PM Modi wrote on 'X' that the accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is sad. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, a bus carrying passengers slipped off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the death of 36 people and injuries to 19 people. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said that
the bus skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway and fell into a gorge 300 feet below.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, "It is with sadness that I share the update received from DC Doda Harvinder Singh at the accident site. Unfortunately, 36 people died and 19 were injured, out of which 6 are in critical condition. He said that the injured have been admitted to government hospitals in Doda and Kishtwar.
PM Modi expressed grief over the accident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of people in a road accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. A post on X from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "Pained by the loss of lives due to the accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences are with the families who lost their loved ones. I wish speedy recovery of the injured.'' The PMO said that the families of each deceased will be provided an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and the injured will be given Rs 50,000.
Many of the injured are in critical condition
Sources said that the bus has been badly damaged due to falling from a great height. He said that apart from the local people, police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are engaged in the rescue operation. He said that some injured passengers have been taken to the hospital. The condition of many people is critical. Some injured passengers are likely to be airlifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Jammu.
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mufti expressed grief over the accident
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti expressed grief over the deaths in a post on X. "Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic road accident in Assar, Doda. Deepest condolences to the families of those killed and hope that the administration will expedite rescue operations," Mufti posted on Twitter.
Türkiye is trying 57 accused of spying for Israeli intelligence
The Istanbul Criminal Court began the trial of 57 people accused of spying for Israeli intelligence and planning actions against Palestinian activists.
The trial of 57 accused of spying for Israeli intelligence began in Istanbul on Tuesday.
The suspects face charges of collecting confidential information about Turkey and its institutions, and preparing actions against Palestinian activists residing in the country.
The defendants attended the hearing with their lawyers at the Istanbul Criminal Court, during which they rejected the charges against them.
The defendants' self-defense hearing is scheduled to continue today, Wednesday.
The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Public Prosecution stated that the investigation began based on a letter from the Anti-Terrorism Directorate in Istanbul on December 9, 2022.
The list stated that “the Israeli Intelligence Service established a remote operations team through Internet-based mobile phone applications, with the aim of providing sources remotely, transferring funds to its sources via a conveyor, and carrying out tactical missions for its field objectives.”
She indicated that the first communication took place through the WhatsApp and Telegram applications, social media accounts, and email, and communication continued later through the WhatsApp and Telegram applications. Pointing out that no audio or video communications should be made at all.
She explained, "There is evidence indicating payment for work performed through international money transfer companies, cryptocurrencies, money transfer offices, and via a courier."
The Public Prosecution calls for the defendants to be imprisoned for periods ranging between 15 and 20 years on charges of “obtaining secret state information for the purpose of political or military espionage.”
Stakes in Rekodic continue to be assessed ahead of investment talks from Riyadh: Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan has appointed an international advisor for the valuation of its stake in Rekodic Mine. After the assessment, there will be discussions with Saudi Arabia for investment.
The Canadian company Barrick Gold has a 50% stake in the Rekodik mine in Balochistan, which it considers one of the world's largest copper-gold-rich regions (Tethyan Copper Company).
Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Jahanzeb Khan says that the Government of Pakistan has appointed an international consultant for the valuation of its stake in Rekodic mine and the work is expected to be completed before December 25, 2023, after which Riyadh Discussions will begin for investment in this project.
Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Jahanzeb Khan has said in a conversation with journalists in Islamabad on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia has shown interest in acquiring the government's stake in Pakistan's Rekodic gold and copper mine, which will help the country facing economic crisis . The economy is expected to get support.
Canadian company Barrick Gold has a 50% stake in the Rekodik mine in Balochistan, making it one of the world's largest copper-gold rich regions.
The threat of bankruptcy was averted for Pakistan after a $3 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this year, but the interim deal is not directly aimed at boosting its extremely low foreign exchange reserves. Dependent on bringing domestic investment.
Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Jahanzeb Khan told reporters on Tuesday that the Government of Pakistan has appointed an international advisor for the valuation of its stake in Rekodic Mine and the work is expected to be completed before December 25, 2023. After that, discussions will begin with Riyadh to invest in this project.
Prime Minister's Special Adviser Jahanzeb Khan had said in the first media briefing after the establishment of SIFC in June that Saudi Arabia has expressed its intention to establish a fund of 25 billion dollars for investment in Pakistan.
He said that the Saudis will invest through this fund and their advisers are now considering possible investments.
According to him: 'Now it is our responsibility to create a favorable environment (for Saudi investment).' He added that the Greenfield Refining Policy has been approved and shared with Saudi Arabia and is being considered by his advisers.
Jahanzeb Khan said that 'talks have also been held with other investor groups, including Turkey, Japan, Qatar and Sweden, which have created a lot of hope, but now it depends on our ability to implement the investment of 70 billion dollars and Will depend on ability.'
The remaining 50 percent of the mine, along with Barrack Gold, is owned by the governments of Pakistan and Balochistan province.
Although Jahanzeb Khan did not elaborate on the international advisor at the press conference, a report in Arab News claimed that UAE-based consulting firm RB&A Partners had been hired.
The company declined to comment in an emailed response to an inquiry by Reuters.
Pakistan had previously said that Barrick Gold would invest $10 billion in the project, but the Canadian firm said in August that it was ready to bring in Saudi Arabia as one of its partners in the mine.
The government of Saudi Arabia also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Jahanzeb Khan said that Saudi Arabia and other friendly countries of the Middle East can potentially invest about 70 billion dollars in various sectors in Pakistan.
Jahanzeb Khan said that Pakistan was keen to include Saudi Arabia in the project, but he also stressed that Islamabad would not act "in haste" and would not sell any of its assets on a "loss deal". He does not want to sell and he will protect his national interests.
He said that Pakistan had established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in June to facilitate investment and focus on various sectors including agriculture, mining and information technology.
He also disclosed that the IMF had inquired about the powers of the SIFC but that the body would ensure transparency in all transactions.
Regarding Pakistan Army's involvement in SIFC, Jahanzeb Khan said that the Army is key to ensure security for investors as Recodek is located in Balochistan, which has been plagued by multiple insurgencies.