Vaishno Devi Yatra resumes briefly
After a 22-day suspension due to a deadly landslide and continuous rain, the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir resumed on Wednesday, bringing relief to waiting devotees. Over 2,500 pilgrims participated before the yatra was suspended again by evening due to worsening weather. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board cited safety concerns and will review conditions before Thursday. The pilgrimage was halted on August 26 after a landslide killed 34 and injured 20.
Patani house attackers killed
Two men who allegedly opened fire outside actress Disha Patani’s residence in Bareilly on September 12 were killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Ghaziabad. The accused-Ravindra (alias Kallu) from Rohtak and Arun from Sonipat-were intercepted by a joint STF and Delhi Police team in Tronica City. During the shootout, both were critically injured and later died in hospital. Linked to the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang, the duo had prior criminal records. Weapons and ammunition were recovered. CM Yogi Adityanath had earlier directed swift action, reiterating the State’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime.
Gaza city under complete siege
Israel launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, aiming to decisively crush Hamas militants amid escalating conflict. The city, already devastated by years of war, saw thousands of Palestinians fleeing with their belongings, clogging coastal roads. Israeli forces began moving in after heavy bombardments. The operation’s timeline remains unclear, but media suggest it could last months. Meanwhile, independent UN experts accused Israel of genocide in Gaza — a charge Israel rejected.
eight shooters reach ISSF WC
Eight Indian shooters, including double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, have qualified for the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha from December 4-9. Bhaker secured spots in both women’s 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events, the only Indian to qualify in two disciplines. India will compete in five Olympic shooting events, with Suruchi Singh, Esha Singh, Rudrankksh Patil, and Sift Kaur Samra.