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ISIS Second In Command Eliminated, Says Trump

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ISIS Second In Command Eliminated, Says Trump
May 16: US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) stated that the US military, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, eliminated the second-in-command of the global terrorist organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in a “complex and precise” military operation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the “second in command of ISIS globally”, was eliminated during the joint operation, adding that the operation targeted him in Africa, where he was allegedly hiding.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” the post read.
Trump also thanked the Government of Nigeria for its cooperation in the mission
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” the post added.
In June 2023, under then-President Joe Biden, the US State Department designated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
He was identified as a leader of ISIS with multiple aliases, including Abubakar Mainok and Abor Mainok.
As per the State Department, the designation stated that individuals associated with ISIS were subject to sanctions due to their role in terrorist activities and global operations of the group.
Last month, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack that killed at least 29 people in Nigeria’s Adamawa state, according to a statement issued by the group on Telegram.
The attack took place in the Guyaku community in the Gombi Local Government Area, where armed assailants targeted residents, leading to multiple fatalities.
Last year in December, the US also launched a “deadly” strike against the terror organisation in northwest Nigeria, noting that the strike targeted terrorists over the alleged killings of Christians.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries! I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
In June 2025, over twenty people were killed in a militant attack on the home village of a Nigerian bishop, days after he testified before the US Congress about the persecution of Christians in the country. (Agencies)

‘If Pakistan Harbours Terrorists, Operates Against India…’: Army Chief’s Stern Message

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‘If Pakistan Harbours Terrorists, Operates Against India…’: Army Chief’s Stern Message
 In a stern military message to Islamabad, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said if Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India, then they have to “decide whether they want to be part of geography or history or not”.
At an interactive session hosted by ‘Uniform Unveiled’ at the Manekshaw Centre here, he was asked about how the Indian Army will respond if circumstances that led to Operation Sindoor last year comes up again.
The Army chief said, “If you have heard me earlier, what I have said… that Pakistan, if it continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India, then they have to decide whether they want to be part of geography or history or not.”
His remarks at the event, ‘Sena Samwad’, came days after the country and the Indian military marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. Gen Dwivedi’s remarks, though brief carried a blunt message to Pakistan, and reiterated India’s stand against terrorism.
Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 last year in retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, with Indian forces conducting precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK).
Pakistan later also launched offensives against India, and all subsequent counter-offensives by India were also carried out under Operation Sindoor.
The military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, lasting nearly 88 hours, halted after they reached an understanding on the evening of May 10. (Agencies)

Sopore Police Conduct Raids At 15 Locations In UAPA Case Linked To JeI Network

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Sopore Police Conduct Raids At 15 Locations In UAPA Case Linked To JeI Network
Sopore Police, in coordination with security forces, on Friday carried out extensive search operations at more than 15 locations across Bomai, Warpora, Sopore and Tarzoo in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district in connection with a UAPA case linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) network.
Officials said the searches were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into activities related to the proscribed organisation and its alleged associates operating in the area.
The raids were conducted simultaneously at multiple locations with the assistance of security personnel to collect evidence and verify suspected links connected with the unlawful activities case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Sources said documents, digital devices and other materials are being examined as part of the investigation. Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle networks suspected of supporting banned organisations in the Valley.
Police officials stated that further investigation in the case is underway.(KNC)

NCW To Hold Fourth Edition Of ‘Shakti Samvaad’ In Srinagar; Focus On Women’s Rights, Safety

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NCW To Hold Fourth Edition Of ‘Shakti Samvaad’ In Srinagar; Focus On Women’s Rights, Safety
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is organising the fourth edition of its flagship consultation programme “Shakti Samvaad” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on May 16-17, bringing together state women commissions nationwide to deliberate on women’s rights, safety, empowerment and institutional coordination.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, the commission said the two-day consultation aims to strengthen cooperation between the NCW and state women commissions, and promote coordinated efforts for women’s welfare, grievance redressal and legal awareness.
The inaugural session will be addressed by Union minister Jitendra Singh, while NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will also address the gathering.
Senior government officials, legal experts, law enforcement representatives, policymakers and members of state women commissions are participating in the event, the commission said.
The consultation will include discussions on themes such as state progress snapshots, review of state laws from women’s rights perspective, recent Supreme Court and high court judgments concerning women, legal and institutional responses to stalking, and safeguards for women under the new labour codes.
“The discussions aim to strengthen policy coordination, improve grievance redressal mechanisms, promote legal awareness, and ensure effective implementation of women-centric laws and welfare measures,” the NCW said.
“Shakti Samvaad” is a flagship consultation initiative of the NCW aimed at fostering close coordination and continuous engagement between NCW and state women commissions.
The commission said this consultation in Srinagar aims at reinforcing NCW’s commitment to collaborative policymaking and strengthening institutions for women’s welfare across states.
It also reflects the growing participation of institutions and stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and coordinated governance in advancing women’s rights and access to justice, the statement said.
The consultation will conclude with a valedictory session outlining key recommendations and a roadmap for continued cooperation between the NCW and state women commissions, the statement added.
As part of her visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Rahatkar will also participate in a series of programmes on May 19, including a gender sensitisation and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act) awareness programme titled “Campus Calling” at Sher-e-Kashmir University, Kashmir; a ‘Jan Sunwai’ for grievance redressal, meetings with senior administrative officials, and the “Lal Ded National Award” ceremony, it said. (Agencies)

AICC General Secretary Calls For Comprehensive Policy To Combat Drug Abuse In J&K

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AICC General Secretary Calls For Comprehensive Policy To Combat Drug Abuse In J&K
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Friday expressed serious concern over the growing menace of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir and called for a broader and comprehensive public policy intervention to protect the younger generation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said 806 persons were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 97 properties worth Rs 41.85 crore were attached and 97 properties worth Rs 41.85 crore were demolished between April 11 and May 13, as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Appreciating the ongoing campaign, Mir said that any drive against addiction and substance abuse cannot remain selective in nature and must address all forms of addiction affecting the society.
“There is a serious concern over the growing menace of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. It is been seen during the current campaign. There is an urgent need for a broader and more meaningful public policy intervention to safeguard the younger generation from addiction and social deterioration”, he said.
The Congress leader said that alcohol addiction, particularly among youth, has emerged as a major social and public health concern and deserves equal attention alongside narcotic substances.
Referring to the increasing public discourse on regulation of liquor outlets, Mir said that the growing demand from various sections of society for phased restrictions on liquor sales deserves thoughtful and sensitive consideration by the government.
Citing examples from other states, he said Bihar and Gujarat have already implemented prohibition policies, while Tamil Nadu had reportedly shut down hundreds of liquor outlets, especially those operating near religious places, schools and densely populated localities, in response to public sentiment and social concerns.
Mir said that when several states across the country can initiate corrective measures in the larger public interest, “there is no reason why Jammu and Kashmir cannot begin a serious consultation process on regulating the unchecked availability and promotion of alcohol, particularly in vulnerable and sensitive areas”.
He also expressed concern over the easy availability of cigarettes and tobacco products to minors and alleged violations of regulations prohibiting their sale near educational institutions.
The Congress leader urged authorities to strictly enforce laws governing tobacco and alcohol sales, particularly around schools, colleges, religious institutions and public places frequented by youth.
The issue, Mir said, should not be viewed merely through the prism of revenue generation, but through its long-term social, moral and health implications on families and society.
He asserted that any policy initiative in this regard must be balanced, peoplecentric and evolved through public consultation while keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivities of Jammu and Kashmir.
Appealing for a collective action, Mir urged civil society organisations, religious leaders, parents, youth groups and policymakers to work together towards building a healthier and addiction-free society, stating that the future of the younger generation must remain the foremost priority of all stakeholders. (Agencies)

Budgam Police Attaches Properties Worth ₹80 Lakhs Of Drug Peddlers Under NDPS Act

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Budgam Police Attaches Properties Worth ₹80 Lakhs Of Drug Peddlers Under NDPS Act
Continuing its intensified crackdown against narcotics trafficking under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Budgam Police on Thursday attached properties worth around ₹80 lakhs belonging to two alleged drug peddlers in Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
According to police officials, a one-storey residential house valued at nearly ₹30 lakhs belonging to Ghulam Nabi Wani, son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani, a resident of Chitroo Dangarpora Chadoora, was attached in connection with FIR No. 181/2025 registered under Sections 8/20/29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chadoora.
Police said that during investigation of the case last year, more than 300 kilograms of Poppy Husk/Fukki was recovered from the premises. Investigations further revealed that the property had allegedly been acquired through proceeds generated from narcotics trafficking and was being used for storage, processing and distribution of contraband substances.
In another action, Budgam Police attached a two-storeyed residential house worth approximately ₹50 to ₹55 lakhs belonging to Mohd Hashim Raina, son of Abdul Samad, a resident of Hassipora Chadoora.
The property was attached in connection with FIR No. 35/2026 registered under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chadoora. Officials said that during investigation of the case, more than 9 kilograms of Charas-like substance had been recovered last month from a band saw mill at Kasermulla village in Chadoora.
Police said the action was taken under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle narcotics networks and target assets created through the illegal drug trade.
Budgam Police reiterated its commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs from society and warned that strict legal action would continue against individuals involved in narcotics trafficking and related unlawful activities.(KNC)

India Can Play ‘Greater Role’ For Peace In West Asia, Says Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi

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India Can Play ‘Greater Role’ For Peace In West Asia, Says Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi

The southwest monsoon is expected to set in early over Kerala on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its forecast on Friday.
The monsoon, the primary rain-bearing system, normally arrives in Kerala around June 1 and advances northwards to cover other parts of the country.


The onset of monsoon in the state marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon season (June to September). Last year, the onset of the monsoon happened on May 24.
“This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26 with a model error of ± 4 days (could occur four days before or after),” the IMD said.
The weather office also added that conditions were favourable for the monsoon to advance over parts of the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 24 hours.
“The advance of the southwest monsoon over the Indian mainland is marked by monsoon onset over Kerala and is an important indicator characterising the transition from the hot and dry season to the rainy season,” the IMD said.

The four-month monsoon season brings almost 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall. It is critical for agriculture and crops, for the economy as a whole, and to recharge reservoirs and aquifers.
The IMD has said that India might receive below-normal rainfall this year during the monsoon season.
The country is likely to get 80 cm of rainfall in the monsoon months, with the long-period average (1971-2020) of seasonal rainfall at 87 cm.

The IMD said this could be due to the emergence of the El Niño conditions, which cause less rainfall in the country.
In its monthly forecast on May 1, the department said that El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific were evolving toward El Niño conditions. (Agencies)

SC Bats For Rationalisation Of Airfares, Asks Centre To Provide Relief To People

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SC Bats For Rationalisation Of Airfares, Asks Centre To Provide Relief To People
The Supreme Court on Friday said there should be some rationalisation of airfares and asked the Centre to provide relief to flyers.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta flagged that on the same day, one airline flying in the same sector charges a particular airfare while other charges a different airfare.
“Try to give some relief to the people because of the discrepancy. On the same day, flights to the same sector, one airline charges Rs 8000 while the other airline charges Rs 18000 for the economy class,” the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre.
Justice Mehta said, “There should be some rationalisation (of airfares)” after the solicitor general said that a new enactment of 2024 has come into effect and the corresponding rules are in the process of consultation.
Mehta said the government was not disputing the problem and is treating the issue as non-adversarial and considering all aspects.
The bench was hearing a plea filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, who sought a robust and independent regulator that ensures transparency and passenger protection across the civil aviation sector and regulatory guidelines to control the “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfare and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India.
Senior advocate Ravindra Srivastava, appearing for Laxminarayanan submitted that rules are already there under the Aircraft Act of 1937 but the problem is that they were not followed.
Mehta agreed that old rules are in place but new ones being formulated under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam of 2024 that came into effect in January, 2025.
Srivastava said till the new rules are framed, the old rules will continue and it says that if the DGCA is satisfied that in a particular situation, the airlines are indulging in charging predatory or excessive fares, it will issue directions.
“They are not issuing any directions. The rules are there, the power is there but it is a case of non-exercise of powers,” he submitted.
The bench asked Srivastava to reply to the counter-affidavit filed by the Centre and recorded the solicitor general’s submission that consultation process for formulation of rules under the new regime is going on.
The bench posted the matter for hearing on July 13.
On April 30, the top court pulled up the Centre for not filing its affidavit on a petition which sought regulatory guidelines to control the “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfare and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India.
It had asked the Centre to file an application along with an affidavit giving reasons for why the affidavit has not been filed and why further time was sought for it.
On November 17 last year, the top court sought responses from the Centre and others on Laxminarayanan’s plea seeking sought a robust and independent regulator that ensures transparency and passenger protection across the civil aviation sector.
On February 23, the Centre told the apex court that the Ministry of Civil Aviation was actively considering the issues raised in the plea.
While hearing the matter on January 19, the top court said it would interfere with the “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfares and flagged the exorbitant rise during festivals.
The top court had termed the exorbitant rise of airfares by the airlines as “exploitation” and asked the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to file their replies on the plea.
The plea claimed that all private airlines have, without any credible justification, reduced the free check-in baggage allowance for economy class passengers from 25 kg to 15 kg, “thereby converting what was earlier part of the ticketed service into a new revenue stream”.
It said the “new policy of permitting only a single piece for check-in and the absence of any rebate, compensation or benefit to passengers who do not avail themselves of check-in baggage demonstrates the arbitrary and discriminatory nature of the measure”.
The plea claimed that currently, no authority has the power to review or cap airfares or ancillary fees, allowing the airlines to exploit consumers through hidden charges and unpredictable pricing.
It said the “unregulated, opaque and exploitative conduct of airlines manifesting in arbitrary fare hikes, unilateral reduction of services, absence of on-ground grievance redressal and unjustified dynamic pricing algorithms directly infringes upon citizens’ fundamental rights to equality, freedom of movement and life with dignity”.
It said the absence of regulatory safeguards results in arbitrary fare hikes, especially during festivals or weather disruptions, which disproportionately harm poor and last-minute travellers.
The plea said inaction by the State in regulating fare algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity and grievance mechanisms constitutes a dereliction of its constitutional duty and calls for urgent judicial intervention.
It said there is no rule to stop the airlines from increasing prices based on demand and allowing them such freedom under essential services is unjustifiable. (PTI)

Dr NIKHIL GUPTA Performed Rare & Successful Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgey under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme — completely free of cost

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Dr NIKHIL GUPTA Performed Rare & Successful Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgey under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme — completely free of cost
The patient was suffering from severe knee pain and difficulty in walking for a long time. Even routine daily activities had become challenging, and the patient was barely able to walk or flex the knee because of advanced knee joint degeneration.
After successful Total Knee Replacement Surgery, the patient started walking painlessly and was able to flex the knee comfortably from the very next day of surgery, showing remarkable early recovery and improved mobility.
Dr. NIKHIL GUPTA
MBBS, MS Orthopaedics (GMC Jammu)
Ex-Registrar NCRIMS & GMC Udhampur 
Senior Consultant, GB Pant Hospital Jammu 
Bone & Joint Trauma Surgeon
Committed to advanced joint replacement surgery with precision care, faster rehabilitation, pain relief, and improved quality of life for every patient.
“Quality healthcare accessible to all.”
#AyushmanBharat #TKR #TotalKneeReplacement #Orthopaedics #JointReplacement #BoneAndJointSurgeon #GBPantHospital #Jammu #DrNikhilGupta

Trump Wraps Up China Visit After Talks With Xi On Iran War And Trade

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Trump Wraps Up China Visit After Talks With Xi On Iran War And Trade
US President Donald Trump left Beijing on Friday ending his three-day visit, during which he held several rounds of talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on a host of issues including the Iran war and trade.
Before Trump’s departure, both leaders had a private meeting at Zhongnanhai, the well-guarded compound in Beijing where top leaders reside.
However, deep differences seem to persist between the two leaders on the issue of Taiwan. Both leaders also held talks on Thursday, during which Xi warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger “clashes and even conflicts” between the two countries, the Chinese state media reported.
According to a readout of their meeting issued by the White House, Trump invited Xi and his wife to the White House on September 24, as both leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.
During their farewell meeting on Friday Xi said Trump’s visit was a historic and landmark one and the two sides had set the “new vision” of building a constructive relationship of “strategic stability”.
“We had reached important common understandings on maintaining stable economic and trade ties, expanding practical cooperation in various fields, and properly addressing each other’s concerns,” Xi said.
China and the US also agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional issues, according to Xi.
The visit is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding, deepening mutual trust and improving the well-being of the two peoples, the Chinese leader said.
Trump is learnt to have said in the private meeting that he is willing to continue to maintain sincere and in-depth communication with Xi, as he expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit Zhongnanhai.
This is the first visit to China by a US president in nine years. Trump himself was the last US president to visit China in 2017. (Agencies)
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