August 2024 - Page 15 of 25

Aug162024 by News DeskNo Comments

Highly anticipated assembly polls in Jammu Kashmir likely to be announced today

REGIONAL

The Election Commission of India is set to announce the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections, with a particular focus on Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Haryana. These elections are highly anticipated, especially in Jammu Kashmir, where the last assembly elections were held in 2014. In Jammu and Kashmir, the elected government collapsed in June 2018 after the BJP withdrew support from the coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The assembly was subsequently dissolved in November 2018 by then-Governor Satyapal Malik, citing the impossibility of forming a stable government. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—J&K has been un...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Judicial Gridlock: Activists slam prolonged bail delays in Delhi riots case

INDIA

India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, a group of over 100 advocates, law researchers, and activists have raised serious concerns over the prolonged judicial delays in the bail applications of those accused in FIR 5G/2020, related to the February 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The National Alliance for Justice, Accountability, and Rights (NAJAR) issued a statement expressing deep dismay over the inordinate delays faced by the accused, many of whom are students, activists, and local Muslim residents, charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). NAJAR highlights that out of the 18 individuals arrested in connection with this case, only six have been granted bail so far. The others are caught in a web of judicial delays, with judgments being reserved but...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Kashmir RTO seeks higher tax for 10-year-old vehicles

REGIONAL

The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir has proposed an environmental cess on second-hand vehicles over 10 years old. This proposal, submitted to the Transport Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, aims to allegedly mitigate the "rising environmental and infrastructural issues caused by these older vehicles." The RTO’s letter highlights the significant increase in older, polluting vehicles entering Jammu and Kashmir, particularly affecting traffic and parking in Srinagar and Jammu, where congestion has become critical, as per locals news agency Kashmir News Observer. These vehicles, "often sold at lower prices as they near the end of their operational life, contribute heavily to pollution and strain the region’s infrastructure," RTO said. The current road usage tax of 9% is a...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Rain disrupts August 15 celebrations in Baramulla

REGIONAL

Heavy rains and strong winds on Thursday disrupted August 15 celebrations in Baramulla, North Kashmir. The severe weather caused significant issues, including the uprooting of event tents and the scattering of chairs. Video footage showed individuals struggling to clear fallen tables, fearing people might be trapped underneath. The storm also led to several trees being uprooted along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, causing blockages and endangering commuters. In Baramulla town, a vehicle was damaged when a tree fell on its roof, though no injuries were reported. Additionally, the power supply in Baramulla was severely affected, with widespread outages reported across the town due to the adverse weather conditions.

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

‘Throw these Bangladeshis out’: Rise in anti-Muslim violence in India following Sheikh Hasina’s fleeing

INTERNATIONAL

Since the departure of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, there has been a notable increase in anti-Muslim sentiment in India, with heightened calls for revenge linked to alleged attacks by revolutionary students against Hindus in Bangladesh. Just three days after Hasina's exit, Hindu extremists, led by Daksh Chaudhary of the far-right Hindu Raksha Dal, attacked Rohingya refugee camps in Delhi. Footage of the incident shows extremists hurling slurs and shouting: "They are all Bangladeshis. Go away from here. Our sisters are being raped in Bangladesh, and these people are living in our country! Expel them." On the same day, members of Hindu Raksha Dal also targeted slum dwellers, accusing them of being Bangladeshis. The attackers used sticks to beat residents and set ...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Kashmir named top culinary destination in Godrej Food Trends report 2024

REGIONAL

Barely a few days ahead of India’s Independence Day, the nation reflects on its rich tapestry of cultural heritage, with a spotlight on its evolving culinary landscape. The recently released Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 positions Kashmir at the pinnacle of India’s gastronomic map, heralding it as the top domestic culinary destination for the coming year. The year 2024 is set to witness a surge in culinary tourism across the country. With an increasing appetite for authentic and immersive food experiences, travellers are venturing beyond conventional sightseeing to explore the flavours that define India. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, curated with insights from over 190 industry luminaries—including celebrity chefs, influential bloggers, and seasoned nutritionists—serves as ...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

Nalin Prabhat to be the new DG of Jammu Kashmir Police

REGIONAL

In a recent administrative shift, Nalin Prabhat, IPS (AP:1992), has been posted as the Special Director General (SDG) of the Jammu Kashmir Police, effective immediately. This move follows his transfer from the Andhra Pradesh Cadre to the AGMUT Cadre. Sh. Prabhat will hold this position until September 30, 2024. Following the retirement of Sh. R.R. Swain, IPS (AGMUT:1991), on September 30, 2024, Sh. Nalin Prabhat will succeed him as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu Kashmir starting October 1, 2024, and will continue in this role until further orders. The decision was approved by the Competent Authority. Sh. R.R. Swain, who assumed office as the 17th DGP of Jammu & Kashmir on October 31, has been serving the state since June 2020 in his role as Special DG CID and...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

In his Independence day speech, PM Modi advocates for implementation of Uniform Civil Code

INDIA

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), describing the existing civil code as "communal" and calling for a secular alternative. Modi criticized the current system as divisive and argued that a secular civil code is necessary to eliminate religious discrimination and ensure equality for all citizens. The Uniform Civil Code is designed to replace the diverse personal laws governing various communities with a single set of laws applicable to everyone, regardless of religion, he said. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has pledged to implement the UCC if it secures a third term. Currently, Uttarakhand is the only state in India with a UCC law. However, the UCC faces sig...

Aug152024 by News DeskNo Comments

One minor dies, another injured in cloudburst in Kulgam area

REGIONAL

Danishwar Hameed A devastating cloudburst hit the Damhal Hanjipora region of Kulgam district, south Kashmir, early Thursday morning, resulting in the death of one individual and injuring another, officials reported. The cloudburst struck the Banward area in DH Pora, triggering an immediate rescue operation by local authorities. The deceased has been identified as Mukhtar Ahmad Chouhan of Bangward Bala, while Rafakat Ahmad Chouhan, also from Bangward Bala, sustained injuries. Two cows livestock also died in the incident, locals told The Kashmiriyat. Tehsildar Zahid Ahmad from DH Pora stated that a response team has been sent to the site, and further information will be provided as the situation unfolds.

Aug142024 by News DeskNo Comments

JK High court quashes ED chargesheet in JKCA case against Farooq Abdullah and others

REGIONAL

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has quashed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) charge sheets in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) scam case involving former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and several others. This development marks a significant turn in the long-running case. The JKCA scam, which emerged in 2012, centers around allegations of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of funds meant for cricket development in Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah, who was the president of the JKCA at the time, faced accusations of diverting substantial sums for personal use and failing to account for the funds properly. Quashing the charge sheets means that the High Court has invalidated the legal documents that detailed the charges and evidence against the accused, eff...