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Landslides triggered by incessant rain blocked the Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Tuesday as the <keyword id="69026" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meteorological-department">meteorological department</keyword> forecast more rain and snow during the next 24 hours. "Moderate to heavy rain is likely to continue today. Light rainfall is expected at many places on March 24 as well, and thereafter the weather is expected to improve," an official of the <keyword id="6385793" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="met-department">MET department</keyword> said. Authorities have announced closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway due to landslides triggered by rain in the Ramban-Ramsoo sector. <keyword id="41568" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Srinagar">Srinagar</keyword> recorded 4.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 3.2 and <keyword id="108228" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gulmarg">Gulmarg</keyword> minus 0.9 as the minimum temperature of the day. Leh town of Ladakh had minus 1.5, Kargil minus 1.6 and Drass minus 3.4 as the night's lowest temperature. Jammu city had 14.9, Katra 13.2, Batote 6.1, Banihal 5.8 and Bhaderwah 5.6 as the minimum temperature. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/adani-green-energy-share-price-hit-upper-circuit-after-the-company-adds-two-renewable-energy-projects-to-its-kitty/articleshow/81627604.cms">Adani Green Energy shares hit upper circuit after the company adds two renewable energy projects to its kitty</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/kishore-biyani-vs-amazon-future-retail-gets-a-breather-for-now-as-delhi-high-court-gives-the-company-time-until-the-supreme-court-hearing/articleshow/81627752.cms">Future Retail gets a breather for now as Delhi High Court gives the company time until the Supreme Court hearing – markets celebrate the order</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/india-electric-vehicle-startups-charge-up-with-funding-as-ev-sales-go-up/articleshow/81643839.cms">India’s electric vehicle startups charge up with funding as everyone from the government to Mukesh Ambani and Elon Musk have their eyes on the sector</a>

Srinagar-Jammu national highway blocked as heavy rains lead to landslides

<keyword id="41568" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Srinagar">Srinagar</keyword>, Kashmir was cut off from rest of the country on Monday as the arterial <keyword id="720343" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-Srinagar">Jammu-Srinagar</keyword> national highway and Mughal road were closed due to snowfall across the valley, leaving nearly 4500 vehicles stranded. "The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is closed due to accumulation of snow at many places, especially around <keyword id="924005" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jawahar-tunnel">Jawahar Tunnel</keyword>," an official of the traffic control department said. He said snow clearance operations were in full swing and efforts were on to restore movement of stranded vehicles along the 260 kilometre road. The official said nearly 4500 vehicles, mostly trucks carrying essentials to the valley, are stranded along the highway at various places. Mughal Road, which connects the valley to <keyword id="6357972" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="jammu">Jammu</keyword> division through Shopian-Rajouri axis, has been closed for several days due to heavy snowfall in the region. The officials said south Kashmir's Kulgam district received highest snowfall with two to three feet of snow accumulated at some places. Anantnag district has also received heavy snowfall between one foot and two feet, they said. The flight operations to and from Srinagar remained suspended for second consecutive day due to poor visibility, the officials said. The <keyword id="6437100" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="minimum-temperature">minimum temperature</keyword> improved in most places in the valley due to the snowfall but still stayed below the freezing point, the officials said. Srinagar city -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- recorded a low of minus 0.9 degrees Celsius -- up from the previous night's minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, they said. The minimum temperature in Gulmarg tourist resort remained unchanged at minus 5 degrees Celsius on Sunday night compared to a night earlier. Pahalgam tourist resort, which also serves as a base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 6.7 degrees Celsius - plunging from minus 1.45 degrees Celsius on the previous night, the officials said. Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kupwara, in the north, minus 0.3 degrees Celsius and Kokernag, minus 1.4 degrees Celsius. The MET Office said moderate to heavy snowfall, with isolated very heavy snowfall, was most likely to take place, especially in south Kashmir, Gulmarg, Banihal-Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Kistawar and Zanskar, Drass as well as on the higher reaches of Ladakh UT, over two days from Monday. "Overall, the snowfall will continue from Sunday to Tuesday forenoon with the occasional break. This may lead to the disruption of surface and air transportation, water-logging in plains of Jammu and Srinagar cities," the MET Office said. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' -- the 40-day harshest winter period when a cold wave grips the region and the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies including the famous Dal Lake here as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the valley. The chances of snowfall are the most frequent and maximum during this period and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall. While 'Chillai-Kalan' - which began on December 21 -- will end on January 31, the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-beml-hcl-tech-infosys-tech-mahindra-tcs-ril-tata-motors-hero-moto-tvs-and-others/articleshow/80089765.cms">Top stocks to watch — BEML, HCL Tech, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, TCS, RIL, Tata Motors Hero Moto, TVS, and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/checkout-upcoming-new-cars-in-year-2021/slidelist/80025993.cms">Upcoming new cars in India in 2021 of Maruti, Tata, MG, Audi</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/questions-arise-about-jack-ma-whereabouts-as-alibaba-faces-scrutiny-from-the-chinese-government/articleshow/80090457.cms">Where is Jack Ma? Questions arise about the billionaire’s whereabouts as Alibaba faces scrutiny from the Chinese government</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/big-money-chasing-bitcoin-takes-the-cryptocurrency-to-a-new-record-high-of-34000/articleshow/80090730.cms">Big money chasing Bitcoin takes the cryptocurrency to a new record high of $34,000</a>

Jammu-Srinagar national highway and Mughal road closed due to snowfall

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended on Saturday after <keyword id="6385438" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="heavy-rains">heavy rains</keyword> triggered <keyword id="57043" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Landslides">landslides</keyword> along the Ramban-Ramsoo stretch, officials said. The authorities concerned said that the restoration work on the highway will resume once the rain stops completely. "Landslide debris clearance will start as soon as the rain stops." Meanwhile, the <keyword id="69026" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meteorological-department">Meteorological department</keyword> (MeT) has forecast more rain in J&amp;K in the next 24 hours. A statement issued by the MeT office added: "Light to moderate rain on plains and snow on higher reaches of J&amp;K is expected during the next 24 hours". SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-export-passwords-from-lastpass/articleshow/81221242.cms">How to export passwords from LastPass</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-signal-and-telegram-face-a-catch-22-situation-as-indias-new-social-media-rules-threaten-encryption/articleshow/81221070.cms">Whatsapp, Signal and Telegram face a catch-22 situation as India’s new social media rules threaten encryption</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/india-saw-the-birth-of-two-new-unicorns-this-week-both-their-valuations-have-swelled-multiple-times-in-just-a-few-months/articleshow/81221476.cms">India saw the birth of two new unicorns this week – both their valuations have swelled multiple times in just a few months</a>

Landslides close down Jammu-Srinagar highway

<ul><li>The 270-km highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was blocked by landslides at Trishul Morh, Battery Cheshma and Pantiyal areas, officials said.</li><li>As a result, over 200 vehicles are stranded at different points of the highway, they said.</li></ul> Multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains blocked the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district on Thursday, leaving over 200 vehicles stranded, officials said. The 270-km highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was blocked by landslides at Trishul Morh, Battery Cheshma and Pantiyal areas, officials said. As a result, over 200 vehicles are stranded at different points of the highway, they said. Men and machinery have been deployed to clear the area.The highway was closed for two days last week due to a massive <keyword id="6420762" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="landslide">landslide</keyword> triggered by heavy rains in Ramban district. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/linkedin-tcs-disney-hotstar-zee-and-other-companies-hiring-right-now-in-india/slidelist/77352775.cms">LinkedIn, TCS, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee and other companies hiring right now in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/gmail-down-users-report-being-unable-to-send-emails-and-attach-files/articleshow/77648762.cms">Gmail down — users report being unable to send emails and attach files</a>

Multiple landslides block Jammu-Srinagar NH

<keyword id="4322500" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indias-longest-road-tunnel">India's longest road tunnel</keyword>, built on the <keyword id="513505" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-Srinagar-national-highway">Jammu-Srinagar National Highway</keyword>, will be inaugurated by PM <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> on April 2. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/hydro-projects-in-kashmir-fastened-by-india-pakistan-bothers/articleshow/57669249.cms">Hydro projects in Kashmir fastened by India, Pakistan bothers</a> 
 
This tunnel will cut short the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by nearly 30 km, slashing down travel time by two and a half hours. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/kashmir-the-bare-facts-of-a-region-torn-into-pieces/articleshow/56080054.cms">Kashmir: The Bare Facts of a region torn into pieces</a> 
 "The Prime Minister will inaugurate the <keyword id="2695203" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chenani-Nashri-tunnel">Chenani-Nashri tunnel</keyword> on J&amp;K highway on April 2," said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in PMO. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/modi-now-wants-to-limit-cash-transactions-at-rs-2-lakh/articleshow/57755412.cms">Modi now wants to limit cash transactions at Rs 2 lakh</a> 
 
After the inauguration, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/topic/Narendra-Modi">Modi</a> will also address a public rally, dedicating the tunnel to the nation. 
 
The twin-tube tunnel, which is 9.2 km long, has been under construction since May 23, 2011. A part of a 286-km-long four-lane project on the highway, it cost the government Rs 3,720 crore. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Ladakhs-ecology-has-been-ruined-thanks-to-Aamir-Khans-3Idiots/articleshow/55581434.cms">Ladakh’s ecology has been ruined, thanks to Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’</a> 
 
It’s the first tunnel in India equipped with world class "integrated tunnel control system", providing automatic actuation of ventilation, fire control, signals, communication and electrical systems. 
 
Talking of the toll, an LMV vehicle will be charged Rs 55 on one side and Rs 85 for to-and-fro journey while the monthly pass would be of Rs 1,87. Bigger vehicles like mini buses will have to pay Rs 90 as one side toll and Rs 135 for to-and-fro, while for buses and trucks, it will be Rs 190 and Rs 285, respectively. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Four-boys-from-JK-border-towns-make-their-way-to-IITs/articleshow/55453770.cms">These boys from J&amp;K border towns studying in IITs prove new age youth in the terror-stricken region seek jobs, not guns</a> 
 There is an arrangement of <keyword id="104843" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-network">mobile network</keyword> and <keyword id="4843174" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="FM-radio-channel">FM Radio channel</keyword> inside the tunnel. 
 
(Image source: Livemint)

India's longest road tunnel to see the light of day

<keyword id="64275" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jindal-stainless" source="Orion">Jindal Stainless</keyword> will supply 3,500 tonnes stainless steel for the <keyword id="6356031" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-railway" source="Orion">Indian Railway</keyword>'s Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (<keyword id="1356194" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="usbrl" source="Orion">USBRL</keyword>) tunnel project coming up in <keyword id="6357972" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jammu" source="Orion">Jammu</keyword> and <keyword id="6354495" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kashmir" source="Orion">Kashmir</keyword>. In a statement, the company said the project is a 272 km-long railway link between Jammu and Kashmir. This will be the first-ever application of stainless steel cable trays in an Indian railway project, the company said."USBRL will be a milestone in improving the economic landscape of <keyword id="14484319" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jk-we-congratulate-railways" source="Orion">J&amp;K.We congratulate Railways</keyword> on executing the engineering marvel by overcoming various topographical challenges, and appreciate its decision to choose stainless steel for developing a sustainable railway infrastructure," JSL Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Abhyuday Jindal, said.According to the statement, company's arm Jindal Stainless Steelway Ltd will supply "EN 1.4404/316L (dual certification) stainless steel grade in 2B finish" for the project owing to its high corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a lower life cycle cost. USBRL has been declared a project of national importance and is the biggest one in the construction of a mountain railway since independence.It is also the highest altitude railway network and the most challenging railway project undertaken by the Indian Railways. The newly constructed railway line will provide an all-weather and reliable connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/article/opinion-green-financing-in-india-need-significance-urgency-and-way-forward/articleshow/92948265.cms">OPINION: Green financing in India — Need, significance, urgency, and way forward</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/top-10-airlines-in-the-world/slidelist/92950615.cms">Top 10 Airlines in the world in 2022: Stats and performance explained</a>

Jindal Stainless approved to supply stainless steel for 272 km-long USBRL tunnel project

NH 44, a highway themed restaurant at <keyword id="6366598" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajouri-garden">Rajouri Garden</keyword> in <keyword id="65637" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-delhi">West Delhi</keyword> is the place where all the action is happening. A brain child of <keyword id="1997260" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Udit-Bagga">Udit Bagga</keyword> and <keyword id="2069563" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Udit-Bhasin">Udit Bhasin</keyword>, this restaurant’s menu lists out handpicked recipes from the places the actual <keyword id="56484" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Highway">National Highway</keyword> no 44 passes through. In reality, NH 44 travels from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to <keyword id="838722" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kannyakumari">Kannyakumari</keyword> covering almost 3,745 km. There are 11 states that the highway connects. And so does the restaurant. From <keyword id="3773949" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="galouti-kebabs-of-jammu">Galouti Kebabs of Jammu</keyword> and Kashmir, Dhoklas of <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>, Dal-bati-churma of <keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword> to Goan Fish curry and <keyword id="2136097" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="dhansak">Dhansak</keyword> from <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword>, the restaurant goes deep into the gastronomic culture of each region. While apparently it looks like just another restaurant in Delhi, you can actually trace the authenticity of variety of flavours, which is quite difficult to do so. 
 
Here’s a sneak peek of the highway cuisine specialist restaurant

This restaurant serves authentic local dishes along National
Highway 44

To construct about 2,000 kilometres of highways in 12 hill states of India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh and Manipur, the Indian government is preparing a project worth Rs 25,000 crores. 
 
As per officials, most of these projects will be awarded as per the government-funded model of engineering, procurement and construction or 
EPC. However, a few high traction projects connecting religious places in Himachal and J&amp;K will be taken up in accordance with the newly conceived hybrid annuity model. 
 "Projects worth Rs 10,000 crore were awarded in hill states last year, only 10% of the total projects awarded in the country. This year, we're focusing more on hill states as they border with China, Nepal and Pakistan, and are of high strategic importance to India," a senior <keyword id="104973" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Transport-ministry">transport ministry</keyword> official told ET requesting anonymity. 
 
PMO has also asked the road transport and highways ministry to fasten up road development in these states. 
 
Amongst the hilly highways, about 300 km would be in Arunachal Pradesh, 256 km in Mizoram, 250 km each in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, 100 km in Manipur and the remaining would be made in Uttarakhand, Assam, Sikkim, Nagaland and West Bengal. The newly constituted <keyword id="6373156" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="National-Highways">National Highways</keyword> and Industrial Development Corporation will be undertaking majority of these highways. 
 
In last fiscal, the ministry has awarded about 10,000 km of highway contracts worth Rs 1 lakh crore, out of which nearly 6,300 km was made at the rate of almost 18 km a day on average. This fiscal, the target is to construct nearly 10,000 km with a pace of 28 km per day on an average. 
 
<a href="https://photos.travelblog.org/Photos/30184/194848/f/1449442-Truck-down-the-road-from-Lachulung-La-0.jpg">Image source</a>

Government will spend Rs 25,000-cr to construct hilly highways in states bordering with China, Nepal and Pakistan

Indian airplane landing on Yamuna Expressway in 2015. Photo Credits: Times of India <ul><li>India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will set up 13 emergency landing airstrips including 11 strips on the its <keyword id="6373156" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-highways">national highways</keyword>. </li><li>The road runway is aimed at providing faster transport services via air during <keyword id="470423" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="natural-calamities">natural calamities</keyword> that block the rail and road connectivity. </li><li>The first such strip will be set up in Gujarat on National Highway number 151.</li></ul>India’s is planning to <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/national-highways-to-have-11-emergency-airstrips-here-are-details/1386881/">set up emergency landing</a> airstrips on 11 national highways across the country. The move is aimed at easing efforts during natural calamities and emergency situations. The government has prepared a standard design for the road runway. The airstrips will span over 5-6 kilometres on a 60-metre wide concrete road. They will have parking slots for four aircraft, two gates at either ends of the strip and an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. The road runways are aimed at reaching out to the affected areas in the fastest possible time in case of natural calamities such as earthquakes or floods when air connectivity is the only viable option.The government plans to remove the hindrance caused by the electric poles, trees and dividers. According to the country’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the landing airstrips will cost about ₹836.6 million. The project will be managed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), India’s Ministry of Defence and its transport ministry. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/country-to-have-11-emergency-landing-air-strips-on-national-highways-mandaviya/article25538114.ece">reportedly</a> said that the first such strip will be set up in Gujarat on National Highway number 151 near Khambhaliya of Devbhumi Dwarka district. Other states to have such airstrips include West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Rajasthan and Odisha. Mandaviya also said that the government has potentially identified 13 roads across seven states that can have emergency landing. Two of these roads fall under state control while the remaining are under the <keyword id="83263" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Highway-Authority-of-India">National Highway Authority of India</keyword> (NHAI), The Hindu <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/country-to-have-11-emergency-landing-air-strips-on-national-highways-mandaviya/article25538114.ece">reported</a>. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-railways-to-build-a-3000-km-safety-fence-to-guard-people-and-prevent-accidents/articleshow/66689250.cms">Indian Railways to build a 3,000 km safety fence to guard people and prevent accidents</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-conglomerate-tata-is-in-talks-to-buy-out-troubled-carrier-jet-airways-in-a-deal-that-could-create-one-of-the-countrys-largest-airlines/articleshow/66650918.cms">Indian conglomerate Tata is in talks to buy out troubled carrier Jet Airways in a deal that could create one of the country's largest airlines</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/emirates-airline-profits-are-down-by-86-and-things-may-not-get-better-soon/articleshow/66641941.cms">Emirates Airline profits are down by 86% and things may not get better soon</a>

India plans to build 11 emergency airstrips on its national highways

Surat in <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword> is one of the major diamond hubs in India. Widely known for its diamond and textile industry, Surat’s proximity to the Arabian is the major reason for development of foreign trade. In 18th century, the diamond cutters migrated from <keyword id="12925" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Africa">Africa</keyword> and settled in Surat. Some of the <keyword id="375903" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Guajarati">Guajarati</keyword> community has mastered the art of processing, polishing and cutting. The demands for labourer increased and people started migrating from other parts of country to Surat for jobs. 
 So how have the art of polishing of diamonds in Surat evolved in the last few decades? <keyword id="2534994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jonathan-Kendall">Jonathan Kendall</keyword>, President of the International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research (IIDGR) accompanied with his signature smile replied, “Had you asked me this question even 15 years back, I would have answered differently.” 
 
The industry surely has to face problems like lack of technical expertise in the manpower. However, with improving skills the Surat diamond jewelry industry is now getting orders of larger and pricier stones. The irresistibly lucrative market processing the diamond jewelries are day by day getting bigger. Not only diamond polishers, the state is aiming to develop the laborers as jewelry makers in the true sense with an overall development. 
 
 To make things work better, <keyword id="367170" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="De-Beers-Group">De Beers Group</keyword> that runs IIDGR has announced the launch its first ever education service to cover the entire diamond pipeline and support further growth in the Indian sector. The service, scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2017, will be run out of Surat and comprise courses that cover essential subjects for India’s diamond sector, including polished diamond grading, diamond foundation and synthetics. 
 <keyword id="254393" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kendall">Kendall</keyword> further said, “From cutting and polishing rough diamonds to consumer demand for diamond jewellery, India is vital to the diamond industry and the diamond industry is vital to India. Through the IIDGR, <keyword id="138872" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="De-Beers">De Beers</keyword> Group is investing in innovations to ensure India maintains its position as a global diamond hub, as well as ensuring that the sector has the skills and tools to meet the challenges of tomorrow.” 
 
Representing a key source of export earnings for the national economy, the diamond sector is vital to India. Around 90 per cent of the world’s rough diamonds are cut and polished in the country, with the sector employing around 800,000 people in highly-skilled jobs. 
 India has also experienced almost uninterrupted growth (in <keyword id="6355302" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rupee">Rupee</keyword> terms) in consumer demand for diamond jewellery in the last 20 years and now makes up eight per cent of global demand. Diamond jewellery demand from Indian consumers represents 8% of global demand and has enjoyed almost uninterrupted growth in the last 20 years (in Rupee terms). 
 
Around nine out of every 10 diamonds are cut and polished in India. The Indian diamond industry’s midstream sector employs more people than the diamond sector in any other country around the globe, with about 800,000 people employed in highly skilled diamond roles in the country. 
 
India is the third largest national consumer market for diamond jewellery sales globally, only behind the US and China in the global league table. In the ten year period leading up to 2014, the value of consumer sales of diamond jewellery in 
 
India almost trebled to around Rs 22,000 crore (Rs 220 billion) / around USD4 billion. Around 25 lakh (2.5 million) pieces of diamond jewellery were acquired by Indian women in 2013, roughly six times the number acquired in 2002.

For the last 15 years Surat's diamond polishing Industry has evolved at jet speed. Here are the reasons why

Srinagar, Apr 19 () A unique COVID-19 response mechanism has come up in Srinagar to help people in distress during the prolonged lockdown to fight the pandemic and provide a one-stop solution to matters ranging from real-time tracking of cases to availability of essential commodities.The Emergency Response and Management Centre (ERMC), which could be the first such mechanism in the country, is a brainchild of Srinagar's Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary. It was inaugurated by Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir G C Murmu on Friday evening remotely from Jammu."After we detected the first COVID-19 case in Srinagar on March 18 and observed the problems faced by the healthcare staff in keeping a watch, we thought of making use of technology. Discussed it with the Information Technology team and we had an app ready," the 39-year-old officer told here."Similarly, while enforcing lockdown, we were flooded with calls about various needs of people. While a large number were addressed, many still went unnoticed because of the enormous amount of workload."Half a dozen helplines for specific sectors were also making the response cumbersome. Therefore, it was decided to have an ERMC where one can get anything to everything from essential services to emergency response, essential commodities to grievance redressal and so on," he said.Choudhary, a 2009 batch IAS officer, said after taking over as the Deputy Commissioner his focus was to provide good governance and prompt, efficient and effective service delivery to citizens.In the changing paradigm post the COVID-19 outbreak, he fine-tuned his skills and made Information and Communications Technology (ICT) a vital tool for enabling service delivery in Srinagar."Now, when a COVID-19 patient is admitted, an app will be downloaded on his mobile phone which provides a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the person does not move around during his quarantine period. If there is some movement, an SMS will be generated automatically to the control room prompting the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to take immediate action. "This is necessary and through this app called 'JKCoVID' we will be able to keep a check on isolated patients effectively and ensure that there is no community infection," he said. The Srinagar control, room set up by him earlier last month, tracked 889 cases with undeclared or hidden travel histories with the help of "Talaash" app used initially by the administration here. The app also provided a self-reporting option and most of the tracked and quarantine patients were tested positive for COVID-19."We had to use whatever resources were available at that time. The time was slipping from our hands," said the officer, who has won the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration, National Award for Best Electoral conduct from the Election Commission and National Award for e-Governance presented by the Ministry of Personnel and National Award on women empowerment.Choudhury, who has a Bachelor in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry and a diploma from THE Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy of Dehradun, feels that this may ease extra burden on the medical staff who can concentrate on more serious cases rather than keeping a watch on people in quarantine.The app will also allow other people to get a quick check-up after answering a few queries which have been designed on the basis of questionnaires devised by medical experts dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic."On the basis of a score regarding their health obtained through the app, people are categorised according to their scores. People with low or moderate scores are advised accordingly through the app, while those with high scores are contacted by medical teams at the control room and necessary action is taken," The deputy commissioner said.Hailing from a remote village in Budhal tehsil of Rajouri in Jammu near the Line of Control (LoC), Choudhary has the distinction of being the first IAS officer from the region."As I said earlier, you can get anything to everything which is required by a common person during such a situation. Be it baby food, diapers, vegetables, food grains, medicines, hospitalisation, car breakdown, the call centre would be providing it in a stipulated time," he said. This can also be used for lodging a grievance in which a person can call an executive at the call centre and after receiving the details about the caller and the nature of grievance, the same is entered into the system which generates a number along with the estimated time of its redressal."If it's not solved, the grievance escalates to the next officer and finally reaches me, incase both the levels fail," Choudhary said.The ERMC will also provide psychological and psychiatric counselling to people where the identification of the caller would be kept a secret.He said the call centre and the real-time integrated management system has been established by the Srinagar district administration for comprehensive and seamless management of the COVID-19 situation in the district.Choudhary feels that the mechanism will help in monitoring all the operations of quarantine and isolation centres from district control room, thus enabling the officers to make quick decisions based on real-time data received from these centres.He said the aim of this initiative is to provide a one-stop solution to matters surrounding the COVID-19 situation in the district. SKL KJKJ

Unique COVID-19 response mechanism comes up in Srinagar

By Tariq Sofi Jammu, Apr 13 () The lockdown due to coronavirus has posed a grave challenge to the migratory beekeepers, who chase blossoms from one state to another, and they are looking for support from both the administration and the people to keep their trade alive. Many of the apiarists have reached different parts of Jammu region from outside the Union Territory and are planning to move with their bee colonies towards Srinagar in the next couple of weeks as is the traditional practice. "This was the time when we used to come back from outside (Jammu and Kashmir) after the winter sojourn... this time we are facing the heat of the lockdown and are hoping the administration as well as local residents will facilitate our movement and cooperate in setting up apiaries," Farooq Ahmad Wani, president of Golden Honey Beekeepers Association, told . Wani, 47, who is a resident of Tethar village of Banihal in Ramban district, is camping at Battal village near Mansar Lake along with several other beekeepers from his district, who have returned from Rajasthan since early last month. He said the beekeepers traditionally move outside Jammu and Kashmir, especially to Rajasthan and Punjab, in December every year and return in March-April to Jammu before moving to Kashmir in the last week of April. "We came early this time but others were not so lucky and are still stranded in Punjab and other places. The rising temperatures pose a danger to the bees and we need to move from place to place for their safety and also to ensure good quality feed," he said. He said livelihood of tens of thousands of people, directly or indirectly linked to the honey trade, is at stake. Another beekeeper, who did not wish to be named, complained that the local residents in many areas are reluctant to allow them to set up their colonies after entering Kathua district from Punjab. "Recently, one of our vehicles carrying beehives from Punjab was stopped at Lakhanpur for hours together before being given a clearance by the authorities. Only the driver and one attendant were allowed, while others were sent to the administrative quarantine," he said. He said people of a village along Jammu-Pathankot highway objected and did not allow setting up of the shelter due to fear of coronavirus. "We are already following the guidelines of the government, staying in isolation and maintaining proper social distancing. The people need not to worry, just allow us to set up bee colonies on reaching our destinations," Wani said. He said there is a threat to the lives of the bees without proper care. "We faced a lot of problems due to the lockdown and the inclement weather, resulting in huge losses. The government needs to come forward and bail us out with financial assistance," marketing director of Golden Honey Qasim Umar said. He said they have already taken up the matter with the director of agriculture department and are hopeful of a positive response from the government. Wani, who has over 300 bee colonies, said he had allowed many of his workers to visit their homes after reaching Jammu but most of them could not join them due to the sudden lockdown. "The frequent rainfall added to our worries in Jammu… the production of honey went down and we are also not getting proper price for the product as there are people who are trying to exploit the situation in their favour," he said. TAS RT

Lockdown cripples migratory beekeepers of Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Thursday that in four operations across the country, it has seized 1 kg coacine, 2 kg phencyclidine (PCP), 29.30 kg MDA and 70 gm mephedrone from Mumbai, and 56 kg hashish from Jammu, which was being transported to Mumbai. The NCB also arrested 10 persons, including a person working as a peon with Balaji Telefilms, who was employed through a third party. The NCB said that during the course of action against drug traffickers, Mumbai emerged as the major destination for the banned substances. The agency in a statement said that metro cities of India serve as prime destinations for various contrabands. In synchronised operations in Mumbai and other places, the NCB has made various seizures and arrests which are having ramifications on the narcotics supply chain. The NCB said that in an operation on October 12, the agency seized 1 kg cocaine and 2 kg PCP from M. Ahmed from Vasai, Palghar. It said that during investigation, Ahmed revealed that the contrabands were provided by one S.K. Saurabh for further selling. "On the basis of manual intelligence and technical surveillance, the NCB apprehended Saurabh on October 13 from Vasai," it said, adding that during interrogation, Saurabh revealed the place where the drugs were hidden. Based on his information, the NCB recovered 29.3 kg MDA from his shop on October 14. The NCB said that Saurabh further revealed that the drugs belonged to A. Khanivadekar and R. Khanivadekar. The NCB said that it also apprehended A. Khanivadekar and during questioning he revealed that his brother R. Khanivadekar is accused in a DRI case of 483 kg of ephidrine and is out on bail. "Before the DRI raid, they had shifted the contrabands to the shop of Saurabh. And Saurabh had taken out the contraband from that lot while shifting," the NCB said. In another operation in Jammu, the NCB said that it has seized about 56.4 kg of charas concealed in 55 packets from the Ban Toll Plaza area on Thursday and arrested M. Gupta, A. Gambir and Sonia, all residents of Delhi. The NCB also recovered Rs 1.91 lakh and an XUV 500 SUV vehicle, which was used to conceal and traffic the contraband was also seized. "The charas was destined for Mumbai," the NCB said. On the revelation made by the arrested people from Jammu, the NCB arrested Faruk Chandbadhsah Shaikh from the Mumbai-Pune Highway, along with one of his associates, Kurban Ali, a resident of Nagaur in Rajasthan. "During further interrogation, they revealed that they were also involved in one case in Mumbai, in which 6 kg charas was seized from their other associates. Meanwhile, in the third operation against the drug traffickers, the NCB arrested Pradeep Rajaram Sahni, who worked as a peon with Balaji Telefilms Pvt Ltd, with 70 gm mephedrone from Mumbai's Andheri West area. During interrogation, Sahni disclosed that he used to supply mephedrone to various persons in the Andheri and Juhu areas. The NCB said that further distribution network of Sahni is being investigated. The NCB has also arrested a Nigerian national with 4 gm coacine. The Nigerian national has been identified as Uka Emeka aka Godwin. The NCB said that the seized drug originated from a South American country and the drug trafficker is suspected to be delivering the contraband in Pali Hill, Bandra, Andheri, Juhu and Khar areas. --IANS aks/arm

NCB nabs 10 people in drug trafficking case from Mumbai, Jammu

The first-ever Winter Games under '<keyword id="3331390" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Khelo-India">Khelo India</keyword>', a national programme for development of sports, will commence at J&amp;K's <keyword id="108228" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gulmarg">Gulmarg</keyword> from March 7 to 11. In the mega national event, 830 players from across India will participate in 30 events which include snow skiing, snow boarding, cross-country, snow show, snow cycling and other snow-based events. The J&amp;K government is making arrangements to provide hassle-free facilities to players and other concerned. Efforts are on to provide a facilitation centre, hospitality &amp; protocol services, transportation, boarding and lodging, procurement of materials &amp; equipment, technical requirements, press publicity, a cultural programme, food, maintenance of snow slopes, area domination, security, medical camps, event management and other arrangements. Divisional Commissioner, <keyword id="6354495" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword>, Baseer Ahmad Khan on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of officials to review all arrangements put in place for the event. He directed officers concerned to set up round the clock control rooms at Srinagar, Tangmarg and Gulmarg in which officers from PHE, PDD, Medical, Police, SDRF and the Magistrates concerned will be deployed to monitor all activities with backup plan till the culmination of the mega sporting event. The Deputy Commissioner <keyword id="52395" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Baramulla">Baramulla</keyword> will set a media centre in Gulmarg in which all requisite facilities should be provided to the national media. Besides, he will establish medical camps at various locations with doctors and other staff with medicine and ambulances. The Health Department will screen all players at airport and on national highways for <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> symptoms. In case of any exigency, the department will initiate immediate measures for particular case.

You Searched For "Jammu Srinagar national highway" and got 14 results

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