Jammu, Feb 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government has approved the allotment of five ‘marlas’ of land on a 40-year lease basis to landless families affected by natural calamities in 2025.

Over 6,400 families hit by flash floods and landslides in Udhampur district have been provided financial assistance, he said.

In a written reply to a question by BJP member Balwant Singh Mankotia in the Assembly, the chief minister said the Council of Ministers took a decision, which was followed by a government order issued on January 2, approving the allotment of five marlas (1.60 acre) of state land to each landless family rendered homeless due to floods, landslides, cloudbursts and earthquakes in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the land would be provided on a lease basis for residential purposes without charging any premium.

“The beneficiaries will be required to pay an annual ground rent of Rs 10 per marla for a period of 40 years, which can be extended further as per rules after approval by the competent authority,” he said.

The chief minister said the allotment will be subject to the conditions laid down in the government order.

He said over 6,400 families affected by flash floods and landslides in Udhampur district have been provided financial assistance amounting to more than Rs 23.49 crore.

“A total of 6,449 affected families across Udhampur, Chenani, Ramnagar and Latti-Marothi tehsils were provided compensation as per prescribed norms,” he added.

He said 2,666 affected families in Udhampur tehsil were sanctioned Rs 9.32 crore, approximately while 1,208 families in Chenani tehsil received over Rs 5 crore.

In Ramnagar tehsil, 2,298 affected families were sanctioned Rs 7.8635 cr, and 277 families in Latti-Marothi tehsil were provided over Rs 1 crore as relief assistance. The chief minister said damage assessment was conducted by field teams and eligible cases were verified as per State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. He added that compensation was sanctioned and disbursed directly to the affected families through prescribed financial mechanisms.

He said the government has also taken steps for rehabilitation of families rendered landless due to natural calamities by providing state land for residential purposes on a lease basis under approved norms.

Srinagar, Feb 5: At least 10 residential houses were gutted in a massive fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday at Bhagyas area of Chattabal in Srinagar, officials said.

According to Fire and Emergency Services, a distress call was received by the State Fire Control Room, Batamaloo, at around 6:31 am. Within a minute, the first fire tender was dispatched from Fire and Emergency Services Safakadal to the spot.

Given the congested layout of the locality, additional fire tenders were pressed into service from Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters, Syed Hameed Pora, Maharaj Gunj and Babdemb to contain the rapidly spreading flames.

Firefighters found three to four residential houses already engulfed in flames upon arrival. The situation escalated after two to three LPG cylinders exploded, causing the fire to spread swiftly to adjacent houses that were annexed with one another.

In total, around 10 residential houses were completely gutted in the incident. After sustained efforts, firefighting teams managed to bring the blaze under control, while cooling operations were underway to rule out any possibility of re-ignition.

The firefighting operation was led by Incharge Fire Station Safakadal Aadil Zargar in coordination with concerned divisional fire officers, under the guidance of Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services Dr Mir Aqib Hussain and Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah.

Meanwhile, ADGP Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar appealed to the public to exercise caution, particularly during night hours, and advised against leaving electrical equipment unattended as a preventive safety measure.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known and is under investigation. No injuries or casualties were reported till the filing of this report. (CNS)

New Delhi, Feb 05: The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested Javad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of the Al Falah University, following two FIRs registered on a complaint by the University Grants Commission (UGC) after the Delhi Blast, an official said.

The action came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had initiated proceedings in the matter.

The Crime Branch registered the cases over alleged irregularities and forgery related to the functioning of the private university after the blast near the Red Fort.

Siddiqui was produced before a local court, which granted four days of police custody for further questioning, the officer added. Further details awaited.

Srinagar, Feb 5 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 76/2022 under Sections 199 and 420 RPC before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against Ms. Afshan Shabir of Zadibal, for allegedly securing a government job by concealing her foreign citizenship.

In a statement issued reads, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has produced a chargesheet in FIR No. 76/2022 under Sections 199 and 420 RPC before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against Ms. Afshan Shabir W/o Syed Akeel Ahmad, resident of Shibath Zadibal.

The case pertains to allegations that Ms. Afshan Shabir, who was appointed as Assistant Professor at SKIMS Soura in 2019, is a United Kingdom national and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder, thereby rendering her ineligible for appointment to a Government post, it reads.

Statement reads, Investigation revealed that the accused applied for the post pursuant to Advertisement Notice No. 04 of 2015 as an in-service candidate and submitted documents, including a State Subject Certificate, declaring herself to be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of J&K. On the basis of these declarations, she was selected and appointed.

During the course of investigation, official records including her service book, personal file, application form, and selection committee minutes were seized and examined. It surfaced that the accused had acquired British citizenship prior to her Government service and allegedly concealed this fact while applying for and continuing in Government service. The accused admitted to holding a British passport and an OCI card, it reads.

The investigation established that by misrepresenting her citizenship status, the accused fraudulently secured a public post, causing wrongful gain to herself and corresponding loss to the Government. Her services were terminated vide Government Order No. 23-SKIMS of 2022 dated 20.08.2022, and upon culmination of investigation, the chargesheet was produced before the competent court for judicial adjudication, reads the statement. (KNC)

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 04:  As part of the ongoing Media Tour organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB) Srinagar, a media delegation from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, visited the Press Information Bureau office at Thiruvananthapuram today on the third day of the tour.

During the visit, the delegation interacted with Shri V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General, PIB Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Athira Thampi, Deputy Director, PIB Thiruvananthapuram, was also present during the interaction.

Shri V. Palanichamy briefed the delegation on the upcoming meetings and project visits scheduled during the remaining days of the media tour. He encouraged the visiting journalists to identify and carry back impactful stories from Kerala and disseminate them through their respective media platforms, thereby strengthening the outreach of government initiatives. The interaction also witnessed detailed discussions on the role of the Press Information Bureau in government communication, media outreach and information dissemination.

The media delegation from Srinagar is on a five-day visit to Kerala as part of PIB’s media outreach programme and is being accompanied by Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar who is the Conducting Officer for the programme.

Institute highlights varietal development, climate-smart agriculture and value chain interventions

Delegation visits research facilities, incubation centre and Root sMart Mall

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 04: On the third day of the ongoing Kerala press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, media delegation from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, visited the headquarters of the ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram. The institute is a premier national research organisation dedicated to intensifying research and development on tropical tuber crops.

During the visit, the delegation interacted with senior functionaries of ICAR-CTCRI. Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, provided a comprehensive overview of the institute’s mandate, research priorities and contributions. He highlighted the critical role of the media in disseminating scientific knowledge and transferring agricultural technologies to farmers and stakeholders. He informed that ICAR-CTCRI is one of the centres of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Pre- and Post-Harvest Technology and is engaged in basic, strategic and applied research on edible tropical tuber crops such as cassava, sweet potato, elephant foot yam, yams and taro.

Dr. Byju underlined that the institute works across the entire value chain of tuber crops, from germplasm utilisation and varietal improvement to post-harvest processing and product development. He noted that out of 161 tuber crop varieties released in the country so far, 79 have been developed by ICAR-CTCRI, reflecting the institute’s significant contribution. He further stated that the institute is focused on improving the nutritional quality of tuber crops, adopting climate-smart, regenerative and precision production practices, and undertaking climate modelling studies for future readiness.

Crop protection, including management of biotic stresses, and secondary agriculture through development of products such as starch and modified starch, eco-friendly articles and other value-added products, were also highlighted as key research areas. Emphasising livelihood enhancement, he said that ICAR-CTCRI translates and scales up its technologies for end users and supports agri-business initiatives by handholding start-ups through its incubation activities.

The Director was accompanied by his team comprising Dr. Sheela Immanuel, Scientist-in-Charge (Extension and Social Sciences); Dr. G. Suja, Scientist-in-Charge (Crop Production); Dr. Manas R. Sahoo, Scientist-in-Charge (Crop Improvement); Dr. J. Sreekumar, Scientist-in-Charge (AICRP); Dr. Sunitha, Farm In-Charge; Dr. Sajeev M.S., Scientist-in-Charge (Crop Utilisation); and Dr. Jeeva M.L., Scientist-in-Charge (Crop Protection).

Following the interaction, the media delegation visited the institute’s museum, which showcases tuber crop technologies, products and publications for the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders. The delegation was also taken to the crop protection facilities, where technologies for producing bioformulations from crop residues were demonstrated, including products such as Nanma, Menma and Shreya. The visit further included the institute’s workshop and techno-incubation centre, equipped for hands-on training in entrepreneurship and value addition in tuber crops. The delegation concluded the visit at the Root sMart Mall, which offers a range of ICAR-developed technologies and products at affordable prices through a single marketplace.

The Srinagar-based media delegation is on a five-day visit to Kerala as part of PIB’s media outreach programme aimed at providing journalists first-hand exposure to major national institutions and development initiatives. The delegation is led by Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, who is the Conducting Officer for the press tour.

KD NEWS SERVICE

JAMMU, Feb 4: Security forces on Wednesday eliminated three terrorists in two separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur and Kishtwar districts, as anti-terror operations continued across the Union Territory amid heightened security measures.
In Udhampur district, two terrorists were killed during a prolonged encounter in the remote Basantgarh area following a joint operation launched by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies late Tuesday evening. The operation was initiated after specific intelligence inputs indicated the presence of armed terrorists hiding in the forested terrain.

Officials said the terrorists had taken shelter inside a cave deep in a densely wooded area. When the joint security team moved in to cordon off the location, the hiding terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.

To track the movement of the terrorists and assess the ground situation more effectively, the operation was intensified with the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Officials said the drones played a crucial role in confirming the terrorists’ exact location inside the cave, enabling the forces to further tighten the cordon and recalibrate their operational strategy.

“Based on drone surveillance, the joint forces closed in on the cave and responded in a calibrated and professional manner, effectively blocking all possible escape routes,” a senior official said.

After a sustained exchange of fire, both terrorists were neutralised. Their bodies were later recovered from the site along with arms, ammunition, and other incriminating material, officials added.

The operation was carried out with extreme caution due to the thick forest cover and the possibility of the presence of more terrorists in the surrounding area. As a precautionary measure, residents of nearby villages were advised to stay indoors until the operation was completed and the area was fully sanitised.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Kishtwar district, another terrorist was killed during a gunfight with security forces in the Chatroo area on Wednesday. The encounter broke out during an ongoing cordon-and-search operation launched in the Bichaar locality following intelligence inputs about suspicious terrorist movement.

Officials said that as security forces were conducting searches in the area, the hiding terrorist opened fire on the search party, leading to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire.

“One terrorist has been neutralised so far during the operation,” an official said, adding that additional security personnel were rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and ensure that no other terrorist managed to escape.
Search operations were continuing in the area to rule out the presence of any more terrorists, officials said.

The twin encounters come at a time when security forces have intensified counter-terror operations across the Union Territory. Senior security officials have recently reviewed the prevailing security situation and emphasised the need for sustained, intelligence-based operations to eliminate terrorist elements, while maintaining strict vigilance along the borders and the Line of Control to prevent infiltration.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: The process of development of new rolling stocks like Vande Sleeper necessitates a holistic approach, combining technological innovation, strategic planning and manufacturing to ensure a safe, reliable and comfortable travel. This involves development of prototype, extensive testing and trials followed by series production.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train manufacturing programme is being executed in a phased manner through prototype development, trials and series production by BEML & Integral Coach Factory, Chennai and technology partners.

Induction of these trainsets into regular passenger service will be undertaken in a phased manner based on demand and operational readiness. A total of 260 rakes of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets have been planned for manufacture.

To improve travel experience of the passengers and set new benchmarks in terms of safe and comfortable journey, these train sets have been provided with modern coaches having advanced safety features and passenger amenities like:

• Jerk-Free Semi permanent couplers and Anti Climbers

• Fitted with KAVACH.

• Higher acceleration with design/operating speed of 180/160 KMPH.

• Crashworthy Design of Car body complying with EN standards.

• Fire barrier doors at the end of each coach for compliance of fire safety standards.

• Improved fire safety – Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories.

• Regenerative braking system for energy efficiency.

• Air conditioning units provided with indigenously developed UV-C lamp-based disinfection system for deactivating 99 % harmful bacteria from conditioned air to improve the hygiene standards inside the passenger area.

• Centrally controlled Automatic Plug Doors and Fully Sealed wider gangways.

• CCTVs in all coaches.

• Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency.

• For Divyangjan passengers, special lavatory in the driving coaches on each end.

• Centralized Coach Monitoring System for better condition monitoring of passenger amenities such as Air conditioning, Saloon Lighting etc.

• Ergonomically designed ladder for ease of climbing on to upper berths.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), with the objective of strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting the commercialisation of indigenous technologies through structured, long-term financing.

Addressing the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said that the initiative represents a rare and significant departure from conventional government funding models. He observed that while governments have traditionally encouraged philanthropy or CSR-led investments, direct government-backed financial support to private sector innovation has been limited. He said the RDI Fund seeks to bridge this gap by enabling private enterprises to scale technologies in sectors that were earlier largely confined to the public domain.

The Minister noted that the opening of strategic areas such as space and nuclear sectors for private participation has changed long-standing conventions, and the RDI Fund has been designed to support this transition by reducing financial risk while ensuring accountability. He said the fund provides long-term, affordable financing and includes equity-linked options to share risk, thereby supporting responsible commercialisation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the RDI Fund has a total corpus of ₹1 lakh crore and offers financing at concessional interest rates of around 2–4 per cent, with long tenures of up to 15 years, including moratorium provisions. He said the structure has been designed to make access to capital easier for technology developers while maintaining financial discipline.

Referring to the response received under the first call, the Minister said that nearly 191 proposals have been received, with a significant majority coming from the private sector. He said this response reflects growing confidence among private enterprises in the government’s commitment to support innovation-led growth. The Minister added that it is important to ensure that applications are aligned with the spirit of the scheme and that funding is utilised for genuine technology development and scale-up.

The event was attended by senior officials and stakeholders from the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Those present on the dais included Shri Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, and Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.

As outlined during the event, the first TDB Call under the RDI Fund focuses on supporting projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above. Funding support will be provided through Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs) in the form of loans, equity, or hybrid instruments, depending on project requirements. The maximum funding support will be up to 50 per cent of the total project cost, with matching contributions from companies or private investors.

The funding framework provides for collateral-free financing, with no requirement for personal or corporate guarantees. Proposal evaluation will be based on scientific, technological, financial, and commercial merit, with defined timelines for evaluation and disbursement. The initiative does not provide grant funding and is focused on enabling sustainable commercial deployment of technologies.

The RDI Fund was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2025 as part of the government’s long-term vision to build indigenous technological capabilities and strengthen India’s innovation-led economy.

The formal launch of the first TDB Call under the RDI Fund was carried out during the event in the presence of senior officials and stakeholders. The Minister also called upon innovators, industry, and the media to actively disseminate information about the initiative so that eligible enterprises across the country can participate meaningfully in India’s technology development journey.