January 2024 - Page 13 of 22

Jan152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Truck driver arrested for offering namaz at roadside in Gujarat

INDIA

A truck driver was arrested for allegedly offering ‘namaz’ (prayers) on the side of a busy road without permission in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, police said Sunday. A case was registered against Bachal Khan (37) after a video surfaced on social media, in which he was seen offering prayers in front of his truck parked on the side of a busy crossroad near Palanpur city, an official from Palanpur (west) police station said. The accused offered ‘namaz’ after stopping his truck at a busy crossroad on a highway on Friday, he said, adding that someone shot a video which went viral on social media, prompting police action. A first information report (FIR) was registered against Khan under sections 283 (danger in public way), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharging duties) and ...

Jan152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Renowned poet Munawwar Rana passes away in Uttar Pradesh

INDIA

Renowned poet Munawwar Rana, celebrated for his poignant verses on motherhood, breathed his last late last night, succumbing to a cardiac arrest amid a prolonged battle with kidney and heart-related ailments. The 71-year-old literary icon had been receiving treatment at PGI, Lucknow, and was admitted to the ICU on January 9. Despite determined efforts, he passed away around 11 pm on Sunday, as shared by his daughter Sumaiya, who also disclosed that his last rites would be conducted on Monday. A Life Marked by Literary Excellence and Struggle with Health Survived by his wife, four daughters, and a son, Munawwar Rana faced health challenges over the past year, with hospitalizations at Apollo Hospital, Lucknow, and subsequent stays at Medanta and SGPGI. His son, Tabrez, reveale...

Jan152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Amid dry spell, Freezing cold temperatures recorded across Kashmir

REGIONAL

Cold wave conditions returned to Kashmir as the mercury plunged several degrees below freezing point after a day’s respite provided by a feeble western disturbance on Saturday, officials said on Sunday. A dry and largely snowless winter in Kashmir has resulted in freezing nights and warmer than usual days as Srinagar’s day temperatures were over eight degrees above the normal for this time of the year, officials said here. Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday night, 4.4 degrees less than Friday’s 0.2 degrees Celsius. Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the coldest night of the season with the minimum temperature plummeting 4.5 notches below normal to settle at 2.5 degrees Celsius, they said. The maximum tempe...

Jan142024 by News DeskNo Comments

Ahl e Qalam of Muzaffarabad: Sabir Afaqi’s book ‘Hama Aftab Beenam’ bridges gaps between cultures and languages

WRITE-UPS

Bint e Haider Sabir Afāqī's book was published in 2010, and he passed away in 2011. Regrettably, he is no longer among us, having faced the challenges of the vast unknown. Before writing this review, there were ongoing discussions about his other books. I had the honor of sharing a meal with Dr. Saab, and he also provided encouragement. However, given the current circumstances of his absence, seeking guidance from him regarding the references and background of the book is not feasible. The following review is not just a claim but my sincere effort to navigate the intricate ocean of his writings. Nevertheless, as I put these words to paper, my eyes fill with emotion, and my hands shake with the recognition that this book from Dr. Saab serves as a parting gesture for all of us. Enc...

Jan142024 by News DeskNo Comments

Militancy on deathbed in Jammu Kashmir: LG Manoj Sinha

REGIONAL

Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday advocated the participation of retired soldiers, officers and policemen in the ongoing fight against militancy stating that militancy was on its deathbed but the adversary was trying to fuel it again. He also stated that the J&K admin will give land in Kashmir and Jammu for the construction of Sainik Colonies to accommodate families of fallen heroes. Addressing the function in Jammu after interacting with the veterans, veer Naris and NoKs of slain soldiers, the LG as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that 4 Crore tourists visited the UT in the past two years. “1.88 Crore tourists visited J&K in 2022 and 2.12 Crore guests visited the UT in 2023. There is a peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the J&...

Jan142024 by News DeskNo Comments

Number of youth joining militancy has come down drastically in 2023: Army

REGIONAL

The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, stated on Sunday that the army has initiated actions against militants in the Rajouri-Poonch belt, with a special emphasis on enhancing synergy between various security agencies. Addressing reporters during a function in Srinagar, the Northern Army Commander remarked, “In the last few years, the Rajouri-Poonch area has experienced prosperity, marked by increased investment and employment. Our neighbouring country has struggled to accept peace and prosperity, leading to the promotion of terrorism in the area. We have taken strong actions in response, and you will observe control over it in the coming days.” He highlighted the sensitivity of the northern border area, declaring 2023 as a zero-infiltration year, signifying ...

Jan142024 by News DeskNo Comments

Industrial pollution forces transition of Kashmir’s Saffron farmers to new frontiers

WRITE-UPS

"I know shifting to oilseed cultivation from saffron sounds a bit unusual, but the losses in saffron cultivation forced this change," laments Gulzar Ahmad, a Saffron farmer with vast tracts of land in Lalpora, just 3 km from Pampore town in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Each year, Gulzar eagerly awaited saffron harvest from his sprawling 20 kanal field, However, the year brought an unexpected shift. Ahmad, like many farmers in Konubal, Dusoo, Munpora Ladhoo, and other saffron-producing villages, turned to mustard cultivation. The tales of shifting crops echo through the saffron-rich landscapes of Kashmir, painting a narrative of adversity and transformation. In the heart of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, globally renowned for its saffron, a looming threat has cast shadows ove...

Jan142024 by News DeskNo Comments

Prolonged dry spell impacts sales of foam, fur and waterproof shoes

REGIONAL

The extended dry spell that has gripped the Valley is having a profound impact on local businesses, with footwear shops experiencing a notable dip in sales. Many footwear wholesalers and retailers told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 90 percent winter footwear stock is still on shelves and that they don't expect any positive turn around now. “Half of the Chilaie-Kalan is over now, more than 90% of the winter stock we had purchased remains unsold. We are hardly witnessing any sales,” said a footwear wholesaler in Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Another footwear wholesaler in Batamaloo area said majority of their water proof, foam and fur shoes were still packed in boxes as they are witnessing no demand due to ongoing dry spell. “This dry spell has incurred a huge financial l...

Jan142024 by News DeskNo Comments

Amid dry spell, Jhelum river hits historic lows, Temperature records soar

REGIONAL

In a concerning turn of events, the Jhelum River, a lifeline for the Kashmir Valley, is experiencing historic lows at Sangam in south Kashmir and Asham in north Kashmir. The gauge reading at Sangam reached -0.75 ft at 9 a.m., a level not seen since November 2017. Similarly, Asham recorded an all-time low of 0.86 ft at 9 a.m. Adding to the woes, Jammu City shivers at 2.5°C, recording the lowest January temperature since 2017. The current temperature is 4.5°C below the average for this time of the year, with the all-time lowest temperature of 0.5°C recorded on January 24, 2016. In various regions across the valley, temperature records are being shattered, signaling an unprecedented deviation from the historical norms. Qazigund, with its temperature reaching 15.8°C, has marked the...

Jan132024 by News DeskNo Comments

BJP leader warns Hindus against low birth rate

INDIA

Karnataka BJP MLA representing the Udupi seat, Harish Poonja, has sparked controversy with his remarks suggesting that the Hindu population in India may be outnumbered by Muslims if Hindus continue having only one or two children. Poonja made these statements during the Ayyappa Deepotsava Dharmika Sabha held at Peradi in Belthangady taluk on January 7. Expressing concern, Poonja stated, "A few people think that the population of Hindus in India is 80 crores and Muslims are just 20 crores. But, you need to think in another direction. It is our belief that Muslims are lesser in numbers and they won’t do any harm. But Muslims are giving birth to four children each, and we (Hindus) mostly have one or two kids. If 20 crores Muslims give birth to four children each, their population would ...