Delhi data centre fire may have destroyed equipment worth hundreds of crores
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Anthropic India says it is different from U.S. entity
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Supreme Court declines urgent hearing on report over Saidulajab building collapse
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Rupee falls 15 paise to 95.56 against U.S. dollar in early trade
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13 killed as Pakistan violates Afghan airspace with deadly air strikes
Kabul , June 10 : The Taliban Government in Kabul on Wednesday announced that overnight air strikes carried out by Pakistani forces inside Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals and left 14 others injured. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Pakistan violated Afghanistans airspace, launching targeted bombardments on civilian residences in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. The unprovoked aggression claimed the lives of 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man.Mujahid further noted that 14 women sustained injuries during the military assault, and he subsequently shared photographs documenting the casualties of the strikes. Over the past year, relentless Pakistani military operations inside Afghanistan have claimed hundreds of lives amid surging cross-border hostilities. In a particularly devastating assault in March, Pakistani forces bombed a rehabilitation centre in Kabul, causing the deaths of at least 269 individuals. The long-standing friction between the two neighbours escalated into a full-scale cross-border conflict in October 2025, when Islamabad carried out extensive air strikes within Afghanistan, including the capital city of Kabul. These continuous incursions have triggered a wider conflict, forcing tens of thousands of Afghan civilians to flee their homes and displacing vast populations due to repeated rounds of clashes. While Islamabad has attempted to posture itself as a peacemaker in external conflicts elsewhere in West Asia, its own forces have systematically escalated violence along its western border. Over the past year, Pakistan has repeatedly targeted Afghan territory, attempting to justify its deadly campaigns by alleging that the Taliban provides support to groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).Islamabad has frequently sought to shift blame for its internal security failures by levelling unsubstantiated accusations, claiming that the Taliban shelters these militant groups at Indias behest to facilitate cross-border attacks. However, it is noted that the deteriorating relationship marks a collapse of Islamabads own historic regional policies, as Pakistan operated as the principal patron of the Taliban for decades before relations severely eroded following the groups takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. (ANI)
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Massive forest fires break out in J&Ks Rajouri amid heatwave, dry spell
Rajouri , June 10 : Massive forest fires broke out at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Wednesday, officials said. The fires, which spread across several forest ranges, are being attributed to the prevailing heatwave conditions and a prolonged dry spell in the region. Forest department personnel, along with local authorities, are engaged in efforts to douse the flames. Further details are awaited. The latest incidents come a week after forest officials reported a series of fire outbreaks across the district.On June 3, Conservator of Forests (West Circle), Rajouri, Sat Pal, said that around 45 forest fire incidents had been recorded in Rajouri district over the previous 12 weeks. The figure included cases reported from both the Rajouri and Nowshera forest divisions.Due to the current hot and dry weather, the Sialsui Khadar forest area in Kalakote tehsil of the Rajouri Forest Division had seen significant portions of the forest burnt. Speaking to ANI, Sat Pal had said, During the current forest fire season, we have witnessed a significant number of fire incidents, specifically over the last 12 weeks. In Rajouri district, the total number of incidents recorded stands at approximately 45. This figure encompasses both the Rajouri and Nowshera divisions. After some rainfall yesterday, temperatures have dropped slightly. We are therefore hopeful that the frequency of forest fire incidents will decrease in the coming days.He had said that a general meeting was convened to discuss rapid resource mobilisation and improved communication mechanisms to minimise the initial spread of forest fires. A general meeting was held to discuss rapid resource mobilisation and improved communication to minimise the initial spread of fires. Although these are surface fires and not crown fires, they still cause significant damage to biomass, birds, animals, reptiles and other wildlife, he had said. Appealing to the public to cooperate in preventing forest fires, Sat Pal had urged residents to avoid negligence and take necessary precautions.I appeal to the public to cooperate immediately in areas affected by forest fires, avoid negligence and take precautions to prevent such incidents. It is important that we protect our collective green assets, he had said. Earlier, several forest fire incidents were reported across the Rajouri Forest Division amid an ongoing heatwave. Teams from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry Department and local volunteers were deployed in firefighting operations to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to dense forest areas. (ANI)
Bharathiraja passes away | Tributes pour in for Tamil cinema's transformative voice
A towering personality in the film industry, Bharathiraja was fondly known as Iyakkunar Imayam (Pinnacle among Directors)
Iniya Thamizh makkale, the master director is no more
Bharathiraja inspired his assistant directors to carve their own path, and K. Bhagyaraj, R. Parthiban and Pandiarajan all evolved from the Bharathiraja school of thought
Anthropic opens Fable 5, restricted version of Claude Mythos 5, to public
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J&K has 47 ongoing central infra projects worth Rs 66,609 crore
Road ministry leads with 37 projects Ovaise Gul Srinagar, Jun 09: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a massive infrastructure push with 47 ongoing Central Sector Infrastructure Projects (CSIPs) under implementationatRs 66,609.58 crore, according to the Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation-building (PAIMANA). The original cost for the projects was Rs 60,382.03 crore, which was revised and increased to Rs 66,609.58 crore, the data accessed by Rising Kashmir reveals. The 48th Flash Report on Central Sector Infrastructure Projects, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), indicates that the largest share of projects belongs to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, which is implementing 37 projects in the Roads & Highways sector. These projects involve a total cost of Rs 33,862.90 crore, while expenditure incurred stands at Rs 13,255.67 crore. The Ministry of Power is executing five projects, including four in Electricity Generation and one in Transmission & Distribution. The four Electricity Generation projects have a total cost of Rs 27,945.14 crore, with expenditure of Rs 15,983.32 crore. The Transmission & Distribution project carries a cost of Rs 218.60 crore, of which Rs 3.72 crore has been spent. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is implementing two projects in the Oil & Gas sector. These projects have a combined cost of Rs 1,059.90 crore and an expenditure of Rs 306.82 crore. Among other sectors, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has one Healthcare project with a total cost of Rs 2,160.84 crore and expenditure of Rs 1,545.05 crore. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is implementing one project in Aviation & Aviation Infrastructure with a project cost of Rs 861.37 crore and expenditure of Rs 319.50 crore. Similarly, the Department of Higher Education is executing one project in the Education sector. The project has a total cost of Rs 500.91 crore, while expenditure incurred stands at Rs 484.52 crore. Overall, expenditure on the 47 ongoing projects in Jammu and Kashmir has reached Rs 31,898.60 crore. One of the major ongoing projects is the construction of the Zojila Tunnel, which includes a 14.150 km long 2-lane bi-directional single tube tunnel across Zojila Pass on the Sonamarg-Kargil section of NH-01 under the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP). The project, being executed at a cost of Rs 6,809 crore, has achieved 66.05 percent physical progress as of April 2026 with an expenditure of Rs 3,214 crore. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is scheduled to conduct the breakthrough blast of the strategically vital Zojila Tunnel on June 9, 2026, marking the final excavation breakthrough connecting both ends of the tunnel.
This tunnel became part of my life: Iranian engineer who dug through Himalayas
Colleagues describe Yousef Eshaghpour as calm, highly disciplined leader Idrees Bukhtiyar/Abid Bashir Minamarg (Drass), Jun 09: For most people gathered inside the Zojila Tunnel on Tuesday, the breakthrough blast marked a major engineering achievement. For Iranian engineer Yousef Eshaghpour, it was the culmination of years of hard work, determination and countless days spent deep inside the mountains. As the final blast connected the two ends of the under-construction tunnel, Eshaghpour stood among workers, engineers and officials, watching a dream slowly take shape beneath the Himalayas. This is an iconic tunnel for all-weather connectivity. I am glad to be part of this historic project. It will reduce hardships and connect Kashmir and Ladakh throughout the year, Eshaghpour said after the breakthrough. The engineer has become a familiar face at the project site, spending months overseeing one of Indias most ambitious and challenging infrastructure ventures. Working amid harsh winters, heavy snowfall and difficult terrain, he has witnessed every stage of the tunnels journey. Today is a very emotional and proud moment for all of us. This milestone belongs to every worker, engineer and staff member who contributed to this project, he said. For years, Eshaghpour and his multinational team of engineers, geologists and workers battled avalanches, unstable rock formations, sub-zero temperatures and difficult geological conditions to continue excavation work deep beneath the Himalayas. In winters, temperatures here fall to minus 35 degrees Celsius. Heavy snowfall and fragile terrain made every phase extremely challenging, but the commitment of workers and engineers ensured steady progress, he said. For the Iranian engineer, the tunnel is more than just a construction project. When you work on a project of this scale, it becomes part of your life. You celebrate every achievement and face every challenge together as a team, he said. Colleagues described Eshaghpour as a calm and highly disciplined leader who remained personally involved in every phase of the project from technical planning and geological assessments to on-site supervision during harsh winter months. He stood with the team through every difficult phase and continuously motivated workers despite the enormous challenges posed by weather and terrain, a senior engineer associated with the project said. He was always present at critical stages of the work. His focus and dedication inspired the entire team. Workers at the site recalled seeing him regularly walking through the tunnel, inspecting work and encouraging teams during difficult phases of construction. The breakthrough, they said, was not merely the completion of another engineering task but the result of perseverance by hundreds of people working in one of the countrys toughest construction environments. Reflecting on the achievement,Eshaghpour credited the collective effort behind the project. This is an important project, and nearly 80 per cent of the work has already been completed, while the remaining work is progressing rapidly. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, even during heavy snowfall, he said. He added that the project would ensure the smooth movement of passengers, essential supplies, and Army logistics to Ladakh throughout the year. As celebrations echoed through the tunnel on Tuesday, the engineer took a moment to absorb the significance of the milestone. For a man who travelled thousands of kilometres from home to work in the Himalayas, the breakthrough was more than a technical achievement; it was a reminder of what people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures can accomplish when united by a common goal.
Celebrations erupt across Ladakh
Leaders, residents hail transformative milestone Umar Raina Srinagar, Jun 09: The historic breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel on Tuesday triggered celebrationsacrossUnion Territory ofLadakh, with politicalleaders, public representatives, religious organisations, and residentshailingthe achievement as a transformative milestone that will redefine connectivity, accelerate economic growth, and unlock the regions vast tourism potential. The breakthrough marks a major milestone in the construction of Asias longest bi-directional road tunnel and brings the long-awaited all-weather connectivity project between Kashmir and Ladakh significantly closer to completion. The landmark ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament, Ladakh councillors, senior officials, engineers, workers and representatives of the executing agencies. For the people of Ladakh, particularly those living in Drass, Kargil, Zanskar and other remote regions, the breakthrough was celebrated as a moment of historic significance, ending decades of uncertainty associated with seasonal road closures at the treacherous Zojila Pass. Political leaders from across Ladakh welcomed the development and described it as the fulfilment of a decades-old aspiration. They noted that for generations, the Zojila Pass remained vulnerable to heavy snowfall, avalanches, landslides and prolonged winter closures, often cutting off Ladakh from the rest of the country for months. Senior BJP leader Haji Inayat Ali termed the breakthrough a moment of pride for the people of Ladakh. He said residents had been waiting for years to witness the day and expressed hope that the remaining work would be completed at the earliest. The tunnelwouldprovide safer and more reliable year-round connectivity while significantly reducing travel hardships faced by the regions inhabitants, Ali said. Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Dr Jaffar Akhoon, described the tunnel as a major gift for the people of Ladakh. The project would strengthen connectivity, stimulate economic activity, improve healthcare access and educational opportunities, and address longstanding developmental challenges faced by remote mountain communities, he said. Former Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, hailed the breakthrough as a defining moment in Ladakhs history. Congratulating the people of the Union Territory, he said, History is being made as the Zojila Tunnel has finally achieved breakthrough connectivity, marking a monumental milestone for Ladakh. Heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ladakh on this historic achievement. Gyalson expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their visionary leadership and unwavering support in turning the long-pending dream of all-weather connectivity into reality. The project is a landmark achievement thatwouldtransform the socio-economic landscape of Ladakh and strengthen its integration with the rest of the country, he said. Prominent social activist Sajjad Kargili said the people of Kargil have long pursued three major aspirations: restoration of air services to Kargil, development of the Karba Thang Township, and construction of the Zojila Tunnel. With the tunnel breakthrough, he said,one of the most significant and historic demands of the regionis now firmly on the path to realisation. Kargili credited the achievement to decades of collective efforts by political, social and religious organisations, public representatives, community leaders and civil society groups from Kargil and Drass who consistently advocated for the project and kept the demand alive. Kargils premier religious and social organisation, Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil, also celebrated the breakthrough and termed it the fulfilment of a dream cherished by generations. Addressing a press conference, General Secretary Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili and In-charge Political Affairs Sajjad Kargili said the tunnel had remained one of the most important demands of the people of Kargil and Drass for decades. They said the achievement was the result of sustained efforts by local communities, activists, religious bodies and political leaders who tirelessly pursued the project despite numerous challenges over the years. Public representatives across Ladakh echoed similar sentiments, stating that the breakthrough represents a turning point in the regions development trajectory. They said the tunnel would usher in a new era of uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar, Drass, Kargil and Leh, reducing travel time and ensuring reliable movement of people and goods throughout the year. Residents of Drass expressed particular joy over the development, recalling how road closures at Zojila often left communities isolated during the winter months. Locals said disruptions on both sides of the route frequently hampered the supply of essential commodities, medicines and emergency services while making access to advanced healthcare facilities difficult. Many residents recounted instances when severe weather conditions disrupted transportation for weeks, creating hardships for thousands of families. They believe the tunnel will finally end decades of seasonal isolation and dramatically improve the quality of life in the region. Apart from improving connectivity, stakeholders highlighted the enormous tourism opportunities that the tunnel is expected to create. They said year-round accessibility would revolutionise Ladakhs tourism sector, which remains one of the primary drivers of the regions economy. At present, heavy snowfall and winter road closures restrict tourist movement for several months annually. However, once the tunnel becomes operational, tourists will be able to travel to Ladakh throughout the year, opening new opportunities for hotels, guest houses, homestays, transport operators, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses. Local tourism stakeholders believe improved accessibility will attract a larger number of domestic and international visitors, boosting employment and generating fresh economic opportunities across the region. Representatives from Drass emphasised that the area possesses tremendous untapped winter tourism potential. Known as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world, Drass offers spectacular winter landscapes, snow-covered mountains and unique cultural experiences. They said the tunnel would enable tourists to safely access the region even during harsh winter conditions, paving the way for the growth of winter tourism on an unprecedented scale. Leaders also noted that the benefits would extend beyond Drass to Kargil, Zanskar, Leh and several remote areas of Ladakh. Enhanced accessibility is expected to strengthen adventure tourism, eco-tourism, cultural tourism and religious tourism, positioning Ladakh among the worlds leading mountain tourism destinations. Stretching approximately 14 kilometres beneath the Zojila Pass, the tunnel is
This was a dream for decades: CM Omar
Says Zojila Tunnel to boost tourism, trade Idrees Bukhtiyar Minamarg (Drass), Jun 09: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Zojila Tunnel would bring a transformative change to the lives of peopleinValley and Ladakh by ensuring year-round connectivity between the two regions. Speaking after the breakthrough ceremony of the Zojila Tunnel, Omar congratulated the people of Ladakh and expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for taking the project to a crucial stage. I congratulate the people of Ladakh on this historic occasion. I also thank Nitin Gadkari for helping us reach this important milestone. With the construction of the Zojila Tunnel, Kashmir and Ladakh are now set to remain connected throughout the year, he said. The Chief Minister said all-weather connectivity had long been a dream of the people of the region, which has finally begun to materialise.This was a dream cherished by the residents of this area for decades. Many aspired to achieve it, but it has finally become a reality now, he said. Abdullah noted that the absence of a tunnelhad caused immense hardships to people, particularly during thewinter months when the highway remained closed due to heavy snowfall.We learned today how much people suffered becausethere was no tunnel in this area.Once operational, the tunnel will have a positive impact on the lives of residents and significantly improve accessibility, he said. The CM said students, patients and the tourism sector would be among themajor beneficiaries of the project.Students will be able to continue their education without disruption, while patients will have easier access to hospitals and healthcare facilities. Tourism and commerce will also receive a major boost, leading to better livelihoods and economic opportunities for the people, he said. Omar added that the tunnels benefits would extend beyondwhat can currently be imagined.We will benefit from this project in waysthat we may not even be able toforesee today. The two ends of the tunnel have now been connected, and the remaining work will be completed soon. The dream of the people is on the verge of becoming a full reality, he said. The Chief Minister also highlighted another long-pending demand of the people of Ladakh andKargil aboutdirect air connectivity with the rest of the country.The people of this region have one more dream: direct air connectivity from Kargil to the rest of the country. I tried my best to achieve it, but I could not succeed. I hope this demand will now be addressed, he said.
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Zojila Tunnel breakthrough historic milestone: LG Sinha
Thanks PM Modi, Union Govt for infrastructure development in J&K, Ladakh Idrees Bukhtiyar Minamarg (Drass), Jun 09: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday described the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel as a historic milestone, saying the project will ensure all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh while boosting tourism, trade and national security. Addressing the media after the breakthrough ceremony at the Zojila Tunnel, Sinha congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He hailed the efforts of engineers and workers involved in the ambitious project. Today is a historic day as Ladakh is set to get all-weather connectivity. I congratulate the people of Ladakh and Kashmir on this significant achievement, the LG said. The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the engineers and labourers who worked under challenging conditions to make the project possible. I would like to thank the workers and engineers who have contributed to this project despite the difficult circumstances. Their dedication and hard work have made this milestone possible, he said. Sinha said improved connectivity is the foundation of development and noted that significant progress has been made in strengthening infrastructure in border areas over the past decade. We all know that connectivity brings development. During the last 12 years, tremendous work has been carried out in the sectors of roads, railways and air connectivity. The Central Government has worked seriously to improve infrastructure in border regions, he said. The LG also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for prioritising infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The projects being executed in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not only promote tourism and business but will also strengthen the local economy and create new opportunities for the people, he said. Highlighting the strategic importance of the tunnel, Sinha said the project would further enhance national security by ensuring better connectivity to border areas. National security is an integral part of the nation, and improved border connectivity will strengthen our security framework, he said. Expressing hope that the project would be completed at the earliest, Sinha said the Zojila Tunnel would also greatly benefit pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra by improving travel access and reducing weather-related disruptions.
Zojila Tunnel lifeline for J&K, Ladakh: Gadkari
Terms it symbol of New Indias engineering capabilities Says PM Modi prioritises infrastructure Urges CM Omar to focus on tourism sectors Idrees Bukhtiyar Minamarg (Drass), Jun 09: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday described the under-construction Zojila Tunnel as a state-of-the-art engineering marvel that will serve as a lifeline for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, providing all-weather connectivity and opening new avenues for economic growth and tourism. Addressing the media after the breakthrough blasting ceremony of the Zojila Tunnel, Gadkari said the nearly 14-kilometre-long tunnel isone of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country. I was informed that it is Asias longest tunnel, and I am hopeful that it will eventually be recognised as the worlds longest tunnel as well, Gadkari said, adding that this project will become a lifeline for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. I congratulate the residents of both regions on this historic achievement. The Union Minister lauded the engineers, workers and officials associated with the project, saying they worked tirelessly under extremely challenging weather conditions to make the dream a reality. The engineers and workers have worked in sub-zero temperatures to complete this challenging project. Nearly 80 per cent of the labourers involved belong to this region. The tunnel has been built with world-class safety standards and will ensure year-round connectivity to Ladakh, he said. Recalling his visit to Ladakh during his tenure as BJP president, Gadkari said residents had informed him that the region remained cut off from the rest of the country for nearly six months every year due to heavy snowfall. I felt deeply concerned after hearing about the hardships faced by the people. It was then that I realised the necessity of constructing a tunnel to provide uninterrupted connectivity, he said. Gadkari credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising infrastructure development after assuming office in 2014 and approving the project. The project faced several hurdles. Tenders were floated four times but could not be finalised. Eventually, on the fifth attempt, the project was awarded. While the initial estimate was around Rs 12,000 crore, we are completing it at approximately Rs 7,000 crore, resulting in savings of nearly Rs 5,000 crore, he said. Describing the tunnel as a symbol of New Indias engineering capabilities, the Union Minister said technological excellence played a key role inthe execution ofthe project. He also thanked the Jammu & Kashmir administration and various government agencies for their cooperation and support. He said infrastructure development acts as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth. He urged the Jammu & Kashmir government to focus on adventure tourism and other tourism-related activities to create employment opportunities for local youth. I appeal to the Chief Minister to promote adventure tourism and other tourism sectors. We are also planning to develop an International Tourist Convention Centre on the lines of facilities in Switzerland, along with roadside amenities. Such initiatives can generate employment for 5,000 to 6,000 young people, he said. Gadkari also inspected various components of the tunnel works. During his visit, Gadkari interacted with workers and staff engaged in the project. Stretching 13.153 kilometres, the Zojila Tunnel runs from Baltal near Sonamarg to Meenamarg in the Drass-Kargil region at an altitude of approximately 11,578 feet above sea level. Once completed, it will be among the worlds longest high-altitude road tunnels and is expected to transform transportation and logistics in the region. The project aims to overcome connectivity disruptions caused by heavy snowfall, avalanches and harsh weather conditions that frequently force the closure of the Zojila Pass during the winter months. Besides improving civilian movement, the tunnel is expected to strengthen strategic mobility in the border region while boosting trade, tourism and economic activity. For the execution of the project, Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) has established a large base camp housing over 1,100 personnel and deployed extensive machinery, including excavators, loaders, trucks, batching plants, crushing units and advanced drilling equipment.
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Two electrocuted as rain lashes Hyderabad
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The PMs visit to France will take place in two segments, with the first segment stretching from June 13 to June 14, and the second taking place from June 16 to June 19; he will hold a meeting with Mr. Macron on June 14
Govt Begins DPR for Sumbal-Bandipora-Gurez Highway
RK News Service Srinagar, June 9: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited bids for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed SumbalBandiporaGurez road stretch in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a major step forward in a long-pending connectivity project for the region. Meanwhile, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi has welcomed the decision to float a tender describing it as a significant step towards strengthening connectivity in North Kashmir. Inam Un Nabi said the matter was personally raised by Member of Parliament Er Rashid during a meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in the Parliament Chamber during the last Winter Session. During the meeting, Er Rashid had sought prioritisation of key road infrastructure projects in North Kashmir, including improved connectivity to Gurez. The issuance of the DPR tender is an encouraging development and demonstrates that the concerns projected by Er Rashid have received due consideration at the highest level, Inam Un Nabi said. Inam Un Nabi added that the proposed highway will greatly benefit the people of Bandipora and Gurez by improving accessibility, boosting tourism, facilitating economic activity and enhancing overall connectivity in the region. The AIP Chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi expressed hope that the DPR process will be completed expeditiously and followed by early execution of the project, which has remained a long-standing public demand.
Dr Farooq Seeks Reopening of Naranag
Bats for revival of eco friendly tourism activities RK News Service Srinagar, June 09: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Tuesday called for reopening Naranag in Ganderbal for tourism activities saying that the continued closure of the tourist destination has severely impacted the local economy and livelihoods of people dependent on tourism. Dr. Farooq made these remarks while interacting with local residents during his visit to Naranag. The people apprised him that the prolonged closure of the tourist spot in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy has brought economic activity in the area to a standstill. Dr Farooq was accompanied by MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali. The people informed Dr Farooq that Naranag has long been a popular destination for trekkers and tourists and serves as a base camp for trekking expeditions to the upper reaches of the region. The closure, they said, has adversely affected pony operators, transporters, small shopkeepers, and others whose livelihoods are directly linked to tourism. Expressing concern over their plight, Dr. Farooq assured the locals that the Omar Abdullah-led government is actively working towards reopening the remaining tourist destinations that continue to remain closed. He further assured them that he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities and raise it at all appropriate forums to facilitate the early restoration of tourism activities in the area.
Dr Farooq Pays Obeisance at Baba Nagri Urs
RK News Service Srinagar, June 09: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, paid obeisance at the revered shrine of Hazrat Baba Nizam-Ud-Din Kiyanwi (RA) at Baba Nagri, Wangat, Kangan. On the occasion, Dr. Farooq prayed for lasting peace, prosperity, and well-being in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the entire country. He said that Hazrat Baba Nizam-Ud-Din Kiyanwi (RA) occupies a distinguished place in the spiritual and cultural history of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Farooq was received at the revered shrine by Honble MP Anantnag Mian Altaf Ahmed and MLA Kanagan Mian Mehar Ali. Highlighting the saints enduring legacy, Dr. Farooq said that his teachings of compassion, religious tolerance, humility, brotherhood, and devotion to Almighty Allah continue to inspire people and guide them towards the path of righteousness, harmony and social cohesion. Dr. Farooq was accompanied by MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi and Publicity Secretary Mir Ghulam Mohammad Saqi.
Ensure Hassle-Free Muharram Arrangements: Dy CM
Visits Imam Baras to review preparations RK News Service Srinagar, June 09: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday undertook an extensive tour of several Shia-majority areas of Srinagar to review the arrangements being put in place for smooth and peaceful observance of the forthcoming holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram. During the day-long visit, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected various Imam Baras and prominent religious sites, including the revered Shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki (RA) at Zadibal, the historic Imam Bara Zadibal and historic Imam Bara Hassanabad. He assessed the facilities and services being arranged for the devotees and mourners during the holy month. The Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, also visited Imam Bara Gulshan Bagh, Baghwanpora, Nawabagh in Lal Bazar and Bota Kadal, where he interacted with the local representatives and residents to gather first-hand feedback regarding the ongoing preparations. During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure seamless inter-departmental coordination and make all necessary arrangements for uninterrupted healthcare services, drinking water supply, electricity, sanitation, road connectivity, street lighting and other essential civic amenities. Deploy water tanks in all the affected areas on a regular basis so that the residents do not face any inconvenience during the Muharram observance, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister instructed the officers to maintain round-the-clock readiness and establish an effective grievance redressal mechanism for prompt resolution of the public concerns. Senior officers from various departments accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the visit and briefed him on the arrangements and developmental works underway in their respective areas. The Deputy Chief Minister assured the public that the government remains fully committed to ensure adequate facilities and a conducive environment for observance of Muharram-ul-Haram across J&K. Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the Soura area and reviewed progress on key infrastructure projects, including the DonibaghSoura road widening project. He directed the concerned authorities to remove the existing bottlenecks and encroachments hampering the pace of work. He stressed the need for ensuring smooth traffic movement and improved connectivity for the public. He also reviewed the status of ongoing City Gateway development works in the Hazratbal and Zadibal areas and called for their timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
MP Ruhullah Mehdi Holds Public Darbar in Pulwama
RK News Service Pulwama, June 09: Member of Parliament, Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday convened a Public Darbar at Circuit House Pulwama to listen to public grievances and developmental concerns of the people. During the interaction, delegations from various areas of the district besides representatives of trade bodies, social organizations, Auqaf committees, senior citizens and other stakeholders projected a wide range of public issues and development demands. The issues raised during the Public Darbar pertained to various sectors including education, agriculture, horticulture, health, augmentation of sports infrastructure, widening and upgradation of roads, deployment of adequate staff in health and educational institutions, traffic management and other developmental matters. Addressing the gathering, the Member of Parliament assured the participants that issues requiring policy-level intervention would be taken up at appropriate forums, including forthcoming sessions of Parliament. The MP further assured the public that their genuine concerns would be pursued for redressal. On the occasion, he also directed the officers of concerned departments to take prompt action on genuine grievances and issues raised during the interaction and ensure their timely resolution. The Public Darbar witnessed participation from people and different stakeholders. District and sectoral Officers of different departments attended the event.
Empowered Citizens Key to Viksit Bharat: Speaker
Addresses conference of CPA India Region Zone-II at Chandigarh RK News Service Chandigarh, June 9: The vision of Viksit Bharat is ultimately a vision of empowered citizens, effective institutions and responsible leadership. It is a vision where every citizen becomes a stakeholder in national progress and every legislator becomes an agent of positive transformation. This was stated by the Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, while addressing a two day conference of CPA India Region Zone-II held at Chandigarh on 8 and 9 June in presence of Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Speaker Haryana Legislative Assembly Harvinder Kalyan, Presiding Officers and legislators The Speaker, while speaking on the topic Role of Aware Society and Legislators in realizing future challenges and goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, said that under the vision of a developed India or Viksit Bharat, our Nation is moving with confidence towards becoming a global leader in economic growth, innovation, governance, sustainability and human development. The Speaker said that no vision can be realized by the governments alone. The true architects of a developed Nation are its citizens and the true custodians of democratic aspirations are its legislators. He added that a democracy flourishes when the citizens are informed, engaged and conscious of both their rights and responsibilities. An aware society is not merely one that participates in elections; it is one that actively contributes to public discourse, respects constitutional values, upholds social harmony and remains vigilant in safeguarding democratic institutions maintained the Speaker. Rather stated that unprecedented technological advancement has empowered the citizens but it has also created new challenges in the form of misinformation, polarization and declining trust in institutions. Therefore, the need of the hour is not just access to information but access to credible information, critical thinking and civic education. As Legislators it is our responsibility to strengthen the democratic literacy, promote transparency and make governance more accessible, accountable and encourage a culture where the citizens are informed participants rather than passive observers, asserted the Speaker. The Speaker underscored that Indias greatest strength is its youth so the role of young legislators assumes extraordinary significance. They bring energy, innovation, technological understanding and contemporary perspectives into legislative institutions, he added. The Speaker highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a transformative impact of citizen participation, youth engagement and developmental initiatives. Our young people increasingly aspire to become innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals and public representatives. Their enthusiasm and determination reflect the spirit of a confident and forward-looking India he said. The Speaker emphasized that the success of Viksit Bharat will not be measured only by economic indicators or infrastructure projects. It will be measured by the strength of our democratic institutions, the awareness of our citizens, the participation of our youth and the inclusiveness of our development.
Apni Party Calls for Unified Push on Statehood
RK News Service Srinagar, June 9: Apni Party on Tuesday called for a united political approach to seek the restoration of statehood and other constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir, urging all stakeholders to set aside differences and engage with the Centre through a coordinated strategy. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said the partys Political Affairs Committee had recently reviewed the prevailing political situation and discussed the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Bukhari said the demand for statehood and constitutional rights should not be reduced to a party-specific agenda, asserting that it requires collective efforts by all political stakeholders. Let all stakeholders come together to identify and prioritise the issues, formulate a roadmap and then engage with the Centre in a coordinated and constructive manner, he said. Drawing parallels with Ladakh and Kargil, Bukhari said leaders there had set aside their differences to pursue common demands before New Delhi and stressed that political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should adopt a similar approach. He reiterated that the Apni Party believes meaningful progress on J&Ks issues can be achieved through dialogue and engagement with the Centre rather than confrontation. The Apni Party chief said the restoration of statehood remains the partys top priority, but added that other constitutional rights and guarantees that were withdrawn after August 5, 2019, also need to be restored. He specifically referred to the merger of the J&K IAS and KAS cadres with AGMUT and said such issues should also be taken up with the Centre. Bukhari further urged the Union Government to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, recalling assurances made by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. Highlighting public concerns, he said unemployment among educated youth, corruption and the plight of prisoners deserving clemency remain major challenges that require urgent attention. He added that Apni Party would support any collective initiative aimed at raising genuine public issues with the Centre, irrespective of which political party leads the effort.
Ruhullah Backs NCs Statehood Protest, Seeks Art 370 Restoration
It should not only be a day-long photo-ops only but sustained process Abid Bashir Srinagar, June 9: Senior National Conference leader and partys Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said that he would join the National Conferences proposed protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar for the restoration of statehood on the first day of Parliaments Monsoon session. He, however, asserted that his demand would go beyond restoration of statehood and focus on the return of Article 370. The statement comes days after the National Conference announced that it would stage a protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliaments upcoming Monsoon Session, seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. While extending support to the protest call, said the political struggle of Jammu and Kashmir cannot remain limited to the issue of statehood alone. I will join the protest for sure, but my demand will be restoration of Article 370, not just statehood, Ruhullah told reporters here. It shouldnt be a mere day long photo ops but a sustained process. The National Conference had recently announced plans to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi during the first day of Parliaments Monsoon Session, with party leaders stating that restoration of statehood remains a commitment repeatedly made by the Union Government. Senior NC leaders have said the protest is aimed at reminding the Centre about promises made regarding the restoration of democratic and constitutional rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Ruhullahs statement, however, has added a sharper political dimension to the proposed protest by bringing the issue into the centre of public discourse. The Srinagar MP has consistently maintained that the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are linked not merely to administrative restoration, but also to constitutional guarantees and democratic rights that existed prior to August 2019. The proposed protest in Delhi is expected to witness participation from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, senior National Conference leaders, MPs, legislators and party workers and could emerge as one of the biggest political mobilisations by the party outside Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. The Monsoon Session protest also comes at a time when political activity in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified, with regional parties increasingly sharpening their positions on issues related to statehood, constitutional safeguards and representation. With Ruhullah publicly backing the protest while simultaneously broadening its political message, the forthcoming demonstration at Jantar Mantar is likely to draw national political attention and revive debate around the larger constitutional questions surrounding Jammu and Kashmir.
Cockroach Janta Party: The Questions Its Leadership Cannot Escape
For a movement that seeks to shape public opinion on a national scale, scrutiny is not unfair. It is unavoidable MANZOOR BHAT The Image CJP Wants India to See Over the past few months, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has rapidly transformed from a little-known social media phenomenon into a movement that commands national attention. Through carefully crafted messaging and an aggressive online presence, it has projected itself as an independent platform representing ordinary Indians against an unresponsive political establishment. To its supporters, CJP is the voice of the common citizen. To its critics, however, the movement raises questions that become more difficult to ignore with every passing day. The debate surrounding CJP is no longer about its slogans or its social media campaigns. The real debate is about the people behind the movement, the political networks surrounding them, and whether the image being presented to the public reflects the full reality. As with every political movement that rises rapidly and claims to represent millions, the most important place to begin is not with what it says, but with who is leading it. The Man Behind the Movement At the centre of CJP stands its founder, Abhijeet Dipke. For a movement that presents itself as an independent citizens initiative, Dipkes political background has become a subject of increasing scrutiny. Public reports and archived material have linked him to the Aam Aadmi Partys social media ecosystem, while old posts attributed to him reportedly show him expressing gratitude towards senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia and reaffirming his commitment to the party. Dipke has maintained that he stepped away from active political involvement after moving to the United States for higher studies. However, that explanation has done little to silence questions. In an age where political campaigns, digital operations, and narrative-building are increasingly conducted online, physical distance means very little. Critics, therefore argue that the more relevant question is not whether Dipke left India, but whether he truly left the political ecosystem he had been associated with. On their own, such associations are not evidence of wrongdoing. India is a democracy, and political participation is a legitimate right. However, the issue is not whether Dipke once had political affiliations. The issue is whether the public is being given the complete picture. When a movement presents itself as a fresh alternative to conventional politics while being led by individuals with documented political histories, questions naturally arise about how independent that movement truly is. This is where the story begins to move beyond personalities and towards patterns. The Faces Around the Movement The questions surrounding CJP do not end with its founder. If anything, they become even more interesting when one examines the individuals the movement recently appointed as its public faces. When CJP announced Ashutosh Ranka, Vijeta Dahiya, and Saurav Das as official spokespersons, the decision immediately attracted attention because each of them carried baggage from the same political ecosystem that CJP insists it stands apart from. Among the three, Ashutosh Rankas links are perhaps the most direct. Ranka previously served as both a national spokesperson and state spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party in Rajasthan. For years, he represented the party in public debates, authored opinion pieces defending its positions, and regularly appeared in television discussions as one of AAPs recognised voices. His presence within CJP, therefore, raises an obvious question. If the movement is genuinely detached from traditional party structures, why are former party spokespersons occupying such visible positions within its leadership? Vijeta Dahiya presents a different but equally interesting case. While he was never formally enrolled as an AAP office- bearer, his public record reflects extensive support for the party and its campaigns. He actively promoted AAP during previous elections and became associated with a broader digital ecosystem that frequently aligned itself with opposition narratives. Dahiya is also known for his work as a researcher and scriptwriter for Dhruv Rathee, a prominent political commentator who has publicly expressed support for AAP on multiple occasions. The third spokesperson, Saurav Das, further complicates the picture. While not an official AAP functionary, Das built a reputation through activism, investigative reporting, and commentary that often intersected with issues involving senior AAP leadership. His name gained wider attention during legal controversies related to reporting and social media commentary surrounding the Delhi excise policy case. Critics have long argued that his work frequently aligned with narratives favourable to the party and its leadership. Viewed individually, each of these backgrounds can be explained away as a coincidence. Yet politics is not usually analysed through isolated coincidences. It is analysed through recurring patterns. When a movement that claims to be independent repeatedly places individuals with links, sympathies, or professional histories connected to the same political ecosystem at the centre of its public operations, scepticism becomes inevitable. The question is no longer about a single individual. It becomes a question about the ecosystem from which the movement has emerged. A Familiar Political Playbook Indian politics has witnessed this model before. More than a decade ago, the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare captured the imagination of millions. It began as a citizens movement that claimed to stand above political parties and ideological divisions. Yet over time, that movement evolved into the Aam Aadmi Party, one of the most successful political experiments in modern Indian history. The lesson from that period was simple. Public anger can be transformed into political capital. Many critics see echoes of that strategy in the rise of CJP. Once again, a movement has emerged claiming to represent ordinary citizens against a flawed system. Once again, social media serves as the primary engine of mobilisation. Once again, anti-establishment messaging forms the core of its public identity. The similarities do not automatically prove coordination or control. But they are significant enough to invite scrutiny. Political movements are rarely judged solely by what they claim to be. They are judged by their methods, their leadership, and the broader context in which they emerge. This broader context makes the
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