#BIHAR: Former Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary takes oath as #Bihar CM; BJP’s first in post, JD(U) leaders become Deputy CMs.

NEW DELHI : PM Modi spoke with US President Trump, reviewing bilateral ties and stressing the security of the Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia concerns.

#KISHTWAR: In Jammu and Kashmir the sacred Shri Machail Mata Temple, nestled in the spiritual expanse of Machail Valley in District Kishtwar, was reopened for pilgrims on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, today, heralding the commencement of the annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026. A

The religious event also marked the shifting of the idol of Goddess Machail Mata (Durga) from the house of local priest to the Main temple amid a huge rush of devotees amid religious rituals and a grand fair. The reopening of the revered temple was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Singh Tutti, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma and SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, who paid their obeisance at the sacred shrine.

After paying the obeisance, the Div Com and IGP Jammu took a comprehensive review of the arrangements put in place for the smooth and safe conduct of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026. The review included an assessment of security protocols, provision of electricity, water supply, sanitation, langar sewa, accommodation, transportation and healthcare facilities for the devotees. The Div Com directed for effective implementation and enforcement of RFID registration, with counters to be established for on-the-spot registration at Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot and Gulabgarh. He emphasized that no entry shall be permitted without the registration.

He issued instructions for the strict implementation of sanitation measures, including the deployment of sanitation workers and proper management of plastic waste to make the Yatra 100% plastic-free. Further, directions were issued to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to Machail and adjoining areas. He also directed for adequate water supply and provision of accommodation facilities in educational institutions (schools and colleges) in the event of adverse weather conditions and emergencies along the Yatra route from Gulabgarh to Machail.

Underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra, the Div Com said the shrine has emerged as major attraction for promoting spiritual tourism in the region. He assured full support from the administration for the successful conduct of the Yatra and emphasized the importance of providing a secure and comfortable environment for the pilgrims. The Shri Machail Mata Yatra holds profound religious importance and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country every year.

#CRICKET: The Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time in their 67-year history, defeating two-time former champions Bengal by six wickets on day four of the semifinal today in West Bengal.

As per reports Set a below-par target of 126 by the home side, they chased it down in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out) and Abdul Samad (30 not out) steering them past the finish line.

This was after pace spearhead Auqib Nabi had wreaked havoc by taking nine wickets in the match to destroy the host side’s chances. J&K first participated in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 seasons and was not seen as a contender up until now.

During the 2013-14 seasons, they qualified for the knockouts for the first time in over a decade. At stumps on day three on Tuesday, J&K were 43/2, and they lost overnight batter Shubham Pundir (27) and skipper Paras Dogra (9) early on day four.

But Vanshaj and Samad dug in with a 55-run partnership to steer them to a historic victory. Brief scores: Bengal: 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs.

Jammu and Kashmir: 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his congratulations to the J&K cricket team for their remarkable victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, which secured them a historic place in the final.

In a post on X, the Office of the LG lauded the team’s performance and described the achievement as a milestone in the region’s sporting journey.

“Congratulations to the J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K,” the post read. The LG further stated that the entire Union Territory takes pride in the team’s exceptional performance and expressed hope that the players would maintain their winning momentum in the final to bring further glory to J&K.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also congratulated the J&K cricket team for its remarkable achievement in the Ranji Trophy.

#JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Republic Day Tableau has secured an impressive Second Position at the national level at the Republic Day Parade 2026, marking a significant milestone and a proud moment for the Union Territory.

The recognition underscores Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and its vibrant traditions showcased on one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.

The Jammu and Kashmir tableau, themed as a “living canvas”, presented a visually compelling and culturally immersive narrative, celebrating the region’s centuries-old arts, handicrafts, and folk traditions. The tableau offered a seamless fusion of craftsmanship, performance, and storytelling, reflecting the timeless creative spirit of the Union Territory.

The tableau prominently showcased iconic handicrafts synonymous with Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity, including Pashmina weaving, walnut wood carving, carpet weaving, papier-mâché, copperware, and Basohli miniature paintings—each representing generations of refined skill and artistic mastery.

The visual narrative opened with a grand engraved Samovar, symbolising Kashmiri hospitality and warmth, flowing through imagery of traditional wooden architecture and houseboats, evoking the unique cultural landscape of the region. At the heart of the tableau, a Dogra Chhajja performance staged on a traditional village Thadda highlighted community life, social harmony, and cultural continuity.

Adding rhythm, colour, and movement were vibrant folk dance performances, including Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri, and Dumhal, which together reflected the diverse ethnic and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The tableau concluded with a striking display of colourful papier-mâché artefacts arranged in a willow basket, symbolically presenting Jammu and Kashmir as a dynamic, living canvas of art, tradition, and creativity.

This acclaimed appearance marks a major comeback of the Jammu and Kashmir tableau at the Republic Day Parade, reaffirming the Union Territory’s renewed cultural presence on the national stage and its commitment to preserving and promoting its rich intangible heritage.

The idea, design, and conceptualisation of the tableau were led by renowned artist Shri Balwant Thakur, a distinguished recipient of the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Shri Thakur has also served as the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for eight years and brings with him vast experience in cultural leadership. He has further represented India internationally as Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and headed Indian Cultural Centres in South Africa and Mauritius.

The national recognition of the Jammu and Kashmir tableau stands as a testament to the Union Territory’s artistic vibrancy, cultural resilience, and its enduring legacy of creativity that continues to inspire audiences across the country and beyond.

Senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh appointed Ladakh DGP, incumbent Jamwal moved to Arunachal

NEW DELHI: Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch IPS officer, was on Friday appointed Ladakh’s DGP, replacing SD Singh Jamwal who has been moved to Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singh, presently posted in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been asked to take over the police establishment in Ladakh.

Singh was originally from the Jammu and Kashmir cadre before it was merged with the AGMUT cadre after the abrogation of Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile state, and its downgrading into two Union territories — Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir — in 2019.

Before moving to ITBP, Singh served as the inspector general and later as the additional director general of police for the Jammu range.

Singh takes over from SD Singh Jamwal, a 1995-batch IPS officer who has been moved as the head of the Arunachal Pradesh Police.

Meet Our Anchor: Vidhu Slathia

Vidhu Slathia is the powerful, confident, and commanding face of our newsroom. Currently serving as a Live Host at Jehlam Times, she has earned immense love from viewers and widespread respect within the media fraternity. Her fearless journalism, strong on-screen presence, and commitment to truth have been recognised with the prestigious “Best Female Anchor of Jammu & Kashmir” award, conferred by a former minister in recognition of her excellence in anchoring and contribution to regional journalism.

With a dynamic career spanning journalism, media hosting, and entrepreneurship, Vidhu has emerged as one of the most trusted voices in Jammu’s media landscape. At Jehlam Times, she has successfully conducted 200+ live interviews, addressing major social, political, and public-interest issues. Her work is especially known for its strong focus on narcotics awareness, ground-level reporting, and people-centric stories, making her a credible and relatable voice for the masses. Known for her clarity, composure, and sharp questioning, Vidhu handles high-pressure live broadcasts with confidence and professionalism.

Beyond mainstream journalism, Vidhu is professionally associated with multiple platforms including Farehawker and Tytil Realty, where she contributes her media expertise and public engagement skills. Alongside her media career, she is also an emerging entrepreneur. She is actively building her venture “Nails and More 27” and developing her own creative empire, Topnotch Entertainers—an initiative dedicated to empowering entertainers, creators, and professionals through skill development, networking, and career growth.

Vidhu Slathia’s journey into professional anchoring is deeply inspiring and rooted in resilience. From a young age, she dreamed of being on stage, even when people around her doubted her abilities. She faced societal judgments and restrictions, including being told that journalism was not a suitable profession for a girl and being limited by curfews such as not being allowed out after 7 PM. Despite these challenges, Vidhu chose perseverance over fear and worked relentlessly to carve her own independent identity.

Today, she confidently travels solo across cities for work, stands strong as a self-made professional, and continues to break stereotypes in a traditionally demanding field. Her journey is a powerful reflection of courage, self-belief, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

In addition to her presence on television, Vidhu maintains a strong and influential following on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares motivational content, lifestyle updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and highlights from her professional journey. Through her digital platforms, she actively inspires young women to chase their dreams and believe in their own potential.

Vidhu Slathia is more than just an anchor—she is a voice of change, confidence, and credibility. From raising critical social issues to building businesses and redefining success for women in media, she continues to set new benchmarks with every step. We are proud to have Vidhu Slathia as the face of our news channel and one of the strongest voices in Jammu & Kashmir’s media landscape.

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has congratulated the Indian Railways after first-ever foodgrain freight train reached Kashmir valley carrying approximately 1384 tonnes of rice.

The Lieutenant Governor said this is undoubtedly a very memorable occasion and realises our long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network. He observed that the movement of freight trains will benefit people, enterprises and infrastructure projects without the risk of adverse weather conditions throughout the year and ease the pressure on the National Highway-44.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for making economic progress of J&K an integral part of Bharat’s rapid growth.

Wins “Best Travel Creator 2025” at Times of India’s Travel Power Creator Awards

From a small town in Jammu to the global digital stage, Simran Anthal has emerged as one of India’s most influential travel creators, redefining success through authenticity, courage, and creativity. Her journey is a powerful example of how passion-driven storytelling can challenge stereotypes and inspire a new generation of women.

Over the past three years, Simran has travelled solo to more than 30 countries, transforming her journeys into meaningful narratives rather than conventional travel diaries. Her content seamlessly blends travel, lifestyle, fashion, self-love, and body positivity, striking a deep chord with young Indians navigating the balance between societal expectations and personal aspirations.

With nearly one million followers across Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, Simran has built a loyal and highly engaged community that resonates with her honest voice and fearless outlook on life. Her growing influence received national recognition when she was awarded “Best Travel Creator – Female (Jury Choice)” at the Travel Power Creators Awards 2025, hosted by The Times of India.

Beyond destinations and visuals, Simran Anthal represents a larger movement—one that encourages women to embrace their individuality, trust their instincts, and live life on their own terms. Her journey stands as a testament to self-belief, independence, and the power of choosing one’s own path in the digital age.