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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)

BJP Kashmir Unit To March Towards CM Omar Abdullah’s Residence Over Liquor Sales

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BJP Kashmir Unit To March Towards CM Omar Abdullah’s Residence Over Liquor Sales
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kashmir Unit on Friday announced a protest march in Srinagar against the operation of wine shops in the Kashmir Valley and demanded a complete ban on the sale and purchase of liquor across the Kashmir Division.
According to the statement issued by the party’s Co-Media incharge J&K Sajid Yusuf Shah, the protest will also be directed against the ruling National Conference for allegedly defending and promoting the sale of alcohol in the region.
As per the programme, BJP leaders and workers will assemble at Ram Munshibagh, Sonwar, at 10:00 AM and march towards the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Gupkar.
The party said the protest aims to raise public sentiment against liquor sales in Kashmir.
The move from BJP comes days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that his government was not planning to expand liquor outlets in Jammu and Kashmir, but maintained that an outright ban on alcohol was not practically possible at present.
He had said that liquor was already being consumed in the region and questioned whether people wanted it to be sold openly under regulation or pushed underground through illegal channels. (JKNS)

J&K Govt Orders Transfers In Youth Services And Sports Department

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J&K Govt Orders Transfers In Youth Services And Sports Department
The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday ordered a reshuffle in the Youth Services and Sports Department, transferring several officers and assigning additional responsibilities with immediate effect.
According to an official order, a number of In-charge District Youth Services and Sports Officers (DYSSOs) and Physical Education Lecturers (PELs) have been posted to new districts across Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the transfer order, Sunil Kumar has been shifted from Shopian to Kathua, while Sunil Singh Sambyal has been transferred from Kathua to Samba. Dharamveer Singh has been posted from Samba to Reasi, and Jagdish Raj Sharma has been moved from Ramban to the post of Assistant Director Jammu.
Tarsem Singh has been transferred from Reasi to Udhampur. Shafqat Ahmad, who was holding additional charge of Baramulla along with Ganderbal, has now been posted as DYSSO Kupwara.
Meanwhile, Zahoor Ahmad Wani and Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, who were attached with the Directorate, have been appointed as DYSSO Anantnag and DYSSO Baramulla respectively.
The order further stated that Gh Hassan Lone, presently serving as DYSSO Srinagar, will also look after the additional charge of DYSSO Ganderbal.
In addition, several officers have been assigned extra responsibilities in districts including Doda, Kulgam, Shopian, Budgam, Ramban and Rajouri.
The transfers and postings were ordered by Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports Department, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.(KNC)

SSG Road Opened For Two-Way Traffic After Snow Clearance: Div Com Kashmir Issues Advisory

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SSG Road Opened For Two-Way Traffic After Snow Clearance: Div Com Kashmir Issues Advisory
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has announced the reopening of the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road for two-way traffic movement of Medium and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) following snow clearance operations.
According to an official notification issued by the Office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the road has been declared open from May 15, 2026, subject to strict safety guidelines and weather-related conditions.
The notification stated that the district administrations of Ganderbal, Drass and Kargil will review weather advisories on a daily basis before permitting vehicular movement and deciding traffic timings.
Authorities have directed the Traffic Police Rural Kashmir to establish a traffic check-post at Sonamarg to ensure smooth traffic flow, while recovery vans will remain stationed along the upper stretches of the highway to assist stranded vehicles.
The administration has also made it mandatory for vehicles travelling on the SSG Road to be fitted with anti-skid chains. Officials said only vehicles within the prescribed weight limits will be allowed after proper weighing at Sonamarg.
The order further stated that joint control rooms comprising officials from Traffic, Civil, Police and Mechanical Engineering Departments will be established in Ganderbal, Drass and Kargil for coordination and emergency response.
The Indian Meteorological Department has been asked to coordinate with SASE and issue avalanche warnings in advance to all concerned agencies.
Authorities also advised that vehicles using the road should preferably be four-wheel drive and mechanically fit, while drivers must be experienced and familiar with hilly terrain.
The movement of designated vehicles will take place in escorted convoys from both head and tail ends for safety purposes.

J&K Govt Approves Major Power Infrastructure Upgrades In Srinagar

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J&K Govt Approves Major Power Infrastructure Upgrades In Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved major power infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening electricity transmission and improving power supply in Srinagar and adjoining areas.
According to the Office of the Chief Minister, the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, sanctioned the augmentation of the Grid Sub Station at Zainakote from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of ₹67.66 crore.
The government has also approved the upgradation of the 132 KV Pampore–Rawalpora and Rawalpora–Bemina transmission lines at a projected cost of ₹25.47 crore.
Officials said the projects are expected to significantly enhance transmission capacity, reduce power outages, and ensure a more reliable and efficient electricity supply for consumers across the region.

Hizbul Mujahideen Terror Handler’s Rs 20L Worth Land Attached In J&K’s Bandipora

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Hizbul Mujahideen Terror Handler’s Rs 20L Worth Land Attached In J&K’s Bandipora
Police on Thursday attached a Hizbul Mujahideen terror handler’s immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, an official said.
In continuation of its sustained crackdown on the terror ecosystem, Sopore Police attached a land measuring 10 Marlas, valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh, situated at the Kehnusa area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir, a police spokesperson said.
He said the property belonged to Majid Ahmad Sofi alias Bisati, a resident of New Colony in Sopore, who was involved in alleged terror-related activities from across the border.
The property was attached in connection with a case registered at Sopore police station under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act, the spokesperson said.
Investigation has revealed that the accused is operating from Pakistan or Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as a terror handler affiliated to the banned terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. He has been actively involved in facilitating and orchestrating terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley, the spokesperson said.
Sopore Police carried out the attachment proceedings in the presence of the executive magistrate, the revenue officials concerned, and independent witnesses after following due legal procedures, he added. (Agencies)

Talks With Pakistan Aside, Centre Must Initiate Dialogue With J&K People: Bukhari

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Talks With Pakistan Aside, Centre Must Initiate Dialogue With J&K People: Bukhari
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said while New Delhi can decide on whether to hold talks with Pakistan, the Centre should start a dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir urgently.
“RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s statement on dialogue with Pakistan and former Army chief Manoj Naravane’s similar views are matters that the central government has to decide based on the prevailing domestic and external scenario,” Bukhari said in a statement here.
The former minister said, however, that there should not be an iota of doubt that the Centre urgently needs to talk to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in order to address their genuine concerns and long-pending grievances.
“I am saying this again and again because I clearly see growing restlessness among the people, especially our youth. People here are grappling with a range of issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible,” he added.
Bukhari said some of the immediate and pressing problems include growing unemployment and, at the same time, the absence of adequate measures for job creation.
“A large number of young people are unable to obtain passports, preventing them from seeking better livelihood opportunities abroad. At the same time, soaring inflation has placed immense pressure on ordinary families,” he said.
Agriculture, horticulture, tourism and industrial sectors, constituting the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir economy, are facing grave challenges that must be addressed urgently, he said.
“Not only large industries but also the MSMEs and small scale industries (SSIs), which sustain thousands of families, are grappling with severe difficulties, and many are either nearly defunct or on the brink of collapse,” he added.
Bukhari said there are a range of other issues that deserve the Centre’s immediate attention.
“These problems are directly affecting the daily lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, thereby creating a feeling that everything is not going well here and that the situation cannot be declared normal,” he said. (Agencies)
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