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‘Had A Fruitful Meeting With Council Of Ministers,’ Says PM Modi

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‘Had A Fruitful Meeting With Council Of Ministers,’ Says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had a fruitful meeting with his council of ministers where they exchanged perspectives and best practices to boost ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’.
Modi said the meeting on Thursday evening also discussed how to further reforms to realise the shared dream of a developed India.
“Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting ‘Ease of Living, ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and how to further reforms in order to realise our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat,” Modi said in a post on X.
The meeting, which lasted for over four hours, was attended by all cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state.
This was the first meeting of the council this year.
The prime minister had earlier asserted that his government’s “Reform Express” has delivered systemic transformation and benefited the citizens in a significant way.
Sources said the prime minister told his council of ministers to set 2047 as the target year to make India a fully developed nation.

He told the ministers that their aim and objective should always be to bring comfort to people’s lives and “ease of living”.
Modi said that there should not be any interference in the people’s lives in any way, the sources said.
The prime minister told the ministers to take all possible steps so that people get maximum benefits from the government welfare programmes, they said.
He said this is the time to look forward, not dwell on what was done in the past.

Modi noted that while the government has been in power since 2014, the focus in 2026 must be on future goals and achievements.
He advised ministers to remain focused on governance and delivery, the sources said.
The prime minister stressed that there should be no pendency in government work.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a presentation on the latest visit of Modi to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
A total of nine secretaries gave presentations on the initiatives and performance of their ministries and departments.

The council of ministers meeting comes after the BJP’s massive success in the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, returning to power in Puducherry again. (Agencies)




EC Announces Rajya Sabha Polls For 24 Seats On June 18

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EC Announces Rajya Sabha Polls For 24 Seats On June 18
The Election Commission on Friday announced polls for 24 Rajya Sabha seats on June 18.
In a statement, the EC said the elections for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held in 10 states where the incumbents are retiring on different dates beginning June 21 to July 19. The Rajya Sabha elections will be held in four seats each in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka, three seats each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two seats in Jharkhand and one seat each in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

The last date for filing nominations is June 8. (Agencies)

LG Sinha Lays Foundation Stone Of Akshaya Patra’s Centralised Mid-Day Meal Kitchen In Katra

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LG Sinha Lays Foundation Stone Of Akshaya Patra’s Centralised Mid-Day Meal Kitchen In Katra
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone of Akshaya Patra’s centralized kitchen facility in Katra. Once operational, this facility will provide 5000 nutritious meals to school children every day. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also spoke about Akshaya Patra’s future projects in Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir including upcoming kitchen facility in Jammu.
“I urged stronger collaboration between Government and Social Organisations to empower younger generation. We must ensure that school children receive balanced, nourishing meals. Every child deserves access to healthy food and we need to make sure no child is left behind,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor spoke on legacy in ordinary life emphasising that it rests on 3 questions – what are we creating, what are we preserving, and what will we hand over to future generations? He said we must add another question to that list: what are we feeding our children? He further observed that nutrition of our young generation will shape our future.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that a hungry child cannot learn, and a school that cannot feed its children cannot honestly create equal opportunities for progress. He said that decades of global research and their outcomes have shown that nutrition and education are not separate things; education rests on the foundation of good nutrition.
“Children who eat balanced, nutritious meals concentrate better, retain information more effectively, and participate more actively in class. Protein, vitamins, and a balanced diet supply the basic energy for thinking and understanding of a child. I want every school in Jammu Kashmir to remember, when we provide nutritious meals in schools, we are not merely filling stomachs but we are shaping future thinking.
The next generation is not just our future but they are the living expression of the dream and aspiration we wish to build as a nation. Their education, health, and confidence are a shared pledge and a collective responsibility of society. The values, knowledge, and faith we instill in children today will shape Jammu Kashmir’s and India’s decades to come,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor applauded self-less service of Akshay Patra, which is among the world’s largest NGOs in the school meal sector, currently serving over 20 lakh children across 16 states and 3 UTs.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also served the meal to the school students.
Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President & Trustee, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Baldev Raj Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mata Vaishno Devi; Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Member of Legislative Assembly from Reasi; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary School Education Department; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Kashmir; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Uday C. Rege from Savita Oil Technologies; senior officials, members of Akshaya Patra Foundation and students in large number attended the ceremony

Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In PoJK

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Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In PoJK
Hamza Burhan, one of the alleged masterminds behind the Pulwama attack, was reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Burhan, was shot multiple times. According to sources, Burhan died following the attack carried out by the unidentified assailants in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
Burhan was designated a terrorist by the Centre in 2022. In an official notification, the government had said: “Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan alias Doctor, aged 23 years, is a resident of Kharbatpora, Ratnipora, Pulwama, and one of the associate members of Al Badr, a terrorist outfit designated under the UAPA.”
The Pulwama terror attack took place in 2019, when Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Adeel Ahmed Dar rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway at Lethpora in Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. The bombing killed 40 CRPF personnel.

J&K Congress Leader Says India Facing Diplomatic Isolation, Accuses Modi Of Theatrics

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J&K Congress Leader Says India Facing Diplomatic Isolation, Accuses Modi Of Theatrics
Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday said the country is facing a “diplomatic isolation” under Narendra Modi’s leadership and accused him indulging in “jingoism and theatrics” on global platforms.
Karra said Rajiv Gandhi was regarded across the world as one of the architects of modern India and had sacrificed his life to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation.
The former prime minister was assassinated on this day in 1991 in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur. “The point is that because of Modi ji, internal policies and the economic policies of this government, problems are increasing. Because of their external policies, the support we once had in the world is gradually diminishing. Now blocs are also being formed, and decisions are being taken regarding us as well,” Karra told reporters here. on the sidelines of an event held to commemorate Rajiv Gandhi.
Referring to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi criticising the centre’s policies, Karra said that warnings about the deteriorating situation had been ignored earlier as well.
“The basic meaning of this is that India is facing diplomatic isolation. Rahul ji also said one more thing — that there is still time to save this situation and stop this decline,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president said the government must revise its policies to make them people-friendly. “Stop looking at India only through the lens of two or four individuals, and instead frame policies keeping all 140 crore Indians in mind,” he said.
On the former prime minister, he said, “Rajiv Gandhi embraced martyrdom to keep the country united just as Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life for the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.” He said the foundations of modern India were laid by Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Abul Kalam Azad under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi, who united different princely states and regions into one nation.
Karra said that Rajiv Gandhi played a key role in resolving internal issues democratically, including those related to Punjab and the North East. “Today, we are seeing that the North East has opened up to China, and settlements are coming up there. Yet the prime minister makes statements like ‘let any Indian come, whoever may come’. Such blatant falsehood does not suit a prime minister, and the dignity of the office demands maturity,” he said.
Karra said that during the pandemic, people were asked to bang utensils, and now, amid international conflicts, citizens were being advised to consume less fuel and oil. “The kind of jingoism and theatrics displayed before the world makes Indians bow their heads in shame, irrespective of ideological differences,” he said. (Agencies)

J&K | LPG Consumers Flag Issues With e-KYC, Lack Of Smartphones

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J&K | LPG Consumers Flag Issues With e-KYC, Lack Of Smartphones

LPG consumers in the Kashmir valley are facing difficulties in getting their cylinders refilled as distributors are witnessing a huge rush of customers for the mandatory eKYC of their connections.
While the distributors deal with the rush, many customers are facing issues with the self-eKYC after the government made it mandatory to procure refills.
From non-smartphone penetration to privacy concerns, customers have flagged several issues in the way of eKYC.
“I have an LPG connection and have to do the mandatory eKYC, which means I have to download two apps on my phone and then undertake the process. These apps need several phone permissions, which raises privacy concerns,” Yawar Ahmad, a consumer in the city here, said.
Shazia, a home-maker, said many women like her do not have smartphones, so undertaking eKYC by installing applications does not make sense. “I have a Ujjwala connection and I cannot afford a smartphone, so how will I do the self-eKYC?” she asked.
Some customers said such “service bottlenecks” were caused as the government’s facing severe issues with the supply of LPG due to the crisis in the Middle East.
While OTP has been mandatory at the time of gas delivery, many consumers have received messages about gas being delivered without sharing the OTP. “I received an OTP, which I didn’t share with the distributor, but then I still got the message about gas being delivered. However, the gas was not delivered,” Mehraj Ahmad, another consumer, said.
“These messages are computer-generated by an app. However, the booking is effective only after eKYC,” a distributor here said. (Agencies)

DIG Visits Forward Areas Along LoC In J&K’s Poonch, Reviews Border Security Preparedness

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DIG Visits Forward Areas Along LoC In J&K’s Poonch, Reviews Border Security Preparedness
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajouri-Poonch range, Sandeep Wazir on Thursday visited the forward areas along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the border area.
The DIG interacted with police personnel deployed in the forward belt in Salotri sector and reviewed the existing security arrangements, deployment patterns and coordination mechanisms aimed at maintaining peace and vigilance along the border, officials said.
During the visit, Wazir stressed the need for maintaining high alertness, seamless coordination among security agencies and proactive policing in sensitive areas.
The visit was aimed at overseeing the preparedness of police to strengthen security measures and ensure effective policing in forward villages along the LoC.
The DIG also chaired a conference to review the prevailing security scenario and deliberated upon various operational, investigative and administrative aspects of policing, they said.
Addressing the officers, Wazir asked them to remain vigilant and proactive in tackling emerging security challenges, cyber-related offences and other criminal activities, while underscoring the need for better coordination among various police units and security agencies to strengthen the overall security grid in the district.

Snow, Rain Bring Down Temperatures In Kashmir

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Snow, Rain Bring Down Temperatures In Kashmir

Some places in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rain in the early hours of Thursday, bringing down temperatures, officials said

The frontier Gurez sector in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, Zojilla Pass along the Srinagar-Leh national highway and Sonamarg received snowfall. A few other peaks in the higher reaches of the valley were also draped in white.
The plains of the valley, including the summer capital of Srinagar, were lashed by intermittent rains.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm late Wednesday night left a road in Bandipora district severely damaged, while water and mud entered several nearby homes, the officials said.
The rain also triggered waterlogging and mudflow in the area, disrupting movement.
The rain and snow brought respite from the heatwave-like conditions in Kashmir.
The meteorological department said there is a possibility of one or two spells of light rain and thundershowers with gusty winds and hailstorm at many places over Thursday and Friday.
The weather is likely to stay generally dry in the forenoon, with brief showers likely towards late afternoon hours at isolated to scattered places till May 25, it said. (Agencies)

Rain, Thunderstorm Activity Likely To Persist Across J&K Till Saturday

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Rain, Thunderstorm Activity Likely To Persist Across J&K Till Saturday
Intermittent spells of rain and thundershowers are expected to continue across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir till Saturday, with the Kashmir region likely to witness comparatively higher weather activity.
According to Kashmir Weather Watch, short-duration intense showers accompanied by gusty winds, lightning and possible hailstorm activity may occur at isolated places during the period.
The advisory, however, stated that no continuous or prolonged rainfall is expected across the Union Territory.
Residents, especially those in vulnerable and hilly areas, have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and gusty weather conditions. (KNC)

PM Modi Returns Home After 5-Nation Tour

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PM Modi Returns Home After 5-Nation Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday landed in the national capital, returning from a five-nation tour during which he signed pacts on energy, defence, and critical minerals.
The prime minister embarked on his tour on May 15, visiting the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy over a course of several days.
In the UAE, India signed a series of landmark pacts spanning strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping, with Abu Dhabi pledging investments totalling USD 5 billion in India.
A meeting between Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took place against the backdrop of tensions still in West Asia. During his visit to the Netherlands, India inked 17 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, critical minerals and other key sectors.
The two countries also elevated their ties to a strategic partnership after a talk between Modi and Rob Jetten, his Dutch counterpart.
The two prime ministers expressed their concern over the situation in West Asia, especially its implications for the region and beyond, caused by a fractured oil supply.
In the successive leg of the tour, India and Sweden agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, discussed trade, technology, defence, and other key areas in a meeting.
The two nations unveiled an ambitious roadmap spanning artificial intelligence, critical minerals, innovation, trade and cultural exchanges.
In Oslo, the Indian prime minister discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as clean energy, trade, sustainability and digitalisation in separate meetings with his counterparts from Iceland, Finland and Denmark.
The prime minister held the meetings on the sidelines of the third India-Nordic Summit, holding talks with Iceland Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
India and Norway firmed up a Green Strategic Partnership, as Modi and his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Store, held a talk probing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the tensions in Ukraine and West Asia.
The two leaders spoke about expanding cooperation in areas such as clean energy, climate resilience, blue economy, green shipping, digital technology, space and Arctic research.
During his visit to Italy, the last leg of his tour, Modi held talks with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, elevating ties between the countries to a special strategic partnership.
Modi was conferred with Sweden’s highest honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, and Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
In Rome, Modi was conferred with the FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development. (Agencies)
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