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J&K: ACB Chargesheets Former Junior Assistant in Rs 12.65 Lakh MDM Scam

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 31 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet against a former junior assistant for allegedly misappropriating 256.40 quintals of rice and cooking costs under the Mid Day Meal scheme, causing a loss of over Rs 12.65 lakh to the state exchequer, officials said on Monday.

The chargesheet was filed against Mohd Farooq, then junior assistant and dealing hand for the Mid Day Meal scheme in the office of the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Manjakote, they said.

The case was registered on December 28, 2018, following a verification that had revealed the alleged misappropriation of around 200 quintals of rice meant for the fourth quarter of 2014-15 under the Mid Day Meal scheme in Manjakote zone, the ACB said.

During investigation, it was found that Farooq and then ZEO Manjakote Shah Nawaz Khan, who has since died, allegedly prepared fake and fabricated indents and authority letters by manipulating official records, in connivance with storekeeper Mumtaz Hussain, officials said.

Scrutiny of records and an opinion from the Forensic Science Laboratory established prima facie that 256.40 quintals of rice valued at Rs 8,03,557.60 and Rs 4,61,578 in cooking costs were allegedly misappropriated, they said.

The total loss to the state exchequer was assessed at Rs 12,65,135.60, the ACB said.

The chargesheet was filed under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code relating to criminal misconduct, forgery, use of forged documents, destruction or falsification of records and criminal conspiracy.

As the then ZEO had died, prosecution sanction was obtained for the in-service accused, Farooq, the officials said.

The chargesheet was produced before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Rajouri, on Monday. The court has fixed September 29 as the next date of hearing.—(NVI)

PM Modi meets Iranian President, reiterates need for dialogue to end West Asia stalemate

PM Modi with Iranian President Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan today

New Delhi, Aug 31 (NVI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and discussed the developments in West Asia with an emphasis on the need to resolve all issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, also discussed bilateral ties.

The “recent developments in the West Asia conflict” were discussed with the two leaders sharing their perspectives on the evolving situation, an official statement said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed concern at the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, it said.

“Prime Minister also reiterated the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.
Calling for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce, PM Modi emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances, the statement said.

Reiterating India’s readiness to closely cooperate with Iran in multilateral organizations, including BRICS and SCO, Prime Minister conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming President Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit, it added. (NVI)

Nepal Floods death toll rises to 903, number of missing is 4247

Kathmandu, Aug 31 (NVI) The death toll due to the August 26 floods in Nepal has risen to 903 while around 4,247 people remain unaccounted for, according to the latest update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The update states that 267 people have been injured, of whom 146 have already been discharged.

Yesterday, the rescuers evacuated 7 Indians and 15 Chinese nationals from a hydropower project.

The number of people still unaccounted for includes 865 in Rasuwa and 1,558 in Nuwakot, based on data from District Emergency Operation Centres. A further 933 people from hydropower projects have been reported missing.

Among those unaccounted for are 25 Nepal Police personnel, 45 Nepali Army personnel, 13 Armed Police Force personnel, 15 customs officials and three immigration officials.
The disaster has also left 592 foreign nationals missing, along with 127 Nepalis travelling with tourists.
Three people from Langtang National Park and three from the quarantine office are also listed as missing. (NVI)

 

Authorities have so far rescued 10,451 people, with the Nepali Army carrying out air rescues of 252 foreign nationals and 3,344 Nepalis.

A total of 411 helicopter flights have been conducted, including 17 flights on Monday.

More than 20,800 security personnel have been mobilised for rescue and relief operations-8,722 from the Nepali Army, 7,894 from Nepal Police and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force.

Relief materials have been dispatched to affected areas through 37 trucks, 35 Bolero vehicles and eight helicopter flights. On Monday, two tonnes of food supplies were sent to Uttargaya and Dhunche, along with medicines, health materials and five portable generators. Nuwakot has received relief through 16 vehicles and helicopters.

The government has allocated Rs 1 crore each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, Rs 50 million to Dhading and Rs 6.75 crore to 15 affected local governments as cash relief. Fuel stocks in affected areas currently stand at 25,000 litres of diesel, 21,000 litres of petrol and 10,000 litres of aviation fuel.

Meanwhile, six surgical medical teams have been deployed, and unidentified bodies recovered from the disaster are being kept at 21 hospitals in different districts pending identification.

Security forces recover arms, ammunition from hideout in J&K’s Shopian

File Photo

Srinagar, Aug 31 (NVI) Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition after busting a suspected terrioists hideout in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

A joint operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF at Naikpora Memender area following specific intelligence inputs, they said.

During searches in an orchard, the forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a pistol, a grenade and six rounds of 9 mm ammunition, officials said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the recovered weapons and their intended use, they added.(NVI)

Tragedy on Jammu Road: Ex-Serviceman Dies After Throat Is Slit by Kite String

REpresentational Image

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, August 31 (NVI): An ex-serviceman died after his throat was allegedly slit by a Chinese kite string while he was riding a motorcycle in Bishnah area of Jammu district on Monday, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Diwan Garh in Samba district.

According to officials, Singh sustained a serious cut injury to his throat after coming in contact with a Chinese nylon kite string while travelling on his motorcycle. He was rushed to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Bishnah, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The incident reportedly occurred near Jinder Khurd along the Ring Road in Bishnah.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further proceedings.—(NVI)

Several gates of Salal Dam opened after rise in inflow amid rains

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 31 (NVI) Several gates of the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir were opened after two days of continuous rainfall led to a rise in inflow into the reservoir, officials said on Monday.

The weather conditions improved in the region on Monday following the spell of rain, while authorities continued to monitor the water level and inflow into the reservoir.

Residents living in downstream areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow safety advisories issued by the authorities, officials said.(NVI)

Indian forensics team, army personnel helping in Nepal operations

Essential items airlifted by India to flood-hit Nepal today

Kathmandu, Aug 30 (NVI) India has sent a 19-member forensics team and 3 military personnel, along with its latest consignment of emergency supplies to flood-hit Nepal to assist in the search, identification and rescue operations.

India also sent the fourth flight today with a consignment of of 11 tonnes of materials, including search-and-rescue equipment, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, sleeping bags, blankets and sanitary kits.

With this, India has provided about 57.5 tonnes of relief materials since the disaster.

The Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors were devastated by flash floods on August 26, causing heavy loss of life and property and leaving people trapped in hydropower project tunnels.

The 19-member specialised forensics team from India began functioning in Kathmandu today, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

This team will help augment the analysis of DNA samples in Nepal for identification of the mortal remains of the victims, it said.

Ascertaining the identity of the deceased is very crucial to provide a closure to their families who are groping in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations by a team of Indian Army personnel along with the Nepal Army continued at the hydropower sites in Chilime and Langtang.

A team of army personnel was able to enter a tunnel near the Langtang hydroelectric project despite inclement weather and retrieve the mortal remains of one person, the MEA said.

 

Pakistan: 5 attacks by TTP kill, injure several soldiers

TTP
Cadres of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - File Pic

Peshawar, Aug 30 (NVI) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tonight claimed to have conducted 5 operations against the Pakistani military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan since last night, in which 3 soldiers were confirmed killed and several others possibly slain or injured.

In one attack in South Waziristan, TTP cadres ambushed two military trucks carrying soldiers and supplies.

The attack in Makin area resulted in the killing of 3 soldiers and injuries to two, TTP spokesman Mohammad Khorasani said in a statement.

One truck was severely damaged in the attack, he said adding there is a strong possibility of more casualties.

In a separate attack in Shaktoi area of South Waziristan district, a Pakistani soldier was injured in a laser gun attack on a post located in Re Pange last night.

Another attack was carried out in Karak district, where a security post was hit, as a result of which soldiers were possibly killed and injured, according to the spokesman. (NVI)

Nearly 4.8 Lakh Pilgrims Pay Obeisance During 57-Day Amarnath Yatra: J&K LG Sinha

Holy Cave Shri Amarnath Ji

Srinagar, Aug 30 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday felicitated officers and personnel involved in the successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

Sinha felicitated officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces, Border Roads Organisation, medical teams and service providers for their contribution to the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

“Nearly 4.8 lakh pilgrims had darshan of Baba Barfani over 57 days. This success belongs to Team Jammu and Kashmir, who turned duty into devotion,” Sinha said in a post on X.

He expressed gratitude to all those involved in the arrangements, saying their spirit of service reflected the “true soul of Jammu and Kashmir”.(NVI)

Recognise your real enemy, Iran’s Supreme Leader to West Asian nations

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei

New Delhi, Aug 30 (NVI) “Recognise your real enemy, understand its plan, and confront it.”

This message has been issued by Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to countries in the Gulf region, in an apparent reference to the United States and Israel.

In a written message issued six months after the start of the war in West Asia began, Mojtaba said solutions to challenges faced by the Islamic nations lay in “friendship” and “cooperation.”

Mojtaba was made the Supreme Leader of Iran shortly after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint airstrikes by the US and Israel in the initial phase of the war launched on February 28.

“Anyone, in any position, who does anything that leads to division among Muslims and creates conflict in the Muslim community, knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or unintentionally, has served the purpose of the enemies of Islam,” he said, according to his official website.

He further added, “The solution to the problems of the Islamic nations is unity of words, friendship, and cooperation on the path of goodness.”

Apart from the call to Islamic nations, Khamenei also addressed citizens of Iran, urging them to set aside their differences and come together. “Again, this servant’s advice to the Iranian people is to not allow any differences to arise among themselves in any way,” he said, in remarks similar to those made by him on Friday.

“I firmly declare that doing anything detrimental to social cohesion is prohibited,” he had said on Friday. He had further called for the gradual de-dollarisation of Iran’s economy and boosting economic production to support growth. (NVI)

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