THE HEADLINES:
• Relief and rescue operations in full swing in landslides and cloud burst affected areas of Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir; Three people killed and over 100 rescued.
• Heavy snowfall and sleet lash Ladakh region, prompting Leh Hill Council to issue high alert for all emergency services.
• In Canada, Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, vandalised with Pro-Khalistan graffiti.
• Russia and Ukraine exchange largest number of prisoners since beginning of conflict.
• And, In Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships, India kick off their campaign with two dominant wins on the opening day in Jordan.
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In Jammu & Kashmir, relief and rescue operations are underway since last night as roads are closed down due to landslides following cloud burst in Seri Bagna area of Ramban district in Jammu region. Three people were killed in the incident including two children and one old aged person. More that 100 people have been rescued.
“There have been heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and gusty winds throughout last night in the Ramban region and the surrounding areas. The landslides and flash floods destroyed many properties in Ramban and also some vehicles along Srinagar Jammu National Highway in Ramban area. The historic Mughal Road, the alternate National Highway which connects twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch of Jammu division with the Shopian district in Kashmir valley has been reopened for vehicular traffic. The highway was opened only for light motor vehicles travelling from Poonch towards Shopian. However, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Srinagar-Sonmarg-Gumri Road, and Sinthan Road continue to remain closed due to prevailing weather and road conditions. Travelers are urged to stay updated through official channels for real-time information. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed grief over the loss of lives and properties. Omar Abdullah said that for now, the focus remains on managing the situation on the ground. He added that Citizens are advised to follow travel advisories and avoid non-essential movement in vulnerable areas. With N. Gulshan Raina’s report this is Nabanita Adhikari, Akashvani News.”
Speaking to the media, Jammu Deputy SSP informed, that NDRF and SDRF teams are conducting a joint operation to restore normalcy in the region.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad tomorrow.
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In Ladakh, the weather conditions have turned hazardous, with incessant snowfall and sleet since yesterday paralyzing normal life. Road transport as well as air connectivity have remained affected causing inconvenience to people and tourists.
“School Education Department has directed all the Government and Private run Educational Institutions across the Union Territory of Ladakh to remain closed for three days from tomorrow due to the inclement weather. As per the Reports from Traffic authorities, Srinagar – Leh National Highway will also remain closed for the third consecutive day tomorrow due to snow accumulation. As per reports from Met Center Ladakh, there is a possibility of light snowfall at few places also cloudy at other places tomorrow. It has advised to people, tourists and concern to remain alert for next 24 hours. People have also advised to shift at safer places till weather improves. The bad weather has created havoc across the UT of Ladakh, damaging recently blossom apricot flowers, uprooted the trees, Electric Poles. All the scheduled flights to Ladakh were also cancelled today due to bad weather conditions in Leh. For Akashvani News, This is Yangchan Dolma From Leh, Ladakh.”
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The Bharatiya Janata Party today launched a nationwide campaign- ‘Waqf Sudhar Janjagaran Abhyan’ to spread awareness about the benefits of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The campaign will continue till the 5th of next month. Under the campaign, the BJP leaders and workers will visit Muslim communities and make them aware about the amended act.
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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge today alleged that the Waqf Amendment Act has been brought by the BJP to create division among communities. Addressing a public meeting at Dalsagar Khel Maidan in Buxar, Mr. Kharge alleged that the new Waqf Act is a conspiracy to create rift in the society. Mr. Kharge claimed that the people of Bihar would reject the NDA alliance in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
On the other hand, the BJP has countered this allegation of the Congress leader. BJP State President Dr. Dilip Jaiswal said Mr. Kharge is trying to mislead people. He said Bihar has got a package of 3 lakh crore rupees for development.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Jeddah on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to Saudi Arabia’s commercial hub in over four decades. The high-profile visit underscores the remarkable transformation of India-Saudi relations from modest beginnings to a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning economic, defense, and cultural dimensions.
“Saudi Arabia stands as India’s fifth largest trade partner, while India ranks as Saudi Arabia’s second largest trade partner. During the financial year 2023-24, bilateral trade flourished with India’s imports from Saudi Arabia reaching US $31.42 billion and exports to Saudi Arabia valued at US $11.56 billion. Saudi Arabia is also a key partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, an ambitious multimodal connectivity project. Indian Ambassador to The kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan talks to Akashvani news on this. Both countries are also accelerating talks on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, aiming to further deepen economic integration and mutual growth. This is Vinod Kumr, Akashvani News, Jeddah.”
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In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav today released two cheetahs, named ‘Prabash’ and ‘Paavak,’ into the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur. On this occasion, he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bestowed the pride of transforming Madhya Pradesh, known as the Tiger State, into a Cheetah State as well. Dr. Yadav also informed that four more cheetahs will arrive from Botswana next month.
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In Canada, a prominent gurdwara in Vancouver was vandalized with pro-Khalistan graffiti overnight, sparking outrage among the local Sikh community. The incident occurred at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara, commonly known as the Ross Street Gurdwara. The gurdwara administration shared images on the platform X, showing the word “Khalistan” spray-painted in several locations.
In a statement, the Khalsa Diwan Society condemned the act, describing it as a deliberate attempt to spread fear and division within the community. It said that a few extremists are undermining the dreams and sacrifices of our elders, who worked tirelessly to build a thriving community in a country that celebrates diversity and freedom.
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The festival of Easter is being celebrated across the world today. It signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion and death at Calvary on Good Friday. Reports of Easter celebrations have been received from different parts of the country and abroad.
In Goa, Easter Vigil services were conducted across Churches, Chapels, and Catholic institutions to celebrate the occasion.
“Easter Vigil services were conducted across Churches, Chapels, and Catholic institutions throughout the State of Goa, as Christians came together in joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Saturday night. At the St. (जूआओ फकुंडो) João Facundo Church in Corlim (खोरली) village, the faithful gathered in large numbers to attend the solemn Easter midnight Mass — considered one of the most important liturgical services in the Roman Catholic Church calendar. The sacred service included multiple readings from the Holy Bible, the blessing of the baptismal water, and the renewal of baptismal vows — profound moments that reflect the core of Christian faith and renewal. ” As candles flickered and voices lifted in song, the Easter celebrations in Goa stood as a beacon of light — a reminder of faith, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. This is Mahesh Chopade for Akashvani Panaji.”
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In the USA, thousands of protesters took to the streets across the nation, in the second wave of protests against President Donald Trump this month. As per the media reports, the protesters decried Trump’s recent actions and labeled them as a threat to the fundamental democratic principles. Known as 50-50-1, for 50 protests, 50 states and 1 movement”, the demonstrations coincided with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
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Russia and Ukraine have conducted the largest prisoner exchange of the war today since the beginning of the conflict between both nations in February 2022. This happened during a short Easter ceasefire declared by Putin. Around 500 soldiers were freed, including some who were injured. The United Arab Emirates helped broker this deal. This exchange took place while peace talks between the two countries remain stalled.
“The ceasefire provided a brief pause in hostilities, allowing both sides to focus on humanitarian efforts. The release of prisoners is seen as a positive step, even though it does not resolve the ongoing conflict. Both nations have been engaged in a prolonged and difficult war. Many families are relieved to have their loved ones back home. The exchange has brought some hope to those affected by the conflict. However, the larger issues between Russia and Ukraine remain unresolved, with peace talks showing little progress. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of breaking the 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has continued attacking Ukraine despite announcing a unilateral Easter truce. With Sanjio’s report, Manal Saeed for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Global crude oil prices rose about five percent, registering their first weekly gain in three weeks. Brent Crude futures settled at 67 dollars and 96 cents per barrel while WTI Crude closed at 64 dollars and 68 cents per barrel.
This rise in prices can be attributed to President Trump’s new sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports, as well as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ plan to implement further output cuts.
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India kicked off their campaign at the Asian U-15 and U-17 Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan, with two dominant wins on the opening day. Hardik Dahiya, in the 43 kg category, and Rudraksh Singh, in the 46 kg category, secured commanding victories in the preliminary round, marking a strong start for the Indian team.
This tournament is the first to be organized by Asian Boxing, under the endorsement of both the Olympic Council of Asia and the newly formed World Boxing.
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In IPL T20 Cricket, Chennai Super Kings were at 170 for 5 in 19.3 overs against Mumbai Indians in Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Mumbai won the toss and elected to bowl first. Chennai Super Kings are at the bottom of the table while Mumbai Indians are at seventh position in the table.
Earlier in the day, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings by seven wickets in Chandigarh. Chasing a target of 158 runs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved the victory in 18.5 overs.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
• Relief and rescue operations in full swing in landslides and cloud burst affected areas of Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir; Three people killed and over 100 rescued.
• Heavy snowfall and sleet lash Ladakh region, prompting Leh Hill Council to issue high alert for all emergency services.
• In Canada, Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, vandalised with Pro-Khalistan graffiti.
• Russia and Ukraine exchange largest number of prisoners since beginning of conflict.
• And, In Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships, India kick off their campaign with two dominant wins on the opening day in Jordan.
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