of Cockroach Janta Party protesters marched towards Parliament on Monday. They attempted to breach barricades, leading to a baton-charge by police. Minor injuries were sustained by some protesters and police personnel during the scuffle. Approximately ten to fifteen protesters were detained by authorities. Delhi Police stated that no force was used on protesters and the protest was handled professionally.

United States forces launched strikes into Monday morning after an Iranian attack. Iran retaliated by targeting countries across the Middle East region. Missile alert sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. Iranian state media acknowledged attacks on its soil, reporting explosions and casualties. The Strait of Hormuz has become a key issue challenging an interim deal.

Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes across its border with Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 29 individuals. This action followed a well planned intelligence based ground operation by Pakistani security forces. The strikes were a direct response to recent terrorist incidents targeting civilians and security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Karachi.

Monsoon is poised for a significant advance into northern states over the next five to six days, according to the IMD. Meanwhile, Delhi sweltered through its warmest morning in two years, with temperatures soaring. Heatwave conditions are also anticipated in Uttar Pradesh. Experts attribute the delay and high temperatures to interacting dry and moist winds, with monsoon arrival in Delhi expected around July 4.

Over 9,000 pilgrims, predominantly Kashmiri Pandits, embarked on a journey from Jammu to the revered Kheer Bhawani temple on Saturday. This year's significantly higher participation signals a robust turnout for the Kheer Bhawani Mela, a pivotal religious event. Elaborate security and logistical arrangements are in place for the devotees' spiritual journey, underscoring the enduring connection to their cultural heritage.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha encouraged the Kashmiri Pandit community to establish industries and institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, calling their return a ruest victory. He stressed their vital role in industry, education, arts, and spirituality, emphasizing that giving back and inspiring hope creates an immortal legacy for future generations. This homecoming marks a significant transformation for the community.