India rusted ally, playing ig role in addressing West Asia crisis: Trump
Evian [France], June 17 : US President Donald Trump on Wednesday characterised New Delhi as an essential partner in navigating regional challenges, noting that India is a rusted ally and is playing a ig role in efforts to address the crisis in West Asia. Trump said this after having high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the G7 Summit here, addressing maritime security, economic cooperation, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Gulf region. When asked if he expects India to play any role in West Asia, Trump said, Yes, I do. I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (PM Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role. The American leader further highlighted the strong personal chemistry and institutional momentum between the two democracies, noting that substantial progress had been made on commercial negotiations and emphasising that the two countries were very close to finalising a trade agreement. Acknowledging Washington's diplomatic interventions, Prime Minister Modi commended Trump's efforts to advance peace in West Asia and said he hoped peace in the Gulf would become permanent. I commend you for your leadership on the progress in peace efforts in West Asia, PM Modi said. He also spoke about the importance of stability in the Gulf and said that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. Crucially, the Prime Minister advocated for the protection of commercial crew members operating in volatile maritime zones, raising concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers amid tensions in the Gulf region. Asserting that the welfare of Indian sailors remains a priority for India, the Prime Minister stated, I believe the safety of Indian seafarers is critical. He added that he was confident the security of seafarers would receive priority under the emerging peace understanding in the region. This high-stakes dialogue holds immense strategic weight, bridging a long gap in direct communication between the two leaders, as the meeting marked the first in-person interaction between PM Modi and Trump in over 16 months and came at a time when tensions in West Asia, maritime security concerns, and trade negotiations are shaping global diplomacy. The engagement in the French commune of vian-les-Bains came against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical developments in West Asia and ongoing efforts by India and the US to deepen their strategic partnership. The warm nature of the exchange aligns with previous public statements made by the US President regarding the Indian leadership. Trump has frequently spoken about his rapport with the Prime Minister and has often referred to PM Modi's leadership style in public remarks. Earlier this month, the US President congratulated Modi on becoming India's longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister and described him as a strong, healthy and wise man. (ANI)
Jammu Kashmirs Transition into UT Ended Bloodshed, Fear: LoP Sharma
SRINAGAR: Stating that the era of violence, fear and bloodshed has largely come to an end in Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Wednesday said that region has witnessed a significant improvement in the security situation after its transition into a Union Territory. Talking to reporters on sideline []
Pakistani Currency, Slip with Pakistani Mobile Numbers Recovered in Poonch
SRINAGAR: Security forces recovered Pakistani currency and a slip containing Pakistani mobile numbers during an area domination and search operation in the Mendhar area of Poonch district on Wednesday, officials said. Officials stated that the recovery was made by a Road Opening Party (ROP) of the 118 Territorial Army during an area domination exercise near []
Peer Pressure Driving Drug Abuse Among Adolescents in Srinagar Schools
SRINAGAR: A comprehensive research study conducted by the District Institute of Educational Research and Training (DIET) Srinagar has highlighted alarming trends related to drug and substance abuse among secondary and higher secondary school students in the district, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention and intervention measures within educational institutions. The study, titled Drug and []
NC MPs Wont Support NDA: CM Omar on Reports of Opposition MPs Switching Sides
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said National Conference MPs wont support the NDA government at the Centre, amid reports of some Opposition MPs including those from the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) allegedly backing the BJP-led government. Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of a review meeting []
SRINAGAR: Heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms on Wednesday caused widespread damage in parts of Pulwama and Shopian districts, with apple orchards in Keegam and adjoining areas of Shopian bearing the brunt of the adverse weather conditions. In Shopians Keegam area, horticulture crops were severely affected as hail and strong winds damaged standing []
CM Omar Launches 18 Projects Worth Rs 100 Crore in Bandipora
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 18 development projects worth around Rs 100 crore in Bandipora district, covering key sectors including education, roads, bridges, drinking water, urban infrastructure, and agriculture. The initiatives include the construction of the Government Degree College at Ajas (Rs 14 crore), a footbridge []
2,826 Govt Offices, 1,048 Private Establishments Mapped Under POSH Act in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A total of 2,826 government offices and 1,048 private establishments have been mapped under the POSH Act framework in Jammu and Kashmir, with three complaints of workplace sexual harassment received and resolved so far, officials said on Wednesday. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review meeting on the implementation of the Sexual Harassment []
New Delhi [India], June 17 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice on a plea filed by instant messaging platform Telegram challenging the Central government's decision to temporarily block its operations in India till June 22 in connection with the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination. A vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia granted liberty to the Centre and other respondents to file their replies along with all supporting documents and listed the matter for further hearing at 2:30 PM on June 18. The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing by Advocate Madhav Khosla on behalf of Telegram. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Centre through video conferencing along with Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma and Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit. At the outset, Mehta submitted that the blocking order had been issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and that a post-decisional hearing had already been conducted. He informed the Court that Telegram's representatives had participated in the proceedings before the nodal agency, and a fresh order was expected to be passed. Seeking time to place material on record, Mehta said the government had substantial evidence regarding misuse of the platform. This has not happened overnight. We have been dealing with them since May. Complaints have been received since May, he submitted. According to the Centre, despite repeated interventions, certain channels allegedly involved in examination-related activities continued to resurface after being blocked. Mehta argued that there was extensive material demonstrating misuse of the platform and stated that the government would justify the invocation of emergency powers through facts and figures. He repeatedly told the Court that the material available with the government was shocking. The Court queried the government regarding the scope of misuse and asked, What percentage of a platform can be misused by persons with bad intentions? Appearing for Telegram, senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta challenged the legality of the blocking order, arguing that the action was arbitrary, disproportionate and contrary to the statutory framework. The senior counsel submitted that Rule 9 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking Access to Information by the Public) Rules contemplates blocking of specific information and not an entire platform. He argued that the government had imposed a blanket ban affecting approximately 150 million users in India. Students obtain study material through Telegram. Educators use it. Businesses use it. You have blocked everything, Dhruv Mehta argued. He further contended that the impugned order suffered from complete non-application of mind and failed to acknowledge actions already taken by Telegram in response to government requests. According to Telegram, since June 1 several meetings had been held with government authorities, and whenever specific channels were identified, the platform acted upon requests for blocking them. Senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta further argued that although the order relied upon complaints made by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it failed to consider the material available before the authorities, including communications exchanged between the government and the platform and the action already taken by Telegram. There is not a whisper in the order about these actions, he submitted. He also argued that the order was bereft of reasons and amounted to an abdication of statutory powers by the authorities. Referring to the immediate implementation of the ban, counsel pointed out that the blocking direction came into effect within an hour, causing widespread disruption. Seeking interim relief, Telegram urged the Court to restrain the government from taking further coercive steps pending adjudication of the petition. The Court observed that the legality of the order would have to be examined after considering the government's response and the material sought to be placed on record. When the Court remarked that any interim protection could effectively amount to staying the entire order, Mehta opposed the request and argued that such a direction would virtually result in allowing the writ petition at the interim stage itself. Before concluding the hearing, the Court noted the Solicitor General's submission that othing will happen overnight and proceeded to issue notice to the respondents. Telegram has challenged the Centre's temporary blocking order issued ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. The government has defended the action on the grounds that the platform was allegedly being used by organised groups involved in circulating examination-related material and scams. Telegram, however, maintains that it has cooperated with authorities and acted against channels flagged by the government, while contending that a complete shutdown of the platform is unlawful and disproportionate. (ANI)
Admin Orders Mandatory CCTV in Girls Institutions, Womens Accommodation in Jammu Kashmir District
SRINAGAR: The District Magistrate of Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir has directed the compulsory installation of high-definition CCTV surveillance systems in all girls educational institutions and womens accommodation facilities across the district with immediate effect. Issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the order covers girls schools, colleges, hostels, []
Kashmir: PDD Inspector Terminated Over Alleged Terror Links
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has terminated the services of a Power Development Department (PDD) employee over alleged involvement in terror-related activities. Official sources said Mohd Shafi Malik, 51, a resident of Arwani, Bijbehara, has been dismissed from service. Malik, a 12th-pass inspector posted at Hassanpora Tawella in Bijbehara, was terminated on allegations of []
Understanding the Role of EMI Calculators in Home Loan Planning
Most home loan borrowers use an EMI calculator only after they have already selected a property to buy. However, by that point, the calculator is just confirming a decision already made. The real value of the tool comes when you use it at the beginning of the process, before any property is shortlisted, it is []
Administrative Secretary Tourism Flags Off Changthang Expedition 2026 from Shanti Stupa, Leh
LEH, JUNE 17, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department, UT Ladakh, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues (IAS), today flagged off the Changthang Expedition 2026 from the iconic Shanti Stupa, Leh, in collaboration with Care My Tours, New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of eco-conscious and responsible travel in the region. The expedition, featuring premium motorbike brands including BMW, Ducati, [] The post Administrative Secretary Tourism Flags Off Changthang Expedition 2026 from Shanti Stupa, Leh appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Keeping Strait of Hormuz open is vital for global economy: PM Modi tells Trump during meeting
Evian [France], June 17 : Signalling a significant diplomatic pivot, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump for bilateral talks in France on Wednesday, with discussions covering regional security, maritime stability and developments in West Asia. During the high-level meeting, PM Modi commended Trump for his leadership efforts aimed at restoring peace in West Asia and underscored the importance of ensuring the free flow of global trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Highlighting India's strategic stakes in global maritime pathways, the Prime Minister advocated for enhanced cooperation. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. India has consistently emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation, and we should work together on this issue. Hundreds of lakhs of seafarers are performing their duties across the world, including in the Strait of Hormuz. The security of Indian seafarers is equally important, PM Modi said. Responding to the Prime Minister's remarks, President Trump said India has an important role to play in West Asia and expressed confidence in PM Modi's leadership. Emphasising New Delhi's geopolitical influence under the current administration, the US President noted, India has a big role in West Asia as long as Prime Minister Modi is the leader, Trump said. US President Donald Trump also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contribution to strengthening economic ties between the two countries, highlighting India's investments in the United States. Lauding the scale of Indian commercial footprints in the American market, Trump observed, Prime Minister Modi is building a lot in the United States. He is spending a lot of money in the US, Trump said during the bilateral meeting in France. Trump also underscored his personal rapport with the Indian Prime Minister, saying, I just want to say he has been my friend for a long time. It's great to be with you. Thank you very much. The two leaders met on Tuesday, exchanged pleasantries and held a brief conversation at a gathering of G7 leaders, marking their first in-person encounter in 16 months. This diplomatic interface follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India last month, as the two sides are now looking at rebuilding the bilateral ties. The two leaders last met in person at the White House in February 2025, weeks after Trump's second inauguration. After that, the ties became strained due to Trump's imposition of tariffs on India and later his claim of ending the India-Pakistan conflict lastyear following Operation Sindoor. (ANI)
Par panel flags continuing exam irregularities, seeks roadmap for reforms
NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has expressed concern over continuing examination irregularities despite measures taken by the government, and recommended that the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for implementing reforms suggested by a high-level panel. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, []
Sahaj Yoga: Aaj Ka Maha Yoga and the Urgent Need for Law
A World Yoga Day Precursor on Sustaining Global Safety, Honoring the Adi Shakti, and Clarifying the Distinction Between Divine Legacy and Family Lines As World Yoga Day approaches, humanity stands at a critical spiritual crossroads. While the world celebrates yoga primarily as a system of physical postures and stress relief, the time has come to recognize its ultimate, supreme evolution. Sahaj Yoga. Founded by Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaj Yoga is not an exercise philosophy; it is the definitive Maha Yoga (the Great Yoga) of modern times. It represents a monumental, unprecedented leap in human evolution by achieving what no other spiritual incarnation, prophet, or avatar in human history has ever accomplished: mass, spontaneous Kundalini awakening. The transformative power of this supreme yoga is deeply tangible, profound, and intensely emotional. In an era where modern medicine often manages superficial symptoms rather than curing root causes, Sahaj Yoga achieves genuine, miraculous inner restoration. Consider a profound reality intimately known to me a sahaj yogi suffering from severe, debilitating psychiatric illness alongside painful, epilepsy-like disorders. This individual underwent the harrowing trauma of sixteen Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) sessions within a single montha devastating toll that pushed the human nervous system to its absolute limits. Yet, where conventional interventions reached a dead end, the divine mechanism of Sahaj Yoga triggered a complete turnaround. Today, this person is doing fine, practicing Sahaj Yoga, and living in complete stability, vibrant health, and profound peace. By cleansing the subtle energy centers (*chakras*) and directly stabilizing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, this divine science proves itself not just as a theory, but as a supreme therapeutic and evolutionary force. A Global Appeal for World Heritage Recognition Because it is the ultimate living spiritual heritage of mankind, Sahaj Yoga deserves formal, high-level global recognition. Its unprecedented contribution to human well-being, global peace, and spiritual ascension qualifies it perfectly to be recognized by world heritage bodies. We explicitly call upon international organizations, including UNESCO to formally register and protect Sahaj Yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Furthermore, we urge world heritage councils to recognize the holy sites, ashrams, and international centers established by Shri Mataji as sacred monuments of global spiritual history. This official global designation is not for status, but for structural preservationensuring that this profound, living science is shielded by international protocols and preserved for generations to come. However, for an international legacy of this magnitude to be preserved for thousands of years, the global Sahaj Yoga collective cannot rely on external recognition alone. We must urgently transition from loose, vulnerable administrative setups to an ironclad framework of unyielding institutional law. The Urgent Need for Stronger Internal Laws First, there is a dire need for stronger, standardized trust laws worldwide. The basic principles taught by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi must be codified into absolute, non-negotiable legal frameworks. These laws must ensure that no divergent views, personal interpretations, or ego-driven distortions can ever dilute the original teachings. The rules must be structurally rigid enough to guarantee that Sahaj Yoga can never be divided, fragmented, or split into competing regional factions. The administrative machinery must exist solely as an impenetrable shell, protecting the absolute purity of the spiritual mechanics. Second, we must legally secure the absolute safety of the properties and ashrams where Shri Mataji physically visited, worked, and resided. These holy sites of Sahaj Yoga are not mere real estate; they are highly vibrant, spiritually charged epicenters of divine energy where the Adi Shakti poured out Her love. If trust rules are weak, these sacred lands risk being compromised by local disputes, financial mismanagement, or secular inheritance claims. Strong, centralized global trust laws must permanently safeguard these properties from any form of encroachment, commercial exploitation, or fragmentation, ensuring they remain protected sanctuaries for seekers for millennia. Clarifying the Divine Succession Crucially, it is time for Sahaj Yogis worldwide to deeply understand, feel, and internalize a fundamental truth: Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi never declared any suc cessor, nor can there ever be one. She stands entirely alone in spiritual history. She came to this earth as the Adi Shakti (the Primordial Cosmic Energy) incarnate, holding all cosmic powers within Her, for the sole, compassionate purpose of granting mass Self-Realization to humanity. Her spiritual authority cannot be inherited, passed down, or claimed by any individual, council, or biological family member. On numerous occasions, Shri Mataji explicitly stated that Her biological family has nothing to do with the spiritual domain of Sahaj Yoga. While Her family is deeply loved, respected, and honored by the collective for their presence during Her earthly walk, they hold no hereditary claim to governance, properties, or spiritual succession. In the eyes of the Divine, the biological family is completely distinct from the mandate of Sahaj Yoga. Their private claims must never supersede or interfere with the global collective of Sahaj Yogis who carry Her work forward. Sahaj Yoga belongs entirely to the genuine seekers of truth, governed directly by the timeless principles laid down by the Adi Shakti Herself. As we celebrate World Yoga Day, let the global collectivity rise to its ultimate responsibility with a fierce, protective love for what we have been given. By demanding recognition from world heritage bodies, enforcing airtight internal legal protections, securing our sacred heritage sites from family or external claims, and uniting under the absolute finality of Shri Matajis teachings, we will ensure that this magnificent Maha Yoga survives uncorrupted, guiding human ascension for thousands of years to come. Writer Ashwani Kaushik has been practicing Sahaj Yoga since 2004 and is a former Trustee of The Life Eternal Trust, Delhi. Ashwani Kaushik can be contacted on kaushik76n76@gmail.com and to know about Sahaj Yoga visit https://www.nirmaldham.org*
Amit Shah reviews National Cybercrime Helpline 1930, calls for AI upgrade
New Delhi [India], June 17 : Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and directed officials to revamp the system using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and multilingual support to facilitate ease of reporting. Shah further directed the agencies to work closely with states to pivot each call to its logical end and asked them to address the grievances arising out of the freezing of bank accounts. The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was launched on August 30, 2019, to strengthen reporting and response mechanisms for cybercrime incidents across the country. According to the official government cybercrime portal, the earlier version of the cybercrime reporting portal, developed under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme, was limited in scope and allowed complaints only related to Child Pornography (CP) and Rape or Gang Rape (RGR)-related sexually abusive content. The revamped NCRP expanded its coverage to enable reporting of all types of cybercrimes, making it a comprehensive national platform for citizens. The NCRP was dedicated to the nation by the Union Home Minister of India on January 20, 2020. As per the official government cybercrime portal, to address the growing complexity of financial frauds, a common integrated ecosystem has been developed where law enforcement agencies, banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), financial intermediaries, payment wallets, and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) work in coordination to ensure swift and effective action. The Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System has also been created to facilitate rapid reporting of financial cyber fraud involving losses through digital banking, credit and debit cards, UPI, and other payment systems. Complaints can be reported through the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. (ANI)
Rahul Gandhi blames Centre for tragic loss of 2 students over NEET re-examination
New Delhi [India], June 17 : In a commencement to his nationwide Echo of Students campaign, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday addressed the issues regarding the re-examination of NEET after the alleged suicide of two aspirants in Sikar and Dehradun. In a message shared on the social media platform X, Gandhi mourned the recent tragic loss of two young lives--Umesh in Sikar and Riya in Dehradun--who died allegedly by suicide amid the pressure surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. I've set out for Kota, but two names are echoing in my heart: Umesh and Riya. Yesterday, Umesh in Sikar and Riya in Dehradun--both ended their lives under the pressure of Re-NEET. 22- and 23-year-old kids--who were meant to soar in the open skies of their dreams--lost to this unjust system, Gandhi said. Calling the deaths, a result of an unjust, broken, and corrupt system that has failed to protect its youth, Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Union government. These deaths are the result of a broken, corrupt system. And the ones responsible are the Modi government and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who, instead of protecting students, have repeatedly shielded paper leaks, exam mismanagement, and the destroyers of futures, he added. He further said he would begin a campaign from Kota aimed at preventing such incidents and called for a nationwide movement under the banner of Echo of Students. Today, from Kota, we will begin that fight with just one goal--that no child's dreams shatter like this again, that no parent ever has to lose their child in this way again. Every family's pain will now echo across the country as the 'Echo of Students.' Previously in the day, Gandhi called on students and young people across the country to unite and participate in the Echo of Students mega rally in Kota on June 17, saying that the future of the youth would determine the future of the nation. The protest is going to start at 5:30 pm in Kota. In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, rising fees, privatisation and scams were shattering the dreams of millions of young Indians. He also accused the Central government of failing to fulfil its responsibility towards the country's youth. My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government's responsibility. But responsibility and honesty--both are beyond the Modi government's way of thinking, Gandhi said. Paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation, scams--these are the very tools with which it is shattering millions of dreams every day. Remember, the youth's future will determine the nation's future. This is what I wanted to tell you all in detail. That's why I'm calling on you--let's turn the rising 'Echo of Students' from every street, every town, every city of the country into a battle cry in Kota. June 17 | Echo of Students | Kota Mega Rally, the post read. (ANI)
G7 Summit: PM Modi holds very fruitful bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Evian [France], June 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a bilateral meeting on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ongoing 52nd G7 Summit, utilising the platform to deepen strategic and economic cooperation between New Delhi and Berlin. Sharing updates of the high-stakes encounter in a post on X, PM Modi wrote, The talks with Chancellor Merz were very fruitful. We discussed ways to further cement bilateral cooperation by working together in trade, investments, circular economy, defence, IT and more. We also talked about boosting cultural linkages between our nations. Signalling a major expansion in European diplomacy, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also highlighted this comprehensive bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in vian. Detailing the milestone engagement via a post on social media platform X, Jaiswal stated, PM @narendramodi held a meeting with Chancellor Merz @bundeskanzler on the margins of @G7 Summit at Evian. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties. The high-profile talks underscored a strong mutual interest in accelerating long-term trade dynamics and regional stability. Jaiswal further noted, The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening partnership in areas including trade & investment, defence & security, green & sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility. The leaders agreed that early implementation of India-EU FTA will further deepen India-Germany ties. They also discussed key global and regional challenges. This productive dialogue with the German Chancellor will precede the Prime Minister's participation in a strategic working lunch focused on Ensuring the safe, rapid and effective deployment of artificial intelligence, which stands out as one of the key themes of this year's summit. Later in the day, the diplomatic focus will shift towards a highly anticipated engagement, as PM Modi is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. This encounter is being closely watched by global observers amid intensive discussions on global security, trade, technology, and geopolitical developments. During their wide-ranging talks on Wednesday, PM Modi and US President Donald Trump will deep dive into bilateral ties, with a primary focus on expediting the proposed bilateral trade deal. The two leaders are also expected to explore robust ways to boost cooperation in the defence, energy, and critical minerals sectors. A day ahead of their meeting, which is taking place amid continuing strain in bilateral ties, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries and held a brief conversation at a gathering of G7 leaders. This impromptu interaction marked their first in-person encounter in 16 months. Both PM Modi and Trump are currently in the French commune of vian-les-Bains for the G7 Summit. Providing a broader context to these diplomatic engagements, this picturesque French city has transformed into the nerve centre of global diplomacy as the high-stakes summit enters its critical phase. With India participating as a key Partner Country, the international community is increasingly looking towards New Delhi to navigate and resolve complex global bottlenecks. This growing role in shaping top-tier discourse reflects India's steadily expanding diplomatic footprint and its proactive stance across premier global forums. Underscoring this geopolitical position during a high-profile outreach session at the summit yesterday, PM Modi emphasised the foundational role of 'trust' in forging resilient international partnerships, particularly within a deeply interconnected global landscape. The Prime Minister highlighted India's consistent adherence to a 'humanity-first approach', noting that this ethos is vividly reflected in major India-led global initiatives. He pointed to trailblazing projects such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFe, and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign as prime examples of this philosophy. PM Modi further articulated that India's core blueprint for international collaboration remains deeply anchored in the timeless civilisational philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'--the profound belief that the world is one family. Beyond his highly anticipated interaction with the US President and his engagements with European Union leaders, PM Modi's packed itinerary for the day also features a crucial G7 working session themed Reviving balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all. This intense schedule follows the rapid pace of diplomacy set earlier yesterday, when PM Modi successfully concluded a flurry of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. On Tuesday, he held productive talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Expanding India's outreach further, PM Modi also engaged in structured discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung. (ANI)
Washington, DC [US], June 17 : Preliminary details are beginning to filter through ahead of the impending US-Iran memorandum signing ceremony, which is now less than 48 hours away, with the peace deal set to be signed on Friday in Switzerland. The proposed framework encompasses a series of high-stakes diplomatic manoeuvres. A report broadcast by Fox News detailed that these measures include the reopening of the strategic Strait, the formal termination of the American blockade, and the initiation of a crucial 60-day negotiation period regarding Iran's uranium enrichment activities. This comprehensive roadmap also integrates substantial sanctions relief alongside a structured ceasefire agreement involving Israel and Hezbollah. Commenting on these fast-moving diplomatic developments, the Fox News broadcast highlighted that United States President Donald Trump intends to move decisively against Iran's nuclear infrastructure on Tuesday, while simultaneously pointing to the 60-day window for negotiations over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has injected a note of severe volatility into the ongoing peace process with Iran. While an agreement in principle has been reached to end months of hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the President signalled on Wednesday that the ceasefire remains conditional and precarious. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, Trump underscored that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) currently on the table is not a final, immutable document. He warned that the U.S. remains prepared to pivot back to military action if Tehran fails to adhere to the expectations established in the upcoming formal signing. When pressed by reporters on the status of the agreement, Trump was explicit about the fragility of the current peace. It's not final, the President stated. It's a memorandum of understanding, and if I don't like it, we'll go back to shooting them, dropping bombs on their heads. The President's remarks underscored a rust but verify approach that has defined his administration's latest diplomatic push. If I don't like it, if they don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head. Okay? 'Cause they've misbehaved for 47 years, he added. Concurrently, US Vice President JD Vance detailed the core triple-pillar architecture governing this proposed peace treaty during an interview with Fox News, explaining, The agreement is actually very simple. One, Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. Two, the Straits of Hormuz are open. And number three, there are all of these benefits contemplated that the Iranians can get if they behave. To ensure compliance, Vance made it clear that any prospective financial concessions or sanctions relief for Tehran remain entirely contingent upon verifiable and sweeping changes in its state operations, explicitly demanding an end to its sponsorship of proxy networks and the absolute cessation of its nuclear enrichment initiatives. Reinforcing this strict conditional stance, Vance remarked, If they stop developing terrorism, if they stop funding terrorism, if they stop supporting the rebuilding of the nuclear arms program, they actually can get some real benefits. If they don't do any of that stuff, they don't get anything. Furthermore, Vance aimed narratives emerging from Tehran, accusing Iranian authorities of intentionally distorting the actual parameters of the negotiated text, noting, Iranian propagandists out there [are] saying well we get all these things and they leave out the fact that they only get those things if they fundamentally transform themselves as a country. This rhetorical pushback highlights that, under this framework, Iran will essentially enter a strict probationary status, with Washington evaluating Tehran entirely on its tangible operational adjustments rather than diplomatic assurances. Explicitly highlighting this leverage, Vance asserted, The United States wins either way, as the President said. Either they get nothing, we destroy their nuclear program and the Straits of Hormuz are open, or they fundamentally transform themselves and that's a big win too. It's really up to them. Emphasising this action-over-words approach, Vance stated, The thing I've learned from the President of the United States is whether friend or foe, you shouldn't trust anybody, you should trust people's actions, adding, That's why the way this agreement is built is that if they act in the right way, if they behave in the way, they get a lot of benefits. As these operational details were laid out on television, US President Donald Trump simultaneously utilised his Truth Social platform to champion the impending diplomatic breakthrough, characterising the document as a 'Great Deal' engineered to institute long-term equilibrium across the Middle East. This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace, the US President posted. Ultimately, the momentum behind this bilateral Washington-Tehran diplomatic framework has gained significant multilateral validation in France, where Group of Seven (G7) heads of state formally expressed their unified support for the evolving pact during their international summit. (ANI)
CM Omar Mourns Loss of Lives in Pahalgam Road Accident
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed grief over the road accident in Pahalgam that left two people dead and six others injured. In a statement shared by the Chief Ministers Office on X, Omar Abdullah conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident and expressed solidarity []
MeT Warns of Hailstorms, Flash Floods and Mudslides Across Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast a prolonged spell of unsettled weather across Jammu and Kashmir over the next five days, warning of hailstorms, flash floods and mudslides at isolated vulnerable locations as intermittent rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected across the Union Territory. According to the Meteorological Department, weather conditions are []
GMC Srinagar Appoints 14 New HoDs
SRINAGAR: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has appointed 14 new Heads of Departments (HoDs) across various medical and super-speciality disciplines as part of a major administrative reshuffle aimed at implementing the institutions rotational headship policy. The appointments were made through Order No. 125-GS of 2026, issued on June 17 by Principal and Dean, GMC Srinagar, []
As rebellion buzz swells, Raut alleges bid to lure MPs with Rs 50 cr; dares dissidents to resign
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday alleged that some Maharashtra MPs were being offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides and challenged dissidents to quit, amid heightened speculation of an imminent split in the Uddhav Thackerayled party. Holding a press conference in New Delhi, Raut said the people of Maharashtra and Shiv []
High Court Nominates Judicial Officers for Womens Empowerment Programme in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has nominated a group of judicial officers, including ten women judges, to participate in a major awareness programme on womens empowerment and legal support scheduled to be held in Srinagar on June 20. According to an official order issued by Registrar General MK Sharma, the programme, []
Jammu Kashmir Police Transfers 60 DSPs Across Union Territory
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters has ordered the transfer and posting of 60 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) across the Union Territory in a major administrative reshuffle aimed at strengthening policing and operational efficiency. The broad reorganisation splits the 60 officers into two major groups: the formal adjustment of 28 newly promoted DSPs []
CM Omar Expresses Grief Over Pahalgam Road Accident
Srinagar, June 17: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident at Pahalgam that claimed two precious lives and left six others injured. In a post on X, Office of CM wrote, Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident at Pahalgam that claimed two precious lives and left six others injured. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength to them in this difficult time. The Chief Minister also directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families, he post reads.
Jammu Kashmir: Govt Ratifies Suspension of Engineer Facing NDPS Case
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has formally ratified the suspension of a Junior Engineer of the Public Works (R and B) Department who is facing legal proceedings in a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. According to an official order issued from the Civil Secretariat, the government has confirmed []
Statehood BJPs Commitment but Will be Guided by Security Situation on Ground: LoP Sharma
SRINAGAR: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Wednesday said restoration of statehood is the BJPs commitment but the process would be guided by the security situation on ground. Addressing a press conference here, Sharma said statehood is a commitment and it will be fulfilled. He, []
NC Will Not Back Down on Delhi Protest: MP Mian Altaf
SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Mian Altaf Ahmad on Wednesday said the partys proposed protest in the national capital will be held as scheduled after July 15, asserting that it was the partys duty to demonstrate on the issue of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters here, MP Mian Altaf said the []
Two Killed, Several Injured in Pahalgam Road Accident
Srinagar: At least two persons were killed and several others injured in a road accident in the Aru area of Pahalgam in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Wednesday. Officials said that a vehicle bearing registration number JK03C-6737 skidded off the road near Gudkhoom on the AruPahalgam route, resulting in the on-the-spot death of two persons []
South Kashmir: Seven Tractors Seized in Illegal Mining Crackdown, Two Cases Registered
SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmirs Shopian district on Wednesday seized seven tractors allegedly being used for illegal mining in the Rambiara Nallah area and registered two cases against those involved. The action was taken by a team from Police Station Heerpora during a routine patrol, when the vehicles were intercepted while allegedly transporting and extracting []
Road Accident Near Aru Valley Claims Two Lives, Injures Six
Srinagar, June 17: Two people lost their lives and six others were injured after a local car met with an accident on the Aru Valley road near Pahalgam. Officials said that a vehicle lost control and met with an accident. Two people were killed and six others were injured in the incident. The injured were shifted for medical treatment. Further details on the cause of the accident are awaited. Intial report suggest the deceased are from Dialgam Anantnag. Police have taken cognizance of the incident.(GNS)
NC-led govt unstable, will fall on its own: LoP Sunil Sharma
Srinagar, Jun 17 : Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Wednesday said the National Conference-led government will not complete its term, asserting that the dispensation will collapse on its own due to internal contradictions. The ruling coalition is unstable and lacks cohesion. It will fall because of its own weaknesses. The BJP will neither topple it nor form an alternative government, the senior BJP leader told reporters as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS). Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP leader termed his recent statements irresponsible and advised him not to alk like a child but to act with the responsibility expected of his office. Alleging that the recent NC legislators' meeting at Dachigam was effectively a floor test, Sharma claimed it was driven by CM Omar's paranoia about support within his party. The Abdullahs are power-hungry.They will compromise on full statehood as long as their protocol and privileges remain intact. Omar would settle for anything below UT status if there is no cut in protocol, he said. Dismissing opposition unity efforts as drama and childish politics, BJP leader Sunil Sharma asserted that political narratives in Kashmir are being manufactured to mislead the public. On statehood, he reiterated that the BJP's promise will be fulfilled only when the Centre is fully satisfied that violence and public disorder have become a thing of the past. Restoration of statehood is linked to lasting peace and stability, he said. The BJP leader also accused the National Conference and Congress of shielding illegal land grabbers and communalising the encroachment issue. He reiterated that his party, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remains focused on ensuring peace, progress and transparency in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
Tourist bus overturns in J-K, five injured
Srinagar: Four tourists were among five people injured on Wednesday, June 17, when a bus overturned in Tangmarg in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district, officials said. The accident occurred in the main market in Tangmarg, which is near the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in the north Kashmir district. Also ReadBSF official shoots self dead Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Baramulla Police Issues Advisory to Media, Social Media Users on Security Coverage
Baramulla, June 17: Baramulla Police on Wednesday issued an advisory for media persons, local news portals, social media handlers, freelance journalists and content creators, urging them to exercise caution while recording, publishing or circulating photographs and videos related to police officers, security personnel, deployments and official movements in order to avoid compromising operational security. All media persons, local news portals, social media handlers, freelance journalists and content creators operating in District Baramulla are advised to exercise due caution while recording, publishing or circulating videos/photographs of police officers, security personnel, escorts, deployments and official movements. It is specifically advised that videos/photographs should not disclose or highlight: 1. Security detail of officers/protectees; 2. Deployment pattern and strength of police/security personnel; 3. Access control, frisking, movement and evacuation procedures; 4. Vehicle formations, escort arrangements and route security measures; 5. Communication equipment, command positions or tactical procedures; 6. Close-up visuals of officers/personnel engaged in sensitive duties; 7. Any other visual that may reveal operational tradecraft or security arrangements. Publication of such content without permission can compromise security, expose personnel to avoidable risk and assist hostile elements in analysing procedures, identifying weaknesses and planning adverse action. Media coverage of public events and official programmes is welcome; however, it must be undertaken in a responsible manner and without compromising operational security. Prior permission should be obtained wherever recording of police/ security arrangements or officers on duty is involved. All concerned are advised to strictly adhere to this advisory. Any irresponsible publication or circulation of material prejudicial to security or Public order may invite appropriate action under law.
NIA attaches Baramulla accuseds property in arms case
Baramulla, June 17 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday attached an immovable property belonging to an arrested accused in the Kanispora area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Officials said that the attached property belongs to Shaheen Ahmad Lone, son of late Nazir Ahmad Lone, and comprises 7.5 marlas of land under Survey No. 1192 situated in Kanispora village of Baramulla. They said the property was attached under Section 33(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, in connection with NIA case RC-01/2020/NIA/JMU. The attachment was carried out following an order issued by the Special NIA Court, Jammu, on April 30, 2026, officials said. Shaheen was earlier arrested by the NIA in an alleged illegal arms case and is presently lodged in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, they added(KNO)
Cloudy Weather, Rain and Gusty Winds Expected in J&K Today: MeT
Srinagar, June 17: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally unsettled weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, with intermittent spells of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected in several areas. According to the forecast, June 17 is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely at many places, particularly during the afternoon. From June 18 to June 22, weather conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy with one or two spells of light rain accompanied by brief intense showers, thunderstorms, hailstorm, lightning and gusty winds at many places across the Union Territory. For June 23 to June 25, the weather is likely to stay partly to generally cloudy with light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected at a few places. Issuing an advisory, the MET Centre recommended that orchard spray be carried out during early morning hours. People have also been advised to stay away from loose structures, electric poles, hanging wires and old trees during adverse weather conditions. Authorities further cautioned against boating activities and Shikara rides during thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. The department warned that isolated places may witness hailstorms during the next five days, while brief intense showers could trigger flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
Tourist Vehicle Skids Off Road in Tangmarg After Brake Malfunction
Tangmarg, June 17 : A tourist vehicle met with a road accident near the Tangmarg Public Park on Wednesday morning after its brakes reportedly failed, causing panic among passengers and locals alike. However, no loss of life was reported in the incident. Official sources told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that a tourist tempo, bearing registration number JK01AV3629, was on its way from the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg to Srinagar when the driver lost control over the vehicle due to an alleged brake failure. The vehicle veered off the road and met with an accident near the Public Park in Tangmarg earlier in the morning. Eyewitnesses said that the tempo hit a roadside barrier before coming to a halt, averting what could have been a major tragedy. Several passengers sustained minor injuries in the accident and were immediately rushed to the Sub-District Hospital Tangmarg for first aid and medical attention. Officials confirmed that all the injured are out of danger. Soon after the incident, police personnel and local residents reached the spot and launched a swift rescue operation. All tourists were safely evacuated from the damaged vehicle. Senior police officials also visited the site and took stock of the situation. Meanwhile, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. Police have urged drivers, especially those operating tourist vehicles on hilly terrain, to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles and strictly adhere to safety norms to avoid such incidents in future. (KNS).
J-K: Op Sheruwali enters 26th day in Rajouri forests as security forces intensify anti-terror search
Rajouri, June 17 : Operation Sheruwali entered its 26th day on Wednesday in the dense Dorimal forests of the Gambhir Mughlan area in the Manjakote sector of Rajouri district, making it one of the region's longest ongoing counter-terror operations in recent years. Security forces have intensified search and cordon operations across the challenging forest terrain. The operation is being carried out in the rugged and densely forested hills of Dorimal, where steep slopes, rocky mountains and thick vegetation continue to pose significant challenges for troops on the ground. Despite the difficult conditions, security personnel remain on high alert and are conducting extensive searches across the forest belt to track any suspicious movement. Surveillance and area domination measures are also continuing as part of the operation. Operation Sheruwali is a large-scale multi-agency counter-terrorism mission launched in late May to locate and neutralise armed infiltrators believed to be hiding in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan sector. The prolonged operation underlines the determination of security forces to maintain peace and security in the border district of Rajouri. Earlier, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and three Army personnel were injured in an accidental mine blast during a patrol near the Line of Control (LoC) in the forward Kalal area of the Nowshera sector on June 16, according to Jammu and Kashmir Police officials. According to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Nowshera Police Station, the incident took place at around 11 am when troops of 4 Kumaon were conducting a routine patrol in the forward LoC area. During the operation, an accidental mine blast occurred, injuring one JCO and three soldiers. The injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the site and provided initial medical assistance before being shifted to the Army's Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. Officials said the Kalal sector is a sensitive stretch along the LoC where troops regularly conduct patrols to maintain operational vigilance and prevent infiltration attempts. The condition of the injured personnel is being closely monitored, while authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the blast. Earlier, on June 7, an Army jawan lost his life after accidentally slipping from a rock during Operation Sheruwali. According to sources, the soldier was moving through the rugged mountainous terrain during the anti-terror operation when he lost his footing and fell from a rocky slope, sustaining serious injuries. He was evacuated for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. On May 28, heavy firing and shelling erupted in the Dorimal forest area as Operation Sheruwali reached a critical stage, with security forces tightening the cordon around suspected militants believed to be hiding in the dense terrain. Officials said additional reinforcements and logistical support were rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and prevent militants from escaping through the forest cover. Search operations continue in the area as security forces maintain pressure on suspected infiltrators hiding in the difficult terrain. (ANI)
MHA Delegation, Paramilitary Heads to Conduct Review in Jammu Kashmir Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
SRINAGAR: With preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra entering the final phase, a high-powered delegation of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), headed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, will visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 20 and 21 to undertake a comprehensive review of security and other arrangements for the annual []
South Kashmir: Police Book Six in Drug Consumption Cases After Positive Tests
SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmirs Anantnag district registered six separate cases on Wednesday after six individuals tested positive for drug consumption during routine checks. Acting on specific inputs and routine inspections, police teams across the district detained the individuals under suspicious circumstances and subjected them to medical examination using Rapid Drug Detection Kits. All six []
Police Warn Against Circulation of Sensitive Operational Visuals in North Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Police in north Kashmirs Baramulla district have issued an advisory urging media persons, social media handlers, freelance journalists and content creators to exercise caution while recording or circulating visuals related to police and security operations. The advisory cautions against publishing videos or photographs that may disclose sensitive details of security arrangements, including deployment patterns, []
J&K Bank partners with Jamkash Vehicleades to deliver customised banking benefits for employees
Srinagar, Jun 16: Committed to strengthening corporate partnerships and delivering value-added financial solutions, J&K Bank on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jamkash Vehicleades Kashmir Pvt. Ltd. under its Corporate Salary Package (CSP) Scheme. The agreement enables the company's employees to avail a host of customised banking benefits and preferential financial services. The MoU was signed at the Bank's Zonal Office Srinagar in the presence of Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri, who presided over the ceremony. Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar signed the agreement on behalf of the Bank, while Managing Director Irfan Ahmad signed on behalf of Jamkash Vehicleades Kashmir Pvt. Ltd. in presence of Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, AGM Javid Rashid, Branch Head (Residency Road) Tajamul Qadri, GM Finance (Jamkash) Bilal Ahmad besides other senior officials from both the organisations. Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri appreciated the longstanding relationship between the Bank and Jamkash Vehicleades Kashmir, expressing confidence that the engagement under the Corporate Salary Package would further strengthen the association. He further said, At J&K Bank, we remain committed to forging meaningful partnerships with leading institutions and business enterprises across the region. Such collaborations enable us to extend customised financial solutions that enhance banking benefits and economic well-being of employees while deepening our engagement with the corporate ecosystem. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar said, This MoU with Jamkash reflects our continued endeavour to strengthen a longstanding institutional relationship through customised and value-driven banking solutions. Covering nearly 1800 employees, the arrangement will enable us to extend a comprehensive range of preferential banking services and financial benefits, thereby enhancing the overall banking experience and financial well-being of the employees. In his remarks, Managing Director, Jamkash Vehicleades Kashmir Pvt. Ltd., Irfan Ahmad lauded the Bank's customer-centric approach and expressed confidence that the partnership would significantly benefit the company's employees by providing convenient access to a wide range of banking and financial services. Earlier, Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni briefed the participants about the various features and benefits covered under the Bank's Corporate Salary Package, including specialised salary account variants, insurance cover, digital banking services and loan offerings. Notably, under the agreement, all eligible employees of Jamkash Vehicleades Kashmir Pvt. Ltd. will be accorded the status of Most Favoured Client and will be eligible for specialised salary account variants with personal accidental insurance cover besides a range of superior banking services. These include free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities across base and non-base branches, locker facilities at concessional charges, enhanced ATM and POS transaction limits, complimentary global debit cards, free digital banking services, concessional pricing on loan products and credit card-related benefits. Expressing confidence on the occasion, the participants noted that the partnership would further strengthen the relationship between the two institutions while ensuring greater financial convenience, accessibility and value-added services for the employees of Jamkash Vehicleades Kashmir Pvt. Ltd.
Man Dies After Alleged Assault Over Land Dispute in Thanamandi, Rajouri
Jammu: A 45-year-old man died during treatment at GMC Rajouri after he was allegedly assaulted over a land dispute in Behrote, Thanamandi. Officials said that Munir Hussain, son of Hassan Mohammad and a resident of Behrote, was allegedly attacked with wooden sticks by three family members on June 16 around 3:00 pm. The injured was []
Jammu Kashmir Bank, Centre Join Hands to Expand Retiree Benefits, Pensioner Services
SRINAGAR: In a move aimed at strengthening pension-related services and improving accessibility for retirees across Jammu and Kashmir, JK Bank and the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW), Government of India, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand digital pension services and enhance last-mile delivery mechanisms for pensioners in the Union []
Dir Agri leads awareness campaign under Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Srinagar
Srinagar, Jun 16: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah on Tuesday led an awareness campaign under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan at the Directorate Park, Lal Mandi, Srinagar. The programme, organized by Chief Agriculture Officer, Srinagar, Ajaz Hussain Dar, witnessed enthusiastic participation from officers and officials of the Agriculture Department, progressive farmers, and students, who were sensitized about the objectives of the campaign and the importance of safeguarding agricultural land for future generations. As part of the programme, a plantation drive was also organized during which the Director Agriculture, along with officers, farmers, and students, planted saplings in the Directorate premises, reaffirming the departments commitment towards environmental conservation, ecological sustainability, and a greener future. Addressing the gathering, the Director Agriculture emphasized the need for the effective implementation of all objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. He highlighted the importance of judicious and balanced use of fertilizers to maintain soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural production. He advocated for the increased adoption of liquid fertilizers, organic manures, and natural farming practices to improve soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and promote climate-resilient agriculture. The Director further stressed the need to create widespread awareness among farmers regarding various flagship initiatives of the Government, including the PM-KISAN Scheme and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) programme, so that eligible farmers can avail themselves of the benefits provided under these schemes. He urged the field functionaries to intensify outreach activities and strengthen farmer engagement at the grassroots level. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to protect agricultural land, promote sustainable farming practices, conserve natural resources, and work towards the holistic development of the agriculture sector in Kashmir.
Amit Sharma chairs Census review Meeting at Kupwara
Kupwara, Jun 16: In a streak towards covering all districts of both the UTs, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma along with Principal Census Officer (Deputy Commissioner) Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse on Tuesday chaired a review meeting at DC Office Complex Kupwara to assess the progress of the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) being conducted under Census 2027 in the district. During the Meeting in strategic Border district Kupwara, CPCO, Amit Sharma specifically cautioned public against Cyber fraudsters and criminals who want to dupe masses by fetching their vital information like Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card details, etc on the name of ongoing phases of Census 2027. He requested public to act as responsible and awakened citizens and counter all such challenges smartly and also report such instances to Police and Census Helpline of 1855 so that swift action can be taken against such criminals. Initially, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara shared a brief profile of the district with the CPCO regarding the preparedness and progress for Census 2027. Reviewing the progress of Kupwara district, Amit Sharma appreciated its performance during Self Enumeration and the IEC activities undertaken here. He stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of accuracy during data collection and directed enumerators and supervisors to ensure that every entry is recorded correctly and verified thoroughly. He cautioned that even minor errors or conceptual misunderstandings can adversely impact the quality of Census data and affect future policy planning. The CPCO while mentioning Census 2027 as countrys largest administrative and statistical exercise, forming the basis for planning, resource allocation and socio-economic development for years to come. He also directed Charge Officers to ensure that Supervisors undertake regular field inspections and conduct random quality checks instructed to intensify monitoring and ensure strict adherence to Census guidelines. Special emphasis was laid on ensuring comprehensive coverage of migratory and seasonal populations during the ongoing Census exercise so as to meticulously track migration routes and collect details of all eligible tribal population and individuals. Before culmination of the review meeting, Amit Sharma said the digital mode of data collection would enhance efficiency and improve the quality of information gathered. Principal Census Officer Kupwara assured full administrative support for the smooth conduct of Census operations and directed all concerned officers to closely monitor field activities to ensure timely completion of the exercise. Later, Amit Sharma along with PCO Kupwara briefed the media regarding the progress achieved under the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) of Census-2027 in Kupwara district and highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken to ensure smooth, accurate and timely completion of the exercise. He appealed to the public of Kupwara and overall public residing in UTs of J&K and Ladakh to fully co-operate with Census functionaries and provide accurate information, stating that reliable Census data serves as the foundation for informed governance, developmental planning and equitable distribution of resources. The CPCO also reiterated that all the information collected during the Census 2027 is fully protected under Section 15 of Census Act, 1948 and assured that it remains completely confidential and cannot be shared with any agency or individual. The meeting was also attended by Joint Director, DCO J&K, Arun Kumar; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan; ADC Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi, Assistant Director DCO J&K, Vijay Kumar, Chief Planning Officer Kupwara, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Kupwara, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Lolab/Karnah, Charge Officers and other concerned officers who are associated with the ongoing Census exercise.
Police Issues Advisory for Media and Social Media Handlers on Covering Security Arrangements
Srinagar:District Police Baramulla has issued an advisory urging media persons, news portals, social media handlers, freelance journalists, and content creators to exercise caution while recording or publishing visuals of police and security personnel in the district. In a handout, the police said that the advisory states that recording, publishing, or circulating videos and photographs of []
CS reviews progress of TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
Srinagar, Jun 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the ongoing Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to assess the progress achieved across the Union Territory and chart out a strategy for accelerating efforts towards tuberculosis elimination. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME); Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM); Managing Director, JKMSCL; Principals of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs); Director, Health Services, Kashmir/Jammu; and Senior Faculty Members from various medical institutions across the UT. Reviewing district-wise performance, the Chief Secretary noted that while several districts have achieved encouraging results, there remains considerable scope for improvement in certain critical indicators. He directed the Health & Medical Education Department to intensify efforts in districts reporting lower coverage of X-ray screening, differentiated TB care, TB preventive treatment and nutritional support. He emphasized on expanding the coverage achieved in screening populations residing in identified high-risk villages, directing district administrations and health authorities to substantially increase the number of Nikshay Shivirs and ensure saturation coverage of all notified high-risk villages within the stipulated timelines. He emphasised optimum utilisation of hand-held X-ray units and greater outreach in remote and vulnerable areas. While reviewing the implementation of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, the Chief Secretary instructed the concerned authorities to complete all pending beneficiary authentication and ensure timely release of financial assistance to the eligible patients. He further directed that all pending cases be cleared through a special drive so that no patient is deprived of entitled benefits. The Chief Secretary also called for intensified efforts to enhance TB Preventive Treatment coverage among household contacts and healthcare workers, strengthen differentiated care protocols, improve Poshan Kit distribution and expand community participation through Nikshay Mitras. Dulloo also stressed the need to improve the uptake of the recently launched TB Mukt Bharat App and Khushi Chatbot, observing that digital tools can significantly enhance treatment adherence, patient counselling and service delivery. He directed all concerned doctors and field functionaries to ensure registration and active utilisation of the platform by every notified TB patient. Reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary observed that the performance reflects the efforts made by the healthcare workers, district administrations and community volunteers engaged in the campaign. He stressed that sustained efforts are essential to maintain momentum and achieve the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis. The Commissioner Secretary, H&ME, M.Raju took this occasion to present the detailed overview of the achievements, challenges and future action plans under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan being implemented across the districts of J&K. The Commissioner Secretary apprised the meeting that Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as one of the best performing regions in the country under the ongoing 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Campaign, securing 2nd rank among States and Union Territories under Phase-II of the national campaign launched on March 24, 2026. The Chief Secretary was apprised that J&K has achieved notable success in several critical indicators, including vulnerable population screening, presumptive TB testing, TB notification, drug-resistant TB detection, differentiated TB care, nutritional support and community participation through Nikshay Mitras. The MD, NHM, Akriti Sagar presented that over 2.45 lakh vulnerable individuals have been screened during the ongoing campaign, while 70 percent of the enrolled vulnerable population has undergone X-ray examination, surpassing the national benchmark. She further added that the UT has also recorded 90 percent utilisation of NAAT-based molecular diagnostic testing, ensuring faster and more accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis cases. The review further revealed that J&K has maintained strong performance in TB case detection, with 4,472 TB cases notified during the first five months of 2026, representing about 40 percent of the annual target. The programme has also strengthened presumptive TB testing, recording over 2.52 lakh tests across the Union Territory during the current year. It was noted that more than 2,100 TB patients have received Poshan Kits during the current year under community support initiatives, while the number of registered Nikshay Mitras has increased to over 13,100 reflecting growing societal participation in supporting TB patients. The Chief Secretary was informed that 1,504 TB patients have been assessed under Differentiated TB Care, ensuring personalised treatment and management based on disease severity and associated vulnerabilities. Moreover, it was highlighted that significant improvement has also been registered in TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) coverage, which increased from 7 percent during Phase-I to 34 percent during Phase-II, indicating better protection of household contacts and other high-risk groups from developing active tuberculosis. Emphasising that tuberculosis elimination requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, he urged all departments, district administrations, civil society organisations and volunteers to actively contribute towards the goal of making Jammu & Kashmir TB-Mukht in the days to come.
Democrat Senators ask Trump not to extend sanction waiver on Russian oil
WASHINGTON: Two Democratic Senators have urged President Donald Trump against granting any further exemption from US sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil, contending that there is no rationale for such a move, as the war with Iran is now over. In a statement here on Tuesday, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren said the []
Union MoS Ajay Tamta reviews J&K highway projects
Highlights 12-year infrastructure overhaul JAMMU: Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways Ajay Tamta concluded a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with an extensive inspection of key national highway projects, followed by a high-level review meeting at the Jammu Convention Centre on Monday. During his visit, MoS Tamtatraveled the entire []
Govt committed to preservation of Kashmirs houseboat heritage: Rana
MLAs raise constituency specific concerns SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed towards protecting and preserving the treasured houseboat heritage of Kashmir. He made these remarks during a meeting with the All Kashmir []
Public outreach integral part of transparent governance: Itoo
JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday met several public delegations and individuals at Civil Secretariat here and listened to a wide range of public issues and developmental concerns raised by them. The delegations, representing different areas and sections of society, apprised the Minister of matters pertaining []
SANJY: DC Sgr visits Yatra Transit Camp Panthachowk
Finalizes arrangements for smooth conduct of upcoming Yatra SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Tuesday undertook a site visit of Yatra Transit Camp (YTC) at Panthachowk to oversee the arrangements being put in place for the Yatries expected to participate in upcoming annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY-2026) set to begin in July. During []
CS finalises arrangements for grand celebration of Intl Day of Yoga across J&K
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY)-2026, scheduled for June 21, 2026, with the theme Yoga for Healthy Ageing. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner Secretaries of H&ME, YS&S, Social Welfare, School Education; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir; and other concerned officers. []
Speaker visits accident site in Brenwar, assesses road situation
Assures in-depth investigation of incident, road upgradation BUDGAM: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday visited Neegoo Brenwar, Chadoora, the site of a recent fatal accident, to assess the situation and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. During the visit, the Speaker met the bereaved families and conveyed his sympathies, []
IUST crosses 113 patents as Bharat Innovates 2026 begins
AWANTIPORA: As the nation celebrates Bharat Innovates 2026 at Nice, France, IUST has crossed the significant milestone of 113 patents, reflecting the Universitys growing culture of innovation, creativity, and translational research. Bharat Innovates 2026 aims to showcase Indias innovation and deep-tech capabilities to the world by connecting Indian startups, and global partners to accelerate technology []
Beggar-free Srinagar: Admin intensifies SMILE drive
700 individuals rescued, over 1,500 identified Admin, SWD, police collab to curb begging Srinagar, Jun 16: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified its drive to curb begging practice under the central governments Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme, aimed at making Srinagar beggar-free through rehabilitation and livelihood support measures. Under the initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,the district administration of Srinagar,Social Welfare Department and Police have jointlystarted the effective implementation ofthe scheme to ensure a dignified livelihood for beggars. In this regard,vehicles have been deployed tomake announcements throughout the markets, streets and residential areas regarding the begging practices. One such vehicle was seen moving around Lal Chowk today while making announcements. As per the announcement, the people have been asked not to endorse begging practices by giving alms and also report such practices to the concerned authorities for immediate action. An official told Rising Kashmir that the scheme launched by the central government aims to make the whole of India beggar-free, with theslogan Biksha Vritti Mukt Bharat has been rolled out in Srinagar as well by roping insocial welfare, police, and administration to effectively implement the scheme. Under this scheme, we havebeen able to rescuenearly 700 such individuals and identified more than1500 throughoutSrinagar district, who were involved in begging practice in the last twoyears,he said. After being rescued, the individuals are being imparted training and skills through the livelihood schemes to make them able to earn a dignified livelihood, the official said, adding that the efforts are on to make Srinagar a beggar-free district, but at this juncture, the society needs to support and help to identify such individuals to ensure the dignified livelihood for beggars. The SMILE scheme provides counselling, shelter, food, holistic rehabilitation, medical care, education, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for individuals engaged in begging. The umbrella scheme is divided into two major sub-schemes tailored to specific communities, including the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons and the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Central Sector Sub Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars, which focuses on conducting area-specific surveys and rescue operations in identified locations, particularly historical, tourist and pilgrimage destinations. Under the scheme, individuals engaged in begging are identified and shifted to shelter homes where they are provided care and support services. The programme also emphasises rehabilitation through counselling, education and skill development, enabling rescued individuals to transition towards sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship and dignified employment opportunities. In addition, the scheme encourages the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) among beneficiaries and facilitates their linkage with government-backed micro-credit and financial inclusion programmes to support long-term economic independence. The scheme was introduced in August 2024 and implemented through the national-level organisation Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre.
e-UNNAT emerges backbone of J&K's digital governance
Handles over 8.46 mn citizen applications; nearly 7.48 mn already processed Srinagar, Jun 16: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a major feat under the flagship e-governance platform, Unified, Integrated, Accessible and Transparent (e-UNNAT), by processing more than 7.47 million citizen applications while offering 1,548 online services across departments. According to the latest data accessed by Rising Kashmir, J&K has received over 8.46 million applications since its launch, of which nearly 7.48 million have already been processed. Around 9.84 lakh applications are currently under process, reflecting the growing reliance of citizens on digital service delivery. The Union Territory has expanded its digital footprint by increasing online services from around 60 to 1,546 in three years. These services are seamlessly integrated with national platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, Meri Pehchaan, Mobile Dost, payment gateways, and the Rapid Assessment System, ensuring transparency, speed and ease of access. Thefigures underscore the rapid expansion of Jammu and Kashmir's digital governance ecosystem, with e-UNNAT emerging as a single-window platform for accessing a wide range of government services. The portal was launched to provide seamless, transparent and time-bound delivery of public services while reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. Data on certificate delivery also highlights significant progress under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA). As per the dashboard, 27.39 lakh certificates were delivered within the prescribed timelines, while 2.25 lakh were delivered within seven days beyond the PSGA limit. Another 1.58 lakh certificates were issued within 15 days after the deadline, whereas 8.31 lakh certificates were delivered beyond 15 days of the stipulated period. According to the officials, the platform has transformed citizen-government interaction by integrating services from multiple departments under a single digital interface. Jammu and Kashmir has consistently expanded the number of services available online through the e-UNNAT portal as part of the broader Digital J&K initiative. The latest statistics indicate continued growth in digital adoption and reflect the administration's push towards transparent, accountable and technology-driven governance in the Union Territory.
NEET (UG) re-exam: Telegram blocked in India till Jun 22
Message editing disabled till Jun 30 Re-examination on Jun 21 NTA welcomes Centres action Srinagar, Jun 16: The Central government has ordered a temporary block on Telegram in India till June 22 and directed the platform to disable its message editing feature for existing posts till June 30, following recommendations made by the National Testing Agency (NTA) ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21. The move has also led to the Telegram app being removed from the Google Play Store in India, adding to the restrictions imposed ahead of the examination. In a statement issued on Monday, the NTA welcomed the action, saying the measures are calibrated and bounded in time and aimed at ensuring the safe and secure conduct of the examination. According to the agency, a direction issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricts access to the Telegram platform in India for a defined and limited period ending June 22, 2026. The restriction covers the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The NTA further said Telegram has been directed to disable, in India, the message editing feature for messages already posted until June 30, 2026. The agency alleged that the feature had been used to fabricate after-the-event paper leak evidence related to national examinations. The direction addresses the specific structural feature through which the platform has been used to fabricate after the event 'paper leak' evidence in respect of national examinations, the statement said. The NTA said both measures have been taken in the interest of public order and in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets seeking to defraud candidates appearing in the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination. The examination is scheduled to be held on June 21, 2026. The NTA also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for what it described as timely action, saying the restrictions would help ensure a safe and secure examination process for students across the country.
Omar lays foundation for two Srinagar STPs
Rs 26.54 crore project to improve wastewater treatment, prevent pollution Srinagar, Jun 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two major sewerage infrastructure projects in Srinagar worth Rs 26.54 crore, aimed at strengthening wastewater treatment facilities and improving urban sanitation in the city. The projects include the augmentation and upgradation of the 17.08 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Brarinambal, Srinagar, at a cost of Rs 12 crore, and the construction of a 2.5 MLD capacity STP along with laying of 3.95 kilometres of sewer lines at Chattabal, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of Rs 14.54 crore. Both projects are being executed under the Capex Programme by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), Kashmir, under the Housing & Urban Development Department. The Chief Minister said that strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly sewerage and wastewater treatment systems, remains a key priority of the government to ensure sustainable development and improved quality of life for citizens. He emphasized that the projects would significantly enhance sewage treatment capacity, improve environmental conditions, and contribute towards the conservation of water bodies in and around Srinagar. The Brarinambal project will upgrade the existing sewage treatment infrastructure to improve efficiency and cater to the growing wastewater management requirements of the city. The Chattabal project, comprising a new STP and an extensive sewer network, is expected to provide improved sanitation facilities to the area and help prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into water channels. The foundation stone laying ceremonies were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Shamim Firdous, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Tanvir Sadiq, and Salman Ali Sagar, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, senior officers of the department, and local residents. The projects are expected to play a significant role in enhancing Srinagars urban infrastructure and promoting environmentally sustainable wastewater management practices.
Drugs in Teens Part 3 : Scorpio, 420, Weed: How Kashmir's drug peddlers speak in code
PROBLEM Srinagar emerging as drug peddling hub Vulnerable teenagers becoming consumers & carriers SOLUTION Early intervention, school-based counselling systems Schools, parents must understand drug language, digital culture Srinagar, Jun 16: Scorpio, Ice, Gold Star, Weed and 420 may sound like harmless slang or teenage jargon to many parents, but a new research study has revealed that these coded words are increasingly becoming part of Kashmirs underground drug culture, silently connecting peddlers with school-going children and young addicts across the Valley. The alarming findingshave surfaced in a detailed study conducted by Dr Sameena Wani, presently Principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh, Srinagar and submitted to DIET Srinagar, whichexamines the growing causes and manifestations of drug abuse among school children in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the study, drug dealers and users are increasingly relying on coded street names to conceal conversations related to narcotics from families, teachers and law enforcement agencies. Experts believe this evolving drug vocabulary has made the menace more difficult to identify, particularly among teenagers who communicate freely through social media platforms, online chats and peer networks. The report warns that the Valleys drug ecosystem is no longer operating in secrecy aloneit is slowly blending into youth culture through slang, coded expressions and online communication patterns that often escape parental scrutiny. Researchers cited in the study note that drugs are being marketed and discussed among teenagers using terms that sound casual and harmless. The strategy, according to experts, not only protects peddlers from detection but also normalises drug culture among adolescents. The study further reveals that the age of substance abuse in Kashmir is dropping at an alarming rate, with children as young as 10 to 13 years reportedly getting introduced to cannabis, inhalants and other narcotics through peer groups and neighbourhood networks. Mental health experts quoted in the report attribute the growing addiction crisis to a mix of peer pressure, emotional distress, unemployment, broken family relationships, conflict-related trauma and increasing exposure to social media and internet culture. The findings also indicate that many teenagers initially experiment with substances out of curiosity or under pressure from friends before gradually slipping into addiction. In several cases, local grocery shops, acquaintances and informal street networks reportedly become the first points of access to narcotics, the study reads. It paints a disturbing picture of changing drug patterns in Kashmir. While cannabis and medicinal opioids earlier dominated the addiction landscape, heroin, brown sugar, synthetic substances and inhalants are now rapidly spreading among youth populations. Experts cited in the research warn that Srinagar city is increasingly emerging as a hub of drug peddling, where vulnerable teenagers are not only becoming consumers but, in some cases, also turning into carriers and small-time suppliers within their own peer circles. Dr Wani, through her research, has strongly advocated for early intervention, school-based counselling systems and awareness programmes to counter the menace before it consumes another generation of Kashmirs youth. The study stresses that schools, parents and communities must understand the new language, behaviour patterns and digital culture surrounding narcotics if they are to effectively identify vulnerable students and stop the spread of addiction. The report concludes with a stark warning that Kashmirs battle against drugs can no longer remain limited to police crackdowns alone, as the menace is now infiltrating language, culture, friendships and the everyday lives of adolescents across the Valley.
Trust key to global partnerships: PM Modi at G7
India follows humanity first approach Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam our vision Evian (France), Jun 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underscored the importance of rust in building international partnerships and reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive global development during the Outreach Session of the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need for greater cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world during the G7 Outreach Session on the theme of Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity. PM Narendra Modi participated in the Outreach Session on 'Forging new Partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity' at the G7 Summit. PM underscored the importance of 'trust' in building international partnerships, especially in an increasingly interconnected world, the MEA post read. The Prime Minister stressed that global cooperation should evolve beyond the traditional donor-recipient framework and instead be based on solidarity and equality. According to the MEA, PM Modi highlighted India's humanity first approach, reflected in several international initiatives spearheaded by the country, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFe and the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' campaign. He said that the world should move from donor-recipient to partnerships based on solidarity and equality, the post read. PM highlighted that India has always followed a 'humanity first' approach reflected in India-led International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFe and Ek Ped Maa ke Naam initiatives, it added. The Prime Minister also noted that India's approach to international engagement is rooted in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or he world is one family', further reiterating India's commitment to supporting equitable and sustainable progress at the global level. India's vision of international partnership is rooted in the timeless philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the world is one family. PM conveyed that India remains firmly committed to advancing sustainable and inclusive global development, it added. PM Modi had arrived in the French city earlier on Tuesday to attend the high-profile gathering, following an official invitation from the French President. This special invitation marks India's 13th appearance at the summit as a partner nation, alongside being the seventh consecutive time the Prime Minister is participating in the global forum. Prior to the session, PM Modi and US President Donald Trump held a brief interaction following the traditional family photograph on the second day of the summit. Visuals from the summit showed Prime Minister Modi briefly interacting with the US President as leaders gathered after the official group photo at the venue of the high-level meeting. Both leaders had a handshake, with Trump patting PM Modi on his arm. The meeting between PM Modi and the US President was their first face-to-face interaction since PM's visit to Washington in February last year. The Prime Minister and the US President also sat side by side at the G7 outreach session. Prime Minister Modi, upon his arrival at the summit venue, was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron, following which the Prime Minister joined leaders of the G7 member nations and invited countries for the customary family photograph. Captured in the iconic frame alongside PM Modi were key world leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Beyond these collective sessions, the Prime Minister's itinerary is packed with high-level diplomacy on the sidelines of the event, where he is slated to hold a series of crucial bilateral meetings with global counterparts, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Adding to this intense diplomatic schedule, a highly anticipated bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump is also on the cards for 17 June, which the White House confirmed will focus heavily on advancing the proposed India-US trade agreement.
84th SDA Board meet: CM Omar reviews urban infra, housing, land management projects
Planned dev of Batmaloo; Sangarmal Shopping Centre to be made fully functional Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired the 84th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) here at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken in the previous Board meeting and considered []
CM lays foundation stones for two major sewerage infra projects in Sgr
Projects worth over 26.5 crore to strengthen wastewater management, improve urban sanitation Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two major sewerage infrastructure projects in Srinagar aimed at strengthening wastewater treatment facilities and improving urban sanitation in the city. The projects include the augmentation and upgradation of the 17.08 MLD []
CM meets legislators, reviews issues, dev needs
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday met several public representatives at the Civil Secretariat here and listened to their concerns, suggestions and issues requiring government attention. The Chief Minister met Legislators Iftikhar Ahmad (Rajouri), Rafiq Ahmad Naik (Tral), Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi (Pampore), Javed Reyaz Bedar (Pattan), Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh (Langate), Arjun Singh Raju []
India follows humanity first approach: PM Modi to G7 leaders
World should move from donor-recipient to partnerships based on solidarity, equality Evian-les-Bains: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the G7 leaders that the world should move from donor-recipient to partnerships based on solidarity and equality. Speaking at the Outreach Session on Forging new Partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity here, Modi also underscored the importance []
Health Ministry amends Drugs Rules, 1945
Over-the-counter sale of syrups discontinued to curb misuse Doctors prescription now mandatory for purchase of all syrups Srinagar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening drug regulation and promoting the rational use of medicines, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, making it mandatory for []
ED summons nine hoteliers under PMLA in land transaction irregularities probe
Grand Mumtaz & Radisson owner Mushtaq Chaya among those summoned Bank accounts, assets, rev records, lease deeds, Roshni Act applications sought Srinagar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned nine prominent Gulmarg hoteliers, including Grand Mumtaz and Radisson Group owner Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai alias Chaya, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with []
Kashmir to Host Rise in J&K 2026 Exhibition from Today
Srinagar, June 16: Srinagar will host a three-day national exhibition and public outreach initiative, Rise in Jammu & Kashmir 2026 Building the Path Towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047, from June 17 to 19 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). Announcing the event at a press conference on Monday, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Ali Khatana said the exhibition is aimed at highlighting Indias developmental progress and Jammu and Kashmirs growing role in the countrys vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Organised by Tarmeh Events under the guidance of Khatana, the exhibition will bring together public sector enterprises, scientific institutions, government departments and development agencies on a common platform. Khatana said the initiative seeks to connect citizensparticularly youth, students, entrepreneurs, researchers and professionalswith institutions driving development across sectors including infrastructure, science and technology, healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, environment and public service delivery. He said the exhibition will also create awareness about flagship government programmes, technological advancements and innovation while encouraging public participation in nation-building. According to the organisers, the event will feature thematic pavilions, technology demonstrations, interactive displays, awareness campaigns and opportunities for direct engagement between institutions and visitors. Several organisations, including NHPC, BIS, ICMR, ISRO, CSIR, ICAR, APEDA, Northern Railway, IRCTC, POWERGRID, NTPC, REC, TRIFED, NAFED and other public sector and research bodies, are expected to participate. The organisers said the event is expected to attract students, entrepreneurs, policymakers and members of the public from across Jammu and Kashmir.
Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan: Sgr Police attach drug peddlers properties worth over 4 crore
Srinagar: Continuing its dedicated efforts to combat drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police has attached immovable properties worth 1.5 crore belonging to two notorious drug peddlers, under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. At Police Station Batamaloo, authorities exercised powers under Section 68F(1) read with Section 68E of []
4 soldiers injured in accidental landmine blast in Rajouri
Rajouri/Jammu: Four Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were injured in an explosion near the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said. The blast was caused by accidental activation of a landmine during area domination patrol by Army personnel in forward Kalal area of Nowshera sector, the []
CS calls for accelerating efforts towards making TB-Free J&K
Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the ongoing Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to assess the progress achieved across the Union Territory and chart out a strategy for accelerating efforts towards tuberculosis elimination. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME); Mission Director, []
Statehood Demand Should Unite J&K Parties : Hakeem Yaseen
Srinagar, June 16: PDF President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday said that all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the ruling party planning to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar for restoration of statehood, should first introspect and adopt a united approach instead of pursuing separate political agendas. Hakeem questioned the need for separate protests when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raised the issue of statehood. He said the restoration of statehood has already been publicly promised by Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the floor of Parliament. Every party is demanding statehood, but each is following its own path. Why cant all political parties come together and form a joint political front for Jammu and Kashmir, similar to the collective approach adopted by Ladakh to safeguard its interests? Hakeem said. Referring to Ladakhs political mobilisation around constitutional safeguards under Article 371, Hakeem said Ladakh, despite having a much smaller population, has managed to secure stronger protections and bargaining power than Jammu and Kashmir. He said the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir is not the result of one party alone. BJP is not the only party responsible. Other political parties that ruled Jammu and Kashmir from 1953 onwards also bear responsibility for the gradual erosion of our constitutional and political rights, he said. Hakeem added that from the dismissal of popular governments in 1953, the weakening of the Prime Minister and Sadr-i-Riyasat institutions, to the continued erosion of Article 370, the damage to Jammu and Kashmir happened over decades due to vested political interests.
Bukhari Expresses Concern Over Detentions Across Valley
Welcomes Political, Social Activists from Tral into Party Srinagar, June 16: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday voiced deep concern over what he described as the ongoing pakad-dhakad in various areas across the Valley. He said that since Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing sustained peace and normalcy for a considerable period, there is no justification for such random arrests. He also reiterated his long-standing demand for amnesty for detainees, saying that justice must prevail and that those who have been behind bars for many years should be given an opportunity to live a normal life with their families. The Apni Party chief made these remarks on Tuesday while addressing a party event at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to extend a warm welcome to dozens of political and social activists from South Kashmirs Tral area into the Apni Party fold. These new entrants, including both men and women, were previously affiliated with parties such as the NC, PDP, and Congress. Bukhari and other senior party leaders warmly welcomed the new members during the event. Addressing the occasion, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari strongly reiterated his demand for the release of detainees. I have consistently conveyed to the administration and the government, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister that it is imperative to consider granting them amnesty. I say this because I firmly believe that these prisoners deserve to be pardoned. he said. He further added, Except for those involved in heinous crimes, all detainees must be released. Even those accused of serious crimes deserve a fair trial so that they can be punished in accordance with the law of the land, and not beyond it. he said. Referring to the Apni Partys vision, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, Before the 2024 Assembly elections, we had promised that, if we came to power, we would announce an amnesty for prisoners. We had proposed setting 31 October 2024 as the cut-off date for such an initiative. We would have released detainees upon their oath to shun their earlier path and remain loyal to the country and the nation. However, we did not receive the mandate. Emphasising that the issues and challenges facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir can only be resolved within the framework of the country and not through any external force, he said, We are citizens of this country. Since 1947, our destiny has been tied to it. Therefore, the redressal of our problems and issues will come from this country, not from Islamabad, Washington, London, or any other place. We may have grievances and demands, but they can and should be addressed by our own country, not by anyone else. The prominent among the new entrants included Mohammad Shahban, Molvi Imtiyaz, Nazir Ahmad Gojar, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Suhail Ahmad, Ishtiyaq Ahmad, Abdullah Gojar, Jumma Gojar and others. They joined the Apni Party along with their teams and associates.
Gurezi Chairs Estimates Committee Meeting
Srinagar, June, 16: A meeting of the Committee on Estimates of the Legislative Assembly was held on Tuesday at the Assembly Secretariat under the Chairmanship of MLA, Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi). Legislators Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Balwant Singh Mankotia, AIi Mohammad Dar, Javid Hassan Baig, Mushtaq Guroo, Irshad Rasool Kar, Sajad Shaheen, Sunil Bhardwaj, besides Secretary JKLA Manoj Kumar Pandit, DG Budget Mohd Sultan Malik and other senior officers of the Legislative Assembly were present in the meeting. While addressing the introductory meeting, the Chairman briefed the members about the core mandate and vital importance of the Committee. He emphasized that the panel's primary role includes the meticulous examination of original and revised estimates, as well as tracking the actual expenditure incurred on various developmental projects across the region to ensure accountability and fiscal discipline. To streamline its oversight function, the Committee decided to call a meeting with the senior officers of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department in its next session. The upcoming meeting will specifically examine the current status, funding, and progress of all languishing and ongoing developmental projects under the department's purview. During the meeting, the participating members offered valuable suggestions aimed at maximizing the Committee's efficiency. They assured the Chairman of their full cooperation and support in ensuring the smooth and impactful functioning of the Committee.
Public Outreach Key to Transparent Governance: Sakeena Itoo
Meets public delegations, individuals at Jammu Reaffirms Govts commitment to responsive Governance Jammu, June 16: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today met several public delegations and individuals at Civil Secretariat here and listened to a wide range of public issues and developmental concerns raised by them. The delegations, representing different areas and sections of society, apprised the Minister of matters pertaining to healthcare services, education, social welfare initiatives, civic amenities and local infrastructure. Individual citizens also projected issues requiring timely administrative intervention and sought appropriate redressal. Giving a patient hearing to all the representations, the Minister assured the visiting delegations and individuals that their genuine concerns would be examined on priority and taken up with the concerned departments for necessary action. Public outreach remains an integral part of transparent and accountable governance as sustained engagement with citizens helps in identifying and addressing grassroots issues effectively, Sakeena Itoo stated. The Minister reiterated the Governments commitment to ensuring equitable development, efficient public service delivery and welfare-oriented governance across Jammu and Kashmir She stressed that coordinated efforts among departments are being encouraged to resolve public grievances in a prompt and effective manner. The Minister also urged the officers concerned to maintain close coordination with stakeholders and ensure that developmental initiatives and welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner.
CM Omar Meets Legislators, Reviews Constituency Issues
Srinagar, June, 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday met several public representatives at the Civil Secretariat here and listened to their concerns, suggestions and issues requiring government attention. The Chief Minister met Legislators Iftikhar Ahmad (Rajouri), Rafiq Ahmad Naik (Tral), Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi (Pampore), Javed Reyaz Bedar (Pattan), Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh (Langate), Arjun Singh Raju (Ramban) and Ghulam Ahmad Mir (Dooru), who apprised him of various developmental needs, public welfare issues and constituency-specific matters. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the public representatives and assured them that the issues and concerns raised would be examined and addressed in a time-bound manner.
Sharma Reviews Muharram Preparations in Srinagar
Emphasizes timely completion of essential works Srinagar, June 16: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Tuesday undertook an extensive tour of several areas in Srinagar city to assess the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming Muharram observances. The visit was aimed to ensure that all the requisite civic and infrastructural facilities are made available to the public well in advance. The Minister was accompanied by MLA Zadaibal, Tanvir Sadiq, senior officers of the District administration and officials from various line departments during the inspection. The Minister visited the interior areas of Dal like Mir Bahari, Meena Bazar, Moti Mohalla, Batt Mohalla, Gucchi Mohalla,besides Kathidarwaza, Madin Sahib, Tibetan Colony, Butt Colony and Mandibal. He took stock of the ongoing works and reviewed the preparedness of various departments responsible for providing essential services during the holy month. During the visit, Satish Sharma conducted on-the-spot inspection of civic infrastructure and reviewed the arrangements related to street lighting, sanitation, drainage, drinking water supply, road connectivity, cleanliness drives and other public utility services. He directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination and adopt a proactive approach to ensure that all facilities are put in place in a timely manner. The Minister also reviewed the preparedness of the Power Development Department (PDD) and the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED). He emphasized the need for uninterrupted electricity and water supply during Muharram. He instructed the concerned officials to identify and address any deficiencies immediately and ensure round-the-clock monitoring of essential services during the observance period. At various locations, the Minister interacted with the local residents, community representatives and members of Muharram committees, who apprised him of their concerns and requirements. He assured them that the government remains committed to facilitating the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram and that all genuine issues raised during the visit would be addressed on priority. The Minister also visited the historic Imambara at Madina Sahib, where he inspected the arrangements being made for devotees and mourners. He directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper sanitation, adequate lighting, drinking water facilities and hassle-free movement of people around the religious site. MLA Zadaibal Tanvir Sadiq highlighted several locality-specific issues and urged the concerned departments to expedite the pending works. Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma underscored the significance of Muharram. He said that ensuring adequate civic amenities and public services during important religious occasions remains a top priority of the government. The administration and all the concerned departments must work in close coordination to ensure that the required arrangements are completed within the stipulated timeframe. Every effort should be made to provide seamless services and create an enabling environment for peaceful observance of Muharram, the Minister said. The accompanying officers assured the Minister that all directions issued during the inspection would be implemented promptly and that pending issues identified during the visit would be resolved on priority.
Navjot Singh Sidhu visits Kashmir with family
Meets Abdullahs and Karan Singh Srinagar, June 16: Former Indian cricketer, television personality and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is currently on a family vacation in Kashmir, sharing glimpses of his visit through a series of posts on social media that celebrate the valleys beauty, hospitality and political leadership. During his stay in Srinagar, Sidhu called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence. Sharing a photograph from the meeting, Sidhu described Abdullah as the torch bearer of the great Sheikh Abdullahs legacy. The shining example of what a fearless and credible modern-day politician should be. The valley whispers peace and the mountains echo progress under his leadership, Sidhu wrote on his social media accounts. The former Punjab minister also met National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, thanking him for facilitating the familys trip to Kashmir. Calling Abdullah a colossus of Indian politics, Sidhu wrote, He has the courage to speak truthfully and is a genuinely secular voice of the people of Kashmir. Sidhu also met veteran statesman Karan Singh during his visit. Posting a video of the interaction, he referred to Karan Singh as the Grand Old Man of Indian Politics. Apart from political engagements, Sidhu and his family explored some of Kashmirs iconic attractions. Sharing visuals from blueberry and plum orchards overlooking the famed Dal Lake, he captioned the post: Walking the talk in the blueberry and plum orchards overlooking the Dal Lake. The former cricketer also posted photographs of his daughter, Rabiaa Sidhu, enjoying the scenic beauty of the valley. Our heart and soul, sunshine of our lives, pride of our family... my adorable princess, he wrote alongside one of the pictures. In another post featuring a family photograph taken in Srinagar, Sidhu reflected on the memorable moments spent together, writing, Good times to remember, memories to cherish and treasure. Capturing the essence of his Kashmir visit, Sidhu described the valley as paradise on earth, stating, God created Paradise and named it Kashmir - Jannat-e-Duniya. Earlier, upon arriving in the valley, Sidhu had posted, Mountains calling... family time, signalling the beginning of what appears to be a leisurely family holiday amid Kashmirs picturesque landscapes. His posts, highlighting both personal moments and meetings with prominent political leaders, have drawn attention from followers across the country, showcasing Kashmirs natural beauty and the growing influx of tourists to the region.
DPRs Underway for 3,500 Cr Amarnath Road Project
Union MoS Ajay Tamta reviews J&K highway projects Four-hour JammuSrinagar travel target as major highway works progress Jammu, June 16: Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta concluded his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday after reviewing progress on key National Highway projects and chairing a high-level meeting in Jammu. During the review, officials informed that detailed project reports (DPRs) are being prepared for around 60 km of road works worth 3,500 crore aimed at strengthening infrastructure for the Amarnath Yatra and boosting tourism in the region. It was informed in the meeting that Pilgrimage and tourism infrastructure has also received attention. The 880-crore Katra Intermodal Station will integrate rail, road and heli-services for devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Additionally, 54 ropeway proposals worth 30,000 crore have been received, with eight projects worth 16,000 crore to be taken up in the first phase at sites including Shri Amarnath Ji Cave, Shankaracharya Temple, Thajiwas Glacier, Bhadarwah, Sanasar and Doodhpathri. During the visit, the MoS travelled the entire SrinagarJammu section of NH-44, inspecting the QazigundBanihal and ChenaniNashri tunnels, the landslide-prone RambanBanihal stretch and the ongoing Srinagar and Jammu Ring Road projects being executed by NHAI. He also assessed the ChenaniSudhmahadev stretch and the proposed SudhmahadevDranga tunnel alignment under NHIDCL. Senior officials from NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, PWD and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways briefed the minister on ongoing and upcoming projects across Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting infrastructure expansion in the region, Tamta said highway development has accelerated over the past decade, with works worth nearly 1.35 lakh crore taken up. According to officials, projects worth 20,000 crore have been completed, while works worth 50,000 crore remain under construction and DPRs are being prepared for another 65,000 crore. Officials said the 16,000-crore JammuUdhampurSrinagar four-lane corridor has achieved 95 per cent progress and is expected to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar from nearly nine hours to around four hours upon completion. The review also covered four high-speed corridors worth 50,000 crore and urban mobility projects including the Srinagar and Jammu Ring Roads, aimed at improving connectivity, tourism access and economic movement across the region. Tamta directed implementing agencies to adhere to timelines while maintaining quality and safety standards, stating that improved connectivity would strengthen tourism, pilgrimage, trade and overall socio-economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pension Reforms Expand Reach in J&K After UT Transition: Jitendra Singh
Inaugurates 59th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop DoPPW, J&K Bank sign MoU to expand pension-related services Srinagar, June, 16:- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said that the governance and pension reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 12 years are reaching a wider section of employees and pensioners in Jammu & Kashmir following the transition of the erstwhile State into a Union Territory. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir led to a significant increase in the number of Central Government employees in the region, bringing with it certain initial workload and service-delivery challenges. These challenges, he said, have been progressively resolved through coordinated efforts of the Government and associated institutions, enabling employees and pensioners across the Union Territory to derive the benefits of the pension reforms introduced during the last ten years. Dr. Jitendra Singh made a special mention of the role played by the Jammu & Kashmir Central Pensioners Associations, saying they have emerged as valuable partners in this transition. He said the Associations have not only extended full cooperation but have consistently brought issues to the notice of the Government along with practical suggestions for their resolution. Their constructive engagement, he said, has helped facilitate the transition of erstwhile State employees into the Central Government framework and contributed to the effective implementation of pension reforms across Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister said that as a result, pensioners and employees in Jammu & Kashmir are now increasingly benefiting from a series of citizen-centric initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the wider reach of pension reforms that have transformed the pension administration landscape across the country over the last decade. Addressing the 59th Pre-Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshop and 13th Bankers Awareness Programme organised by the Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Government has fundamentally changed the approach towards pensioners by placing their welfare, dignity and ease of living at the centre of policy making. On the occasion, the Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare and Jammu & Kashmir Bank launched a collaborative initiative aimed at expanding pension-related services and improving accessibility for pensioners across the Union Territory. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Bhavishya platform has brought about a major change in pension administration by enabling end-to-end digitisation of pension processing. Pension Payment Orders are now integrated with DigiLocker, ensuring seamless, paperless and transparent access to pension documents for retirees. Referring to one of the most successful reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modis governance agenda, the Minister said the introduction of Digital Life Certificates through Face Authentication Technology has transformed the lives of pensioners by allowing them to submit life certificates from their homes using mobile phones. He said the initiative has significantly enhanced ease of living for senior citizens and reduced their dependence on physical visits to banks and offices. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Government has also strengthened grievance redressal through CPENGRAMS, thematic review mechanisms and National Pension Adalats, enabling faster resolution of pension-related grievances. The Minister said that the Government has consistently worked to preserve institutional memory and encourage continued engagement of retiring employees through the Anubhav platform. He said retiring employees are encouraged to share their experiences, innovations and best practices, creating a valuable repository of knowledge for future generations of public servants. He also welcomed the launch of the Anubhav Scheme 2026, aimed at recognising exemplary contributions made by retiring government employees. Calling upon retiring employees to remain active participants in Indias development journey, Dr. Jitendra Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised that every citizen has a role in the making of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Senior citizens and pensioners, with their vast experience and wisdom, have an equally important role in this national mission, he added.
Doctors Protest Over Six-Month Stipend Delay
Srinagar, June 16: Postgraduate (PG), DNB and Diploma doctors in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the non-payment of stipends for the past six months despite continuing to provide essential healthcare services in government hospitals. Doctors posted at District Hospital Pulwama and Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Shopian alleged that they have not received their stipends during this period, causing significant financial hardship and affecting their day-to-day lives. A group of doctors at District Hospital Pulwama held a peaceful protest on Tuesday, demanding the immediate release of their long-pending dues. The protesting doctors said they have continued to discharge their duties round the clock while facing mounting financial stress due to the delay in payments. We have been suffering because of the prolonged delay in the release of our stipends, which is our rightful entitlement. Despite working tirelessly for patients, our concerns have remained unaddressed, said a doctor at District Hospital Pulwama, requesting anonymity. The doctors said the delay has created difficulties in managing rent, transportation expenses and other essential financial commitments. They appealed to the authorities to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest. Meanwhile, prominent health activist Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan also expressed concern over the situation and urged the government to address the issue without further delay. Postgraduate, DNB and Diploma doctors continue to serve patients day and night, yet many have not received their stipends for the last six months. These young doctors form the backbone of healthcare services in many hospitals, and such delays are unacceptable, Dr. Khan said. He urged the Chief Minister, Health Minister and the concerned authorities to immediately release the pending stipends and ensure that doctors are not forced to struggle for their rightful dues while serving the public. Dr. Khan emphasized that timely payment of stipends is essential for maintaining the morale and motivation of young doctors and for ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that prolonged delays could adversely affect the functioning of healthcare institutions and called for a mechanism to ensure timely disbursement of stipends in the future. The protesting doctors expressed hope that the government would take swift action and resolve the issue to prevent further hardship to healthcare professionals dedicated to serving patients across the Union Territory.
Kheer Bhawani Reflects Kashmirs Composite Culture: Karan Singh
Tulmulla, June 16: Former Sadr-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir and senior Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh on Tuesday said that the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla Ganderbal continues to symbolize Kashmir's rich spiritual heritage and centuries-old tradition of communal harmony, while expressing hope for peace across the world and welcoming the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. After paying obeisance at the shrine ahead of the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for devotees. He appreciated the efforts of the shrine management and the administration in ensuring a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for worshippers visiting the temple. Speaking to reporters, Dr. Singh said that Kheer Bhawani and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra are among the most significant religious pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled his own visit to the holy Amarnath cave in 1953, highlighting how the pilgrimage has grown over the decades from attracting a few thousand devotees to lakhs of pilgrims every year. He described the spiritual connection between the Kheer Bhawani shrine and the Amarnath Yatra, noting that many pilgrims visit both revered shrines during their stay in Kashmir. Mata Kheer Bhawani and Lord Shiva represent an important spiritual bond, making these pilgrimages deeply significant for devotees, he said. Dr. Singh also emphasized the importance of praying for peace at a time when conflicts and instability in different parts of the world continue to create uncertainty. He said that while India remains on a positive path, global tensions have implications for everyone and therefore prayers for peace and harmony are essential. We pray to the Goddess for peace in the world. The developments taking place internationally are concerning and affect all of us in one way or another. We hope the situation improves and peace prevails, he said.
Preparations Underway for Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela
Ganderbal, June 16: Preparations are underway at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, ahead of the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela scheduled to be held on June 22. Although the festival is still days away, devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and outside the Union Territory have already started visiting the shrine to offer prayers and witness the arrangements being made for the annual pilgrimage. Authorities have intensified preparations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for pilgrims expected to arrive in large numbers for the mela. Security arrangements are being strengthened in and around the shrine premises, with deployment plans being finalized to maintain law and order during the festival. Officials said that special focus is being given to essential facilities for devotees. Temporary tents are being erected to accommodate pilgrims, while arrangements for free community kitchens (langars) will also being made by various religious and social organizations. In addition, efforts are underway to ensure adequate drinking water supply, uninterrupted electricity, sanitation facilities, medical assistance and proper cleanliness within the shrine complex. Healthcare teams and emergency services are also expected to remain available during the festival period. During a visit to the shrine, several devotees expressed satisfaction over the ongoing preparations. Many described the temple as one of the most sacred religious sites for Kashmiri Pandits and appreciated the peaceful atmosphere at Tulmulla. Vivek Sharma, a devotee visiting the shrine, said the arrangements appeared satisfactory and that the atmosphere was welcoming. Other visitors from Jammu and Delhi also lauded the facilities being put in place and said they felt spiritually connected to the historic shrine. The Kheer Bhawani Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, holds immense religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the shrine to participate in the annual mela and seek blessings. While the main festival will be observed on June 22, the shrine is already witnessing a steady flow of devotees. The increasing number of visitors has added to the activity at Tulmulla, where preparations continue in full swing to receive pilgrims from across the country. With security measures being strengthened and basic facilities being readied, authorities and shrine management are working to ensure the smooth conduct of one of Kashmir's most important religious gatherings.
'Kashmir Is Our Home': Pandits Hope to Return
Tulmulla, June 16: Amid the spiritual atmosphere at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, several Kashmiri Pandit families visiting the shrine voiced a strong desire to return permanently to their homeland, saying Kashmir remains an inseparable part of their identity and memories. Speaking to Rising Kashmir during their visit to the temple, members of the Kashmiri Pandit community said they long to live once again in the Valley alongside their Muslim neighbours, just as they did for generations before migration forced many families to leave their homes decades ago. Kashmir is our birthplace. We have countless memories attached to this land and we want to come back and live here, said a member of a visiting Pandit family. Whenever we visit Kashmir, whether during the Kheer Bhawani Mela or on other occasions, we receive a warm welcome from our Muslim brothers and neighbours. Their affection and hospitality make us feel at home. Several devotees said that every visit to the Valley revives memories of their childhood, ancestral homes, and the bonds they once shared with local communities. They described Kashmir not merely as a place of residence but as their homeland, where their roots and cultural heritage remain deeply embedded. A Kashmiri Pandit woman expressed happiness over the gradual return of some families to the Valley after decades. It is encouraging to see Kashmiri Pandits returning to their homeland. The government is taking positive steps and we hope more families will be able to come back and rebuild their lives here, she said. Another woman devotee stressed the need for lasting peace in Kashmir, saying that peace would pave the way for the return of more displaced families. We do not want to remain away from Kashmir. We want to return and live here permanently. My son also loves Kashmir and wishes to spend more time in the Valley. We miss this place immensely, she said, adding that Kashmir continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Pandits living outside the Valley. The devotees highlighted the centuries-old tradition of communal harmony in Kashmir and expressed hope that the spirit of coexistence between communities would continue to grow stronger. They said they wish to live with their Muslim neighbours in the same atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, and brotherhood that once characterised Kashmiri society. Their remarks come at a time when several Kashmiri Pandit families have returned to the Valley after nearly 36 years, rekindling hopes of reconnecting with their ancestral roots. Many said these visits have strengthened their emotional bond with Kashmir and reinforced their desire to return permanently if conditions continue to improve. The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most significant religious gatherings of the Kashmiri Pandit community, has long served as a symbol of faith, cultural identity, and the enduring connection of displaced families with their homeland. This year too, devotees from different parts of the country have been arriving at Tulmulla to offer prayers and reconnect with their roots.
Routine Cognizance, Routine Death
Another life lost to a preventable crash in Poonch exposes the Valleys dangerous roads, weak enforcement, and official apathy Blood on our roads has become so routine that a fresh tragedy barely stirs the administration. On Tuesday morning, at Dhana Dohian Sathara in Poonch, a motorcycle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. One man lost his life. Two others were critically injured and rushed to the District Hospital in Poonch. All three are from Islamabad, Poonch. Police have taken cognizance, and further details are awaited. We have heard this line too many times. The question is not what happened or which motorcycle was involved. The question is why our hilly roads remain death traps year after year. Steep curves without crash barriers, narrow stretches without proper shoulders, broken surfaces, poor signage, and almost non-existent speedcalming measures together turn every commute into a gamble. When such roads meet overloading, rash driving, and lax enforcement, the outcome is tragically predictable: bodies in gorges and headlines of grief. Behind every accident report stands a familiar pattern of official neglect. How many dangerous spots at Dhana Dohian Sathara or elsewhere in Poonch have been flagged by the concerned authorities? How many technical audits of these stretches have been carried out and made public? Where are the crash barriers and reflective warning signs that should be mandatory on such terrain? Announcements of road projects are aplenty, but a basic culture of road safety is missing. It is time authorities stop hiding behind routine FIRs and ritual press notes. The administration must order an immediate safety audit of vulnerable stretches in Poonch and other hilly districts, fix responsibility on engineers and contractors where design or maintenance lapses are found, and prioritise installation of guardrails, signage, and speed controls. Traffic police must back this with visible, sustained enforcement instead of sporadic drives for cameras. A society that accepts such deaths as fate abdicates its duty to the living. Any road accident deaths should not be filed away as another case number. It must become the trigger for a serious, timebound road safety plan in Jammu and Kashmirs most perilous corridors. Otherwise, the next plunge into a gorge is only a matter of time, and we will once again be told that cognizance has been taken.
Anantnag, Shopian seizures expose the illegal mining nexus Nine seized vehicles, two FIRs and yet another official statement of commitment to act against illegal mining. The latest operation in Anantnag and Shopian yesterday, where police confiscated a JCB and eight tractors allegedly involved in illegal extraction from Sandran Nallah at Sadura and Rambiara Nallah in Shopian, reads, on paper, like a success story. But scratch the surface, and a harder question emerges: how long has this been going on, and who has looked the other way? These are not hidden, inaccessible gorges. Sandran and Rambiara are known, heavily used stretches. Heavy machinery and convoys of tractors cannot repeatedly strip riverbeds in broad daylight without being seen and without someone in the system choosing not to see. When such operations flourish, it is rarely the work of a few reckless drivers. It points to a chain of contractors, transporters, local facilitators and, too often, officials who treat riverbeds as private cash registers. Routine press notes emphasise that FIRs have been registered and that investigations are set into motion. What they do not tell us is how many such cases in recent years have ended in actual convictions, cancelled licences or blacklisting of repeat offenders. How many officers have faced disciplinary action for failing to curb illegal extraction in their jurisdictions? Without answers, these seizures risk looking like periodic show actions rather than a serious clean-up. The ecological damage is not abstract. Unchecked sand and boulder mining destabilises river channels, erodes farmlands, weakens embankments and endangers bridges. It increases flood vulnerability in a region that has already paid a heavy price for ignoring warnings. Every tractor-load of illegally mined material carries a hidden cost that ordinary residents eventually pay in damaged land, unsafe infrastructure and heightened disaster risk. If the administration is serious, the next steps are obvious but politically inconvenient. Mining leases, transport permits and royalty records must be put in the public domain, searchable and auditable. Enforcement agencies must publish periodic data on seizures, prosecutions and final outcomes, not just occasional success stories. Those found shielding illegal operators, inside or outside government, must face visible, exemplary punishment. The police call on citizens to report illegal mining is welcome, but it will remain hollow unless whistle-blowers are protected and their complaints lead to swift, transparent action. Panchayats, civil society groups and environmental experts should have a formal role in monitoring vulnerable stretches, not be treated as outsiders raising uncomfortable questions. The Anantnag and Shopian seizures can either be remembered as a photo-op or as the moment the UT finally moved against a well-entrenched racket. That choice now lies with the administration. Kashmir cannot afford to lose its rivers to a criminal economy sustained by silence, complicity and short-term profit.
Ladakh Scores a Major Intellectual Property Victory with 6 New GI Tags
In an era where the global marketplace strips products of their provenance, the GI tag functions as a vital sentinel for taking cultural artefacts to the masses HARDEEP KOUR BALI In the high altitude of the Trans Himalayas, where the landscape is defined by the stark geometry of mountains and air thin enough to sharpen the senses, a unique evolution is taking place. Ladakh, popularly known as the frontier of spiritual solitudes and trekking itineraries, is now establishing itself as a sovereign of intellectual property. The recent granting of Geographical Indication (GI) tags to six Ladakhi products: Ladakh Chilling Metal work, Ladakh Thigma, Pabu of Ladakh, Ladakh Likir Pottery, Ladakh Painting, and Ladakh Challi Textiles is a milestone. It cannot be overlooked as something ordinary; rather, it is an act of cartographic naming, a technique of drawing lines around the skills of Ladakhi artisans to ensure that their skills stay anchored to their soil. Labelling, branding, or tagging of products is not merely a commercial impulse but a fundamental currency of modern survival. In an era where the global marketplace strips products of their provenance, the GI tag functions as a vital sentinel for taking cultural artefacts to the masses. It provides the much-needed scaffolding for product differentiation, intellectual property, and regional brand building. This leads to enhanced market recognition and, finally, a hard-won credibility on the international map. A GI tag acts as an indigenous seal distinguishing products not just by aesthetics, but by lineage. This tag acts as a shield for artisans, allowing better price realisation and creating market opportunities that were previously inaccessible to the remote producers. GI tag acts as a catalyst to transform a craft from a subsistence activity to a viable economic engine. In a profound outlook, tagging is nothing but a preservationist impulse at the root. By codifying crafts, we are trying to archive traditional knowledge. It acts as a hedge against the homogenising pressures of modernity. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have facilitated this entire success in intellectual transition. In a project executed in partnership with the Agency Human Welfare Foundation, the bank has acted as a bridge, contributing immensely to the preservation of the unique identity of Ladakhi products and is a definitive step toward enhancing income opportunities for local artisans. Ladakhs journey with Geographical Indication (GI) tagging has expanded to embrace six remarkable expressions of its cultural and artisanal heritage. These include the renowned Chilling Metal Work, reflecting centuries of expertise in cold-forged and cast metals from the Chilling Valley; Thigma, a traditional tie-dye craft whose intricate, multicoloured patterns echo the textures of Ladakhs high-desert landscape; and Pabu, the regions iconic footwear, ingeniously crafted to withstand glacial terrain and extreme cold. The list also honours Likir Pottery, shaped from the clay of the Indus Valley and carrying forward a tangible connection to Ladakhs Neolithic past; Ladakh Painting, inspired by the rich thangka tradition that adorns monasteries and homes alike; and Challi Textiles, resilient woven fabrics that embody the ingenuity, warmth, and endurance of the regions nomadic and pastoral communities. Together, these GI-tagged treasures serve as enduring guardians of Ladakhs identity, preserving its living traditions while celebrating the knowledge and artisanship passed down through generations. Undoubtedly, cultural preservation is at the heart of this project, yet the GI tag functions as a practical economic lever. For the rural artisan, it is not mere symbolism; it is a structural change in how they deal with the market. Primarily, it provides exclusivity in the market and protection against counterfeiting. Artisans are now well protected from mass-produced machine replicas, undercutting the prices of original craftwork. Secondly, it grants the pricing power because a GI-tagged product is no longer called a generic local souvenir but a certified asset of the heritage, commanding premium prices. Lastly, it creates institutional access, as with the GI tag, these products become eligible for priority placement in various government programs and global trading networks, removing the exploitative intermediaries. The tag not only provided power to the artisans but also bestowed status to their abilities. By confirming the hands of the creators, we are not only confirming their skills but also acknowledging the intelligence of the people in the higher Himalayas. Finally, the ledger of the high desert has been updated, and the future of many essential crafts has been secured. (The Author is a poet, columnist, and doctoral researcher. Feedback: writerbali007@gmail.com )
