New Delhi, May 31: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday sad that the Indian Navy was deeply committed to jointness, Atmanirbharata, and indigenisation, and that will also be one of his key result areas. "I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to work with the men and women of the Indian Navy, whom I consider the finest professionals anywhere in the world," he said. He said their welfare, well-being, professional performance, and personal growth shall be of the highest importance to him. "I shall remain invested in that very sincerely in the days to come. At this stage, I would like to express the collective gratitude of the Indian Navy to Admiral Dinesh Tripathi for his highly meritorious and illustrious service to the nation," he said. Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said Tripathi, the outgoing chief of Navy has been an extremely effective CNS, "led us very successfully, and given us the benefit of his guidance and vision at every turn." "On behalf of a grateful Navy, I wish him the very best as he transits to a new phase of his life," he said Swaminathan said he will devote every single day of his life to making the Navy a better, stronger, sharper, and more impactful service so that it can serve the interests of national security, national development, and national economic prosperity to the best of its ability.
Pune, May 30: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said the armed forces were preparing for the possibility of “Operation Sindoor 2.0” while simultaneously transforming themselves into a future-ready force capable of fighting wars across multiple domains, including cyber, space and cognitive battlefields. Addressing media persons during his visit to review the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 150th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the prestigious tri-services academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, the Army Chief said future conflicts would no longer remain confined to conventional battlefields and would increasingly involve land, air, sea, space, cyber, electromagnetic and cognitive domains. Referring to Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said the operation demonstrated India's resolve and the armed forces' capability to deliver a “calibrated, precise and purposeful response.” He said the operation highlighted the importance of integrated planning, real-time intelligence, precision targeting, robust air defence systems, secure communications and synergy among different military domains. “Operation Sindoor is still continuing. There is a temporary cessation of hostilities. The Indian Army and all three services are preparing well for Operation Sindoor 2.0, if it takes place,” he said. He added that the armed forces were enhancing interoperability and equipping themselves for the next generation of warfare. The Army Chief said that modern battlefields have become highly transparent, where movements are constantly monitored by adversaries. "Every movement is known to the other side, therefore we have to be very cautious in terms of our deployment, employment and the protection required to protect our troops as well as civilians in border areas,” he said. Emphasising the growing role of technology in warfare, General Dwivedi described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical force multiplier. He said AI enables faster decision-making in high-velocity conflict environments where commanders must process vast amounts of information and manage multiple operational cycles simultaneously. “With numerous drones and counter-drone systems on the battlefield, automation and AI become essential for handling resources and making decisions quickly,” he said. Highlighting the Army’s ongoing transformation, General Dwivedi said several technology-enabled formations, including the 1st Regiment Battalions, Divyastha Batteries, Shaktimaan Regiments and Bharat Battalions, have been raised from existing resources as part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation.” He also underscored the significance of drone warfare, stating that every soldier must acquire drone-operating skills. “Eagle on the Arms means every jawan should know how to fly a drone,” he said, noting that extensive drone training is being conducted at military academies and training establishments. According to the Army Chief, networking and data-centric warfare will be the next major leap for the armed forces. “Data has become a strategic resource and decision-making must be faster, smarter and more resilient,” he said. General Dwivedi further highlighted the government's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and innovation, saying the Army is working closely with DRDO, industry, start-ups, academia and national institutions to convert indigenous ideas into battlefield capabilities. Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “JAI” (Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation), he said these principles would continue to guide India’s military preparedness. On the proposed theatre command reforms, General Dwivedi said the process of military theatrisation is progressing steadily. He revealed that discussions within the Chiefs of Staff Committee have concluded and a comprehensive report has been submitted to the Defence Minister for review. He expressed confidence that the next leadership under the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) would advance the reforms and that theatre commands could become operational within the next two to three years. Under the proposed structure, service chiefs would focus on force sustenance and capability development, while theatre commanders would oversee operational deployment and joint force orchestration. The Army Chief also stressed the importance of public trust in the era of information warfare. “Information warfare is only successful if the whole nation gets together and trusts the people who are giving the information,” he said. He added that nations united by trust and shared purpose are ultimately more likely to prevail in conflicts. Recalling his days as a cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), General Dwivedi expressed confidence in the capabilities of the younger generation. He said the confidence and enthusiasm displayed by today’s cadets assured him that the next generation of military leaders would surpass their predecessors and carry forward the transformation of the Indian armed forces.
Srinagar, May 14: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday called for a transparent investigation into the alleged ‘NEET-UG paper leak’ incident. The minister said all those involved in the fraud must face strict punishment, irrespective of their influence or position. Talking to reporters, Sakina Itoo said the alleged fraud has deeply affected students who worked tirelessly for years to qualify one of the country’s most competitive examinations. “This is unfortunate because children work very hard and put immense effort into qualifying this examination,” she said. She said any malpractice in such examinations amounts to playing with the future and careers of deserving students. “The investigation should be conducted properly and in a transparent manner. Whoever is involved should face strict action and severe punishment,” she said. Responding to a question regarding downsizing of government vehicles and related measures announced by the administration, the minister said everyone should contribute if any step helps reduce the country’s problems. “If there is any problem in the country and if we can help in reducing it in any way, then we should also play our role,” she said. Asked about reports of a possible shift to virtual education in view of recent developments, the minister said no such decision has been taken so far.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
New Delhi, May 12: The National Testing Agency on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, citing serious concerns over the integrity and transparency of the examination process. In a post on its official X handle, NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India (GoI) after inputs examined by the agency in coordination with central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities indicated that the examination process “could not be allowed to stand.” In an official statement, NTA said the examination would now be re-conducted on fresh dates to be notified separately. The revised schedule, including issuance of fresh admit cards, will be communicated through the agency’s official channels in the coming days. The development comes days after NTA, on May 8, referred matters related to alleged irregularities in the examination to central agencies for independent verification and necessary action. The Government of India has also decided to hand over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations surrounding the examination. NTA said it would extend full cooperation to the investigating agency and provide all records and materials required for the probe. NTA said the decision was necessary to safeguard the credibility of the national examination system and acknowledged that conducting the examination afresh would cause “real and significant inconvenience” to candidates and their families. However, NTA said that allowing the present examination to stand would have caused “greater and more lasting damage” to public trust in the system. The exam conducting body further clarified that registration data, candidature details and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle would remain valid for the re-conducted examination. It said no fresh registration process would be required and no additional examination fee would be charged from candidates. In a significant relief to students, NTA also announced that the examination fees already paid by candidates would be refunded, while the re-conducted examination would be organised using the agency’s internal resources. NEET (UG), the country’s largest entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses, is taken annually by lakhs of students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS and allied medical programmes across India. NTA has advised candidates and parents to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding the revised examination schedule and to avoid unverified information circulating on social media.
Bhubaneswar, May 7: A 19-year-old NEET aspirant in Odisha’s Bhadrak district was found hanging in his house on Thursday, police said. His family alleged that the teen took his life, fearing that he would not clear the exam he appeared on May 3. The deceased has been identified as Jyoti Prakash Barik, a resident of Nunda village under Tihidi block. According to police, he was found hanging from the ceiling of their rented house in Bhadrak town police station area. Though he was taken to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said. While Bhadrak Town Police registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the matter, his family members said he was under intense mental stress after appearing in the exam on Sunday. Jyoti Prakash had failed to crack the NEET examination last year and was optimistic of clearing it this time. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is a national-level entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and BSc Nursing, conducted annually. His father runs a tea stall to earn his livelihood and spent around Rs 3 lakh for his son's coaching, family members claimed. "Fearing another failure, he might have died by suicide," his father said. Speaking to reporters, the family members said Jyoti Prakash was alone at home last night when the incident occurred. (PTI)
New Delhi, Apr 29 (PTI): The Congress on Wednesday alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a "shameful clean chit" to Pakistan while speaking at an SCO meeting in Bishkek, and claimed that his shocking statements were "anti-national". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also alleged that this "new stance" in relation to Pakistan is all part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policy of "appeasement" of the US and "calibrated capitulation" to China. Ramesh shared a video clip of Singh speaking in Bishkek in which he said, "We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. No grievance, real or supposed, can become an excuse for terrorism and humanitarian loss." In his post on X attacking Singh, Ramesh said, "Yesterday, the Defence Minister, obviously with the approval of and at the instance of the Prime Minister, gave a shameful clean chit to Pakistan while speaking in Bishkek." Is Pakistan not the epicentre of terrorism, Ramesh asked. "Are there no terrorist camps in Pakistan with India as their target? Is there no ideological anti-India indoctrination in Pakistan? Were not the Mumbai and Pahalgam terror attacks masterminded and executed by terrorists from Pakistan?" the Congress leader said. "Clearly this new stance in relation to Pakistan is all part of the PM's policy of appeasement of the US and calibrated capitulation to China," Ramesh said. "The Defence Minister's shocking statements are as anti-national as the PM's bizarre clean chit to China on June 19, 2020," he alleged. Singh, in an address at a conclave of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, had also said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's firm resolve that "terror epicentres" are no longer immune to "justifiable punishment". Singh had also called on the influential grouping to not lose sight of "state-sponsored" cross-border terrorism and that there should not be any place for any "double standards" in combating the menace. (PTI)
Kolkata, Apr 29: A total of 18.39 per cent of 3.21 crore voters exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling to 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of West Bengal assembly elections, a senior EC official said. Till 9 am, Purba Bardhaman district recorded the highest turnout at 20.86 per cent, followed by Hooghly at 20.16 per cent, he said. Nadia recorded 18.5 per cent turnout, followed by North 24 Parganas (17.81 per cent), Kolkata Uttar (17.28 per cent) and South 24 Parganas (17.25 per cent), Kolkata Dakshin (16.81 per cent), he elaborated. "Polling is underway peacefully, barring some minor incidents in certain areas. We have sought reports from the officials concerned," he told PTI. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections amid unprecedented security arrangements. Polling began at 7 am with voters lining up outside booths across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman -- districts that together form the political and electoral core of the state. A total of 3,21,73,837 electors, including 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women and 792 third-gender voters, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase of polling held at 41,001 stations, all of which have been covered by webcasting. (PTI)
Srinagar, Apr 27: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi dealt a decisive blow to terrorism by taking bold steps like abrogation of Article 370, surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor. Addressing an election rally in West Bengal, Shah said that PM Modi crushed terrorism which no previous leader or regime could. "Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack sent a clear message to the adversary that terrorism won’t be tolerated. The government had acted firmly against terrorism and crushed it with an iron fist," he said. He also attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of being soft on terrorism. “The PM Modi led regime has taken decisive action against terror, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Shah cited the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, stating that the move had strengthened the country’s fight against terrorism and integrated Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the Union. The Union Home Minister said the Centre’s approach marked a shift from previous governments, asserting that strong measures had been taken to counter terror threats. “Modi Ji ended Article 370, which was protected by the Congress and its ally TMC. Modi Ji dealt a decisive blow to terrorism through a surgical strike, airstrike, and Operation Sindoor. But the TMC and the Congress fed biryani to terrorists when they were in power,” Shah said. He also hit out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over remarks against PM Modi. “PM Modi who ended terrorism, Congress’s president calls him a terrorist. Due to his proximity to Rahul Gandhi, the public conduct of Kharge Ji has deteriorated. Form a BJP government in West Bengal, and we will end terrorism here too,” he said. “Kharge Ji, the more you abuse Modi Ji, the more the lotus will bloom,” Shah added. The Home Minister said there is a strong wave in favour of the BJP and once voted to power, it would “push back all infiltrators”. (KNO)
Srinagar, Mar 31: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Tuesday approved a series of high-level appointments and transfers of IAS officers across key ministries of the Government of India, as per a release issued by the Secretariat of the ACC. As per the order, Nivedita Shukla Verma Secretary Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, with additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, vice Sanjay Jaju, upon his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Narendra Bhooshan, presently in the cadre, as Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Chandra Sekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, as Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, as Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, vice Chanchal Kumar, upon his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, as Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, vice Chandra Sekhar Kumar, upon his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Tejveer Singh, presently in the cadre, as Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, vice Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, upon her appointment as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, with additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, as Special Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, by temporarily upgrading a vacant post of Joint Secretary in the Department. The officer will take over as Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, vice Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, upon his superannuation on 31.05.2026. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, as Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, vice Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh upon his superannuation on 31.03.2026. Bharat Harbanslal Khera, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, as Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. The officer will take over as Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, vice Shri Subhas Chandra Lal Das, upon his superannuation on 30.04.2026. Abhishek Singh, Director General, National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, as Director General, National Testing Agency, Ministry of Education, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India by temporarily upgrading the post. Bhuvnesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Unique Identification Authority of India, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, vice Srivatsa Krishna, upon his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. The ACC has also approved in-situ upgradation of the following officers to the level of Special Secretary in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India as a measure personal to them by temporarily upgrading the posts held by them: Sanjay Rastogi, Director General, National Archives of India, Ministry of Culture, as Director General, National Archives of India, Ministry of Culture, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Sajjan Singh Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, as Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
New Delhi, Mar 13: Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources said on Friday. As many as 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs have signed the notice, a source said. The signatories include members from all the INDIA bloc parties, the source said, including the Aam Aadmi Party, which has also backed the move despite no longer being formally part of the opposition alliance, the source said. Some independent MPs have also signed the notice, and several others have expressed interest in joining the initiative, the source added. This is the first time a notice has been moved seeking the removal of the CEC. According to sources, the notice lists seven charges against Kumar, including alleged “partisan and discriminatory conduct in office”, “deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud” and “mass disenfranchisement.” The opposition parties have accused the CEC of aiding the ruling BJP on several occasions, especially with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they alleged aims to help the saffron party at the Centre. (Agencies)
New Delhi, Mar 13: The Centre has approved Rs 1,912.99 crore in additional financial assistance to five states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir affected by floods, flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and cyclone ‘Montha’ in 2025, an official statement said on Friday. The decision was taken by a high-level committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it said. According to the statement, the five states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. “Of the total amount, Rs 341.48 crore has been approved for Andhra Pradesh, Rs 15.70 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs 778.67 crore for Gujarat, Rs 288.39 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Rs 158.41 crore for Nagaland and Rs 330.34 crore for Jammu and Kashmir,” it said. This assistance is over and above the funds already released to states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), it said. During the Financial Year 2025-26, the Centre has released Rs 20,735 crore to 28 states under the SDRF and Rs 3,628.18 crore to 21 states under the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), it said. In addition, Rs 5,373.20 crore has been released to 23 states from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), while Rs 1,189.56 crore has been provided to 21 states under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), it said. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters and providing all necessary support,” it said. (PTI)
New Delhi, Mar 13: AAP convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi if Iran has given an assurance that Indian ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks came after Prime Minister Modi on Thursday night spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia. The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities. In a post on X, the AAP chief asked whether Indians would soon get a reprieve from the serious situation arising out of the West Asia conflict. "Prime Minister, has the President of Iran assured you that they will allow our ships to pass through Hormuz? Will the countrymen soon be rid of this serious crisis?" Kejriwal said in the post in Hindi. Notably, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping passage through which India's substantial energy imports come. Three days back, a bulk oil carrier sailing to India was fired upon by Iranian forces as it was trying to cross through the Strait of Hormuz.
New Delhi, Mar 10: The oil ministry has constituted a committee to examine supply issues after a sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders alarmed the hospitality sector, with restaurant associations warning that eateries could shut down within days if supplies are not restored. As the widening conflict in the Middle East disrupted fuel lifelines, including India's LPG supplies, the government has prioritised domestic cooking gas supplies to households. This has led to supply crunch for hotels and restaurants which use market priced commercial LPG. "For LPG supply to other non-domestic sectors, a committee of three Executive Directors (EDs) of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been constituted to review the representations for LPG supply to restaurants/hotels/other industries," the ministry said in a post on X. India consumed some 31.3 million tonnes of LPG annually. As much as 87 per cent of this is in the domestic sector i.e. household kitchens, and the rest in commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Of this total requirement, as much as 62 per cent is met through imports. The US and Israel attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliation has shut the Strait of Hormuz - the conduit through which India got 85-90 per cent of its LPG imports from countries like Saudi Arabia. As alternate sources are being scouted, the limited supplies available meant the government prioritising supplies to the domestic sector, and in process the commercial establishments have suffered. Industry sources say the disruption has already begun affecting operations in Mumbai and Bengaluru, as hotels and restaurants struggle to secure cooking gas. Vijay Shetty, president of the India Hotels and Restaurant Association, said the shortage is spreading rapidly and could soon paralyse the sector. While maintaining that the country has adequate fuel stocks, the ministry in recent days directed refineries to maximise LPG output by curtailing petrochemical streams and extended the LPG refill booking cycle to 25 days from 21 days. "In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, the ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use," the ministry said in the post on X. "The ministry has prioritised domestic LPG supply to households and introduced a 25 day inter-booking period to avoid hoarding/black marketing." Non domestic supplies from imported LPG are being prioritised to essential non domestic sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions, it said. (PTI)
NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD, March 9: Jubilant fans cheered, danced and waved the tricolour as they poured into the streets across cricket-crazy India on Sunday night to celebrate the Men in Blue scripting history by winning the second consecutive T20 World Cup. Chants of "India, India" reverberated in the air as crowds gathered in city centres. Whether it was Jammu, Ranchi, Patna or Thiruvananthapuram, fans, many dressed in the Indian jersey, were seen hugging each other after India beat New Zealand by 96 runs. The Indian team posted a massive 255 for five, the highest ever in a T20 World Cup final. President Droupadi Mumru and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate Team India. India has the proud distinction of being the only country to win the T20 World Cup three times. It is also the only team to win the cup twice in a row, Murmu said. "This brings immense joy and pride to our cricket-loving people. It is also a marker of the rich talent pool we have among our youth in diverse fields," she said. In his message, Modi said Team India's victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. "Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament," he said. "Well done, Team India!" he said. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Men in Blue have given the nation yet another unforgettable moment to celebrate. "Champions once again! A magnificent victory for our Men in Blue with a special mention to Sanju Samson and Jaspreet Bumrah for their remarkable performance throughout the tournament," the Congress leader said on X. As soon as the match ended at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad around 10.30 pm, fans, young and old, flooded the streets. In Delhi, a large number of people gathered at India Gate to celebrate the occasion. Fans burst firecrackers in Lucknow and Jammu, and many danced to drumbeats in Mumbai, Ranchi, Raipur and Patna. In Assam, revellers gathered at intersections, proudly waving the national flag. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from chief ministers of various states and fans, and with pictures of celebratory scenes. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the passion and spirit with which the Indian team played throughout the tournament filled every citizen with pride. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Congratulations to Team India! Your spectacular victory in the T20 World Cup final today makes us proud." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also lauded Team India. "Team India's historic victory has brought the excitement and joy of Diwali across the country on Rang Panchami. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the Indian cricket team and all the countrymen for winning the T-20 World Cup 2026," he said. Many X users expressed their appreciation for the team. "I am already feeling to(o) emotional tbh (to be honest). I love this team," wrote an X user. Another X user described Jasprit Bumrah as a "national treasure".
New Delhi, March 2: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a nationwide security alert to all states and Union Territories, warning of possible violence and sporadic protests in the wake of recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran, officials said. The advisory has been issued against the backdrop of protests by members of the Shia community across several parts of the country following the assassination of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. The ministry noted that rapidly evolving international developments have the potential to impact India’s internal security situation. In its communication to state governments, the MHA has directed security agencies to remain on high alert and closely monitor the activities of both pro-Iran and anti-Iran groups. States have also been instructed to strengthen security arrangements around Iranian, American and Israeli embassies and consulates, as well as other diplomatic establishments. The advisory flags potential threats from Shia militias and terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Intelligence inputs suggest that extremist groups may seek to exploit the prevailing tensions to foment unrest or carry out disruptive activities, it said. According to the alert, major tourist destinations, Jewish institutions and establishments linked to Western countries could be potential targets, apart from diplomatic missions. The Centre has advised states to step up the deployment of security personnel at critical and sensitive locations. Local police units have been asked to intensify checks in crowded areas and vulnerable sites and to conduct regular inspection drives to detect explosives, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Directors General of Police have been instructed to ensure that quick response teams remain operational and ready to respond swiftly to any untoward incident. The Home Ministry has also placed special emphasis on monitoring social media platforms to curb the spread of inflammatory messages, misinformation and rumours that could disturb communal harmony. Cyber cells have been directed to keep a close watch on online content and take prompt action wherever necessary. The MHA said it is continuously reviewing the security situation and remains in close coordination with state authorities to ensure preparedness and prevent any escalation of law-and-order issues.
Gulmarg, Feb 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday dismissed reports projecting Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader of the INDIA bloc, stating that no discussion on leadership change has taken place within the opposition alliance so far. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, CM, Omar Abdullah said there has been no meeting of the INDIA bloc where leadership issues were formally discussed. He said speculation being circulated in public discourse does not reflect the alliance’s internal position. Referring to recent remarks by Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Chief Minister said individual leaders are entitled to express personal opinions, but such statements cannot be treated as decisions of the alliance. He added that any leadership decision would be taken collectively after consultations among all partners. Backing Rahul Gandhi, CM Omar said Gandhi has been effectively performing the role of Leader of the Opposition by consistently questioning the BJP and the Union government on policy and governance matters. He said the responsibility of the opposition is to hold the government accountable and Gandhi has been fulfilling that role. He acknowledged that electoral outcomes may not always favour the Congress but said the broader objective of the INDIA bloc remains to provide a united political challenge to the BJP. He reiterated that discussions within the alliance are conducted internally and any decision regarding leadership would emerge only through consensus.
New Delhi, Feb 11: Member of Parliament used his intervention during the Union Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha to forcefully reiterate the demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, asserting that the constitutional guarantees taken away from Jammu and Kashmir must be returned. Speaking in the House, Engineer Rashid said he had already submitted his legal demands to the Finance Minister and expressed hope that they would be duly examined. He said his core concern, however, remains the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Baramulla MP Er Rashid said political parties may fight based on their respective ideologies, but his struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights would continue “even if it takes a hundred years”. He categorically told the House that Article 370 and Article 35A cannot be wished away and must be restored. “You will have to return Article 370 — and you will have to return it with interest,” he said, underlining the political and emotional damage caused by its abrogation. “You have committed numerous atrocities against Kashmiris; even if you carpet the streets of Kashmir with gold, you will still have to return Article 370.” He said the constitutional rights of Kashmiris cannot be bought, compensated or silenced through economic packages or political narratives. Er Rashid challenged the narrative surrounding the abrogation and called for a referendum in Jammu and Kashmir to ascertain the will of the people. He said Kashmiris should be asked directly whether they favour the restoration of Article 370 and 35A or support their abrogation, instead of decisions being imposed without consent.
New Delhi, Feb 2 : Baramulla Member Parliament Engineer Rashid on Monday raised the issue of Attacks on Kashmiris in Parliament. After lodging protests in the Parliament, he walked out of House over unending attacks on Kashmiris in states outside J&K. The moment House proceedings began, Engineer Rashid disrupted the proceedings after Speaker didn't allow him to raise the matter. However, while approaching towards the well of the House said, Kashmiris are being attacked continuously in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Recently, a boy from Kupwara got around a dozen stitches on his head when he was beaten to pulp by right-wing goons in Uttarakhand. Is this Modi Ji's Naya Kashmir? Had anyone from Kashmir done a similar act, what would have been his fate? He while pointing towards Congress said, You claim to be secular, but why are Kashmiris being attacked continuously in Himachal Pradesh? Engineer Rashid while having a heated exchange of words with Speaker and a few BJP members sought action under UAPA against those attacking Kashmiris. Later Engineer Rashid walked out of the House to register the protest.
Srinagar, Feb 01: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed Rs 43290.29 crore for Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory in the Union Budget 2026-27, which is nearly Rs 2000 crore more than the allocation for the current year. According to budget figures, the Union Finance Ministry has proposed Rs 43290.29 crore in transfers to Jammu & Kashmir for 2026-27. J&K’s assistance for the current financial year has been revised to Rs 41340 crore, up from Rs 41000.07 crore, marking an increase of Rs 340 crore. For 2026-27, the budget proposes Rs 42650 crore as central assistance to bridge the resource gap of J&K,Rs 279 crore as grants towards contribution to the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund, Rs 259 crore as equity for the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project and Rs 101 crore as support for capital expenditure in the Union Territory.
Baramati, Jan 28: A plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday crashed during landing in Baramati on Wednesday morning. Early reports from local sources like Saam TV state that Ajit Pawar and his security guards are safe, having narrowly escaped the crash. However, some other reports (like NDTV Marathi) mentioned that he was being evaluated as "injured" or in a serious situation immediately following the impact. Emergency services and senior security officials have reached the site in Baramati. Rescue teams were deployed immediately after the aircraft lost control during the landing phase. Amid ongoing elections to the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, Dy CM Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting. The information regarding the extent of injuries and the exact cause of the crash (whether a technical failure or weather-related) is still being confirmed by official government statements. Official confirmation was awaited. Unconfirmed reports said the plane was attempting to make a landing at Baramati. Visuals from the site show the wreckage of the plane engulfed in flames. There were people at the wreckage site trying to extend help in every possible way. The locals had rushed to the spot on seeing the helicopter crash-land. The number of people on board is not yet confirmed. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway at the site. Locals are also helping the police and the relief officials in assisting the injured to the ambulances. This incident comes after several aviation-related scares for the leader. In October 2024, a helicopter intended to pick up his party colleague Sunil Tatkare crashed in Pune, and there have been previous instances of emergency landings in the region due to bad weather. Meanwhile Directorate General of Civil Aviation (GDCA) confirmed that Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM of Maharashtra, was onboard along with two more personnel (1 PSO and 1 attendant) and 2 crew (PIC+FO) members. "As per initial information, no person on board has survived the crash," DGCA in a statement said.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Arshid Ahmad Malikmalik121arshid@gmail.comThe serene valley of Pahalgam known for its breathtaking landscapes,was shaken to its core by a brutal and inhuman attack that claimed innocent lives and left the nation in shock.On 22 April 2025 afternoon,a group of terrorists in Pahalgam,J&K leaving 26 tourists dead and many more injured.The attack was widely condemned by people across the country with many leaders and citizens expressing their outrage and grief.Even just after the attack the people from every nook and corner of Kashmir mourned and strongly condemned this brutal and inhuman act and we saw candlelight protests from different places of Kashmir in solidarity with the victim families who lost their loved ones in this Coward Act.Besides, we saw some heartwarming stories of Kashmiris helping tourists during this horrific attack.Some Kashmiri Youth took the initiative to help tourists, providing them with medical care and transportation to safe areas.Their actions showed that even in times of crisis,there are individuals who prioritize humanity over adversity.Likewise, Aadil Hussain Shah a pony rider and a sole breadwinner in his home lost his life while attempting to protect tourists by tackling gun men.Another example of bravery was demonstrated by a Kashmiri shawl vendor, Sajad Ahmad Bhat who risked his life to help injured tourists.He carried some to safety on his back and provided water to those in need.Moreover,taxi drivers and hotel owners offered free rides and services to tourists, guiding them to safety.These acts highlights Kashmiri community's commitment to humanity, hospitality and unity even in the face of adversity.These acts of kindness serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the misconception that Kashmiris support to condone violence.Instead, they highlight the community's resilience, empathy and dedication to peace.In the aftermath of this excruciating attack, certain media outlets of our nation,often referred to as "Godi Media" left no stone unturned to sensationalize the stories to grab the attention.They often spread misinformation and promote biased narratives leading to polarization and erosion of trust in the media.In the wake of this attack "Godi Media" claimed that the terrorists selectively targeted Hindus after checking their names.However,the list of victims revealed that 15 out of 26 killed were Muslims, debunking this false narrative.By spreading this unverified claims,these TV Channels aimed to fuel communal tensions and polarization, which could lead to further violence and hatred.This behaviour aligns with a disturbing trend where sections of the media amplify divisive narratives to serve political agendas.Although the tourists who were here and witnessed this attack themselves praised local Kashmiris for their heroic approach in helping them to save their lives.Moreover, the tourists in different parts of the valley are claiming that they are safe and secure.They wanted to convey the message to other parts of India that there is nothing like that which godi media is trying to show through different news channels.They are just spreading misinformation leading to communal violence in the nation.On the next day of this attack,one of the TV Channel of godi media, ABP news anchor Chitra Tripathi faced protests at Ghantaghar Lal chowk after locals said that she was trying to spread fake news about the attack.The protestors including tourism groups,lawyers and civil society members criticized the media particularly for its emphasis on communal issues rather than holding the government accountable.The protests saw slogans condemning terrorism and advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity.The protestors also expressed frustration over the media's selective reporting and the censorship of local voices.From common people to the leaders of the Government in Kashmir, everyone slammed "Godi Media" and hold their anchors responsible for communal disharmony in the nation.With their biased and inflammatory coverage, Kashmiris living across India especially students have been heckled,harrased and faced threats by far-right Hindu groups or even their classmates.From Uttarakhand, Punjab, to Uttar Pradesh, landlords are pushing Kashmiri tenants out; and shopkeepers are refusing to trade with them.Several Kashmiri students are sleeping at airports as they try to make their way home.However,It's essential to hold such media outlets accountable for their actions and promote responsible journalism that prioritizes fact-checking, balance, and accuracy.By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and compassionate society where communal harmony and peace are valued.The author has done masters in Political Science from University of Kashmir and is currently a Socio-Political Activist and Chairperson of Liberal Youth Club Soibugh.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
