SRINAGAR: Real Kashmir FC will be playing against the Sudeva Delhi FC today on Wednesday at 2 pm in the return home game at TRC Turf Ground Stadium, Srinagar. This will be the second game of the host team against Sudeva Delhi FC in this season of I-League. The first clash between the two teams happened at the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi on January 12, 2023, which went into a 1-1 draw.
Both Real Kashmir FC and Sudeva Delhi FC have played 14 matches each this season. Real Kashmir FC has won five matches while Sudeva Delhi FC has managed to win only a single game against Rajasthan United FC.
The game at the TRC Srinagar will resume after a gap of almost 55 days. The last game played at the TRC Ground was on December 12, 2022, between the host team and Round Glass Punjab FC.
Real Kashmir FC is at the seventh position on the leader board while Sudeva Delhi FC is at the twelfth position.
The host team was supposed to clash against Aizawl FC on February 1, but the match was postponed due to inclement weather and snowfall.
Real Kashmir FC will play their next match with Neroca FC at TRC Stadium scheduled on February 11 and the remaining matches are with Mohammedan Sporting Club, Aizawl FC, Tidim Road Athletic Union, and Kenkre FC.
SRINAGAR: Asserting that there is no restriction in Kashmir to hoist the national flag after the abrogation of Article 370, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said that he was once jailed for raising the national flag in the Union Territory.
“I was longest serving BJP Youth Wing President, from 2010 to 2017. I took a yatra from Kolkata to Kashmir to hoist the national flag. I was put in jail to hoist the national flag in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, I see Jammu and Kashmir is a different state with no such restrictions,” Thakur said while speaking at the first Y20 meeting under G20 India at IIT Guwahati.
The minister further said that after August 2019, when the article was ruled out by the Central government there are no such restrictions in the territory.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, it was difficult to even hoist the national flag. But after the abrogation of Article 370, you could see last year during the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ program, there was a Tiranga hoisted on each and every house in Kashmir,” Thakur said.
The first Y20 meeting in 2023, under G20 India, began in Guwahati on February 6.
The deliberations at the Youth20 were aimed at reaching out to the youth and holding consultations with them for ideas “for a better tomorrow”.
More than 150 Youth delegates from G20 countries are participating in the three-day meeting.
Over 12,000 college and university students are also expected to participate in these events.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will also present research papers from students and academicians of Assam.
The state government, along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has taken up several initiatives to make the youth aware of Y20 and involve them in the process of nation-building. (ANI)
SRINAGAR: Indian Navy is inviting applications for the post of Navik (General Duty and Domestic Branch) for male Indian citizens in the Indian Coast Guard through the Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test (CGEPT).
There are a total of 255 posts available and the last date to apply is February 16, 2022.
Candidates between the ages of 18-25 who have passed their secondary and higher secondary exams from any recognized board are eligible to apply.
The documents required include academic transcripts, identity proof, Birth certificate, Domicile certificate, scanned copies of a photograph, thumb impression, and signature.
The candidates need to apply online through the online portal of the Indian Navy.
SRINAGAR: Five members of a non-local family, putting up at Kralpora in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, died due to suspected suffocation on intervening Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Reports said that family of one Majid Ansari, resident of Bijnore Uttar Pradesh, which was putting up at a rented accommodation at Kralpora was found unconscious. As people sought help from a local doctor, all the members were declared dead.
Among the deceased include Majid Ansari (35) son of Ahmad Hussain, his wife Sohana Khatoon (30), their children Faizan Ansari (4), Abu Zar (3) and a few days old infant.
BMO Kralpora confirming the deaths of family members said that it may be a possible case of suffocation. He was however quick to add that the actual details will come to fore once the bodies reach health facility. “We have sent two ambulances to ferry the bodies here, once we know the actual details, we will share accordingly,” he said.
SRINAGAR: Top Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan, arrived in Kashmir, on Monday morning to shoot for their upcoming action film Fighter.
Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan
They were seen at Mumbai’s International Airport on Monday morning, February 6 to jet off to Kashmir for the shoot of their forthcoming project. Fighter signs Hrithik and Deepika’s first ever big-screen co-act.
Directed by Siddharth Anand Fighter also involves other actors including Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi for decisive roles.
According to sources, along with the director Siddharth Anand and artists Deepika and Hrithik, cinematographer Satchit Paulose and action director Sunil Rodrigues have also reached Kashmir.
The movie is planned to hit the theatres on January 25, 2024.
Both the actors have said to complete their first schedule of the film in 2022. As per reports, they are all set to shoot for the second schedule at Dal Lake and Pahalgam in Kashmir. They will be capturing some action arrays and scenes of a song at various sites of Srinagar and the whole valley.
Regardless of the cinematography, the government has deputed seven government teachers as duty magistrates to maintain the law and order during the shoot of the movie Fighter at Pahalgam with effect from February 7 to February 11.
The responsibility of the duty magistrates is to keep a close check on the situation at the respective locations with the coordination of the police and to convey an hourly report to Tehsildar Pahalgam.
The movie Fighter is anticipated to beIndia’s foremost aerial action franchise which will enact and display the bravery, slaughter, and patriotic sentiments of the Indian Army.
The cast and crew are expected to wrap up the shooting of the film in Kashmir by next week and then head to Hyderabad for the next schedule.
SRINAGAR: The minimum temperature saw a fall at most places in Kashmir Valley with Srinagar and Qazigund too recording below sub-zero level on Wednesday.
Quoting a meteorological department official news agency GNS reported that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.1°C against 2.7°C on the previous night. Today’s minimum temperature, he said, was above normal by 0.3°C for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 1.8°C against minus 0.4°C °C on the previous night and it was 0.3°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 7.6°C against minus 5.9°C on the previous night and it was 1.4°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 0.1°C against minus 0.7°C on the previous night and it was 1.9°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.5°C against minus 7.0°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at minus 1.9°C against minus 1.0°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 8.3°C against 8.4°C on the previous night. It was 1.2°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 4.4°C (above normal by 3.4°C). Batote 3.5°C (below normal by 1.3°C), Katra 8.0°C (0.6°C above normal) and Bhadarwah 1.1°C (1.4°C above normal).
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 13.0°C and minus 6.4°C respectively, the official said.
Regarding the forecast, the MeT official said that partly cloudy weather was expected today and “Widespread light to moderate snowfall/rain in Jammu and Kashmir with chances of heavy snowfall over higher reaches from evening of February 9-10.”
While Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21 has ended, Kashmir is under the grip of a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’. It will be followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1.
Shah Rukh Khan’s flick, Pathaan tells the same old ‘Kashmir story’ that Bollywood has always showcased, with or without the bikini, reports Fahd Khan
Bollywood flick, Pathaan poster showing the lead actors including Shahrukh Khan, John Ibrahim and Deepika Padukone
Bollywood film Pathaan which is literally minting money revolves around an ex-army man turned RAW agent. He is the Pathaan, the main protagonist of the flick played by Shah Rukh Khan. The Star cast includes John Abraham, who plays Khan’s arch-rival, Jim, the main villain. Deepika plays the role of an ISI agent Rubayi. The film tells the audience about how an amendment in the Indian constitution is infuriating its neighbour, Pakistan.
The film begins with the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and its effects on a Pakistani general who, in an effort to exact revenge on India, hires the former RAW agent turned dreaded devil, Jim to carry out the mission of destroying India. Jim feels betrayed and dejected since his family was killed as a result of the terror organization holding him captive and torturing him during one of the missions he was leading as the government of India failed to give the ransom amount. Jim is joined by Rubayi, an ISI agent who works with him to complete the mission.
Pathaan, Jim, and Rubayi travel quickly across several nations to carry out their respective missions of destroying and saving the worlds they believe in.
Superstar Returns
The movie marks the return of the superstar Shah Rukh Khan to the big screen after a hiatus and his comeback is quite enough to pull the audience to the theatres. Shah Rukh Khan, who has been the heartthrob of Bollywood fans for his portrayal of Rahul and Raj in the romantic Yash Raj and Karan Johar directorials, finds his new place in the action genre. His evocative eyes and chiselled body manage to salvage the poor script and screenplay.
Pathaan is an ambitious and most hyped film of the year, thanks to the boycott gang for the free publicity. When the teaser and trailer of the film were released, it promised to be an out-and-out action film and provides what it had promised. For a long time in the pre-interval, the audience wonders about what is going on. Be it the high-octane action scenes on the streets of Dubai, or the flashbacks, people are unable to connect to the story as the movie is fast-paced.
Bad Story
The story is a hackneyed, idea that has bored people already. However, there are a couple of emotional scenes post-interval like the touching Afghanistan flashback sequence where Pathaan gets his name and the one where he saves India from the disaster. Betrayal and apologies like the typical Bollywood movies, the screenplay is loose and predictable at many points. Interestingly the hero and the villain, both are equally powerful which we hardly find in Indian movies. Both perform some never seen high-octane action scenes on a train and are a delight to watch. If Pathaan punches his villain, the villain punches him back. Salman Khan’s cameo as Tiger is the USP of the film, the whole theatre turns into a stadium when you see two of the biggest superstars in one single frame. Both perform some never seen high-octane action scenes on a train and are a delight to watch. The action scenes seem to be inspired by the Bond series or Tom Cruise’s Top Gun Maverick.
Shah Rukh Khan has played his part extremely well. Every time the screen lights up with his brilliant acting when he appears on the screen and he is looking more handsome than ever at 58. His dialogue delivery and emotions can be felt by the viewers.
It seems as though John Abraham was destined to play Jim because of his tough demeanour, muscular build, and eyes filled with vengeance. In some scenes, particularly the final one, one feels sorry for Jim and thinks that he should have been rescued. Nobody in Bollywood other than John could have provided the Pathaan with fierce competition. John as Jim gave the finest performance of his career.
Alluring Performance
Deepika as Rubayi has a certain allure of her own, and her action moments with Pathaan and Jim create a strong impression. She also shines in the emotional scenes and is at the hottest best. Her character may be seen to be inspired by Black Widow and many other female Hollywood characters.
Siddharth Annand’s direction is average. He has focused more on the action, and grandeur rather than quality and story. The film has been made on a huge scale; more than Siddharth’s previous film War. The director has not been able to do justice providing the star cast he had. There are a number of shortcomings in the story rather than good moments. Scenes like Pathaan beating Russian forces single-handedly is hardly digestible. The Afghanistan episode in the climax of the film is also predictable.
Shah Rukh Khan whose Red Chillies VFX company is known to have revolutionized Bollywood in terms of VFX and CGI fails terribly in Pathaan. Its VFX is done by Yash Raj itself and is too shabby. In many of the scenes, one could easily trace the shot having been filmed on the green screen but the fast pace prevents the general masses from locating the technical issues.
Film’s two songs – Besharam Rang and Jhoome Jo Pathaan make one groove to the music as its plays, credit goes to Vishal-Shekhar. Satchith Paulose’s cinematography is spectacular as they have captured the essence of exotic locations of France, Spain, and Russia.
Casey O’Neill, Craig Macrae and Sunil Rodrigues’s action is the highlights of the film and matches the global standards. The editor Arif Sheikh has tried to keep the film fast-paced and crisp.
The background music by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara is the film’s soul that keeps one hooked to the seat. The BGM on villains’ entry encourages people to download the music.
On the whole, Pathaan is a brainless entertainer. Shah Rukh Khan fans who see his return after four years will watch it regardless of whether it has a plot or not. Given the situation in which the Depika’s bikini created such a huge fuss seems far-fetched as Pathaan supplements and compliments what the government did in Kashmir and how it wants to be conveyed.
SRINAGAR: In order to ensure proper regulation of courier service agencies as per SOPs for delivery of shipments, the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad in an order issued here on Monday has asked all unregistered Courier Service Providers in District Srinagar to get registered with competent Authority within a period of 7 days, failing which they will not be allowed to continue their operations in the district.
The order stated that “Whereas, it has come to the notice of DM Srinagar through the Drug and Food Control Department, that some Courier Services are being misused for peddling of Psychotropic substances in District Srinagar”.
Accordingly, vide order No. DCS/DDMO/Thq/22/1211-15 dated 04-01-2023 a Committee headed by Sub Divisional Magistrate East was constituted for verification of Courier Service Providers operating in District Srinagar.
Subsequently, the Committee vide communication, No. ALC/SGR/2023/60-62 dated: 27-01-2023 provided list of unregistered Courier Service Providers in District Srinagar. In addition, the Office of Deputy Drug Controller/ Drug & Food Control Organisation, Kashmir vide communication number DFO/K/Drug/Misc-04 dated 03/02/2023 has sought registration of unregistered Courier Service providers in District Srinagar, to curb the misuse of the courier services for peddling of Psychotropic substances.
Therefore, in view of this, the District Magistrate has passed directions to all unregistered Courier Service agencies operating in District Srinagar to get registered with competent Authority within a period of 7 days, failing which they shall not be allowed to continue their operations.
The order further reads that “Moreover, all the Courier Service Providers shall install High Resolution CCTV Cameras inside the courier offices for better surveillance, adopt computerized systems to maintain records and accounts of both the consignors and consignees”.
The order also stated that “The Courier Service Providers would ask for Aadhar identity proof, address, drug sale licence, purchase order copy of the medical products and other antecedents of the consignor and consignee while booking pharmaceutical preparations”.
Furthermore, Courier Service Providers will adhere to SOPs for courier service agencies issued by Deputy Drug Controller Kashmir with respect to shipment of pharmaceutical consignments; else action under relevant provisions of law shall be initiated against the violators.
Pertinent to mention that during the month of January various instances have been brought into the notice of DM Srinagar with regard to trafficking of psychotropic substances through various Courier agencies for delivery to different parts of the Kashmir Division.
Notably the DM was apprised by the Deputy Drug Controller Kashmir Shah Nighat that in the recent past on receiving credible inputs raids have been conducted during which huge quantities of psychotropic substances were seized. She said that in the month of October, during a surprise raid at Airport cargo logistic space of the Srinagar Airport about 7500 capsules of Spasmo-proxyvon were seized. Subsequently, special stress is being laid on strict adherence to SOPs for pharmaceutical procurement.
SRINAGAR: The Army on Tuesday said that the overall situation in Kashmir was “progressively improving”.
Addressing the Northern Command Investiture Ceremony here, General officer Commanding in Chief Lt General Upendra Dwivedi also said that the army was ready to give a befitting response to any Chinese aggression in Ladakh and that Kashmir has witnessed a “concerning rise” in narco-militancy with “Pakistan now using this as a new tool in its proxy war.”
“Northern Command is in a high state of readiness and morale, to face constantly evolving threats and challenges,” news agency GNS quoted General officer Commanding in Chief Lt General Upendra Dwivedi as having said. “The security situation in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh poses many challenges in terrain and operational dynamics, especially from different adversaries along the Northern and Western Borders,” he said, adding, “We are committed to defending India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while upholding the democratic traditions of the Nation.” He said the army was maintaining a constant vigil, monitoring all developments and “will take all necessary steps to protect our National Interests.”
“Indian Army is prepared to meet any challenges in the future and will always work for the betterment of the people of the Region,” he said, adding, “The last two years have brought to the fore newer challenges in the wake of abrogation of Article 370, the Galwan conflict and multiple waves of COVID-19. These challenges have only served to strengthen our resolve to be steadfast and determined in our commitment.”
He said the situation along the Line of Control has remained stable and the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan continues to sustain. “A very strict vigil and a robust technology enabled multi-tiered counter infiltration grid is being maintained, to thwart any attempts at infiltration,” he said, adding, “ceasefire violations, infiltration bids or any other misadventure attempted by the adversary will be dealt with firmly.” He said numerous infiltration bids have been foiled in the last year. “The highest standards of professionalism and jointness displayed by the troops in all dimensions of Counter (militancy) Operations has nullified/ limited the kinetic threat.”
He said Kashmir has witnessed a concerning rise in narco-militancy “as Pakistan is now using this as a new tool in its proxy war.”
“Of late, a dual strategy of sending across drugs as well as weapons through drones is being employed to keep the fire burning in an attempt to disrupt the social fabric,” he said, adding, “The cross-border smuggling of narcotics provides a succor to (militancy). The Security Forces are alive to this trend and have already initiated counter drone measures to curb the menace.”
He said army’s focus continues to reinforce intelligence setup by synergising with all stakeholders and sister agencies, to usher in peace and undertake developmental activities. “The overall situation is progressively improving and a positive and conducive environment for accelerating the developmental initiatives of the government has been created,” he said, adding, “ The dividends of peace and stability are reaching people in far flung areas and they are participating wholeheartedly to preserve and sustain this peace.”
On the LAC, he said, army’s response to Chinese attempts to “unilaterally change the status quo” was a swift, undaunted and synergised action. “Any adverse aggressive designs or attempts will definitely be met with appropriate posturing of Forces and a strong intent with complete synergy amongst the three services,” he said, adding, “Measures to resolve the LAC situation at diplomatic and operational levels are also simultaneously underway. I assure you that the LAC in Eastern Ladakh is being dominated by physical patrolling and through technical means and our territorial integrity is being ensured”.
Besides the operational challenges on the LAC, line of control and hinterland, he said, army remain committed to providing succor in times of natural disasters such as landslides, COVID and other natural calamities. “I also take this opportunity to laud the efforts of the COVID warriors whose relentless efforts have kept us protected in these testing times,” he said, adding, “Needless to say, that “there is nothing nobler than reaching out and alleviating the lives of people”. On an annual basis, he said, over 250 medical and 100 veterinary camps are conducted in the remotest areas of the UTs, which benefit thousands of lives and livestock. “We are encouraging and facilitating graziers to move to their traditional grazing areas in Eastern Ladakh including those located close to the LAC.”
SRINAGAR: Describing abrogation of Article 370 as a landmark and path breaking political initiative in the history of independent India, Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana today said the constitutional amendment by Parliament of the world’s largest and greatest democracy on August 5, 2019 was a step towards realization of the concept of ‘one nation, one people’.
“With this temporary provision gone, the citizens of India from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and North East to Kuchh are emotionally and psychologically connected as one people,” Devender Rana said while interacting with student activists of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) from North Eastern States, currently on National Integration Tour under Students’ Experience in Inter-state Living (SEIL) at the picturesque Surinsar.
Rana added: “Removing the discriminatory special status of Jammu and Kashmir gives a better shape to the ideology of one nation”.
He said the changing scenario across the country is manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s urge to make India a global leader with his mission of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Pryas. This is only possible when Indians, irrespective of region, religion, caste or race mould themselves as ‘one people of one nation’. Much headway has been made in this regard during the past nearly nine years with everyone, especially the youth, working towards the progression of the country, he added.
Rana recalled the scenario in the North East prior to 2014 and said the despair of yesteryears has been overtaken by hope and promise of a better tomorrow. The region has really come out of the era of instability and is fast steering towards stability and peace.
He said the challenges faced to the North East and Jammu and Kashmir were not conducive years ago but the strong leadership at the Centre has made all the difference. While the NE is scripting a new saga of progress and development, J&K is at the threshold of becoming part of the country’s growth story. The nightmarish era of stone pelting and hartal culture in Kashmir is now history and the Valley is humming with economic activity and development like Jammu and any other part of the country, he maintained.
Rana, however, cautioned against the elements inimical to India’s spirit of unity, who are engaged in the sinister machinations of dividing the people on the basis of religion and caste. He exuded confidence that the youth of India will play a decisive role in foiling their game plan by maintaining unity and tranquillity.
Senior BJP leader Rana hoped that the youth exchange under SEIL will provide an opportunity to the youngsters to know their nation better and understand its diverse character and the challenges ahead. The activists of the ABVP will have to play their designated role in bringing youth together under the banner of One India. The youth represent the aspirations of vibrant India, he said, adding that the decisive leadership of the Prime Minister is fully capable of satiating these as per their expectations.
He lauded the initiative of SEIL –founded in 1965 as an initiative of the then members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad under the presidency of Acharya Giriraj Kishore and hoped that such visits will promote the feeling of brotherhood between youths from northeast India and the rest of the nation.
The SEIL comprised the ABVP activists from North East, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included, Akshi Balioria State Secretary ABVP Jammu and Kashmir; Tilak Thakur, State Organising Secretary; Novjot Jasrotia, State SEAL Coordinator J&K, Nirdesh Khajuria, Jammu Mahanagar Organising Secretary; Chahat Anand, State Joint Secretary besides Sarpanch Surinsar Bodh Raj, Sarpanch Chilla, Krishan Singh, Sarpanch Nadore Rajinder Singh, Sarpanch Khanpur Mohd Iqbal, Sarpanch Pounthal Anil, Ex Sarpanch Subash Singh, Pritam Singh, Mohd Amin, Abdul Mehmood, Balbir Singh, Mohd Sadiq, Bhushan Singh and others.
