Day: December 29, 2023

  • Defence Secretary inaugurates new design & test facility at HAL’s AERDC Bangaluru.

    Defence Secretary inaugurates new design & test facility at HAL’s AERDC Bangaluru.

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    SHYAM SOOD 

    RAJOURI(NEW DELHI)DEC 29:–Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane on Friday inaugurated the new state-of-the-art facility, a new design and test facility at Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
    The AERDC is currently involved in the design and development of several new engines.
    Two strategic engines include – Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE) of 25 kN thrust for powering trainers, UAV’s, twin engine small fighter aircraft or regional jets and Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE) of 1200 kN thrust for powering light and medium weight helicopters (3.5 to 6.5 tonnes in single/ twin engine configuration).
    The new state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 10,000 sq. meters, houses special machines, advanced setups leveraging on computational tools, in-house fabrication facility and two test beds for testing HTFE-25 and one testbed each for testing HTSE-1200 and upcoming JV engine for IMRH to be co-developed by Safran, France and HAL.
    In addition, the newly developed facility has set-ups for testing Air producer of Jaguar, Gas
    Turbine Starter Unit (GTSU) – 110 M2 and 127E of Light Combat Aircraft, Auxiliary Power Units of Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG)-60 for An-32 aircraft.
    Set-ups to carry out various critical tests for engine components and Line Replacement
    Units (LRUs) have also been established within the new facility.
    Hailing HAL’s work the Defence Secretary said; “The government trusts the capability of the Defence PSU to deliver and make the country self-reliant. Manufacturing sector is the future of the country and in the coming decades, the HAL should focus on mastering technologies for all types of aircraft.Think ahead as the entire paradigm of warfare is changing,”.
    Highlighting the role of unmanned aircraft in future warfare, the Defence Secretary encouraged the HAL to collaborate with other private companies to develop new platforms.
    He inspected the manufacturing range of various engines and test beds and paid a visit to HAL’s Aerospace Division.
    Chairman & Managing Director (Addl. Charge) of HAL Shri CB Ananthakrishnan said: “The development of this facility marks a key milestone in HAL’s growth trajectory. It is a testimony of our commitment towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in aero-engine design and development.”
    The Centre, established in the 1960s, holds the unique distinction of being the only design house that has developed test beds for engines of both Western and Russian origin.
    The Centre has successfully developed & certified PTAE-7 engine, the first indigenous turbojet engine of India powering Lakshya (Unmanned Aircraft), Gas Turbine Electrical Generator GTEG-60 for starting An-32 aircraft, Air starter ATS 37 & Air producer for starting Adour-Mk 804E/811 on Jaguar Aircraft and Shakti engine for powering ALH to support Ad804/811 engine of Jaguar aircraft.

  • Jammu And Kashmir 2023 | SC Nod To Article 370 Abrogation, Key G20 Meet In Valley

    Jammu And Kashmir 2023 | SC Nod To Article 370 Abrogation, Key G20 Meet In Valley

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    SRINAGAR DECEMBER 29:–It was a momentous year for Jammu and Kashmir as the Supreme Court gave its stamp of approval to the revocation of its special status and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories, and the Narendra Modi-led government scored a diplomatic victory by holding a key G20 meeting in Kashmir Valley.

    However, another year has passed by without elections being held for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly while urban local body and panchayat polls, which were due this winter, have been put off for the time being.

    The BJP-ruled Centre got a massive shot in arm when a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court upheld the government’s decision taken in August 2019 on Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.

    Regional parties like the National Conference, which was one of the petitioners against the Article 370 abrogation before the Supreme Court, and the PDP have vowed to carry on the struggle for the restoration of special status.

    “We don’t have to lose heart. We will continue our struggle. The Supreme Court is not God. The same Supreme Court had earlier said that Article 370 cannot be amended without recommendation of (Jammu and Kashmir) constituent assembly. They were also learned judges. Today some other judges passed the ruling. We cannot treat it as God’s verdict,” PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said after the December 11 verdict of the apex court.

    “An unconstitutional and illegal act that took place in Parliament was declared legal. It is nothing less than a death sentence not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the idea of India,” Mufti said.

    National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said his party is prepared for the long haul.
    “I am disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. We are also prepared for the long haul,” Abdullah said on the Supreme Court decision.

    Ghulam Nabi Azad, a former chief minister and the chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), termed the Supreme Court verdict “sad and unfortunate” but said everyone has to accept it “with a heavy heart”.

    “We did not expect this decision. We were thinking that the Supreme Court will consider the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and also the historical background under which Article 370 was incorporated into the Constitution. That was our hope but unfortunately that has not happened,” Azad said.

    Surprisingly, there was no response to the Supreme Court decision from the general public who went on with their lives as usual after the verdict was declared.
    While the BJP understandably celebrated the verdict, the party had earned some brownie points by holding a key G20 meeting on tourism in Srinagar as most member states had some form of representation at the event.

    The hosting of the G20 event also proved to be a major tailwind for development works in Kashmir as Srinagar was transformed with several new landmarks added to the city.

    The historic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) at Lal Chowk got a major facelift as the town square has become a popular tourist attraction.

    The Jhelum Bund walkway has added options for the city dwellers for an evening outing while electric buses and e-rickshaws have been introduced with the aim of combating pollution and providing ease of transportation.

    While there were a lot of positives including vast improvement in the general security situation in Kashmir, delay in holding elections to various bodies has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
    Assembly elections were last held in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014 and are long overdue as four years have passed since the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was passed by Parliament. The panchayat and local body polls were last held in 2018 and were due in November-December this year. However, these elections have also been deferred without any explanation being offered by the administration.

    Although the security situation in the valley improved during the year, terrorists carried out targeted attacks on minority community members and security forces, both off-duty and on-duty.

    The year began with terrorists killing four civilians in Dhangri area of Rajouri on January 1 while two more civilians died in the same area in an IED explosion on the same day.

    The border districts of Poonch and Rajouri saw some major terrorist attacks this year, in which more than 15 soldiers and six civilians were killed. The attacks took place at Bhatta Durain (April 20), Kesari Hills (May 5) and Dera Ki Gali (December 21).
    There were terrorist attacks in Kashmir valley as well. A Colonel, a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were killed in an encounter with terrorists in Kokernag area of Anantnag district. Police Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani died after being attacked by a terrorist when he was playing cricket at Eidgah ground in Srinagar.

    A retired senior superintendent of police was shot dead by terrorists when he was reciting ‘azaan’ inside a mosque in Baramulla district this month. (Agencies)

  • VBSY: IEC Van Traverses through panchayats of block Darhal, Thanamandi, Manjakote, Plangarh & Budhal Old

    VBSY: IEC Van Traverses through panchayats of block Darhal, Thanamandi, Manjakote, Plangarh & Budhal Old

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, DECEMBER 29: — Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) is gaining momentum in Rajouri, driving the implementation of various government schemes and bringing about comprehensive development in the district. This initiative aims to transform Rajouri by reaching underserved areas and ensuring the effective execution of government programs, thereby improving the lives of its residents.

    To effectively communicate and create awareness about these initiatives, an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) van has been deployed as an essential part of the Yatra. This mobile communication platform has played a crucial role in engaging with local communities and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to benefit from government schemes.

    The VBSY has achieved remarkable success in implementing various government schemes in Rajouri District. These schemes, designed to enhance the quality of life and provide essential services, have been executed with exceptional efficiency on the ground. As a result, the community has experienced tangible benefits and witnessed positive changes in their daily lives.

    Today, the VBSY IEC van traveled through the panchayats of Chowkian-C, Thanamang-C, Mangota-B, Alal, Dhoke, Azmatabad, Dreari, Deri Ralyote-Lower, Deri Ralyote Upper, Galhuti Lower, Dodasan Lower, Dodasan Ramote, Jaglanoo, Mohra-A, Draj-B and Draj-A of Darhal, Thanamandi, Manjakote, Plangarh and Budhal Old block of Rajouri district.

    The impact of the Yatra can be seen in improved access to healthcare, education, and basic amenities, as well as the overall progress of Rajouri District. This initiative has been meticulously planned and executed to align with the core objective of holistic development, leaving a lasting and positive impact on the community.

    The VBSY represents progress and collaboration, embodying the spirit of Viksit Bharat Sankalp. By bringing government schemes to the grassroots level and ensuring comprehensive coverage, it has created a platform for empowerment and upliftment. This transformative journey in Rajouri District stands as an exemplary model of effective governance, community engagement, and collective determination to build a better and prosperous India.

  • DC Rajouri discusses execution plan for proposed projects : Asks stakeholders to expedite process for seeking forest Clearances

    DC Rajouri discusses execution plan for proposed projects : Asks stakeholders to expedite process for seeking forest Clearances

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, DECEMBER 29 :-– Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal chaired a pivotal meeting today with the members of the District Level Committee. The primary agenda of the meeting was to address and resolve issues pertaining to forest clearances, crucial for the seamless execution of different developmental projects in the region.

    During the meeting, each member of the District Level Committee shared insights and updates on the status of the projects requiring forest clearances. After a threadbare discussion, the District Level Committee successfully cleared five cases related to forest clearances.

    The committee members thoroughly examined each case, considering the environmental impact, feasibility, and community benefits associated with these projects. The clearance of these cases signifies a significant milestone in the development of the region, as it paves the way for the timely implementation of these projects, bringing tangible progress and prosperity to the people of Rajouri.

    Deputy Commissioner emphasized the significance of timely and efficient resolution of issues related to forest clearances. Recognizing the pivotal role of these clearances in the successful implementation of developmental projects, he directed the officers present to actively follow up on pending cases and expedite the resolution process.

    In his directives to the officers, the DC underscored the need for a proactive approach and directed the officers to maintain a close coordination with all concerned departments and work towards a swift resolution of pending cases.

    The commitment of the district administration to expeditious resolution and streamlined processes reflects its dedication to promoting sustainable development in the region.

    The district administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that developmental bottlenecks are addressed promptly, facilitating an environment conducive to the efficient implementation of developmental initiatives that directly contribute to the welfare of the residents.

    The meeting was attended by the DFO Rajouri, Arshdeep Singh; DFO Nowshera, Sateyendra Maurya; CPO Mohammad Khurshid; ACD, Vijay Kumar; EXEN REW, Zahir Khan; EXEN PWD(R&B) Rajouri, Sardar Khan and other concerned officers.

  • Deputy Commissioner Rajouri discusses District Export Action Plan

    Deputy Commissioner Rajouri discusses District Export Action Plan

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, DECEMBER 29 :-– Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, today presided over a significant meeting of the District Level Export Promotion Committee. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the district export action plan (DEAP) for Rajouri district, which had been prepared by the Jammu and Kashmir trade promotion Organization J&K (JKTPO).

    The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the General Manager DIC Rajouri, who served as the Convener of the District Level Export Promotion Committee. He cordially greeted all the committee members and provided an overview of the agenda of the meeting.

    The Deputy Commissioner Rajouri directed the concerned officers to thoroughly review the draft export action plan and promptly submit the relevant data concerning their respective departments. This information was crucial for the inclusion of accurate and comprehensive details in the draft action plan.

    The discussions during the meeting were focused on formulating a comprehensive and effective district export action plan. Various strategies, initiatives, and measures were deliberated upon to enhance and streamline the export processes and activities in Rajouri district. The committee members shared their valuable insights, expertise, and recommendations to ensure that the action plan aligns with the district’s objectives and requirements.

    Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal emphasized the importance of cooperative efforts and coordination among all stakeholders involved in the export sector. He highlighted the need for synergy between government departments, financial institutions, trade organizations, and exporters to create a conducive environment for promoting exports. The Deputy Commissioner also stressed the significance of harnessing the unique resources, capabilities, and potential sectors of the district to maximize export opportunities and generate economic growth.

    In conclusion, the meeting served as a platform for fruitful discussions and collaborations aimed at revamping and approving the district export action plan. The collective efforts of the committee members, along with the support and guidance of concerned authorities, are poised to bolster the export potential of Rajouri district, contributing to its economic progress and prosperity.

    Among the others who attended the meeting were the Chief Planning Officer Mohammad Khurshid, Chief Agriculture Officer Sohan Singh, Chief Horticulture Officer Madan Lal; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr Khalid Hussain; Lead District Manager Sanjeev Bhasin, Project Officer DIC Abid Hussain and other concerned officers.