Avalanche alert issued in areas of J&K; Avoid movement in high-risk areas

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 4, 2026 | top-stories

Authorities in Ganderbal have issued a 24-hour avalanche advisory, warning of medium-intensity avalanches above 2,400 meters and urging the public to stay alert and avoid high-risk zones.

The advisory states, “In view of the avalanche forecast indicating MEDIUM INTENSITY AVALANCHE above 2,400 meters in District Ganderbal for the next 24 hours, the general public is advised to remain highly vigilant.”

It further directs, “People are strictly advised to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas, including slopes, hilly terrain, and higher reaches, until further orders from competent authorities.”

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The order appeals to residents, tourists, and nomadic communities to follow the guidelines and cooperate with the administration for safety.

For emergencies, contact the 24×7 District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) at 0194-2416260, 0194-2416261, or 8493868773.

The advisory comes after a sudden weather shift from back-to-back Western Disturbances has paralyzed normal life in Kashmir and Leh, with 24 hours of relentless plains rainfall and mountain snowfall, and forecasts predict another 24 hours of the same.

Public inconvenience mounts alongside farmer worries, as the Met Department warns of avalanches and landslides, prompting district-wide alerts and travel advisories to shun non-essential trips amid waterlogged roads and closed high passes like Zojila, Sinthan Top, Mughal Road, and Razdan.

Jammu & Kashmir reels under severe conditions through April 10: 83% chance of heavy plains rain (Srinagar hardest hit), fresh higher-altitude snow, 40-50 km/h gusts, and hail. Ramban sector on NH-44 faces acute rockfall risks; Kulgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal, and Anantnag see 30% snowfall odds.

IMD Srinagar and Leh confirm two active systems fueling the onslaught till April 10, 2026, temperatures plunging 3-5°C through April 7-10. A fiercer second wave looms with moderate rain/snow, followed by gradual improvement but lingering light spells.

Farmers must halt spraying, sowing, and fertilizing to safeguard crops during this deluge. Authorities implore locals and tourists: stay put, heed advisories, prioritize safety.

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Tamil Nadu elections 2026: Annamalai reveals why he was left out of BJP’s candidate list

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 4, 2026 | top-stories

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Saturday clarified that he “wasn’t denied a ticket, but he chose not to contest” in the upcoming state polls. This comes a day after he was omitted from the BJP’s candidate list for the Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, reportedly, this clarification comes amid speculation that Annamalai did not get a ticket due to the party’s alliance with the AIADMK.

According to news agency ANI, briefing reporters at Chennai airport, Annamalai expressed gratitude to the party high command for respecting his decision, adding that he had already submitted a written communication stating that he would not contest from any constituency but would instead campaign for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

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“Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi visited Chennai. After completing his campaign in Puducherry, he is scheduled to meet party functionaries today. Following that, he will travel to Kochi to campaign in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance candidates. I had already informed the core committee in writing that I would not be contesting in any constituency. Therefore, it is not that I was denied a ticket the truth is that I chose not to contest the election,” Annamalai said.

“Since this has become a topic of discussion in the media, I am clarifying it here. When I did not express any interest in contesting, how could the leadership allocate me a ticket? If I had decided to contest, it wouldn’t have mattered which constituency I could have contested from anywhere. I am grateful to the BJP leadership for respecting my decision and giving me the opportunity to campaign in support of the NDA alliance candidates,” he further added.

Annamalai is known as “Singham” for his prior service as an IPS officer in Karnataka. He became a prominent face in the BJP after he was made Tamil Nadu state president in 2021. He worked to strengthen the party and led initiatives like the “En Mann, En Makkal” yatra ahead of the 2024 elections.

Tamil Nadu politics

The BJP and AIADMK had earlier split over remarks made by Annamalai on CN Annadurai.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested alone, increased its vote share to 11 per cent, but did not secure any seats.

Following this, Annamalai stepped down as state president and was succeeded by Nainar Nagendran. The AIADMK and BJP renewed their alliance in 2025.

BJP’s candidate list 2026

The saffron party released its first list of 27 candidates for the Tamil Nadu elections on Friday.

The release of the BJP’s first candidate list for the April 23, 2026, Tamil Nadu Assembly elections had sent shockwaves through the state’s political circles. K Annamalai, who was widely expected to lead the charge, was absent from the roster.

While senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan (Mylapore), Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore North), and Union Minister L Murugan (Avinashi) have been fielded, Annamalai’s name was nowhere to be found.

BJP-AIADMK alliance

The AIADMK, which leads the NDA bloc, will contest 169 of the 234 seats, while the BJP will contest 27 seats, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) 18, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) 11, Tamil Maanila Congress five, Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) one, and Puratchi Bharatham one seat.

Tamil Nadu election 2026

The main electoral contest in Tamil Nadu is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and the NDA led by AIADMK. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay will look to turn it into a three-way contest.

The state will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

(with ANI inputs)

Also read- BJP candidate list 2026: Party releases first list for Tamil Nadu election; Annamalai omitted

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‘Thorough and impartial’: Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha orders 7-day probe into Ganderbal encounter

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 3, 2026 | top-stories

The Jammu and Kashmir government, via an order from the Home Department on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has instructed the District Magistrate of Ganderbal to conduct a “thorough and impartial” magisterial inquiry into the killing during the encounter in Arahama, Ganderbal. The probe must be completed within seven days, with the report submitted to the Home Department.

The encounter (Op Arahama): The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps first launched a cordon-and-search operation, which was later joined by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the night of March 31, in the Arahama area of Ganderbal district. The Army said the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs about suspicious movement and possible terrorist presence. Initial firing occurred overnight, and on April 1, the Army announced that one terrorist had been neutralized and that some arms had been recovered.

The deceased was initially described as an “unidentified terrorist.” He was later identified by authorities as Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a 28-year-old local from the Chountwaliwar/Lar area in Ganderbal. His family confirmed the identity when police asked them to identify the body.

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The family has disputed the security forces’ claim, asserting that Rashid was a civilian with no links to terrorism.

Ajaz Ahmad, brother of the slain Rashid Ahmad Mughal, said that he had left home on Tuesday morning but did not return. “He left home in the morning and didn’t return. Yesterday, the local police asked us to identify the body, and it was found to be my brother,” he said.

Ajaz said that his brother had no links to terrorism. “We are shocked to hear this. He was totally innocent and was killed,” he said, adding that the clothes his brother was wearing when he left home were not the same as those he saw on Wednesday.

The family’s demands were backed by almost all regional political parties, including the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, while the BJP welcomed LG Sinha’s probe order.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for a “transparent and time-bound probe” with the facts made public, saying the family’s claims should not be dismissed lightly.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti also demanded a fair and impartial inquiry and alleged that the encounter was a “fake encounter.”

This magisterial inquiry ordered today is the government’s formal response to address these questions.

Magisterial probes like this are standard in Jammu and Kashmir for encounter-related deaths to establish facts and circumstances. In a post on X, the Office of the Jammu and Kashmir LG stated that the inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident to ensure that justice is served.

Later, an official probe order was issued. According to the order issued by the Home Department:

“Kindly refer to the encounter that took place at Arahama, Ganderbal, on 01.04.2026, resulting in the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal S/o Late Gull Zaman Mughal, R/o Chuntwaliwar Lar, Ganderbal.

The issue has been examined and, accordingly, you are requested to get a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry conducted into the matter to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal S/o Late Gull Zaman Mughal. The inquiry may be completed within a period of seven (07) days and the report be submitted to the Home Department.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K unit welcomed the decision of LG Sinha, saying it will clear the confusion, as the BJP believes in justice.

BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur said, “We welcome LG Sinha’s decision to order a probe into the encounter death. We (BJP) always believe in justice, and the time-bound probe will clear the picture.”

Police in Ganderbal have said they are verifying his background, including any possible terrorism record, while the Army has stood by its operational details.

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Mamata is no longer didi, she has become appi: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav in Bankura

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 2, 2026 | top-stories

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav captivated the crowds in West Bengal’s Bankura district on April 2. He urged both BJP workers and the general public to cast their votes in favor of the BJP. He noted that today marks the occasion for all their candidates in Bankura to file their nominations. He described this land as the sacred soil of Subhash Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, and the renowned sculptor Ramkinkar. He declared that today marks the ceremonial commencement of the election campaign. He asserted that everyone is distressed under Mamata Didi’s regime. He remarked, “Mamata is no longer ‘Didi’ (elder sister); she has become ‘Appi’ (a term implying a shift in allegiance/identity).” He added that this sentiment is now echoing across the entire nation.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that Mamata Didi is bent upon ceding the rights of the “Bengali manush” (people) to Bangladesh. Therefore, he argued, this is not merely an election, but a Dharma Yudh (righteous war). In this atmosphere, the mantra of “Shri Ram” is empowering them all. Today, in Bengal, the youth, women, the poor, and the farmers, everyone, have risen up to demand change. Everyone is fighting to uphold their honor, dignity, and pride. He asserted that today, no power on earth can prevent the BJP from attaining power in Bengal. He pointed out that under the 15-year rule of Mamata Didi in the Bankura district, people are being forced to migrate; some are heading to Odisha, others to Maharashtra, and some to Jharkhand. Currently, the youth of Bengal are being impoverished, while Bangladeshis are growing wealthy. He concluded by stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the world is witnessing the rise of India’s stature and prestige. Meanwhile, infiltrators are arriving from Bangladesh and encroaching upon their rights. There is no place in Bengal for the people of Bangladesh.

BJP poised to win

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Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the glow on your faces indicates that the results are imminent, and the BJP is poised to win. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are moving forward guided by the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas’ (Support of All, Development for All, Trust of All, and Efforts of All). Today, a sister belonging to a Scheduled Tribe occupies the office of the President of our country. This stands as a testament to the BJP’s policies and its method of functioning. The Leftists, the Congress, and Mamata’s party never accorded due importance to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only the BJP possesses the resolve to improve the lives of the poorest of the poor and to ensure they receive a permanent, concrete home. Today, the poor are receiving concrete houses and food rations. Furthermore, through the ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme, members of the SC and ST communities have received loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. As a result, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty.

Our country stands in a strong position

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav remarked that while the world is currently in turmoil, with the prices of petrol and diesel skyrocketing, our country is flourishing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Gone are the days when terrorists could carry out bombings in our metropolitan cities and escape unhindered; today, India penetrates deep into Pakistan’s territory to eliminate terrorists. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a man with a “56-inch chest,” the morale of our armed forces has soared. Recently, Mamata Didi added Muslim castes to the list of 77 communities eligible for OBC status, yet she excluded Hindus. I wish to ask: why engage in such reckless behavior merely for the sake of votes? Consequently, the people of Bengal have vowed to bring the BJP to power. The time has now come to bid farewell to Mamata Didi.

The time has come to settle scores

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asserted that the prevailing atmosphere clearly indicates that the BJP and only the BJP will emerge victorious. During Mamata Didi’s tenure, a massive teachers’ recruitment scam came to light, resulting in the cancellation of 26,000 appointments. Her administration was also marred by scandals involving the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme) and the MNREGA scheme. Mamata has done nothing but insult the Hindu community. By filing over 24,788 lawsuits, they have subjected our sisters to humiliation. The time has come to put an end to all these hardships. Now is the time to propel Bengal forward. Even before independence, Bengal was home to an abundance of talent. He remarked that it is a tragedy that, first the Communists and subsequently Mamata’s party have utterly ruined the state. Today marks the moment to settle the score. We are all prepared to stake our very lives to ensure a victory for the BJP. We must go door-to-door to every single household and work tirelessly, around the clock; we are determined to make the ‘Lotus’ bloom in Bengal and secure a victory for the BJP. We must not rest until every single vote has been cast in favor of the BJP.

Everyone troubled under Mamata’s rule

On the other hand, while speaking to the media, Chief Minister Yadav stated, “Today, I have traveled from Madhya Pradesh to the soil of Bengal, specifically to the Bankura district, to witness the filing of nomination papers by our five candidates. I am delighted by the atmosphere I observe among our party workers here; indeed, every single worker across this entire region is brimming with zeal and enthusiasm. The people of Bengal are deeply distressed by Mamata Didi’s government, particularly due to the manner in which Bangladeshi infiltrators have been encouraged and Hindus have been subjected to humiliation. Today marks the greatest opportunity within a democracy, the election, to settle all these scores. In this context, as the nation marches forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and as Home Minister Amit Shah spearheads action against all criminal elements, including infiltrators, the public sentiment is undoubtedly aligned with the BJP. Consequently, a BJP government will certainly be formed in Bengal. Today, our party or our allies govern in over 21 states; at such a juncture, this sacred temple of democracy, Bengal, calls for the blossoming of the Lotus. Let us all unite in wishing for a BJP victory; on my own behalf, I extend my congratulations to all five candidates who are filing their nomination papers today.”

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Jogindra Group’s Rs 1,100 crore investment to accelerate Punjab’s industrial growth and green energy push: Sanjeev Arora

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 2, 2026 | top-stories

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power, and Local Government, Sanjeev Arora, shared that Jogindra Group has announced a strategic expansion plan worth Rs 1,100 crore, giving a major boost to Punjab’s industrial growth and green energy transition. He stated that this investment reflects the growing confidence of the industry in Punjab’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment.

Sanjeev Arora said that this investment reflects the growing confidence of the industry in Punjab’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment. He detailed that the expansion includes Rs 700 crore investment in the steel sector, primarily through Jogindra Castings and Vardhman Adarsh, along with Rs 400 crore investment in renewable energy through Jogindra Green India.

Highlighting the scale of impact, Sanjeev Arora noted, “The Jogindra Group’s turnover is projected to increase from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore, while employee strength will rise from 1,800 to 3,000, creating significant employment opportunities. He added that renewable energy capacity will expand from 37 MW to 120 MW.”

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Providing background, he stated that established in 1992, Jogindra Group is a leading industrial conglomerate in North India with a strong presence in steel manufacturing and a growing footprint in renewable energy. “The Group is promoted by CMD Adarsh Garg along with Directors Sanjay Gupta and Nimit Gupta,” he added.

Emphasising the regional impact, Sanjeev Arora said that Mandi Gobindgarh has always been the backbone of Punjab’s steel industry. “Today, under Bhagwant Mann Government, it is regaining its strength with new investments, modernization, and a strong push towards cleaner and more efficient production. The expansion by Jogindra Group is a clear sign that Gobindgarh is once again becoming a growth engine for Punjab’s industrial economy.”

He further stated that Punjab continues to emerge as a preferred destination for both manufacturing and green energy investments, and that this Rs 1,100 crore investment will strengthen the industrial base, create substantial employment opportunities, and promote sustainable growth.

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment, the Minister said, “The AAP Government remains focused on providing a conducive ecosystem for industry, ensuring ease of doing business and encouraging environmentally responsible investments across Punjab.”

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Tight vigil in central Kashmir: Security forces intensify ops to clear Ganderbal’s forest area

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 1, 2026 | top-stories

Security forces have intensified counter-terror operations in central Kashmir after intelligence inputs indicated terrorist movement in the Arahama forest area of Ganderbal district. A cordon-and-search operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police led to an overnight gunfight, leaving one unidentified terrorist dead, while the operation continues amid heightened vigilance across key forest transit routes.

The Arahama forest area, which is currently being targeted by security forces, is a known transit route used by terrorists. After infiltrating from north Kashmir, often via the Kupwara and Baramulla sectors, terrorists use dense forests and rugged tracks in areas like Ganderbal to move toward central and south Kashmir.

Acting on specific intelligence about terrorist movement, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation on the evening of March 31. According to officials, the terrorists opened fire when they were challenged, triggering an overnight gunfight in which one unidentified terrorist was killed.

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The operation is still underway, with searches continuing for any other terrorists who may be trapped in the area. The encirclement of terrorists along this traditional transit route indicates that security forces are maintaining a tight vigil over forest corridors that have been used for years. It also reflects a growing focus on forested zones, which provide crucial connectivity for terrorist movement across Kashmir.

This follows a broader pattern, as the Arahama forests have long served as a transit corridor for terrorists moving from north Kashmir infiltration routes toward central and south Kashmir. Over the past three years, security forces have increasingly targeted such routes after terrorists shifted their modus operandi from urban areas to forested terrain.

Terrorist presence has largely been observed in forest regions, particularly in the Pir Panjal range, which connects to the Zabarwan hills in central Kashmir and the Shamsabari range in north Kashmir. More than 50 security personnel have lost their lives in attacks over the past three years, mainly in Rajouri, Poonch, Chatroo, and Doda in the Jammu region, as well as in Kokernag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, and Dachigam. In response, security forces have increased their presence, set up camps in forest areas, and are conducting operations regularly to make these regions free of terrorists.

Meanwhile, the Arahama forest area remains cordoned off, with searches ongoing in the forest terrain and nearby villages, including Haripora, Bonzla, and Yarmuqam. The identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorist have not yet been released, though arms and ammunition have been recovered. Details of the recovery have not been made public so far.

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