Wednesday, July 15, 2026
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No Need to Panic”: Divisional Commissioner Assures Ample Supply of Essentials in Kashmir

Srinagar:
Amid public concern following the temporary closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V.K. Bidhuri, has assured the people of adequate availability of essential commodities — including petrol, diesel, LPG, and food grains — across the Valley.


🍚 Food Supplies Stable for Over a Year

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Bidhuri emphasized that the administration has buffer stocks of food grains that can last for more than a year, ensuring that no shortage is anticipated.

“There is no need to worry. We are well-stocked with food grains, with strategic reserves in place,” he said.


🛢️ Fuel and LPG Supplies Sufficient

LPG

Bidhuri confirmed that LPG supplies are in good shape, with seventeen days of stock currently available.

“People should not resort to panic-buying. We have sufficient LPG in advance,” he clarified.

Diesel

The Valley consumes about 1,000 kilolitres of diesel daily, and currently holds 12,500 kilolitres — enough for 12–13 days, even with the highway temporarily shut.

Petrol

On petrol availability, Bidhuri noted that Kashmir’s daily consumption is around 625 kilolitres, and the administration has secured nearly 10,000 kilolitres, ensuring stability for over 15 days.

“The situation is absolutely under control. There is no fuel crisis,” he said.


🚫 Appeal Against Panic Buying

The Divisional Commissioner made a direct appeal to the public, urging people to refrain from panic-buying or hoarding.

“There is no need to line up at petrol pumps. Let’s not create fear or inconvenience ourselves and others,” he said.


🗣️ Public Advisory
🔹 No hoarding
🔹 No unnecessary stocking
🔹 Cooperate with administration
🔹 Trust official updates, avoid rumors

Ramban Tragedy a ‘National Disaster’: Farooq Abdullah Urges Centre’s Immediate Intervention

Ramban/Jammu:
In the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and cloudbursts that ravaged Ramban district, former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, on Monday called the tragedy a “national disaster” and pressed for urgent central assistance.

  • This is a very big disaster — it is actually a national disaster,” Dr. Abdullah stated while speaking to reporters at a local function.
  • “Entire villages have been destroyed. Three people have died, and the full scale of the damage is still unfolding.”

The NC leader emphasized the need for the relocation and rehabilitation of families whose homes were obliterated by the calamity. He further revealed that another cloudburst occurred nearby, tragically claiming two more lives.


💬 “Fix Canals, Prevent Future Disasters”

Addressing the issue of recurring disasters in the region, Abdullah stressed the urgency of proper water management systems, including the repair of nullahs (canals) to ensure streamlined flow and minimize future risks.

  • “The entire mountain has collapsed. People cannot live there anymore; they must be shifted to safer places,” he warned.

🚧 Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Crisis

Dr. Abdullah drew attention to the fragile condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather route connecting the Valley to the rest of India.

  • “The highway has been badly impacted. Had the train been operational, people would have had a safer option,” he lamented, noting that poor weather even delayed the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration.

He strongly advocated for alternate routes and tunnel projects, including a tunnel through Doda and another on the Mughal Road, to decrease dependency on the existing highway

⚠️ Drug Menace: “A War We Must Win”

Raising alarms over the increasing drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah called it a grave threat to the region’s youth.

  • “Drugs are destroying our children and pushing our future into darkness. We must fight a strong and uncompromising war against this menace,” he declared.

He also pointed to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in narco-terrorism, urging stringent action against those complicit in smuggling and distribution within the region.

  • “We know there are insiders involved. They must be caught and punished severely,” he insisted.

🇮🇳 On Statehood & Party Unity

Remaining optimistic, the NC chief said he was confident that J&K’s statehood will be restored, citing Parliament’s commitment.

  • “We will get our powers and statehood back. It has been promised, and it will come,” he affirmed.

Regarding internal party differences, particularly after recent remarks by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Dr. Abdullah brushed off speculation, terming it an internal matter.

🎙️ “I Speak for India, Not for Pakistan”

When asked about comments made by the Pakistan Army Chief on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah responded candidly:

  • “I am not a Pakistani. Please ask the General himself. I speak for my people, not for them,” he remarked.

Javed Rana elevates 25 XEns of Jal Shakti as SEs

Jammu, April 22: J&K Jal Shakti Department has as an administrative exigency ordered elevation of 25 Executive Engineers as Superintending.

As per Government Order No. 94-JK(JSD) of 2025 and No. 100-JK(JSD) of 2025, 25 XEns have been placed as Superintending Engineers on an incharge basis to overcome the shortage of over 90% vacancies at the level of SEs which was adversely and severely affecting the implementation of various water supply schemes on ground.

Earlier, Jal Shakti Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana after reviewing the human resource scenario of the Department , had directed for exploring the ways and means of elevating XEns as SEs to overcome the shortage of senior officers, that occured due to poor human resource management over the years.

Rana, who has been regularly reviewing HR scenario in Jal Shakti has issued clear instructions for timely conduct of DPCs and greater urgency and coordination between the officers of Jal Shakti and recruiting agency to fill all vacancies on emergent basis.

A spokesperson, of the Department informed that on the directions of minister, a accountability mechanism is being put in place to ensure that officers responsible for allowing mismanagement in the cadre of engineers in Jal Shakti are held accountable.

The elevations ordered in relaxation of rules as an administratove exigency has enabled the Department to fill 25 critical supervisory posts that are crucial to the implementation of important wayer supply schemes including the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Several Engineers of Jal Shakti Department while hailing the initiative of Jal Shakti minister in pushing elevation at such a rapid pace and amending recruitment rules to offset the extraordinary situation of over 90% vacancies at the level of Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers has also thanked the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for nod in the Council of Minister to the departmental proposal for relaxing rules to address the exceptional circumstances.

“This move will certainly improve the implementation of water supply schemes in the Department”, remarked a retired Chief Engineer who admitted that focus on efficient cadre management is the last priority in engineering departments.

Four Dead, Several Feared Trapped in Building Collapse in Delhi’s Shakti Vihar

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In a tragic incident, a four-storey building collapsed in the early hours of Saturday in Shakti Vihar, northeast Delhi, leaving four people dead and several others feared trapped under the debris, officials confirmed.

According to Delhi Police, the collapse occurred around 3:00 AM, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. The incident was reported at Dayalpur police station.

A rescue operation was swiftly launched after police and emergency teams reached Gali No. 1, Shakti Vihar, the site of the collapse.

“So far, 14 people have been rescued and rushed to GTB Hospital. Unfortunately, four were declared brought dead by doctors,” said a senior police official.

Initial reports suggest that around 22 people were inside or near the building at the time of the collapse. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with multiple teams including police, fire brigade, and disaster response units working at the site to locate and extract anyone still trapped.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, and authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation once rescue operations conclude.

Further updates are awaited as the situation develops.

India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor to be Commissioned by 2026: A Major Milestone in Nuclear Power Development

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India’s ambitious three-stage nuclear energy programme is set to reach a key milestone as the country’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), under construction at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, is expected to be commissioned by 2026, officials from the Department of Atomic Energy have confirmed.

The 500 MW PFBR, developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), has entered the advanced stage of integrated commissioning. The reactor is likely to achieve its first criticality—a crucial step in nuclear activation—by 2025-26.

This development marks the second stage of India’s nuclear roadmap, which envisions an energy-secure future through the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. The PFBR is unique—it uses plutonium-based mixed oxide fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant. It is also designed to utilise the spent fuel from Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which currently form the backbone of India’s nuclear infrastructure.

While the country’s operating nuclear plants fall under the purview of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), BHAVINI is solely responsible for developing fast breeder technology in India.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the commencement of core loading at the PFBR. In July 2023, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted clearance for fuel loading, initial criticality operations, and low-power physics experiments at the reactor site.

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are a critical component of India’s long-term nuclear vision. They will eventually feed into the third stage of the programme, which involves thorium-based reactors, exploiting India’s vast thorium reserves to generate sustainable and clean energy.

India’s Expanding Nuclear Ambitions

India currently has an installed nuclear power capacity of 8.18 GW. Projects totaling 7.30 GW are under active construction or in the commissioning phase, while another 7.00 GW has been sanctioned and is undergoing pre-project activities. The government aims to scale up this capacity to 22.48 GW by 2031-32.

Looking further ahead, NPCIL has laid out plans to add:

  • 15.40 GW through indigenous PHWRs
  • 17.60 GW through Light Water Reactors (LWRs) in collaboration with foreign partners
  • 3.80 GW via BHAVINI’s Fast Breeder Reactors
  • Additional capacity through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Bharat Small Reactors, to be developed with private sector participation

As part of its nuclear energy mission, the Indian government has set a target of 100 GW electricity generation from nuclear sources in the coming decades, positioning the country as a global leader in advanced nuclear technologies.

Top Congress Delegation Meets CM Omar Abdullah to Strengthen NC-Congress Coalition in J&K

In a significant political development, a high-level Congress delegation led by AICC National General Secretary and Incharge for J&K, Syed Naseer Hussain, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today to discuss the evolving political scenario in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Accompanied by senior Congress leaders G. A. Mir and J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra, the delegation held a productive meeting with Omar Abdullah at his official residence in Srinagar.


🧭 Key Focus: INDIA Bloc, Governance, and Coalition Dynamics

According to top sources privy to the discussions, the meeting primarily focused on the current political landscape in J&K, particularly the role of the INDIA bloc and ongoing coalition coordination between the Congress and the National Conference (NC).

“The leaders emphasized the need for joint efforts to address the challenges faced by the coalition government and to honour the promises made in their manifestoes,” a source confirmed.


🧑‍💼 Digvijay Singh’s Role and Future Dialogue

The leaders mutually agreed that a follow-up high-level meeting between senior leaders of both parties would be held soon to further strengthen the coalition. The upcoming interaction is expected to include AICC Observer Digvijay Singh, recently appointed to oversee party operations in the Union Territory.

“The timing of the next meeting will depend on the availability of top leadership, especially Digvijay Singh,” the sources added.

This was also Syed Naseer Hussain’s first formal meeting with Omar Abdullah since assuming charge of Congress affairs in Jammu and Kashmir.


🗣️ Discussions Covered a Broad Spectrum of Issues

While the meeting was largely courtesy in nature, it also served as a platform for serious dialogue on key issues such as:

  • Governance hurdles in implementing manifesto commitments
  • The recently concluded J&K Assembly Budget session
  • Nationwide protests and public discontent over the Waqf Amendment Act
  • Concerns regarding the alleged misuse of Central investigative agencies

The meeting lasted for approximately 30 minutes, and sources indicated that both sides shared a strong intent to continue collaboration for effective governance and political stability in the region.


🏛️ Omar Abdullah to Convene Joint Leadership Meet Soon

The discussions concluded on a positive and cooperative note, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah agreeing to convene a leadership-level meeting of the Congress and NC in the coming days to ensure greater synergy and policy alignment.

438 Recruits Join J&K Police Force in Grand Passing Out Parade at Manigam

In a stirring display of discipline, dedication, and duty, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the Passing Out Parade of the 16th Batch of the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at the Manigam Police Training School (PTS) on Friday.

A total of 438 newly inducted constables, including 86 women recruits, proudly completed their rigorous training. Of these, 211 brave personnel previously served as Special Police Officers (SPOs), and now take on their roles as full-fledged members of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

 


🇮🇳 “Valour of J&K Police is the Pride of the Nation” — LG Manoj Sinha

Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha paid glowing tributes to the Jammu & Kashmir Police for their invaluable sacrifices and unparalleled courage in safeguarding the region.

“The nation is grateful to the J&K Police. Citizens sleep peacefully because they trust our force to protect their lives and ensure justice,” said Sinha.

He lauded the professionalism and grit of the police, Army, and CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), noting their role in crushing terrorism in the Kashmir Valley, even as he voiced concern over rising terror incidents in the Jammu division.


🔍 Tech-Driven Policing: The New Frontier

In a forward-looking note, the LG emphasized the growing need for a tech-savvy, future-ready police force.

“From data-centric policing to combatting crime patterns, and countering threats via the dark web and cryptocurrency-enabled narco trade, the force must adopt cutting-edge tools and strategies,” he stated.


🎓 Parade Highlights

  • Principal Zubair Ahmad Khan, PTS Manigam, outlined the 360-degree training program which included tactical drills, human rights education, and IT-enhanced crime investigation techniques.
  • A ceremonial oath of dedication and honesty was administered to the new recruits.
  • The LG inspected the parade, took the ceremonial salute, and felicitated top-performing cadets.

🎖️ Dignitaries Present

  • Nalin Prabhat, DGP
  • SJM Gillani, Chairman, Police Housing Corporation
  • Anand Jain, ADGP Armed
  • Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG
  • Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir
  • Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir
  • Jatin Kishore, DC Ganderbal

Also present were senior officers from police and civil administration, and proud family members of the Passing Out Batch.


🏁 Closing Words

“The values of courage, patience, self-sacrifice and discipline will guide these new recruits to face all challenges that lie ahead,” the LG affirmed.

The event closed with cheers, salutes, and a renewed commitment to peace and justice in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mumbai Indians Outclass Sunrisers with All-Round Show at Wankhede

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A charged-up Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their resurgence in the IPL 2025, notching their third win of the season with a clinical four-wicket triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

In a match that saw MI dominate with both bat and ball, Will Jacks emerged as the star of the night, delivering an impactful all-round performance. He claimed 2 for 14 in three overs, and then followed it up with a quickfire 36 off 26 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes, anchoring Mumbai’s chase on a pitch that demanded smart cricket.

🏏 Mumbai Executes Smart Plans on Tricky Surface

Having read the Wankhede surface better, MI’s bowlers executed sharp tactics using slower deliveries and pinpoint yorkers. Jasprit Bumrah (4-0-21-1) and Trent Boult (4-0-29-1) were particularly impressive, stifling SRH’s batters during the middle overs.

In response to SRH’s modest 162/5, MI chased down the target with 11 balls to spare, reaching 166/6 in 18.1 overs. The batters maintained a proactive approach, frequently finding boundaries to stay ahead of the required rate.

Despite Rohit Sharma failing to convert his start, his 26 off 16 balls (3 sixes) gave MI early momentum. Ryan Rickelton (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (26 off 15) kept the run chase lively, while captain Hardik Pandya played a fiery cameo of 21 off 9 balls.

After a minor scare towards the end, Tilak Varma (21*), with a calm head, saw the team home comfortably.

🔥 SRH Falter Despite Late Burst

Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled for rhythm for most of their innings. After early let-offs for openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, the visitors failed to capitalise. Abhishek’s fluent 40 off 28 balls was the only notable highlight at the top.

SRH’s batting picked up only in the final overs, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen (37 off 28, 3x4s, 2x6s) and a late blitz from Aniket Verma and Pat Cummins, who took 22 runs off the final over bowled by Pandya.

However, the damage had already been done, with MI’s disciplined bowling leaving SRH short of a match-winning total.

🧠 MI’s Tactical Edge

The hosts were rewarded for strategic execution — saving spin for later, exploiting variations in pace, and pressing the attack during SRH’s middle-order slump. Notably, MI’s first six in the chase came much earlier than SRH’s, which had to wait till the 18th over for their first maximum.


📊 Match Summary:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 162/5 in 20 overs
(Abhishek Sharma 40; Will Jacks 2/14)

Mumbai Indians: 166/6 in 18.1 overs
(Will Jacks 36, Ryan Rickelton 31; Pat Cummins 3/26)


🗓️ Today’s Fixture:

PBKS vs RCB at Bengaluru7:30 PM IST

Retired Army Colonel, Wife Duped of ₹49 Lakh in Elaborate ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

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Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Apr 18 – In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, a retired Indian Army colonel and his wife were allegedly placed under a so-called “digital arrest” and conned out of ₹49 lakh by cybercriminals posing as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch, police officials revealed on Friday.

The incident unfolded after the complainant received a WhatsApp video call from a man claiming to be a Mumbai police officer. The fraudster informed the colonel that his Aadhaar number had been misused to purchase four SIM cards and open a bank account involved in laundering ₹2 crore.

The alleged conman, while posing as an authority figure, threatened to probe the couple’s bank accounts and placed them under continuous “supervision” for over two weeks. From March 23 to April 7, the couple were kept on video call for up to 11 hours daily, coerced into believing they were being officially monitored.

💸 Funds Transferred Under Duress

As part of the elaborate con, the fraudster claimed the couple’s source of income needed verification, and demanded transfers to a specified account. The victims, out of fear and confusion, transferred:

  • ₹9 lakh on March 29
  • ₹40 lakh on April 4
    via RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement).

The scam only came to light on April 10, when the couple finally approached police after realising they had been cheated. By then, the criminals had already distributed the funds across 22 different accounts.

🚨 Investigation Underway

A case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Mandi, and authorities have succeeded in freezing ₹5.58 lakh in suspicious accounts. The probe is now focused on tracing the transaction trail and identifying the fraud ring involved.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Cyber Crime), Mohit Chawla, clarified that “digital arrest” is not a legal concept under Indian law and warned citizens not to fall prey to such tactics.

“Do not fall prey to fraudsters and lose your life’s savings. If you receive any such call or message, contact the 1930 cybercrime helpline immediately,” Chawla advised.

📱 A Growing Trend

This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud in India, especially targeting elderly or retired individuals using fear and impersonation tactics. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity without delay

PM Modi, Elon Musk Explore Tech and Innovation Partnerships

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual and a major force in the global tech space, on Friday, as the two leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration between India and the United States in the realms of technology and innovation.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi shared details of the conversation, stating that the dialogue revisited several topics that were previously discussed during their in-person meeting in Washington DC earlier this year.

“Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation,” PM Modi posted.

He reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its global partnerships in emerging sectors, emphasizing the growing strategic relationship between India and the United States.

“India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” the Prime Minister added.

🤝 Musk’s Strategic Role in US Administration

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is considered an influential figure in the Donald Trump administration, especially as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – an initiative focused on streamlining federal operations, cutting government expenditure, and reducing bureaucratic overhead.

Musk’s companies have played transformative roles in the fields of electric vehicles, space exploration, and artificial intelligence, making him a key global stakeholder in discussions on future tech.

🌐 Strengthening US-India Tech Ties

The Modi-Musk conversation underscores a broader commitment by both nations to deepen cooperation in next-generation technologies, including:

  • Electric mobility
  • Satellite internet
  • Clean energy
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Space exploration

India has increasingly positioned itself as a global hub for tech development and manufacturing, with ongoing efforts to attract major international investments in sectors like semiconductors, green energy, and digital infrastructure.

The interaction signals renewed momentum in India’s engagement with top-tier global innovators, as it continues to pursue its “Make in India” and Digital India initiatives.