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The Amira Kadal wooden bridge — near the city centre of Lal Chowk — over the Jhelum river is being revived under the Srinagar Smart City project.

 historic bridge here is undergoing a major transformation as a tribute to the city of bridges’ rich architectural heritage, and is set to become a tourism landmark as well as improve the summer capital’s aesthetic appeal.

The Amira Kadal wooden bridge — near the city centre of Lal Chowk — over the Jhelum river is being revived under the Srinagar Smart City project. Officials said a wooden walkway on the existing piers of the old bridge is being constructed, The Rs 7.17-crore project includes retrofitting of the piers and carrying out all allied works, the officials said.

They exercise aims to revive the old Amira Kadal wood bridge, one of the oldest in the city, and transform it into a cultural and scenic landmark that would offer a vibrant view of the river and attract tourists.

The revamped bridge would be a modern recreational space, equipped with a walkway that would feature various kiosks and offer architectural and cultural experiences to the visitors, the officials said.

In the view of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, several airlines, including SpiceJet and Air India, have issued travel advisories for their passengers.

In the view of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, several airlines, including SpiceJet and Air India, have issued travel advisories for their passengers.

SpiceJet have extended waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar until April 30. The condition is applied to the tickets which have been booked before or on April 22.

In light of the recent tragedy in Pahalgam, SpiceJet is extending waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar, valid until April 30, 2025. This applies to all bookings made on or before April 22. To minimise passenger inconvenience amid the ongoing situation, we are also operating an additional flight from Srinagar to Delhi today. We stand in heartfelt solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those affected during this difficult time,” SpiceJet said in their official statement.

According to an advisory issued by Air India, the airline has capped fares on flights from Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi to ensure affordability for passengers. Air India is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30, 2025.

According to officials, an all time high in the month of May was recorded at 36.4 degrees Celsius in 1968.

Srinagar city recorded the highest maximum temperature in the month of May in nearly six decades on Thursday as the temperature settled at 34.4 degrees Celsius, the weather office said.

It said that Srinagar logged the highest maximum temperature — which is the highest in the month of May in 57 years.

According to officials, an all time high in the month of May was recorded at 36.4 degrees Celsius on May 24, 1968.

This is the third thighest day temperature for this month ever recorded here, they said, adding, the city had recorded 35 degrees Celsius on May 31, 1956, they said.

“The Pratham Puja was concluded. I request the devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra which will start on July 3 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 9,” Manoj Sinha said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said foolproof security arrangements have been made for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra and urged pilgrims to visit the cave shrine in large numbers.

Mr Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the cave shrine, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual yatra this year.

“The Pratham Puja was concluded. I request the devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra which will start on July 3 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 9,” Mr Sinha said.

He said the Shrine Board and the administration have improved the facilities for the pilgrims this year.

“Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, and other CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements. So, I think there is no need for anyone to think about anything, they should come and take Baba’s blessings,” Mr Sinha added.

“Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” the LG said on ‘X’ later.

He said the J-K administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J-K Police and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion, dedication, collaboration and clear objectives for hassle-free and safe pilgrimage.

“Invaluable contributions of people of J&K, Civil Society and all service providers have always been truly exceptional. I have full faith that significant improvements to facilities and services will ensure this year’s pilgrimage is memorable and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees,” he said.

Mr Sinha earlier conducted inspection of works for yatra at the Baltal axis of the pilgrimage.

He ascertained the progress of the works being carried out at the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Baltal axis in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, an official spokesman said.

Mr Sinha directed the officials to timely complete the infrastructure projects being developed to enhance facilities for pilgrims of the yatra.

This outing comes just over a month after the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, in the hill resort.

In a show of resilience, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday cycled on the streets of Pahalgam, alongside his two sons Zamir and Zahir, and interacted with people assuring them of revival of tourism.

This outing comes just over a month after the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, in the hill resort.

The family’s cycling tour, spanning 2.5 kms, from a hotel to the base camp for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra followed a special cabinet meeting led by CM Abdullah.

The event aimed to convey a clear message that the government will not be cowed by such acts of terrorism.

The 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which leads to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave housing a naturally formed ice-shivlingam, is set to commence on July 3. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional 48-km route from Pahalgam in Anantnag district or the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

RRB Technician Recruitment 2025: The deadline to submit applications online for RRB Technician 2025 posts is July 28, while the last date to pay the application fee is July 30.

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has commenced the application process for its Technician recruitment drive for the 2025 cycle. The deadline to submit applications online for RRB Technician 2025 posts is July 28, while the last date to pay the application fee is July 30.

The application modification window will open on August 1 and remain active until August 10. The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 6,238 posts.

Interested and eligible candidates can apply by visiting the official website, rrbapply.gov.in. Selected candidates will be recruited as Technician Grade 1 Signal and in various categories of Technician Grade III posts.

While the central application portal is rrbapply.gov.in, candidates can also refer to RRB regional websites for zone-specific details.

According to senior lawyer Ameet Naik, a GI infringement case may not be sustainable. “Prada has taken a view that these are flat sandals and that there is no misrepresentation. A passing off action could be explored, but may not be a strong case of infringement. Prada could have avoided controversy by clearly acknowledging the Indian inspiration behind the design,” he said.

The issue has prompted reactions from various government officials and industry bodies. A senior official at the Leather Industries Corporation, said Prada had not contacted the corporation and said that a detailed inquiry would be conducted, with necessary action to follow.

Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Social Justice, Maharashtra, said the matter is not limited to chappals but includes bags and other leather accessories. She said, “the government is working to uplift traditional cobblers through skill development and financial assistance, and that international visibility could lead to better prices for their work.”

Kolhapuri chappals, known for their handcrafted leather design, are traditionally made by artisan communities in Maharashtra and have been in use since at least the 12th century.

While no legal action has been initiated yet, the matter has sparked a national conversation around the recognition and protection of traditional Indian designs in global markets.

When Janhvi Kapoor takes the ethnic route, we simply stop, stare and take notes. On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the actor stepped out in Mumbai to attend the re-release premiere of Muzaffar Ali’s 1981 film Umrao Jaan. The musical drama featured veteran star Rekha as the titular courtesan and poet.

She also shared a reel from a photoshoot on her Instagram account, captioning it as, “For my Pedamma #UmraoJaan the classic, in theatres all over India from tomorrow.”

For the event, Janhvi Kapoor slipped into a stunning white embroidered anarkali suit, emulating the movie’s iconic character in terms of grace and elegance. The flowy silhouette came with a plunging sweetheart neckline.

Intricate floral, beaded and mirror work dominated the ankle-grazing enthnic ensemble. Delicate borders at the hem added charm to her outfit. 

Janhvi complemented her vintage wardrobe pick with an ornately decorated dupatta, which was styled like a boho-traditional jacket. The beige-coloured dupatta bore similar hand-woven designs and patterns echoing the grandeur and opulence that are hallmarks of Umrao Jaan, the film. 

Alia Bhatt was grace personified as she opted for a blush silk ensemble, reminiscent of Rekha’s iconic look from Silsila

After serving looks in ombre sarees in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, actor Alia Bhatt turned heads with her fashion choice at the re-release screening of the Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The actor’s blush pink silk saree, in her own words, was an ode to Rekha’s look from Silsila, which also released in 1981, the same year as Umrao Jaan.

Alia, even in her makeup, recreated Rekha’s character, Chandni, from Yash Chopra’s Silsila, a take on modern relationships also featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.

Natasha Poonawalla’s avant-garde red mini dress deserves its fair share of spotlight at the Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez weddingJeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s high-profile wedding has become the talk of the town. The couple have kicked started their three-day wedding festivities in Venice starting from today, June 27, 2025. Among the high-profile guests, it was Natasha Poonawalla who also made it to the esteemed wedding list. The philathropist and socialite is reportedly the only Indian invited to the grand wedding celebrations. 

Weddings are all about “celebrating love” between two souls. Safe to say, Natasha Poonawalla’s outfit was an ode to the union between Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The myriad of 3D heart-shaped designs dominating the outfit made it crystal clear screamed all hearts from a distance. Ruffles around the neckline, pin-straight frills, tassel elements cascading in length, served pizzazz on another level. Natasha’s ensemble had a lot going on it for sure, but it was her sheer confidence that helped the entrepreneur carry the eccentric outfit effortlessly.

The 43-year-old business personality went all out with her accessory game as well. A pretty necklace encrusted with heart-shaped diamonds offered the right amount of sparkle. Natasha Poonawalla, however, skipped earrings and bracelets.