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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K Birdi today extended his greetings to the people of the valley on the eve of Shab-e-Mehraj.
In a post on X, The Kashmir Police Zone while quoting IGP Kashmir wrote, “IGP Kashmir extends greetings to the people of the valley on the eve of Shab-e-Mehraj. May this blessed occasion bring peace, joy, and harmony to all.”
Fire broke out in a government quarter in the Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar on Tuesday morning, officials said.
An official said that soon after the incident fire tender rushed to the spot to douse of flames.
He said that a civilian was injured in the mishap, while further details are awaited—(KNO)
Several jaundice cases have been reported in Gotligund Verinag, prompting locals to demand access to safe drinking water.
A health official told Rising Kashmir that 27 cases of jaundice have been reported in the past few days from Gotligund village, with many of the affected individuals now recovering.
“The health teams have been on the ground ever since the rise in jaundice cases was observed in the village. The Chief Medical Officer, Block Medical Officer, and other health officials have visited the area. There is no need to panic as those affected are recovering,” the official said.
Majid Ahmad, a local resident of Gotligund, told Rising Kashmir that they suspect the outbreak is due to water contamination.
“More than half of the village gets water from a lift scheme sourced from the Vethasta spring, while the rest receive water from a reservoir. Many, mostly children, have fallen ill due to suspected water contamination,” he said.
Ahmad added that the problem began on January 13 when a local boy, Salim Shabir, fell ill. Since then, dozens of children and others have developed symptoms and were diagnosed with jaundice.
“Although they are now recovering, authorities should thoroughly inspect the water source and ensure we are provided with safe drinking water,” he demanded.
Ahmad further said that the village consists of approximately 150 households and is located just half a kilometer away from Verinag. He urged authorities to supply water from the Verinag reservoir or another reliable source to ensure better water quality and supply.
Meanwhile, Irshad Ahmad, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of Jal Shakti, said the village receives water through the Gotligund lift scheme, which he claimed is safe.
“While jaundice cases have been reported, water supply testing has shown some parameters within limits, while others require incubation. Our team is currently on-site conducting a thorough examination of additional parameters,” he said.
Ahmad added, “Extensive testing will be conducted across more households in different mohallas of the village. The current water source caters to nearly 30 villages, and regular chlorination is being carried out to ensure safety.”
At least five people lost their lives after a wooden structure collapsed in Baraut Baghpat on Tuesday.
A senior police official said that around 40 people were injured in the incident, out of which 20 people have been sent home after treatment while another 20 are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Speaking to reporters, District Magistrate of Baghpat, Asmita Lal said, “There was a Jain community program in Baraut. This program has been carried out for the last 30 years. A wooden structure collapsed here, injuring about 40 people. 20 people were sent home after treatment, and 20 people are still undergoing treatment. 5 people have died…”
The incident occurred in Baraut city of the Baghpat district during the ‘Laddu Mahotsav’ organized by the Jain community.
Rescue operation is underway at the site and the police administration is monitoring the situation.
Earlier today, speaking to reporters, Baghpat Superintendent of Police, Arpit Vijayvargiya said that 2-3 people are seriously injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at the hospital.
“Watchtower collapsed during the ‘Laddu Mahotsav’ program of the Jain community in Baraut. Soon after the incident, the teams of police, administration and fire department immediately reached the spot. Injured were taken to nearby hospitals. About 20-25 people were injured. 2-3 people are seriously injured, who are undergoing treatment…” Baghpat SP told reporters.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the incident and directed the officials to immediately reach the spot and expedite the relief work.
CM Yogi also gave instructions for the proper treatment of the injured. Along with this, he also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Anant Raj Ltd., a leading real estate developer in the National Capital Region (NCR), has recently faced a significant drop in its share price despite delivering strong financial performance in Q4FY24. The company’s strategic expansion into the data centre sector also highlights its efforts to diversify and position itself for future growth. However, the combination of market volatility, investor sentiment, and concerns over management efficiency has led to a mixed response from the market. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors driving Anant Raj’s recent stock performance, financial results, and strategic moves.
Anant Raj Ltd. witnessed a substantial 16.35% drop in its share price, opening at ₹604.40, which marked a notable decline from its previous close of ₹668.10. Throughout the trading day, the stock fluctuated, reaching a low of ₹552.20 and a high of ₹652.70, with a total traded volume of 5,512,919 shares. Despite strong fundamentals, the sharp decline reflects the volatility and risks inherent in the stock market.
Despite the market slump, Anant Raj posted impressive financial results for Q4FY24. The company reported a net profit of ₹84 crore, a remarkable 71% year-on-year growth. Its revenue from operations rose by 56% to ₹453 crore, signaling strong performance. This growth indicates the company’s resilience and operational efficiency in a challenging market environment.
Anant Raj Ltd. has successfully reduced its net debt from ₹988 crore in Q4FY23 to ₹290 crore in Q4FY24. This significant debt reduction is a positive sign for investors, showcasing the company’s commitment to improving its balance sheet and financial stability. Lower debt levels could provide the company with greater flexibility for future growth and expansion.
In a bold strategic move, Anant Raj has decided to diversify into the rapidly growing data centre sector. The company has committed to investing ₹10,000 crore over the next four to five years to build a significant presence in this space. This diversification could open up new revenue streams and reduce the company’s reliance on traditional real estate development.
Anant Raj has already launched a 3 MW data centre facility in Manesar, with plans to add another 3 MW facility soon. Through its subsidiary, Anant Raj Cloud, the company is setting up data centre operations in key locations like Manesar, Rai, and Panchkula, with a potential capacity of up to 300 MW. This investment could position Anant Raj as a major player in the Indian data centre market.
Despite Anant Raj’s robust financial results, analysts remain cautious. On November 13, 2024, MarketsMojo downgraded the company’s rating to ‘Hold,’ citing concerns over the company’s low Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 2.44% and its high debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 15.93 times. These factors suggest that while the company is growing, there may be underlying issues with efficiency and valuation.
Anant Raj Ltd. is currently trading at a high price-to-book value of 6, raising concerns about potential overvaluation. Investors may find the stock price relatively expensive compared to its intrinsic value, leading to cautious sentiment in the market. The high valuation could also lead to increased volatility as investors reassess their positions.
The recent plunge in Anant Raj’s share price reflects broader market volatility and shifts in investor sentiment. The stock market is often subject to fluctuating investor moods, and profit-taking, especially after a strong rally, can contribute to sharp declines. Anant Raj’s strong financials are often overshadowed by short-term market movements.
While Anant Raj Ltd. has shown resilience in its financials, investors remain cautious due to market uncertainty and the potential risks associated with the company’s aggressive diversification plans. The substantial capital expenditure required for the data centre projects and the execution risks associated with the expansion may cause some investors to hesitate before committing further capital.
Despite short-term challenges, Anant Raj Ltd.’s strategic shift towards data centres presents long-term growth potential. The booming demand for data storage and cloud services in India could offer significant opportunities for the company in the coming years. If the company manages to execute its expansion plans effectively, it could see substantial returns from this sector.
Conclusion
Anant Raj Ltd. is at a crossroads, with a strong financial performance in Q4FY24 and a strategic push into the data centre sector. However, its recent share price decline and concerns over valuation and management efficiency highlight the risks faced by the company in a volatile market. While the company’s diversification efforts offer promising growth prospects, investors must weigh the potential risks and rewards before making investment decisions. Thorough due diligence and close monitoring of the company’s financial health and execution of its strategies will be key for future success.
US President Donald Trump in his remarks to GOP Members of Congress in Miami, Florida joked if he could run for the next Presidential elections in 2028.Trump in a hopeful speech said that he raised funds for the next presidential race, even if he was inaugurated on January 20.
“I have raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself. But I am not a 100 per cent sure, because I think I am not allowed to run again. Am I allowed to run again?” he said.However, Trump cannot run for a third term or cancel the 2028 election, ABC News reported.
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution says, “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice,” and even if Trump tries to defy that, he would almost certainly be universally rebuffed by the courts and election officials, as per ABC News.
“This is a very big congratulations to our reelected house Republican majority on your largest popular vote since 1928. We swept through all swing states- Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada by very big margin, record setting. For the very first time, all 50 states shifted to the Republican Party- we’ve never had that before. We won the largest amount of African-American voters in the Republican history, including 39 per cent of black men. And we won more Hispanic American votes than any Republican ever,” Trump recounted his election victory.
Trump said that he would ‘shatter’ former US President Franklin Roosevelt’s First New Deal.
During Roosevelt’s first hundred days in office in 1933 until 1935, he introduced what historians refer to as the “First New Deal”, which focused on the “3 R’s”: relief for the unemployed and for the poor, recovery of the economy back to normal levels, and reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat depression.
“We made historic strides voters in a political earthquake. We got support of labour unions, including, massive numbers of auto workers, who gave us Michigan. Together with new political majority we are shattering Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal coalition which dominated world politics for over a hundred years,” he said.
Trump further said that under his leadership, Republicans have become the indiscriminated voice of all US citizens.
“Under our leadership, Republican Party has become the proud voice of hardworking American citizens of every race, religion, colour and creed. We have become the party of the American Dream, wealth creation, not just the rich. If we do our job over the next 21 months, not only the House Republicans be reelected and expand our majority in 2026, we will cement national governing coalition that will preserve American freedom for generations to come,” he said.
Trump further expressed his satisfaction at the massive support he has secured.
“There has never been anything like what’s happening in politics in the last few years. Everybody seems to be with us,” he said. (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday ordered the transfer and posting of 22 JKAS officers in the interests of administration.
According to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Munir-ul-Islam, Chief JKAS, has been transferred and appointed as Secretary in the Information Department.
Ajaz Abdullah Saraf, JKAS, Additional Transport Commissioner, J&K, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer/Secretary of the J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Firdous Ahmad Giri, JKAS, Additional Director SKIMS, Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as Mission Director RUSA, J&K. Qazi Sarwar, JKAS, Additional Commissioner in the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, has been appointed as Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir.
Bashir Ahmad Wani, JKAS, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kulgam, has been appointed as Additional Registrar Cooperatives, Kashmir. Altaf Ahmad Khan, JKAS, Additional Registrar Cooperatives, Kashmir, has been transferred and appointed as Additional District Development Commissioner, Kulgam.
Akram Ullah Tak, JKAS, Director Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, has been posted as Additional Commissioner in the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
Pran Singh, JKAS, Additional District Development Commissioner, Doda, has been appointed as Special Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department. Zahoor Ahmad Mir, JKAS, Special Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, has been posted as Additional Director SKIMS, Srinagar. Sanjay Gupta, JKAS, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes, Enforcement (Samba), has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Mining Department.
Arun Kishore Kotwal, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Mining Department, has been posted as Additional Transport Commissioner, J&K. Bal Krishan, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Bhaderwah, has been transferred and posted as Additional Registrar Cooperatives, Jammu.
Masarat Hashim, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Pahalgam, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central), J&K. Shahnawaz Shah, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Kokernag, holding additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Verinag, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner.
Waseem Raja, JKAS, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes, Enforcement (Central) Kashmir, has been posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment. Ajeet Singh, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Bani-Basohli, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes, Enforcement (Samba).
Mridhu Salathia, JKAS, Additional Mission Director, J&K Rural Livelihood Mission, Jammu, has been posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department. She will also hold the additional charge of Mission Director, National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), in addition to her own duties, until further orders. Ideel Saleem, JKAS, Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central), J&K, has been posted as Additional Secretary in the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Kashmir.
Mir Nasrool Hilal Jeri, JKAS, Joint Registrar, Cooperative (Audit), Srinagar, has been posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department. Manpreet Kour, JKAS, Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes Department, Jammu, has been posted as Additional Mission Director, J&K Rural Livelihood Mission, Jammu.
Bureeda Majid, JKAS, Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD) Budgam, has been transferred and posted as Programme Officer, ICDS Project, Ganderbal. Hilal Ahmad Mir, JKAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been posted as Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD) Budgam.
Famous Punjabi singer Sunanda Sharma recently visited Kashmir and shared her admiration for the stunning beauty of the region, its warm hospitality, and the deep respect the people have for others. Known for her melodious voice and hit tracks, Sunanda made the most of her visit to the picturesque valley, taking to social media to express her gratitude for the experience.
Sunanda, who has a significant fan following across the country, was not only impressed by the natural beauty of Kashmir but also by the kindness and warmth shown by the locals. In her social media posts, she shared breathtaking pictures of the valley’s snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and lush green landscapes, all of which left her in awe. She highlighted how Kashmir’s beauty was beyond words, capturing the essence of the region’s untouched charm.
The singer also praised the hospitality of the Kashmiri people, noting that the warmth she received from them made her feel right at home. She spoke highly of the respect and kindness that locals showed her, further emphasizing the cultural richness of the region. Sunanda mentioned how Kashmiri hospitality, rooted in traditions of respect and generosity, was something that deeply touched her heart.
While in Kashmir, Sunanda not only experienced the natural beauty but also interacted with her fans, taking time to appreciate their support and connect with them. Her visit has drawn attention to the importance of promoting tourism and cultural exchange in the region, showcasing Kashmir as a destination for both its scenic beauty and its rich cultural heritage.
Organophosphorus poisoning is likely behind 17 “mystery” deaths that occurred in the Badhaal village of Rajouri, officials said on Monday.A top doctor said that they have administered an antidote – atropine injection – to patients who are admitted in hospital and it worked well.
Atropine injection is used to treat poisoning caused by organophosphorus nerve agents, including organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides.
He said that official report from top laboratories is yet to come. “We have used the hit and trail method, it worked well. We administered atropine to two patients for other purposes to increase the heart rate, they survived and are recovering well,” he said.
He added that as atropine has shown positive result so it is likely that organophosphorus or related salts could be the reason behind the wave of deaths in Rajouri village.
The doctor, however, said that official reports are yet to come and concluding that organophosphorus is behind these deaths would be wrong at this stage.
At least 17 people, including 14 children, have died, while several have been admitted to hospital due to “mysterious” illness in the Badhaal village over the past two months—(KNO)
Ex-RAW chief AS Dulat has warned that the current “happiness” among Kashmiris following the 2024 elections may be short-lived, emphasizing that their optimism is tied to the unmet promise of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He stated that both Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the central government’s credibility are at stake as Kashmiris await the restoration of their statehood.
Dulat pointed out that Omar Abdullah, who has sought a positive relationship with the central government since becoming chief minister, is not asking for much by advocating for the return of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. According to Dulat, while Kashmiris may still reflect on the removal of Article 370, which revoked the region’s special status in 2019, Abdullah understands it won’t be reinstated. What he desires, Dulat said, is the restoration of statehood to uphold both his own dignity and that of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Dulat’s view, it is in the best interest of both Delhi and Srinagar to return statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest opportunity. Failure to do so, he argued, would undermine the credibility of both Omar Abdullah and the Indian government.
Dulat, speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) while promoting his memoir A Life in the Shadows: A Memoir, expressed his disappointment that the restoration of statehood, which he believes should have been granted right after the elections, is not likely to happen soon. He noted that Delhi seems committed to the restoration of statehood, but only on its own terms, with no clear timeline in sight.
The revocation of Article 370 in 2019 had led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—under the Narendra Modi-led government.
Dulat cautioned that any visible joy on the faces of Kashmiris is temporary. If no concrete steps are taken within the next six months toward statehood, he predicted that Kashmiris will once again accuse the central government of deceiving them, and they will lose confidence in the current administration, led by Chief Minister Abdullah.
While Kashmiris may currently feel a sense of victory due to having a government of their choosing, led by the regional National Conference party, Dulat warned that this sense of achievement could dissipate if the government fails to secure what it promised.
Dulat further explained that Jammu and Kashmir is now operating under a “diarchy,” with two parallel governing bodies: one led by Omar Abdullah and the other by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
During his talk, Dulat, who co-authored Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years, reflected on how Kashmir shaped his understanding of intelligence. He highlighted the region’s complexities, stressing that Kashmir cannot be seen in simple black-and-white terms. Instead, it’s about navigating its “greys” and finding a balanced path forward.
The Kerala Literature Festival, which kicked off on January 23, has attracted around 500 speakers from 15 countries, making it one of Asia’s largest literary events. The festival is being held at Kozhikode beach and has drawn large crowds of book lovers. Among the notable speakers are Nobel laureates Venki Ramakrishnan and Esther Duflo, Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, filmmaker Mani Ratnam, and politicians and authors like Shashi Tharoor. Over six lakh visitors are expected to attend before the festival concludes on Sunday.