Two Terrorists Killed, Infiltration Bid Foiled In J&K’s Kupwara

by Hemanta Pande

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Two terrorists were killed on Thursday when the security forces foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Srinagar, July 18: Two terrorists were killed on Thursday when the security forces foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Officials said their bodies were yet to be retrieved.

The encounter broke out when the security forces challenged a group of infiltrating terrorists on the LoC in the sector.

Officials said that troops of 6 Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police had received intelligence inputs about the movement of terrorists along the LoC.

“The infiltrating terrorists were challenged by the security forces triggering an encounter during which two terrorists are likely to have been killed although their bodies are still to be retrieved. The operation against the terrorists is still going on in the area,” officials said.

More details were awaited.

In another encounter between the terrorists and the security forces in the Doda district earlier in the day, two soldiers were injured. The encounter was going on in the Kastigarh area of the district.

On July 14, three heavily armed terrorists were killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district when the Army foiled an infiltration bid by the terrorists.

It must be recalled that five security personnel, including four soldiers and a local policeman, were killed by the terrorists in an ambush in the Bhata Dessa area of the same district on July 16. (IANS)

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Process For Choosing Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Begins

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has started a process of selecting a leader for the post of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, which has been lying vacant for a few months following the general elections.

The AICC has entrusted Charan Das Mahanta, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader of Chhattisgarh, with the responsibilities of preparing a report on the organizational work and leadership regarding the Pradesh Congress Committee. He has been advised to coordinate with senior leader Meenakshi Nataranj and visit Odisha at the earliest.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has written to Charan Das Mahanta in this regard.

The PCC headed by Sarat Pattanaik was dissolved on July 21 after the dismal performance of the Congress in the general elections in Odisha. After that, the AICC formed a steering committee to manage party affairs in the State.

Delhi Chokes As Air Quality Deteriorates

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

New Delhi, Oct 18: Delhi's air quality is deteriorating rapidly and the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 293 on Friday.

In several parts of the national capital, the AQI has fallen into the 'severe' category, posing significant health risks. People are experiencing difficulty in breathing due to the hazardous air.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as of 9 a.m. on Friday, Delhi's average AQI stands at 293. Meanwhile, in the surrounding NCR areas, Faridabad recorded an AQI of 194, Gurugram 196, Ghaziabad 247, Greater Noida 296, and Noida 242.

In several parts of Delhi, the AQI levels are hovering between 300 and 400, indicating severe pollution. Notable areas include Wazirpur (379), Vivek Vihar (327), Shadipur (337), Rohini (362), Punjabi Bagh (312), Patparganj (344), Narela (312), Mundka (375), Jahangirpuri (354), Dwarka Sector 8 (324), Bawana (339), Anand Vihar (342), and Alipur (307).

Rahul, a Delhi resident sharing his concerns, stated that pollution levels have significantly risen in recent days. He expressed frustration, saying that every year, the government makes lofty promises to control pollution but no effective action is taken. He is experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and sore throat, prompting him to wear a mask while outdoors.

"Pollution has made it extremely hard to breathe," he said.

In order to curb increasing pollution, the Delhi government has implemented GRAP-1. Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai had a meeting with officials regarding the increasing pollution in Delhi. After this meeting, it was told that 99 teams would inspect the construction sites to check dust pollution. 200 anti-smog guns from PWD, 30 from MCD, 14 from NCRTC and 80 from DMRC will also be deployed.

Apart from this, the Delhi government has appealed to people not to burn crackers, and if any pollution-causing activities are done anywhere, then they should inform on the Green Delhi app.

--IANS

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Amitabh Bachchan Regrets Not Working With Meena Kumari

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Mumbai, Oct 18: In the upcoming episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 16’, Amitabh Bachchan reflected on his illustrious career and expressed a heartfelt regret about never having the opportunity to work with the legendary actress Meena Kumari.

Big B also reminisced about the actress Waheeda Rehman's iconic close-up in the film ‘Pyaasa’, which left a lasting impression on him. During a conversation with Vidya Balan and Kartik Aaryan, Amitabh voiced his regret at not having worked with Meena Kumari while discussing the 1962 cult movie ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.’ Big B said, “I never got the opportunity to work with Meena Kumari ji. In 'Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam,’ there’s a song - ‘Na jaao saiyaan’ where she performed so gracefully that I found myself watching her continuously. The art of sitting in one place quietly, singing the song and coupled with her radiance, the effects used to be marvellous.

They used to take long shots back then and I think that was the beauty of it all. Unlike today, every shot ends in just a few words. And Waheeda Rehman Ji, she is my absolute favourite actress.” Talking about Waheeda Rehman, the megastar spoke about how that particular shot in the song captured such exquisite emotion and artistry, truly showcasing her brilliance.

Amitabh shared, “What a beautiful shot it was; it took two or three takes to light up that close-up. These days, it all happens so quickly, but back then, it was never like that.” Big B’s anecdotes left Vidya Balan in awe as she exclaimed, “I would love to have been born in that era and be your heroine." Kartik then chimed in, saying, "Sir, I would love to be your heroine as well! (laughs).” The episode featuring ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ actors Kartik and Vidya will air on Sony TV on October 18.

--IANS

Two Terrorists Killed, Infiltration Bid Foiled In J&K’s Kupwara

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