New Delhi: One of the key growth engines of the economy, merchandise exports have surpassed $400 billion target set for 2021-22 days ahead of the fiscal-end. The goods exports in FY22 (till March 22) of $400 billion is 37 per cent higher compared to $292 billion in 2020-21.

“India set an ambitious target of $400 billion of goods exports and achieves this target for the first time ever. I congratulate our farmers, weavers, MSMEs, manufacturers, exporters for this success,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

“This is a key milestone in our Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey,” he added.

Exports have been galloping through the year with demand from key markets in Europe and Americas remaining strong as most advanced economies have witnessed sharp rebound. Widening vaccination coverage has added to market sentiments leading to increased economic activities.

The government on its part kept the focus on shoring up outward shipments and set annual targets for key industries such as gems and jewellery, engineering goods and textiles. It held constant discussions with export promotion councils, exporters and other exporters to remove any bottlenecks in the way of smooth exports. (UNI)

Srinagar: Two security personnel were injured in a grenade blast at Rainawari area of Central Kamir’s Srinagar district on Wednesday evening.

A top police officer said that militants lobbed the grenade on naka party in Rainwari and two personnel were injured in the blast. He said that both the injured have received minor splinter injuries and were admitted to nearby hospital.

Meanwhile, he said, whole area has been cordoned off to nab the fleeing militants. (GNS)

Srinagar: Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested four over ground workers of militants and recovered four hand grenades from them in Srinagar.

“Today evening during a Naka checking at Bemina chowk, one OGW namely Zubair Sheikh son of Altaf Sheikh of Elahi Bagh Soura was intercepted by police party and on his search one hand grenade was recovered from his possession,” a police spokesman said in a statement.

He said the accused was arrested on the spot and a case under FIR no 15/2022 Under Sections 7/25 of Indian Arms Act & section 13 of UAPA was registered at police station Bemina and investigation was taken up.

“The accused was put to sustained examination and during questioning he revealed that he had received this grenade from another OGW namely Shamim Ahmed Chilloo son of Abdul Kareem Chiloo of Tankipora Shaheed Gunj,” the spokesman said, adding, “This accused  confessed that he had received a consignment of four (04) hand grenades and handed over one grenade each to Amir Rehman Dar son of Abdul Rehman Dar of Tengpura Bypass, Shahid Ahmed Mir son of Gulzar Ahmed Mir of Dangerpora Nowgam and Zubair Sheikh ( 1st arrestee).

Later raids were conducted on these locations and three other OGWs were also arrested. “On their instances three(03) more hand grenades were also recovered,” he said, adding, “During course of investigation, it came out that the arrested accused were working on directions of the (militant) group LeT.

The First arrested accused was on his way to throw the recovered Hand grenade today evening and the plans were thwarted by timely preventive action of naka party.”

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday said in the Rajya Sabha that there has been an overall decline in the activities that disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir and environment for normalcy to attract investment in the state has been created.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her reply to the discussion on The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2022, gave out figures on various parameters that determine the law and order situation in the Union Territory.

“There has been an overall decline in such activities that disturb peace. There has been a 33 per cent drop in infiltration (51 in 2020 versus 34 in 2021), 90 per cent decrease in incidents of ceasefire violations (937 in 2020 versus 98 in 2021), 61 per cent decline in militancy related incidents. There has been an 80 per cent decline in abduction by militants (10 abductions in 2020 and 2 in 2021), 33 per cent decline in the incidents of killing of security personnel (63 in 2020 versus 42 in 2021),” Sitharaman said.

The number of active militants was 222 in Jan 2021 which came down to 188 in Jan 2022, there was no incident of weapon snatching in 2021 and 2022 till now, she added. “180 militants (148 locals and 32 being foreigners), including 44 top commanders were killed in 2021 and about 38 militants (28 locals and 10 foreigners) have been killed this year in 24 anti militancy operations,” Sitharaman said.

She said that there has been a 16 per cent decline in cases of terror recruitment (164 in 2020 and 138 in 2021).

Nirmala Sitharaman said that many of the unjust and discriminatory laws at the state level have also been removed following abrogation of Article 370 in the state.

“The various impediments for industrial development in the state have also been removed. The pace at which the activities for bringing investments and create job opportunities and also providing the political representation is going on,” she said.

Sitharaman said that 100 per cent COVID vaccination for the eligible population has been achieved in Jammu and Kashmir. (UNI)

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2022-23 and Appropriation Bills with a voice vote. The Bills were then returned to the Lok Sabha.

The Lower House has already passed the J&K Budget 2022-23 on March 14, thus Parliament approved the 1.42 lakh crore Budget for the Union Territory of J&K.

Replying to the discussion, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Central government has been creating an environment for the restoration of normalcy and to attract investment in J&K. She said that 24 Members participated in the debate and informed the House that the government is removing barriers to industrial development in the Union Territory and in this connection, 250 laws have been completely repealed, while 137 laws have been amended.

Responding to the query of Congress lawmaker Vivek Tankha who had raised concerns on Tuesday that Kashmiri art and artisans are about to vanish without adequate support, the Finance Minister said, “A new industrial policy, investment proposals will create employment in Jammu and Kashmir. Pashmina shawls, carpet weaving from J&K have been given Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and ample steps have been taken to promote Kashmiri art and artisans.”

Speaking about the security situation in the UT, she said peace and development have been ushered in post Art 370, industrial promotional schemes have been implemented, opening the doors for development in the UT.

She added that after the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K, the security situation has also improved and there has been a decline in militant-related incidents there. “Since 2021, there has been a 33 per cent drop in infiltration and 90 per cent decrease in ceasefire violations along the border. Furthermore, there has been a 61 per cent decline in terror-related incidents in J&K in 2021,” she said.

Union Ministers informed that a delegation from the Gulf Corporation is visiting the UT on Wednesday for investment and providing employment opportunities to the youths of Jammu and Kashmir.

As per the information provided by the Jammu & Kashmir government, 1,41,815 new projects have been taken up in the Union Territory. Sitharaman informed the Upper House that funds amounting to Rs 27,274 crore have been provided for the completion of these developmental projects.

“The projects are creating significant employment opportunities for skilled as well as unskilled labourers, engineers, transporters and small businesses, in addition to those engaged in the supply of material, equipment, and tools in the private sector,” she added.

Talking about the health infrastructure, she said that the UT has recorded 100 percent vaccination while two 500-bed Covid hospitals have been set up by the DRDO in Jammu and Srinagar.

Responding to the concerns of some Members that capital expenditure has been reduced under many heads, she said that it was not true. Noting that expenditure creates assets, Sitharaman said that public health has an increase of 282 per cent, disaster management and relief has 390 percent, irrigation and floods 60 percent, agriculture 26 per cent, industry 33 percent, education 18 percent, tourism 10 per cent, and culture has an increase of 18 percent.

Referring to employment opportunities in J&K, she said the new industrial policy of Rs 28,400 crore will generate 4.50 lakh jobs while 4226 investment proposals worth Rs 47,441 crore received so far will create 1,96,945 jobs for the youths of J&K.

The Finance Minister said that over 20,323 posts have been referred to the recruitment agencies. Apart from these, around 1,37,870 youths of the UT have been provided assistance under the self employment schemes programme and they will also generate jobs for their fellow Kashmiris. (IANS)

Slams Chinese FM’s remarks at OIC

New Delhi: India today slammed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for his reference to Jammu and Kashmir at the OIC meet in Islamabad, saying matters related to the Union Territory are its internal matter and Beijing has no locus standi to comment.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a statement, also said, in a warning, that countries should note that “India refrains from public judgement of their internal issues” – in a reference to China’s treatment of the Uyghur Muslims which has been globally condemned.

The statement read: “We reject the uncalled for reference to India by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his speech at the Opening Ceremony.”

“Matters related to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir are entirely the internal affairs of India. Other countries including China have no locus standi to comment. They should note that India refrains from public judgement of their internal issues,” he said.

The statement came after Wang Yi, in his speech at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meet in Islamabad, was quoted as saying: “On the Kashmir issue, we have heard the voices of many Islamic friends again today, and China has the same desire for this,” without elaborating further. “China would continue to support the people of Palestine and Kashmir in their just freedom struggles,” he added.

Wang Yi, who was attending the meet as special guest, further said: “China will continue to support Islamic countries in using Islamic wisdom to solve contemporary hotspot issues, and firmly hold the right to maintaining stability and promoting peace in its own hands.”

The Pakistan PM Imran Khan said at the event, “’We have failed Kashmir despite being 1.5 billion in strength” – in a message to the Islamic countries. Delegates from 57 OIC countries gathered for the meet in Islamabad. (UNI)

New Delhi: India on Wednesday sent a fifth consignment of wheat, comprising 2,000 MT, as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan via the Attari-Wagah land border.

With this, India has successfully completed shipment of 10,000 MT of wheat, of the 50,000 MT wheat it has promised to provide Afghanistan as humanitarian assistance.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a tweet posted: “Successfully completed shipment of 10,000 MTs of wheat assistance to Afghanistan. “Thanks to our partners @WFP_Afghanistan for their constant support.” (UNI)

By: Raja Syed Rather

Srinagar, Mar 23: The present bloom of tulips at the South Asia’s largest Tulip garden in the foothills of Zabarwan mountains in Srinagar has taken a year of hard work done by 62 gardeners and 42 casual labourers of floriculture department, to present a breathtaking look.

These men, however, remain the unsung heroes of garden, as all praise the garden very few hail good work of these men who put their blood and sweat to keep the garden ready.

15 lakh tulips with 68 varieties are mesmerizing the tulips at the famous destination.

Ikhlas Shayiq, In charge Tulip garden said that it doesn’t take a few days to plant the tulips, but a round-the-year process.

A total of 62 gardeners and 42 casual labourers have worked hard this year to come up with 15 lakh tulips with 68 varieties to mesmerize the tourists, he said.

Shayiq further stated that this year the flowers are new and the multi colour scheme has been followed.

He added that it was always hectic procedure to ensure the tulips in bloom, however, said that the inclement weather conditions are affecting the growth of flowers.

Whenever it rains or snows, the growth of tulips gets stopped, but in the times of good temperature, the flowers grow easily, he added. (KNO)

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar:  Jammu and Kashmir reported 26 fresh Covid-19 cases while there was no death due to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

They said 14 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 12 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 453595.

Giving district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 9 cases, Baramulla 0, Budgam 1, Pulwama 1, Kupwara 0, Anantnag 0, Bandipora 0, Ganderbal 0, Kulgam 1, Shopian 0, Jammu 10, Udhampur 0, Rajouri 0, Doda 3, Kathua 1, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0,Poonch 0, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

There was no death reported in the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4750 persons have succumbed to the virus—2327 in Jammu and 2423 in Kashmir.

Besides, they said, 13 Covid-19 patients—five from Jammu and eight from Valley— recovered during the time. So far 448733 people have recovered, leaving the active case tally at 112— 38 in Jammu and 74 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said. They also informed that 13789 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Srinagar: A student died of electric shock at Government Degree College Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district this afternoon.

Reports said that a student namely Umar Farooq son of Farooq Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Dariegund received electric jolt, just outside the college premises, when he had gone to fetch volleyball.

The student was evacuated in unconscious condition to GMC Anantnag where the doctors declared him as brought dead on arrival.

Confirming the death of student, a police official said that the youth had tried to trespass the college wall to get back the volleyball from outside college peripheries.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the students were playing volleyball and Umar had gone to fetch the ball from outside. He went atop the fence wall and due to unbalance, came in contact with the live wire going through it and got electrocuted,” the official added.

In the meantime the students started a protest alleging the college authorities did not provide vehicle on time to evacuate the injured student for medical treatment.

When contacted, in-charge Principal GDC Bijhbehara denied the allegations. “We provided the vehicle in time to take the student to nearby health facility for treatment “, the college in-charge Principal said.

“It was in 2017 that the PDD had shifted the electric wire from the college premises to outside”, he said adding it happened that once the ball went outside the said student tried to trespass and during the act received the shock. (GNS)