April 3, 2025 - Page 2 of 2

Apr32025 by News DeskNo Comments

Marriage assistance for AAY families in Jammu Kashmir increased to 75,000 rupees

REGIONAL

The Jammu Kashmir government enhanced financial assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for poor girls from Rs 50,000 to 75,000 for the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card holder families. According to an order, assistance for Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders remains unchanged at Rs 50,000. New scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025. The order also states that the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) before the marriage. The scheme applies only to eligible AAY and PHH ration card holders, ensuring that economically weaker sections receive support for marriage expenses. (KNO)

Apr32025 by News DeskNo Comments

Namda, willow bat among 8 Kashmiri products to get global recognition with GI tag

CULTURE

In a landmark achievement securing the unique craftsmanship of artisans, 8 more traditional products of Kashmir have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certificates by GI Registry, Chennai, based on their sources of origin. GI registration provides legal protection against counterfeit products, prevents unauthorized use, boosts exports, and promotes economic prosperity for producers of goods associated with a specific geographical territory. Giving details, a spokesman from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, today stated that Kashmir Namda, Kashmir Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Kashmir Tweed, Crewel, Kashmir Chain Stitch, Shikara and Wagguv have secured GI registration. With this, he said, the total number of GI registered crafts has reached 15, wit...

Apr32025 by News DeskNo Comments

Massive search operation launched in Udhampur

REGIONAL

Security forces have launched a massive search operation in Khabbal village of Majalta, Udhampur district, following reports of a few suspected persons entering a local residence. Sources told the news agency JKNS that the intruders demanded food from the occupants and seized a mobile phone before fleeing. Upon receiving information, search operation has been launched by joint team of forces in the area and search operation was going on when reports last came in. This development follows an earlier encounter in Kathua district on April 1, where security forces engaged with suspected terrorists. Security forces continue to maintain a defensive position and are conducting search operations in the Udhampur-Reasi areas to ensure the safety of residents and apprehend the suspects.—(...

Apr32025 by News DeskNo Comments

Youth from Bandipora arrested for glorifying separatist leader Yasin Malik: Police

REGIONAL

Bandipora Police have arrested a youth for allegedly glorifying the head of the banned Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Muhammad Yasin Malik, and other separatist leaders on social media. The accused, identified as Sajad Naseer Bhat alias Sahil, son of Naseer Ahmad Bhat from Naidkhai Sumbal, was apprehended during routine cyber surveillance and patrolling. According to police, he had deliberately uploaded photos of Malik and others to incite unrest and promote extremist ideologies. A case under FIR No. 65/2025, invoking Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66 of the IT Act, has been registered at Police Station Sumbal, and further investigation is underway. Bandipora Police have warned that any effort to glorify militancy or promote secessionist na...

Apr32025 by News DeskNo Comments

Waqf Amendment bill passed in Lok Sabha, says speaker

INDIA

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with 288 MPs voting in favor and 232 against it. The legislation, aimed at streamlining the administration of Waqf properties and ensuring transparency through technology-driven management, was introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. During the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress, accusing it of spreading misinformation about the bill. He dismissed claims that the legislation interferes in Muslim religious matters, calling such concerns "fear-mongering for vote-bank politics." Mr. Rijiju highlighted that the consultation process for the bill, conducted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, was the most extensive in India's parliamentary history. Despite opposition d...