Opinion

GenomeIndia report maps genetic diversity of India, places J&K within Northern Indo-European cluster

Srinagar, Apr 14:The first ever, landmark GenomeIndia Consortium report detailing the genetic makeup of nearly 10,000 Indians across 83 diverse populations, including the diverse populations in J&K, is out. The preprint An Atlas of Indian Genetic Diversity shows J&K population falls squarely within the Indo-European non-tribal (IE_NT) cluster, the dominant group scattered in northern India. The study, posted on medRxiv in the last week of March provides the most detailed whole-genome sequencing data for India till date. The report highlights the countrys immense genetic variation shaped by geography, language, history, and endogamy traditions among some populations. The data analysis shows a clear north-to-south genetic cline: the northern populations have stronger affinities to ancestral northern Indian components, while the southern groups reflect more ancient indigenous ancestry. A heat map of India, which is part of the report, shows sampling sites from 82-83 populations. These sites are colour-coded by major ethno-linguistic groups - Indo-European (IE) majorly in northern and central India, Dravidian (DR) in southern India, Tibeto-Burman (TB) in northeastern, and some Himalayan areas, Austro-Asiatic (AA) which are often tribal communities. The Northern non-tribal Indo-European (NT-IE) groups have generally been seen to have relatively fewer private or novel variants, in comparison with the isolated southern or tribal populations. J&K, is included in the GenomeIndia sampling through collaboration with the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura. The samples from the region were found to fall directly within the Indo-European non-tribal cluster. This is the dominant group across northern India. The key insights for J&K show Kashmir samples align with other IE-speaking populations in northern and central India. The sample analysis reveals a mix of steppe-related ancestry, linked to ancient Indo-Aryan migrations and South Asian components. This places Kashmir populations genetically closer to populations in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Kashmir shares much of its genetic variation profile with other genetic variation profile with northern caste, non-tribal populations. The preprint also looks at the genetic consequences of tradition of endogamy in many populations of India. It utilises the Runs of Homozygosity (ROH), the long stretches of DNA that are identical on both chromosomes for this purpose. These serve as a indicators for historical inbreeding and consanguinity. The report states that the IE_NT as a whole had limited ROH burden yet several populations had >70 percent individuals with FROH 0.01. This suggests that fine-scale sociocultural structures influencing cryptic-relatedness may exist even within these large, non-tribal communities.

CM thanks PM Modi, Gadkari for approval

Srinagar, Apr 14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their support and approval of the Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel projects on NH-244. CM Omar said that these vital infrastructure projects would significantly strengthen connectivity, ensure all-weather access, and accelerate economic growth across the Chenab Valley and adjoining regions. The Government of India has approved the construction of the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel (12.85 km, including 2-lane plus paved shoulder approaches) and the twin-tube Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (38.61 km, including 2-lane plus paved shoulder approaches) on NH-244 in J&K at an estimated total cost of Rs 9779.42 crore. Recalling his earlier intervention, the CM said that in June last year, he had written to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister highlighting delays in the projects and seeking their urgent consideration. He had urged that the projects be taken up under the NH (O) scheme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on priority to ensure their timely completion in line with the broader vision for the development of J&K and the nation. In his communication, CM Omar had also expressed concern that while other NH projects on NH-244 were progressing under NHIDCL, delays in these two critical tunnels were impeding the expected socio-economic benefits for the Chenab Valley region and hindering its efforts to overcome economic backwardness.

Unidirectional `9779.42 Cr Sudhmahadev-Dranga, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels approved: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Apr 14:Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh Tuesday announced that the approval was granted (by the Centre) for the construction of uni-directional twin tube SudhmahadevDranga tunnels and the twin tube SinghporaVailoo tunnel on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr. Singh, who also represents Doda-Kathua-Udhampur parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha, shared this positive development for Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts on his social media handle. While extending his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always prioritising J&K related issues, the Union Minister asserted that the approval also dispelled the rumours spread about the abandoning of the project. Vital projects are significant as they will bolster connectivity with all-weather access besides expediting economic boom across the Chenab valley, Udhampur and adjoining regions. Approval has been granted for the construction of uni-directional twin tube SudhmahadevDranga tunnels (length 12.85 km, including 2 L (lane) + Paved Shoulder (PS) approaches) and the twin tube SinghporaVailoo tunnel (length 38.61 km, including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in #JammuAndKashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr, Union Minister of State in PMO posted on his social media handle, with the screaming tagline in bold, Heartening news for districts Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur. This dispels all the misguided rumours floated in recent months that the project had been abandoned. Thanks PM Shri Narendra Modi for always prioritising J&K related issues, Singh posted. Reference was to the official approval through an Office Memorandum issued by the (Union) Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, confirming the minutes of the Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held on April 7, 2026, thereby formalising the transformative project. Through the Office Memorandum, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India forwarded to the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways - the minutes of the Public Investment Board meeting held on April 7, 2026 in the Department of Expenditure under the chairpersonship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure to consider the proposal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for Construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnels (length 12.85 Km including 2L + PS approaches) and twin tube Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (Length 38.61Km including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on EPC ((Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode. This issues with the approval of the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, the Office Memorandum read. Earlier on April 7, 2026, Singh, while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Doda, had also addressed concerns regarding the Sudhmahadev tunnel. He had clarified that reports about stoppage of work were incorrect. The Union Minister said the earlier tender was cancelled because of the security issue related to the allottee. He said that a new tender would be floated soon. Notably the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too had recently written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking early completion of both the projects. Prior to it, on March 25, 2026, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, while replying to National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloos question in Rajya Sabha about the present status, DPR, tendering, land acquisition, environment and security clearances, funds sanctioned and released, work awarded and timeline fixed for the projects related to the Sudhmahadev-Chenani tunnel, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel besides other tunnels and road projects had informed that DPRs were completed for both the projects. Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels fall under National Highway (NH) 244. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these tunnels have been completed by National Highways Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NHIDCL), Gadkari stated. The Sudhmahadev-Daranga tunnel including approaches is having a length of 12.85 km and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel including approaches is having a length of 38.61 km. The projects for construction of these tunnels are at appraisal stage, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways had informed. Regarding road projects, Gadkari had informed that the road stretch of Batote-Doda-Kishtwar is divided into two stretches. The Batote-Khellani section of NH-244 is of 2-lane standards. However, due to deficient alignment having steep curves, this stretch is to be bypassed through development of Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani greenfield alignment. Out of total length of 38 km from Chenani to Khellani (excluding Sudhmadev-Dranga tunnel portion) the 2-lane has been completed in 34 km and 2-laning is in progress in the remaining 4 km, which is scheduled to be completed by October, 2026, he said. The Khellani-Doda-Kishtwar section of NH-244 (112.66 km) is being developed to 2-lane with paved shoulders configuration in 9 civil work contract packages, of which, 47.38 km length has been completed and remaining length is in progress, Gadkari shared. Meanwhile, MLA Inderwal Pyare Lal Sharma, while hailing the official approval to the long-pending demand for the SinghporaVailoo tunnel, described it as a monumental boost to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. This long-awaited dream project is being widely hailed as a game-changer for the Chenab valley. By ensuring all-weather connectivity between the Chenab valley and the Kashmir Valley, the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two regions, boost trade, tourism, and overall economic activity and ensure uninterrupted connectivity during harsh winter months, Sharma pointed out. He expressed immense satisfaction and heartfelt gratitude, calling the approval a historic achievement for the people of the region. He emphasised that the realisation of this decades-old demand reflected the coordinated and committed efforts of both central and UT leadership. In his statement, he extended special thanks to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his visionary leadership in enhancing national connectivity; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for prioritising regional development; Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh for his persistent efforts at the Union level; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for his steadfast support and MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo for his significant role in advancing the project through legislative and administrative channels. Sharma termed the approval of the tunnel as not just an infrastructure project, but a symbol of progress, connectivity, and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Hajj pilgrims to depart from April 18 under cloud of West Asia conflict

Srinagar, Apr 14:With the shadow of conflict still hanging over West Asia, Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are preparing to depart for the holy land beginning April 18, even as uncertainty over the Iran-US-Israel standoff continues to stir unease among those readying for the annual pilgrimage. A total of 4701 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to undertake the Hajj this year, a figure significantly lower than in previous years. Those familiar with the Hajj process point to a combination of factors behind the decline, with the steep rise in pilgrimage costs and a deepening liquidity crunch across Kashmir emerging as the primary reasons. The overall cost of Hajj has climbed considerably in recent years, pushed up by currency fluctuations, higher service charges, and increased accommodation costs in Saudi Arabia, pricing out a section of pilgrims who had been saving for years with the intention of making the journey this season. The broader economic squeeze felt across the valley has compounded the problem. Traders, small business owners, and daily wage earners in Kashmir have spoken of tightening household budgets, and for many families, the financial ask of Hajj this year proved simply too steep to meet. The result is a noticeably thinner contingent heading out from the region compared to years past. Hajj flights from Srinagar are set to commence on April 18 and will continue through May 20. The Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee, Shujat Ahmed, confirmed the schedule while also addressing the fears that have gripped many of the departing pilgrims. On whether the ongoing conflict in the region posed a threat to the pilgrims safety, Ahmed struck a measured tone. We are hopeful that things remain calm, he said, adding that the situation was not entirely within their control. It is not in our hands, he acknowledged, even as he sought to reassure pilgrims and their families that all necessary precautions were being taken. The flights from Srinagar are expected to operate for approximately 10 to 15 days, with schedules remaining subject to adjustment depending on operational requirements. He said the Hajj Committee was working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth departure and transit of all registered pilgrims from J&K. This year, the pilgrimage comes with a fresh set of regulations from Saudi authorities that mark a notable shift from previous years. Stricter health screening protocols have been introduced, and pilgrims found to be suffering from serious medical conditions, including renal failure, those currently undergoing dialysis, or those with significant cardiac ailments, have been screened out from the cohort. Among the more visible changes this season is the discontinuation of self-cooking facilities that pilgrims had previously relied upon during their stay. Self-cooking facilities have been discontinued this year, and pilgrims will instead be provided food arrangements, Ahmed said. In addition, each pilgrim departing from J&K will be issued a smartwatch equipped with a SIM-enabled tracking system, designed to help authorities monitor movement and coordinate more effectively in the event of an emergency. The mood among private Hajj operators is somewhat less composed. A private operator, who did not wish to be named, said the community remained deeply anxious. We are worried about the situation, the operator said, reflecting what many in the pilgrimage sector privately feel. Among those departing in the first batch is Muhammad Yusuf, an old, retired government employee, who has waited over a decade for this moment. Despite the fear, his resolve is unshaken. I have waited my whole life for this. Whatever Allah has written will happen. We leave trusting in Allah, he said.

Government will create inclusive, accessible, enriching spaces for every citizen: LG Sinha

Jammu, Apr 14:On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I), developed at a cost of Rs 156 crore, to the public. In Phase-1 of Tawi Riverfront Project, Jammu Smart City Limited has developed promenades on the left bank, right bank, and the central island, creating four continuous stretches for walking, jogging, and cycling. A dedicated ghat area has also been developed for the sacred Tawi Aarti. Our vision is to create inclusive, accessible, and enriching spaces for every citizen. The Tawi Riverfront embodies this ethos with a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, where development harmonises with nature, LG Sinha said attending the three-day long Tawi Mahotsav, organised by Jammu Smart City Limited, where he joined the citizens for the Tawi Aarti, and launched a series of transformative urban initiatives aimed at elevating the overall environment of the Tawi riverfont and the surrounding area. On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for 4-lane connecting road to the right bank with a bridge to decongest a critical stretch of city and directly connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Jewel Chowk. The LG also launched the development of green spaces along the top promenade of the left bank. He said that the 1-km stretch will transform Tawi Riverfront into an ideal urban space and a vibrant hotspot for residents and tourists. LG Sinha said under the Urban Challenge Fund, two major initiatives were being taken up: real estate monetisation of Phase-I and the extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi. He said that these initiatives would play a pivotal role in transforming the Tawi riverfront into a vibrant tourist destination, a premier recreational hub, and a dynamic economic centre. The LG said that culture holds that cities along rivers retain even the winds infused with timeless values. Jammu embodies this truth. This ancient temple town is the heart of spirituality, culture and a living metaphor. For millennia, this land has beckoned saints, philosophers, and artists, enriching itself with their cultural and spiritual legacies. Over the past five-six years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, we have strived to amplify Jammus grandeur and cultural consciousness, he said. LG Sinha said that culture thrives only when lived and passed to the next generation through its values. Those who built this city did not build it for themselves alone. They built it with confidence and trust that those who followed would understand and honor this priceless inheritance. The measure of a life is not what you gathered, but what you gave. Not what society offered you, but what you returned to it, he said. The LG also administered the anti-drug pledge to the citizens and felicitated the winners of the traditional dangal. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sat Sharma, Member of Parliament and President, Bharatiya Janata Party, J&K; Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited and senior officials were present. Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Vikram Randhawa and Surinder Bhagat; Rajesh Gupta; President Vishwa Hindu Parishad (J&K and Ladakh) also attended the Tawi Mahotsav.

Its need of the hour: Amit Shah

New Delhi, Apr 14:Terming the Women Reservation Bill the need of the hour, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said everyone should support the historic move, a change that should certainly take place for the better, without delay. In a post on X, Shah said, Womens Reservation Bill is the need of the hour. This is the rightful due of our Nari Shakti to contribute to policymaking and empower the nation. The Modi government is resolved to bring and implement this legislation. This is a change that should certainly take place for the better, without delay. I hope everyone will step forward and support this historic move. Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the Womens Reservation Act, in September 2023, marking a significant step towards enhancing womens representation in legislative bodies. The act provides for the reservation of one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. The amendments to the Womens Reservation Act, when passed, will ensure an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women. The provision to provide 33 percent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was brought by amending the Constitution in 2023. Under the current law, the reservation for women would not have become enforceable before 2034, as it was tied to the completion of the delimitation exercise post Census 2027. To implement it from the 2029 Lok Sabha election, changes were needed in the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Hence, the government is holding a special sitting of Parliament from April 16 to April 18 to pass the amendments to the law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an article on Tuesday that Parliament will reconvene in the next two days to discuss and hopefully, pass an important constitutional amendment relating to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

Five J-K MLAs to be nominated by Speaker as associate members

Srinagar, Apr 14: The Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly will have to nominate five MLAs as associate members of the Delimitation Commission. According to the proposed delimitation bill, as per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), the commission shall associate 10 members with itself-five from the Lok Sabha and five from the Legislative Assembly-for the purpose of assisting it in its duties in respect of each State and Union Territory with a legislature. While the Lok Sabha Speaker will nominate five MPs from J&K, the Speaker of the J&K Assembly will be empowered to nominate five MLAs. As per the bill, the Speaker of the J&K Assembly will have to nominate the names of five associate members within one month from the date of constitution of the Commission, while the Speaker of the Lok Sabha will have to nominate five members within two months. These nominations must be sent to the Chief Election Commissioner. If the nominations are made by a Legislative Assembly Speaker, they must also be sent to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. All five MPs from J&K would be nominated as associate members given that their total strength is similar. All eyes will be on 5 MLAs to be nominated by assembly Speaker.

2nd round of US-Iran talks could be in Pakistan over next 2 days: Report

Washington, Apr 14:President Donald Trump has said that a second round of talks with Iran could be held in Islamabad over the next two days, according to a US media report on Tuesday. You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and were more inclined to go there, Trump told The New York Post . Trump attributed the possibility of a second round of talks to the great job done by Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Its more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job, the US President said. Fox News reported that the US decision on the blockade of Iranian ports was one of the reasons for Tehran returning to the negotiating table. A lot is happening today and tomorrow. We have all the ingredients of a deal, but its not all there yet, an unnamed US official told Fox News. US Central Command said it successfully blocked all vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas in the first 24 hours of President Trumps blockade. CENTCOM said the blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering and exiting Iranian ports. It added that six merchant vessels complied with the US directions to turn around. More than 10,000 US service members are participating in the blockade, including over 100 aircraft and 18 warships. CENTCOM said US forces were supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement in the 21-hour marathon peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend, with Washington insisting that Tehran refused to give up its right to nuclear enrichment.

Policy paralysis cripples J&K stone crushing sector, stalls infra growth

Srinagar, Apr 14:The stone crushing industry in Jammu and Kashmir, considered the backbone of infrastructure development across the Union Territory, is facing a severe and prolonged crisis, with nearly 1000 units lying non-functional due to the non-availability of raw material. The sector, which supports tens of thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly, has come to a standstill not because of a lack of demand or capacity, but due to policy changes that have disrupted its core supply chain. The roots of this crisis lie in the policy shift undertaken post-2019. Earlier, stone crusher units operated under a regulated system where raw material consumption was assessed and royalty was charged accordingly. Monthly permits ensured a degree of oversight while maintaining continuity of operations. While concerns of underreporting may have existed, the system ensured uninterrupted supply of raw material, keeping the industry functional and aligned with developmental needs. Instead of reforming and strengthening this mechanism, the Government opted for a complete overhaul - transitioning to an outsourced model of extraction through e-tendered contracts. Simultaneously, a blanket restriction was imposed on traditional over-ground quarrying sources that earlier met the bulk of demand. The new system fragmented the supply chain, placing raw material extraction and processing into separate silos, thereby making stone crushing units dependent on third-party contractors for their most basic input. This shift has fundamentally altered the operational landscape. What was once a single-layer regulatory system has now evolved into a multi-layered compliance regime. Not only do extraction contractors require environmental clearances, but stone crusher units themselves continue to be subject to separate regulatory approvals. The duplication of processes has added complexity, increased delays, and created uncertainty - directly contradicting the stated objective of Ease of Doing Business. The consequences are now visible on the ground. With environmental clearances for extraction having expired in December 2025, raw material supply has come to a complete halt. For the past several months, there has been no legally accessible source of stone for crushing units. The result is an industry-wide shutdown, with units lying idle, workers disengaged, and machinery rendered unproductive. This disruption has had a cascading impact. Construction activities, both public and private, have slowed down, while the limited stock of available aggregates is being sold at sharply inflated prices. Ironically, while the shift to e-tendering may have increased royalty collections in the short term, it has simultaneously escalated the cost of public infrastructure projects, negating any fiscal gains. The government, in effect, pays more for the same materials it sought to regulate more efficiently. More critically, the policy has created supply bottlenecks by limiting the number of extraction points. Entire districts now depend on a handful of designated mineral parcels, placing immense pressure on already constrained sources. In a region with a short working season for construction, such disruptions carry disproportionate economic costs. Equally concerning is the regulatory environment surrounding the industry. Classified under the Orange Category, stone crushing units continue to face procedural hurdles in obtaining and renewing consents, despite widespread compliance with environmental norms. The absence of designated zones for such activity further compounds the problem, leaving units caught between operational necessity and regulatory uncertainty. What emerges is a pattern of policy without pragmatism. Instead of ensuring regulated access to raw material, the system has created scarcity. Instead of simplifying compliance, it has multiplied it. And instead of strengthening a critical industry, it has rendered it dependent and dysfunctional. At the centre of this unfolding crisis is the Industries and Commerce Department - the very institution tasked with nurturing and sustaining industrial activity. Its silence in the face of the prolonged inactivity of nearly 1000 units is not merely administrative indifference, it reflects a deeper disconnect between policy intent and ground reality. Ease of Doing Business cannot be measured through notifications and portals while core industries remain non-functional. It must be reflected in uninterrupted operations, rational regulation, and timely policy response. When an industry so vital to development is forced into inactivity for want of raw material, the claim of ease stands fundamentally compromised. What Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing today is not just a sectoral disruption, it is the breakdown of a system that failed to anticipate, adapt, and act.

Apple growers demand crop insurance ahead of peak season

Sopore, Apr 14: Every autumn, Kashmirs apple orchards produce billions of rupees worth of fruit that travels to markets across the country and beyond. Yet the men and women who tend those orchards say they remain one bad hailstorm, one highway closure, or one season of counterfeit pesticides away from financial ruin. That contradiction sat at the heart of a press briefing held in Sopore, where fruit growers and dealers at Asias second largest fruit mandi gathered under the leadership of Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kaka-Ji, to press the government on demands they say have been ignored for far too long. Speaking at a press briefing, Malik did not mince words. Despite horticulture sustaining nearly 70 to 75 percent of the local population, he said, the sector continues to be treated as an afterthought by successive administrations. The government needs to take this matter seriously and adopt a more focused approach, he said, warning that neglect of the sector amounted to neglect of the regions economic backbone. On the ground, the outlook for this season appears cautiously optimistic. Malik noted that crop conditions are currently promising and growers are hopeful for a good yield. However, he flagged a problem that has persisted for years and continues to bleed the farming community, the rampant availability of substandard and counterfeit pesticides and fertilisers in local markets. While conceding that enforcement has improved somewhat in recent years, he called on the concerned department to move decisively against those still peddling spurious inputs. He also advised growers to protect themselves by purchasing only from registered dealers, insisting on proper bills and verifying prevailing prices before any transaction. The Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, he added, must step up field visits and ensure farmers receive hands-on guidance in orchards rather than instructions issued from behind a desk. One of the more urgent concerns raised at the briefing centred on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, Malik extended a welcome to pilgrims visiting the region, but simultaneously flagged the very real threat that traffic restrictions during the yatra period pose to the apple trade. The early fruit season in north Kashmir runs directly parallel to the pilgrimage calendar, and any disruption to highway movement, he warned, could prove costly for growers trying to get their produce to markets on time. He demanded that two-way traffic be maintained on the highway throughout the season, arguing that one-way restrictions cause delays that ripple through the entire supply chain and ultimately drag down market rates. Packaging emerged as another flashpoint. Malik made a pointed appeal to halt the use of low-quality silicate cardboard boxes, which he said damage apple quality during transit and undermine the regions reputation in markets across the country. He noted that meetings have already been held with bank officials and carton manufacturers to work toward standardised packaging sizes and weights. With international competition intensifying, he said, the industry can no longer afford to lose ground on presentation. Proper packaging plays a crucial role in determining market prices, he said, urging both growers and traders to treat quality norms not as optional guidelines but as binding practice. On financial protection, Malik called for the immediate rollout of the Crop Insurance Scheme to shield growers from losses caused by hailstorms and other natural calamities that have repeatedly devastated orchards in recent years. He also demanded the introduction of the Market Intervention Scheme to absorb surplus and lower-grade produce, which he argued was essential to stabilising prices during flush seasons. Malik did not stop there. He took aim at the toll tax levied on locally transported produce heading to the mandi, describing it as an unjustifiable burden on an already stressed community, and demanded its complete abolition. He also appealed to the government to consider waiving Kisan Credit Card loans for growers, pointing out that similar relief has been extended in several other states and that the farming community in this region deserves no less. The demands, taken together, paint a picture of a sector that produces abundantly but remains deeply exposed to market volatility, infrastructural gaps, financial risk, and policy indifference. For the growers of Sopore, the message delivered on Monday was straightforward: the apple may be Kashmirs most prized export, but the people who grow it are still waiting to be treated that way.

Damage to 80 energy facilities across Middle East estimated at $25 billion

New Delhi, Apr 14: More than 80 energy facilities including refineries, gas terminals and oil fields across the Middle East have been damaged since the start of the Iran war, with over one-third classified as severely or very severely hit, International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has said. Estimates suggest that repairs could cost at least $25 billion and may take several years to restore these facilities to full operational capacity. The regions energy supply could take up to two years to return to pre-crisis levels. Among the worst-affected installations are the SATORP and Riyadh oil refineries, the Juaymah gas-processing plant, the Manifa and Khurais oil production facilities, and the East-West pipeline. He described the current turmoil as the largest energy security threat in history, saying the losses in oil and gas supply already far exceed those seen during the 1973 and 1979 oil shocks and after the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Birol said the world had lost around 30 million barrels per day of oil supply so far, compared with roughly 5 million barrels per day in each of the 1970s oil crisis. In natural gas, he said the disruption has also exceeded the roughly 75 billion cubic meters lost since the start of the Ukraine war. In addition to oil and gas, he warned that the conflict is disrupting flows of fertilizers, petrochemicals, helium, and other critical commodities essential for global supply chains. He said emerging and developing economies that rely heavily on imported energy are particularly vulnerable, citing risks to inflation, economic stability, and political conditions. He also warned that Europe could face significant challenges in jet fuel and diesel supplies. This is one of the most critical issues, and unlike the past, many of the facilities are badly damaged, he said, adding that the IEA is monitoring all affected sites. In addition to oil and gas, Major sites like Irans South Pars gas field were badly hit, along with refineries at Lavan and oil depots in Shahr-e Rey, which have seen multiple strikes. Other sites include Ras Laffan LNG facility in Qatar, Habshan natural gas terminal. Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco temporarily halted operations at the kingdoms largest crude processing plant with 550,000 barrels a day of capacity after a drone attack in the first few days of the war. Satorp, Saudi Arabia: Units halted at the 460,000 barrels a day refinery thats 62.5% owned by SPA on April 9 said that the 120,000 barrels a day plant was one of several that has been attacked directly affecting exports of refined products to global markets. Bapco Energies, Bahrain: The 400,000-barrel-a-day plant was damaged in an attack last month. Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co., Bahrain: Some operational units caught fire after drone attacks April 5. Kuwait National Petroleum Co. and Petrochemical Industries Co. facilities Suffered significant damage . Those attacks followed hits on KPCs headquarters.Mina Al-Ahmadi, Kuwait: A drone attack caused fire in a number of operational units on April 3. The refinery had also been hit on two consecutive days last month, which had shut some units.Mina Abdullah, Kuwait: caught fire after drone hit it. Lanaz, Iraq: Operations were suspended at the plant in the northern city of Erbil last month after a fire caused by a drone strike,. Gas Facilities Ras Laffan, Qatar : LNG facilities were hit by Iranian missiles, triggering fires that caused extensive damage. Habshan, UAE: Abu Dhabi suspended operations at the countrys largest natural gas processing facility earlier this month following an attack that sparked a fire. South Pars, Iran: Israel attacked facilities at Irans giant gas field causing some units to be taken out of production. Isfahan, Iran: A gas pressure-regulation station and an associated administrative building were targeted in central Isfahan province in USIsraeli attacks. Shah, UAE: Operations were suspended after an Iranian drone attack on March 16 caused a fire at the massive natural gas field. Das Island LNG, UAE: Abu Dhabi plant in the Persian Gulf was operating at low levels due to inability to export via the Strait of Hormuz. Juaymah, LPG, Saudi Arabia: Affected by fires, impacting exports of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas liquids. Oil Production/Flows East-West pipeline, Saudi Arabia. Drone attack targeted pumping station on the conduit that links oil facilities on the Persian Gulf Coast to Yanbu on the Red Sea cut flows by 700k b/d Majnoon, Iraq: The oil field in the south of the country was targeted by an attack. Manifa production facility, Saudi Arabia: SPA said that the targeting of the facility resulted in a reduction of about 300,000 barrels a day of its production capacity. Khurais, production facility, Saudi Arabia: has to reduce production by 300,000 barrels a day.

Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Incs resilience to energy shocks

Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight Indias vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.

Smart City or Smart Mess?

Srinagar, Apr 14: While Smart City remains a popular slogan, the ground reality at city centre areas Regal Chowk and Residency Road tells a different story. Damaged road patches, exposed fittings, and unsafe pedestrian tracks at Regal Chowk, coupled with frequently overflowing drains at Residency Road, reflect poor planning and maintenance. At Residency Road, overflowing drains and stagnant water have become a routine affair, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and shopkeepers alike. Meanwhile, at Regal Chowk, unfinished and unsafe infrastructure continues to pose risks in one of the citys busiest commercial areas. Citizens are now left wondering whether smartness lies only in project announcements, while basic civic issues remain ignored on the ground. Authorities have been urged to shift focus from claims to actual execution and ensure safety, hygiene, and accountability in these key areas.

7 houses gutted in midnight blaze at Rajouri Kadal

Srinagar, Apr 14: At least seven houses were gutted in a massive fire incident that broke out in the congested Rajouri Kadal area of Downtown Srinagar during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, officials said. Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services said that they received a distress call at around 12:57 am, following which multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The fire originated from one of the houses and rapidly spread to adjoining structures due to the congested nature of the area, an official said. He said fire tenders from Safa Kadal, Gawkadal, Babademb, headquarters and other stations were pressed into service to douse the flames. Given the dense habitation and narrow lanes, there was a serious risk of the fire spreading further. However, timely intervention helped contain the blaze, he added. Officials said despite the efforts, Seven houses suffered severe damage. The upper storeys and roofing of the structures were extensively gutted, while household goods, including bedding, utensils, doors, windows, and other essential items, were completely destroyed. The incident triggered panic in the locality, with residents waking up to frantic scenes in the dead of the night. Eyewitnesses said a hue and cry spread across the area as locals rushed out of their homes and joined rescue efforts, attempting to salvage whatever they could from the burning houses. We lost everything in the fire. We dont even have utensils left to cook food. Most of the affected families are poor and earn their livelihood through labour work. Now they are left without shelter and basic necessities, said a relative of one of the victims. The affected families said they are currently without a roof over their heads and are in urgent need of relief. We hope that immediate assistance will be provided so that we can at least arrange temporary shelter, another victim said, seeking financial help for rehabilitation. Meanwhile, officials said a preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was caused by a short circuit. We have been repeatedly issuing advisories to the public to check faulty wiring and avoid using worn-out electrical infrastructure, an official said. He urged residents to follow safety guidelines to prevent such incidents, especially in densely populated areas where fires can spread rapidly.

Serving food to hungry most sacred act: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Apr 14:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the ceremony marking the upgradation of 'Apna Bhojanalaya' at Government Medical College Jammu. The community kitchen is run by Sewa Bharti and supported by J&K Bank along with other donors. The Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, lauded the noble initiative and partook in a meal at Apna Bhojanalaya. The Lieutenant Governor said the Sewa Bharti's enduring spirit of giving back, empowers individuals and strengthens communities. There is no higher duty than serving those in need. Sewa Bharti has honored that duty by nourishing bodies, restoring souls, and affirming the dignity of every human life. To strengthen Apna Bhojanalaya is to strengthen the very fabric of our society, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that to feed a hungry soul is to invite grace into your own. To serve food to the hungry is among the most sacred acts a human being can perform. When a hand extends in need and another rises in nurture, divine grace moves quietly between them. This act is not merely kindness. This is humanity at its absolute finest. Our aim should be selfless service to the neighbor, the city around us, and the nation that unites us. A strong J&K means strong families. Strong communities. Citizens empowered to lead, to contribute, to rise. When we lift every sector, we lift the Union Territory itself. Commit to this cause and build a legacy worthy of pride, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the change needs no vast resources but just the spirit for selfless service, vision, persistence and love for the community. He commended Sewa Bharti, volunteers and donors for transforming millions' lives with their selfless service. You did not merely feed the hungry, you upheld the dignity of millions. And today, let us take a pledge that this service will never stop. The kitchen of Apna Bhojanalaya will never grow cold and every hand in our society will give to the best of its capacity to those who need it most, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon every section of society to join the war against drug abuse. Jai Dev, Akhil Bharatiya Chatrawas Pramukh, Sewa Bharti; Parmeet, Sangathan Mantri, Sewa Bharti; Prof. Rakesh Jha, President; Pradeep Kapoor, General Secretary; Sushil Kapoor, Bhojanalay Sanchalak; Trilok Singh Negi, Ajay Takoo and other officer bearers and volunteers of Sewa Bharti J&K were present. Arvind Gupta, Member of Legislative Assembly from Jammu West; Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO, J&K Bank Limited; Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu; Dr Gautam Mengi, Dr Ritu Singh and other prominent citizens and senior officials also attended the ceremony.

Post-war climate change: As the world witnesses accelerated US decline, can India not get caught flat-footed?

The West Asian war is set to accelerate America's decline and China's ascent. Europe may look up to the US no more. Nations will prioritise energy security, moving away from fossil fuels. The dollar's dominance is likely to weaken. A new blockchain-based currency, 'Bancor', could emerge, offering an alternative to dollar hegemony. China will bolster its electric technology leadership. India stands to benefit from escaping dollar sanctions.

IGP calls for intensified crackdown under Nasha Mukt drive in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 14:In line with the ongoing 100-day anti-drug campaign under the Nasha Mukt initiative, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday announced a major escalation in its crackdown on narcotics across the Valley, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi asserting a strict zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse and trafficking. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Baisakhi celebrations in Srinagar, IGP Birdi said the anti-drug campaign has entered a more aggressive phase, with all ranks of the police force directed to act decisively against peddlers, smugglers, and users. The campaign against drugs will be intensified further in the coming days. We are committed to taking the strictest legal action against all those involved in narcotics to safeguard our present and future generations, he said. J&K Police had always been strict. The statement comes as part of a broader 100-day strategic campaign being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at dismantling the drug ecosystem through a combination of enforcement, awareness, and community participation. Kashmir Police Chief said that the police have been operating in mission mode against drugs and will now sharpen their focus on breaking supply chains and identifying networks involved in trafficking. He said enhanced surveillance, intelligence-based operations, and legal action under stringent provisions will form the backbone of the intensified drive. The IGP also stressed the importance of public cooperation, particularly from the youth, urging them to stay away from substance abuse and contribute positively to society. Youth are the future of the nation. Their discipline and awareness are crucial in defeating this menace, he said. In addition to the anti-drug campaign, IGP addressed a recent incident in Sopore, where some individuals allegedly took the law into their own hands. He clarified that those involved had no connection with any educational institution, as initially speculated, and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone engaging in unlawful activities. If anyone attempts to disturb law and order or indulge in illegal acts, the police will take firm legal action, he said. Earlier in the day, the IGP visited a Gurudwara in Srinagar to mark the occasion of Baisakhi and extended greetings to the Sikh community, reaffirming the polices commitment to maintaining communal harmony and peace in the region.

F&ES boosts capacity with modern tech for better handling of fire incidents

Srinagar, Apr 14:Additional Director General of Police,Fire and Emergency Services Jammu and Kashmir, Alok Kumar on Tuesday said that they are strengthening its capabilities with modern equipment and enhanced training to safeguard lives and property across the Union Territory. Speaking during the inaugural events of Fire Service Week, he highlighted that the department has procured advanced machinery worth crores and established a new training centre in Bishnah, while personnel are also being trained in Nagpur to improve response efficiency and lifesaving operations. Fire Service Week, observed annually from April 14 to 20 across India, is being marked in Jammu and Kashmir with a strong focus on public awareness, fire prevention, capacity building and community safety. Alok Kumar, who is leading the departments initiatives, underscored the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding lives and property. In his address during the weeks inaugural events, he said: We have purchased latest equipments and property worth crores is being saved. He further announced, We opened a training centre in Bishnah, Jammu and our boys were sent to Nagpur for training. Kumar urged citizens: In case of any fire incident people must call and we will reach in limited time. The departments official message for the week reads: Fire Service Week promotes awareness, prevention, and response, highlighting training, reduced incidents, advanced technology, and lifesaving efforts by firefighters protecting lives, property, and strengthening community safety across Jammu and Kashmir: ADGP F&ES JK #AlokKumar. The backdrop to this years Fire Service Week is particularly encouraging, thanks to a marked improvement in fire safety outcomes during 2025. Official data released by the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Department at the end of last year revealed that J&K recorded 6,039 fire incidents in 2025 a significant 25% decline from 8,033 cases in 2024. This translates to 1,994 fewer incidents, attributed largely to sustained preventive measures, improved preparedness, enhanced public participation and large-scale awareness campaigns. The department responded to these 6,039 fire calls, along with 59 rescue operations and 53 false alarms, deploying 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) supported by 2,157 personnel. Timely and coordinated operations helped save property worth approximately Rs 5,000 crore, while material losses were restricted to around Rs 300 crore. Damage was reported to 1,409 structures, 72 vehicles, 46 shopping complexes and 91 electric transformers. Forest fires in Kashmir also showed a notable drop. Around 350366 incidents were recorded in 2025 (up to early 2026 data), down sharply from over 1,000 the previous year, affecting nearly 972 hectares. This decline reflects better coordination between the Fire Services and the Forest Department, along with awareness drives targeting dry-season risks. Senior officials credited the reduction to intensified public education programmes. In 2025 alone, thousands of awareness drives reached lakhs of people, building on the Har Ghar Fire Fighter initiative that has trained over 8 lakh citizens in fire prevention, first aid and basic firefighting since 2022. These efforts have empowered communities to act as first responders, reducing response times and minimising damage.

Automation vs humans: How industry 4.0 is reshaping jobs in India's auto sector

Recognising that not all workers can transition to automated roles and creating alternative pathways for decent work to prevent polarisation of labour. Robots are marching into factories. What matters now is how firms and workers adapt. And how policy supports that transition.

Damaged Jhelum embankment sparks safety fears in Kakapora

Pulwama, Apr 14:Days after the tragic drowning of two brothers in Bijbehara, residents of Hajibal area in Kakapora have raised alarm over a damaged embankment along the Jhelum River, warning of a potential disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out. Locals said the weakened embankment poses a serious threat to both life and property, particularly with changing weather conditions and the expected rise in water levels in the coming months. Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident, said the embankment has already caved in at several points and could deteriorate further with continued rainfall. If heavy rains persist, the embankment may collapse completely. Entire villages could be at risk, he warned. Residents said the situation may worsen as summer approaches, when water levels in the Jhelum typically increase due to snowmelt. The river is expected to swell in the coming weeks. If repairs are not undertaken in time, there is a real risk of flooding, another local said. The recent Bijbehara incident has heightened fears among residents, who see it as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by the river. They said children and elderly people living close to the embankment are particularly vulnerable. The embankment has been deteriorating for a long time, but no concrete steps have been taken so far, a resident said, adding that repeated pleas to authorities have gone unanswered. Residents have urged the concerned departments to immediately assess the damage and undertake repair and strengthening work on a priority basis. They said timely intervention could prevent loss of life and protect villages situated along the riverbank.

New colleges, few students: J&K Govt orders reality check

Srinagar, Apr 14: The J&K government has constituted a committee to assess the low enrollment in colleges and recommend a road map to the Higher Education Department (HED) to take corrective measures for increasing enrollment in the higher educational institutions. A top official told Greater Kashmir that majority of the newly established degree colleges are grappling with the low enrollment as these institutions have below 100 students. The low enrollment has raised concerns over the viability and purpose of these institutions. In many of these colleges, enrolment is less than 100, which is extremely low compared to earlier figures when thousands of students would be accommodated in fewer institutions, the official said. The official attributed the meager enrollment to the mushroom growth of colleges during the last few years. Opening of new colleges was largely a political decision. Now we have a large number of colleges, but students still prefer older, established institutions, he said. The official said that even specialised institutions like architecture colleges in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions are witnessing low enrolment. He said that in view of this, the government has constituted a high-level committee headed by the Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Director Colleges J&K for Kashmir division while another committee is headed by VC SMVDU Katra and Director Colleges J&K for Jammu division colleges. The panel will study the causeses of low enrolment and prepare a comprehensive roadmap to make colleges more attractive to students. The committee has just been formed and is expected to be submit its recommendations. It will examine all aspects that why enrolment is low, what gaps exist, and what steps need to be taken, the official said. He further said that the department will carefully study the recommendations submitted by the panel and take appropriate measures to enhance admissions across colleges. The idea is to understand the ground realities and chalk out a clear way forward. Based on the committees report, necessary interventions will be made to improve enrolment, the official added. He said the government has also constituted a Task Force to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). Director Colleges J&K besides Director School Education Kashmir and Jammu division have been entrusted to work on it and suggest measures for improving GER. The official said the government is also seeking public feedback on how the enrollment can be improved in the colleges. We are also planning to introduce some special courses in these newly established colleges to make them vibrant so that students also seek admissions in these institutions, the official said.

'For consultation of less than 5 mins, patients wait for hours in J&K'

Srinagar, Apr 14: Patients in J&K wait hours for consultation in long queues, for a consultation that doesnt often last even five minutes. The outpatient services in government hospitals across J&K are under duress, due to long registration queues, extended waiting times, and extremely brief consultations with doctors. No major overhaul is in view to redress these chronic issues. These lacunae were highlighted in the performance audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India report on the health sector. The report released in March 2026 assessed public health infrastructure and service delivery for the period ending March 2022. The audit analysed responses of 750 outpatients across 41 government health institutions. These institutions included tertiary-level hospitals, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, and community health centres. Significant gaps in OPD efficiency and patient care came to the fore through the extensive data. The audit found that only 43% of patients were registered within five minutes across all institutions. Presumably, this percentage is from the lower rung of health institutions that do not witness patient footfall in a significant number. The situation was reported to be most concerning in tertiary hospitals. In these hospitals, just 8% of patients were able to complete registration within five minutes. District hospitals performed slightly better, but delays persisted. Over one-third of patients in these hospitals had to wait more than 15 minutes simply to get registered. Even after registration, the waiting time was excruciating at higher-level hospitals. Two-thirds of patients in tertiary hospitals waited more than 30 minutes before meeting a doctor, the report revealed. A significant proportion of these patients (20%) had a waiting time of more than an hour after registration. In district hospitals and sub-district hospitals, a large proportion of patients still waited over 15 minutes for consultation. The waiting tie is an indicator of pressure on limited medical staff and infrastructure. The audit also underscored the poor evaluation time for the patents. A majority of patients received very limited consultation time. Over half of them said they were examined for five minutes or less. A few years ago, a widely circulated report showed that the average consultation time per patient in the public sector is around two minutes. Only a handful received consultations longer than 15 minutes, the report revealed. The short interactions raise concerns about the depth of clinical evaluation, in addition to the quality of care in over-stretched government facilities in J&K. In tertiary care hospitals here, the patient load is often in lakhs per department. The high patient loads, limited staffing, and inadequate number of doctors in OPD and other patient areas is the key reasons behind prolonged waiting times and rushed consultations. The audit gives an insight into the scope of improvement in the multiple levels of the healthcare system in J&K.

Private hospitals defer strike, seek repayment of dues

Srinagar, Apr 14:Private hospitals and dialysis centres in Jammu and Kashmir have deferred their proposed strike under the Ayushman BharatSehat Scheme, prioritising patient care despite large pending dues. The decision was taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association following appeals from patients, particularly those undergoing life-saving treatments such as dialysis. We understand the concern our earlier announcement may have caused. Patients well-being remains our top priority, said Sandeep Mengi, president Jammu. The association said it postponed the suspension of services after assurances from the National Health Authority (NHA) and the release of a portion of pending payments. However, it expressed concern that only a fraction of the dues has been cleared, with substantial payments pending since 2021. Partial payments are not sufficient to meet liabilities such as staff salaries, supplier dues, and medical consumables. We urge the authorities to release the full outstanding amount in a time-bound manner, Mengi said. Dr Masood ul Hassan, General Secretary of the association said hospitals will continue providing treatment under the Golden Card for now, relying on the support of staff and suppliers. Our only aim is to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with dignity and without interruption, he said. He warned that sustaining services would become difficult if pending dues are not cleared soon. The association appealed to the government to release all outstanding payments at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services across the Union Territory.

CM Omar bats for dry port at Jablipora Mandi to unlock direct exports

Bijbehara, Apr 14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said his government will take up with the central government the establishment of a dry port at the fruit and vegetable mandi in Jablipora, Bijbehara, to address export challenges faced by farmers. Speaking at a farmers Jashn i Aamadi Bahar and exhibition- Mega Kisan Mela at the terminal, Abdullah said growers currently face logistical and financial difficulties when exporting produce. I met progressive farmers here who told me they export their produce but face many hassles as it first goes to Delhi, where customs duty is imposed, and only then is it sent to international markets, Abdullah said. I assure them that we will take up the issue of establishing a dry port at this mandi with the Union Agriculture Ministry so that products like honey, spices and lavender can be exported directly from here. Abdullah said several government schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), exist but have seen weak implementation in the past. Our government, led by Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, has ensured that these schemes are implemented on the ground, he said. He said farmers in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face distress due to adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow, hail or windstorms are not in our control. Recently, apple blossom in several villages of Shopian and Kulgam was damaged, Abdullah said. We will try to introduce a weather-based crop insurance scheme in the horticulture sector. He urged farmers to make use of existing insurance schemes in agriculture and said the government would also take up the issue of waiving Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans for distressed farmers. Regarding agricultural growth, Abdullah said JK has witnessed what he described as a yellow revolution due to increased mustard cultivation. Earlier, mustard bloom was limited to a few areas, but today it is visible across Kashmir, particularly in south Kashmir. This has increased farmers profits and reduced dependence on outside markets for mustard oil, he said. There is also a purple revolution underway, with more people cultivating lavender, he added. Abdullah said his government now aims to strengthen the dairy sector. Milk production has increased, with much of it coming from Pulwama district. But we want other districts to emulate this so we can become self-sufficient, he said. He said that only about 4% of milk produced in Jammu and Kashmir is processed, compared with about 90% in Gujarat. We need to focus on value addition - processing milk into products like curd, cheese and butter, he said. On welfare measures, Abdullah said the government has announced free LPG cylinders and free electricity under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He also described the recently passed private university bill as a major step. Our children had to go outside Jammu and Kashmir for higher education and faced many difficulties. With private universities being encouraged to set up campuses here, they will no longer be dependent on institutions outside, he said. Among those who spoke and were present were ministers Sakeena Itoo and Javed Dar, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, local legislator Bashir Ahmad Veeri, and MLAs Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Showkat Ahmad Ganai, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Hasnain Masoodi , Feroze Ahmad Shah, Zaffar Khatana and Sajad Shaheen. Additional Chief Secretary Deeraj Gupta, Director Agriculture Sartaj Shah, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Muhudin and other senior officials were also present in the exhibition. CM also inspected various stalls and spoke to farmers and listened to their issues.

CM Omar Abdullah attends Axis Bank meet on scaling tourism and businesses in J-K

Srinagar, Apr 14: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today hosted the Tourism Promotion and Expansion Plan Meet in Srinagar, reaffirming its long-term commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable economic development in Jammu & Kashmir. The event was attended by theHonble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, as Chief Guest, along with Amitabh Chaudhry, MD& CEO, Axis Bank, and senior members of the Banks leadership team. The discussions brought together policymakers, government officials, and banking leaders to focus on three immediate prioritiesscaling tourismlinked businesses, expanding access to formal finance, and strengthening institutional collaboration for sustained regional growth. Attending the event as Chief Guest, Honble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, said, Jammu & Kashmir is entering a phase of stability, progress and opportunity. Strengthening tourism and enabling local enterprises through better access to finance will be critical to sustaining this momentum. Strong partnerships between institutions and industry will play a key role in driving inclusive growth across the region. The deliberations focused on bridging the gap between intent and execution, with an emphasis on channeling capital at scale into tourismlinked enterprises, formalising fragmented businesses, and removing barriers that continue to constrain access across the value chain. Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director & CEO, Axis Bank, said, The presence of Honble Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah underscores the importance of close collaboration between government and financial institutions in shaping the regionseconomic trajectory. The region stands at a clear inflection point, where stability, aspiration, and enterprise are coming together to create sustained economic momentum. Tourism lies at the heart of this transformationnot only as a driver of economic activity, but as a catalyst for livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and regional confidence. At Axis Bank, we are committed to enabling this ecosystem by supporting businesses through access to capital, digital capabilities, and longterm partnerships. Tourism as a Growth Engine Tourism is a cornerstone of the regions economy, contributing nearly 7% to GSDP and supporting over five lakh livelihoods across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. With more than 1.7 crore tourist visits in 2025, the region is witnessing a strong revival driven by higher footfalls, improved capacity utilisation, and renewed confidence among MSMEled local enterprises. Axis Bank has identified Jammu & Kashmir as a priority market for MSME growth, with a focused approach to empowering tourism and hospitality businesses through endtoend financial solutions that support scale, resilience, and longterm sustainability. Axis Banks Expanding Presence in Jammu & Kashmir Axis Banks growing presence in the region is backed by an expanding branch network and a diversified portfolio across retail, MSME, agriculture, tourism, and governmentlinked segments. The Bank operates 54 branches across the Union Territory, including nine added in the past year, underscoring its focus on expanding access to banking. Through onground engagement, Axis Bank supports entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and digital banking adoption, enabling capital formation and employment generation in the region. Commitment Beyond Banking Beyond business expansion, Axis Bank Foundation continues to support inclusive regional development through targeted interventions. This includes the Rupantar education programme, benefiting over 200 teachers and 3,500 students, and a rural livelihood initiative across Kulgam and Baramulla, enabling entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for 144 individuals and 101 microenterprises. The event marked a coordinated effort between the government and financial institutions to accelerate regional development. Axis Bank reaffirmed its role as a long-term institutional partner in this journey, with a clear focus on strengthening the tourism linked ecosystem, supporting local businesses and households, and advancing infrastructure led growth with consistency, responsibility, and purpose.

CM Omar urges LG Sinha to take strict action against elements involved in Ramban incident

J-K people will foil nefarious plot of communal elements: Deputy CM on Ramban incident

J-K Police arrest 7 drug peddlers, contraband substance recovered

Srinagar, Apr 14: Continuing its efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, J&K Police arrested 07 drug peddlers in multiple operations in Awantipora, Budgam, and Pulwama and recovered significant quantity of contraband substances from their possession. In Awantipora, during vehicular checking, an auto bearing registration number JK01BC-7644 with three persons on board was intercepted for checking. Upon search, approximately 50 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from the vehicle. They have been identified as Asim Ahmad son of Zaffar Ahmad Bhat resident of Batmaloo, Uzan Farooq son of Farooq Ahmad Khan, resident of Tengpora and Farhan Rashid, son of Abdul Rashid Shigar, resident of Batmaloo. In Budgam, a police party from PS Magam during checking at Watmagam-Magam Road intercepted a suspicious vehicle (Auto) bearing registration number JK04K-4469. However, during checking, the driver who was accompanied by other person attempted to flee from the spot but were apprehended tactfully by the alert police party. They have been identified as Firdous Ahmad Ganie son of Gh. Mohammad resident of Peth Kanihama and Naseer Ahmad Mir (Galwan) son of Ab Gaffar resident of Mazhama. During search of the vehicle, 2.14Kgs of Crushed Bung (Cannabis like substance) was recovered. In Pulwama, a police party from PP Newa alongwith concerned Magistrate carried out search at the residential house of Mohd Younis Sheikh son of Mohd Yousuf Sheikh resident of Newa. During search, approximately 110 grams of charas powder-like substance and 850 grams of charas (bang/boosa)-like substance were recovered and seized on the spot. During the operation, two accused identified as Younis Ahmad Sheikh and a lady, both residents of Newa, Pulwama were apprehended. All the accused have been arrested and shifted to respective police stations where they remain in custody. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective Police Stations, and further investigation is underway to unearth the broader network involved. J&K Police reaffirm their commitment towards the eradication of drug menace from society under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and urge the general public to cooperate and share information regarding drug-related activities to build a drug-free society, statement reads.

Ramban youth missing after jumping into stream to escape assault; NDRF joins search, four arrested

Banihal, Apr 14: A youth from Ramban district who went missing after allegedly jumping into a stream to escape an assault on the JammuSrinagar National Highway has remained untraced for the third consecutive day, even as rescue operations were intensified with the induction of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The incident had occurred on Sunday afternoon near four-lane Tunnel No. 5 at Makarkoot in Ramban district. The missing youth was identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, a resident of Mundkhal Pogal. According to locals, Chopan was travelling from Jammu towards his home with a milch cow and two calves in a vehicle when he was allegedly chased by miscreants in two vehicles near Digdool. The assailants reportedly intercepted him near Makarkoot and assaulted him. In an attempt to save himself, he had jumped into Nallah Bishlari and had been missing since. On Monday, protests had erupted in the area, with locals blocking the JammuSrinagar National Highway for nearly four hours, demanding swift action. The blockade was later lifted after intervention by DC Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan and SSP Ramban Arun Gupta , who had assured strict action in the case. Police had already registered a case and arrested four accused persons in connection with the incident. The arrested individuals were identified as Surjeet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Digvijay Singh, and Keval Singh, all residents of Ramban town and nearby Seri areas. Authorities had also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SDPO Banihal Surinder Singh to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, search operations to trace the missing youth continued on Tuesday. Teams of the NDRF, police, Himalayan QRT Ramsoo, Banihal Volunteers, and Indian Red Cross Society (Red Cross Banihal) were engaged in the operation. Speaking to media, SHO Ramsoo Fareed Khan said that multiple rescue teams had been carrying out searches for the third consecutive day, but no breakthrough had been achieved so far. Meanwhile, Abdul Salam Chopan, father of the missing youth and a serving SPO in Jammu and Kashmir Police, had expressed deep anguish over the incident. He said his son was the only brother to three sisters and demanded strict punishment for the accused, including capital punishment. In the meantime, normal internet services across Ramban district had been restored on Tuesday afternoon after remaining suspended for nearly 30 hours as a precautionary measure following the incident.

LG Sinha attends upgradation ceremony of 'Apna Bhojanalaya' at GMC Jammu

Jammu, Apr 14: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the ceremony marking the upgradation of 'Apna Bhojanalaya' at Government Medical College Jammu. The community kitchen is run by Sewa Bharti and supported by J&K Bank along with other donors. The Lieutenant Governor lauded the noble initiative and partook in a meal at Apna Bhojanalaya. The Lieutenant Governor said the Sewa Bharti's enduring spirit of giving back, empowers individuals and strengthens communities. There is no higher duty than serving those in need. Sewa Bharti has honored that duty by nourishing bodies, restoring souls, and affirming the dignity of every human life. To strengthen Apna Bhojanalaya is to strengthen the very fabric of our society, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that to feed a hungry soul is to invite grace into your own. To serve food to the hungry is among the most sacred acts a human being can perform. When a hand extends in need and another rises in nurture, divine grace moves quietly between them. This act is not merely kindness. This is humanity at its absolute finest. Our aim should be selfless service to the neighbor, the city around us, and the nation that unites us. A strong J&K means strong families. Strong communities. Citizens empowered to lead, to contribute, to rise. When we lift every sector, we lift the Union Territory itself. Commit to this cause and build a legacy worthy of pride, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the change needs no vast resources but just the spirit for selfless service, vision, persistence and love for the community. He commended Sewa Bharti, volunteers and donors for transforming millions' lives with their selfless service. You did not merely feed the hungry, you upheld the dignity of millions. And today, let us take a pledge that this service will never stop. The kitchen of Apna Bhojanalaya will never grow cold and every hand in our society will give to the best of its capacity to those who need it most, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon every section of society to join the war against drug abuse. Shri Jai Dev, Akhil Bharatiya Chatrawas Pramukh, Sewa Bharti; Shri Parmeet, Sangathan Mantri, Sewa Bharti; Prof. Rakesh Jha, President; Shri Pradeep Kapoor, General Secretary; Shri Sushil Kapoor, Bhojanalay Sanchalak; Shri Trilok Singh Negi, Shri Ajay Takoo and other officer bearers and volunteers of Sewa Bharti J&K were present. Shri Arvind Gupta, Member of Legislative Assembly from Jammu West; Shri Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO, J&K Bank Limited; Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu; Dr Gautam Mengi, Dr Ritu Singh and other prominent citizens and senior officials also attended the ceremony.

Chief Minister vows no jungle raj, seeks strict action over Ramban killing

Bijbehara, Apr 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Tuesday that his government will not allow jungle raj and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Speaking to reporters in Bijbehara, Abdullah said his government aims to usher in a new phase in Jammu and Kashmir marked by a peaceful atmosphere and stable conditions. There are people who do not like peace and instead want communal unrest and conflicts, he said. As long as my government remains in power, we will never allow such things to happen in Jammu and Kashmir. Without naming individuals or groups, Abdullah said some elements were attempting to disturb the prevailing calm. My government would take firm measures to prevent any deterioration in law and order, he said The Chief Minister also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure strict action against those involved in a recent killing in Ramban, as well as against people accused of trying to disrupt the situation. This should send a strong message that such disorder and lawlessness will not be tolerated by the present government, he said.

Baisakhi celebrated with religious fervour in Kashmir

Nobody will be allowed to disturb peace in J&K: CM Omar

Midnight blaze damages eight houses in Saifuddin Pora, Rajouri Kadal Srinagar

FIR filed in Budgam over fake WhatsApp account impersonating SSP

Budgam, April 14: Police in Budgam have registered an FIR against an individual for allegedly operating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of the Senior Superintendent of Police and using it to influence people. The case was registered after police received information that the accused was circulating screenshots of chats with the fake account among the public, projecting himself as a close aide of the SSP to gain undue influence. The accused has been identified as Sameer Ali Bhat, son of Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, a resident of Pallar Budgam. Police said verification revealed that the individual was involved in multiple FIRs and had been operating the fake WhatsApp account using a mobile number, while sharing conversation screenshots to build credibility and mislead people. Acting on the information, Police Station Budgam registered FIR No. 90/2026 under Section 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66-C of the Information Technology Act. Police have advised the public to remain cautious and not fall prey to impersonation attempts, urging citizens to rely only on officially published contact numbers to communicate with police or government departments. Authorities also appealed to the public to report any such suspicious activity to the nearest police station for prompt action. [KNT]

300 held, 7 FIRs after workers' protest; 'syndicate' angle under probe: Noida police commissioner

More than 300 people were arrested and seven FIRs filed after a workers protest turned violent in Noida, police said. Commissioner Laxmi Singh stated that authorities acted quickly to disperse crowds, identified instigators, and are probing an organised network behind the unrest, with further arrests and investigations underway.

Pak Media Watchdog Issues Notice to Channel for Running 'Indian Content' While Reporting News of Asha Bhosle's Death

Bhosle passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure. She was 92.

NIA Court sentences three more in 2021 Al-Qaeda Lucknow terror conspiracy case

New Delhi, Apr 14: The Lucknow special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sentenced three more accused in a 2021 Al-Qaeda linked radicalisation and recruitment case, officials said on Tuesday. The convicted persons have been identified as Museeruddin alias Raju and Minhaj Ahmad alias Minhaj, both residents of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, and Tawheed Ahmad Shah alias Sobu Shah, a resident of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, they said. The special court on Monday pronounced varying jail terms, ranging from 5 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) to life imprisonment, against these accused. All the sentences will run concurrently. The men have also been fined a sum of up to Rs. 20,000. Three other accused, namely Shakeel, Mohd. Mustaqeem and Mohammad Moid (all residents of Lucknow), were convicted earlier in this case (RC-02/2021/NIA/LKW) after they had pleaded guilty under the Arms Act. NIA had filed charges against all the six convicted accused in the case through two chargesheets in 2022. The case was originally registered by the Uttar Pradesh police following the arrest of Mushirudeen and Minhaj, both members of the banned Al-Qaeda terrorist organisation, by the U.P ATS in July 2021. The duo was found involved in radicalisation and recruitment of vulnerable youth for raising Ansaar Gajwatul Hind (AGH) as a module of AQIS (Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent) in Lucknow. The conspiracy was aimed at carrying out terrorist acts in various cities of U.P, including the capital, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in 2021. NIA, after taking over the case, found that Minhaj was radicalised by Tawheed and another accused, Adil Nabi Teli @ Musa. Together, these three men had conspired to recruit members for the banned AGH for committing terrorist acts. Investigations by the anti-terror agency further revealed that Museeruddin was also roped into the conspiracy by Minhaj, and had even taken Baiyat (oath of allegiance) at the latters behest. Subsequently, Museeruddin and Minhaj had procured arms, ammunition and explosive materials with the help of Shakeel, Mustaqeem and Moid as part of the terror conspiracy intended to wage war against the Government of India. During the course of the investigation, Musa was found to be a declared terrorist affiliated with TRF, an extended outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror organisation. Investigations revealed that Musa had received funds from Minhaj through Tawheed. Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in March 2022 and NIA had filed an abated chargesheet against him in August 2022.

JK: Search intensifies for man feared fallen into Ramban stream after assault by cow vigilantes

Banihal, Apr 14: Authorities on Tuesday intensified a multi-agency search in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district for a man feared to have fallen into a fast-flowing stream after allegedly being assaulted for carrying a cow in his vehicle. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and four people have been arrested in connection with the case, which triggered widespread protests and tension in the district along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Agitating locals, including the victims family, also blocked the arterial road for over four hours on Monday. Tanveer Ahmad Chopan (25), a resident of Mundkhal Pogal in Ukhral tehsil, was travelling from Jammu towards his native village in a Tata Mobile vehicle ferrying a milch cow and two calves when he was allegedly chased and assaulted by cow vigilantes on Sunday, locals claimed. According to eyewitness accounts, Chopan jumped into the nearby Nallah Bishlari while trying to save himself. After an overnight halt, the search operation resumed on Tuesday morning, with teams from the police, SDRF and NDRF, along with local volunteers, focusing on the many large boulders scattered across the stream amid apprehensions that the body may be trapped beneath them, officials said. They said the operation is being carried out across difficult terrain, with teams combing also downstream stretches in a coordinated effort. Many relatives of the missing man have joined the search operation, while others are camping along the banks of the stream, anxiously keeping vigil and hoping for his early recovery as efforts continue for the third day.

Hormonal imbalance, fertility issues now affecting women in 20s, say experts

New Delhi, Apr 14: A growing number of young women are experiencing hormonal imbalance and fertility-related issues much earlier than previously seen, with experts attributing the trend to a combination of biological shifts and modern lifestyle factors. Doctors say there is a noticeable change in clinical patterns, with conditions once common in women in their late 30s now increasingly being diagnosed in those in their 20s. There is a clear and concerning shift in women's health today, where issues related to hormonal imbalance and fertility are appearing much earlier than we traditionally observed, Priti Arora Dhamija, senior consultant and lead IVF, gynaecology at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, said. She noted that one contributing factor is the earlier onset of puberty. One of the key reasons is the earlier onset of puberty with many girls now attain menarche as early as 8-9 years, which can lead to a relatively earlier decline in ovarian reserve, she said. Studies published in journals such as The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health have documented a steady decline in the age of puberty onset over the past few decades, linked to improved nutrition but also rising obesity and environmental exposures. However, experts emphasised that biology alone does not explain the trend, with lifestyle factors playing a significant role. Today, young women are growing up in a high-stress, high-performance environment, often marked by erratic sleep cycles, excessive screen time, poor dietary habits, and limited physical activity. These factors contribute to rising rates of obesity, PCOS, and metabolic disturbances in the early 20s, Dhamija said. Chronic stress, she added, disrupts the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis, leading to hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation. In addition, behavioural factors such as early sexual activity, multiple partners, and lack of medical supervision in contraceptive use are contributing to higher incidences of sexually transmitted infections and uterine health issues, which can further impact fertility. Environmental exposure to hormone-like substances through food and pollution is an emerging concern as well, she said. Juhi Bharti, Additional Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi, said clinicians are increasingly observing diminished ovarian reserve in younger women. Clinically, we are now observing diminished ovarian reserve in women in their late 20s, a trend that was previously more common in the late 30s. While not necessarily irreversible, this shift highlights the need for early awareness and timely intervention, she said. Supporting this trend, data from the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) and international fertility studies indicate a rise in cases of diminished ovarian reserve and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among women under 30. PCOS alone is estimated to affect nearly one in five women of reproductive age in India, according to various epidemiological studies. Experts stressed that fertility should be viewed as a reflection of overall health rather than just age. Poor sleep doesn't just cause fatigue, it disrupts hormonal signalling, may accelerate reproductive ageing, and impacts fertility potential. Aligning sleep with natural circadian rhythms is therefore a key, yet often overlooked, pillar of reproductive health, Dr Bharti said. Echoing similar concerns, Bhawani Shekhar, Associate Consultant at the Centre of IVF and Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, We gynaecologists are increasingly observing a shift in women's health with signs of hormonal imbalance and fertility issues appearing in the 20s, she said. She added that many patients now report irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, infertility and early signs of ovarian ageing, largely linked to modern lifestyle patterns. Unhealthy diet, sedentary routine and lack of regular exercise play a significant role, with smoking and alcohol further contributing to the problem. In addition, chronic stress increases cortisol levels and poor sleep affects the circadian rhythm, further impacting hormone levels and ovarian health, she said. These trends are a warning sign but what is reassuring is that all these factors are modifiable, she said. So the focus needs to shift towards prevention. Prioritising balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management can help in maintaining hormonal balance and reproductive health, Shekhar said.

Multiple earthquakes shake Doda, Leh regions; no damage reported

Srinagar, April 14: A series of minor earthquakes have been recorded in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UT over the past few days, raising concerns among residents though no major damage has been reported so far. According to officials, three earthquakes struck Doda district in the last 72 hours. The strongest of these measured 4.6 magnitude, while the other two tremors were recorded at 3.0 and 2.9 magnitudes respectively, prompting brief panic among locals. Meanwhile, Leh in Ladakh also experienced three earthquakes over the past four days. These were of relatively lower intensity, with magnitudes of 2.6, 3.2, and 3.0 recorded. Officials confirmed that these tremors were mild and did not cause any damage. No casualties or significant losses have been reported from either region so far.

IGP Kashmir Extends Baisakhi Greetings, Vows Strict Action Against Drug Peddlers

Fire Service Week highlights awareness, prevention and rapid response: ADGP F&ES Alok Kumar

Tonga returns to Srinagar streets after decades

Back on the streets of Srinagar after decades, 70 year old Ghulam Rasool Kumar revives his old tonga, holding on to a livelihood, and a piece of the citys forgotten past. With limited work options, Kumar has returned to his decades old profession, determined to earn a living and keep a fading tradition alive

Mahesh Sharma named Honorary Vice President of BRICS Entrepreneurial Alliance India

New Delhi, Apr 13: Mahesh Sharma has been appointed Honorary Vice President of the BRICS Entrepreneurial Alliance (BEA) India Chapter, a move aimed at strengthening leadership and expanding the organisations global engagement. A statement said that the appointment was conferred by Bhaskar J Sonowal, CEO and Executive Director of BEA India, in the presence of N Thomas Lotha and Naresh Khanna, during a formal ceremony in New Delhi. The BRICS Entrepreneurial Alliance is a collaborative platform that promotes entrepreneurship, trade, and economic cooperation among BRICS nationsBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africaalong with BRICS Plus partners including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. The alliance focuses on fostering innovation and inclusive growth across emerging economies. Sharma is a seasoned entrepreneur with diversified business interests spanning mining, information technology, hospitality, real estate, and emerging lifestyle sectors. He is widely recognised for his strategic vision and ability to build scalable enterprises. He is also the founder of Diona, a premium lounge and business networking platform. In recent years, Sharma has expanded his focus to the fashion and textile sector, promoting Made in India craftsmanship on global platforms. His approach aims to position Indias textile heritage and contemporary design as a soft-power asset within international trade, particularly across the BRICS ecosystem. Beyond business, Sharma is an active angel investor and supports future-oriented initiatives, including his venture Immortality, which focuses on human development, health optimisation, and lifestyle enhancement. He is also associated with social causes such as women empowerment, education, and the Save Girl Child campaign, and currently serves as National Treasurer of the Vipra Chamber of Commerce and Industries. BEA leadership said Sharmas appointment is expected to strengthen the alliances efforts in expanding global partnerships and enhancing Indias role within the BRICS economic framework.

Why first round of talks between US and Iran was unsuccessful?

New Delhi, Apr 14: Iran was willing to suspend its uranium enrichment programme for up to five years, but the United States rejected the offer, insisting on a much longer 20-year halt, according to a report by The New York Times cited by the BBC that led to the failed first round of talks between Iran and US. The report, quoting senior Iranian and US officials, said both sides exchanged proposals during recent talks held in Pakistan, but remained far apart on key terms, particularly over the duration and verification of limits on Tehrans nuclear activities. Despite the differences, the discussions have kept diplomatic channels open, with indications that a second round of face-to-face talks could take place soon. The BBC reported that these exchanges suggest there may still be a pathway towards a broader peace deal, even as core disagreements persist. The White House has not publicly commented on the report. Irans nuclear programme continues to be a central sticking point in the conflict. US President Donald Trump reiterated over the weekend that Washington would ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, underscoring the administrations hardline position. Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance sharply criticised Tehrans actions in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of engaging in an act of economic terrorism by disrupting maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the US was prepared to respond in kind. If the Iranians engage in economic terrorism, the United States will ensure that no Iranian ships are getting out either, he said, signalling support for the ongoing US naval blockade. Vance, however, struck a more measured tone on diplomacy, noting that a lot of progress was made during the weekend talks. The ball is in Irans court, he said, adding that Tehran would need to show flexibility and accept key US demands, including international control over its enriched uranium stockpile and a robust verification mechanism to prevent weaponisation. The latest developments highlight a widening gap between public rhetoric and behind-the-scenes diplomacy. While both sides continue to escalate pressure, militarily and economically, ongoing negotiations suggest neither is ready to abandon the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

Midnight blaze guts seven residential houses in Nowhattas Chandpora

Srinagar, Apr 14: A midnight fire incident on Tuesday damaged seven residential houses in the Chandpora area of Nowhatta in Srinagar city, officials said. An official said that the fire broke out around 1:00 am, following which Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot. He said the fire initially erupted in one residential house and soon spread to adjoining structures, causing extensive damage. Fire tenders, along with police and locals, battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control and dousing the flames after strenuous efforts, he said. He added that seven houses were damaged in the incident. Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. (KNO)

Eight held for vandalism during students' protest in Sopore: Police

Sopore, Apr 14: Police on Tuesday said they have arrested eight persons and identified 25 others for vandalism during a student protest in Sopore town of north Kashmirs Baramulla district, asserting that strict action is being taken against those involved in disturbing public order. The protest was held by students on Monday over an alleged harassment case involving a lecturer, which led to road blockades and stone-pelting at some places. Eight miscreants have been arrested and 25 others identified for their involvement in vandalism during the protest. The situation was brought under control after assurances of justice were given to the protesters, a police official said. Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) attached the accused lecturer, Ghulam Hassan Mir, a Senior Lecturer in Urdu at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Sopore, to BHSS Badugam in Gurez, Bandipora, pending an inquiry. An official order stated that the Joint Director (North) has been appointed as the inquiry officer and directed to submit a report within 15 days. Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, said a case has been registered against the lecturer and an investigation initiated on the basis of the students complaint. (KNS)

Nitish likely to step down as Bihar CM on Tuesday, make way for first-ever BJP-led govt in state

Patna, Apr 14: Bihar finds itself on the cusp of a new political epoch on Tuesday when Nitish Kumar, the states longest-serving chief minister, is slated to make way for the first-ever BJP-led government in the province. Kumar, who heads the JD(U) and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, is expected to tender his resignation shortly after the last meeting of his cabinet, which is scheduled at 11 am. It is a constitutional requirement. The chief minister informs his colleagues about his decision to dissolve the cabinet before meeting the governor, said Dilip Jaiswal, a senior BJP leader who is also a minister in the outgoing government. The BJP, which is the single largest party in the 243-strong assembly, with 89 MLAs, will thereafter elect its legislature party leader. The meeting of the legislature party is scheduled to be held at the BJP office here around 3 pm. Union minister Shivraj Singh Choudhan, whom the BJP parliamentary board has named central observer for the legislature party leaders election, is expected to fly down for the purpose. The 202-strong NDA also includes 85 MLAs of the JD(U), besides 19 of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and five of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, headed by Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, respectively. In addition, there are five MLAs of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha. All the NDA legislators are scheduled to meet at the Central Hall of the state assembly at 4 pm. After a formal declaration of support from all constituents, the governor would be approached for the formation of a new government. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a former state BJP president who holds the Home portfolio in the outgoing government, is being seen as a front-runner among those whose names are doing the rounds for the top job. However, BJP insiders admit that the possibility of a surprise, at the instance of the partys central leadership, as was recently seen in Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, could not be ruled out. Meanwhile, JD(U) leaders, who are trying to come to terms with the imminent loss of political clout, hope that despite stepping down as chief minister, Kumar will continue to pull some strings. Nitish Kumar ji will spend most of his time in Bihar. He will be in Delhi only while the Parliament session is on. The new government will be formed with his consent, and it will work under his guidance, said JD(U) leader Zama Khan, the minister for minority affairs in the outgoing state government. He also said that the party hoped that Kumars only son Nishant, who had joined the JD(U) a month ago, would be considered for an important role in the new government.

Trump deletes Jesus-like image of himself after backlash from church leaders, conservatives

Washington, Apr 14: US President Donald Trump has deleted an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure following widespread backlash from church leaders, conservative voices and political figures across the spectrum. The image, shared on Trumps Truth Social platform, showed him dressed in a white robe placing a hand on a mans head in a scene resembling a healing. The post came shortly after Trump publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV, calling him weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. The post was removed within a day, but not before it triggered sharp criticism, with many calling it offensive and inappropriate. Trump later defended the image, telling reporters it depicted him as a doctor linked to humanitarian work, adding that only the fake news interpreted it otherwise. Senior Catholic figures condemned both the image and Trumps remarks about the pope. Archbishop Paul S Coakley described the comments as disheartening, asserting that the pope is not a political rival but a spiritual leader. Other clergy emphasised the need for restraint and respect, praising Pope Leo XIV for advocating peace and dialogue amid global conflicts. Responding to the controversy, the pope avoided direct confrontation but reiterated his stance against war, saying he would continue to promote peace, dialogue and multilateral solutions. The backlash extended beyond religious circles, with several conservative commentators also taking issue with the post. Some described the image as blasphemous, while others questioned Trumps judgment, urging greater humility. Political opponents also weighed in, criticising the move as self-aggrandising and inappropriate for a sitting president. The episode highlights growing tensions between Washington and the Vatican, particularly over issues such as war, immigration and foreign policy. Trumps recent remarks targeting the pope have added strain to an already uneasy relationship.

5.7 earthquake jolts rural Nevada near Carson City, damage reported

Silver Spring (US), Apr 14: A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck a rural part of Nevada east of the state's capital of Carson City on Monday. The temblor hit just before 6:30 p.m., the US Geological Survey said. It was centred 12.9 miles (20.7 kilometres) east of the town of Silver Spring at a depth of 3.1 miles (5 kilometres). The agency said some residents in nearby communities reported strong to very strong shaking and light to moderate damage. (AP)

PM Modi pays tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid his tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and said his life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society. Modi said that Ambedkar's personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building. Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society, the prime minister said in a post on X. Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society. pic.twitter.com/MWHUTlpf9Y Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2026 Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. He died on December 6, 1956. He is known as the architect of the Indian Constitution.

NCSS, IDS take centre stage as Kashmir industry highlights ground realities at DPIIT workshop

Senior officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), led by Director Rajesh Pawar, held a key workshop where industry stakeholders highlighted critical concerns surrounding the implementation of NCSS and IDS schemes. Moderated by Director Industries & Commerce Khalid Majid, the session saw business chambers and industry bodies present a candid account of bottlenecks, delays, and on-ground challenges affecting enterprises under the NCSS and IDS frameworks in Kashmir. FCIK Flags Deep Imbalances in NCSS Implementation The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has raised serious concerns over what it described as growing imbalances in industrial development under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), 2021, calling for immediate corrective measures to ensure equitable growth across Jammu and Kashmir. FCIK stated that, much like the 2002 industrial package, the benefits of NCSS are increasingly getting concentrated in a few districts, leaving large parts of Jammu & Kashmir outside the ambit of industrial growth. This skewed distribution, it noted, undermines the objective of balanced regional development. Highlighting stark disparities, the Federation pointed out that out of the total Rs 28,400 crore outlay, nearly Rs 20,000 crore is likely to be cornered by just 18 large units. Such concentration, it said, raises serious concerns about equity and inclusiveness in policy implementation. The Federation also flagged the exclusion of existing industrial units, many of which have survived decades of adverse conditions. It said the lack of meaningful support under NCSS has increased their vulnerability and hindered prospects for revival, expansion, and optimal capacity utilisation. FCIK urged DPIIT to incorporate corrective measures in the next phase or extension of the scheme, including equitable allocation of incentives across districts and a dedicated window for revival and expansion of existing units. It also proposed a bridge funding mechanism of Rs 5,00010,000 crore to unlock idle capacity and potentially generate employment for up to five lakh people. The Federation further highlighted procedural bottlenecks, noting that several units are facing delays despite compliance. GST-linked incentives remain pending, and units are being asked to submit extensive hard documentation despite provisions for online processing. It also raised concerns about genuine investors being excluded on technical grounds, sector-specific anomalies in areas like mini hydel projects, and restrictive cost considerations for imported machinery. FCIK concluded that while NCSS is ambitious in design, its implementation has been marked by procedural rigidity and a widening gap between policy intent and ground realities. KCCI Seeks 25% Share for Local Entrepreneurs in NCSS The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) raised critical concerns over the implementation of the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021 and the Industrial Development Scheme (IDS) 2017 during a high-level review meeting held in Srinagar, highlighting gaps between policy intent and ground realities. KCCI was represented by its Horticulture Sub-Committee Chairman, Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, who presented a detailed account of challenges faced by local enterprises. KCCI welcomed the Rs 28,400 crore NCSS but flagged that the abrupt closure of the registration window on September 30, 2024, has excluded several genuine entrepreneurs who were in advanced stages of setting up their units. It urged authorities to reopen or extend the window, noting that unresolved departmental formalities in many pending cases have further deepened uncertainty. The Chamber also highlighted significant regional imbalance in the distribution of benefits. Of 2,036 registered units, only 953 have been granted eligibility, while a substantial portion of the Rs 28,400 crore outlayestimated at over 20,000 croreis likely to be absorbed by a limited number of large units, leaving MSMEs with a disproportionately smaller share. KCCI termed this concentration contrary to the principle of inclusive growth and called for a dedicated 25 percent quota for Jammu and Kashmir to ensure equitable distribution. It also underlined the Valleys geographical disadvantage, stating that higher logistics and operational costs due to its landlocked nature must be factored into policy design. A key concern raised was the exclusion of existing MSMEs, which have sustained the regions economy over decades. KCCI urged the government to create a mechanism to extend benefits to these units and recommended that pending cases receive at least 25 percent of incentives under any revised framework. On policy design, KCCI advocated for integration of IDS 2017 benefitssuch as insurance and support componentsinto NCSS 2021, arguing that a unified and comprehensive package is essential for meaningful industrial growth. The Chamber further called for increasing the schemes outlay to Rs 75,000 crore if extended, citing rising demand and a growing number of pending cases. It stressed that any revision must follow meaningful stakeholder consultation to avoid deepening regional disparities and to restore confidence among entrepreneurs. PHDCCI Kashmir Flags Ground Realities The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir highlighted key implementation challenges under the NCSS 2021 and IDS 2017 during a high-level review meeting, urging policymakers to address region-specific bottlenecks affecting industrial growth. PHDCCI Kashmir raised serious concerns over environmental and pollution clearances, terming them as major hurdles that are preventing otherwise eligible industrial units from availing scheme benefits. The Chamber noted that procedural complexities have created artificial barriers, discouraging genuine investors. The delegation also called for a customised industrial policy tailored to Kashmirs unique topography and geographical constraints. It argued that a one-size-fits-all approach is unsuitable, citing Ladakhs region-specific policy framework as a precedent that could be adapted for Kashmir. While acknowledging that the Rs 28,400 crore NCSS was designed as a transformative package with capital incentives, GST-linked benefits, and interest subvention, PHDCCI observed that the region has seen limited tangible gains due to compliance delays and procedural bottlenecks. A major concern flagged was the stark regional imbalance in the distribution of benefits. The Chamber pointed out that nearly Rs 20,098 crore has been concentrated among just 18 large units, largely outside Kashmir, leaving local industries struggling to benefit from the scheme. PHDCCI emphasized that unless these structural and administrative issues are addressed, the schemes risk falling short of their intended objectives of inclusive and balanced industrial development. CII J&K Pushes Ease of Doing Business, Sector-Based Incentives The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council called for structural reforms to improve ease of doing business and advocated sector-based allocation of incentives during a high-level review of NCSS 2021 and IDS 2017 in Srinagar. CII J&K Chairman Iqram Ali Shafiee welcomed the governments continued push to strengthen the industrial ecosystem through targeted policy interventions. He noted that while Jammu has attracted significant large-scale investments, Kashmirs industrial landscape remains dominated by micro and small enterprises, requiring a more tailored policy approach. Highlighting key concerns, Shafiee stressed the urgent need for a robust and truly functional single-window clearance system. He pointed out that delays in approvals from departments such as the Pollution Control Board, Health, Tourism, and Fire & Emergency Services continue to hinder timely project execution and discourage potential investors. He further recommended that future industrial schemes incorporate provisions like solar subsidies and transport incentives to improve project viability, particularly in geographically challenging regions like Jammu & Kashmir. Such measures, he said, would not only reduce operational costs but also promote sustainable industrial practices. Emphasizing differentiated policy support, CII proposed separate incentive structures for micro and small enterprises and for large industries. This, Shafiee noted, would ensure that both segments receive targeted support aligned with their distinct growth challenges and capacities. The meeting concluded with constructive deliberations, with officials assuring stakeholders that the concerns raised would be examined. Participants expressed optimism that improved coordination and policy refinements would accelerate industrial development and create a more enabling business environment in the Kashmir Division.

CAG flags J&K Govts non-compliance with rules, codal provisions

Notwithstanding the requirement of submitting Detailed Countersigned Contingency (DCC) bills against the advance money withdrawn through Abstract Contingency (AC) Bills, 3,466 AC bills of Rs 19,774.97 Cr were pending for submission of DCC bills as on March 31, 2023, in violation of codal provisions by the J&K government. Out of 3466 bills, 1,877 AC bills amounting to Rs 5,583.15 Cr pertained to the period prior to October 30, 2019 of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Non-compliance with prevailing rules and codal provisions thus adversely impacting the control and accountability in accounting and financial reporting by the J&K government has been flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its report on the Union Territory finances for the year ended 2022-23. The audit report has pointed out that the government of UT of J&K has not revised codal provisions for drawal of Abstract Contingent (AC) bills and settlement thereof. However, Financial Code volume-I of the erstwhile State of J&K envisages that when it is considered necessary to draw money from the treasury for contingent expenditure of which vouchers cannot be readily obtained before payment, Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) are authorised to draw sums of money through AC bills. In terms of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir (pre re-organisation) Financial Code, DDOs are required to present Detailed Countersigned Contingent (DCC) bills containing vouchers in support of final expenditure within two months from the date on which the advance was drawn. However, the year-wise position of AC Bills from October 31, 2019 till January 31, 2023 depicted that the number of AC bills cleared was less than the number of new AC bills drawn during the respective periods. This resulted in increase in the number of unadjusted AC bills, resulting in a total of 1,589 bills amounting to Rs 14,191.82 Cr as on March 31, 2023. DCC bills in respect of 1,877 AC bills amounting to Rs 5,583.15 Cr drawn up to October 30, 2019 by the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir were awaited as on March 31, 2023. The bifurcation of these outstanding AC bills is yet to be done between the successor Union Territories viz., Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh. More than 82 per cent of DCC bills are awaited from seven departments viz., Rural Development Department; Public Works Department; Social Security and Welfare; Housing and Urban Development; Planning and Development; Education and Health and medical Education Departments, the audit report mentioned. Further, as per the audit, 384 AC bills amounting to Rs 3,310.85 Cr were drawn during the year 2022-23, out of which 145 AC bills amounting to Rs 709.58 Cr (21.43 percent) were drawn in March 2023. Expenditure against AC bills in March indicated that the drawals were primarily to exhaust the budget provisions and revealed inadequate budgetary control. A comprehensive audit of two grants or departments, i.e, Culture Department and Youth Services and Technical Education Department was conducted. It was noticed that DCC bills for an amount of Rs 24.98 Cr was outstanding in respect of advance drawals made by Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (Rs 1.24 Cr), Technical Education Department (Rs 22.49 Cr) and Directorate of Libraries and Research (Rs 1.25 Cr). During the exit conference (April 2024), the Finance Department stated that the concerned line departments were being directed to ensure submission of DC bills in a time-bound manner, the CAG mentioned. As per report, it was also assured that all the departments would be urged to expedite the submission of DC bills to the Principal Accountant General (A&E) office. Compliance with prevailing rules and codal provisions are meant to ensure control and accountability in accounting and financial reporting. Non-compliance and deviations impact the quality of accounting and financial reporting adversely. Non submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) against conditional grants; non-submission of DC bills against AC bills; non-compliance with Indian Government Accounting Service- (IGAS-2) and IGAS-3 have impacted the quality of accounts adversely, the audit report stated censuring the Finance department.

Quiet diplomacy intensifies to bring US, Iran back to table

New Delhi, Apr 13:Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to persuade the United States and Iran to resume talks before the ceasefire expires, with the aim of securing a lasting agreement and preventing a renewed escalation of the conflict. Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey have intensified efforts to bring Teheran and Washington back to the negotiating table. Reports suggest that Islamabad is in active contact with Iran and American leadership and urging them to resume dialogue at the earliest opportunity. China and Russia are also involved in backchannel diplomacy to bring warring factions back to talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian President while Iranian Foreign Minister also held telephonic conversation with Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar and Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia who also stressed the need for dialogue to resolve differences. Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister also held telephonic talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wei, who also supported continuation of dialogue for ending the crisis. The primary objective is to reach a workable understanding before the current ceasefire - set to expire around April 22 - ends to prevent a return to all-out-war. Efforts are now underway to facilitate a second round of talks within this narrow window. Despite the lack of a breakthrough in the historic face-to-face round of talks over the weekend, Turkish, Omani, and Pakistani authorities said they remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for continued engagement between both sides.

US begins blockade of Iranian ports

Cairo, Apr 13:The US military vowed to blockade all Iranian ports starting Monday in an effort to force Tehran to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz and accept a peace deal. Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at US-allied countries. That set the stage for an extraordinary showdown that posed serious risks for the global economy and raised the specter that the ceasefire could collapse and the war could resume. Talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict which began Feb. 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran failed to reach an agreement this past weekend, and there has been no word on whether negotiations will resume. It was not clear if the blockade had started when the designated time of 10 am EDT (2 pm GMT) arrived. Minutes earlier, a notice to mariners issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency, which monitors maritime security, said the restrictions included the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure. The notice added that transit through the strait to or from non-Iranian destinations is not reported to be impeded by these measures, but it added that ships may encounter military presence in the strait. Iran's effective closure of the strait, through which 20 percent of traded oil passes in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other basic goods far beyond the West Asia. Tehran has allowed some ships perceived as friendly to pass while charging considerable fees, leading to accusations it is holding the global economy hostage. Some analysts are doubtful that the US can restore normal shipping through force alone and it's not clear how a blockade would work or what the dangers might be to US forces. The question is essentially who can endure the most pain: Could a blockade make Iran's economic situation untenable and force it to concede? Or will it drive global oil and other prices so high that US President Donald Trump is forced to back down? The US military's Central Command announced that the blockade would be enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. It said that would include all of Iran's ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM's decision to allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait was a step down from Trump's earlier threat to blockade the waterway. In a social media message posted shortly after the blockade was due to begin, Trump said Iran's navy was laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated, but he added that Tehran still has fast attack ships, and warned that if any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED. Iran issued threats of its own. Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported Monday. NO PORT in the region will be safe, read a statement from the Iranian military and the Revolutionary Guard. The threats halted the limited ship traffic that resumed in the strait since the ceasefire, according to a report from Lloyd's List Intelligence. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire last week, down from roughly 100 to 135 vessel passages per day before the war. The blockade is likely intended to pile pressure on Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil since the war began, much of it likely carried by so-called dark transits that evade Western sanctions and oversight. But the effects will be felt far beyond Iran. The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7 percent to hover around $102 per barrel on Monday. It cost roughly $70 per barrel before the war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, he would hold a summit this week o drive forward the international effort to end the conflict and unblock the strait. Starmer told lawmakers it must reopen with no conditions or tolls. Top-ranking Iranian officials threatened retaliation. Ebrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian parliament's National Security Commission, dismissed US warnings of a potential blockade as more bluffing than reality, while warning that Tehran was prepared to respond if the situation escalates militarily. It will make the current situation (Trump) is in more complicated and makes the market which he is angry about more turbulent. And we may also reveal other cards that we have not used in the game, he said in a post on X. The Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, addressed Trump in a statement: If you fight, we will fight. The blockade threat came after marathon US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement on Saturday. US Vice President J D Vance said the talks stalled after Iran refused to accept American terms on refraining from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. However, it has pushed forward with steps that could give it the ability to build a nuclear weapon, including enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and developing long-range missiles potentially capable of delivering a bomb. Iranian negotiators could not agree to all US red lines, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe positions on the record. Those red lines included never obtaining a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities and allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, along with opening the strait and ending funding for its armed proxies in the region: Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said the main sticking points for Tehran were its nuclear program, war reparations and sanctions relief. Neither Iran nor the US has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,089 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and damaged infrastructure in half a dozen countries. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, whose country has supported mediation efforts, suggested that the ceasefire could be extended for 45 to 60 days to allow for more negotiations.

Gulf storm: India should be evaluated as a strategic locational hedge for co-sharing GCC data centre infra

Recent attacks on cloud data centers in West Asia highlight a new geopolitical risk. Hyperscale providers are now reassessing their global infrastructure. India offers a secure and stable environment for data center expansion. Its robust policies and existing ties with the Gulf region make it a natural strategic partner.

Trump's Naval blockade of Hormuz is an economic warfare, harms global economy

America threatens a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a move from diplomacy to economic warfare. The US aims to cut Iran's oil revenue. This strategy seeks to force Iran back to negotiations. However, it carries significant risks of escalation. Global energy markets and international relations face potential instability.

Crude at $100: Packaging costs surge, supply chains reset

Crude oil prices have surged past the $100 mark per barrel, leading to a dramatic rise in the cost of packaging materials and creating uncertainty in supply chains. Businesses are now prioritizing ensuring availability over minimizing expenses, leading many to stockpile inventory to safeguard against disruptions.

Top Army Officer Reviews Anti-Infiltration Grid Along LoC In Jammu

JAMMU, Apr 13: General Officer Commanding of Armys White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishra on Monday visited Akhnoor sector near Jammu to assess the operational preparedness of the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) with a key focus on counter-infiltration measures. Lt Gen Mishra was accompanied by GOC Crossed Swords Division, also known as 10th Infantry division which is a vital formation responsible for securing the LoC in the Akhnoor sector. GOC White Knight Corps alongwith GoC [] The post Top Army Officer Reviews Anti-Infiltration Grid Along LoC In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Army officer warns of 'befitting response' to any enemy hostility on borders in J-K

Rajouri, Apr 13: Army troops are on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts and are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to any hostile act by the enemy, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherji said on Monday. Addressing a well-attended gathering at the 'Rajouri Day' event in the border district, he lauded the role of the local populace and said they will continue to work together in coordination to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy. 'Rajouri Day' is being celebrated on April 13 every year to commemorate the bravery and valour of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri district from Pakistan Army personnel who had infiltrated from across the border in 1947-48. Going forward as well, the people of Pir Panjal, the administration, and the security forces will continue to work together in coordination and will always foil the nefarious designs of the enemy. I assure you that our army is fully alert at the borders and is ready to give a befitting response to every hostile act of the enemy, the officer said. Maj Gen Mukherji said when the Army protects the borders, the local population stands shoulder to shoulder with the forces, strengthening internal security. This trust, partnership, and sense of patriotism constitute the greatest strengths of our region, he said. He paid heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, including Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Raj Kumar Thapa, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Havaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar and Agniveer Mund Murli Nayak all awarded Sena Medal, posthumously in May last year. The army officer also shared information about a number of new initiatives being taken by the Army in Rajouri and the nearby Poonch district for the welfare of the local population. To address pollution caused by plastic waste, the GOC said the Army, in coordination with the civil administration, is set to install a plant that will convert waste plastic into interlocking tiles. These tiles will be used for constructing tracks in forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC). He said the initiative would not only help curb plastic pollution but also generate employment for local residents, while aiding Army troops along the LoC by improving mobility in forward areas. The Army officer also spoke about the Digital Bharat Darshan initiative, stating that under the programme, the Army will facilitate students of government schools to virtually visit a major city every month from within their classrooms. He said the initiative aims to expose students to the development taking place across the country and help connect those from border areas with mainstream cities. He said that the Digital Bharat Darshan is an upgraded version of the earlier Bharat Darshan tours, where only a limited number of students could travel, but now every student will be able to benefit through a digital platform.

Railways, Bharat Petroleum Ink Pact To Develop Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal In Jammu

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Railways and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Monday signed an agreement for the development of a Gati Shakti multi-modal cargo terminal in outskirts of Jammu city. The project is aimed at boosting freight movement and strengthening the regions energy supply chain. The agreement was signed between Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal on behalf of the Jammu division and Territory Manager (Retail) Jammu, Chandan Chauhan, representing BPCL, a Railways spokesperson said. He said that the [] The post Railways, Bharat Petroleum Ink Pact To Develop Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Sopore Lecturer Suspended, Police Filed Case After Student Alleges Harassment

Srinagar, Apr 13: A police case has been filed against a senior lecturer posted in north kashmirs Sopore town after a girl student accused him of harassment, even as the teacher has been suspened with inquiry ordered into the matter. Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib said the teacher has been booked and an investigation has been set into motion after girl students allegations. Meanwhile, Directorate of School Education Kashmir suspended the lecturer with immediate effect while inquiry into [] The post Sopore Lecturer Suspended, Police Filed Case After Student Alleges Harassment appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

APSCC Chairman urges govt to pay heed to key issues concerning Sikh community

Srinagar, Apr 13: Expressing joy and happiness over the festival of Baisakhi, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has expressed hope that the festival of Baisakhi would be harbinger of peace and prosperity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the world. In his message APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina said that a festival like Baisakhi brings about happiness and joy among the people. Raina said such festive occasions provide a chance to the people of different communities to come close to each other while exchanging pleasantries. For Sikhs, Baisakhi is celebrated as the day of the creation of the Khalsa Panth. Baisakhi is really a sacred and pious day for the community and the community especially the youth should follow the path shown by Guru Gobind Singh Ji for peace and development, said Raina. The APSCC Chairman said that every household of Sikh community celebrates Baisakhi day in nearby gurudwaras. I appeal to the sikh community on this auspicious day to remain united and calm for redressal of our long pending issues by the government and pray that our issues dont last for long, Raina said. The other APSCC leaders who extended greetings include Ajit Singh Mastana, Principal Niranjan Singh, Navtej Singh, Sandeep Singh, Er Jetinder Singh, Dr Rekhi Singh, D P Singh, Davinder Singh, Sant Singh, Gurdayal Singh, and others. Raina regretted that the successive governments of Jammu and Kashmir have not taken the festival of Baisakhi seriously even though it is very important for the Sikh community. He said that glaring issues like neglect of Punjabi language, unemployment and relatively less attention to the celebrations and festivals of sikh community are haunting the people.

PDP leader Iqbal Tramboo greets Sikh community on Baisakhi

Stock markets plunge nearly 1 pc as US-Iran talks collapse, fuelling West Asia conflict fears

MUMBAI, Apr 13: Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed nearly 1 per cent lower on Monday as the failure of US-Iran negotiations heightened concerns of a prolonged conflict driving crude oil prices sharply higher. The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 702.68 points or 0.91 per cent to settle at 76,847.57. During the day, it dived 1,681.93 points or 2.16 per cent to 75,868.32. The 50-share NSE Nifty plunged 207.95 points or 0.86 per cent to end at 23,842.65. From the [] The post Stock markets plunge nearly 1 pc as US-Iran talks collapse, fuelling West Asia conflict fears appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan: LG Sinha addresses public rally in Kathua, launches people's movement against narcotics

Jammu, Apr 13: A drug-free Jammu Kashmir will emerge not from one person, but from collective action. Society must realize that drugs don't just kill individuals-they erode entire villages', wards and cities honor and destiny. Let's build a J&K where our youth's energy illuminates the world, not destroys itself. Let us confront this challenge with unyielding resolve, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said on Monday. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a massive public rally at Sports Stadium Kathua, where he launched a people's movement against narcotics under the Drug Free Jammu Kashmir campaign. The Lieutenant Governor led a Padyatra from the Sports Stadium to Government Degree College, Kathua, joined by thousands of citizens, public representatives, senior officials, civil society members, social activists, NGOs, women, students and various stakeholders, all united under a shared resolve to make Jammu Kashmir Nasha Mukt. The Lieutenant Governor called upon every citizen, every Kathua family, to rise and unite against drug abuse. I ignite a people's revolution to eradicate drugs from every panchayat, every alley, every family in Kathua district. This is no dream, it's my unbreakable pledge, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that our future won't be scripted in documents but forged through decisions of this people's movement in the next three months. We have crafted a well-planned 100-day roadmap- six phased steps fueling systematic resolve. Month one ignites awareness and mobilization; month two deepens community/family penetration; month three cements sustainability. Next three months won't just run a campaign but they will sow seeds for lasting change in J&K. The campaign's cornerstone is compassionate rehabilitation. We must shift our mindset: addicts are patients and they need our help and support, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for a more effective, accessible, humane rehabilitation centers where lives are reclaimed. We will crack down hard on traffickers and criminals, but those trapped need empathy and mercy. If a youth strays, we help him recover, he said. The Lieutenant Governor directed the police officials to prepare Top Drug Peddlers lists at all Police Stations and take decisive action to dismantle drug networks within 30 days. He asked the police authorities to adopt a focused and time-bound approach for complete elimination of drug syndicate. Warning drug syndicates of an impending crackdown, the Lieutenant Governor stated that a groundbreaking Standard Operating Procedure, recently notified, will ruthlessly crush smugglers by revoking their passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, and arms licenses. Under the NDPS Act, we will confiscate all movable and immovable assets, freeze bank accounts, and launch exhaustive financial probes. I want to assure the people of Jammu Kashmir that no perpetrator will escape justice, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon women's self-help groups to form a Women Vigilance Squad for monitoring the drug abuse cases and informing senior officials about the activities in their areas. People say, This isn't my problem. This mindset must go. We must remember that true prosperity stems not just from wealth, but vigilant and collective resolve. Government and society must unite for surveillance, rally anti-drug support, and cultivate drug-free villages and towns. We have empowered our police and agencies with full authority to dismantle drug syndicates, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said a youth who grasps life's purpose becomes our strongest weapon against drugs. He entrusted upon the NGOs and activists to drive grassroots efforts and feedback. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered an Anti Drug Pledge and launched the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Anthem. The event also featured powerful awareness video by DIPR and programs, where renowned artists and students used Nukkad Nataks, cultural performances, songs, and poetry to mobilize the public against the menace of narcotics.

Two Persons Drown in Jhelum River in Bijbehara; Bodies Recovered

Hajj 2026: All Arrangements Finalised for J&K Pilgrims, Says EO Hajj Committee Dr. Shujat Ahmed

Iran 's powerful show of unity at talks with the United States

Srinagar, Apr 13: The presence of a high-level, broad-based Iranian delegation at the talks with the United States was a carefully calibrated signal from Tehran, underscoring both its intent and seriousness despite deep mistrust in the Trump administration. With more than 75 political figures, seasoned diplomats, and key decision-makers in attendance, Iran projected a rare display of internal cohesion, demonstrating that all major power centers within its complex political system were aligned and fully involved in the negotiation process. This unprecedented show of unity sent a strong message to the international community that Tehran had forged a clear consensus on engaging Washington. Iran sought to dispel doubts about its intentions and asserted that it had come not just to talk, but to negotiate and push toward a meaningful and durable agreement. By doing so, it sought not only to create diplomatic space for a potential breakthrough but also to shape global perception, portraying itself as a responsible actor ready to engage pragmatically and finalist a meaningful deal, provided its core interests and sovereignty were respected The Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who were among the first to arrive, accompanied by the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the governor of the Central Bank. Then a large contingent of senior IRGC commanders, parliamentarians, and nuclear scientists arrived in two separate aircraft, which landed at Noor Khan Air Base late Saturday night.,when two sides were engaged in hectic talks to arrive at an agreement on ending the war The scale and composition of this follow-up delegation reinforced the message that Tehran had mobilized its key military, political, and strategic stakeholdersunderscoring that any engagement with Washington carried the backing of the very institutions central to Irans power structure. In addition to a core group of nine negotiatorsthe delegation included twenty-six members of parliament,foreign policy makers,influential politicaiansland clergymen ,besides key members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC). However, the presence of Mahmoud Nabaviana hardline parliamentarian known for his staunch opposition to negotiations with the Westhas generated particular surprise.Mohammed Nabavian, a cleric affiliated with the Paydari (Steadfastness) Party, has for years denounced figures like Mohammad-Javad Zarif and the relatively moderate government of Hassan Rouhani as traitors for pursuing the 2015 nuclear deal, His inclusion in the delegation appears to be interpreted as a calculated move by Ghalibaf. By bringing a vocal critic of negotiations into the process the Speaker wanted him to share responsibility for the outcome of the negotiations. Other radical conservatives, including Saeed Jalili , have consistently opposed any engagement with the United States remained silent this time. Irans new supreme leader in a written message marking the fortieth day after his fathers death, referred to the announcement of the decision to negotiate with the enemy and called for public mobilization to influence the outcome, remarks that many interpret as implicit approval of the negotiation process. He also referred verses from Surah Al-Fath , alluding to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyaha peace agreement between Prophet Muhammad and his adversaries in Mecca. In Islamic tradition, this treaty is seen as a strategic move that reduced conflict and ultimately strengthened Muslims despite their weaker position at the time. Such symbolic references carry strong weight among the Islamic Republics ideological base. On the U.S. side, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Andrew Baker (Deputy National Security Advisor), and Michael Vance (Special Advisor to the Vice President for Asian Affairs) attended the talks, which failed to break the ice.

DC, SSP Ramban pacify protesters; NH-44 restored after 4-hour blockade, 4 arrested

Banihal, Apr 13: The JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) was restored on Monday afternoon after remaining blocked for nearly four hours following protests at Makarkoot in Ramban district. The blockade was lifted after the intervention of Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, and Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban, Arun Gupta, who reached the spot and pacified the protesters. Traffic officials said vehicular movement, which had come to a standstill on both sides of the highway due to the protest, has now resumed smoothly. The district administration assured the protesters that action has been taken in connection with the incident, and four persons have been arrested. Authorities also assured a transparent investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway to trace the missing youth, Tanveer Ahmed Chopan, who has been missing since Sunday afternoon. He as per locals allegedly jumped into Nallah Bishlari after being chased and beaten by some miscreants . The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been pressed into service to assist in the search operation. Following assurances from the district authorities, the protesters dispersed peacefully from the highway and allowed traffic to resume. Meanwhile, former NSUI president and senior Congress leader, Advocate Feroz Khan, a resident of Pogal, also reached Makarkoot and interacted with the victims family and district authorities. He termed the incident unfortunate and unacceptable, demanding strict action against those involved. Khan said such incidents should not be allowed to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Ramban district, which has long been an example of communal harmony and Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. He urged people to remain calm, peacefull and uphold unity, adding that no one should be allowed to disrupt the the social fabric in Ramban district. In the meantime, GN Azad led DPAP senior leader and Political commentator Salman Nizami has strongly condemned the alleged incident in Makarkoot area of Ramban district. In a post on X, Nizami termed the incident shocking and said the victim was allegedly forced to jump into a stream while trying to escape from alleged cow vigilants, leading to his disappearance. He said he spoke to DIG Ramban-Doda-Kishtwar Range, Shargun Shukla, who assured him that strict action would be taken against those involved. Nizami demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Appealing for calm, he urged people to maintain peace and allow the police to carry out their investigation.

15 killed in Mathura boat capsize incident

Mathura, Apr 13: The death toll in the boat capsize incident in the Yamuna river here has climbed to 15 after the recovery of two more bodies on Monday, officials said. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Suresh Chandra Rawat said that during a search operation, the body of a woman was found in the Bangali Ghat area of Mathura. She has been identified as Monika. The second body was recovered near the Devaraha Baba Ghat in Vrindavan and the deceased has been identified as Yash alias Yuvraj Bhalla (22). In a video recorded just minutes before the accident on Friday last, Bhalla can be seen playing a 'dhol' (drum) alongside devotees who were singing hymns. His father informed police that Yash was a a student and used to play 'dholak' for the 'bhajan' troupe of the 'Shri Banke Bihari Club' in Jagraon in Ludhiana in his free time. He had joined this pilgrimage with the group for this purpose. Rawat said the body of one individual --- Pankaj Malhotra (40)--- remains to be recovered. The bodies of all other persons reported missing so far have been retrieved. Malhotra, a resident of Jagraon, was also aboard the boat that met with the accident on Friday afternoon. The search for him is going on, he said. Malhotra was a manager at a steel company in Himachal Pradesh. He said eight teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with six teams of divers from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were involved in the search efforts. The boat carrying over three dozen tourists, primarily from Punjab, hit a floating drum of a pontoon bridge and capsized near Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan on Friday. Most of the victims were from the Jagraon and Dugri areas of Ludhiana district.

Police has zero tolerance policy for drugs, to intensify action against culprits: SSP Srinagar

Highway blocked for 4 hours as protesters stage sit-in at Makarkoot; DC, SSP Ramban reach spot

Banihal, Apr 13: A protest and sit-in on the JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) continued for over four hours on Monday at Makarkoot in the Ramsoo sub-division of Ramban district, disrupting traffic movement on both sides. The highway was blocked by protectors at arround 10 am in the Monday morning.A large number of men and women, including relatives of the missing youth from Ramsoo, Makarkoot, and Pogal Paristan, are participating in the protest. Officials said vehicular movement remained completely halted at Makarkoot and several other points along NH-44 in Ramban district due to the ongoing agitation. Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, and SSP Ramban, Arun Gupta, rushed to the spot and are engaging with protesters in an attempt to restore normalcy. A heavy deployment of police has been made in the area to maintain law and order. The protest erupted following the disappearance of Tanveer Ahmed Chopan, who allegedly jumped into Nallah Bishlari on Sunday afternoon while trying to escape from suspected miscreants chasing him in two vehicles. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the NDRF assisting local police and volunteers of the Himalayan QRT Ramsoo in the search efforts. Meanwhile, police have arrested four persons allegedly involved in the incident, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case.

Over 4,700 pilgrims to depart for Hajj from J&K, flights from May 18

Srinagar, Apr 13: A total of 4,704 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will depart for Hajj this year, with the majority scheduled to travel through Srinagar Embarkation, officials said on Monday. Executive Officer Hajj Committee, Dr Shujat Ahmed, said 3,990 pilgrims, including 323 from Ladakh, will depart from Srinagar, while around 1,000 will use Delhi Embarkation and 50 will travel via Mumbai. He said as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Hajj flights from Srinagar are scheduled to begin on May 18 and will continue for about 1015 days, with the final departure expected around May 28, though minor changes in schedule are likely. Ahmed said new regulations introduced by Saudi Arabia this year include stricter health screening, under which some applicants with serious medical conditions were declared unfit. He said self-cooking facilities have been discontinued for pilgrims in places like Azizia. He added that pilgrims will be provided smartwatches equipped with SIM-based data for monitoring purposes, replacing earlier wristbands. Due to ongoing maintenance at Srinagar airport, flight capacity has been reduced, leading to rescheduling and mandatory refuelling halts in Delhi. Aircraft carrying 189 passengers will now operate with around 145 passengers, while baggage allowance has been reduced from 40 kg to 25 kg. Ahmed said pilgrims travelling from Jammu division and Ladakh will be provided accommodation at Hajj House Srinagar before departure. He added that immigration formalities will be completed in Srinagar, after which flights will proceed to Madinah with a halt in Delhi for refuelling.(KNS)

Fire Destroys Two Homes in Panchpora, Anantnag | Families Homeless, 10 Lakh Wedding Gold Lost

A massive fire broke out early Monday in Panchpora village of Sangam, reducing two houses to ashes and leaving two families homeless. Belongings, including essential household items and gold ornaments meant for an upcoming wedding, were destroyed. The bride to be also lost all her belongings and tailoring work collected from locals. Authorities are yet to ascertain the cause, while residents have urged immediate relief for the affected families Report: Nadeem Gulzar

Two boys drown in Jhelum River in Bijbehara; rescue operations launched

Anantbag, April 13: Two boys drowned after slipping into the Jhelum River in the Padshahibagh area of Bijbehara town in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Monday. Officials said the incident occurred when the two accidentally fell into the river while washing livestock. Rescue teams were deployed and rushed to the scene soon after the incident was reported, they said. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, and further details are awaited. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation.

Ramsoo missing youth case: Protests disrupt NH-44, SIT probe underway, 4 arrested

Banihal, Apr 13: Tension persisted in the Ramsoo area of Ramban district on Monday after a 25-year-old youth, Tanveer Ahmad Chopan of Pogal, went missing on Sunday evening after allegedly jumping into Nallah Bishlari while trying to escape from suspected miscreants. The incident triggered widespread outrage, with locals staging a protest on the JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) near the BDO office at Makerkoot. Men and women joined the sit-in from Monday morning, blocking traffic for over an hour and causing significant disruption along the busy highway. Police have registered a case FIR No. 26/2026 at Ramsoo Police Station and arrested four persons in connection with the incident. The accused have been identified as Surjeet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Digvijay Singh, and Keval Singhtwo residents of Seri Ramban and two from Ramban town. Officials said the accused are currently lodged at Banihal Police Station. According to locals, Chopan was travelling from Jammu to his home in Mundkhal, Pogal, when he was allegedly chased and assaulted near Makerkoot by a group suspected to be cow vigilantes. In an attempt to escape, he reportedly jumped into the Nallah Bishlari near Makarkoot tunnel number 5 and has remained untraceable since. Protesters demanded the arrest of all those allegedly involved in the vigilante group and called for the immediate resumption of the rescue operation in Nallah Bishlari, which they claimed had been halted since 9 PM on Sunday due to darkness. They also raised concerns over transparency, alleging that the arrested persons were not kept at Ramsoo Police Station and that a copy of the FIR had not been provided to the public. To investigate the incident, SSP Ramban Arun Gupta have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SDPO Banihal Surinder Singh Biloria. Senior officials, including Additional SP Ramban Mujeeb-ur-Rehman and SDM Ramsoo, visited the protest site and urged demonstrators to call off the agitation and restore traffic movement. Speaking from the spot, SIT head Surinder Singh Biloria told Greater Kashmir that investigations into all aspects of the case have been initiated. Public allegations will be addressed and investigated, and the circumstances under which the young man jumped into the stream will be thoroughly examined, he said, appealing to people to cooperate with the police and avoid blocking the highway. He further confirmed that a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached Makerkoot to assist in the rescue operation, which was suspended on Sunday night due to darkness but has since been resumed. Meanwhile, authorities have slowed down internet services across Ramban district to curb the spread of rumours and maintain law and order. Earlier, president Traders federation Banihal Engineer Shadab Ahmad Wani had called for a shutdown in Banihal on Monday in protest against the incident. However, the strike call was withdrawn late Sunday night following assurances from the administration regarding a fair and transparent investigation.

UP: Bus carrying wedding party collides head-on with truck, six killed

Hapur, Apr 13: Six people returning from a wedding, including the groom's father, were killed and seven others injured when a bus collided head-on with a truck early Monday here, a senior police official said. The accident took place around 3 am when the wedding party was returning after the ceremony. The impact was so severe that the front section of the bus was completely mangled, and the vehicle overturned. Locals helped the police in retrieving the bodies trapped in the bus. The injured have been admitted to the Hapur Medical College and the community health centre. The condition of several of the injured is stated to be critical. Superintendent of Police Kunwar Gyananjay Singh said appropriate arrangements are being made to ensure proper treatment of the injured. The deceased included the groom's father Yunus Qureshi and bus driver Ashok, police said.

'Nation will always remain grateful to them': Prez Murmu's tribute to Jallianwala Bagh martyrs

New Delhi, Apr 13: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday paid tributes to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre and said that the nation will always remain grateful to them. I am confident that their spirit of patriotism will continue to inspire everyone to move forward on the path of national service with dedication and loyalty, Murmu said in a post on X in Hindi. Hundreds of people protesting peacefully against the Rowlatt Act, which granted repressive powers to the colonial administration, were gunned down by British forces without any provocation on this day in 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Punjab's Amritsar. I pay my humble tribute to all the immortal freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in Jallianwala Bagh. This incident instilled a new consciousness and firm resolve for freedom among the countrymen. The nation will always remain grateful to them, the President said.

Alliance with BJP wasnt for power but to protect Article 370: Mehbooba Mufti

Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the party stitched an alliance with BJP to safeguard the special position of Jammu and Kashmir and not for power. We did not form an alliance for the chair but to safeguard Article 370. For the chair, Omar sahib had offered us support, she said while addressing a workers rally in south Kashmirs Pulwama district. Mufti said her party would have accepted the offer if power had been the only objective. But we made the government for the people, she added. Highlighting her governments achievement, she said around 12,000 youths were released from jails and efforts were made to bring Indias leadership to Kashmir for dialogue. But people did not realise it and resorted to stone pelting. Did not the entire Indian leadership come to Kashmir? Did they not reach the doorstep of Geelani Sahab? she said. She also referred to political developments in 1996, saying that Dr Farooq Abdullah, despite having the support of 60 MLAs, had opposed talks with separatists at the time. He (Abdullah) said he would raise the banner of rebellion against India if talks were held with the Hurriyat, Mufti alleged. Mufti criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for maintaining silence over civilian killings in Iran. She alleged that a major attack had taken place in Iran but drew no response from him. Mufti said the US withdrew because it could not secure what it believed it could obtain despite sacrifices made by people there. Over the recent Ganderbal incident, Mufti said, If I had not raised the issue, it would have been suppressed, she said, adding that LG Manoj Sinha ordered an inquiry after her party flagged the case. Referring to achievements during her tenure, Mufti said that while only one medical institute was sanctioned across the country at the time, her government secured two for Jammu and Kashmir one each for the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Prominent among others who addressed the rally included MLA Pulwama Waheed Parra , MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Nayak and former minister Abdul Rehman Veeri.

State bound to bear medical expenses of employees: CAT Srinagar

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar has directed authorities to reconsider a medical reimbursement claim of nearly Rs 30 lakh filed by a government employee for the treatment of his minor son suffering from a brain tumor. A Bench of M S Latif, Member (Judicial) issued the direction while deciding a district Budgam resident, Muhammad Ashraf Mirs plea. In his plea, Mir had assailed Deputy Commissioner Budgam's order dated October 6, 2023, rejecting his claim for reimbursement. The Tribunal directed the competent authority to reconsider Mir's claim, noting that reimbursement could not be denied solely on the ground that the patient had undergone treatment in a specialized hospital not approved by the State. The Tribunal said this while relying on supreme court judgment titled Shiv Kant Jha versus Union of India, 2018 wherein it has been held that the court has to be liberal in medical reimbursement cases and that the reimbursement cannot be denied solely on the ground that the patient has undergone treatment in a specialized hospital not approved by the State. Mirs 10-year-old son was diagnosed with a serious neurological conditionEpendymoma (WHO Grade II)and was initially examined at SKIMS Soura. Due to the critical nature of the illness, the child was later taken to a specialized hospital in Gurugram, where he underwent surgery. Mir subsequently submitted medical bills amounting to approximately Rs 30 lakh for reimbursement under the J&K Civil Services (Medical Attendance-cum-Allowance) Rules, 1990. However, the claim was rejected by the district administration. In its decision, The Tribunal observed that the right to medical reimbursement flows from the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. It is also a settled position of law that right to health is integral to right to life and the State has a constitutional obligation to provide health facility to its citizens and even if a government servant or any of his dependent has suffered an ailment, which requires treatment at a specialized and approved hospital, it is otherwise the duty of the State to bear the expenditure incurred by a government servant on the treatment, of course, in accordance with the entitlement and the law governing the field, the Tribunal said. It also noted that the authorities had failed to file a response despite multiple opportunities, and stressed that preservation of human life is of paramount importance. While disposing of the petition, the tribunal directed the competent authority to reassess the claim by verifying the genuineness of treatment, medical bills, and procedures undertaken. It also instructed the petitioner to submit all required documents and cooperate with the process. The Tribunal gave the authorities eight weeks to pass a reasoned order in accordance with the law.

Dilapidated Maulana Azad Road pesters commuters

Srinagars key arterial stretch, Maulana Azad Road, is drawing flak from commuters and pedestrians over its dilapidated condition, with deep potholes and an uneven surface slowing traffic and raising safety concerns, particularly near Sangarmal junction. Commuters said that at the busy junction, which witnesses a heavy influx of vehicles throughout the day, traffic movement has become sluggish as motorists navigate the battered road. The stretch, considered the heart of the citys commercial hub, now offers a bumpy ride, with vehicles frequently stopping to avoid craters. It is frustrating to drive here daily. The road is in a terrible condition and damages our vehicles. This is the main road of the city, yet it looks neglected, said Abdul Hamid, a commuter. Its ironic that a vital road has been neglected by authorities. Potholes raise question marks on the much hyped Smart City mission, he added. Two-wheeler riders said the stretch has become increasingly risky, especially during peak hours. There is always a fear of skidding due to potholes. One small mistake can lead to an accident, said a college student. Pedestrians too voiced concern over broken footpaths near Polo View, saying they are often forced to walk on the road, exposing themselves to traffic. The footpath is damaged at several places. We have no option but to step onto the road, which is unsafe, said a pedestrian. Commuters said traffic diversions in adjoining areas have further increased the load on MA Road, worsening congestion and delays. There is already too much traffic here. These potholes only make things worse, said another commuter. The issue comes amid growing concerns over the condition of several roads in Srinagar. Recently, reports highlighted the poor state of roads in downtown areas, including the Gojwara to Hawal stretch. An official from the Roads and Buildings department said that necessary repairs are being planned. Works are being taken up in a phased manner, and the damaged portions will be addressed soon, an official said.

Crumbling embankment on Boulevard Road raises safety concerns

Scenic Boulevard Road along Dal Lake is fast losing its sheen due to crumbling embankment posing risk to pedestrians including tourists. The dilapidated stretch between Dalgates ghath number 6 to 9 continues to remain in neglect. The issue has drawn sharp concern from locals, shikarawalas, and visitors alike. The embankments along this vital tourist corridor have caved in at several places, leaving behind deep craters and visibly sunken patches. The adjoining footpath and Bund, usually abuzz with tourists taking strolls and clicking pictures against the lakes backdrop, are also in a broken and unsafe condition. This is one of the most visited places in Srinagar, but look at its condition. The embankment is broken, and parts of it have sunk. It is risky, especially for children and elderly visitors, said Farooq Ahmad, a pedestrian at Dalgate. Shikarawalas operating in the area said the damage is not just cosmetic but is directly affecting their livelihood. Tourists come here for a pleasant experience, but when they see such conditions, it leaves a bad impression. Even our boats get affected as the wooden platforms where we anchor them are broken, said a group of shikarawala. The wooden docking platforms, used to park shikaras along the banks, are also in disrepair, with gaps and broken planks posing a serious risk. Locals said there have been several instances where people narrowly escaped injury after nearly slipping through these damaged sections. It is an accident waiting to happen. Someones foot can easily get stuck in the broken planks, or they may slip into the lake, said another resident. Ironically, instead of permanent repairs, the authorities have installed caution boards, ropes, and makeshift barricades along the damaged portions. They are just putting up warnings, but no proper repair work is being done. This is not a solution, said Altaf Ahmad, a commuter. Tourists visiting the area also expressed disappointment. We had heard so much about Dal Lake and Boulevard Road, but seeing this condition is surprising. Such a beautiful place deserves better upkeep, said Anuj, a visitor from Delhi. Despite minor repair works carried out in some stretches, the damaged portion between guard numbers 6 to 9 continues to remain in shambles. Locals and stakeholders have urged authorities to undertake a comprehensive facelift of the area instead of relying on temporary measures. Fareed Khan, Executive Engineer R&B Department said they have carried out some repairs to fix the issue. The remaining portion will also be covered step by step without any delay so that the issue is resolved, Khan said.

Vacuum-bag based wool collection centre set up in Rajouri

In a bid to strengthen the rural economy and support tribal communities, the government has established a first-of-its-kind vacuum bag-based wool collection centre in Rajouri district. Known as one of the highest wool-producing regions in the country, Rajouri generates nearly 7 lakh kilograms of wool annually. However, despite this substantial production, sheep breeders, particularly from tribal communities, have long struggled to market their produce due to logistical and financial constraints. A major challenge has been the transportation of wool during seasonal migration and tribal families typically spend around six months in the upper mountainous reaches rearing livestock, officials said. Transporting bulky wool from these remote areas to marketplaces has traditionally been both physically demanding and economically unviable, they said. As a result, many herders were compelled to either store unsold wool or, in extreme cases, burn it due to lack of viable selling options. The official further stated that addressing this longstanding issue, the newly established collection centre employs advanced vacuum polybag technology to compress wool into smaller, lighter packages. This innovation significantly reduces both volume weight, making transportation more efficient and cost-effective for producers. Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma while reviewing this center stated that the facility will not only streamline the supply chain but also open up better market opportunities, thereby enhancing income prospects for the tribal population. Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma also urged sheep breeders and members of the tribal community to make full use of the facility and benefit from improved access to markets.

After 7 years, Ladakh gets own Aadhaar identity, J&K replaced

Nearly seven years after Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, Aadhaar records of its residents have finally been updated to reflect a distinct identity, with the Jammu and Kashmir name replaced by Ladakh. Officials said that the residents could now see their identity reflected in Aadhaar records with Ladakh replacing Jammu & Kashmir in the state field. Despite the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in 2019, Aadhaar records of Ladakh residents continued to display Jammu and Kashmir in the State field, causing inconvenience and drawing repeated public grievances. Official sources said that taking note of the issue, the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena directed the Union Territory administration to resolve the issue at the earliest. The matter was subsequently taken up with the Unique Identification Authority of India, which has now implemented the correction. Officials said the anomaly had been creating difficulties for residents in using Aadhaar as a valid identity and address proof while accessing various services, as the State field did not align with Ladakhs post-reorganisation status. The successful resolution of this long-pending issue reflects the administrations commitment to responsive governance and ensuring that Ladakhs unique identity is properly represented across official platforms, the Lieutenant Governor said. He added that ensuring accurate representation in official records was not only an administrative necessity but also a matter of identity and convenience for the people. To resolve the issue, the UT Administration, in coordination with UIDAI, devised an innovative mechanism to update the State field centrally. Instead of requiring residents to visit Aadhaar centres individually, records were updated based on Ladakh-specific PIN codes, which were verified in coordination with the Department of Posts and shared with UIDAI. Under this system, the State field was corrected based on PIN codes specific to Ladakh. These PIN codes were verified with the Department of Posts and shared with UIDAI, enabling bulk updation of records. Officials said the move has brought significant relief to residents, who can now download their updated e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI portal. Those seeking physical copies can also order PVC Aadhaar cards online for a nominal fee. The correction is expected to ease procedural hurdles and ensure seamless access to services, while also enabling accurate representation of Ladakh in Aadhaar-linked data and official records. Officials said this development has brought significant relief to the people of Ladakh, as they no longer need to visit Aadhaar centres individually for updates. Residents can now easily download their updated e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI portal, and those wishing to obtain a PVC Aadhaar card may order it online by paying a nominal fee.

Oil prices rise after the US says it would block Iranian ports starting Monday

Woman dies, 2 injured in Rajouri accident

Rajouri, Apr 12:An aged woman died while two of her family members sustained injuries in a car mishap at Bal Shama on Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway on Sunday evening. Police officials said that the accident of car, JK02CF 4577, met with accident at village Balshama near Sunderbani in Rajouri after the vehicle turned turtle alongside the highway. In the accident, Police said, aged woman Kulwant Kour, 75, wife of Nirmal Singh of Damnesh Nagar, Digana, Jammu, died on the spot. Two other passengers present in the car sustained injuries who include Suvneek Singh and his father Didar Singh, son of Nirmal Singh of Damnesh Nagar, Digana Jammu.

Time to implement Women's Reservation Act: PM Modi

New Delhi, Apr 12:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the time had come for the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act in its true spirit and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections are conducted with the quota for women in place. In a letter to the floor leaders of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, ahead of the three-day special sittings of Parliament, PM Modi asked all members to come together in one voice to pass the amendments to the women's reservation law, officially known as Nari Shakti VandanAdhiniyam. After extensive deliberations, we have reached the conclusion that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti VandanAdhiniyam in its true spirit across the country, he said.

No Breakthrough, No Breakdown

New Delhi, Apr 12:High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, stretching over 21 hours, ended without a breakthrough, underscoring deep divisions on a range of critical Issues. The first direct engagement between the long-time rivals failed to produce any agreement, with sharp differences persisting over Irans nuclear programme and sanctions relief. However, diplomatic efforts are far from over and indirect negotiations are set to continue, with Pakistan and Oman expected to play key mediating roles. Despite the breakdown of formal talks, both sides are keeping backchannel lines open in a bid to prevent further escalation in the region. Irans foreign ministry downplayed the apparent breakdown, saying that no one had held any expectation that talks with the US would reach an agreement within one session. Vice President J D Vance, who spoke to President Trump at least half a dozen times during the talks, told newsmen that one of the most significant points of differences between two sides was the Iranian nuclear programme. We need to see an affirmative commitment that (Iran) will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, he said. That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and thats what weve tried to achieve through these negotiations. Vance said that while the failure to reach an agreement in Islamabad was bad news, it was bad news for Iran much more than its bad news for the United States of America. The talks largely focused on transitioning a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace, with the US prioritising Iran's nuclear restrictions and Iran focusing on sanctions relief. Major disagreements remain regarding Irans nuclear programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz, with reports of unreasonable demands contributing to the lack of a quick resolution. Iranian officials, in turn, accused the United States of making unreasonable demands and called for respect for Irans legitimate rights and interests. The talks, mediated by Pakistan, were seen as a key attempt to reach a broader agreement, but ended without progress as both sides maintained their positions. Iranian SpeakerGhalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation said that we negotiated in good faith and raised forward-looking initiatives, without specifying what these were. America has understood our logic and principles, and now its time for it to decide whether it can earn our trust or not? he wrote on social media, as he thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts. Both J D Vance and senior Iranian leadership, including the Speaker of Parliament, publicly outlined their sharply differing interpretations of the collapse of the marathon talks. Iranian leaders pointed to a deep-rooted mistrust of the United States, shaped by past experience. They cited Washingtons withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 under Donald Trump despite Irans compliance at the time, as a key reason for their hardened stance. Tehran also argued that continued sanctions and what it calls maximum pressure policies undermine confidence and make it difficult to commit to fresh concessions without firm guarantees. This legacy of broken trust continues to cast a long shadow over negotiations, making even indirect engagement cautious and incremental. Meanwhile, Pakistans Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday that comprehensive and constructive talks were held between Iran and the United States, stressing that both sides should remain committed to a ceasefire. He expressed hope that both countries would move forward with a positive approach to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in the region and beyond. He said that both sides responded positively to the request made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire commitment and thanked the delegations from Iran and the United States for participating in the dialogue. Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to play a facilitative role in the negotiation process.