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News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Who Was Hashim Musa, Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Killed In Dachigam Encounter?
Last Updated: Ex-Pakistani SSG commando turned Lashkar handler, Musa was behind the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir The Indian Army's Special Forces on Monday eliminated Hashim Musa, the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack, during an intense encounter in the dense forests of Harwan near Dachigam, Jammu and Kashmir. His death marks a major breakthrough in India's ongoing counter-terror operations in the Valley. At least three terrorists were killed in the gunfight, which took place around 20 kilometres from Srinagar's city centre. 'Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues," the Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a post on X. The Dachigam encounter came amid a large-scale manhunt for those behind the Pahalgam massacre. Intelligence inputs gathered over the past month had indicated that some of the operatives involved in the April 22 attack may have moved into the Harwan–Dachigam region. Who Was Hashim Musa? Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman Musa, was formerly associated with Pakistan's Special Services Group (SSG), the elite commando wing of the Pakistani Army. According to multiple intelligence sources cited in media reports, Musa was later inducted into the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. Security officials believe he was 'loaned" by elements of Pakistan's military establishment to support Lashkar's cross-border operations in Jammu and Kashmir, part of a pattern where ex-special forces personnel are informally embedded within terror groups to enhance their operational capabilities while maintaining plausible deniability. According to an India Today report, Musa had infiltrated Indian territory around September 2023 through the Kathua–Samba sector along the International Border. After entering Jammu and Kashmir, he was active across districts such as Budgam, Baramulla, Rajouri, Poonch, and Ganderbal. These movements were pieced together through intelligence assessments and the interrogation of overground workers (OGWs) detained following the Pahalgam attack. The April 22 Pahalgam Attack On April 22, 2025, heavily armed terrorists opened fire on civilians in the Baisaran Valley area near Pahalgam, killing 26 people. The attackers were equipped with M4 rifles and used tactics that suggested professional military training and coordination. Investigators later identified Musa as the key figure behind the planning and execution of the attack. Suspected Role In Earlier Attacks Reports also link Musa to at least three other attacks in 2024, including in Ganderbal and Baramulla, where security forces and civilians were targeted. His presence in those zones was corroborated through digital intelligence and human inputs collected over several months. Reward And Search Operation Following the Pahalgam massacre, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of three suspects, including Musa, and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for actionable information. Posters were circulated in sensitive districts to generate leads. At least 15 overground workers were arrested in connection with the case, as per The New Indian Express. A Trained Threat Neutralised Musa's background in the Pakistan Army and his operations in Kashmir under Lashkar-e-Taiba's banner made him one of the most technically capable foreign terrorists active in the region. His elimination is being seen as a significant development in the ongoing campaign against Pakistani-backed terrorism. First Published: July 28, 2025, 15:14 IST News india Who Was Hashim Musa, Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Killed In Dachigam Encounter? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Patel Chem Specialities SME IPO: Issue price band fixed at ₹82-84/share
Patel Chem Specialities, a manufacturer of starch-based pharmaceutical excipients, on Thursday fixed the price at ₹82-84 per share for its ₹58.80 crore initial public offering (IPO). The IPO will open on July 25 and conclude on July 29. The shares of the company will be listed on BSE's SME platform, Patel Chem Specialities said in a statement. The public issue is entirely a fresh issue of up to 70 lakh equity shares. Proceeds from the issue will be utilised to set up a plant at Indrad, Mahesana, for manufacturing Croscarmellose Sodium (CCS), Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) Corn Starch Base & Potato Starch Base and Calcium Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and general corporate purposes. Incorporated in 2008, Patel Chem Specialities is engaged in the manufacturing and exporting of pharmaceutical excipients and specialty chemicals. As of FY25, the company has an installed production capacity of 7,200 MT per year, with a capacity utilisation rate of 89 per cent. "The IPO proceeds will fuel our strategic expansion and strengthen our presence in both domestic and international markets. The upcoming facility at Indrad, Mehsana will help us meet rising demand for key products like CCS, SSG, and Calcium CMC, and support our focus on innovation and customer-driven solutions," Bhupesh Patel, MD at Patel Chem Specialities, said. In FY25, the company reported operating revenue of ₹105.09 crore and net profit of ₹10.57 crore. Cumulative Capital and Unistone Capital are the book-running lead managers and MUFG Intime India is the registrar for the issue.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Fertility doctor suggests early tests that could save your parenthood dreams
Many couples today face difficulties when trying to conceive. Infertility is more common than people think, affecting as many as 1 in 6 couples globally. Can't conceive? These simple blood tests may hold the answer, says expert.(Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sneha Sathe, Clinical Director at Nova IVF Fertility in Mumbai's Chembur, shared, 'One of the best ways to take charge of your fertility is to get tested early. Fertility testing can give valuable insights into your reproductive health and guide your next steps, whether it's lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments like IUI and IVF.' Why testing matters Dr Sneha Sathe said, 'If you've been trying to get pregnant for a while without success, it can be overwhelming. Many couples feel ashamed, anxious or discouraged. Getting tested can help bring clarity. Early fertility testing can identify problems if any, but just as often, it can offer reassurance.' She added, 'Sadly, many couples delay testing- often because they aren't aware it exists, they think it's only for couples who have been trying for many years, or they worry that it's too complex and invasive. The truth is, understanding your fertility sooner can make all the difference. For women, tests focus on things like ovulation, hormone levels and the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes. For men, semen analysis gives information about sperm count, movement, and shape — all of which play a role in fertility.' Basic tests all couples should start with Before moving to more detailed tests, Dr Sneha Sathe advised couples to do general tests that provide essential health information. Fertility: Reproductive health tests that men, women should opt for without fail (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels) Blood Tests for Both Partners: 1. Blood group and compatibility check 2. Complete blood count (CBC) 3. Screening for infections like HIV, hepatitis B and C 4. Blood sugar 5. Vitamin D level 6. In some cases, liver and kidney function tests Extra Tests for Women: 1. Thyroid test (TSH) 2. Prolactin level Fertility Tests for Women 1. AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): to assess egg reserve 2. Ultrasound scan: to check the uterus and ovaries, 3. HSG (Hysterosalpingography) or Sonohysterogram (SSG): to check if the fallopian tubes are open. They're not usually part of the first round of testing. Your doctor may recommend them at a later stage — especially if all other test results are normal and you've been trying to conceive for a while without success.. Fertility Tests for Men Doctor lists male fertility tests for men experiencing infertility or with testicular damage, erectile dysfunction, cancer treatment, mumps infection, urinary tract surgery.(Image by EVG Kowalievska ) Male fertility is just as important and testing is simple and painless in most cases. 1. Semen analysis: This is the key test. It checks the sperm count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology). 2. In some cases hormone tests and/or genetic tests Why early testing helps For women, age is the biggest determinant of fertility. Dr Sneha Sathe said, 'Fertility starts declining with age and drops more sharply after 35. That's because both the number and quality of eggs go down with age. Early testing helps you plan better, especially if you're over 30 or have other risk factors.' She concluded, 'If you've been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if over 35years), it's a good idea to get tested. Most of the basic tests just need a single blood sample or a semen sample. Your fertility doctor will look at the results and suggest what to do next, based on your individual situation. Timely testing, honest conversations with your doctor, and a supportive approach can make all the difference. The goal is simple — to help you become parents, in the healthiest and safest way possible.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Indian Express
‘I knew they were dead…': Survivors recall minutes after part of Gujarat bridge gave way
'Maro Dikro doobi gayo, Maro Gharwalo Dubi gayo… (My son has drowned, my husband has drowned… Save us…)' Among the first scenes from the site of the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge collapse in Vadodara district early on Wednesday morning, was a heartrending video showing a woman in a pink saree, calling for help to save her family members. The woman, a resident of Dariyapura near Mujpur, has been identified as Sonalben Ramesh Padhiyar, 46, who was travelling in an Eeco car with eight other family members, including her two minor grandchildren, when a part of the bridge collapsed on the end of Vadodara district. Barring Sonalben, all the occupants of the vehicle are feared dead in the accident. At SSG hospital in Vadodara, where she has been wheeled in with three other survivors, Sonalben is distraught. What was planned to be an outing to a place of worship to mark Guru Purnima, turned into a tragedy for the family. Sonalben says, 'We had set out from Dariyapura to Bagdana (Saurashtra) for pilgrimage for Guru Purnima around 7am. There were a few motorcycles, a truck and our car around us when the bridge suddenly collapsed. We just fell in a matter of seconds… Before we could even realise what happened, the vehicle had hit the water surface and was pulled into the river…' When asked about the video in which she was seen crying for help, Sonalben says, 'I was calling out to people to help my family… All of them were in the vehicle. I was the only one who managed to come out as I was in the rear. My husband, son, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren as well as two other relatives were in the vehicle. It had fallen head first so there was no way they could have come out…' The 45-year-old says that it was about an hour after the accident that help arrived. 'No one came to help me… My entire family remained in water for that time. I knew I had lost them, who would survive such a car crash into Mahisagar? My grandson was the youngest, only two years old… It was after the police and other rescue team arrived with a boat that I came out. I don't know where the rest of my family is…' Another survivor pulled out from the river is Dilipsinh Padhiyar, a resident of Nani Sherdi village in Borsad taluka of Anand district. Dilipsinh was riding his two-wheeler and returning from the night-shift duty at a pharma company in Bharuch when the accident occurred. 'I was on top of the bridge and traffic was moving as usual… I had barely covered 100 meters on the bridge when I felt a vibration and suddenly, the bridge had given way. I found myself falling into the river,' says Dilipsinh. He says, 'I had suffered injuries but somehow, I gathered my inner strength and held on to some metal rod, I don't know what it was. I climbed up and tried to stay afloat until help arrived… The local fishermen were the first to arrive with boats.' Raju Doda Hathiya, a resident of Dwarka, who was driving a pick-up van from Dwarka to Ankleshwar, was among those who fell into the river as the vehicles plunged. Hathiya, who was rushed to the SSG hospital in Vadodara, says that the fall was 'sudden'. Hathiya says, 'There were two people in my vehicle.. going from Dwarka to Ankleshwar. I am not sure where my helper is… The truck just fell into the water. I came out from my side and sat on the top of the vehicle… Later, someone came and pulled me out in a boat.' Hathiya says that at the time the portion of the bridge collapsed, there were at least three vehicles around him, apart from a couple of motorcycles. 'Saw the bridge falling like a pack of cards' Two men who had a 'miraculous escape' recounted their moment of panic. Anwar Mohammad, a resident of Borsad, who was on his way to Jambusar in Bharuch district for work along with two other persons in a van, says he abandoned his vehicle to save his life. 'We were just crossing the part that collapsed when I heard the sound of the bridge falling apart. Immediately, the three of us jumped out of the van and ran… We saw the bridge falling like a pack of cards. Our van fell into the river… Had we managed to drive just a few metres ahead, the van would have also been safe.' Two men from Kinkhlod, Mahesh Parmar and Vijay Parmar, say they 'missed a heart's beat' when they realised that the bridge was collapsing. 'We had left our village for the day's work… When we came over the bridge, riding our motorcycle, and it began to collapse, fear gripped us but I managed to press the brakes in time and bring the motorcycle to a halt. We abandoned our two-wheeler and ran to save our lives. Later, as things settled, we slowly climbed back on to the bridge to see what had happened. Several vehicles had plunged into the river. It was a tragic and heart-breaking scene… But for a moment earlier, we had missed a heart beat too.'
CNA
09-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
New SkillsFuture registry to boost quality of educators with regular training from next April
SINGAPORE: SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is aiming to level up the quality of its educators through a new national registry. The lifelong learning statutory board said these efforts are part of an initiative called the Training and Adult Educator Professional Pathway (TAEPP). The initiative is developed by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) with the support of SSG to improve the professionalism of the training and adult education sector. Educators delivering SSG-supported training will be required to be on the new registry from Apr 1 next year. The registration process will commence from the fourth quarter this year. The TAEPP aims to ensure those on the registry continuously upskill and improve lesson content to stay relevant. TRAINING THE TRAINERS The initiative intends to upgrade the skills of about 11,000 adult educators, according to SSG. It also allows employers across sectors to tap a stronger training ecosystem to benefit employees. '(Adult educators) are the linchpin in terms of enabling our industry to transform … The students are the adult learners. Adult learners are the ones who are working in the industry with all the changes that's happening so rapidly,' said Dr Samson Tan, director of learning and professional development at the IAL. 'A competent, current adult educator with the right skills for delivering and enabling them to perform in the workplace is important and essential.' Dr Tan told CNA that the TAEPP will shift the focus from one-off certifications for educators towards continuous professional development. The TAEPP will also recruit industry practitioners to serve as registered educators. For a start, it is identifying suitable experts in the healthcare and legal sectors. To remain on the SSG registry, educators will need to renew their status every two years through clocking at least 40 hours of continuing professional development and 80 hours of teaching. NTUC LearningHub's assistant chief executive and chief sector skills officer Tay Ee Learn said that the pathway allows training providers a broader and more sustainable access to trainers. '(It can) help us to scale our supply of training to meet (current and future) demand,' he added. Mr Tay noted that NTUC LearningHub also offers online platforms to help make training and skills upgrading more accessible to educators in fulfilling the required practice hours. A MARK OF CREDIBILITY Ms Clare Poon, who teaches weekly classes for learners seeking to become trainers, is among those who welcomed the initiative. She said that being listed in the new registry will boost her credibility as an adult educator and will help with getting more clients. 'Our work is pretty competitive, so having that recognition can be an added advantage when we look for training opportunities or project engagement,' she said. 'It is also a reminder for us to keep track of our own professional development.' Ms Poon uses a blend of lesson types – online, face-to-face classes and workplace learning – to teach her students how adults learn and how artificial intelligence can be used in lessons. She noted that trainers like herself play a role to create meaningful learning experiences and spaces for students to discuss, participate and actively engage in the learning process. INVESTING IN THE WORKFORCE Education Minister Desmond Lee noted that such efforts go a long way in preparing the workforce for the challenges ahead. 'Global trade tensions and eroding global norms are creating a lot of economic (and) job uncertainties. This can be unsettling for our businesses who will find it challenging to plan ahead,' Mr Lee said at the opening of the SkillsFuture Festival on Monday (Jul 7). He added that as technology continues to evolve, jobs and livelihoods could be transformed or disrupted. Hence, the government is committed to work with Singaporeans, industries and training providers to ensure workers remain relevant, he said. 'We must invest even more in our people, ensure that Singaporeans can adapt to change, retain our competitive advantage and remain a valuable partner to the rest of the world,' he added.
