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Tough new restrictions imposed in Kashmir ahead of UN speeches

Security forces imposed tough new restrictions in Indian Kashmir on Friday, fearing protests ahead of UN speeches by rival Indian and Pakistani leaders at the United Nations.
Concrete and razor wire barricades went up across Srinagar and other towns in the disputed Muslim-majority territory, which has been under lockdown since New Delhi scrapped Kashmir's semi-autonomous status in early August.
“There were worries about big protests after Friday prayers. Similar restrictions are in place in other towns and areas,” a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorized to speak to media.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will speak on Kashmir's plight at the UN General Assembly in New York later Friday.
The two countries divided Kashmir in 1947 and have since fought two wars over the territory. New Delhi's move has sparked new tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Barricades went up across roads and bridges in Srinagar as security forces in bulletproof gear guarded deserted streets following orders to stop any public rallies.
“The hospital is just a mile away from my home, but I have already walked three times the distance and am still not sure how long I need to walk to reach there,” said Mudasir Ahmad, after pleading with soldiers to let him pass at one barrier in Srinagar's old town.
Ahmad said he wanted to visit a sick relative at the hospital. He was one of many residents on the streets who were stopped and redirected by soldiers.
Gatherings of more than four people have been banned since the August clampdown, which also saw the cutting of internet and mobile phone services.
Soldiers were posted outside Jama Masjid, Srinagar's main mosque, which normally has tens of thousands of worshippers on a Friday but has been closed since the lockdown began.
Schools and colleges have also remained shut, along with stores and many businesses.
The main business district was largely deserted with soldiers barring entry to the area.
Many traders there have remained closed since August 5 in protest at the Indian government's actions in the territory.
Dozens of rallies against Indian rule have been held despite the lockdown, residents said.
Hundreds of Kashmiris are being held in detention without any charge announced, including both pro-Indian and pro-separatist political leaders.
Nearly 200 people have been sent to Indian jails outside the restive Himalayan region, according to official records seen by AFP.
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BENEFIT Sponsors Gulf Uni...
- April 17, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.
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