SRINAGAR: Kargil district authorities have urged the Center to start civil flights, saying connectivity remains severely affected during the winter when ground routes are closed.Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil (LAHDC) chief executive Mohd Jaffar Akhoon and Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa made the demand during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday.“Air traffic will boost tourism and help army personnel immensely. Soldiers will lose three to four days of leave while passing through Leh and waiting to continue operations,” Akon said. He added that the lack of direct flights deterred countless potential tourists.Akhoon stressed that air connectivity is crucial for the region, where people now have to travel five to eight hours by road to reach the nearest airports in Leh and Srinagar.“There is no doubt that the Zojila Tunnel will improve road connectivity, but Kargil still needs a dedicated air link. Small aircraft operate from many parts of the Northeast. Flights from Kargil to New Delhi and Kargil to Srinagar can take off from existing (defense) runways, carrying small aircraft. This can pave the way for comprehensive air connectivity and a full-fledged civil airport,” Akhoon said.In their talks with the Shah, Akon and Hanifa also pushed to speed up the progress of five hydropower projects and sought two new regions in Sanku and Shakar Chiktan. “These are among the most populous and oldest divisions in Kargil and meet all the criteria required for creation of districts,” Akon said.These two districts should be included in the upcoming notification of five new districts to be announced by the Union Home Ministry in August 2024. These are Ladakh, Zanskar and Dras in Kargil and Sham, Nubra and Changtang in Leh.Akhoon and Haneefa are also looking for a 200-bed hospital in Kargil to relieve pressure on existing 100-bed regional facilities, engineering colleges and an agricultural university. Another critical need is the establishment of a dedicated Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) for Kargil to enhance law and order and provide employment opportunities.Akon said Home Minister Shah’s response to the request, including air connectivity, had been “very positive”.
Nancy Guthrie update: ‘Multiple suspects, elaborate effort’; ex-detective drops explosive kidnapping charges
Savannah Guthrie, more than a month after her mother dies at 84 Nancy Investigators are still searching for answers after a man was kidnapped from his home in Tucson, Arizona, and a former detective believes the abduction was far from a one-man operation.
Investigators believe multiple people were involved
Retired Pima County detective Kurt Dabb studied the case and believed the man in the video was not acting alone.
“I believe there were two to four co-conspirators,” Dabb told Parade. “Based on the facts that I know now, from my professional point of view, the logistics of something of this magnitude would be too much for one person to handle.”
Dabb also believes the group inspected Nancy’s home before the abduction, but they may not have noticed the doorbell camera.
He said: “It is likely that the kidnappers themselves or their accomplices had conducted a search of the house beforehand. Whether they knew there were cameras there or not, this was the result of their reconnaissance.”
Dabb was convinced it was a planned kidnapping rather than a robbery gone wrong.
“A burglar doesn’t go into a home with a full backpack. This is kidnapping,” he said.
What happened to Nancy?
Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona in the early morning hours of February 1st. No suspects have been named and no arrests have been made in the more than month-long investigation.
Police reviewed video of Nancy taking an Uber to her daughter Anne’s home on January 31, but “did not find anything substantive.” The driver was questioned and officials said it was “just a routine pickup.” After Tommaso Cioni dropped her off at home, she returned home just before 10 p.m. Nancy Grace Crime Story reported.
Also read: Nancy Guthrie case: Former FBI agent explains why investigation floundered; ‘They’re turning back…’
Surveillance video previously released by investigators showed that a masked and armed man appeared at the door of Nancy’s home on the night she disappeared. He was also seen trying to tamper with a security camera near the entrance.
ISRO’s shocking reality: 129 pieces of Indian space junk currently orbiting Earth, posing collision risk and attracting global attention
Over the decades, India’s space program has developed a reputation for precision, efficiency and steady progress. From launching satellites for other countries to expanding its own navigation and communications systems, the country has become a major player in global space activities. However, space missions don’t always end cleanly. Some remnants left behind continue to orbit the Earth long after their purpose has been fulfilled. According to PIB, a recent statement from the Indian Parliament drew attention to this issue. India currently has 129 pieces of trackable space debris in orbit. That number may seem small compared to global figures, but it still highlights growing concerns about the sustainability of space operations.
ISRO reveals 129 junk objects orbiting space
The 129 objects currently tracked are not uniform in nature. A total of 49 of them are non-operational satellites. These satellites once played an important role but are no longer active and continue to orbit the Earth in low-Earth orbit or geostationary orbit. The remaining objects include the main body of the rocket and debris left behind after launch.Some of the debris comes from launch vehicles such as PSLV, GSLV and LVM3. In addition, there are 33 fragments associated with the PSLV-C3 mission, which are reported to have broken apart in orbit, forming multiple smaller fragments.
Why space debris is a serious problem
Space debris is any man-made object that no longer serves a useful function in orbit.This includes inactive satellites, spent rocket stages, and even very small debris, such as paint particles. Despite the size of these objects, the speed at which they move poses a serious threat. NASA experts say that orbiting objects move at about 10 kilometers per second.At such high speeds, even small pieces of debris can damage or destroy operating satellites. A collision also creates thousands of new pieces of debris, which increases the overall risk in orbit.
What Indian Space Research Organization Steps are being taken to reduce debris
India has taken steps to address the issue of space debris through policy and technology.According to PIB, in 2024, ISRO launched the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM). The initiative aims to ensure that Indian space missions do not create more debris by 2030.To achieve this, satellites are now designed with the ability to safely deorbit at the end of their useful lives. This usually requires carrying extra fuel so that they can re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn safely, rather than remaining in orbit.
How India is tracking and trying to clean up space debris
Preventing future debris is only part of the challenge. Existing debris also needs to be monitored and removed where possible.India has also made progress in this area. The 2025 SpaDeX mission demonstrates autonomous docking and undocking technology in space. This capability will be important for future missions that may involve capturing and removing inactive satellites or debris.Additionally, Project Netra plays a key role in tracking objects in space. It acts as a space situational awareness system, monitoring debris and providing alerts to avoid potential collisions with active satellites.
Welfare fuel: Himachal Pradesh proposes levy of up to Rs 5 per liter on petrol, diesel to help orphans and widows
New Delhi: The Himachal Pradesh government has proposed a new tax on petrol and diesel to fund welfare measures for orphans and widows.chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Suhu The Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday, seeking to impose “orphan tax and widow’s tax” on petrol and high-speed diesel, news agency PTI reported.The proposed levy is a completely new tax that will be levied on the first sale of fuel in the state, meaning it will be levied when petroleum or diesel is sold by oil marketing companies to dealers instead of at every stage of retail sales.The tax rate will be announced by the government and will be capped at Rs 5 per liter.Under the bill, the state currently has several programs in place for orphans and widows, but lacks a dedicated, permanent funding mechanism. This process aims to create a stable source of income for welfare funds targeting these groups.All proceeds from the levy will be deposited directly into the Orphans and Widows Benefit Fund to provide financial assistance and support.Suhu said the move was aimed at strengthening support for vulnerable groups. Once passed by Parliament, the bill will be sent for final assent before taking effect across the state.
‘Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee in Heaven’: Relive their iconic ‘Way of the Dragon’ fight – video
Chuck NorrisThe former martial arts champion and actor popular for his roles in “Code of Silence,” “Missing in Action” and “Delta Force” has died. He is 86 years old. His family confirmed in a statement Statement on social media Norris died peacefully Thursday. Previously, TMZ reported that he was hospitalized in Hawaii.
“While we wish to keep this matter private, please know that he is surrounded by family and is at peace,” the family statement read.
Chuck Norris VS Bruce Lee
After news of Chuck Norris’ death broke, fans were quick to remember the actor’s legendary on-screen fights with Bruce Lee. “They’re probably fighting in heaven right now,” one user wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
Read more: Is Chuck Norris a Trump supporter? Explaining the political views of a Delta Force actor
Browsing through Norris’s social media accounts, we discovered a few references to Bruce Lee. In an Instagram post from November 2016, the 86-year-old recalled his friend.
He posted a photo from their “Ace of the Dragons” game (1972), writing: “Bruce was a good friend. Let’s write a caption for our photo together. Please keep it clean. Thanks, Chuck.”
Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee’s friendship
From real-life friends to on-screen rivals
Long before their unforgettable showdown in “Way of the Dragon,” Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee developed a close friendship built on mutual respect and a shared obsession with the evolution of martial arts.
Their relationship eventually translates into one of the most famous fight scenes in film, the climactic duel inside the Colosseum.
Lee personally selected Norris to play his rival “Colt,” believing he was one of the few boxers who could convincingly rival him on screen. The result was an original, extended sequence that was praised for its authenticity, minimal editing and technical brilliance.
In one memorable moment, Lee plucked a tuft of hair from Norris’ chest during a fight that became martial arts film folklore.
Watch video of their fight here
A friendship that began in 1967
The two first met at the 1967 National Karate Championships at Madison Square Garden. At the time, Norris was already an established karate fighter, and Lee was gaining attention for his role as Kato in The Green Hornet.
What started as a chance meeting soon evolved into a deeper connection. After the match, they reportedly spent several hours discussing martial arts.
training courses
Their friendship extended to regular workouts, often held in Lee’s backyard in Los Angeles. Although their disciplines were different, with Norris rooted in traditional karate and Lee pioneering Jeet Kune Do, they pushed each other to evolve. Norris once claimed that he encouraged Lee to adopt high kicks, which Lee initially avoided for the sake of efficiency. Over time, these kicks became a defining feature of Lee’s style on screen.
Life after Bruce Lee
After Lee’s sudden death in 1973, Norris credited his friends with shaping his understanding of performance and the drama of combat.
Encouraged by mutual friend Steve McQueen, Norris fully transitioned into acting, a move that would eventually make him a global action star in the 1980s and beyond.
AIIMS-Delhi to study link between lung cancer and air pollution
AIIMS-Delhi is studying the link between exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter 2.5, and the risk of lung cancer. The institute claims that the AIRCARE study is the first of its kind and is led by Dr Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, AIIMS. Dr Shankar said that as air pollution remains an increasingly important public health issue, research is needed to inform policy and disease management. He said India was home to some of the most polluted cities in the world and there was an urgent need to scientifically study the impact of pollution on people’s health. “Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in India, and the incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers is also high among women and young adults,” said Dr. Shankar. Air pollution has emerged as a contributing factor to lung cancer, but India needs more evidence on the issue, he said. Dr Shankar said: “It is deeply concerning that lung cancer, once thought to be a disease primarily associated with smokers, is now rapidly increasing in incidence among non-smokers.” The AIRCARE study will study 1,615 lung cancer cases and 1,615 controls from family members in the National Capital Region of Delhi. Dr Shankar said the study was a complex undertaking, involving both clinical and non-clinical components. One aspect of the study will use a cohort and case-control design to track the impact of long-term exposure to PM 2.5 on lung cancer in different demographic and socioeconomic groups, he said. Another aspect of the research is looking for unique genetic signatures among Indian populations exposed to air pollution. In short, the study will try to isolate genetic signatures unique to the Indian population to see whether specific early genetic events resulting from exposure to air pollution contribute to the development of lung cancer later in life, Dr. Shankar said. Using these data, researchers will develop risk-based screening models based on clinical and molecular components and exposure levels unique to the Indian population. It will also identify susceptible people in the cohort who are more likely to develop lung cancer, he said. “Lung cancer remains the second most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer in both sexes in India. There is an urgent need to implement policy and management strategies to tackle this disease and reduce further loss of life,” Dr Shankar said.
Nagaraju Balkam: Indian national Nagaraju Balkam among four people arrested in Santa Fe child predator stabbing incident
Law enforcement officials confirmed that a 26-year-old Indian national, Nagaraju Balkam, was arrested earlier this month during a multi-day undercover operation targeting online child sexual predators. Balkam was one of four men taken into custody following a three-day operation by the Santa Fe Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.According to police, the arrests occurred after detectives used clandestine online profiles and communication platforms to make contact with individuals they believed were trying to meet or exploit minors. As a result of the investigation, authorities charged Balkam with sexual exploitation of a child through prostitution and solicitation of a child through an electronic communications device.Police identified Balkam, 26, of Santa Fe, who remains in custody as the case progresses. The other three suspects arrested during the operation were Eduardo Gerardo Ramirez, 59, of Santa Fe; Harold Lee Adams, 55, of Lubbock, Texas; and Tomas Tolcha Cacjo, 29, also of Santa Fe. All four face various charges related to child exploitation and solicitation. Police said the undercover operation was part of an ongoing effort to identify and remove individuals seeking to commit cyber crimes against minors. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit, working with the Special Victims Unit, conducted digital interactions that resulted in the arrest of several children.Authorities have not released detailed evidence or details about the online communications, citing the sensitivity of the investigation involving child exploitation allegations. Prosecutors in the Santa Fe office will file formal charges in the coming days as part of the legal process.Officials said charges of sexual exploitation and child luring carry severe penalties under New Mexico law. They urge the public to report any suspicious online activity. Investigators added that as the operation continues, it could lead to more arrests or additional cases.
Candidate: France general manager Maxime Vassier-Lagrave doubts Prager’s chances
French Grandmaster (GM) Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has named India’s R Praggnanandhaa in the third category (B category) of the upcoming Candidates Championship, calling him a bit of a “favourite”.While he made it clear that all eight players have a chance to win, his rankings are based primarily on current form rather than pure skill.“It’s brutal because you know, from a technical point of view, if we were now in the first six to eight months of 2025, Prager would be in the S category,” Vasil-Lagrave was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
He acknowledged Praggnanandhaa’s strong form in 2025 but pointed to a dip in performance in recent games. According to him, results at tournaments such as the Swiss Grand Prix, World Cup and Wijk aan Zee show that maintaining top form is difficult.He added, “I really don’t believe in the performance of Wake. And Wake can also do some damage.” With the candidate game coming to an end, he believes that there may not be enough time to fully return to form. “If I guarantee that he can find the key to breaking this spiral, I will put him in the S level. But now I am going to put him in the B level. I think that is the importance of the current state.”Vasile-Lagrave also stressed that a dip in form can be difficult to recover from, especially for young players. “It’s hot, but it’s been six months and he’s really not in good shape.” He further explained, “From my own experience and the experience of other players, it’s not just a matter of a bad Wake right now. About six months of games that are far from his best, and it’s not easy to shake off six months of so-so results.”
“Mean” Joe Greene health update: What happened to the Steelers legend? Newly reported in
A viral death hoax has fans worried this week, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed that four-time Super Bowl champion “Mean” Joe Green is still alive.
What happened?
Rumors began spreading on social media on Friday, with false reports claiming the 79-year-old NFL icon had died. Fans quickly began paying tribute to the legendary defensive tackle, which allowed the false news to spread even more widely online.
but TMZ According to reports, this was nothing more than a death hoax that spread quickly on social media, causing unnecessary panic among fans. There is no truth to these claims, Green is alive and well.
However, the Pittsburgh Steelers put an end to the speculation after being contacted by TMZ and confirming that the report was “inaccurate.”
Who is “Mean” Joe Green?
Green is widely considered one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time.
In his 13-year career with the Steelers, Joe Green totaled 77.5 sacks, 16 fumbles and 1 interception. He won four Super Bowls, was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice, received the NFL Player of the Year Award, and was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times.
He was a key part of the famous Steel Curtain defense and is now the last surviving member, making his legacy even more important.
The Pittsburgh Steelers honored him in many ways, including retiring his No. 75 jersey, inducting him into the Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor, and naming him on the franchise’s All-Time Team.
PM Modi speaks to King of Bahrain, condemns attacks on infrastructure, stresses safe shipping routes
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephone conversation with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to discuss developments in the West Asia region, condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and stressed the need to keep global shipping routes safe.“Had fruitful discussions with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Conveying warm greetings on the occasion eid al-fitr Hats off to him and the people of Bahrain,” Modi said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Modi The leaders of the two countries reviewed the current situation in West Asia and jointly expressed concern about attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure in the region.“We discussed the current situation in the West Asia region. We condemned attacks on energy and civil infrastructure in the region and highlighted their negative impact on global food, fuel and fertilizer security,” he said.Prime Minister Modi also reiterated the importance of maintaining uninterrupted maritime transport amid escalating tensions affecting major global trade routes.“Reaffirming the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lanes open and safe,” he said.He further thanked Bahrain leaders for their continued support to the Indian community living in the country.Prime Minister Modi added: “Thanks to His Majesty the King for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.”