Jammu & kashmir / The Economic Times
The Amarnath Yatra offline registration begins in Jammu. Authorities started token distribution at Saraswati Dham. Pilgrims gathered to get tokens for registration. Registration will start at Vaishnavi Dham and other centers. The administration successfully conducted a dry run on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Security arrangements are in place for the Yatra.
Donald Trump claims he prevented a war between India and Pakistan. He says he used the threat of halting trade deals to de-escalate tensions. Trump mentions phone calls with leaders from both nations. He also notes a meeting with Pakistan's Army Chief. India maintains that the ceasefire understanding came from direct talks between military officials.
Mehbooba Mufti praised Iran's leadership and military for their courage in the conflict with Israel, asserting that they have elevated Iran to a leadership position in the Muslim world. She claimed Iran's actions have humbled the United States and Israel, leading to calls for a ceasefire.
Chennai power cut areas June 18: Chennai residents, take note. TANGEDCO will conduct power maintenance on June 19 and 20. Several areas will experience power shutdowns from 9 am to 2 pm. Work is scheduled in Sithalapakkam, Pallavaram, Tiruverkadu, and Korattur. Additional areas in Pallavaram Division and Tambaram will also be affected. Power will be restored earlier if maintenance completes ahead of schedule. Plan accordingly.
Amidst the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Union Government to ensure the safe return of stranded Indian students in Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation, relocating students to safer locations within Iran, and exploring potential evacuation plans. They are also engaging with community leaders to address welfare and safety concerns.
Chennai residents should note that TANGEDCO has scheduled power cuts for maintenance. On Saturday, June 14, Hasthinapuram and nearby areas will be affected from 9 am to 2 pm. Similar maintenance work caused outages in over 125 locations on Friday, June 13, including KK Nagar, Sholinganallur and Pallavaram.
Following the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, GE Aerospace has offered its support to Air India and the ongoing investigation. The London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787, powered by GE engines, tragically crashed after takeoff, carrying 242 people including 12 crew members. GE Aerospace has activated its emergency response team and expressed its condolences to the affected families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India's growth under his government. India is now a leading economy and global voice. Focus is on climate action and digital innovation. Sixty percent of Union ministers are from SC, ST, and OBC categories. The government emphasizes inclusive progress. Over 81 crore people receive free food grains. Millions benefit from housing, water, and financial assistance.
General Anil Chauhan highlighted India's progress over Pakistan across various sectors due to long-term strategies, despite initial disadvantages. He emphasized India's diplomatic efforts and the need for reciprocal cooperation. Furthermore, he engaged with US INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo to enhance defense collaboration and discussed regional security with Brazil, reinforcing commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, is set to visit Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, a key Asian security summit. He will engage in bilateral meetings with defence leaders from numerous countries, including Australia, France, and the United States.
The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, where it was received with great fervour and enthusiasm by the members of the Indian diaspora. Upon arrival, Tharoor congratulated the people of Guyana in advance for their Independence day celebrations, and shared the purpose of the visit of the all-party delegation.
Tariq Hamid Karra reported that Poonch district suffered the most from recent Pakistani shelling, prompting Rahul Gandhi's visit to show solidarity. Syed Naseer Hussain condemned the attacks on religious sites and questioned the US-mediated ceasefire, highlighting public disappointment. A Trinamool Congress delegation also visited Poonch, expressing support for the affected families and emphasizing the need for peace.
The CBI has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik and five others concerning alleged corruption in the Rs 2,200-crore Kiru hydropower project. Malik claims he was offered a bribe to clear the project. The chargesheet names officials from Chenab Valley Power Projects and Patel Engineering Limited, alleging irregularities in awarding the tender.
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has announced that its Chairperson, Mamata Banerjee, has nominated National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to represent the party in an all-party delegation for India's global outreach against terrorism.
The Supreme Court declined to review new petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The court cited a desire for publicity as a reason. A previous case is scheduled for May 20, where interim relief will be discussed. The Solicitor General objected to the repeated filings. The Centre has assured no waqf properties will be denotified until May 5.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh convened a meeting to enhance security at technical and scientific installations in border areas of J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, including IMD facilities in Srinagar and Leh. The focus is on bolstering preparedness at CSIR, DBT, IMD, and Earth Sciences institutions, emphasizing coordination with local authorities and implementing emergency response SOPs.
BSF Sub Inspector Md Imteyaz died in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Jammu's R S Pura area. DG BSF and all ranks paid tribute to him. India reported Pakistan violated the ceasefire understanding reached earlier. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the violations. Indian Armed Forces were instructed to respond strongly to any further violations along the border.
An army trooper sustained injuries during a brief exchange of fire with a suspected terrorist outside a camp in Nagrota. Authorities initiated a massive search operation to secure the area. The incident occurred late Saturday evening. Police dismissed reports of terrorists in the R S Pura sector as baseless.
Amid escalating tensions, Saudi Arabia is actively working to mediate between India and Pakistan. Al-Jubeir visited both nations to encourage dialogue and de-escalation following reported Indian strikes on terrorist infrastructure and alleged Pakistani retaliatory drone attacks. The focus is on resolving disputes through diplomatic channels to prevent further military confrontations.
Authorities thwarted drone attacks targeting Srinagar airport and Awantipora air base. Similar drone sightings occurred in Baramulla, Jammu, Samba, Pathankot, Udhampur and Nagrota. Indian military initiated countermeasures, shooting down drones in Baramulla. Mosque loudspeakers in Srinagar urged residents to switch off lights. These incidents followed Indian strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack.
Amid escalating military conflict, Home Minister Amit Shah assessed the security landscape along the India-Pakistan border and at Indian airports. This review follows a foiled infiltration attempt in Jammu where the BSF neutralized terrorists and destroyed a Pakistan Rangers post. Security enhancements at airports, managed by the CISF, were also evaluated in response to heightened tensions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed national security with top military leaders after Pakistan's attempts to target Indian military installations were repelled. India neutralized Pakistan's efforts to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur with missiles and drones. The Indian armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the nation's sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Following a failed Pakistani drone attack targeting Jammu city, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is heading to the region to assess the situation. Residents reported a night of blackout and gunfire, with Indian forces successfully neutralizing the drones.
Adel Aljubeir, Saudi Arabia's Minister, is in India for discussions. He met with S Jaishankar to address India-Pakistan tensions. This visit follows Indian strikes on terror infrastructures. India took action after the Pahalgam attack, targeting JeM and LeT bases. Vikram Misri stated the strikes were proportionate. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also in New Delhi for talks.
Following the Indian Army's precise strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK under Operation Sindoor, ceasefire violations are being closely monitored. The army is on high alert, with formations given operational freedom to respond to Pakistani artillery targeting Indian civilians.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed states bordering Pakistan and Nepal to vigilantly monitor and act against anti-national propaganda on social media. He emphasized coordination between local administration, army, and paramilitary forces, urging states to prevent public fear and spread awareness against rumors. Shah also stressed seamless communication and strengthened security at vulnerable points.
Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy TRF, is identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Operating from Pakistan under LeT's protection, Gul has orchestrated numerous terror attacks in Kashmir between 2020 and 2024.
Following the tragic terrorist attack in Baisaran meadow that killed 26 people, the CRPF Director General has demanded a detailed report from the commanding officer of the Pahalgam unit regarding the incident and the unit's response.
The Border Security Force (BSF)drones from separate locations along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, adding to the growing number of unmanned aerial vehicles intercepted along the international boundary.
The United States has approved a USD 131 million military hardware and logistic support package for India, enhancing strategic ties. This foreign military sale supports the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness program. The deal includes sea-vision software, remote software, analytic support, and related logistics, bolstering India's maritime capabilities and strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, citing security and intelligence failures and Pakistan's destabilisation efforts. He criticised Pakistan's propaganda and General Asim Munir's two-nation theory remarks, while supporting PM Modi's response to the attack.
The National Investigation Agency is now leading the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack. NIA Director General Sadanand Date visited Pahalgam. The agency has registered a fresh FIR. It follows a claim of responsibility by the Resistance Front. Intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists. They are aiding foreign terrorists. Security forces are conducting operations in South Kashmir.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, a senior police officer assessed security at popular tourist spots near Jammu. Deputy Inspector General Shridhar Patil visited Patnitop, Nathatop, and Sanasar, reviewing safety measures with police, civil officers, and tourism representatives. Discussions included enhanced coordination, improved surveillance, and maintaining law and order to ensure visitor safety during the peak season.
Adarsh Raut, a young man from Maharashtra, recounted a chilling encounter in Kashmir a day before the Pahalgam terror attack. He claims one of the suspected attackers questioned him about his religion at a food stall.
Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's visit to Amethi, provocative posters branding him as a supporter of terror surfaced across the city, escalating political tensions despite heightened security measures. Gandhi's itinerary includes visits to Raebareli and Amethi, where he will inaugurate facilities and meet with party workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the government's commitment to modernizing the education system to prepare youth for India's future. He highlighted the significant increase in gross expenditure on R&D, aiming to make India a global leader in future technologies.
Following the Pahalgam attack, the Centre ordered Pakistani nationals to leave India. Madhya Pradesh faces a dilemma regarding nine children with Pakistani fathers and Indian mothers. They also seek clarity on a Pakistani man's visa application. Some Pakistani nationals have already left, while others are under scrutiny. The Centre warns of arrests for those who overstay.
The Indian Air Force is set for a leadership reshuffle as Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari steps in as the new Vice Chief, succeeding Air Marshal SP Dharkar on May 1. Simultaneously, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will assume the role of CISC, taking over from Lt Gen JP Matthew.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. Expressing solidarity with the victims and governments of India and Nepal, the UNSC emphasized the urgent need to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Union government is likely to convene an all-party meeting on April 24, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Prime Minister Modi, after cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit, led a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. Rajnath Singh vowed to punish the perpetrators, while J&K CM Omar Abdullah also called for an all-party meeting.
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of innocent tourists, efforts are underway to repatriate victims and ensure the safe return of other tourists. Government officials are coordinating assistance, and additional flights have been arranged from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai.
BJP leader Anurag Thakur hailed the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill as transformative and in the national interest, citing potential savings in time and money. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is set to begin all-state visits starting with Maharashtra on May 17 to gather opinions. The JPC is also launching a website for public input, ensuring transparency.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a statue of Maharana Pratap in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, highlighting the government's commitment to defence self-reliance. He noted India's defence exports have surged to Rs 24,000 crore, aiming for Rs 50,000 crore by 2030.
Amidst political controversy in Jammu and Kashmir regarding Amarjit Singh Dulat's new book, 'The Chief Minister and the Spy,' the former RAW chief clarifies that the book praises Farooq Abdullah and contains nothing against him. Dulat denies media reports suggesting Abdullah privately backed the Article 370 move, asserting he was misquoted.
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Nepal on Tuesday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. The earthquake, occurring at a depth of 25km, highlights Nepal's vulnerability as the 11th most earthquake-prone country. Situated along the Himalayas at a convergent boundary, the region experiences frequent seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Anand Mahindra shared an intriguing piece of history, highlighting how Baba Budan introduced coffee to India in 1670 by planting the first coffee bushes in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, with exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY24. Karnataka leads production, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while domestic consumption has risen steadily.
Former ISRO chairman S Somanath highlights India's rich history of scientific and philosophical contributions, from ancient texts to modern advancements. Speaking at IIM Ahmedabad, he stresses the need for stronger collaboration between research, academia, and industry to further India's development.