#MUMBAI: Sebi on Thursday sent a notice to fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi asking him to pay Rs 5.35 crore in a case pertaining to fraudulent trading in the shares of Gitanjali Gems Ltd and warned of arrest and attachment of assets as well as bank accounts if he fails to make the payment within 15 days.

NEW DELHI: Underscoring the crucial need of promoting and preserving Dev Vani Sanskrit to enlighten the generations about their glorious heritage and ethos, Senior BJP leader Mr Devender Singh Rana today urged Lieutenant Governor Mr Manoj Sinha  to take with the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development the popular demand of establishing a Sanskrit University in the Utterbaini area of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Establishment of a Sanskrit University in this part of the country will be in consonance with India’s rich heritage, which will also encourage scholars to carry out research and disseminate most valued ancient literature and scriptures to wider audiences “, Mr Rana said while supporting the memorandum formulated by Mahant Rohit Shastri, President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish Vedic Sanasthan Trust for consideration of the government the issue pertaining to establishing Open Sanskrit University in Jammu.

Mahant Rohit Shastri, President Shri Kailash Jyotish Vedic Sanathan Trust  met Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana and State BJP General Secretary Vibodh Gupta at New Delhi and said that due to the lack of Sanskrit institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, Sanskrit students are not getting enough opportunities and facilities, especially the students of hilly and remote areas. He stressed the need for establishing Sanskrit Department in every institution in which subjects like Kashmir Shaivism, Shakta Paddhati, Siddhant Jyotish, Sanskrit grammar, Sanskrit literature like Mammat, Kalhan, Vilan etc. are included in the form of specialization.

With this, it will be very beneficial for Jammu and Kashmir, which is considered to be the homeland of Vedic culture and ancient Sanskrit. Along with this, the Sanskrit Ministry should be established in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines of Rajasthan state. He said Sanskrit language should have been made compulsory in the schools of Jammu and Kashmir from the first primary. Establishment of Jammu Kashmir Sanskrit Academy and Jammu Kashmir Sanskrit Sansthan on the lines of Uttar Pradesh. Higher education in Vedic literature is the need of the hour, he added

The memorandum of the Sanastha states that Sanskrit Scholars should get scholarship and reservation quota in jobs etc. He said Jammu and Kashmir has been the eternal center of Shaivism, as on this holy land the founder of Pratyabhijyadarshan, Acharya Abhinavagupta, Mahakavi Kalhan, Mahakavi Villhan, and many ancient Sanskrit sages have emerged. The Acharyas who had guided the path of uniting not only India but the whole world in the thread of unity with their karmic tenacity, the same virtuous J&K Vasundhara is getting extinct from Sanskrit, it adds.

#JAMMU: Nearly sixteen candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have cracked the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (#UPSC) examination, the results of which were announced on Tuesday.

The candidates who cracked the exams include Waseem Ahmad Bhat (rank 07) Parsenjeet Kaur (rank 11), Nittin Singh (rank 32), Naveed Ahsan Bhat (rank 84), Ambika Raina (rank 164), Navneet Singh (rank 191), Manan Bhat (rank 231), Arjun Gupta (rank 228), Manil Bejotra (rank 314), Dwarika Gandhi (rank 505), Irfan Choudhary (rank 476), Anjeet Singh (rank 565), Abhinandan Singh (rank 749), Nimranshu Hans (rank 811), Iram Choudhary (rank 852) and Aadesh Basnotra (rank 888).

#JAMMU: Army Public School Akhnoor secured a resounding victory in the Northern Command Inter-Army Public School Volleyball Championship 2023-24, an event that brought together champions from Cluster A and B of Army Public Schools within the Northern Command. The intense final match took place on November 3, 2023, at Army Public School Mathura and witnessed a thrilling competition between the two powerhouse teams. In the end, the champions from Akhnoor dominated the game with an impressive two straight-set win against their opponents from Army Public School, Mathura.

Brig Rakesh Pachora, SM, VSM, the Chairman of Army Public School Akhnoor, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the victorious team for their stupendous performance. He urged the students to continue striving for excellence, highlighting the significance of determination, dedication and hard work in all fields.

Geeta Devi, the Principal of Army Public School Akhnoor, credited the team’s outstanding performance to the unwavering dedication of the coaching staff led by Ms Sangita Bhat, PGT PHE and the relentless hard work of the players. She added that their collective efforts and commitment were key to this extraordinary achievement.

The win not only demonstrates the remarkable sportsmanship and prowess of Army Public School Akhnoor but also highlights the school’s commitment to fostering holistic development in its students. This achievement stands as a proud moment for the school, its students, and the entire region.

#UDHAMPUR:  Vice Chairperson DDC Udhampur, Juhi Manhas Pathania today threw open ‘Cultural Fest’ at traditional Sudh Mahadev Mela wherein officers of Tehsil and Police administration, besides prominent people and general public were  present.

She underscored the importance of preserving our traditions, rich culture and festivals in the teeth of the so-called trend of modernity.

She also received the Holy mace at the temple. On the eve of Mela, the main attraction is the Holy Yatra and receipt of Holy Mace over here. The Mela is organised by the local Management Committee with the active support of District administration.

This Mela is organised at Sudh Mahadev every year witnessing participation of people from different parts of Udhampur and adjoining areas.

Sudhmahadev Mela keeps alive the great cultural and religious heritage of this region. It is the occasion of celebration and interaction between different faiths and beliefs of which the Shiv Bhakti is supreme. It is said that whosoever comes with devotion in the Mela will get the blessing of Lord Shiva.

During the mela, folk lore, playing of flutes and beating of drums followed by  dance by the locals dressed in best Dogra attire reflect the inherited culture of the region.

The Dogri classical songs called ‘Bhakh’ are also sung by the groups of singers during night.

Speaking on the occasion, Juhi extended her warm greetings to the people on the auspicious day. She stressed on the importance of these traditional festivals and melas to maintain harmony amongst all the sections of the society as such events bring people closer.

She said that these festivals/ Melas are an inseparable part of our culture and help a lot in showcasing the rich cultural heritage that has been bequeathed to us by our wise forefathers. She further said that the festivals would offer the visitors and tourists an exciting experience of knowing about the cultural heritage, folklore, local Art, Culture, craft and traditions. These Melas also help in promoting the rich culture, beliefs and traditions of Dogras at national and international level. It is a feast to the eyes, ears and soul to watch the rich Dogra art and culture live in these melas. All this adds to the colour and vibrancy to the drudgery and monotony of everyday life and thus, brings novelty to our life.

She was accompanied by Pinky Devi DDC Latti Marothi, Rakesh Chander Bodhi ,DDC Ghordi,Subash Chander DDC Narsoo,local PRIs, Manik Gupta, Chairman Municipal Committee Chenani & respectable members of the area.

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on his visit to the Jambu Zoo at Nagrota reviewed the facilities being provided to the visitors there besides overall functioning of Zoological Park thrown open for public last year.

While making his observations, the Chief Secretary made out that the footfall to this facility needs to be improved in view of the attractions available here. He observed that the school children and other nature lovers could also be imparted with awareness about animals, their behavior and salient features related to them.

Dr Mehta also maintained that the footfall to the Zoo could also be increased by making visitors coming to the city aware about its features and location. He noted that there is no advertisement before the Zoo to attract the onlookers.

He impressed upon the authorities that in order to make the tourists aware about this attraction, big permanent hoardings at Airport, Railway Station and enroute should be installed for attracting attention of visitors. He also advised that lakhs of pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine needs to be encouraged to stop by for refreshments here as the Zoo falls on their route to the cave shrine.

Dr Mehta also took note of the closed cafeteria and Nature Interpretation Centre in the campus. He called for making both these facilities functional forthwith so that people coming to the Zoo find it all inclusive and informative. He also told them to make available the traditional foods of Jammu in the Cafeteria including those made from Millets as these are healthy and in demand all over the nation.

The Chief Secretary while visiting different animal enclosures complimented the staff for keeping all the animals in a good shape. He asked them to take care of all these animals to keep them healthy and lively. Regarding other interventions he suggested that the Tiger can be brought in easily by 15th and Lion by 25th of October vey easily. He remarked that such animals are liked by most of the people and would allure most of the visitors including children. He enjoined upon them to think about bringing in Hippopotamus as an added attraction to the Zoological Park.

The Chief Secretary also remarked that given the hot weather of Jammu in Summer season, the authorities should envisage keeping the Zoo open for public in morning and evening hours too. He enjoined upon them to think in terms of opening the Zoo from 7.00-10.00 am in the morning and 5.00-9.00 pm during hot weather days so that people have some cool place to visit to during this weather.

He also took note of some sinking portions of land there. He directed for roping in the concerned experts for its careful study and suggesting some low cost remedial measures to address this issue at an earliest.

Those who accompanied him on the occasion includes Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF); Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Deputy Commissioner, Jammu; Chief Wild Life Warden; Zoo Manager besides other concerned officers of the Department.

#JAMMU: To ensure regular supply of power and drinking water and address any emergent crisis situation in Jammu division, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar today chaired a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Engineers of Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited and Jal Shakti Department.

In a move aimed at ensuring accountability, the Div Com directed that each district must have a designated nodal officer from within Jal Shakti Department or JPDCL to act as a single point of contact in case of any irregularity in supply of these essential amenities. He also directed that a control room be set up and the contact number be widely published for the convenience of the public.

The nodal officer would also provide a daily report to the Div Com office regarding any issue pertaining to water or electricity supply and any unusual power curtailment or related issues.

The Div Com directed officials of JPDCL to stick to a well publicised curtailment schedule to ensure that the public doesn’t suffer indefinitely. He also called for coordination between mechanical and civil divisions of the Jal Shakti Department.

The Div Com took stock of available stock replacement and replacement rate of machinery in all districts. He was informed that a scheduled power-cut of 2 hours has been earmarked for urban areas with smart meters installed and 8 hours scheduled cuts for rural areas.

The Div Com was also apprised about the status of pending machinery purchases by the JPDCL. He was assured by engineers that the damage rate of transformers has greatly been reduced and the time taken to replace them has also been reduced to 2 to 4 hours in urban areas and to less than a day for rural areas.

Managing Director JPDCL assured the Div Com that no industries would be made to suffer besides the common public as all their power requirements would be expeditiously met.

The Div Com also directed that dedicated and uninterrupted power be supplied to Government Medical College Udhampur. It was decided during the meeting that water filtration plants would be exempted from scheduled power cuts.

The Div Com has also asked the Managing Director of JPDCL and Chief Engineer to visit District Doda to address its most pressing power-related issues.

The Div Com gave specific instructions to the Jal Shakti Department to rationalise its men and machinery and to give special attention to remote and Kandi areas. The department was also directed to identify and penalise illegal irrigation pumps so that genuine consumers are not faced with difficulties.

The Div Com reviewed the status of water supply tankers of Jammu Municipal Corporation and Jal Shakti Department and emphasised that these services be ensured around the clock for areas facing acute water shortage. He also called for immediate steps to plug water supply leakages within Jammu City.

The district administrations were also directed to make demand for essential supplies like poles, wires etc. and other bare minimum requirements to be fulfilled immediately.

The Div Com made special mention of water supply in Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan. He said that water supply must be ensured in these two vital areas of the division.

Those present at the meeting also included senior officers of JPDCL, Power Development Department and Jal Shakti Department besides Deputy Commissioners and other district staff who participated virtually.

#KATRA: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu today visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum. She prayed for the prosperity and well-being of fellow citizens.

She was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This is the first visit of  Droupadi Murmu as President to the Holy Shrine. On arrival at the Panchhi Helipad, the President was received by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

The President inaugurated various state-of-the-art pilgrim-centric facilities at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. These included 250-meter long and 2.5 mtr. wide Skywalk project at an elevation of 20 feet above the existing track which has been constructed in record 14 months time at a cost of Rs 15.69 crore with an aim to overcome the problem of multidirectional flow of yatra. The Skywalk is laced with most modernized facilities like the wooden flooring as a preventive measure for devotees’ comfort in harsh weather conditions, a waiting hall, seating arrangements for about 150 pilgrims, LED screens, resting rooms and two emergency exits.

The pedestrian flyover (Skywalk) has an aesthetically designed entrance with an artistically embellished portray of Nav Durga to give an enriched experience for devotees. After its commencement, now entry and exit routes leading to the sanctum sanctorum have been separated to ensure systematic and smooth movement of yatra.

Besides, the President inaugurated Remodeled Parvati Bhawan which included 1,500 digital lockers, waiting lounge, washrooms and toilets for the devotees. The aim of consolidating multiple facilities under one roof is to curtail the crisscross movement of devotees seeking locker facilities and bathing spaces in the Bhawan area and channelize the devotees towards the Skywalk. The retrofitted Parvati Bhawan is a free-of-cost facility that shall able to facilitate around 10,000 pilgrims per day. The inaugural ceremonies commenced with hawan and pooja rituals.

The President complimented the efforts being initiated by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha towards facilitating the journey and holy Darshans of the pilgrims.

While on return, the President also visited the Bhairon Temple via Passenger Ropeway and paid obeisance.

Meanwhile, the Lt Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board apprised the President about the initiatives being taken by the Shrine Board for upgrading and expansion of the infrastructure to facilitate pilgrims to the Holy Shrine. These initiatives are aimed at making the yatra more convenient and memorable for pilgrims which is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Board.

#SRINAGAR: Civil Services qualifiers Waseem Ahmad Bhat and Manan Bhat called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today.

The Lt Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to them. The Lt Governor said that their achievement will inspire other youngsters from UT of J&K.

He called upon them to be committed and confident, as they will form the backbone of the public administration in the future.

BUSINESS NEWS: Elon Musk on Thursday said Twitter Blue Verified subscribers will now be able to upload up to two-hour videos of up to 8 GB size on the social media platform.

“Twitter Blue Verified subscribers can now upload 2 hour videos (8GB)!” tweeted Musk on Thursday.