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Jammu & Kashmir: Railways introduces Vande Bharat, tailored for winter conditions in UT, for Katra-Srinagar route

By establishing a more effective connection between the Kashmir Valley and the national railway network, the train symbolizes India’s commitment to reducing geographical and economic disparities, according to a press statement from the Railways.

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The Railway Board has introduced a Vande Bharat Express train specifically designed to tackle the harsh winter conditions of Jammu & Kashmir, intended for the forthcoming Katra-Srinagar rail route. This route is currently undergoing inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, according to officials.

Housed at the Shakurbasti coaching depot in New Delhi, the train boasts specialized climate-related features, as reported by the Railways. Railway officials detailed these features during a press briefing, noting that this train includes several enhancements compared to the other 136 Vande Bharat Express trains operating across the country, allowing it to effectively address the operational challenges and passenger comfort during extreme weather conditions in Jammu & Kashmir.

Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, explained, “It is equipped with advanced heating systems that prevent the freezing of the water tank and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for the vacuum system and laboratories, and ensure the air-brake system operates efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures.” He also mentioned that the train features embedded heating elements in the windshield to automatically defrost the driver’s front lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility in severe winter conditions.

In addition to these climate adaptations, the train maintains all the amenities found in existing Vande Bharat trains, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets. By establishing a more effective connection between the Kashmir Valley and the national railway network, the train symbolizes India’s commitment to reducing geographical and economic disparities, according to a press statement from the Railways.

On January 6, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed concerns about potential negative impacts in Jammu following the upcoming launch of direct rail services between Kashmir and the rest of the country. He assured that his government would work to ensure that the region reaps significant benefits from the long-awaited project.

Speaking at an event in Jammu connected to the virtual inauguration of the Jammu railway division by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah remarked on the positive news of the trial train’s arrival from Srinagar to Katra, expressing hope for the imminent inauguration by the Prime Minister.

However, he acknowledged some apprehensions among the locals regarding the rail service, particularly in Jammu. He noted, “It is often said that when the rail service reached Jammu from Pathankot (Punjab), conditions in Pathankot became somewhat challenging. Similarly, there are concerns in some areas that if trains start operating directly from Jammu to Kashmir, the situation in Jammu could mirror what happened in Pathankot.”

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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