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Shab-e-Qadr: The Night of Decree in Islam

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By Waris Nissar

Introduction:

Shab-e-Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree or Power, holds immense significance in Islam. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Allah through the Angel Gabriel. This sacred night falls within the last ten days of Ramadan, with particular emphasis on the odd-numbered nights, especially the 27th night. Muslims around the world observe this night with intense devotion, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.

Historical Context:

The importance of Shab-e-Qadr is emphasized in the Quran itself, where it is described as “better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3). This indicates the extraordinary value and blessings associated with this night. According to Islamic tradition, the exact date of Shab-e-Qadr was intentionally concealed to encourage believers to seek it earnestly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Spiritual Significance:

Shab-e-Qadr is a time for Muslims to engage in various acts of worship, seeking spiritual closeness to Allah and seeking forgiveness for past sins. It is believed that during this night, angels descend to the earth, bringing blessings and mercy. Muslims spend the night in prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplication (dua), and reflection. It is considered an opportunity for believers to purify their hearts and strengthen their connection with Allah.

Observance and Rituals:

Muslims observe Shab-e-Qadr with special prayers known as Taraweeh, which are performed in congregation at mosques. Many Muslims also engage in I’tikaf, a spiritual retreat where they seclude themselves in the mosque for the last ten days of Ramadan, focusing solely on worship and contemplation. Additionally, charitable acts and acts of kindness are encouraged during this blessed night.

Seeking Laylat al-Qadr:

While the 27th night of Ramadan is commonly associated with Shab-e-Qadr, Islamic tradition holds that it could fall on any of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to seek Laylat al-Qadr fervently throughout this period, dedicating themselves to worship and supplication.

Conclusion:

Shab-e-Qadr holds immense spiritual significance in Islam, representing a night of divine mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Muslims around the world observe this sacred occasion with devotion and sincerity, seeking spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah. Through prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity, believers strive to make the most of this auspicious night, hoping to attain its countless blessings and rewards.

Aitikaaf: A Sacred Journey Towards Spiritual Refinement and Divine Grace

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By Aubaid Akhoon

In the serene ambiance of the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide immerse themselves in an ancient and deeply spiritual practice known as Aitikaaf. This period of seclusion and intense devotion offers a unique opportunity for believers to strengthen their faith, seek divine forgiveness, and reconnect with their Creator away from the distractions of daily life.

“The one who secludes himself for worship in the mosque during Ramadan with sincere faith and hope for a reward from Allah, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Sahih Bukhari

Origins and Significance of Aitikaaf
Aitikaaf  is highly recommended,  during the last ten days of Ramadan, which are considered the most blessed and spiritually charged days of the month. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to observe Aitikaaf every year during the last ten days of Ramadan, and it is recommended for Muslims to follow beloved Prophet’s Sunnah (way of life).

Aitikaaf, rooted in the Islamic tradition, finds its significance in both the Quran and Hadith. It is a time-honored spiritual retreat aimed at fostering a closer relationship with Allah through dedicated worship, contemplation, and the recitation of the Quran. This practice exemplifies the profound commitment to faith and the pursuit of spiritual purity.

The Essence of Aitikaaf
At its core, Aitikaaf is more than just physical seclusion; it is a journey of the heart and soul towards divine presence. By withdrawing from the chaos of worldly engagements, believers embark on a spiritual voyage to purify their hearts, reflect on their lives, and seek the mercy and blessings of Allah. It is an opportunity to transcend earthly desires and attain a state of peace and contentment.

Enhanced Spiritual Connection
Aitikaaf serves as a conduit for deepening one’s connection with Allah. In the tranquility of the mosque, away from worldly distractions, worshippers can engage in sincere supplication, meditate on the meanings of the Quran, and perform additional prayers. This uninterrupted devotion allows for a profound spiritual awakening and reinvigoration of faith.

A Means of Divine Forgiveness
One of the most cherished outcomes of Aitikaaf is the opportunity for forgiveness. The Hadiths promise immense rewards for those who dedicate these days to worship with pure intentions, highlighting that even previous sins can be forgiven. This prospect of spiritual cleansing and renewal underscores the mercy and compassion of Allah towards His servants.

The Social and Community Aspect of Aitikaaf
While Aitikaaf is a personal journey, it also reinforces the sense of community and brotherhood among Muslims. Observing Aitikaaf together in a mosque creates a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose, as all participants are bound by their common goal of seeking Allah’s favor. It is a reminder of the Ummah’s collective spiritual aspirations and the strength found in unity.

Updated Guidelines and Considerations
In observing Aitikaaf, it is essential to approach with sincerity and adhere to its traditional practices while remaining open to contemporary interpretations that respect the essence of this spiritual retreat. Participants should ensure that their seclusion does not hinder their responsibilities towards their families and communities. It’s crucial to maintain a balance, ensuring that the spirit of Aitikaaf is upheld without causing undue hardship.

Conclusion: A Journey of Spiritual Renewal
Aitikaaf remains a profound spiritual practice that offers Muslims a pathway to divine closeness, introspection, and spiritual growth. It is a testament to the timeless nature of Islamic worship practices and their relevance in guiding the faithful towards moral and spiritual excellence. As we observe Aitikaaf, let us embrace the opportunity to renew our faith, purify our hearts, and contribute positively to our communities, holding firm to the rope of Allah.

By embracing the spirit and practice of Aitikaaf, we not only follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but also partake in a transformative experience that elevates our spirituality and brings us closer to achieving inner peace and divine favor.

About the Author:

Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon is a Columnist & Motivational Speaker and an Associate Editor of the Weekly Publication ‘Education Quill.’ He  serves currently as the Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir, a reputable institute renowned for its coaching classes in the medical/JEE/Foundation Classes.

Can be reached at [email protected]
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.

Book review of ‘Sang-e-Zar Se Zakhmon Ke Phool Tak’ By Dr Azizullah Sheerani

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By Rayees Kumar
Dr Azizullah Sheerani hailing from Tonk Rajasthan is a multidimensional and renowned literary personality. He has tried his luck in every genere of literature and has succeeded in writing simultaneously about research, criticism, fiction, translation, travelogues and book reviews. He was associated with teaching profession also in Rajasthan and for some time he held the post of educational officer too. There is a long list of his creative achievements. Most of his authored books were financially aided by government organisations and many times he has received awards and appreciation for his outstanding contribution to Urdu literature. Presently I am reviewing his short story collection ‘Sang-e-Zar Se Zakhmon Ke Phool Tak’ which is published by GNK Publications Kashmir and is a combined form of his two collections, one Sang-e-Zar which is the collection of 11 short stories published in 1990 by Rajasthan Urdu Academy and 2nd one Zakhmon Ke Phool Tak in 2012 a collection of 15 short stories. It’s cover is eye catching while the qualitative paper has further adorned it. Noted fiction writer of Valley Noor Shah says “Dr Azizullah Sheerani has succeeded in illuminating his name in the world of literature. Though he has proved his mettle in every genre of literature but through fiction he is known all over the country. His magical and powerful pen has always remained nonstop to highlight the romantic, social and other issues of society through his writings”. Dr Abul Faiz Usmani and Dr Rifat Akhtar also have highlighted the contribution made by Azizullah Sheerani in the field of literature. According to them Azizullah Sheerani has started writing short stories and essays from his college life which were published in monthly urdu magazine Paasban and applauded by a wide readership. The opening short story of the book Sang Reze (50-56) based on a romantic story of Arshi and Azar reflects Azizullah Sheerani’s artistic prowess of creating best fictions through his pen encompassing emotions and aspirations of two young souls. Another story Ajnabi Ajnabi (57-66) is about a female nurse who works in a hospital to bear the expenses of his home and to live for others. However she looks lugubrious because she lacked a decent and kind relationship in her life as her dreams of tying her nuptial with Adnan were completely shattered by Adnan’s Meternal aunt and Uncle who had raised him and were hellbent to marry him with their own daughter Azra. Masoum Siski(68-74), is skillfully crafted encompassing a myriad of social issues. Poverty which is the biggest curse and hurdle in one’s educational journey forcing even tender aged children to work in factories and Mills to minimise the financial burden of their parents is clearly evident in this story besides parent’s conservative ideology of restricting their sons to marry a girl of their choice just because her mother had committed a sin in her youth. Aaj ki Salma (82-88) – Dr Azizullah Sheerani has nicely composed this one compelling a reader to go through it’s end. It manifests the fickle minded nature of women who seem to be loving a person but in reality they only swindle and mislead him. Poverty and humble family background always acts as an impediment in one’s healthy relationship particularly the one’s intending to marry as has been portrayed in this story. Kotahiyan (89-93), this one displays the avaricious and acquisitive nature of people who intend to marry their sons only in royal and affluent families to get plentiful of dowry. They completely neglect the value and principles of a good relationship. Love, compassion and mercy are almost alien to them who only care about accumulating huge wealth by whatever means. Dhalan(94-101), this one a romantic one has been artistically woven by Dr Azizullah Sheerani about Neelam a woman who anxiously crave for her lifetime companion but loneliness haunts her most and she almost makes an immortal friendship with Sun and Moon which rise and set at regular intervals of time without any illusion or deceit like men. Faisla (102-109), this one is a commentary of the court discourse between Faesal a lawyer and the supporters of girl who craves for a divorce from her husband. It is a clear reflection of the varied judgements at different occasions to either disappoint or please the justice seekers in the court room. Maqtool koun(153-59), this one has been meticulously penned to make the expression of severe consequences of disturbance and armed conflicts of a region where the killer knows not why he has done a murder and the victim is unaware about his crime. Ye Jung Kab Khatam ho Gi (165-72), Azizullah Sheerani has skillfully written this one highlighting the devastation caused by wars and erecting borders to restrict the movement of people through them. It is a detailed analysis of how wars transform happy homes into mere four walled houses by killing their guardians, women get widowed and innocent children become orphans due to bloodshed. In war torn regions of globe the dreams of young girls are shattered the moment their paramours cross borders to get armed training there and create an atmosphere of terror, chaos and confusion here. Darpok Lamhein (173-77), in a state of chous and confusion, terror and panic people feel lugubrious and doesn’t know the cause of uncertainty. This story reveals the malpractices in offices and how a boss is duped by his own subordinate staff. Zakhmon Ke Phool(189-93)- this one is the title short story depicting the predicament of a couple who had lost three children one after another in ten years of their marriage. It brings tears in the eyes of readers and the pain of losing one’s child is felt while going through the lines of this story. Praying for years to get the tag of mother and then losing them one after another is the most challenging situation to bear. Farar(201-05), this romantic story revolves around Shamas a guy who makes intimacy with many girls and Shama a girl who solemnly declares that she loves only Shamas that too from the core of her heart but her statement proves wrong and inaccurate when Shamas discovers her with a young man Kashif. Thoker(206-08), meticulously penned story reflects the mere friendship between Faheem and Nargis proving a Mirage the moment he had thought to make her a lifetime companion but she actually had maintained a crystal clear friendship with him and never wanted to shatter the dreams of Shahida Faheem’s legal spouse to whom Faheem never treated humanely. Bhola Kishan(223-27), delves into the world of illiteracy where people suffer at each step for being uneducated. They may be skilled and smart, but the lack of education haunts them most in life. Bhola Kishan an illiterate person feels handicapped to know about the bus he had to board but in his adult age he makes dedicated efforts to learn about reading and writing after being inspired by a passenger in the bus. Rang Chodti Hina(228-31), amidst an environment of suspicion and misgivings families get devastated as cracks develop among the blood relatives dwelling under a common roof as has been beautifully portrayed in this story about Hina and her brother’s wife. After going through the stories of this book, I am of the firm belief that Dr Azizullah Sheerani is one among the leading and distinguished fiction writers of country who knows how to write fiction and what makes a story to be hailed by the readers.

IAF set to conduct trial run for emergency landing facility at Anantnag’s Bijbehara today

Sukhoi, Tejas likely to take part in event; Traffic dept issues advisory for alternate route plan

Anantnag : The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a trial run of the 3.5 km long emergency landing facility on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at Bijbehara while as the authorities have made elaborate arrangement by deploying security forces and setting up radars and other technical equipment including CCTV’s to ensure smooth experiment, the officials said on Monday.

Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a large number of security forces personnel have been deployed near the emergency landing facility from kilometre 246.200 to kilometre 249.700 on Jammu Srinagar National Highway as the IAF is likely to conduct a trial run on the strip. “Strong security established has been deployed in the area besides setting up radars and other technical equipment including CCTV’s,” they said. They said the clearance work on the highway (strip) has started today.

Health, fire service and other departments are presently on the spot. “The trail run is scheduled during night hours today. Vehicles coming on the national highway will be diverted at that time,” the officials said, adding that Sukhoi fighter aircraft and Tejas light combat fighters are likely to participate in the trial.

The officials said the facility would help in case of war, floods, during NDRF’s rescue operations, air dropping of relief material, transportation of the stranded people and for other emergency needs.

It may be recalled that the construction work on the facility was started in 2020 at the cost of Rs 119 crore. Meanwhile, the traffic department has issued an advisory stating that  no heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed on the highway from 4 am on Monday to 7 am on Tuesday in view of “urgent repairs and upgradation of the airstrip stretch” near Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

“Light motor vehicles (LMV) shall be diverted to the old national highway alignment between Alistop and Doonipora, including Wanpoh, Khanabal, Batengoo, Padshahi Bagh and Bijbihara. Truck drivers are advised to avoid their journey on the highway from 4 am on April 1 (Monday) to 7 am on April 2 (Tuesday),” the department said in a statement.

‘Both Muslims and Hindus of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are our own’: Amit Shah

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New Delhi: Speaking at India Today Conclave 2024, Amit Shah said it was unfortunate that the country witnessed a religion-based partition (in 1947).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his first comments since the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, said that both “Muslims and Hindus of Pakistan occupied Kashmir are our own”.

The CAA’s implementation will enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in India, who entered the borders legally or illegally before December 31, 2014 and have stayed in the country for at least five years.

Speaking at India Today Conclave 2024, Amit Shah said Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) “is a part of India”. He further said both “Muslims and Hindus in POK are part of India”. His comments came on a query about “Muslims facing atrocities in Balochistan and their exclusion from the scope of the CAA”.

Shah also said it was unfortunate that India witnessed a religion-based partition (in 1947). He implied that the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 will come as a rescue for minorities who have faced persecution in the three neighbouring countries.

“At the time of independence, there were 23 per cent of Hindus in Pakistan. Today, there are 2.7 per cent. Where did they go? What happened to them? I will tell you, that minor girls were forced into marriage for religious conversion, they faced atrocities. Either they migrated to India. They took refuge in India to save the modesty of their mothers, why should we not give them nationality?” Shah replied to a query about why the Muslim community has been ejected from the scope of CAA.

“The three countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh) which we have included in the CAA are declared Islamic countries, so where will they (persecuted minorities) go,” the Union Home Minister said.

Further, Shah said that policies and “such big decisions” (CAA) do not come into force by taking into account “a couple of” instances. He said that such policies are drafted to redress and find solutions to “major problems”.

“If any other communities like Baloch approach us in future, we will think about it. But why should we neglect the existing ordeal of persecuted people in that bid?” Shah said.

 

(Courtesy India Today)

 

PM inaugurates and lays foundation stone of Rs 85k cr railway projects

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PM flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains at Ahmedabad, in Gujarat on March 12, 2024.

Ahmedabad:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Rs 85,000 crore railway projects.

He also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains virtually from Ahmedabad, taking the total number of semi-high-speed trains across the country to over 50.

The railway is currently running 41 Vande Bharat trains spanning 24 states.

The 10 new Vande Bharat trains are between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru-Dr. MGR Central (Chennai), Patna-Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow-DDehradun, Kalaburagi-SSir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho-Delhi (Nizamuddin).

The Prime Minister also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains, including Ahmedabad-Jamnagar. Vande Bharat is being extended to Dwarka, Ajmer, and Delhi. Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh; Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj; and Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations.

He also flagged off freight trains on the dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations, including New Khurja Junction, Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The network of Vande Bharat trains has reached over 250 districts, and the government is consistently expanding the route of Vande Bharat trains.”.

“We are working towards 100% electrification of railways. We are also planning for railway stations to run on electricity generated by using solar power,” he said.

PM Modi noted that the development of railways is one of the top priorities of our government, saying the average railway budget in the last 10 years increased by six times”.

He further added that the government has completely transformed the landscape of the railway sector, and we increased the average railway budget six times as compared to the budget before 2014.

Talking about the development work carried out by the government, PM Modi said the new construction for developed India is continuously expanding, and in the year 2024, projects worth more than Rs 11 lakh crore have been inaugurated and the foundation stone has been laid.

“In the last 10–12 days alone, projects worth more than Rs 7 lakh crore have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid,” he added.

The prime minister also assured that in the next 5 years you will see a transformation of Indian Railways that you would not have even imagined.

Calling the rejuvenation of railways a guarantee of a developed India, PM Modi said, “Today, new reforms are taking place in railways at an unprecedented pace.”.

“Rapid construction of new railway tracks, modernization of more than 1300 railway stations, next-generation trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat, modern railway engines, and coach factories—all these are changing the picture of Indian Railways in the 21st century,” he added.

Srinagar, several other Kashmir Valley parts record sub-zero night temp

Photo by Imtiyaz Gulzar
Photo by Imtiyaz Gulzar

Srinagar: While the weather department has forecast rains and snow from Monday till March 14, night temperature recorded a drop in Srinagar and other places on Saturday.

A meteorological department official told GNS that Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 0.2°C against 1.8°C on the previous night.

It was below normal by 3.5°C for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year, the MeT official said.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 0.4°C, same as on the previous night and it was 1.8°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 3.5°C against minus 3.4°C on the previous night and it was 2.1°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 1.3°C against 0.5°C on the previous night and it was 0.6°C below normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 1.3°C against 1.1°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.0°C against minus 7.6°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 2.5°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 10.4°C and it was below normal by 3.6°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of 5.8°C, Batote 6.2°C and Bhaderwah 2.0°C, he said. The weatherman has predicted mainly dry weather in Jammu and Kashmir till March 10

“No significant weather activity (is expected) till March 10,” he said, adding, “From March 11-12, light rain/ snow is expected at few places and light rain/snow at fairly widespread places on March 13-14”.

Night temp stays below freezing point in Kashmir, minus 3.0°C in Srinagar

Photo by Imtiyaz Gulzar
Photo by Imtiyaz Gulzar

Srinagar: Minimum temperatures continued to stay below freezing point in Kashmir Valley with Srinagar recording a low of minus 3.0°C on Thursday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS while the temperature was same as recorded on previous night in Srinagar, it was below normal by 3.2°C for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 2.0°C, same as on the previous night and it was 1.9°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 5.4°C against minus 5.2°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 0.2°C, same as on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 1.1°C for the place, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.3°C against minus 3.4°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 3.2°C against minus 4.2°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 3.6°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 8.2°C and it was below normal by 2.3°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of 6.8°C, Batote 6.1°C and Bhaderwah 2.0°C, he said.

The weatherman has forecast “extended wet spell” in Jammu and Kashmir from Saturday night onwards till afternoon of February 21.

“A couple of moderate to intense Western Disturbances most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from February 17 afternoon onwards,” he said.

Under the influence of the weather Systems, he said, an “extended wet spell” is likely from February 17 (night) onwards till February 21 (Afternoon) most likely over J&K and adjoining areas.

In Kashmir Valley, he said, partly to generally cloudy with possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches is expected towards late Saturday night.

On February 18, he said, generally cloudy weather with possibility of light to moderate rain and snow is expected at many places.

From February 19-20, he said, there is possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at most places (plains and lower reaches) with possibility of heavy snowfall over middle and higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Badgam, Shopian and Kulgam districts during late afternoon of February 19 to February 20 late night.

From February 21, he said, there is possibility of light to moderate snow at many places till afternoon and late afternoon and gradual improvement thereafter.

Regarding Jammu division, he said, there is a possibility of light rain and snow at many places on Sunday.

From 19th-20th Feb, there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder/lightning in plains of Jammu Division with light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches and heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of Ramban, Poonch, Doda and Kishtwar.”

On February 21, he said, light to moderate snow/rain/thunder/lightning is expected over many places till late afternoon and evening and gradual improvement thereafter.

The MeT office also issued an advisory, saying that the system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan pass, Zojila etc.

“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” the MeT official said, adding, “farmers are advised to withheld irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from Orchards and fields during the above period.”

He said a significant drop in day temperature is expected during the period.
Kashmir is presently in the middle of a 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that ends on February 19 and is followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’  which starts from February 20 to March 1.

BSF, Punjab Police Seize Pakistani Drone With Heroin From Amritsar

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Amritsar: The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint operation recovered a Pakistani drone with one packet of heroin weighing 519 grams from a farming field in Mode village in Punjab’s Amritsar, an official statement by the BSF said.

The recovery was made by the BSF and Punjab police in an operation on January 26.
“On January 26, during the afternoon hours, following intelligence input, BSF Punjab Frontier troops and Amritsar Rural Police (Punjab Police India) conducted a joint search operation and recovered a Pakistani drone quadcopter model – DJI Mavic 3 Pro , made in China) and 519 grams of heroin,” the BSF said in an official statement.
The narcotics were wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, and a metal ring was attached to the packet. This recovery took place in the farming field adjacent to Mode village in Amritsar District, it added.
“Once again, the vigilant BSF troops thwarted the illicit intentions of smugglers,” the BSF said in the statement.
In a similar incident, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday recovered a China-made drone from a farming field in the Roranwala Khurd village in Punjab’s Amritsar, an official statement by the BSF said.
According to the official statement, the recovery of the drone took place during the patrol by the BSF troops.
“On January 26, 2024, during the morning hours, while carrying out area domination patrolling ahead of the border fence, BSF troops observed a suspicious item at about 09:00 hrs,” read the official statement.
“On reaching nearby, the suspicious item revealed itself to be a small drone. BSF troops successfully recovered it,” it added.
The recovered drone is a quadcopter made in China, according to the official statement. (Agencies)

Muskan Rana brings laurels to J&K; clinches 5 medals in Khelo India Youth Games 2024

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Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir’s promising and rising star in rhythmic gymnastics, Muskan Rana, a 15 year old trainee of Gymnastic Academy of J&K Sports Council, has brought laurels to the UT by clinching five medals in the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games 2024 being held in Chennai.
Muskan has bagged one gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the national championship making J&K proud with her exceptional sports talent.
The J&K Sports Council has launched a number of initiatives to promote this Olympic sport in J&K. Established at Jammu’s M A stadium, the Sports Council Gymnastics Academy has been equipped with state-of-the-art, world-class infrastructure. The Arjuna Awardee ‘Krupali Singh’ is one of the best performing coaches imparting completely professional training to the players at this academy.
The Sports Authority of India has accredited this academy as Khelo India Academy for Gymnastics of national repute and athletes of this academy have performed admirably at the national and international competitions. In the past two years, the trainees of this academy have earned 8 gold, 15 silver and 9 bronze medals in National Games, Khelo India Youth Games and national championships.
Besides, 11 athletes have represented India in the international competitions. Athletes like Bavleen Kour, Muskan Rana, Jagriti Thakur, Vaibhavi Sharma, Manya, Stuti Gupta, Sneha Dewan,Viomini Dogra, Vandhana Bharathi, Gourav Chettri, Yaadvi Mahajan, Manav Gupta, Lakhsya Mahajan, Sahil Sahi, Kamal Singh, Inderdeep Singh, Mayank Jain, Sudipti Khanna, Rudraksh Khanna, Ayman Tak, Pranvi Sharma, Aakshra Sharma, Riya Sharma, Triza Bilal, Prachi Sharma, Shranya Sharma and Hargun Kaur are regular trainees of Gymnastics Academy of J&K Sports Council who have made all of us proud time and again.
The J&K gymnasts’ performance and accomplishments have increased significantly and they have won numerous medals because of the availability of international standard equipments. They have also performed incredibly well at various levels in both national and international competitions, such as the World and Asian Championships. During the past Khelo India Games, Muskan Rana and Bavleen Kaur have won the best gymnasts of India titles in 2021 and 2022, along with winning medals for J&K.
This year again Muskan Rana alongwith Manya, Vabhavi Sharma and Jagriti Thakur won the Team Championships in the recently held Junior National Championships held at Bangaluru besides senior team winning the silver medal for the UT.
Within a brief span of three years, 13 gymnasts have competed at international competitions and won 80 medals including 25 gold, 34 silver, and 21 bronze at various National Games and Championships.
This academy has witnessed a golden age of sports in J&K and has become the greatest gymnastics academy of the country under the dynamic leadership of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who is also President J&K Sports Council. The unending support and assistance being provided by the J&K government in terms of infrastructure, equipment and training programs is undoubtedly paying off.