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Srinagar- Despite overcast weather in the higher reaches of Kashmir, the annual Amarnath Yatra continues without major disruption, with over 2.34 lakh pilgrims having performed darshan at the holy cave since the pilgrimage began this year. According to official figures, a total of 13,490 devotees performed darshan on July 15 alone. The pilgrims included 9,096 men, 3,546 women, 199 children, 67 sadhus, and 14 sadhvis. Additionally, 568 security personnel also availed the darshan at the sacred shrine. Fresh batches of pilgrims continue to depart daily from the Jammu base camp. On Tuesday, 6,388 yatris left for the Kashmir Valley in the 14th batch -- 2,501 via the Baltal route and 3,887 through the traditional Pahalgam axis. The convoy comprised 248 vehicles, including 129 buses and 73 light motor vehicles. Among the batch were 4,886 males, 1,300 females, 15 children, 158 sadhus, and 21 sadhvis. Authorities said that despite intermittent rainfall and cloudy conditions, the yatra continues to proceed peacefully. Medical facilities, security arrangements, and traffic regulation have all been intensified along the twin routes. 15-Year Footfall Tops 51 Lakh Over the past 15 years, the Amarnath Yatra has attracted more than 51 lakh pilgrims, according to official data reviewed by KNO. The pilgrimage saw a major spike in participation in 2011 and 2012 with over 6 lakh devotees each year. However, turnout dropped in the following years due to weather, unrest, and logistical hurdles, reaching a low of 2.21 lakh in 2016. After a complete suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Yatra resumed in 2022 with a modest count of 3.04 lakh. In 2023, the number rose to 4.5 lakh, and 2024 recorded a decade-high of 5 lakh pilgrims -- marking the highest turnout since 2012. The duration of the pilgrimage has also varied over the years -- from 43 days in 2022 to 62 days in 2023, and 52 days this year. The upward trend in participation has been attributed to improved facilities, stronger security protocols, and greater outreach to both domestic and international pilgrims. Officials say that if the current pace continues, this year's yatra may surpass last year's total. The pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 19, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival. Police Mock Drills Conducted Along Yatra Route Mock drills were conducted on Tuesday along the Amarnath Yatra routes in several districts of Kashmir to strengthen the security forces for the ongoing pilgrimage, police said. A police spokesman said these mock drills were conducted without causing inconvenience to the yatris or the general public, and the cooperation of citizens and pilgrims was appreciated. To ensure the safety and security of pilgrims undertaking the yatra, the police conducted mock drills along the designated yatra routes in several districts of the Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama and Kulgam, the police spokesman said. He said the exercises were carried out at strategically significant points to assess the alertness, preparedness and coordination among different security agencies deployed for yatra duties. The mock drills simulated scenarios of standoff fire, attempted fidayeen attack, IED detection, convoy stoppage, emergency evacuation, crowd management and disaster scenarios due to earthquake, landslides and the likes, the spokesman said. Senior police officers supervised these mock drills, ensuring that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed and refined where necessary, he said. Special focus was laid on critical areas prone to congestion or high footfall to test the efficiency of response teams and quick reaction units, he added.
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
Seven Maoists including two women were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Thursday, a senior police official said. IMAGE: District Reserve Guards of the Chhattisgarh police celebrate after an anti-Maoist operation in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, November 22, 2024.Photograph: ANI Photo The gunfight broke out around 3 am in the forest of south Abujhmad along the border of Narayanpur and Dantewada districts, inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sunda ...Read More >
Port Blair: Namita Roy was just 26 years old when she gave birth to her son, 'Tsunami', in a snake-infested jungle where she and her family took shelter after deadly waves triggered by a massive earthquake devoured her home in Hut Bay Island in Andaman and Nicobar on this day in 2004. Twenty years later, she remembers the day with a shudder. "I don't want to recall that dark day. I was pregnant and busy with daily chores. Suddenly, I noticed an eerie silence and was shocked to witness the sea receding miles from our shore. We also noticed zugunruhe in birds," she told PTI. "Seconds later, th ...Read More >
PRAYAGRAJ, India (AP) -- Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the world's largest religious gathering. Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers -- the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati -- where they will take part in elaborate rituals, hoping to begin a journey to achieve Hindu philosophy's ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth. Here's what to know abo ...Read More >
Rameswaram, Feb 10 (PTI) The new 2.05 kilometre Pamban Bridge will allow trains to cross the sea between mainland India and Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu in less than 5 minutes, significantly less than the previous 25-30 minutes on the old structure, railway officials said on Monday. The bridge is ready to be dedicated to the nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate it within the next few weeks, though a date is yet to be decided, he added. "Trains used to take 25-30 minutes to cross the old colonial-era Pamban Bridge between Mandapam and Rameswaram Islands due to ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Godrej Agrovet informed stock exchanges that the Gujarat government has allotted area to it in three districts for the expansion of oil palm cultivation under the palm oil mission. Those three districts are Vadodara, Surat, and Tapi, the company informed stock exchanges in a filing late on Saturday. The filing didn't elaborate further details about the allotment of land. India is the world's second-largest consumer and number one vegetable oil importer, and it meets 60 per cent of its need through imports. A large part of it is palm oil and its derivativ ...Read More >
Kanpur, January 27: Due to the massive influx of devotees for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Varanasi's District Magistrate in Uttar Pradesh has announced that all schools in the district will be closed from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and managing traffic congestion caused by the large number of pilgrims arriving in Varanasi for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Despite the school closures, online classes will continue as usual to maintain the academic schedule, News18 reported. This directive applies to all CBSE, ICSE ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 31 (PTI) Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and NIFT, Srinagar has developed 36 box prototypes for unique packaging of Kashmiri handicrafts with the aim of boosting sales. Director IICT Zubair Ahmad said the packaging is an inseparable part of the famed Kashmir handicrafts, which facilitates its foray into international markets in a big way. "Time has come for artistic packaging to create a unique unboxing experience of the famed arts of Kashmir and boost its market value," Ahmad said. He called upon business stakeholders associated with Kashmir Arts to carry out fir ...Read More >
Uttarakhand (Dehradun) [India], May 19 (ANI): The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in the hilly districts of Uttarakhand, effective today and tomorrow. In light of this warning, the Uttarakhand Police have issued a safety advisory for pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims are advised to exercise caution while travelling, consider the weather conditions, and call 112 in case of any emergency." Authorities are working to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions," said the police authorities. In light of the forecast, the Uttarakh ...Read More >
Aizawl, June 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) All the government and private schools in Mizoram remained closed on Monday due to heavy rains that triggered landslides, rockfalls, and waterlogging in different parts of the mountainous state, officials said. A senior official of the School Education Department said that Deputy Commissioners of all 11 districts issued separate notifications closing the schools on Monday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the students. After the beginning of the current spell of heavy rain, earlier, schools were closed across the state for two days on May 29 a ...Read More >
Katra/Jammu, Jun 5 (PTI) Union minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring a speedy completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project after taking office in 2014 and said it marks the beginning of a historic journey in setting up the world's highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river and the Anji Khad bridge, India's first cable-stayed bridge, before flagging off Vande Bharat trains to mark the completio ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Pakistan high commission on Wednesday said it issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit the Shree Katas Raj temples in Punjab province's Chakwal district. The group has been given visas to visit the Katas Raj temples from December 19 to 25. The temples are also known as Qila Katas. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. Under the provision of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year.Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol. ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (PTI) The police have intensified security to thwart the possible efforts of the Maoists to enter Odisha following an operation that left 14 red rebels dead in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, an official said on Wednesday. The police remained alert in the districts bordering Chhattisgarh as combing operations were underway in Chhattisgarh. "We have put the police and central forces deployed in different districts to remain alert and prevent possible infiltration of Maoists from the neighbouring state," Odisha DGP Y B Khurania said after holding a review meeting. Khurania along ...Read More >
Guwahati: The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 has highlighted a notable increase in school enrolment in rural Assam and significant improvement in digital literacy and better learning outcome compared to the 2022 ASER results. The survey, facilitated by Pratham foundation, covered 24,275 children across 780 villages in 26 districts. The 14th nationwide field based ASER survey was conducted across over 17,000 villages across the country, comprising over 6.49 lakh students in the age group of 3-16 years. The ASER results released on Tuesday has shown a rising trend in enrolment i ...Read More >
Ladwa (Haryana) [India], May 22 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday carried out the Tiranga Yatra to honour armed forces for Operation Sindoor. The CM, in his address to the people, stated that the rallies were occasions to pay true homage to the sense of patriotism and sacrifice. "Tiranga Yatra is being organised in Ladwa today. Tiranga Yatras are being organised across the country...These Yatras are not just events but occasions to pay true homage to the sense of patriotism and sacrifice...This Yatra is not just of the tricolour, this is a Yatra of our pledge, brave ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) The PM SVANidhi scheme, which started off as a micro-credit scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic, to help the street vendors and small businesses survive and sustain their ventures in trying times, has another side to it. Many beneficiaries, who got funds under this scheme, utilised it to build lasting enterprises, [...] Andhra launches efforts to evacuate Telugus stranded in Sikkim Amaravati, June 1 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated measures for the evacuation of Telugu families stranded in Sikkim due to floods and landslides. The state government sa ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 5: Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally. Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origin -- whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy." "This gran ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
Bihar's infrastructure has seen a 15-fold increase in data consumption over the past five years. Road density is now the third highest in India, electricity generation has increased tenfold, and IT parks and data centers are being developed. Numerous bridges and expanded rail lines are improving connectivity and boosting trade.Bihar has seen a 15-fold jump in data consumption in the last five years as the state goes big on developing infrastructure, investing in connectivity and building rail and ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 27 (UNI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its manifesto for the next month Assembly election with 15 guarantees, including employment and the women's dignity scheme. While releasing the manifesto on Monday, AAP's national convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Kejriwal's guarantees are solid," emphasising that free electricity for 24 hours, free water, free education, free pilgrimage for senior citizens, free bus travel for women, and free medical treatment in hospitals and Mohalla Clinics will continue in Delhi. He alleged, "BJP leaders and spokespersons ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR : Unable to regulate retail price of the potato even after normal flow of the tuber from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to provide the kitchen essential to consumers at a subsidised rate through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED). In the first phase of its market intervention initiative, the state government has procured 60 tonnes of potato from Uttar Pradesh through NAFED and the same will be available ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 31: Online gambling has become a growing menace in Kashmir, driving several families into severe financial distress and emotional turmoil. The easy accessibility of online betting platforms has lured many, particularly youth, with the illusion of quick financial gains. However, this often results in heavy monetary losses, debt and psychological suffering. According to details obtained by the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a youth from south Kashmir initially won Rs 10,000 in online betting within a few days. Encouraged by this, he borrowed lakhs of rupees from neigh ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), considered the richest civic body in the country, tabled its budget of Rs 74,427 crore for 2025-26 at its headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday. The additional municipal commissioners presented the budget to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the state-appointed administrator. BMC is currently run by an administrator since the term of the corporators ended on March 7, 2022. This is the third year of the budget being presented to the administrator, in deviation from the norm where the municipal commissioner presents the budget to the standing co ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday arrived in Odisha and unveiled a statue of Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu here. She also visited the Adim Owar Jarpa Jaher, a sacred place for Santals, in Bhubaneswar and offered prayers. The President was accorded a warm welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), where she landed on a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commence her five-day visit to Odisha. She was received at the airport by Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries. People standi ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 4 (VOICE) The earthquake that hit Telangana on Wednesday morning was the second earthquake of over 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale in the region in the last 55 years.According to the National Center for Seismology, an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude was felt at 7.27 a.m. on Wednesday with Medaram in Mulugu district of Telangana as the epicentre. The region experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 on April 13, 1969, with Bhadrachalam as the epicentre. According to scientists, both earthquakes were linked to the Godavari rift valley, which is a fault zone. The tremors on ...Read More >
Srinagar, Dec 11: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah today asked people of Kashmir to come together in prayers to bring an end to the ongoing dry spell that has been plaguing the region. In a statement, he emphasised the importance of offering special prayers at major shrines, mosques, and Khanqahs across Kashmir. The NC President specifically mentioned revered shrines such as Charar-e-Sharief and Maqdoom Sahib, encouraging people to seek relief from the challenging weather co ...Read More >
Patna, Dec 13 (VOICE) The Bihar Public Service Commission 70th Preliminary Combined Examination will be conducted at 912 centres in the state on Friday.With these examinations, 2,031 posts in various government departments will be filled. A total of 4.80 lakh candidates have applied for the examinations, scheduled to start at noon and end at 2.00 p.m. The commission has issued guidelines for the candidates appearing for the examinations. The guidelines are: "Candidates are asked to bring two printed copies of their admit card, of which, the invigilator will keep one, proof of original ID is ...Read More >
FEROZEPUR: A Bolero pickup and a canter collided in Punjab's near village Mohan's Utaad, near Guru Har Sahai, District Ferozepur in the early hours leaving 9 dead and 11 people injured. At the time of the tragic accident, Bolero pickup was carrying waiters to a catering event, going from Guru Har Sahai towards Jalalabad. While, the injured people were taken to the hospital by the police with the help of passersby, the bodies of the dead were found scattered on the road. Although the police is investigating the whole matter, they suspect the accident happened when the pickup went out of contr ...Read More >