WFI relents, allows Vinesh Phogat to compete in 53kg category at Asiad trials
Earlier Wrestling Federation of India informed Vinesh Phogat would be permitted to compete only in the 50kg category
Senior citizens caretaker, accomplice arrested on charge of robbing gold and valuables in Belagavi
The caretaker allegedly stole the valuables in small portions, and deposited them in a private firm in exchange for gold loans
Manoj Jarange Patil firm to launch indefinite hunger strike from May 30
Manoj Jarange Patil dismissed the claims of 58 lakhs Kunbi entries being a misunderstanding by BJP Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, saying that these figures were announced by the government itself
HCG invests 130 crore to open new cancer hospital in north Bengaluru
The new facility features Karnatakas first Elekta Unity MR-Linac
Cancel bail to female teacher in Janakpuri school rape case: Delhi Police urges HC
The teacher was arrested for allegedly concealing the incident from the authorities and was remanded to one days police custody by the trial court on May 14
Senior CPI(M) leader T.P. Dasan passes away
Dasan was a member of the partys District Secretariat for long
Man gets four life terms in POCSO case
Over 90% of the identified accident-prone stretches fall under the Medchal zone; NH-65 stretch emerged as the deadliest corridor with over 50% black spots.
Sikkim High Court Steps In on Statewide Odd-Even Rule, Asks Govt to Justify Travel Curbs
Gangtok, May 30: The Sikkim High Court has addressed a public interest petition that challenges the State Governments decision to extend the odd-even vehicle rule to all districts. The court has asked the government to clarify what it is doing to keep people moving. The case was heard on 29 May 2026 by Chief Justice [] The post Sikkim High Court Steps In on Statewide Odd-Even Rule, Asks Govt to Justify Travel Curbs appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Trump ponders whether to move forward with Iran deal but hasn't yet decided
The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mr. Trump would only sign a deal that satisfies his redlines and curbs Irans nuclear ambitions
Over 18,400 Gurukul seats filled in phase-I admissions in Telangana
Israel-Iran war LIVE: Trump insists on red lines as Iran deal remains elusive
U.S. hails productive talks between Israel and Lebanon military officials
Respectpast agreements, initiate dialogue in Kashmir: RJD parliamentarian Sudhakar Singh
Unfortunately, those who talk about human rights and democratic rights are being jailed, Sudhakar Singh, referring to the incarceration of MP Rashid, said
U.S. Judge orders removal of Trumps name from Kennedy Center; blocks closure
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the board overstepped its statutory bounds by unilaterally adding Mr. Trumps name, stating that only Congress can change the Kennedy Centers name
U.S. Democrats say Pam Bondi refuses to answer Trump questions in Epstein probe
Ms. Bondi faced sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans during her tenure for her handling of the release of millions of documents related to late sex offender Epstein
U.S. says it struck vessel in eastern Pacific, killing three men
President Donald Trumps administration has touted its success at taking out suspected drug trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean
West Bengal CM meets Darjeeling hill leaders, acts tough on GTA corruption
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the West Bengal government will seek benefits Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) which the previous government did not subscribe to.
Ensure proper supply of seeds, fertilisers: AIKKMS
Members of All India Kisan Khet Majdoor Sangathan stage a demonstration in Dharwad
Teen star Pooja Singh smashes high jump senior national record during Asian U20 Championships
Pooja setting a new national record was not a surprise as she is also the current Asian champion. Sh.e won the women's high gold at the Asian Championships in South Korea last year with a 1.89m effort
Mr. Shekhar, a 2004 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, added that the women associated with Field Testing work are being paid honorarium according to the prescribed rates for the testing work carried out by them
Does Ranji Trophy count? Examining the logic of picking Gurnoor Brar over Auqib Nabi
There is more to selection than plain numbers. With fast bowlers, possessing attributes that supplement the prevailing pace attack is a serious consideration. India hasnt had a genuinely tall quick who can unsettle batters with variable bounce since Ishant Sharmas exit this seems to have worked in the 65 Gurnoors favour, but Nabi may still have the selectors eye
Rampur court set aside SP leader Abdullah Azam prison sentence in dual passport case
In its ruling dated December 5, 2025, the magistrate court had sentenced Khan to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of 50,000
One seat became vacant following the death of former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha president and former CM Shibu Soren last year, while the second will fall vacant on June 21 when the term of BJP leader Deepak Prakash ends
International law, optional for powerful states
Imperfect though it may be, the rules-based order remains humanitys strongest defence against chaos
NMDC Q4 net rises 35% to 2,020 crore on higher revenue
NMDC, which is Indias largest iron ore producer, had registered a record 53.15 million tonne output of the key raw material for steel in FY26
Greens seek curb on unregulated tourism in Wayanad
The Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti alleges that unregulated tourism continues unabated in the mountain ranges even after the devastating Puthumala landslide in 2024
Athletes hit hard as sports medicine institute remains shut
The institute has equipment worth over 2 crore for sports injury treatment that is deteriorating due to prolonged disuse
Concrete fever: On India and heat management
India must mandate green cover and reflective materials for its cities
Different directions: On the Quad, Foreign Ministers Meeting
The Quad is unable to push toward its worthy objectives
Kerala start-up unveils first AI system-on-chip
The chip has successfully completed silicon bring-up, a critical stage of laboratory testing, and is being readied for commercial production, says the company
Dedicated policy framework proposed for Sivakasis 6,000-crore fireworks industry
Minister for Industries S. Keerthana says the reform aims to further formalise the sector through specific and targeted measures that address multiple needs of all stakeholders
Residents block Arakkonam-Thakkolam Main Road in Ranipet against power outage
Unscheduled power cuts are affecting household appliances, and irrigation activities in farmlands amid cropping season, say residents of Parameswaramangalam village
Another compound collapse in the city kills 52-year-old man
Former AIADMK MLA from Jayamkondam joins TVK
In a related development, the AIADMKs S. Ravi, a former Arakkonam MLA, says he has met TVK leader and Water Resources Minister N. Anand and has sought an appointment to join the party
Laptops, cash at stolen from Government Girls Higher Secondary school in Katpadi
Doctors express concern over rising childhood myopia
These concerns were raised during the launch of a Myopia Clinic at Rajan Eye Care Hospital on Friday
Woman murdered by paramour in Eluru; body exhumed
Accused, Darshan Francis, allegedly killed Vishali on April 18, burnt her clothes and buried the body suspecting that she was speaking with others over phone, Eluru DSP D. Sravan Kumar
Acclaimed documentary re-releases five decades later
The original documentary was released in 1976 as a four-hour film mapping 5000 years of subcontinental history. The film now has been digitally remastered and enhanced by Krishnaswamy associates and extends its narrative to contemporary India
T.N. government transfers Senior IAS officers, Collectors
DMK braces for a difficult GCC council meeting in June
At the first meeting of DMK councillors after Assembly elections conducted by Mayor R. Priya in Ripon Buildings on Friday, councillors complained about unwarranted interference by TVK party workers in official review meetings
A.P. Chambers seeks Vande Bharat services to more destinations
Andhra Pradesh Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao submits representation to General Manager of the newly-constituted South Coast Railway Zone
Keralas Pariyathukavu residents hope government intervention will put an end to eviction threat
Pariyathukavu, a settlement in Ernakulam district, occupied by seven Dalit families for decades, has become the epicentre of a socio-political controversy with attempts to evict the residents, who have been engaged in a prolonged legal battle to protect their homes. G. Ragesh visits the area to gauge the gravity of the situation as both the residents and the claimants of the land await anxiously for finality
India-U.S. trade deal will be signed over the next few weeks and months: Sergio Gor
Our current interim trade agreement is on the table for us to finalise, and that will unlock prosperity for both of our countries, says the U.S. Ambassador to India
Free DTC bus travel for NEET candidates on June 21
AAP accuses BJP govt. of failing to provide water, stages protest
Breadcrumbed and burnt out: Inside Indias situationship era
From podcasts and therapy-speak to breadcrumbing and attachment styles, modern dating has become saturated with emotional vocabulary. So why are situationships still thriving?
National Family Health Survey-6: Kerala leads in womens obesity and NCD prevalence
Significant gains for State in immunisation coverage, child nutrition and maternal and child health
During the Parliamentary debates on the subject, several leaders who were then in Opposition have warned about the danger of using the provision to nominate members to the Assembly for manipulating legislative majority, M. Ramadass said
Call for establishment of a Modern Multi Modal Logistics Park in Coimbatore
Silt accumulation at Pillur Dam and seepage at Siruvani threaten Coimbatores drinking water supply
AIADMK rebel MLA C.Ve. Shanmugam visits Mailam constituency
Sources said supporters of Mr. Shanmugam, at a meeting, had urged him to continue working within the AIADMK
If we stick to our plan, results will follow: u-18 womens hockey coach Rani Rampal
Norway Chess: players and their methods for stress relief
Public support drives NC Govt: Dr. Farooq
Meets number of public, individual delegations following Eid RK News Service Srinagar, 29 May: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Friday said that the unwavering trust and continued support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain the driving force behind the National Conference government. Dr. Farooq made these remarks while interacting with members of the public and several individual delegations who called on him at his Gupkar residence to extend Eid greetings for the third consecutive day. Highlighting the partys enduring bond with the people, Dr. Farooq said that the National Conference derives its strength from the masses and has deep-rooted footprints across Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that the party remains committed to serving the people and addressing their aspirations with sincerity and dedication. On the occasion, Dr. Farooq also urged the people to pray for lasting peace, harmony, and prosperity in the Muslim world and across the globe. He emphasized the need for unity, compassion, and collective efforts to foster peace and brotherhood among all sections and nations of people. Several delegations and individuals conveyed Eid greetings to Dr. Farooq and wished peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Farooq calls for comprehensive probe into NEET paper leak
Says repeated exam irregularities jeopardising students future Stresses need for transparency and accountability Abid Bashir Srinagar, May 29: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, asserting that those responsible for playing with the future of students must be identified and dealt with strictly. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah voiced serious concern over the repeated controversies surrounding national-level competitive examinations and said such incidents have caused widespread distress among students and parents across the country. If there had been no loopholes in the system, such incidents would never have occurred, Abdullah said while reacting to reports of the alleged leak and the Centres move to involve the Army and the Indian Air Force in transporting examination papers to prevent further breaches. The NC president said the alleged leak reportedly surfaced in several BJP-ruled states and stressed that accountability must be fixed to restore public confidence in the examination process. There should be a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for all those involved because it is the students who are suffering the most. Young aspirants are being asked to sit for examinations again in scorching heat, with temperatures crossing 48 degrees Celsius in some regions, he said. Abdullah said the integrity and credibility of competitive examinations must be safeguarded at every level as millions of students spend years preparing for such tests with dedication and hope. Repeated irregularities not only damage the system but also shatter the morale and confidence of deserving students, he added. Referring to the ongoing anti-terror operation in Rajouri district, Abdullah said violence and encounters have persisted for decades and reiterated that dialogue remains the only sustainable route to peace. There is no alternative to talks. Across the world, conflicts are ultimately resolved through dialogue and engagement, he said. Taking a swipe at the BJP over its claims regarding the post-Article 370 situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah remarked that people could themselves judge the prevailing circumstances on the ground. Commenting on the recent rape and murder of a minor girl in Budgam, the former chief minister termed the incident heartbreaking and said society must reconnect with moral, ethical and spiritual values to prevent such crimes. He urged people to strengthen their faith, uphold humanity and work collectively for the protection and wellbeing of society. Abdullah also underlined the importance of opposition in a democracy, saying constructive criticism helps governments rectify mistakes and take decisions in the larger public interest.
Govt Committed to Grassroots Development in J&K: Dy CM
Inspects development projects, reviews healthcare facilities in Nowshera RK News Service Nowshera, May 29: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday said that the government remains committed to responsive governance and strengthening grassroots development while conducting an extensive tour of Nowshera to review developmental works and assess public issues in the area. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister met several delegations and individuals who apprised him of various public issues, development needs and local concerns. He also visited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Nowshera to assess the healthcare facilities and patient care being provided at the institution. During interaction with the patients, attendants and hospital staff, the Deputy Chief Minister sought feedback regarding functioning of the hospital and the quality of services being delivered. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure better healthcare services, availability of essential facilities and timely treatment for the patients. He emphasised that public welfare and efficient healthcare delivery are among the top priorities of the government. The Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the Dak Bunglow Nowshera to review the ongoing works, maintenance and overall facilities aimed at improving public convenience and hospitality standards. He stressed the need for timely completion of works while maintaining quality standards to enhance the public utility and facilities for the visitors. The government is committed towards responsive governance and grassroots development. Meaningful public interactions immensely help in understanding the aspirations of the people and ensure that governance remains people-centric and result-oriented, maintaining the Deputy CM.
How Karnatakas minimum wage hike debate goes beyond rising costs
Comprehensive plan sought for 49 projects under Visakha Economic Region
Collector stresses on infrastructure for industrial growth in Vizag
MLA urges public support for TB-free India campaign
Elevation of D.K. Shivakumar likely to heat up politics in the Vokkliaga belt
The Bidadi township project, initiated by Kumaraswamy but being pushed by Shivakumar currently, is expected to turn into flashpoint
CII Karnataka announces strategic roadmap for 2026-27
The trade body to accelerate competitiveness for its member companies; to accelerate business growth across tier-2 & tier-3 cities
New Delhi [India], May 29 : The government is working to strengthen fuel security through strategic reserves and ensuring uninterrupted supply, even as steps continue to be taken against hoarding, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said during an inter-ministerial briefing. Regarding strategic reserves, we are working on the strategic reserves also. And we have asked the oil marketing companies to work out that the LPG reserve that should be minimum 30 days with them and they are working on it. And similarly, for crude also, we are working, Sharma said, outlining the precautionary measures to safeguard against supply shocks. She assured that there is no shortage at present. We have sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and LPG, natural gas and fruit inventories are tied up. All our refineries are operating at optimum level and LPG production is all time high, almost 90 DMT per day. No dry out has been reported on LPG distributorship, Sharma said. But it is being seen on retail outlets that there is abnormal sale at many places. Some are due to agricultural demand and some are due to bulk sale, she added. More than 30% growth is being seen overall, with 14 districts reporting over 100% growth in petrol sales, while six districts saw a 38% drop in OMC sales. Sharma said that to check diversion, enforcement has been intensified. In the last four days, there have been 6,500 raids on LPG. Five FIRs have been registered and two people have been arrested, Sharma said. At retail outlets, 900 raids in two days led to seizure of 417 litres of petrol and 75,715 litres of diesel, with 12 FIRs and 15 arrests. On LPG availability, she explained that production varies with refinery optimization. Right now, the demand is something around 72 TMT and then we are producing 50 to 52 TMT in-house in our domestic refineries, she said, adding that the LPG backlog has come down to 4.5 days. Sharma said the government has cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre, costing Rs 14,000 crore per month, to keep prices stable. So these all efforts have been done to keep the price stable, she said, even as OMCs continue to face daily loss of Rs 550 crore. The government is trying to ensure the availability and delivery of LPG cylinders to all homes and availability of petrol and diesel to all petrol and diesel pumps. So, do not pay attention to rumors and try to save energy in your daily use. She also urged bulk and industrial consumers to buy diesel only from authorized procurement channels. (ANI)
Census in West Bengal to start from August 1: CM Suvendu
The Chief Minister said that West Bengal needs to catch up with other states in conduct of the census; he expressed concern over demographic changes and said census data will help in policy decisions
Heat wave to ease from Sunday as rain likely in parts of Andhra Pradesh
Temperatures may continue to hover around 45C to 46C on Saturday in several districts, while the IMD forecasts heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during the weekend
Karnataka duo scales Mt. Everest, cautions against climbing without adequate training
Though their summit was completed in 46 days, the preparation for it began years ago
Naaz Sahib is a remarkable teacher everyone truly admires MENTOR MANZOOR AKASH Some teachers stay in our hearts long after they retire. Naaz sahib is one of them. Honestly, I have been planning to write about him for many weeks now. But today, without any further waste of time, I dont want to miss the opportunity to describe who he truly was. On a serene, quiet morning on the 4th of April, 1966, a modest home situated just a stones throw from the historic Nagraad Masjid in north Kashmirs Dangiwacha welcomed its youngest son, named Nazir Ahmad Shah, but to the people that would come to know and love him, he became Naaz (someone to be proud of). Though he recently superannuated from the department of school education, yet he was more than a teacher, a role model. Life, however, introduced Naaz to loss before he could fully understand its weight. He was only four years old when his father, Ghulam Udin Shah, passed away. The elder Shah had been a renowned Molvi, a man of profound humility whose intellectual roots stretched to Lahore and the prestigious Hakim Ajmal Khan Tibiya College in Amritsar. An authority on Arabic grammar, he left behind a legacy etched in the memory of the communitypeople still speak of his soulful Qirat, his vast knowledge, and the quiet dignity with which he carried himself. Though his father was gone, the fragrance of his scholarly humility remained in the very foundation of the home. Naazs journey into the world of letters began at the local Govt. Primary School, affectionately known in the neighbourhood as the Shabaan Sheikhun School, as it operated out of a rented building belonging to the late Shaban Sheikh. Literally, to look back at those days is to evoke a world of sensory nostalgia. Education then was a tactile, deliberate art. There was the traditional wooden slatethe Takhti or Mashaqqand the Naagri qalam, the traditional reed pen dipped carefully in soil ink. These simple instruments were the entire universe of learning for a young boy. Over the decades, Naaz would watch this universe shift, as the scratch of the reed on wood gave way to the smoothness of pen on paper, and eventually, to the silent tap of digital screens. Yet, the soul of his learning remained anchored in that early discipline. After the fifth grade, Naaz moved to the Govt. High School Dangiwacha (now Higher Sec. Institute), which stood as the solitary beacon of matriculate education in the entire Rafiabad region then. To this day, a wave of nostalgia sweeps over him when he recalls the schools old walls. They were adorned with the portraits of Ghalib, Iqbal, and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Prominent among them was a masterpiece depicting Maulana Rumi (RA) alongside Allama Iqbal (RA)a striking work of art created by the schools legendary art teacher, Hashmat Ullah Hashmi. For a young, impressionable mind, these walls did not just enclose a classroom; they opened a window into the infinite sky of literature and philosophy. Intellectual curiosity often catches fire through a spark lit by others. For Naaz, that spark was Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, who was then pursuing his Masters degree at JNU in Delhi. Fascinated by the worlds existing beyond his immediate horizon, a young Naaz secretly became a subscriber to two magazines that arrived via post for Dr Masoodi, viz. Soviet Land and Readers Digest. Reading them felt like a clandestine rebellion, a quiet gathering of perspectives from opposite ends of the globe. By the tenth grade, Naaz had begun to put pen to paper. His early writings were fragmented, the chaotic thoughts of youth searching for a voice. But by the eleventh grade, clarity struck. He penned his first formal Urdu article, which found its way into the pages of the prestigious Urdu daily, Aftab. The literary journey had nowbegun. It culminated years later, in 2004, with the publication of his booklet, Sada-i-Haq (The Voice of Truth). The work earned praise from seasoned literary figures, most notably Dr. Ghulam Qadir Lone, a man whose profound mentorship became a guiding light in Naazs life; in fact, he was the person who inspired him a lot. With the passage of time, the raw, fragmented prose of his youth gave way to the deep, resonant voice of a mature columnist. Naaz became a household name for readers of the Urdu daily Uqaab, where his regular column, Sunday Kay Sunday, featured every single Sunday without fail, serving as a weekly mirror to society and culture. Now, bridging his rich past with the present, his highly anticipated new book, Muhazrat-e-Hamidia, is poised for releasea testament to a lifetime spent in the devotion of the written word. Tragedy and Triumph in the Classroom Naaz completed his post-graduation in Economics in 1990, and for a time, life flowed with the gentle rhythm of a calm river. But 1996 arrived with a devastating fury. It was a year of profound grief that shook him to his core. First, he lost his beloved mother. Then, a mere forty days later, before the tears could even dry, his elder brotheronly in his fortiespassed away into the heavenly abode. Grief can silence a man, or it can deepen his empathy. Naaz chose the latter, channelling his emotions into a lifelong devotion to shaping human minds. Some individuals find their calling by chance, but Naaz was tailored by the Almighty specifically for the noble profession of teaching. His contributions to education could never be contained within the four walls of a classroom. Recognising his innate ability to connect with people, the department utilised his talents on a grander stage. As the Zonal Cultural Coordinator for Dangiwacha from 2003 to 2012, he breathed life into the regions youth, organising spirited debates, seminars, and cultural festivals. Later, as the District Cultural Coordinator, his canvas grew even larger. He became the pivotal force behind major literary events, as well as the architect of the official Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations at
Of Blue Helmets & Brave Hearts: On an Un-Enviable Mission
This day of 29th May is a solemn occasion that shouldnt be obfuscated under the usual rhetoric of the world. A day of great remembrances, gratitude, and reflection INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS COLONEL SATISH SINGH LALOTRA The world over, strife has been a stark reality that has been a wont of man since the time he learnt the habit of walking on this earth. Global strife often stems from human nature, where individual choices compound into massive societal conflicts. To understand where this strife comes from and how it manifests in the world, certain key drivers and expressions have to be taken into consideration that range from individual choices, economic inequality, information overload, insatiable greed and the everlasting need for dominance over each other, to name a few. If indeed man has been overwhelmed by these above-mentioned facets in the past, is it any wonder that the same man has been striving hard to interject an organisation or a collective body in his affairs that takes care of these dissensions in the best possible way. The League of Nations and the UN, formed immediately in the aftermath of the First and Second World Wars, respectively, were two such world bodies that came into existence to quench the so-called war-appetite of human beings and to restore a sense of sanity on this planet that seemed to be forever consumed by these conflagrations. The former (League of Nations) succumbed again to the evil machinations that were a legacy left behind by the unequal Treaty of Versailles signed by the world powers after the termination of World War I. The second world body, the UN and its efficacy in dousing the worldwide conflicts is still being evaluated on the anvil of its doings in the last more than eight decades of its formation. The UN peacekeeping force is one such cog in the vast machinery of this world body that has been keeping the wheels of this organisation running smoothly without any hiccups. And hence a small effort via my article on International Day of UN Peacekeepers that is being rung year after year on 29th May, the world over. The International day of UN Peacekeepers is an annual extravaganza held on 29th May to pay tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the UN Peacekeeping forces operations for their unstinted professionalism, dedication and courage as also to honour the memory of those who fell in the line of duty far away from their homes trying to douse foreign fires of human conflict. This day of 29th May is a solemn occasion that shouldnt be obfuscated under the usual rhetoric of the world. A day of great remembrances, gratitude, and reflection. India, in particular, with its vast reservoir of mythological instances of peacekeeping, has always been well-suited and poised to take on much bigger roles of world peacekeeping that has been till date its wont since the time the first Indian peacekeeping force cut its teeth in the famous Korean war of the early 1950s. Lord Krishnas peacekeeping mission before the famous war of the Mahabharata, which entailed him to travel to the Kaurvas court in Hastinapur as a final peace envoy, has been a standard bearer for the countrys peacekeeping efforts that seldom finds any equal till date. Similarly, Sage Dadhichis ultimate sacrifice by willingly giving up his life, providing his bones to forge the Vajra (thunderbolt) to end the violence and restore cosmic balance between the Sur and Asur, is a shining example of a peacekeeper. The same is being epitomised by todays UN Peacekeepers, who by laying down their lives in the conflict zones of the world are on an UN-enviable mission. This international day of seminal importance, held on 29th May, was designated by the UNGA resolution 57/ 129 on December 11 2002, after an official request of the Ukrainian peacekeepers association and the government of Ukraine to the UNGA to celebrate the day in 2003. The date of 29 th May marks the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) IN 1948 to monitor the ceasefire after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, which was the first ever UN peacekeeping mission. The day is marked at the UN Headquarters in New York City with the presentation of the Dag Hammarskjold Medal, honouring peacekeepers both living and posthumous, statements by the president of the UNGA and the Secretary General, as well as a press release regarding the state of UN peacekeeping missions and the continued necessity of their work. In the long and checkered history of UN peacekeeping operations all over the world, the role of NNRC( Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission) headed by India,/ Lt Gen KS Thimmaya, and consisting of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, during the Korean War to oversee the repatriation of POWs of both North & South Korea is a shining example of armistice. It was indeed an un-enviable task for the NNRC to repatriate the POWs of the Korean peninsula who had earlier refused to be sent back to their respective countries when the guns fell silent across the 38th parallel. The fact that Gen Timmy (Thimmayya) was able to accomplish the same, put India first among firsts in the league of peacekeeping operations then and even now. Just to rewind a bit about the background of these unsung heroes. UN peacekeeping was born at a time when Cold War rivalries frequently paralysed the UNSC. Peacekeeping at that time was primarily limited to maintaining ceasefires and stabilising situations on the ground, providing crucial support for political efforts to resolve conflict by peaceful means. Those missions involved unarmed military observers and lightly armed troops with primarily monitoring, reporting and confidence-building roles. The first two peacekeeping operations deployed by the UN were the UNTSO, as mentioned by me above, and the UNMOGIP (UN military observer group in India and Pakistan. Both of these missions, which continue operating even today, exemplify that certain stark realities
Beyond Apples, Shopians Untapped Tourism Potential Awaits Attention
Raja Zaid Shopian, May 29: Famous across the country for its apple orchards, south Kashmirs Shopian district is now witnessing growing calls for the development of its largely untapped tourism sector, with residents and stakeholders urging the government to improve infrastructure and basic facilities at several scenic destinations. Despite possessing immense tourism potential, Shopian continues to lag behind prominent tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Dal Lake due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of sustained official attention. Among the major attractions in the district is Peer Ki Gali, situated along the historic Mughal Road at an altitude of around 3,490 metres. Known for its snow-covered mountains, cool climate and scenic beauty, the destination attracts visitors during summer and winter seasons. However, locals say the absence of proper accommodation, restaurants, road maintenance, mobile connectivity and snow-clearance facilities has limited its tourism growth. Residents said Peer Ki Gali receives nearly 10 to 15 feet of snowfall every winter, forcing the Mughal Road to remain closed for several months. They pointed out that unlike Gulmarg, which remains accessible due to better infrastructure and advanced snow-clearance systems, Peer Ki Gali continues to suffer from poor facilities. Another emerging destination is Dubjan, located around 20 kilometres from Shopian town. Surrounded by dense forests and snow-clad mountains, the area has recently gained attention for winter tourism. The district administration has organised winter carnivals there over the past two years to attract tourists. However, locals said the initiatives have failed to produce significant results due to the absence of basic tourism infrastructure such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, washrooms and tourist management systems. Residents and tourism stakeholders are hopeful that the proposed 9-kilometre tunnel project on the Mughal Road will improve year-round connectivity between the Pir Panjal region and Kashmir Valley, boosting tourism and economic activity in the district. Another scenic location, Shukroo, also remains largely unexplored despite its natural beauty and peaceful environment. Locals said the area continues to suffer from official neglect and lack of development. Tourism stakeholders have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir government, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, to focus on infrastructure development in Shopian. Residents believe that improved roads, accommodation facilities, communication networks and government support can help Shopian emerge as a major tourist destination while generating employment opportunities for local youth and boosting the regions economy.
Naidu orders Zero FIR mechanism to curb cyber crime
Chief Minister directs immediate registration of complaints through proposed cyber war room to enable swift bank intervention, while unveiling a multi-pronged strategy to tackle online fraud and digital arrest scams
Supreme Court gives in-service teachers time till August 2028 to get TET qualification
SC says there will be no further extension; rejects arguments that TET mandate is a retrospective implementation of RTE Act; says teachers service cannot come at the cost of childrens educational future
Operation to locate terrorists in forests of Rajouri enters seventh day
Soldiers are continuing their pursuit of a group of terrorists reported to be holed up in the forests of Rajouri, in the Pir Panjal Valley, for the seventh straight day on Friday
RSS-linked tribal body seeks changes in ST status of converted tribals
According to JSM representatives, of Indias tribal population of nearly 12 crore recorded in the 2011 Census, an estimated 1.5 crore to 2 crore had converted to Christianity
A.P. govt. sanctions 99.19 crore for Project SARTHI in Vizag
CM inaugurates annual convention of Snehagamam
The event was organised by the Ranni-Nilackal diocese of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Chruch to commemorate the golden jubilee of priesthood of Joseph Mar Barnabas Suffragan Metropolitan and Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa
Chamber slams Madurai Corporation over delay in installing fish sculpture fountain
Kenyan police arrest eight students on suspicion of arson after deadly girls school fire
Education Minister Julius Ogamba said the school's board of management had been dissolved and the principal would face disciplinary action for failing to comply with the safety manual
Govt. should waive crop loans of small, marginal farmers
MSMEs are the true engines of inclusive and holistic development: CS
China calls Japan-Philippines sea border talks 'illegal'
Japan and China are in territorial and economic disputes in the East China Sea, where coastguard ships from both sides routinely stage dangerous standoffs
Watch: Vande Mataram row sparks political storm after Kerala Governors policy address
A controversy erupted in Kerala after the Police band did not play Vande Mataram in its entirety during the opening session of the 16th Kerala Assembly on Friday, May 29.
Indias policy on Myanmar will be pragmatic, says official
Criticism aimed at Indian policymakers for engaging Myanmars President U Min Aung Hlaing will not deter Delhi from forging ties with the military-backed regime, he says
IndiGo posts 2,537 crore loss in Q4 on forex impact, challenging operating conditions
IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia said FY26 was marked by an exceptionally challenging operating environment, which materially impacted its profitability
CB-CID arrests prime accused Surjiths mother in Kavin murder case
Evening rains forced brief closure of Double Decker on Thursday
Liquor buyers allege overcharging despite Karnataka govt.s price cut
The State government introduced a new excise duty regime on May 11, under which alcohol is taxed based on Alcohol in Beverage content rather than category
Fishermen raise coastal infrastructure issues at grievance meeting in Nagercoil
Delhi HC upholds TRAI regulations capping television ads to 12 minutes per hour
Court says broadcasters cannot claim an unfettered right to exploit spectrum for commercial purposes, adding that excessive or uneven commercial intrusion is a direct impairment of the right of consumers to a fair and reasonable viewing experience
Hectic parleys in Delhi over ministry formation; CLP to meet today
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and has asked him to continue as the caretaker chief minister till the next government is formed
