Category: National

  • Indications of second wave of Covid-19, people need to remain cautious

    Srinagar: Head of department at Chest disease hospital Dr Naveed Nazir on Thursday said that there are indications of second wave of Covid-19 and there is need to remain cautious.

    He said that whosoever gets opportunity, there is need to get covid vaccine and take precautions.

    “Beware and cautious … Indications of second wave beginning to come.. Maharashtra/Kerala starting to heat up again … TAKE VACCINE whosoever get an opportunity and TAKE PRECAUTIONS,” He tweeted

  • No one can forget Lethpora attack, proud of our security forces:- PM Modi

    Srinagar, Feb 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to CRPF men who were killed on this day at Lethpora two years before and said we are proud of our security forces.

    Our armed forces showed time and again they are fully capable of protecting our motherland, PM Modi said in Chennai
    “No Indian can forget this day. Two years ago, the Pulwama Attack happened. We pay homage to all of them we lost in that attack. We are proud of our security forces. Their bravery will continue to inspire generations,” PM Modi said in Chennai
    14 February 2021 marks two years of the Pulwama terror attack when 40 valiant Indian soldiers were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into the security convoy carrying them.
    Earlier today, several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress party also paid rich tribute to the soldiers. (PTK)
  • Chinese actions seriously disturbed peace, tranquillity along LAC: Govt

    New Delhi: Chinese military’s attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the region, the government said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
    Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the attempts have been responded to “appropriately” by the Indian armed forces and it has been made clear to the Chinese side that such unilateral attempts are “unacceptable”.
    In a written response to a question on the overall boundary issue with China, the minister said the two sides have agreed to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and negotiations.
    He said the two sides also agreed that pending final settlement of the boundary question, maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is an essential basis for the overall development of the bilateral relationship.
    “However, since April/May 2020 the Chinese side undertook several attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC in western sector. These attempts have been responded to appropriately by our armed forces,” Muraleedharan said.
    “It has also been made clear to the Chinese side that such unilateral attempts are unacceptable. These actions have seriously disturbed the peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the western sector,” he said.
    The government often refers to eastern Ladakh as western sector.
    The minister also said that India’s engagement with China is “complex”.
    “In the last few years, the two sides have agreed to manage their differences and not allow differences on any issue to become disputes, “ he said.
    In addition, he said, the two sides also agree that the future direction of ties should be built upon mutual respect for each other’s developmental aspirations bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations.
    On the eastern Ladakh standoff, he said: “Over the last several months, we have been engaged with the Chinese side through diplomatic and military channels to ensure complete disengagement from all friction points and full restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas.
    Muraleedharan also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on September 10 in Moscow and said they agreed that the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side.
    “They agreed therefore that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions,” he said.
    He said both sides held six meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) and nine meetings of senior commanders.
    —PTI

  • Republic TV Anchor Vikas Sharma Dies

    Vikas Sharma passed away due to COVID 19 complications

    File Photo

    Republic TV reporter Vikas Sharma passed away suddenly, and it was a huge shock to the Republic TV news fraternity. Vikas Sharma is one of the prime reporters of Republic TV and appears as a prime time anchor at 9 PM on Republic Channel.

    Vikas Sharma passed away due to COVID 19 complications.

    Many people, including reporters from various news channels, are offering their condolences to Vikas Sharma’s untimely death.

  • Everyone else is terrorist except RSS people: Rahul Gandhi

    New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi said that the image of India has received a major setback due to the farmer movement.

    In a press conference held a while ago now, he said, “If what is happening with farmers today, then the image of India is shocked and the question is that how the country is treating its citizens.”

    He said, “Farmers are asking for their rights. If the farmers are fighting, then they are being called terrorists. Are all the terrorists except the RSS people? “

    “I have also questioned in the past why people were allowed to enter the Red Fort, this answer will have to be given by the Home Minister.”

    In the press conference, he mentioned the issues of farmers as well as the Indo-China border dispute and said, “The truth is that the government is no longer able to control this situation and the BJP’s failure is now coming to the fore. I can see that we have a very difficult situation and this is dangerous for the country. “

    “The country needs that the Prime Minister should give money to small and medium businesses and boost the economy which in itself will prove to be a strong message to China. I request the Prime Minister to do his work, his job is to hold the hands of the farmers and ask them what they want. “

    Regarding China, he said, “China comes inside India and takes away thousands of kilometers of land but you gave a message to China that we will not increase our budget for the army, we will not support our army.”

    “Our soldiers posted in Ladakh must also be thinking that the government is not giving money to the army amidst difficulties. At this time, the commitment of our army is hundred percent and in such a situation the commitment of the government should be one hundred and ten percent. ” (PTK)

  • Budget 2021: FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes Gas pipeline project for J&K

    Rs 30757 crore grant proposed for J&K in Union Budget

    Srinagar: The central government on Monday proposed Rs 30,757 crore grant for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the next financial year during the current budget session, presented by the union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

    According to details available with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), during the presentation of union budget, the finance minister also proposed a gas pipeline project in Jammu and Kashmir. .

    She also announced a package of Rs. 27.1 lakh to deal with COVID-19 pandemic under Atmanirbhar Package while presenting the Union Budget 2021 in the lower house of the Parliament.

    Notably this is the first paperless budget in the history of India.

    Here are the key highlights of the Union Budget 2021-22:

    The government will provide Rs. 35,000 crore for COVID-19 vaccination. The Finance Minister has committed to providing more funds.

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman has proposed introduction of Aatmanirbhar Swastha Bharat health program with an outlay of Rs. 64,180 crores, this will act as an addition to the existing National Health Mission.

    Finance Minister has given the main pillars of Union Budget 2021-22:

    – Health and well-being

    – Physical and financial capital and infrastructure

    – Inclusive development for aspirational India

    – Reinvigorating human capital

    – Innovation and R&D

    – Minimum government and maximum governance

    Mission Poshan 2.0

    The government will be launching Mission Poshan 2.0, Jal Jeevan Mission Urban will be introduced. Finance Minister said that ” The urban Swachh Bharat Scheme will be implemented with an outlay of over Rs. 1.4 lakh crore.

    Vehicle Scrapping Policy

    The government has launched the voluntary scrapping policy in order to remove unfit/ outdated vehicles from the streets. Passenger vehicles beyond 20 years and commercial vehicles beyond 15 years will need to go through a vehicle fitness test.

    Road development in Bengal gets Rs. 95,000 crore

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs. 95,000 crore for the development of roads in the state of Bengal. The still will conduct polls in coming months.

    11,000 km of National highway infrastructure in 2021

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that ” Government aims to complete 11,000 km of national highway infrastructure this year” Tamil Nadu gets a corridor of 3,500 km. Kerala will get 1,100 km which includes investment worth Rs. 65,000 crore. 675 km in West Bengal which costs Rs. 95,000 crore. 1,300 km in Assam promised over next three years.

    Rs. 1.10 lakh crore allotted for Indian Railways

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs. 1.10 lakh crore to Indian Railways, Rs. 1.7 lakh crore is for the capital expenditure of the allotment.

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Central fiscal funding to Bangalore Metro, Chennai Metro, Nagpur Metro, Kochi Metro, Nashik Metro projects across the nation.

    Rs. 3.05 lakh crore for Power sector

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs. 3.05 lakh crore for the power sector in the country. Finance Minister added that 100 more cities will be added to the Gas distribution network in the next three years.

    Gas pipeline project in Jammu and Kashmir

    Sitharaman announced a brand new gas pipeline project for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

    Rs. 20,000 crore for Public sector banks

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced further infusion of Rs. 20,000 crore for the public sector banks.

    LIC IPO to launch this year

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that “The government plans to sell part of holding in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) through an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming year. An amendment to the existing Act to facilitate the public offer.”

    Government committed to farmers welfare

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman amid the protest from opposition leaders said that ” The government is committed to the welfare of farmers. The MSP has gone through a sea change. Over Rs. 75,000 crore paid to wheat farmers in the years 2020-21; 43.36 lakh farmers have benefitted from this.”

    Government to push Ujjawala scheme

    The government will be extending the benefits of the Ujjawala scheme to additional 1 crore people. Ujjawala scheme provides LPG connections with a financial subsidy from the central government. The scheme benefits 12 crore households right now and will be extended further to provide clean and cheap cooking fuel.

    Agriculture credit target to Rs. 16.5 lakh crore

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes an increase in agriculture credit target to Rs. 16.5 lakh crore. Nirmala Sitharaman said that ” The MSP regime has undergone a change to assure price that is at least 1.5 times the cost of the production across all the commodities. The total amount paid to paddy farmers surged to Rs. 1.72 lakh crore on 2020-21.”

    Disinvest target for FY2022 at Rs. 1.75 lakh crore

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman puts disinvestment receipts at Rs. 1.75 lakh crore for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2021. Two PSBs and one general insurance company to be disinvested, legislations and amendments to be introduced in this session.

    National education policy

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that “National Education Policy got a good reception. Over 15,000 schools to be qualitatively strengthened under National Education Policy.”

    Rs. 1,500 crore for promotion of Digital Payments

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs. 1,500 crore for promoting a digital mode of payment.

    Rs. 1000 crore for Assam, Bengal tea workers

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a special scheme for welfare of women and children in Assam and West Bengal. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs. 1000 for the tea workers in Assam and Bengal.

    Rs. 3,768 crore for Census

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs. 3,768 for the census. The next census will be the first digital census in the history of Independent India.

    Exemption for filling tax for elderly

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said ” In the 75th year of independence of our country, we shall reduce the compliance burden on senior citizens. For senior citizens who only have a pension and interest income, I propose exemption of filling of income tax returns.” (KNS)

  • Indian Army gets 6,000 new Israeli Light Machine Guns

    India Today

    The Indian Army received the first consignment of 6,000 Israeli Negev Light Machine Guns out of the 16,000 ordered last year under the Fast Track Procedure.

    Sources told India Today TV that the guns were delivered earlier this month and are undergoing inspections.

    The remaining guns are expected to be delivered by March, sources added.

    The Defence Ministry had given approval in March 2019 for thelong-standing demand of a modern state-of-the-art Light Machine Gun (LMG) for the armed forces.

    The nod was given by the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

    The Acquisition Wing of the Ministry of Defence had signed the capital acquisition contract with Israel Weapons Industries for procurement of 16,479 LMGs at a cost of Rs 880 crore.

    In March 2020, India had signed a contract with Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) to procure 16,479 LMGs under Fast Track Procedure, which are worth Rs. 880 crore.

    Indian Army required 40,000 LMGs in addition to assault rifles. The induction of new LMGs will add to the Army’s firepower amid the continuing tussle with China and skirmishes with Pakistan at the LoC, sources have said.

    The Negev 7.62X51 mm Light Machine Gun is a combat-proven weapon and currently used by several countries around the globe. The guns will enhance the lethality and range of a soldier in combat situations, according to sources.

    Under FTP equipment, procurement can be expedited in face of delays impacting the capacity of forces.

    Sources have claimed that the weapon is needed for urgent operational needs and critical operations. It will boost the confidence of the frontline troops and provide much-needed combat power to the Armed Forces, the Defence Ministry had said while approving the procurement earlier.

  • Country is unhappy with insult of tricolor on the Red Fort: PM Modi

    Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while referring to the violence during the tractor parade on 26 January in Mann Ki Baat, said – “The country was saddened to see the insult of the tricolor on 26 January in Delhi. We have to fill the time with hope. ”

    Farmers hoist flags at the Red Fort during the ‘tractor rally’ in New Delhi on Tuesday | Photo Credit: PTI

    “We have to show the restraint given last year.” And the country has to be taken forward. Our vaccination is being appreciated as much as we were appreciated in the fight against Corona. So far, 30 lakh people have been vaccinated. Which has been done in less time than America and Australia. (PTK)

  • Rahul has given call for violence: BJP

    New Delhi: The BJP on Friday accused Rahul Gandhi of declaring “war” on Indians and giving a call for “violence” after the Congress leader warned the government that if farmers’ protest is not defused then their agitation will spread across the country.

    At a press conference, Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani alleged that Gandhi has said if Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not support his political stand, then cities will “burn”.

    “Never before in our democratic history have we witnessed a political leader asking for fire of violence to spread instead of seeking and promoting peace,” she said, alleging that Gandhi wants violence that the national capital saw during the farmers’ protest on Republic Day to be replicated across the country, including in slums where the poor live.

    She also hit out at the Congress leader for not speaking a word of support and consolation to over 400 police personnel who were injured in violence during the farmers’ tractor parade on Republic Day and not speaking against the attacks on cops and others.

    This is shocking but expected of him, Irani said.

    He not only wants law and order breakdown but also supports anarchic elements daring to insult tricolour and break country, she alleged.

    Taking a swipe at Gandhi, she said he is upset as Delhi Police remained restrained in tackling the situation and is unhappy that there was no pile of “dead bodies”. So he himself wants to fuel fire in the country, she said.

    Earlier, Gandhi said the only solution to the farmers’ issue was throwing the new agri laws in the “waste paper basket” and warned that if not resolved, the agitation will spread to other parts of the country.

    In a no-holds-barred attack at the Centre, Gandhi accused the government of trying to intimidate and discredit the farmers, using the National Investigation Agency.

    Hitting back, Irani said Gandhi is insistent upon creating political strife but citizens of India under one flag will ensure that law and order is maintained in our country.

    His abhorrent stand of backing anarchic forced has been exposed today, she claimed.

    To a question, she said Gandhi will want some kind of action against him to present himself as a political martyr and took a swipe at him for not having respect for the President’s address, not being present in Parliament when the three contentious farm bills were passed and making “merry on taxpayers’ time”.

    She also took a dig at him for incorrectly naming of a Delhi border area where farmers have been protesting.

  • Blast Near Israel Embassy: Alert Issued at Airports and Govt Buildings

    New Delhi: A low-intensity explosion took place near the Israel Embassy in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi on Friday evening. The Delhi Police said the blast took place near the pavement and that the windscreens of three cars nearby have been damaged. No injuries have been reported so far. Shortly after the blast, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said an alert has been issued at all airports, important installations and government buildings in view of the blast, and that enhanced security measures have been put in place.

    Security has also been increased at the office of the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai.

    The fire department received the call at 5.11 pm as the Beating Retreat ceremony was going on at Rajpath a few kilometres away. The embassy is located on APJ Abdul Kalam Road.

    An Improvised Explosive Device (IED), placed inside a flower pot on the road divider, is suspected to be the cause of the blast. It appears that it was thrown from a moving vehicle, said police sources.

    “A very low intensity improvised device went off… No injury to any person was reported and nor was there any damage to property except the glass panes of three vehicles parked nearby,” Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said. Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation, added the police.

    “The mirrors of two to three cars are broken. Three fire tenders were rushed to the spot,” said an official of the fire department.

    Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet expressed concern at the news. “Agencies are determining the nature and cause of the blast. Thankfully, no loss of life reported yet. Any attempt to disturb the peace of Delhi should be firmly dealt with,” he said.

    Several senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau, including officers of the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, Crime Branch, have arrived at the scene to investigate the blast. A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also on the way to probe.

    According to sources, the Delhi Police Commissioner has also visited the spot. The National Security Guard’s bomb disposal team is on standby as well.

    With inputs from News18

    (This story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.).