According to an official statement, “Hon’ble Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, along with other Hon’ble Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, was accorded a warm welcome by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri N. Rangasamy, and the Hon’ble Speaker of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, Shri Embalam R. Selvam.”

The statement further said that Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan held detailed discussions with the Chief Minister on various issues concerning the Union Territory, with particular emphasis on administrative and functional challenges affecting its effective functioning.

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The protest was led by CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, who strongly condemned the actions of the United States, describing them as a blatant violation of international law.

Addressing the media, Tarigami said the US has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. He demanded that the United States immediately send back the President of Venezuela and his wife to their country and issue an apology to the people of Venezuela and the world at large.

Tarigami termed the US action as unlawful and aggressive, stating that such interventions undermine global peace and sovereignty of nations. He said international norms and laws are being openly violated under the garb of geopolitical interests.

The CPI(M) leader said progressive and democratic forces across the world must raise their voice against such acts, warning that silence would only encourage further violations of international law.

Party workers participating in the protest raised slogans against US policies and called for respect for sovereignty, non interference and adherence to international legal frameworks. [KNT]

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Speaking to reporters, Rana said the Government of India would eventually have no option but to restore a united Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed claims made by a BJP MLA suggesting that Jammu could be carved out as a separate state, calling such assertions imaginary and misleading.

Rana said no such demand for a separate Jammu state has emerged from the Pir Panjal or Chenab regions. He maintained that people from these areas continue to identify with a united Jammu and Kashmir and have not raised any demand for bifurcation.

Highlighting the historical context, the minister said Jammu and Kashmir was once a full-fledged state, parts of which were later occupied by Pakistan and China, while Ladakh was subsequently separated. He expressed confidence that the political situation would change and that Ladakh would once again be part of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said history and ground realities cannot be altered permanently and asserted that the aspiration for unity among the people would ultimately prevail. [KNT]

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According to the statement released by the hospital, Sonia Gandhi was admitted around 10 p.m. on Monday after she experienced respiratory discomfort. Following a medical evaluation, doctors found that her bronchial asthma had been mildly exacerbated, largely due to the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing air pollution in the national capital.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman, Dr Ajay Swaroop, said that as a precautionary measure, she was admitted for observation and treatment.

“At present, her condition is absolutely stable. She is responding well to treatment and is being managed with antibiotics and other supportive medications,” the statement said.

The hospital further noted that her health parameters are being closely monitored by the medical team.

“A decision regarding her discharge will be taken by the treating physicians based on her clinical progress and is likely within the next day or two,” the statement said.

The update from the hospital is expected to allay concerns among party leaders and supporters, following reports of her hospitalisation late Monday night.

Sonia Gandhi turned 79 last December.

She attended the 140th Foundation Day of the Congress party on December 28, where a flag-hoisting ceremony took place at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi.

A day before, on December 27, Sonia Gandhi attended the Congress Working Committee’s meeting at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi.

The CWC unanimously pledged to fight the “conspiracy to turn rights into charity,” raising slogans of “Jai Samvidhan – Jai Hind.”

She had also issued a statement in December on the government passing the VB-G RAM G bill in parliament, launching a sharp attack on the Central government, accusing it of dismantling the rights-based legislative framework through its proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and other key laws.

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The calendars highlight prominent tourist destinations and tourism-related infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulating the concerned departments, the Chief Minister observed that such initiatives would contribute significantly to the promotion and wider publicity of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential.

“These calendars are not merely annual publications; they are visual narratives of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and evolving tourism infrastructure,” he observed.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the official website of the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir. The portal has been designed to publicise tourism events and destinations, maintain digital archives, and provide comprehensive information related to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The website also integrates useful links to Jammu Tourism, JKTDC, J&K Cable Car Corporation and other allied organisations, offering all relevant information on a single platform.

The Chief Minister said a modern, dynamic digital presence is crucial for effective outreach. “The new Tourism Kashmir website would be informative and will serve as a comprehensive, single-window platform for tourists and stakeholders alike,” he said.

Also, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Integrated Skiing Course at Gulmarg and Sonamarg, comprising two batches of 32 and 25 trainees respectively. He was informed that the basic skiing course has a duration of 14 days and is aimed for trainees in the age group of 12 to 18 years.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad, who is also MD JKCCC, Director Tourism Jammu Dr Vikas Gupta, Managing Director J&K Tourism Development Corporation Shreya Singhal, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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An official said the deceased has been identified as Haziq a resident of Kulgam, who had been staying at the hotel since last night.

Upon receiving information, police from Police Station Tangmarg rushed to the spot and took cognizance of the matter, they said.

The body has been taken for medico-legal formalities, while police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of death. (KNC)

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The protest call was linked to MBBS admissions at the SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence, with the Sangharsh Samiti alleging religious bias by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in the admission of non-Hindu students. The group has demanded rescission of the admission process or closure of the medical college, while also threatening escalation through signature campaigns and boycotts.

Officials said hundreds of police personnel, led by senior officers, were deployed outside the Civil Secretariat to prevent any law and order situation. A police official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that no protesters would be allowed to come anywhere near the Secretariat premises.

Leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti have also alleged misuse of shrine funds and have sought intervention from BJP leaders and the Lt Governor. Right wing organizations have raised objections to the admission process, attempting to project it as a contentious issue.

However, the government has categorically stated that all admissions at the medical college have been carried out strictly on the basis of merit and not on the basis of religion. Officials reiterated that the selection process follows prescribed norms and regulations applicable to medical admissions.

Authorities said the situation remained under control, with security arrangements put in place as a precautionary measure to maintain public order in the high security zone. [KNT]

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Officials said vehicular traffic was thrown open for even Heavy Motor Vehicles after road conditions improved, enabling smooth passage along the vital NH44, which serves as the primary all-weather link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Traffic is being allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar sides in a regulated manner to ensure safety.

Commuters were advised to follow lane discipline and adhere to traffic instructions while travelling on the highway, particularly at vulnerable stretches prone to weather related disruptions. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and traffic flow will be reviewed depending on prevailing conditions.

The reopening for HMV has brought relief to transporters, as the highway frequently faces interruptions during winter due to snowfall, rain and landslides. [KNT]

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Officials said fire service units responded to incidents in Srinagar, Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts. In Rawalpora Matipota area of Ajas in Bandipora, a cow shed was damaged in a fire incident, while dry grass caught fire near the Royal Spring Golf Course close to Lalit Ghat in Srinagar.

In Pehlipora area of Safapora in Ganderbal, a single storey GCI shed was affected by fire. Forest trees were damaged in a separate incident reported from Wazibagh in Char e Sharief area of Budgam. In Anantnag district, a chinar tree caught fire at Mandipora in Dooru, while another cow shed was damaged in Laditahwot area.

Officials said one room of a three storeyed residential house was affected by fire in Wazirbagh near LD Bagh in Srinagar. In Sheikhpora area of Sallar in Anantnag, a residential house was involved in a fire incident. Two hay stacks were gutted in Gujjar Basti area of Zainapora in Pulwama district.

Another incident involving a gas cylinder was reported from Soibugh in Budgam district, while a residential house caught fire in Kachloo area of Qaziabad in Kupwara.

An official said the timely response of Fire and Emergency Services personnel ensured that all fires were controlled swiftly, avoiding casualties and major property damage. No loss of life was reported in any of the incidents.

Meanwhile, Director General Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar urged people to strictly follow fire safety guidelines, ensure safe use of electrical appliances and gas cylinders, and report any fire incident immediately to the nearest fire station to minimize damage. [KNT

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Skipper Smagey Khajuria led from the front with a composed century, while Atharav Sharma remained unbeaten on 92 as J&K piled up 400 runs, taking a decisive 300-run first-innings lead.

The bowlers then completed the formalities, bundling Mizoram out for 118 in the second innings.
Left-arm spinner Sanil Singh and pacer Jaskaran Singh starred with the ball for J&K.

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