ANANTNAG, JULY 21: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today visited the Mata Uma Bhagwati Shrine at Umanagri, Brariangan, Shangus, to participate in the celebrations of the Murti Pratishthan Divas, being observed with religious fervour through a two-day Yagya and other spiritual programmes organised by the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust here.
The Chief Secretary, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, paid obeisance at the shrine and sought the blessings of the deity for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also participated in the Kalash Pooja and the sacred rituals performed as part of the Murti Pratishthan celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, along with senior officers of the district administration and a large gathering of devotees and members of the Trust, was also present on the occasion.
Referring to the ongoing heritage conservation initiatives at the shrine, the Chief Secretary said that the Government remains committed to safeguarding such places of immense historical and spiritual importance. He added that the project being undertaken for the shrine would be incorporated with additional works required for improving facilities and preserving the sanctity of the shrine in a holistic manner.
On this occasion, the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust expressed its gratitude to the Chief Secretary for sparing time to participate in the celebrations and for his assurance of continued support towards the preservation and development of the historic shrine.
The Trust also placed on record its appreciation for the proactive role played by the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, in ensuring effective coordination among all concerned departments for making comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the religious function.
Atal Dulloo participates in Murti Pratishthan Divas Celebrations at Uma Bhagwati Shrine Anantnag
PM Modi Stands with Students on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Strict Action Against Guilty: Rijiju
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that the government stands firmly with students amid concerns over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and has called for strict action against those responsible for the irregularities, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday.
Addressing reporters after the NDA Parliamentary Party’s ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting, Rijiju said the Prime Minister stressed that paper leaks are a matter of national concern and should not be politicised.
“On the NEET exam, the Prime Minister said we stand with the students. Those involved in paper leaks must face strict action, in consultation with top lawyers. Paper leaks are a matter of national concern and must not be politicised. Strict action should be taken not only by the Centre but also by states wherever paper leaks occur,” Rijiju said.
His remarks came amid growing protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The Campaign for Judicial Probity (CJP) intensified its agitation on Monday, with a party delegation meeting Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to press its demands, while a protest march towards Parliament turned violent.
Rijiju described the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting as “very fruitful” and said the Prime Minister provided guidance to members on several important issues, including the country’s recent achievements and economic initiatives.
“The Prime Minister provided guidance to all. It was a very productive meeting. He highlighted the successes the country has achieved in recent months and spoke about the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed with various nations,” Rijiju said.
The minister also said the meeting welcomed newly elected Rajya Sabha members, including Nitin Nabin.
“Today the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, now called ‘Mangal Milan’, took place. We welcomed our new Rajya Sabha MPs, including Nitin Nabin Ji. The meeting was fruitful,” he said.
Speaking on India’s Free Trade Agreements with various countries, Rijiju said the Prime Minister assured party members that farmers’ interests would remain a top priority and that no agreement would adversely affect them.
“Regarding these agreements, the Prime Minister assured that the interests of farmers would be prioritised. He emphasised that no harm would come to them. The welfare of farmers remains paramount in any FTA signed with any country, ensuring that these agreements serve the best interests of both the farmers and the nation,” Rijiju said.
He added that the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ welfare while pursuing international trade partnerships.
Heavy Rains Batter Jammu Region; 23 Dead, Seven Missing as Major Pilgrimages Remain Suspended
Heavy rains continued to lash large parts of the Jammu region on Tuesday, disrupting normal life, triggering landslides and flash floods, and prompting authorities to maintain the highest level of alert across vulnerable areas.
At least 23 people have lost their lives, while seven others remain missing in rain-related incidents across the Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday, officials said.
All major pilgrimages in the region, including the Shri Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, Shiv Khori Yatra and Machail Mata Yatra, remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to persistent rainfall, landslides and the heightened risk of flash floods.
Authorities said the situation is being monitored round-the-clock, with district administrations, disaster response teams, police and other agencies remaining on high alert in vulnerable areas.
Pilgrims have been advised to stay at designated shelters until weather conditions improve and the pilgrimage routes are declared safe.
Despite adverse weather conditions, rescue teams continued search operations for the seven missing persons in the worst-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri, where cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides have caused widespread devastation over the past three days.
According to the Meteorological Department, Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, recorded the highest rainfall in the region, receiving 107.1 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Other rainfall figures included Poonch (61.5 mm), Reasi (54.5 mm), Rajouri (49 mm) and Jammu (35 mm) during the same period.
Officials said several highways, roads and link roads remained blocked or partially affected due to landslides and shooting stones, while waterlogging disrupted traffic movement in both urban and rural areas. Restoration work is underway, but continuous rainfall has hampered efforts to clear debris and reopen affected routes.
With the Meteorological Department forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall until July 23, authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, nallahs, water bodies and landslide-prone areas.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has chaired back-to-back high-level review meetings over the past two days to assess the flood situation, restoration efforts and relief measures across the Union Territory.
Reiterating that the safety and well-being of the people remain the government’s highest priority, the Chief Minister directed the administration to act proactively, efficiently and with empathy. He stressed the need for speedy restoration of essential services, timely relief for affected families and effective preparedness to deal with any further weather-related challenges.
CJP Alleges Police Excesses During Parliament March, Vows to Continue Protest
A day after a protest march towards Parliament over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak turned violent, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters and alleged that the party’s delegation was “trapped” during talks with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
Addressing reporters, Dipke claimed that a two-member CJP delegation was invited for discussions with Nadda while police launched a lathi-charge against protesters outside.
“JP Nadda invited our panel to have a discussion, and they offered that they would find a solution and have a dialogue. After calling us for talks, they were conducting a lathi charge here. So, they were trapping us. They even house-arrested Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Shanka at JP Nadda’s house. They took away their phones. We were unable to reach them for three hours,” Dipke alleged.
He accused the Centre of ordering a “brutal lathi-charge” to shield Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and questioned the use of force against students.
“If you wanted to stop the march, you could have used water cannons, but you used tear gas and a brutal lathi charge. What was the need to crack the children’s heads? These children are the future of this country,” he said.
Dipke further alleged that male Delhi Police personnel assaulted female protesters during the crackdown.
“Yesterday, the whole country saw how brutally the Delhi Police cracked the heads of even 12-year-old girls. The police beat the girls, tore their clothes, and stepped on their chests. No female police officer touched any girl; all those who raised their hands were male police officers,” he claimed.
The activist also said social activist Sonam Wangchuk had decided to continue his hunger strike following the alleged police action.
“In view of the brutality that occurred yesterday, Sonam sir, who was going to break his fast yesterday, will not break it now. He is deeply saddened by what has happened and has conveyed through a letter that he will continue his hunger strike in light of the alleged atrocities committed against the students,” Dipke said.
He asserted that the CJP would continue its agitation and announce its next course of action soon.
“We are going to continue our protest, and we will be announcing our next big event soon,” he said.
Dipke’s remarks came a day after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda met CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka and chief spokesperson Saurav Das at his residence amid escalating protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
According to Delhi Police, more than 118 police personnel were injured during Monday’s violence at Jantar Mantar, and five FIRs have been registered in connection with alleged stone-pelting, vandalism and other incidents during the protest.
Delhi Police has yet to respond publicly to the specific allegations made by Dipke regarding the treatment of protesters.
“PM said we stand with students”, says Kiren Rijiju after NDA’s ‘Mangal Milan’ meet; urges strict action over NEET paper leaks
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in the meeting that the government “stands with the students” amid concerns over the NEET examination paper leak and called for strict action against those involved in the irregularities.
Addressing the reporters after today’s NDA Parliamentary Party ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting, Rijiju said the Prime Minister made it clear that the government stands with students and that paper leaks are a matter of national concern that should not be politicised.
“On the NEET exam, the PM said we stand with the students. Those involved in paper leaks must face strict action, in consultation with top lawyers. Paper leaks are a matter of national concern and must not be politicised. Strict action should be taken not only by the Centre but also by states wherever paper leaks occur,” Rijiju said.
Rijiju’s remarks come after the CJP’s protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified on Monday, with a party delegation meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda to press its demands, even as a march towards Parliament turned violent.
Rijiju said the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting was “very fruitful” and that the Prime Minister provided guidance to all members on several significant issues.
“The Prime Minister provided guidance to all… It was a very productive meeting. The Prime Minister addressed several significant issues and offered his guidance. He highlighted the successes the country has achieved in recent months and spoke about the FTAs signed with various nations,” he said.
He said the meeting also welcomed new Rajya Sabha MPs, including Nitin Nabin.
“Today the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, now called ‘Mangal Milan’, took place. We welcomed our new Rajya Sabha MPs, including Nitin Nabin Ji. The meeting was fruitful,” Rijiju said.
Speaking on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed with various nations, Rijiju said the Prime Minister assured members that the interests of farmers would remain a priority and that no harm would come to them.
“Regarding these agreements, the Prime Minister assured that the interests of farmers would be prioritised; he emphasised that no harm would come to them. He stated that the welfare of farmers remains paramount in any FTA signed with any country, ensuring that these agreements serve the best interests of both the farmers and the nation,” he said.
Rijiju added that the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.
“He also spoke about the FTA and reiterated our commitment to farmers’ welfare we are taking care of them,” he said.
All gates of the Salal dam on Chenab river opened amid heavy rain in Reasi
All gates of the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district were opened on Tuesday following a significant increase in water inflow into the Chenab River and the dam reservoir due to heavy rainfall in the region.
The Reasi region has been witnessing heavy rainfall for the past several hours, leading to a sharp rise in inflows into the reservoir. The gates of the dam were opened to release excess water and regulate the reservoir level.
The heavy discharge from the dam resulted in a sharp increase in the water level and flow of the Chenab River.
People, particularly those residing in low-lying areas and along the banks of the Chenab, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing close to the river.
The region has been witnessing persistent rainfall in recent days, with authorities closely monitoring weather conditions and the river’s water level.
Crime Branch busts organised extortion racket in Kashmir, conducts raids in Srinagar and Ganderbal
The Special Crime Wing, Kashmir of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts, busting an organised extortion racket allegedly involved in impersonating law enforcement officials and defrauding senior citizens.
According to officials, the searches were conducted in connection with FIR No. 18/2026 registered under Sections 204, 319(2), 308(2), 338 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation pertains to an organised gang that allegedly posed as officials of the Crime Branch and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to threaten senior citizens with fabricated complaints and arrests before extorting money from them.
Crime Branch officials said the accused allegedly extorted more than Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen residing in Srinagar.
Searches were carried out at the residences of the accused, who have been identified as Mubashir Ahmad Yatto (Wani) of Rangil, Nagbal in Ganderbal; Naseer Maqbool Bichoo of Khwaja Yarbal, Saidakadal in Srinagar; Mudasir Sadiq Najar of Kalal Doori, Naid Kadal, S.R. Gunj in Srinagar; and Muneer Ahmad Mir of Gousia Colony, Elahi Bagh in Srinagar.
The Special Crime Wing, Kashmir appealed to the public to remain vigilant against individuals involved in cheating, forgery, cyber-enabled offences, impersonation, and other forms of organised crime.
Citizens have been advised not to fall victim to fraudulent schemes, forged documents, or false promises made for unlawful gain. The Crime Branch has urged people to immediately report any such criminal activities or suspicious individuals to the nearest police station or the Crime Branch for prompt legal action.
Rupee falls 12 paise to 96.42 against US dollar in early trade
The rupee weakened 12 paise to 96.42 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday due to a surge in crude oil prices and strong demand for the American currency amid the worsening West Asia crisis.
Foreign capital outflows from domestic equity markets also weighed on the Indian currency, forex traders said.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened lower at 96.53 against the previous close of 96.30 to dollar. The local unit pared some losses to trade at 96.42 later, down 12 paise from its previous close.
On Friday, the rupee gained 12 paise to settle at 96.30 against the US dollar, supported by positive domestic market sentiment and a decline in US Treasury yields.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading marginally down by 0.05 per cent at 100.54.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 2.45 per cent higher at USD 90.26 per barrel in futures trade, as the US and Iran have inched closer to all-out war, as last month’s interim deal meant to permanently end the fighting has crumbled and shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled.
The United States conducted a new round of airstrikes early Monday targeting Iran after announcing the death of another American service member, and Iran fired missiles towards Jordan that risked widening the conflict into neighbouring Israel.
Meanwhile, Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens Monday morning, warning of an Iranian retaliatory attack after US airstrikes targeted the Islamic Republic.
On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex tumbled 593.78 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 77,557.67, while the Nifty declined 169.20 points, or 0.70 per cent, to 24,165.10.
Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth Rs 376.41 crore on a net basis on Friday, according to exchange data.
The Reserve Bank data released on Friday showed India’s forex reserves jumped USD 964 million to USD 675.157 billion in the week ended July 10. In the previous reporting week, the overall kitty had jumped by USD 7.26 billion to USD 674.193 billion.
Delhi High Court agrees to hear Sonam Wangchuk’s wife’s appeal today against refusal to shift him to private hospital
The Delhi High Court on Monday agreed to hear an appeal filed by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging a Single Judge’s refusal to direct his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital of his choice.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia agreed to take up the matter at 2:30 PM after it was mentioned for urgent hearing by Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for the appellant.
When the matter was mentioned, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union of India, requested that the appeal be taken up tomorrow. However, after hearing the request from both sides, the Bench agreed to hear the matter at 2:30 PM today.
The appeal was filed a day after Justice Mini Pushkarna declined to grant interim relief directing Sonam Wangchuk’s transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility.
In the appeal, Dr. Angmo contends that the Single Judge’s order violates Wangchuk’s fundamental rights to bodily autonomy, informed consent and personal liberty. It argues that the impugned order effectively deprives Wangchuk and his wife of the authority to decide his medical treatment by leaving the ultimate decision to the medical team at Safdarjung Hospital.
The appeal submits that the Single Judge failed to consider the principle of informed consent and the settled legal position that a competent patient has the right to accept, refuse or discontinue medical treatment.
It further contends that although the Single Judge recorded that Wangchuk is neither under arrest nor under detention, the order effectively confines him to Safdarjung Hospital without any legal authority. The plea alleges that the order permits medical intervention without his consent, violating his bodily autonomy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Relying on the Supreme Court’s judgments in Common Cause v. Union of India and Samira Kohli v. Dr. Prabha Manchanda, the appeal argues that every competent patient has the right to make informed decisions regarding medical treatment and that treatment without free and informed consent is impermissible except in limited emergency situations.
The appeal also contends that Wangchuk’s continued confinement at Safdarjung Hospital infringes his rights under Articles 19 and 21 by preventing him from continuing his peaceful hunger strike and protest at Jantar Mantar. Referring to the Supreme Court’s decision in the Ramlila Maidan Incident case, it submits that a hunger strike is a constitutionally recognised form of protest and cannot be curtailed by forcibly confining a protester in a hospital in the absence of any lawful detention.
It also argues that Wangchuk was never consulted before being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital and that neither he nor his wife was given an opportunity to choose the hospital or the doctors treating him. According to the appeal, there is no evidence showing any deterioration in his health warranting such coercive action. It further submits that if the authorities believed immediate medical intervention was necessary, they ought to have sought the Court’s permission before removing him from the protest site.
The appeal seeks the setting aside of the July 19 order and directions permitting Wangchuk to be shifted to a private hospital of his choice while protecting his rights relating to medical treatment and personal liberty.
On July 19, Justice Mini Pushkarna declined to grant interim relief directing Wangchuk’s transfer from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital, holding that there was no prima facie violation of his personal liberty as the government’s decision to shift him from the protest site was taken to protect his life in view of his deteriorating medical condition.
The Court noted that Wangchuk had been on a prolonged fast for nearly 17-18 days and referred to the Division Bench’s July 16 order directing daily medical monitoring and necessary medical intervention to prevent further deterioration. It held that the government shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital in compliance with those directions after his condition became precarious.
After considering submissions from the Union Government and doctors from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, the Court observed that Wangchuk’s blood sugar and sodium levels were below normal and that his potassium levels posed a risk of life-threatening complications. It also noted the government’s submission that intravenous fluids had not been administered because Wangchuk had not consented to such treatment.
The Single Judge further held that doctors were administering only those medicines and oral electrolytes for which Wangchuk had consented and found no material to conclude that force was being used against him or that his bodily autonomy was being violated.
Recording the Centre’s assurance that Wangchuk’s medical reports would be shared with his family, the Court directed the Union Government to file a status report and listed the writ petition for further hearing on July 24, 2026.
Monsoon Session: Lok Sabha adjourned till noon amid heavy Opposition sloganeering despite Speaker Birla’s repeated appeals
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon on Monday, shortly after the House assembled for the first day of the Monsoon Session, amid continuous sloganeering by Opposition members demanding discussions on the NEET controversy and the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case.
The proceedings began with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla making obituary references to former Members of Parliament Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, Omwati Devi, Sudhangshu Seal, Major General Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri AVSM (Retd.), KP Dhanapalan, Pyare Lal Sankhwar, and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar.
Soon after the obituary references, Opposition MPs raised slogans, demanding discussions on the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.
Amid the protests, Speaker Om Birla repeatedly appealed to members to allow the House to function.
“Please remain seated. Cooperate in running the House,” Birla said.
However, the sloganeering continued, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till 12 noon.