New Delhi: Hours after the Karnataka High Court upheld the state government order against wearing of hijab to schools and colleges in Karnataka, a Muslim student on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court, seeking relief under Article 25 of the Constitution. The Special Leave Petition (SLP), filed by Niba Naaz, submitted, “The High Court has erred in creating a dichotomy of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience”. The petitioner further said the Karnataka High Court has failed to note that the right to wear a Hijab was protected as part of the right to conscience under Article 25 of the Constitution. Since the right to conscience is essentially an individual right, the ‘Essential Religious Practices Test’ ought not to have been applied by the High Court in this instant case, it noted. The High Court of Karnataka had passed a judgment dismissing the petition filed by a group of Muslim girl students against the PU government college for denying them entry while wearing Hijab. The Full Bench of High Court, led by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and also comprising Justices Krishna S Dixit and JM Khazi, dismissed the plea, stating that the practice of hijab is not an essential practice under Islam and thus, it does not fall within the ambit of Article 25 of the Constitution. The Court had also held that prescription of school uniform is only a reasonable restriction, which is constitutionally permissible and which the students cannot object to. The government had the power to issue such notification and no case was made out against the government notification, the High Court had added.
Govt brought 22,500 students stranded in Ukraine home: Jaishankar
New Delhi: The government on Tuesday termed the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy as an “extremely complex” operation, as it involved the prospects of students “getting caught in crossfire” and added that India’s evacuation mission involved a “whole of government approach”. Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on situation in Ukraine External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India’s evacuation mission could materialize due to personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine. “The Prime Minister spoke to Presidents of Russia and Ukraine on multiple occasions. He took up the issue of safe evacuation of Indians especially from Kharkiv and Sumy. The PM spoke to the Prime Ministers of Romania, Slovak Republic, Hungary and President of Poland to seek support for facilitation of entry of Indians to their countries. “Despite the challenges posed by the serious ongoing conflict, we have ensured that about 22,500 citizens return home safely,” the Minister said. Giving details of Operation Ganga, the Minister said that 90 flights have been operated, out of which 76 were civilian and 14 were IAF flights. “The evacuation flights were from Romania, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. While the IAF rose to the occasion, most of the private airlines also participated enthusiastically,” he said. The External Affairs Minister gave assurance that the mortal remains of Indian student Navin Shekarappa will be brought back to the country. “At Kharkiv, Naveen Shekarappa, a medical student of Kharkiv Medical University, lost his life. We deeply mourn his untimely demise. Our Embassy in Ukraine is diligently pursuing the repatriation of his mortal remains to India,” he said, adding that the government will make every effort to ensure that the remains are brought back to the country. The Minister also briefed about another Indian Harjot Singh who suffered bullet injuries on his way out in Kyiv. “His medical expenses were taken care of and arrangements made for the movement of the dead body from Kyiv to Polish border. He was brought back in IAF flight to India accompanied by a doctor arranged by our Mission in Poland,” he said. The Minister also informed about India’s efforts to evacuate foreign nationals in line with the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “Foreign nationals were also evacuated from conflict zones and brought to India. They included 147 citizens of 18 countries,” he said. Talking about the advisories issued by the Indian Embassy in Ukraine, Jaishankar said, “As tensions increased, Indian Embassy in Ukraine started a registration drive for Indians in January, 2022. As a result, around 20,000 Indians registered. “Most Indian nationals were students pursuing medical studies in Ukrainian universities dispersed throughout the country. Further advisories were also given on February 20 and 22. Air bubble instructions then imposed were immediately lifted in consultation with Ukrainian side to increase number of direct flights. Around 4000 Indians departed from Ukraine by direct flights till February 23,” he added. Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge asked why the students did not return, if the government issued all advisories on time. Jaishankar said the government issued clear advisories for Indians to return. “If our advisories were of no use, why did the 4000 students return,” he asked. “Despite our efforts, however, a large majority of students continued staying in Ukraine. There was a natural reluctance to leave the educational institutions and affect their studies. Some universities actively discouraged and showed reluctance to offer online courses,” Jaishankar added. On concerns expressed by members over the careers of evacuated Indian students, the Minister said, “The government will approach the matter with full responsibility.” The Opposition members across party lines appreciated India’s evacuation effort from Ukraine. Responding to BSP’s Satish Mishra, the Minister said that the Indians left in Ukraine are only in “double digits” and not in thousands. He said that he cannot divulge more details about them due to their own safety.
India’s missile system safe: Rajnath
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said a review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for operations, maintenance and inspections was being conducted following the accidental firing of a missile by India which landed in Pakistan. Making identical statements in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath Singh said India’s missile system was “very reliable and safe” and its “safety procedures and protocols are of the highest order”. Making a statement on the inadvertent firing of a missile which landed in Pakistan, he said India attaches the “highest priority to safety and security of its weapon systems”. “If any shortcoming is found, the same will be immediately rectified. “During routine maintenance and inspection, a missile was accidentally released at around 7 pm. It was later learnt that the missile had landed inside the territory of Pakistan. While this incident is regretted, we are relieved that nobody was hurt due to the accident,” the Minister said. He said a high-level inquiry had been ordered by the government. “The inquiry will determine the exact cause of the said accident.” Rajnath Singh also said that a review of the SOP for operations, maintenance and inspections was being conducted. Moreover, safety procedures and protocols were of the highest order and were reviewed from time to time, he said. “Our Armed Forces are well-trained and disciplined and are well experienced in handling such systems.” Pakistan on Saturday demanded a joint probe into the incident of India’s accidental missile fire to “accurately establish” the facts in the matter, saying that India’s decision to hold an internal court of inquiry was not enough.
Anurag Thakur sanctions 77 sports infrastructure projects
New Delhi: For boosting sports participation in the country, including the Himalayan Region, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports implemented a number of schemes aimed at broad-basing of sports and promotion of excellence in sports. Under the Khelo India Scheme, 77 sports infrastructure projects of various categories have been sanctioned in the Himalayan Region amounting to INR 506.13 crore.
Further, 24 sports academies have been accredited and 199 Khelo India Centres (district level) and 11 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence have been approved under the Khelo India Scheme in the Himalayan Region. In addition, under the “Enhancement of Sports Facilities at J&K” (PMDP) programme of the Government, 30 sports infrastructure projects, as well as sports equipment, have been sanctioned in the Himalayan UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh amounting to INR 273.85 crore.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports implements the following schemes for the development of sports in the country, including the Himalayan Region: (i) Khelo India Scheme; (ii) Assistance to National Sports Federations; (iii) Special Awards to Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches; (iv) National Sports Awards; (v) Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons; (vi) Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare Fund; (vii) National Sports Development Fund; (viii) Running Sports Training Centres through Sports Authority of India; and (ix) Enhancement of Sports Facilities at J&K (PMDP). Details of the above schemes are available in the public domain on the websites of this Ministry and the Sports Authority of India. Funds are allocated Scheme-wise, not State-wise. During the last three years, INR 4,694.92 crores were allocated and INR 4,590.89 crore was released under the various sports development schemes of this Ministry.
This information was given by the Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha. (Agencies)
Northern Army commander presents gallantry, distinguished service awards
Jammu: Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command on Tuesday presented gallantry and distinguished service awards at an investiture ceremony in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur.
A defence statement said, “92 gallantry awards were presented to those who showed exemplary courage under extreme circumstances and 25 distinguished service awards were presented for selfless service to the nation.
“Out of the gallantry awards, 19 were awarded posthumously to the next of kin of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
“Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, Regional President AWWA, Northern Command interacted with the next of kin and presented them with a token of appreciation for the sacrifices.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Army Commander commended all the ranks of Northern Command for their dedication and devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the brave men who made the supreme sacrifice while facing adverse situations.
The General Officer also brought out the ‘whole of nation approach’, which has led to a progressive improvement in the security situation in the union territories of J&K and Ladakh. He further added that Northern Command is in a high state of readiness to face the constantly evolving threats and challenges.
“In the end, General Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to the people of J&K and Ladakh, the civil administration and the media for their unstinted support and wished for peace and contentment for the people of the regions,” said the statement.
2 JPDCL engineers arrested while accepting bribe
Srinaga: Anti Corruption Bureau on Tuesday said to have arrested two engineers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited while accepting bribe from an electrical contractor.
“Anti Corruption Bureau received a complaint, wherein the complainant stated that he is an Electrical Contractor and was allotted tendered work by STD-I, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Jammu for relocating 33 KVA Line at Jagti in front of IIM and he had submitted bills after completion of work allotted to him on 10.02.2022. He further complained that he has received payment amounting to ₹15,04000/- only out of total value of bill amounting to rupees 19,41,000/- and balance amount of rupees 3,82000/- is still to be released by Surinder Kumar, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE)”, maintains a statement issued to GNS.
“When the complainant visited the office of Surinder Kumar, AEE, he demanded bribe @ 3% of already released amount of rupees 15,04000/- which comes to rupees 48,000/-. He further asked him to give the said amount of rupees 48,000/- to Charanjeet Singh, Assistant Engineer (AE) and only then he will release the balance payment of rupees 3,82,000/-“, it reads.
“Upon receiving the instant complaint a case FIR No. 05/2022 P/S ACB Jammu U/S 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and 120 IPC was registered at P/S ACB, Jammu. Subsequently, a trap team was constituted whereupon the accused Surinder Kumar, AEE and Charanjeet Singh, AE posted in STD-I, JPDCL, Jammu were caught red handed while demanding and accepting bribe of rupees 48,000/- from the complainant. Both the accused were arrested and taken into custody by ACB Team. The bribe money was also recovered from their possession in presence of independent witnesses. Immediately after the trap, searches were conducted in residential houses of the accused”, the statement reads.
Further investigation into the case is on”, it concludes. (GNS)
3 arrested for gang raping woman in Poonch
By: M S Nazki
Jammu: Police on Tuesday arrested three persons on charges of gang raping a woman in Poonch district last month.
“On 11 March 2022 police station Mandi received a written complaint from one lady (name withheld) that on 21.02.2022 one person namely Gultaj Ahmed of Seri Chowhana called her to come to his place as he wants to marry her,” a police spokesperson said, adding, “On this pretext, the accused took her to a abandoned house at Seri Chowhana where he called two other accused namely Ajaz Ahmed and Shaqeel Ahmed, both residents of Seri Chowhana to the location and committed rape on her one by one the whole night.”
The police said she lost her conscious and came back to senses next day morning. “While leaving the place of occurrence the accused persons threatened to kill her if she discloses the incident to anyone and left,” police said, adding, “On this, a case FIR No 30/2022 U/S 376-D/342/506 IPC was registered at Police station Mandi and investigation was taken up.”
During the course of investigation different teams were setup to nab the culprits, police said. “After putting in the hectic efforts all the three accused persons were arrested within shortest possible time under the supervision of DySP headquarters Poonch and ASP Poonch.” (GNS)
Landslide at Wagoora, 2 dead, one missing
Baramulla: At least two persons died while another one went missing after a landslide occurred at Wagoora village in Baramulla district on Tuesday evening.
An official said that several persons were injured in the incident. He said that teams of SDRF, police and army have reached to the spot for rescue operation.
The deceased were identified as Ali Mohammad Malik son of Farooq Ahmad Malik and Ghulam Mohammad Mir son of Ali Mohammad Mir, both the residents of Waigili Wagoora.
Srinagar-Sharjah flights to resume today
Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Ashiq on Tuesday said that Srinagar-Sharjah flights will resume at Srinagar International Airport from Wednesday onwards.
Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, he said that the direct flights from Srinagar to Sharjah will resume from tomorrow.
He also said that flights will then operate twice a week.
“When you make sincere efforts one can get back everything!fly safely to Sharjah directly from tomorrow and then twice a week,” he tweeted.
Temperature in Kashmir up by 6.36°C on average
Srinagar: Amid overnight light rainfall, the night temperatures continue to increase in Kashmir Valley, recording a rise of 6.36°C on average on Tuesday.
A meteorological department told GNS that Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K has 0.5mm of rainfall and recorded a low of 10.8°C against last night’s 6.6°C. The temperature is 7.1°C above normal for Srinagar during this time of the year.
Qazigund had 0.8mm of rain and recorded a low of 8.7°C against 5.5°C on the previous night. The temperature is above normal by 6.4°C for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, had 0.5mm of rain and the mercury settled at 9.3°C against 6.6°C on the previous night and it was 6.2°C more than normal during this time of the season, the official said.
Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, received 3.0mm of rainfall and recorded a low 5.2°C against 1.2°C last night. The temperature was 6.4°C above normal, he said.
Gulmarg had 0.6mm of rain fall and recorded a low of 2.0°C against 2.0°C on the previous night, the official said. The temperature was 5.3°C above normal for this time of the year in the famous resort, he said.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir had 1.0mm of rainfall and recorded a low of 8.5°C against 5.6°C on the previous night. The temperature was 6.2°C more than normal, the official said.
Jammu recorded a low of 18.5°C against 16.6°C on the previous night, the official said. The temperature was 4.2°C above normal for the J&K’s winter capital during this time of the year, he said.
Banihal recorded a low of 10.4°C, Batote had a minimum of 13.2°C while Bhaderwah recorded a low of 10.7°C, the official said.
Ladakh’s Leh recorded a minimum of 0.2°C against 0.0°C previous night while automatic Kargil station recorded a low of minus 4.9°C. For now, the weatherman said mainly dry weather was expected over Jammu and Kashmir.
“Mainly dry weather over Jammu and Kashmir,” the MeT official said regarding forecast for next 24 hours. “No significant change,” it said regarding the subsequent two days. (GNS)
