TAUSEEF AHMAD

BANDIPORA, Jan 24: A powerful snowstorm accompanied by gusty winds swept through parts of Bandipora district, particularly the Gurez and Tulail areas, causing partial damage to nearly 100 structures, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, said on Saturday.

According to official information, the affected structures are spread across several areas of the district, including Sumbal and villages in Tulail sub-division, notably Abdullan village. The snowstorm struck the region on Friday evening and continued into the early hours of Saturday, disrupting normal life in the upper reaches.

Local reports from Tulail, especially Abdullan village, indicated that strong winds and heavy snowfall damaged rooftops and other parts of residential and ancillary structures. However, officials and residents confirmed that there has been no loss of life or reports of major structural collapse so far.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib said that the extent of damage is still being assessed and the number of affected structures may rise as revenue teams continue ground surveys and register cases. “At present, around 100 structures have been reported as partially damaged. Assessment teams are on the ground, and the final figures will be known after detailed verification. No major damage has been reported so far,” she said.

The Deputy Commissioner also informed that the power supply was disrupted in parts of Sumbal after electricity lines from the Pattan side were damaged due to adverse weather conditions. She said restoration work has already been taken up and efforts are underway to normalize the supply at the earliest.

On road connectivity, she said that snow clearance operations are in full swing. “The Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) is actively engaged in snow clearance.

Bottlenecks at certain locations were promptly cleared after being reported. While most of the inner roads across the district have been cleared and all three towns are functional, the Bandipora–Gurez road remains closed due to heavy snow accumulation,” she said.
The Deputy Commissioner added that the Bandipora–Gurez road is expected to be restored by evening, subject to improvement in weather conditions.

Given the prevailing situation, Chib issued an avalanche alert for the higher reaches of the district, particularly the Gurez and Tulail areas. She urged residents to remain cautious and strictly follow advisories issued by the administration. People were also advised to avoid travelling towards Gurez until the main road is officially reopened.

Reassuring the public, the Deputy Commissioner said that essential supplies, including LPG and fuel, are adequately stocked in the area and no shortage has been reported so far.
The district administration, she said, is closely monitoring the situation and has directed concerned departments to remain on alert to respond promptly to any emergency arising due to snowfall or weather-related incidents.

*Says Road clearance progressing fast; airport, rail services back to normal, all arrangements in place ahead of republic day function*

Srinagar, Jan 24: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said that weather conditions across the Valley have improved significantly following recent snowfall and high-speed winds, adding that restoration of power supply and road connectivity is progressing at a fast pace, with normalcy expected to be restored by evening.

Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, visited Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park, Srinagar, where they took the salute during the full dress rehearsal and paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Balidan Stamb.

Speaking to reporters, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg termed the occasion auspicious and said elaborate preparations have been made for the annual Republic Day event.

He said contingents of security forces, school children and various departments have been rehearsing continuously for the past one month to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.

Garg said despite heavy rain and snowfall witnessed over the past two days, teams worked round-the-clock to prepare the stadium and other venues. He appealed to the people of Srinagar to participate in the Republic Day function as every year and witness the celebrations.

Giving an update on weather-related damage, the Divisional Commissioner said most parts of the Valley, except Srinagar, received snowfall, while wind speeds crossed 150 kmph at some places, leading to damage in certain areas.

He said restoration work was started immediately and power supply is being restored at a rapid pace, with remaining stations expected to be functional by afternoon.

He further said weather conditions have improved significantly since yesterday and that airport and train services have already returned to normal.

Road clearance work is also underway, with about 15,000 kilometres of roads cleared out of the total 20,000 kilometres. The remaining stretches are being cleared with the assistance of NDRF and other agencies.

The Divisional Commissioner said as per the directions of the Chief Minister, the target is to complete restoration and snow clearance work by evening to ensure normalcy across the Valley. (KNC)

Srinagar, Jan 24 : Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said all arrangements for the division-level Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium here have been completed.

Garg said 11 parade contingents of security forces and 10 contingents of schoolchildren will participate in the celebrations and have been rehearsing for the past one month.

He said all departments worked in coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

Despite weather-related disruptions, teams worked round the clock to make the stadium ready, he said.

The Divisional Commissioner invited people from Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to participate in the celebrations and requested attendees to reach the venue by 8.30 am to avoid inconvenience.(KNS).

Srinagar, Jan 24 : A day after snowfall disrupted air traffic and grounded several flights, normal operations resumed at the Srinagar airport today morning, officials said. However, several flights to and from Delhi airport were cancelled due to airspace closure in view of the Republic Day celebrations .

An official told that six flights to and from Delhi were cancelled today morning due to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) at the Delhi airport.

He said that flight operations have mostly resumed, with flights from different parts of the country arriving and departing as schedules return to normal.

He said that apart from six cancellations due to the NOTAM at Delhi Airport, in effect from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm, rest of the flights are running smoothing.

He also advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status before heading to the airport.

On Friday, over a dozen flights were cancelled due to low visibility and runway closure following season’s first snowfall in Srinagar, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport—(KNO)

Jammu, Jan 23:

A truck loaded with LPG cylinders plunged into a deep gorge near Nagrota on Thursday after the driver lost control due to slippery road conditions, officials said.

The accident occurred in the early hours when the vehicle was on its way towards Jammu. Due to icy and slippery conditions on the road, the truck skidded off and fell into the gorge, resulting in critical injuries to the driver.

Soon after the incident, local residents and police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured driver was pulled out of the gorge and shifted to a nearby hospital, where his condition is stated to be critical.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, while traffic on the stretch was temporarily disrupted.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Parakram Diwas programme in Andaman & Nicobar Islands via Videoconferencing today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi stated that January 23 is the glorious date of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. He remarked that Netaji’s valor and courage inspire us and fill us with reverence for him. He highlighted that in recent years, Parakram Diwas has become an integral festival of the nation’s spirit. Shri Modi said it is a happy coincidence that January 23 is Parakram Diwas, January 25 is National Voters’ Day, January 26 is Republic Day, January 29 is Beating Retreat, and January 30 is the death anniversary of revered Bapu, creating a new tradition of celebrating the grand festival of the Republic. He extended greetings to all citizens on Parakram Diwas.

Noting that in 2026, the main celebration of Parakram Diwas is being held in Andaman and Nicobar, Shri Modi highlighted that the history of Andaman and Nicobar, filled with valor, sacrifice, and courage, the stories of patriots like Veer Savarkar in the Cellular Jail, and its connection with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose make this celebration even more special. The Prime Minister remarked that the land of Andaman symbolizes the belief that the idea of freedom never ends. He said that many revolutionaries were tortured here and many fighters sacrificed their lives, but instead of extinguishing, the spark of the freedom struggle grew stronger. Shri Modi stated that as a result, the land of Andaman and Nicobar became witness to the first sunrise of free India. He recalled that even before 1947, on December 30, 1943, the tricolor was hoisted here with the waves of the ocean as witness. The Prime Minister recalled that in 2018, when the 75th anniversary of this great event was marked, he had the privilege of hoisting the tricolor at the same place on December 30. Shri Modi remarked that as the national anthem played by the ocean shore, the tricolor fluttering in strong winds seemed to call out that countless dreams of freedom fighters had come true.

Shri Modi stated that after independence, the glorious history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should have been preserved, but at that time those who came to power carried a sense of insecurity. He remarked that they wanted to limit the credit for freedom to only one family, and in this political self-interest, the nation’s history was neglected. Shri Modi highlighted that Andaman and Nicobar too were left tied to the identity of colonial rule, with its islands still known by the names of British officers even seventy years after independence. The Prime Minister said that his government ended this injustice of history, and therefore Port Blair has now become ‘Shri Vijaypuram’, a name that reminds us of Netaji’s victory. He added that similarly, other islands were renamed as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Subhash Dweep. Shri Modi recalled that in 2023, 21 islands of Andaman were named after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. He emphasized that today, names linked to slavery are being erased in Andaman and Nicobar, and the new names of free India are establishing their identity.

The Prime Minister further remarked that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a great hero of the freedom struggle but also a visionary of independent India. He envisioned a nation modern in form yet rooted in India’s ancient consciousness. Shri Modi said that it is our responsibility to acquaint today’s generation with Netaji’s vision, and expressed happiness that his government is fulfilling this responsibility. He highlighted that a museum dedicated to Netaji has been built at the Red Fort in Delhi, a grand statue of Netaji has been installed near India Gate, and the contribution of the INA has been remembered in the Republic Day parade. The Prime Minister added that the Subhas Chandra Bose Disaster Management Awards have also been instituted. He remarked that these initiatives are not only a mark of respect to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose but also serve as immortal sources of inspiration for our youth and future generations. Shri Modi stated that honoring these ideals and drawing inspiration from them is what fills our resolve for a developed India with energy and confidence.

Shri Modi stated that a weak nation finds it difficult to achieve its goals, and therefore Netaji Subhas always dreamt of a strong nation. He remarked that in the 21st century, India too is establishing itself as a powerful and resolute nation. He highlighted that during Operation Sindoor, India struck back by entering the homes of those who inflicted wounds on the country and destroyed them. Shri Modi emphasized that India today knows how to build power, how to manage it, and how to use power. He said that following Netaji Subhas’s vision of a strong India, the country is working to make the defense sector self-reliant. The Prime Minister noted that earlier India was dependent only on importing weapons from abroad, but today India’s defense exports have crossed ₹23,000 crore. He added that indigenously built BrahMos and other missiles are attracting global attention. Shri Modi remarked that India is modernizing its armed forces with the power of self-reliance.

Highlighting that today 1.4 billion citizens are united in working towards the resolve of a developed India, a path strengthened by the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and powered by the mantra of Swadeshi, the Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the inspiration of Parakram Diwas will continue to give strength to this journey of a developed India.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), Chairman of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose INA Trust, Brigadier (Retd.) R. S. Chikara, and participant in India’s freedom movement and eternal INA figure Lieutenant R. Madhavan were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India has released a White Paper titled “Strengthening AI Governance Through Techno-Legal Framework”, outlining India’s approach to building a trusted, accountable, and innovation-aligned artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.

The White Paper emphasises the contours of “techno-legal” AI governance framework that aims to mitigate risks while preserving flexibility and innovation. It highlights India’s pro-innovation approach to AI governance, which integrates baseline legal safeguards, sector-specific regulations, technical controls, and institutional mechanisms.

“Developing a robust and responsive governance framework is not just a regulatory necessity but a prerequisite for sustaining the momentum of technological progress. The techno-legal approach offers a viable pathway by embedding legal, technical, and institutional safeguards into AI systems by design,” said PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood during the release of the white paper.

The White Paper defines the techno-legal approach as a practical and ecosystem-wide model that embeds governance directly into the design and operation of AI systems by default. Key focus areas covered in the White Paper include understanding the techno-legal approach to AI governance; enabling safe and trusted AI across the full AI lifecycle; technological pathways for operationalisingtechno-legal governance; implementation considerations for India’s AI governance framework; and the development of techno-legal tools and compliance mechanisms.

This publication is the second in the White Paper Series on ‘Emerging Policy Priorities for India’s AI Ecosystem, an initiative by OPSA that aims at deepening understanding and fostering informed discussion on critical AI policy issues. The first White Paper in the series, released in December 2025, focused on “Democratising Access to AI Infrastructure”, highlighting the need to treat AI infrastructure as a shared national resource and identifying key enablers such as access to high-quality datasets, affordable computing resources, and integration with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

These White Papers, framed as explanatory knowledge documents, are intended to support informed deliberations on various policy priorities to shape the evolving AI ecosystem, and to reinforce India’s catalytic role in shaping the global AI governance discourse.