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Pak terrorists plan to target Amarnath yatra, sniper rifle & landmine found on route

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Pakistan army-backed terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the Amarnath yatra, the army said today (Friday, Aug 2), adding that a landmine with Pakistan ordnance factory markings and a sniper rifle were found on the route of the pilgrimage.

The Amarnath yatra has been suspended and the yatra route was being “sanitised for three days”, the army said.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps (also called the Chinar Corps)Lt General KJS Dhillon, addressing a joint press conference along with JK DGP Dilbag Singh and IG CRPF Zulfiqar Hasan, said, “In the last three-four days, there were confirmed intelligence reports that terrorists backed by Pakistan and its army is trying to disrupt Amarnath Yatra and based on that a thorough search was conducted. We had major successes in these searches.”

During searches, identities of terrorists were recovered, along with caches of arms, ammunition and explosives.Among the Army’s finds were a landmine with Pakistan ordnance factory markings and an M-24 American sniper rifle with a telescopic sight, he said.

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“We have eliminated most of the top leadership, but the job is still in progress,” he added.

“Pakistan and the Pakistan Army is desperate to disrupt peace in Kashmir Valley. I can assure you that this will not be allowed to happen,” he said. “No one can disrupt peace in Kashmir, this is our promise.”

Speaking about infiltration bids and ceasefire violations on the Line of Control, the Lt General said the situation is under control and “very much peaceful”.

Lt General Dhillon said that IED threats had increased in the last year with several attempts made to blow up security forces vehicles or installations. “There was a failed IED attempt in Banihal in June and on August 2, one of the army vehicles was targeted,” said Lieutenant General Dhillon adding that one IED expert Munna Lahori was killed by security forces last week.

In an appeal to mothers, Dhillon stated 83 per cent of terrorists have a record of stone-pelting. “Stone pelters are tomorrow’s terrorists,” he said, adding it is likely that terrorists will be eliminated within one year of picking up weapons.

Meanwhile, J&K government has advised tourists and Amarnath pilgrims to curtail their stay in the Valley, reports PTI. The state government issued an order in this regard.

DGP Dilbag Singh, on being asked about the increase in troop numbers in J&K, said: “We had been into a number of activities since last few months. Our troops that have been deployed did not get a chance to relax for a while.”

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He said that the state police is getting inputs that violence levels are likely to be increased by militants. “So, we’ve tried to strengthen grid on the ground. Also, we’ve been told that troops must get time to relax. This is time for turnover. But grid will be in as much active form as required,” he told ANI.

The Centre had deployed 10,000 personnel to the Valley last week to “strengthen CI grid as well as for maintaining law and order”. The deployment comprised of 50 companies of the CRPF, 30 companies from the SSB and 10 companies each from the BSF and the ITBP.

India News

PM Modi extends wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on Statehood Day, highlights their rich legacies

PM Modi and Vice President Dhankhar extended warm wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on their state formation day, acknowledging their vital role in India’s development.

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On the occasion of the State Formation Day of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conveyed heartfelt greetings to the citizens of the two states. The leaders lauded the states for their significant contributions to India’s development and for preserving their unique cultural heritage.

Maharashtra and Gujarat, both carved out of the former Bombay state in 1960, are now among the country’s most industrially advanced and prosperous regions.

Maharashtra praised for resilience and heritage

In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Maharashtra’s enduring contribution to India’s progress. “Maharashtra has always played a vital role in India’s development,” he said. He added that the state’s glorious past and the bravery of its people are a source of pride and inspiration.

Modi described Maharashtra as a pillar of national progress that remains firmly rooted in its cultural traditions. “My best wishes for the state’s progress,” he added, affirming his hopes for continued growth and development.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also recognized Maharashtra’s legacy of social reform, cultural richness, and economic influence, calling it a symbol of national pride.

Gujarat hailed for innovation and enterprise

Extending greetings to his home state, Prime Minister Modi praised Gujarat’s dynamism and spirit of enterprise. He emphasized the state’s achievements across diverse sectors and its growing reputation for innovation. “The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress,” he noted.

The vice president echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Gujarat’s association with national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He noted that the state’s tradition of leadership and resilience continues to shape the nation’s path forward.

As both Maharashtra and Gujarat observe their 64th Foundation Day, the leaders’ messages serve as a reminder of the states’ enduring impact on India’s political, social, and economic landscape.

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Gold sales shine bright on Akshaya Tritiya despite soaring prices

Akshaya Tritiya 2025 saw a significant jump in gold and silver sales, with festive sentiment overpowering price concerns as India’s jewellery market adapts to changing consumer behaviour.

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Gold price

Gold and silver purchases witnessed a vibrant start across India on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with festive enthusiasm overcoming the deterrent of high prices. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has projected a 35% rise in value terms for gold sales compared to last year, even though prices are significantly higher.

Regional footfall and demand trends

Retail activity gained early momentum in southern states, as consumers flocked to jewellery stores in the first half of the day. In contrast, northern regions and Maharashtra are expected to see increased activity later, as extreme heat delayed consumer turnout during morning hours.

Gold prices hovered between ₹99,500 and ₹99,900 per 10 grams in various regions — a sharp 37.6% jump from the previous year’s Akshaya Tritiya rate of ₹72,300. Despite the surge, shoppers re-entered the market, reassured by recent price stabilization.

Changing buyer profiles and strategies

GJC Chairman Rajesh Rokde noted that the tradition of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya, once dominant in the south, is now gaining traction nationwide. “Even younger consumers aged 25 to 40 are actively buying gold and silver,” he said, emphasizing a growing trend among millennial buyers.

Consumers are purchasing a mix of jewellery, coins, and bullion based on their budget and need. A significant portion of buyers are managing high prices through old gold exchanges — accounting for nearly 50% of all transactions, according to PNG Jewellers Chairman Saurabh Gadgil.

“Volume growth may be marginally down by 8–9%, but in value terms, we’re seeing an increase of 20–25%,” Gadgil explained, underlining the resilience of the jewellery market.

Market adapts with innovation

Studded jewellery is reportedly gaining popularity, especially in urban centers, while lab-grown diamonds are carving a niche among new-age buyers, according to industry executives from GSI India and Aukera.

The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation estimated around 12 tonnes of gold sales, worth approximately ₹12,000 crore, and 400 tonnes of silver, valued at ₹4,000 crore — totalling a massive ₹16,000 crore in expected festive turnover.

Long-term demand remains robust

Despite frequent price hikes over the past three years, India’s gold appetite has remained steady. The country continues to import between 700 and 800 tonnes annually, underscoring its status as the world’s largest gold consumer.

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India News

Bangladesh High Court orders release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on bail

The prosecutor’s killing fueled demands to ban ISKCON, which clarified that Das had been expelled from the organization six months prior.

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In a significant development, a Bangladesh High Court bench, comprising Justices Atoar Rahman and Ali Reza, granted bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, five months after his arrest on charges of disrespecting the national flag.

The court’s decision followed a final hearing on an earlier directive questioning why bail should not be granted, marking a turning point in a case that has stirred tensions and drawn international attention.

Das, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, a Hindu advocacy group, was detained on November 25, 2024, at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The charges stemmed from an October 31, 2024, case filed at Chattogram’s Kotwali police station, accusing Das and 18 others of defaming Bangladesh’s national flag. A Chattogram court rejected his initial bail plea, sending him to jail, a decision that sparked widespread protests among his supporters in Dhaka and beyond.

In Chattogram, demonstrations turned deadly when assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed hours after Das’ bail denial, escalating the controversy.

The case, unfolding less than three months after a student-led uprising toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, strained Bangladesh-India relations. Hasina’s flight to India and the subsequent interim government led by Muhammad Yunus intensified scrutiny.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs voiced concern on November 26, 2024, highlighting “multiple attacks on Hindus and minorities” in Bangladesh, including arson, looting, and temple desecration. “It’s unfortunate that a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful means faces charges while perpetrators of violence remain free,” the MEA stated, urging Bangladesh to protect its minority communities.

Das’ legal team, led by former Deputy Attorney General Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya and 11 Supreme Court lawyers, argued the flag disrespect charge was baseless, asserting the item in question was not a national flag.

“This case lacks legal grounding,” Bhattacharya told reporters in January. Earlier bail attempts, including a plea for an advanced hearing on December 11, 2024, were rebuffed, with the court sticking to a January 2, 2025, date. Associates claimed Das faced obstacles securing legal representation due to intimidation from a “politically motivated lawyers’ group.”

The prosecutor’s killing fueled demands to ban ISKCON, which clarified that Das had been expelled from the organization six months prior.

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