Sachin Tendulkar (Getty Images)

Possibly the greatest batsman the game has ever seen, Sachin Tendulkar Spent more than two decades dominating world cricket. But even for a player of his stature, the year 2012 proved to be one of the most challenging phases of his remarkable career. Just a few months after realizing his lifelong dream of lifting ICC Cricket World Cup In 2011, Tendulkar was struggling with a sudden poor form and increasing questions about his future. India faced disappointing overseas tours in England and Australia, where they suffered consecutive 0–4 series defeats. Tendulkar scored 560 runs with four half-centuries in eight Test matches in both the tours, but failed to reach the historic century that the cricket world was eagerly waiting for. With every innings the pressure on him to score his 100th international century increased.

Things did not improve when England toured India later that year. The hosts lost the series on home soil and Tendulkar’s struggles continued. In four Test matches, he scored only 112 runs at an average of 18.6, raising fresh concerns about his future. Around the same time, many of his longtime teammates had already retired from the sport. Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid And VVS Laxman All retired, leaving Tendulkar as the last remaining pillar of an iconic Indian batting generation. Many believed that the next decision could involve the man widely known as the “God of Cricket”. It was during this uncertain period that then President bcci selection committee, Sandeep Patil decided to have a frank discussion with the 39-year-old. “I remember the last day of the Nagpur Test when we lost to England in 2012. My fellow selector Rajendra Singh Hans and I went to the ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) to get permission to meet Sachin Tendulkar. We got the manager’s permission and invited Tendulkar. I asked him as president, ‘What are your plans?’ The selection committee had decided that his contribution was not helping the team. The whole country turned against me, but we never left them. He announced his retirement first from ODIs and then from Tests,” Patil said on Vicky Lalwani’s podcast. This conversation surprised Tendulkar. “He was surprised and rightly so. He said ‘Why?’ I said the committee felt we needed to consider your replacement, and he was shocked. He called me again and asked, ‘Are you serious?’ I said, yes. Later, when he decided to retire, he even called me and said, ‘Sandy, I am announcing my retirement.’ I am sad that we had to take such a tough decision. But look at the player who came in – Ajinkya Rahane“ Patil also revealed that Tendulkar initially had no intention of stepping down. According to him, the batting icon had clearly said after the meeting that he wanted to continue playing. However, within a week, Tendulkar announced his retirement from One Day Internationals, days before India faced Pakistan in a three-match series. The Mumbai legend continued in Test cricket for another year, although the magical consistency that had defined his career was no more. During the Border–Gavaskar Trophy 2013, which India won 4–0 against Australia, Tendulkar scored 192 runs at an average of 32, with 81 being his highest score. A few months later, he bowed out of the Indian Premier League and eventually announced his retirement from international cricket after the farewell Test series against the West Indies cricket team on home soil. When the curtain finally came down on his extraordinary journey, Tendulkar left the game having achieved the historic distinction of becoming the first cricketer to score over 34,000 international runs and play 200 Test matches, bringing to an end one of the game’s greatest careers.

For the first time, scientists have filmed high-speed video of a phenomenon where trees release electrical flashes by generating sparks during a thunderstorm. The results of a study published in geophysical research paper show that tree branches can emit a faint blue light known as corona discharge, thanks to sensors and cameras deployed in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Corona is formed when a storm’s very strong electric field ionizes the air near the sharp edges of leaves on a tree. Sailors have been observing this glow on ship masts for hundreds of years. This observation is important for atmospheric scientists, as the findings indicate that forest areas may have a greater impact on Earth’s electrical balance and greenhouse gas composition than previously thought.

How do trees emit electrical flashes without catching fire?

The blue light at the tops of trees is the result of a phenomenon called corona discharge, which is different from a lightning strike or wildfire. The electric field of a storm is so large that it can strip electrons from air molecules. Due to this, electricity is emitted into the air in the form of plasma. Unlike lightning, which is extremely hot and large discharge, corona discharge is ‘cold’ lightning. according to science newsBecause this form of lightning is less strong and less widespread, it accumulates at the brightest points on a tree, such as the tips of pine needles and leaves, causing the tree to emit a faint glow. However, this lightning will not cause actual burning or any other type of damage to the tree.

Why do glowing trees matter for the climate?

Apart from looking beautiful with their bright blue glow, the electrical discharge from corona discharge around the tips of trees has a huge impact on air quality.According to research done by Penn State UniversityThe electrical discharge generated by corona discharge at the tips of trees also produces large amounts of free hydroxyl. Hydroxyl acts as the major cleaning agent for our atmosphere. Hydroxyl radicals are also very reactive and are used to decompose many pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which would otherwise contribute to global warming.

Why do some trees shine brighter than others?

After storms, different species are known to respond differently. According to a recent study conducted by scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This research has confirmed that the relative size of the tree canopy is responsible for producing greater or lesser amounts of ‘ghost’ light as it ages. Evergreen trees participate most actively in generating this electrical phenomenon. The pointed, needle-like leaf-shaped tips of conifers make excellently efficient natural ‘conductors’, allowing upward-produced electric fields to become highly concentrated at the tip of their pointed vine and more easily (and many times more often) than upward-produced electric flashes, producing blue light.

पिछले कुछ दिनों से अयोध्या में घरेलू गैस की कमी को लेकर अफवाह फैल रही थी. इन अफवाहों के चलते कई लोग घबराकर गैस एजेंसियों पर पहुंचने लगे, जिससे वहां अचानक भीड़ लग गई और लंबी कतारें लग गईं. हालांकि, जिला प्रशासन ने अब स्थिति स्पष्ट करते हुए कहा है कि जिले में घरेलू गैस की कोई कमी नहीं है. प्रशासन के मुताबिक अफवाहों के कारण लोगों में भ्रम की स्थिति पैदा हो गई, जबकि हकीकत यह है कि गैस सिलेंडर की सप्लाई सामान्य रूप से जारी है.

जिलाधिकारी ने लोगों से अफवाहों पर ध्यान न देने की अपील की
जिलाधिकारी निखिल टी. फुंडे ने इस मामले में लोगों से शांति बनाए रखने और अफवाहों पर विश्वास न करने की अपील की है. उन्होंने बताया कि जिले में प्रतिदिन लगभग साढ़े बारह हजार गैस सिलेंडरों की आवश्यकता होती है और इसकी तुलना में पर्याप्त मात्रा में गैस सिलेंडर उपलब्ध कराये जा रहे हैं. डीएम ने कहा कि लोगों को बिल्कुल भी घबराने की जरूरत नहीं है, क्योंकि घरेलू गैस की आपूर्ति पूरी तरह से सामान्य है.

ऑनलाइन बुकिंग एवं होम डिलीवरी की व्यवस्था
जिलाधिकारी ने लोगों से गैस एजेंसियों पर जाकर लाइन में लगने के बजाय घर बैठे ही ऑनलाइन गैस बुक करने को भी कहा है. प्रशासन ने सभी गैस एजेंसियों को उपभोक्ताओं को होम डिलीवरी के माध्यम से गैस सिलेंडर उपलब्ध कराने का निर्देश दिया है। इसके साथ ही उन्होंने यह भी स्पष्ट किया कि जिन उपभोक्ताओं ने हाल ही में गैस सिलेंडर लिया है, वे 25 दिन पूरे होने के बाद ही अगली बुकिंग करा सकेंगे। इससे अनावश्यक भीड़ नहीं होगी और सभी उपभोक्ताओं को समय पर गैस मिल सकेगी।

पेट्रोल-डीजल की भी पर्याप्त उपलब्धता
जिलाधिकारी ने यह भी बताया कि जिले के सभी पेट्रोल पंपों पर पेट्रोल एवं डीजल की पर्याप्त उपलब्धता है. लोगों को ईंधन को लेकर किसी तरह की परेशानी नहीं हो रही है. हालांकि, उन्होंने कहा कि फिलहाल कमर्शियल गैस की सप्लाई में थोड़ी दिक्कत है, लेकिन इसे जल्द ही ठीक कर लिया जाएगा.

प्रशासन लगातार नजर बनाए हुए है
प्रशासन ने कहा है कि पूरे मामले पर लगातार नजर रखी जा रही है. लोगों को किसी तरह की परेशानी न हो इसके लिए अधिकारियों की टीम स्थिति पर नजर रख रही है. प्रशासन ने भी नागरिकों से संयम बरतने और अफवाहों से दूर रहने की अपील की है.

जम्मू-कश्मीर के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री फारूक अब्दुल्ला पर बुधवार देर रात एक युवक ने हमला कर दिया। हालांकि मौके पर मौजूद सुरक्षाकर्मियों ने तुरंत कार्रवाई करते हुए उन्हें सुरक्षित बाहर निकाला और आरोपी को गिरफ्तार कर लिया. पुलिस पूछताछ में आरोपी ने चौंकाने वाला दावा किया कि वह पिछले 20 साल से इस हमले की योजना बना रहा था. घटना के बाद सुरक्षा व्यवस्था को लेकर कई सवाल उठने लगे हैं. फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने खुद मीडिया से बात करते हुए कहा कि वह हमलावर को नहीं जानते और उन्हें यह भी नहीं पता कि हमले के पीछे की वजह क्या थी. फिलहाल पुलिस पूरे मामले की जांच में जुटी है.

कार्यक्रम से निकलते वक्त पटाखे जैसी आवाज सुनाई दी.
फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने बताया कि जब वह एक कार्यक्रम से बाहर निकल रहे थे तो अचानक उन्हें पटाखों जैसी आवाज सुनाई दी. उस वक्त उन्हें लगा कि शायद पटाखा किसी शादी या समारोह में फोड़ा गया होगा. लेकिन आवाज सुनते ही उनके सुरक्षाकर्मियों ने तुरंत उन्हें गाड़ी में बैठाया और सुरक्षित स्थान पर ले गए. बाद में सुरक्षाकर्मियों ने उन्हें बताया कि यह पटाखों की नहीं बल्कि गोली की आवाज थी. इसके बाद पूरी घटना का खुलासा हुआ. हालांकि सुरक्षाकर्मियों की सतर्कता के चलते उन्हें कोई नुकसान नहीं हुआ.

सुरक्षा व्यवस्था पर उठे सवाल
घटना के बाद फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने सुरक्षा व्यवस्था को लेकर भी सवाल उठाए. उन्होंने कहा कि जिस कार्यक्रम में वह शामिल हुए थे, वहां कई बड़े लोग मौजूद थे, लेकिन पर्याप्त पुलिस व्यवस्था नहीं थी. उनके मुताबिक ऐसे कार्यक्रमों में सुरक्षा का खास ख्याल रखा जाना चाहिए. उन्होंने यह भी बताया कि घटना के बाद उन्हें देश के गृह मंत्री अमित शाह का फोन आया था. अमित शाह ने उनका हालचाल पूछा और मामले की गहन जांच का आश्वासन दिया।

नफरत के माहौल पर चिंता जताई
फारूक अब्दुल्ला ने कहा कि देश में नफरत का माहौल बढ़ रहा है और यह चिंता का विषय है. उन्होंने कहा कि हर धर्म लोगों को प्रेम और भाईचारा सिखाता है, लेकिन आज समाज में नफरत की जड़ें गहरी होती जा रही हैं। उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि लोकतंत्र में मतभेद होना स्वाभाविक है, लेकिन सभी को मिलकर काम करना चाहिए और हर व्यक्ति को अपने विचार व्यक्त करने का अधिकार होना चाहिए। उन्होंने यह भी याद दिलाया कि जम्मू-कश्मीर को दोबारा राज्य का दर्जा देने का वादा किया गया था.

Imagine a vast underground palace, filled with treasures and guarded by an army of stone warriors, sealed away for more than two millennia. It is the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who unified the country in 221 BC and pursued immortality until his death in 210 BC. According to the BBC, it was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi’an, at the site of the famous Terracotta Army, thousands of life-size clay soldiers ready for battle. Yet, despite this astonishing discovery, archaeologists have never penetrated the emperor’s inner tomb. The whispers of deadly nets, rivers of poisonous mercury, and the fragile wonders within keep them at bay. It’s a mysterious mystery that combines ancient ingenuity with modern caution, raising questions about preservation versus curiosity in archaeology.

Are there deadly traps and mercury rivers in China? qin shi huang tomb

Ancient texts paint a dire picture of the tomb’s security. The historian Sima Qian in his Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) describes crossbows to fire at intruders and mechanically flowing mercury to mimic China’s great rivers such as the Yangtze and the Yellow River. Sima Qian wrote, “Craftsmen were ordered to make crossbows and arrows to shoot at anyone who entered the tomb. Mercury was used to simulate the Hundred Rivers,” as also cited in historical accounts of the tomb’s construction.

Image Credit: Canva

Modern science supports these claims. A 2020 study published in Nature found unusually high levels of mercury in the soil around the grave mound, far higher than normal concentrations. Ground penetrating radar has revealed vast chambers and cavities beneath the 76 meter high pyramid-shaped mound, suggesting the complex “underground palace” described by Sima Qian. While some doubt that the traps are still working after 2,200 years, the mercury alone poses a risk of instability; If disturbed, it can rapidly evaporate, poisoning the air. The head of the team, archaeologist Duan Qingbo of the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Institute, confirmed the high mercury density emitted from the tomb during geological surveys. Duan told China Daily in 2006, “We found in a survey that the mercury concentration in the cemetery area of ​​Cunshihuang is exceptionally higher than that in the perimeter area.” These findings explain why experts proceed with caution; Opening a tomb may present dangers that we cannot fully anticipate.

Conservation risk of opening the emperor’s tomb

The Terracotta Army issues a stern warning. When first exposed to air in the 1970s, the Warriors’ vibrant paint, once brightly colored, faded within minutes. “When the Terracotta Army was uncovered in the 1970s, its bright colors faded within minutes of exposure to air,” the report on the site’s excavation challenges said. Inside the sealed central chamber, artifacts may be perfectly preserved in their pristine equilibrium, but sunlight, oxygen, and moisture can quickly destroy them.This was emphasized by Zhang Bai, Deputy Director of China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), at the 15th ICOMOS Assembly in Xi’an in 2005. “These cultural relics have been buried for more than 2,000 years and have achieved a state of equilibrium. If they are excavated improperly… they will quickly deteriorate,” Zhang said, citing an example where excavated ivory turned into powder in just two hours. SACH policy strictly limits excavations to cases of natural hazards, robberies or national needs, also disallowing nearby graves to avoid damaging the main site.Duan Qingbo reiterates this warning: “It is not the right time to open the tomb at this time, as many things remain unknown.” Recently non-invasive techniques such as remote sensing have revealed symmetrical stairs and wooden structures that have never been mentioned in records, proving that we still lack a complete understanding. To proceed hastily without guaranteed safety technology would be archaeological vandalism.

Official stance on China’s closed emperor’s tomb

As the World Intellectual Property Organization suggests, China’s cultural heritage laws prioritize “protection first”. The Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China allows excavations only in severe circumstances, a principle SACH maintains for the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Even proposals for tourism or seismic protection were rejected in the 1990s.Michel Patzet, then president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), supported this at the same Xi’an gathering: “Let Qianshihuang and its underground palace continue their deep sleep.” The political and moral layers add weight. Qin Shi Huang unified China, but through cruel methods and disrupting his comfort could spark cultural debate. The site’s World Heritage status since 1987 demands global standards of care.Today, the focus remains on the outer pits: more than 8,000 unique soldiers, chariots, and even the possible royal tomb of the recently excavated Prince Gao. These provide insight without jeopardizing the original. As Duan notes, the tomb’s ancient drainage system has kept its contents intact for millennia. Why gamble now?In the end, it is not cowardice to refuse to open this 2,200-year-old wonder; This is intelligence. By sealing off Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, archaeologists are honoring his legacy while waiting for technology that can truly unlock its secrets safely. Future generations may one day enter it, but for now, the Emperor’s eternal guardians stand watch, their secret intact.

New Delhi: A crude oil tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz has reached Mumbai port, becoming one of the first ships to reach India through the vital route amid rising tensions in the Middle East. According to the Mumbai Port Trust, the Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, captained by an Indian national, arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday after loading crude from Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia, ANI reported.

Officials said Iran had approved the ship to transit the strategic waterway, where shipping activity has declined sharply following conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Sources said Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged ships to pass safely through the strait even as maritime traffic in the area has slowed down significantly since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Shenlong Suezmax, which departed from Ras Tanura on March 1, completed its journey to Mumbai after getting permission to pass through the narrow shipping corridor.Iran has tightened controls on shipping in the strait in recent days. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said ships sailing through the waterways must obtain Tehran’s approval. In a post on Twitter, he said two ships that ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted on Wednesday.“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the ships Express Rome and Mayuri Nari, who today ignored warnings, relying on empty promises, and intended to transit the strait, but were caught. Any ship that intends to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said.Iranian state media have reported that Tehran has extended restrictions on shipping through the strait, while adding that ships that do not serve the interests of the United States or Israel will be allowed safe passage. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with more than 20 million barrels of crude moving through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman every day, accounting for about a fifth of global oil consumption and a quarter of seaborne oil trade.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that 28 Indian-flagged ships are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 ships carrying 677 Indian sailors are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships carrying 101 Indian crew members are located east of the strait. The ministry said a 24-hour control room has been functioning in the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28 to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate assistance if needed. Officials are also working with Indian embassies, ship managers and recruitment agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.

अमेठी जिले के मुसाफिरखाना इलाके में गुरुवार तड़के पुलिस और बदमाश के बीच मुठभेड़ हो गई. इस दौरान पुलिस ने 50 हजार रुपये के इनामी बदमाश को गिरफ्तार कर लिया. मुठभेड़ के दौरान बदमाश के पैर में गोली लगी, जिससे वह घायल हो गया. पुलिस ने तुरंत उसे इलाज के लिए अस्पताल भेजा. पुलिस के मुताबिक आरोपी रंगदारी मामले में काफी समय से वांछित था और उसकी तलाश की जा रही थी.

चेकिंग के दौरान मिली जानकारी
सरवनन टी के निर्देश पर चलाए जा रहे अभियान के तहत यह कार्रवाई की गई। बुधवार और गुरुवार की दरमियानी रात करीब 2:45 बजे क्षेत्राधिकारी अतुल कुमार सिंह के नेतृत्व में प्रभारी निरीक्षक विवेक कुमार सिंह पुलिस टीम के साथ इसौली रोड जखा शिवपुर के पास संदिग्ध व्यक्तियों की जांच कर रहे थे। इसी बीच पुलिस को मुखबिर से सूचना मिली कि स्क्रैप कारोबारी रमन अग्रहरि से रंगदारी मांगने वाला आरोपी कहीं जाने की फिराक में है.

पुलिस को देखकर आरोपी भागने लगे
सूचना मिलते ही पुलिस टीम ने इसौली रोड पर घेराबंदी कर दी। कुछ देर बाद एक युवक बिना नंबर प्लेट की मोटरसाइकिल पर आता दिखाई दिया। पुलिस को देखते ही वह कच्ची सड़क की ओर भागने लगा. भागते समय वह गिर गया और इसके बाद उसने पुलिस टीम पर फायरिंग कर दी. पुलिस ने आत्मरक्षा में जवाबी कार्रवाई की.

जवाबी फायरिंग में पैर में गोली लगी
पुलिस की जवाबी फायरिंग में बदमाश के पैर में गोली लगी और वह घायल होकर गिर पड़ा. इसके बाद पुलिस ने उसे मौके पर ही पकड़ लिया. घायल आरोपी को तुरंत अस्पताल भेजा गया, जहां उसका इलाज किया जा रहा है.

अभियुक्तों की पहचान एवं बरामद सामान
पकड़े गए आरोपी ने अपना नाम इस्लाम अहमद उर्फ ​​सोनू उर्फ ​​मच्छर (28) निवासी काशीराम कॉलोनी, थाना कोतवाली नगर, जिला गोंडा बताया। पुलिस ने उसके पास से एक पिस्तौल, एक जिंदा कारतूस, एक चला हुआ कारतूस और बिना नंबर प्लेट की एक एचएफ डीलक्स मोटरसाइकिल बरामद की है। पुलिस इस मामले में आगे की कानूनी कार्रवाई कर रही है और आरोपियों से पूछताछ जारी है.

Dubai confirms four-day Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday for public and private sector employees / Image: File

The Human Resources Department of the Government of Dubai announced Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday for Dubai’s public sector employees, confirming four days of holiday for government employees. The break will begin on Thursday, March 19 and government offices will reopen on Monday, March 23, offering four days off for public sector workers. The announcement comes as UAE residents prepare to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan and one of the most important festivals of the Islamic calendar.

Dubai Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday dates confirmed

Dubai authorities confirmed that government workers will observe the Eid Al Fitr holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, with official working hours resuming on Monday, March 23.The four-day holiday is in line with the UAE’s federal holiday schedule for Eid Al Fitr, which traditionally marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month celebrated by Muslims around the world.Public sector institutions across Dubai and the wider UAE will therefore remain closed during this period as employees celebrate the occasion with family gatherings, prayers and festivities.

Eid al Fitr 2026 holidays for private sector

Along with the public sector announcement, officials had earlier confirmed the holiday schedule for private sector employees in the UAE.Private sector workers will get paid leave from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. However, if Ramzan lasts for 30 days, this leave could be extended till Sunday, March 22, giving workers a long weekend.This structure ensures that employees in both the public and private sectors enjoy equal leave periods while maintaining operational continuity for businesses across the country.

prompt salary to employees

In a move that will bring additional happiness to thousands of families, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has issued a special directive regarding monthly salaries. To ensure that families can shop for Eid gifts and prepare for feasts without financial stress, the government will pay March salaries early on March 17, 2026.This gesture allows workers to settle their Zakat Al Fitr early and avoid last-minute crowds at malls and traditional markets, making preparation for the holidays easier for everyone.

How to plan your four-day Eid Al Fitr in Dubai?

With four consecutive days off, the Eid holiday offers UAE residents a rare opportunity to pause, celebrate and refresh. For many families, this is the perfect time to get away from the routine, whether that means traveling, exploring a city or simply spending meaningful time with loved ones.One of the most popular ways for residents to celebrate the long weekend is by planning a short getaway. Hotels and resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah usually offer special Eid packages, which include festive brunches, family entertainment and beach activities. These quick getaways allow residents to enjoy the vacation experience without the hassle of international travel.Others prefer to make the most of the vibrant atmosphere of Eid by exploring UAE attractions and celebrations. Shopping malls, theme parks and cultural venues often host fireworks, live performances and festive markets during the holidays, creating a lively atmosphere for families and visitors.

looking ahead

Eid al Fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. The festival marks the end of a month of fasting, contemplation and charity during Ramadan.Throughout the UAE, the holiday is celebrated with special Eid prayers, family gatherings, festive meals and charity functions, while shopping malls, entertainment venues and tourist attractions typically see increased visitor numbers during the long weekend.For many residents, the Eid holidays are also an occasion for short vacations, travel plans and family reunions, making it one of the busiest festivals of the year in the country.

Farooq Abdullah (PTI file photo)

New Delhi: After an attempt on his life, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah reflected on the incident on Thursday, saying, “God saved me.”Sharing brief details about the tense moments at a wedding ceremony in Jammu’s Greater Kailash area, the NC chief told reporters, “I was leaving the venue when I heard the sound of firecrackers. Immediately, I was put into a car. Later, I was told that it was a man with a pistol who fired two shots. Neither do I know this man (accused), nor do I have any information about him.Farooq further said, “I don’t know what his (accused Kamal’s) intention was. To say that it was a security lapse would be a big statement. Many big personalities were present at this wedding, but there was no police present. By the grace of Allah, my security was present with me and my life was saved. I got a call (from the Union Home Minister), who asked me about my well-being and assured me that they would investigate the matter.” There should be an investigation. Now when there is an atmosphere of hatred, such things keep happening… No religion teaches hatred, it only teaches love…”He also reflected on the changed power dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, which converted the state into a Union Territory and brought law and order under the direct control of the Centre. He said, “The Center and the Union Territory government should see whether the situation here has really improved. We may have differences, but we have to work together because we are a democracy and have to express our opinions…”Talking to journalists, Farooq once again demanded restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “An elected government has no powers – how can it continue like this? We were promised that statehood would be restored…”He said, “No matter how much you increase security, the killer always has an advantage. The problem is that we live in an era where terrorism is sky high and we cannot control it.”This was Abdullah’s first reaction when Kamal Singh Jamwal, a 63-year-old man, suddenly opened fire at the wedding venue, reportedly firing two rounds targeting the former chief minister and long-time National Conference leader.The tense situation was quickly brought under control by Abdullah’s security personnel, as seen in the CCTV footage from the venue.Officials said Farooq was returning from a wedding ceremony with Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary when the incident occurred.The suspect was immediately subdued and taken into custody on the spot, leaving the leaders unharmed.Farooq Abdullah’s son and CM of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah It took to social media to report a “very close shave” during the ceremony and raised questions about a possible security lapse.Omar Abdullah said in a post on How could he get so close to the Chief Minister?