JCO dies as Pak violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

Poonch ceasefire violation: Mortal remains of Havaldar Nirmal Singh reaches his hometown in Ambala

Mortal remains of Havaldar Nirmal Singh arrived at his native place in Ambala on January 22. Singh lost his life during ceasefire by Pakistan along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district in January 21. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch. Havaldar Nirmal Singh of the 10 JAK Rifles unit of the Army was critically injured in the firing and succumbed to injuries.

Pakistan Foreign Minister alleges 'India planning surgical strike'

2016's surgical strike continues to haunt Pakistan. Pakistan has claimed that "India is planning surgical strike to divert attention from its 'domestic troubles'". Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi claimed that Islamabad has 'credible inputs'. Qureshi's made startling claims during press conference in Abu Dhabi on December 18. "An important development has cropped up [...] I've learned through our intelligence forces [...] that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan," Pakistan's news outlet Dawn quoted Qureshi. NSA to Pakistan Prime Minister in a series of tweets echoed with Pakistan Foreign Minister. Foreign Minister's comments come amid frequent ceasefire violations by his country. His claims come days after two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed along the Line of Control (LoC) opposite Naushera sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district by the Indian Army while retaliating to ceasefire violation by the Pakistan. Qureshi made similar claims in April 2019 when he had said Pakistan has "reliable intelligence" that India will attack. In 2016, days after Pakistani terrorists attacked the Indian Army at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Army conducted a surgical strike across Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and destroyed launch pads completely, killing many terrorists.

Watch: Army neutralises bomb in J&K; forces find AK47 ammo at terror hideout

Personnel of the Indian Army carried out a controlled explosion in Jammu and Kashmir on January 10. An improvised explosive device (IED) was neutralised by the Army's bomb squad in the Mendhar area of Poonch. Meanwhile, in Pampore, security forces uncovered an alleged terror hideout in a house's cowshed. AK-47 ammunition, and literature connected to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba were reportedly recovered from the hideout. Watch the full video for more.

Watch: Indian Army's bomb disposal squad neutralizes IED in JandK's Poonch

The bomb disposal squad of the Indian Army on January 10 destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) like object in a controlled explosion in Mendhar area of Poonch district.

‘No request received from Pakistan for Indian-made coronavirus vaccines’: MEA

India is supplying COVID-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country to neighbouring countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh but has not received any request from Pakistan. Addressing the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said there is an interest in accessing vaccines from India, which is the global hub of vaccine production. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used for the benefit of all humanity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. "I am not aware of any request for the supply of Indian-made vaccines to Pakistan on a G2G basis or commercial basis," Srivastava said answering a query. Watch the full video for more details.

'Not aware of any request by Pakistan for supply of Indian made vaccines': MEA Spokesperson

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on January 22 said that he is not aware of any request either G2G or commercial basis by Pakistan for Indian made vaccines. "I am not aware of any request for the supply for Indian made vaccines by Pakistan on a Government to Government or commercial basis," said MEA Spokesperson.

‘Slightly lagging behind…’: Army chief pushes for self-reliance in defence sector

Observing that India has "lagged behind slightly" in terms of the quick pace modernisation undertaken by our adversaries, and dependence of Indian armed forces on equipment of foreign origin needs to be addressed, Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Thursday said self-reliance in the defence sector has become a strategic necessity. While addressing the arms-industry partnership virtually, the Army Chief pitched for a self-reliant India to become the main player in the global economy. "Today self-reliance in defence has become a strategic necessity. It is imperative for us to invest in building long term indigenous capabilities for application across the entire spectrum of conflict. Considering the quick pace of defence modernisation being undertaken by our adversaries, we are lagging behind slightly. The continuous and heavy dependence of Indian armed forces on equipment of foreign origin needs to be addressed through indigenous capability development," he said. Watch the full video for more details.

Self-reliance in Defence a strategic necessity: Army Chief

The Indian Army Chief MM Naravane attended '25 years of Army Industry - Partnership' in Delhi on January 21. "2020 was a unique year with twin challenges of the COVID pandemic and the belligerence on the northern borders. The events of the past year have brought to the fore the vulnerability of global supply chains, underscoring the need for self-reliance. Today self-reliance in Defence has become a strategic necessity. It is imperative for us to invest in building long term indigenous capabilities for application across the entire spectrum of conflict," said the Army Chief. He also said, "Considering the quick pace of Defence modernisation being undertaken by our adversaries, we are lagging behind slightly. Continuous and heavy dependence of Indian armed forces on equipment of foreign origin needs to be addressed through indigenous capability development."

Taekwondo championship held to promote sport activities in Kashmir

To promote the young budding players in Kashmir Valley, a state-level Taekwondo kids' championship was organized in Srinagar on 22-23 January. The championship was organized by a local NGO, Sunrise in Kashmir. The championship was organized in association with the sports council of Jammu and Kashmir to promote Taekwondo in the valley and attract children in sports activities. The motive of this championship was to engage kids in games so that they can make their career and stay away from other bad activities as schools are closed in valley due to winter break. Around 250 athletes from across the districts participated in the championship.

Fly high! Kashmiri girl masters sketching amid lockdown

In the recent times, Kashmiri youth have chosen art to express their thoughts. A 19-year-old girl Ritambra from Kathua district has astounded everyone with her artwork. Without any guidance from teacher, Ritambra has mastered in sketching. Her constant source of encouragement has been her parents and sibling. During COVID induced lockdown, she got a chance to shine her art and now she has become a sensation. From former President APJ Abdul Kalam and PM Narendra Modi to sports and film celebrities, Ritambra has made portraits of several known personality. Ritambra's father Sukh Dev Singh wanted her to join a professional filed but after seeing his daughter's skills, Singh motivated and encouraged her to sharpen the art form. Ritambra has become an inspiration for girls sitting idle in their homes to come up with their talent and skill.