Latest news with #Shikara
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shoaib Ibrahim shares glimpses of taking a shikara ride with wife Dipika Kakar in Kashmir, their visit happened a day before Pahalgam attack
Actors Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim have had a stressful few months. After they returned from the Kashmir and Delhi trip in May, Dipika's health deteriorated and the actress announced that she has been diagnosed with a cancerous liver tumor. She underwent surgery for the same in June. Now, Dipika is continuing with her post-operation treatment, and in his latest vlog, her husband Shoaib Ibrahim revealed that the actress is facing a few issues concerning side effects from the targeted therapy. In the video, Shoaib also shared some glimpses of their Kashmir trip, which were shot ahead of the Pahalgam attack. Also Read: Shoaib Ibrahim shares update on Dipika Kakar's health post surgery: 'She has developed mild ulcers…' In April, Shoaib Ibrahim, Dipika Kakar, their son Ruhaan, and Shoaib's cousin had taken a trip to Kashmir and Delhi. They flew out of the valley on the morning of the Pahalgam terror attacks. In his latest vlog, Shoaib shared a video of their last day in Kashmir, where the family took a Shikara ride and also visited the Tulip garden. In the video, Shoaib said, 'It is our last day in Kashmir.' Talking about the video, Dipika Kakar also says, 'This clip from Kashmir is my personal favorite, it was the most beautiful.' Shoaib Ibrahim had faced serious backlash around April when he had said that he would drop a vlog soon around the Kashmir trip, just a day after the Pahalgam terror attacks. This was also the trip where Dipika had fallen ill and they had to rush back to Mumbai. On the work front, Dipika Kakar was last seen in Celebrity Masterchef. Last week, there were reports that the actress has also signed a show opposite Vivian Dsena; however, no official confirmation on the same has been made. With regards to her health, Shoaib had stated in one of his blogs that Dipika would be undergoing treatment for another two years since the cancerous tumor was aggressive.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Stop spreading false narratives: LG to 'divisive' elements
In a veiled warning to National Conference 's Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi , Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that people should stop spreading fake and dangerous narrative about demographic invasion in the Union Territory, which can threaten peace and harmony. Without naming Mehdi, Sinha on Thursday said that some people were making "irresponsible" statements, such as tourists are spoiling the culture of Jammu and Kashmir. "They say there is a demographic invasion, and alcoholism is spreading. This is a narrative similar to that of terror outfit The Resistance Front. I appeal them to stop peddling such narratives. We have already lost many innocent lives due to similar statements in the past," Sinha said at an event in Srinagar on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walmart Shoppers Say This $99 Hearing Aid Changed Their Life Hear True Learn More Undo In a statement made earlier this year, Mehdi had said that some tourists were openly consuming alcohol in Kashmir and they did not even respect the sensitivities of locals with respect to religious places. The MP had likened the open alcohol consumption to "cultural invasion". Live Events Mehdi made the remarks after a video, showing some tourists consuming alcohol during a Shikara ride in Dal Lake, had gone viral on social media in March this year. Another video showed a group of tourists dancing in front a revered Muslim shrine in Srinagar. Sinha on Thursday reiterated his resolve to ensure justice for the families of terror victims and asserted that those responsible for their suffering will be held accountable. "We are honouring and delivering justice to real terror victims of the Kashmir Valley. I recently met families of terror victims in Anantnag," Sinha said, adding that such families will be ensured jobs. "I will be handing over job letters to such families in a few days," he said. "SRO-43 (Special Recruitment Rules) was compromised in the past. Instead of those who are entitled for jobs, killers were granted jobs under SRO-43. Whoever misused SRO-43 will face action," he added.
News18
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Actor Zain Durrani Reacts To Marathi-Hindi Language Row: 'Many People From South…'
Last Updated: Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan actor Zain Durrani spoke to News18 Showsha about the ongoing Marathi-Hindi language controversy. Actor Zain Durrani, fresh off his performance in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, continues to impress audiences not only with his nuanced acting but also with his thoughtful outlook on life and the film industry. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, the Kashmir-based actor spoke about the ongoing Marathi-language war, his perspective on cultural respect, his journey in Bollywood as an outsider, and what lies ahead in his career. When asked about the ongoing controversy around Marathi-Hindi language in Maharashtra, Zain Durrani was measured yet candid in his response. 'We really need to respect every culture," he said, adding, 'There are so many languages in this country. These days, when I sit with my team from Maharashtra, I try to pick up their language – not to appeal to anyone or to blend in, but just out of respect. There's so much to learn in this country, so many different cultures and languages. At the end of the day, it's about respecting where the other person comes from –whether you're from Kashmir, Punjab, or Maharashtra." He further noted how unfair it is when people ridicule others' language skills without making similar efforts themselves. 'So many people from the South can speak Hindi, right? But how many of us try to learn their languages? Yet I see people poke fun at them when they speak Hindi. That's very unfair," he stressed. 'What's most important is that we respect all our cultures and hold on to them because that's what will help these traditions survive for the next generation," he explained. Zain also spoke about his journey in the film industry and whether it's particularly difficult for someone without a film family to crack connections as an outsider. The Shikara actor said, 'Everybody needs to do a certain amount of self-analysis. If you believe you have what it takes to survive, and it's not just about talent – you also need support. You need people around you, whether it's parents or friends. It's not a lone fight. My parents have helped me a lot, and I will never deny the privilege I've been offered from them. I couldn't have survived in this city for so long if not for them. I told them: just think of it as investing in my education until I can stand on my own." At the same time, he pointed out that even those with a film family face their own pressures. 'Yes, you might have a head start if you belong to a film family, but you also carry a huge weight of expectations. Those of us starting at the back don't have those external expectations. At the end of the day, what really matters and maybe I'm telling myself this too is that it's your resilience, your hard work, and your talent that help you in the long run. Nothing else can." As for what's next, Zain teased several projects in the pipeline. 'There are plenty of things," he said with a smile. 'I'm not at liberty to name them yet, but there are web projects, and a couple of OTT projects that I've already shot for. We're just waiting for the release dates to be announced. I'm excited for people to see the kind of work I've done because all of the characters are so varied. I can't wait for audiences to see all those colours." Zain Durrani's latest film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, with Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor is currently in cinemas. First Published:
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shivraj Singh Chouhan attends sixth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University in Srinagar
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 5 (ANI): Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, and conferred degrees upon the graduates. On the second day of his visit to Jammu & Kashmir on Friday, Shivraj Singh said, 'I've been in Srinagar since yesterday. The cool breeze, the fragrance of the soil, the natural beauty, and the warmth of the people have truly touched my heart. Jammu & Kashmir is the crown jewel of India. Yesterday, we had an in-depth review with the Chief Minister on agriculture and rural development. We held extensive discussions on accelerating Jammu & Kashmir's development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to build a 'Viksit Bharat', and for that, a prosperous Jammu & Kashmir, with its empowered farmers, are essential. We are fully committed to achieving this goal.' Referring to a past meeting of the NITI Aayog, Chouhan told CM Omar Abdullah, 'You had emotionally appealed to ministers to come to Jammu & Kashmir and hold advisory committee meetings. You highlighted how internal conditions are stable and only disturbed by external elements. We accepted your invitation and held the advisory committee meeting yesterday.' Chouhan shared how he interacted with locals across Srinagar and received overwhelming love and affection. 'Even a Shikara boatman on the Dal Lake greeted me warmly. I am deeply moved and will share this affection with the rest of the nation,' he said. He praised SKUAST-K's accomplishments and expressed confidence that it would soon become the top-ranking state university. He noted that the university hosts students not just from Jammu & Kashmir but from 30 Indian states and Union Territories, as well as from abroad, making it a nationally and internationally recognised institution. Speaking to the graduates, he said, 'Convocation does not mean the end of learning; it marks the beginning of new knowledge. The lessons you've learned in your classrooms and labs must now be shared with society.' He emphasised the irreplaceable value of agriculture, stating that 'without farming, neither Jammu & Kashmir, nor the country, nor the world can function. Agricultural produce cannot be made in factories.' He added, 'Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary livelihood for over half the population.' Thanking PM Modi, he highlighted that under PM's leadership, India's foodgrain stock has reached record levels, with a 44 per cent increase in foodgrain production over the past 11 years, including record growth in rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and groundnut. Jammu & Kashmir's fruits, flowers, and vegetables are exceptional in taste and colour, he said, and reiterated his vision to make J&K a global horticulture hub. He added that the Holistic Agricultural Development Program (HADP) is being implemented successfully in the region. Discussions were held on providing 'Clean Plants' under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Currently, farmers often import planting material from outside the state, which may carry viruses or bacteria. To address this, a decision was made to establish a Clean Plant Center in J&K with a budget of Rs 150 crore. He noted that in 5,000 hectares of apple orchards, per-hectare yield has increased from 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes, a six-fold rise. 'I want to see Kashmiri apples exported globally so that India doesn't need to import apples anymore,' he said. The minister highlighted the Government of India's commitment to protecting farmers' interests under the leadership of PM Modi. He called for more innovation in agriculture, urging students to launch startups and develop advanced technologies in the sector. While praising the university's performance in civil services, he reminded students that true achievement lies in living for others, not just oneself. 'Apply practical knowledge, not just theoretical. Each of you has immense potential, and I'm confident you will do well,' he said. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Chouhan said, 'Man is a storehouse of infinite strength; there is nothing he cannot achieve.' He encouraged students to set goals, make a roadmap, and work persistently for the greater good. He said both central and state governments are working together to implement these strategies. 'India belongs not only to itself but to the world. This is a land that considers the entire world as one family,' he concluded, calling for collective efforts to advance Jammu & Kashmir and the nation with the guiding mantra: 'Peace, not war; love, not hatred.' He expressed confidence that India would build a stronger global identity and emerge as the world's food basket. At the convocation ceremony, nearly 5,250 students received undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees. Additionally, 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates were awarded to outstanding students for their academic achievements. The event was graced by Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the University Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K Omar Abdullah, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Chaudhary, Education Minister Sakina Masood, along with vice chancellors, professors, senior officials, and other dignitaries. (ANI)
United News of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
People in Kashmir waiting for fellow country with open hearts: Shivraj Chouhan
Srinagar, July 4 (UNI) Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today described Kashmir as the 'crown jewel of India' and 'heaven on earth', saying its people are eagerly waiting to welcome fellow countrymen without fear or hesitation. ' I have been in Srinagar since yesterday, among the people, feeling the cool breeze, the earthy fragrance of the soil, and the unmatched warmth of the locals. This land fills the heart with love. Truly, Kashmir is the crown of India and the heaven on earth,' Chouhan told reporters after attending the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, where he was the chief guest. Chouhan urged people across the country to visit Kashmir. 'I would like to tell my fellow countrymen that the people of this place are waiting for them with a loving heart. Let us come here without any fear, without any hesitation, and let us set a new example of brotherhood and love,' he said. The appeal comes at a time when both the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the Union government are making concerted efforts to revive tourism in the region, following the April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. The attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident, dealt a major blow to the tourism industry. Earlier, speaking at the convocation, which was attended by Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the University Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K Omar Abdullah, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Javed Dar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, Education Minister Sakina Masood, along with vice chancellors, professors, Chouhan referred to a past meeting of the NITI Aayog, where Omar invited ministers to visit Kashmir 'You had emotionally appealed to ministers to come to Jammu & Kashmir and hold advisory committee meetings. You highlighted how internal conditions are stable and only disturbed by external elements. We accepted your invitation and held the advisory committee meeting yesterday,' the Union Minister said. He also shared how he interacted with locals across Srinagar and received overwhelming love and affection. 'Even a Shikara boatman on the Dal Lake greeted me warmly. I am deeply moved and will share this affection with the rest of the nation,' he said. He praised SKUAST-K's accomplishments and expressed confidence that it would soon become the top-ranking state university. He noted that the university hosts students not just from Jammu & Kashmir, but from 30 Indian states and Union Territories, as well as from abroad, making it a nationally and internationally recognised institution. 'Convocation does not mean the end of learning; it marks the beginning of new knowledge. The lessons you've learned in your classrooms and labs must now be shared with society,' he said. He emphasised the irreplaceable value of agriculture, stating that 'without farming, neither Jammu & Kashmir, nor the country, nor the world can function. Agricultural produce cannot be made in factories. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary livelihood for over half the population.' Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he highlighted that under PM's leadership, India's foodgrain stock has reached record levels, with a 44% increase in foodgrain production over the past 11 years, including record growth in rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and groundnut. Jammu & Kashmir's fruits, flowers, and vegetables are exceptional in taste and color, he said, and reiterated his vision to make J&K a global horticulture hub. He added that the Holistic Agricultural Development Program (HADP) is being implemented successfully in the region. 'Discussions were held on providing 'Clean Plants' under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Currently, farmers often import planting material from outside the state, which may carry viruses or bacteria. To address this, a decision was made to establish a Clean Plant Center in J&K with a budget of Rs 150 crore. In 5,000 hectares of apple orchards, per-hectare yield has increased from 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes, a six-fold rise. I want to see Kashmiri apples exported globally so that India doesn't need to import apples anymore,' he said. The minister highlighted the Government of India's commitment to protecting farmers' interests under the leadership of PM Modi. He called for more innovation in agriculture, urging students to launch startups and develop advanced technologies in the sector. While praising the university's performance in civil services, he reminded students that true achievement lies in living for others, not just oneself. 'Apply practical knowledge, not just theoretical. Each of you has immense potential, and I'm confident you will do well,' he said. At the convocation ceremony, nearly 5,250 students received undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees. Additionally, 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates were awarded to outstanding students for their academic achievements. UNI MJR GNK 1718
