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Water bodies freeze partially, Severe cold wave grips J&K, Ladakh

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 17 (NVI):A biting cold wave swept through the Kashmir Valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero levels across most parts, bringing life to a near standstill. The freezing conditions continued unabated as both higher and lower altitude areas recorded some of the coldest temperatures of the season.

In the Kashmir Valley, the coldest place was Anantnag and Shopian, both plunging to a chilling -8.9°C, followed closely by Larnoo at -8.8°C and Pulwama at -8.5°C. The popular tourist destinations of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded -6.8°C and -4.0°C, respectively, while Sonamarg was gripped by an even harsher -7.7°C. Srinagar froze at -5.3 degrees Celsius temperatures with water bodies including famous Dal Lake freezing partially at some places.

Meanwhile, in the Jammu region, sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Padder at -8.3°C, making it the coldest location in the division. Udhampur dipped to -0.5°C, and Samba recorded a near-freezing 0.5°C. Other areas like Jammu city remained relatively warmer at 4.9°C, providing slight respite to the residents.

In the Ladakh region, the harsh winter deepened further as Kargil recorded the lowest temperature of the day at -12.5°C, followed by Leh at -8.8°C. The extreme temperatures in Ladakh have severely disrupted daily life, with frozen water pipes and icy roads becoming common obstacles for residents.

The ongoing cold wave has left residents scrambling for warmth, with demand for heating devices, firewood, and winter essentials soaring. Officials have urged people to take precautions to avoid weather-related ailments.

Meteorological experts suggest the frigid conditions may persist for the coming days, with clear skies exacerbating the drop in nighttime temperatures. Tourists in Kashmir and Ladakh are braving the chill to enjoy the winter landscape, particularly in hotspots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where the snow-covered scenery has turned into a visual delight.

Authorities remain on high alert, ensuring the smooth supply of essential commodities and responding to potential disruptions caused by the freezing conditions(News Vibes of India)

CM Omar vows to keep governance unbiased, chairs review meeting in Samba

Strong Action should be taken in Ramban incident: J&K CM
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (File Pic)

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 16(NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his commitment to unbiased governance, emphasizing that public issues would be addressed without political influence.

Chairing a district review meeting at the Conference Hall in Samba, the CM stressed that the administration would prioritize public welfare over party lines.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other key ministers, Abdullah urged officials to address concerns raised by elected representatives with urgency, noting the importance of responsiveness in governance. “We must prioritize whether a project holds public utility or addresses public issues; if it does, it must be processed and dealt with promptly,” he stated.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the impact of the recent elections, which led to delays in developmental activities, and urged the administration to speed up projects moving forward. He also highlighted the need for timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) to ensure continued financial support from the central government.

Abdullah took note of critical issues raised during the meeting, including progress on industrial estates, smart meter installations, drug addiction, and infrastructure concerns such as the Katra-Amritsar-Delhi Expressway project. He emphasized coordinated efforts to tackle drug addiction, citing its growing menace in the region, and urged swift action on staffing shortages in hospitals and schools.

The CM also addressed grievances submitted during the public redressal camp, assuring residents, industrial representatives, and delegations from remote areas that their concerns would be resolved swiftly.

In closing, Omar Abdullah praised the district’s performance despite challenges and encouraged stakeholders to submit priority projects for inclusion in the upcoming budget proposals. (News Vibes of India)

J&K Transport Commissioner sets Jan 31 deadline for CCTV installation in school buses

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 16(NVI): In a significant move to enhance student safety, Transport Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan has set January 31, 2025, as the deadline for installing CCTV cameras in all school buses in Jammu and Kashmir.

An official statement said the directive follows the Supreme Court’s safety guidelines for school transportation and aims to ensure continuous monitoring of drivers and support staff during transit.

During a high-level meeting with representatives from various schools, Mahajan stressed the importance of a comprehensive safety audit for vehicles ferrying students. He called for active cooperation from school authorities to ensure compliance with the new measures. The installation of CCTV cameras, along with other safety requirements, is intended to provide a safer and more secure environment for children.

The commissioner also directed schools to fit all vehicles with functional speed governors, setting the speed limit at 40 km/h as per the guidelines. Additionally, he warned that school buses found violating safety norms—such as overloading, over speeding, or lacking essential safety features—would be seized immediately.

Apart from the mandatory CCTV cameras, schools were instructed to ensure that buses have emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, GPS trackers, seat belts, and fire detection alarm systems. The schools were also urged to conduct regular counseling sessions with parents to discourage underage driving among students and raise awareness about its consequences.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that while many schools have their own fleet of buses, private vehicles hired by parents are also used for student transportation. The commissioner emphasized that it is the responsibility of schools to ensure these private vehicles also adhere to safety norms.

The meeting, attended by senior officials, including Joint Transport Commissioner Vinay Samotra and Assistant Transport Commissioner, aimed to reinforce the government’s commitment to the safety of schoolchildren. Mahajan urged schools to ensure compliance with all measures and reiterated that the safety of students is a non-negotiable priority.

This initiative, coupled with strict enforcement of the guidelines, is expected to reduce risks and create a safer commuting environment for schoolchildren across Jammu and Kashmir (News Vibes of India)

J&K Police attach residential properties of drug peddlers in border area of Karnah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI): In a landmark action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Kupwara Police have attached two residential properties belonging to drug peddlers in the border area of Karnah.

This marks the first time such stringent measures have been implemented in the region, reflecting the police’s firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace.

The first property, located in Pingla Haridal, belongs to Riyaz Ahmad Shah, son of Talib Hussain Shah. It was attached in connection with an FIR (No. 02/2019) registered under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Karnah.

The second property, situated in Chitterkote Karnah, belongs to Jahangir Ahmad Khan, son of Rehmat Ali Khan. This attachment is linked to FIR No. 14/2020 under the same Act.

The combined market value of the two properties is estimated at approximately Rs 40 lakh. This action by Kupwara Police is seen as a strong deterrent to drug trafficking in the district, particularly in sensitive border areas like Karnah.

Police have urged the public to support their anti-drug efforts by reporting any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. Authorities believe community cooperation is essential to creating a drug-free and secure environment for all residents(News Vibes of India)

Sajjad Lone accuses Omar Abdullah of surrendering to BJP

NVI Correspondent,

Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Lone today launched a scathing attack on National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, accusing him of “surrendering” to the BJP and abandoning the fight for statehood restoration in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lone claimed that Omar Abdullah, who previously positioned himself as a strong critic of the BJP, is now “pleading before them,” signaling a shift in his political stance. He suggested that this undermines the anti-BJP sentiment that Abdullah once represented.

Taking a jibe at Abdullah’s approach to statehood restoration, Lone remarked, “Had Omar Abdullah been serious about statehood, he would have called for a joint meeting of all parties, including the BJP.” This, he said, would have demonstrated a collective commitment to the cause and put pressure on New Delhi to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

The remarks come amid growing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, as opposition parties continue to demand the restoration of statehood, which was revoked in August 2019. Abdullah, however, has not responded to Lone’s accusations so far.

Lone’s comments highlight divisions among the political leadership in the region, as parties grapple with strategies to address the lingering challenges post the abrogation of Article 370.

Observers believe the statement is likely to escalate tensions between the NC and Lone’s People’s Conference, both key players in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. (News Vibes of India)

Pakistani atrocities in Balochistan highlighted in The Netherlands by BNM

Protest by Baloch National Movement (BNM) outside Parliament of Netherlands in The Hague

The Hague (The Netherlands), Dec 16 (NVI) As part of its week-long campaign, Baloch National Movement (BNM) staged a protest, distributed pamphlets and wrote to the government of The Netherlands, highlighting the atrocities being committed by Pakistan in occupied Balochistan.

A rally was held in front of the Parliament of The Netherlands in the capital The Hague where hundreds of pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness about the human rights violations in Balochistan.

Additionally, a letter was addressed to the country’s Minister of Defense, Brekelmans, urging the Dutch government and parliamentarians to adopt a principled stance on the human rights violations in Balochistan, publicly condemn Pakistan’s actions, and support international efforts to hold Pakistan accountable.

In the letter, BNM requested the Dutch government to revoke GSP Plus trade status granted to Pakistan or make its continuation conditional to the “significant improvements in Pakistan’s human rights record, particularly regarding the situation in Balochistan”.

Muheem Abdul Raheem, President of the BNM Netherlands Chapter, stated in the letter that the Baloch nation is gripped by uncertainty and fear due to the Pakistani government’s “kill and dump” policy.

Thousands of families of forcibly disappeared individuals remain unaware of the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones, he said in the letter.

Amid this oppressive environment, the local population is enduring extreme poverty.

Emphasising that the Netherlands has a proud tradition of championing human rights, he wrote, “We urge the Dutch government to extend moral and political support to the Baloch nation in its pursuit of justice and dignity.”

During the demonstration in front of the Dutch Parliament, BNM Netherlands Chapter Vice President Waheed Baloch, along with Basit Baloch, Zahra Baloch, Dr. Latif, Wahid Baloch, Abdul Rehman Baloch, Qadeer Sagar Baloch, Kiya Baloch, and Jawahir Baloch, addressed the gathering.

They emphasized that International Human Rights Day serves as a reminder to raise our voices for the freedom, rights, and protection of the Baloch nation’s identity.

They highlighted that the Pakistani army has subjected the Baloch nation to decades of oppression in Balochistan, with thousands falling victim to enforced disappearances and countless mutilated bodies being discovered. (NVI)

‘Super Khush 2025 Sale’ of ‘Pigeon’ kitchen appliances coming

New Delhi, Dec 16 (NVI): Stovekraft Ltd, a leading kitchen and home appliances manufacturers of India, has launched its much anticipated ‘Super Khush 2025 Sale’ for its popular ‘Pigeon’ brand.
The sale offers customers combo offers at the price of Rs. 2025/- to welcome the new year with high-quality, innovative appliances and kitchen products from Pigeon, the company said in a statement.
Each combo provides savings of up to 60% on MRP, enabling customers to equip either their own kitchens or even gift their loved ones with thoughtful gifts for New Year, it said.
 
The ‘Super Khush 2025 Sale’ will feature incredible deals on Pigeon’s wide array of products, including its Cookware range consisting of Pressure Cookers, Non-stick pans and Tawas as well as its appliances such as Ovens, Blenders, Mixers, and Electric Rice Cookers etc.

The Super Khush 2025 Sale will be launched this month and the combos will be available across more than 125,000 retail outlets across the country.

Customers can also pick up the products at the 200+ Pigeon Exclusive Brand Outlets that are now open in all major cities in the country giving customers nationwide access to these fantastic offers.

“The ‘Super Khush 2025’ Sale is our way of thanking customers for their trust in the Pigeon brand for more than two decades. This sale will allow more households to experience the quality and innovation behind the Pigeon brand, along with enjoying some great savings,” said Rajendra Gandhi, Managing Director of Stovekraft.

Pigeon is celebrating 25 years of its inception and its parent company Stovekraft Ltd. has recently launched innovative products such as Air Fryers and a range of Cast Iron cookware for health-conscious consumers.

Stovekraft’s global reach extends to 20+ countries, including the USA, the Middle East, and Africa, catering to major global clients like Walmart and Big Lots.

The company operates the largest kitchen appliances manufacturing facility in the Harohalli Industrial Area near Bengaluru, with a second unit located in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

Women suffering from infertility need not lose hope, should take medical help: Doctor

Dr. Tushar Palve is the first male Medical Superintendent of Cama hospital in Mumbai.

Mumbai, Dec 16 (NVI) Giving birth to a child and becoming mother is the aspiration of every woman as she feels complete after that.

However, over the years, many women have reported various infertility issues because of which they are unable to produce a child.

It causes emotional stress to the woman concerned as well as the family at large.

But doctors say that such people should not lose hope as medical science has advanced immensely and solutions to infertility problems are available to a significant extent.

Women facing infertility issues need expert advice, treatment from an experienced doctor and most importantly, emotional support in front of a morale booster.

“There’s been significant advancement in medical science, and we are confident to treat infertility in women with a great success rate…Infertility treatments are no longer limited to the rich alone and every woman can benefit from it,” says Dr Tushar Palve, Obstetrician & gynecologist & Medical Superintendent of Cama and Albless Hospital, Mumbai.

Dr. Palve, the first male Medical Superintendent of Cama hospital who personally sees hundreds of female patients at the OPD every day, outlines the causes behind infertility in women.

“Infertility is a complex and emotionally challenging issue that affects millions of couples worldwide. While both men and women can face fertility challenges, we are focused on infertility in women, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options,” he said.

Some of the key issues in female infertility involve Ovulatory Disorders, Fallopian Tube issues, Endometriosis, Uterine problems, Age, and various Lifestyle factors.

“Infertility is a deeply personal and often emotionally taxing journey for many couples. It’s essential to consult with a reproductive specialist to determine the cause of infertility and explore the most appropriate treatment options.

“With the right medical care and support, many couples can overcome female infertility and fulfill their dream of starting a family,“ says Dr. Tushar Palve. (NVI)

MP Aga Ruhullah advocates one-time Age Relaxation for JKP SI aspirants in Parliament

File Photo : MP Aga Ruhullah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI):
In a powerful intervention during a Parliamentary session, National Conference MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, representing Jammu and Kashmir, urged the central government to grant a one-time age relaxation for aspirants of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Sub-Inspector (JKPSI) posts.

Highlighting the plight of thousands of youth, Mehdi emphasized that prolonged delays in the recruitment process have unfairly disqualified many candidates who have now crossed the upper age limit. He attributed these delays to a combination of unprecedented disruptions, including the abrogation of Article 370, the administrative overhaul of Jammu and Kashmir, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mehdi passionately argued that these delays have robbed countless aspirants of the opportunity to serve in the police force, despite their dedication and eligibility. He underscored the deep disillusionment among the region’s youth, many of whom feel sidelined by circumstances beyond their control.

Calling on the central government to intervene, Mehdi stressed that granting a one-time relaxation in the upper age limit would not only ensure fairness but also restore confidence in the recruitment system. “This measure is not just about recruitment—it is about justice, equity, and safeguarding the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth,” he said.

His appeal has struck a chord with many, as the demand for age relaxation grows louder across the region. Observers believe that such a step could set a precedent for addressing the unique challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, who often encounter additional hurdles due to the region’s distinctive political and social landscape.

The issue has also reignited conversations about the need for efficient, transparent recruitment processes and a government response that aligns with the aspirations of young people in Jammu and Kashmir. (News Vibes of India)

Security forces foil major drug smuggling attempt in Rajouri, 2 arrested with 5.5 kg narcotics

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI): In a significant operation, security forces on today thwarted a major drug smuggling bid in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Acting on a specific intelligence inputs regarding the transshipment of narcotics in the border village, a joint operation was launched by the police and the army.

The operation, carried out covertly, intensified as teams combed the area. During the search, two individuals were apprehended with 5.5 kilograms of suspected narcotic substances. The duo was identified as Subash Chander, 36, son of Pashori Lal, a resident of Kaneti village, and Sajan Kumar, 25, son of Om Prakash, a resident of Sher village.

This operation marks another success in the ongoing efforts of security forces to dismantle smuggling and trafficking networks, especially in border regions vulnerable to such activities. The seized contraband is suspected to be part of a larger cross-border smuggling network, but authorities are awaiting further investigation and forensic analysis to confirm its exact nature.

A case has been registered, and a thorough investigation is underway to uncover more details about the smuggling ring, including potential cross-border links and other accomplices. Security agencies have been focusing on combating narcotics smuggling in the region, which not only funds illegal activities but also poses a grave threat to local communities.

This operation underscores the critical role of intelligence gathering and collaboration between police and armed forces in maintaining security and countering the illegal drug trade in sensitive areas along the border. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening measures to prevent such activities and bring perpetrators to justice.

The success of this operation has drawn praise from officials, who stressed on the importance of public cooperation in providing timely information to aid security forces in safeguarding the region from the menace of drug trafficking. (News Vibes of India)

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