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Rain, Gusty Winds To Continue In J&K Till May 4; MeT Warns Of Thunderstorms, Hail

The Meteorological Department on Saturday said that changing weather patterns will persist across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, bringing rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to several areas of the Union Territory.
Director MeT Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that on May 2, scattered places are likely to receive intermittent light rain and thundershowers, mainly during the afternoon, accompanied by gusty winds.
He said that during May 3 and 4, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places. Thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph may occur at a few locations during different parts of the day.
The department further said that on May 5, brief spells of light rain or thundershowers are likely at scattered places, mainly in the afternoon hours. From May 6 to 9, weather conditions are expected to improve, with mostly dry weather likely, although isolated showers may occur.
From May 10 to 12, the weather is likely to remain largely dry, with chances of brief light rain at isolated places during afternoon hours.
Meanwhile, the MeT Department has issued an advisory warning of possible hailstorms and gusty winds in parts of Central and North Kashmir, as well as some areas of Jammu division. It advised suspension of boating and shikara activities during afternoon to evening hours on May 3 and 4.
Residents have been advised to avoid standing near weak structures, electric poles and overhead wires, while farmers have been urged to suspend agricultural activities between May 3 and 5 in view of the expected adverse weather conditions. (KNC)

LG Manoj Sinha Promotes Two DySPs To SP Rank In J&K Police

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the promotion of two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
According to Government Order No. 265-Home of 2026 dated May 2, 2026, issued by the Home Department, sanction has been accorded for the elevation of the following officers from DySP (General Cadre) to SP (Level-11) in the Pay Matrix (₹67,700–₹2,08,700) with immediate effect:Mudasser Ahmed Tramboo (KPS1258)Vaseem Mehmood (KPS125754)
The order was issued with the approval of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
As per the official document, the promotions shall remain subject to the outcome of any writ petitions.(KNC)

15 Illegal Structures Demolished in Anantnag Under Nasha Mukt J&K

The District Administration of Anantnag has intensified its crackdown on drug peddlers and violators of the NDPS Act by demolishing 15 illegal structures during a major enforcement drive at Waghama in Bijbehara on Saturday.

This operation falls under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign. Authorities reiterated their commitment to dismantling narcotics networks and eradicating illegal assets linked to drug trafficking.

Officials revealed that in a joint operation, revenue authorities, supported by the police department, demolished various structures, including 15 shops constructed illegally on State and Kahcharai land at Khasra Nos. 2494 (min) and 2495 (min) in Estate Waghama. These structures were reportedly tied to individuals involved in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

This robust operation also led to the recovery of encroached State and Kahcharai land, marking a critical step in reclaiming public property from unlawful occupation.

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy, the District Administration stated that strict and sustained action against drug peddlers, narcotics networks, and unlawful encroachments would persist throughout the campaign. Officials emphasized that dismantling illegal properties associated with the drug trade forms a key strategy to disrupt the supply chain of narcotics in the district.

The administration has issued a stern warning that anyone found involved in drug-related activities or unlawful encroachments will encounter stringent legal consequences in the ensuing days. Authorities urged the community to collaborate in ensuring a drug-free and encroachment-free environment.

Implementing the mission of the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign is critical, as Jammu and Kashmir grapples with drug-related challenges. Anantnag’s decisive actions reflect the administration’s commitment to improving public safety and well-being.

As the campaign progresses, the spotlight will remain on the government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities. Stakeholders and citizens alike are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that might undermine community efforts in achieving a drug-free society.

Jammu Hosts the 13th Season of J&K’s Biggest Wedding Jewellery Exhibition at Hotel Radisson Blu, Jammu

Jammu, April 30:  Jammu is currently hosting the 13th season of the J&K Wedding Jewellery Exhibition, widely regarded as the region’s biggest jewellery showcase, at Radisson Blu Jammu.The exhibition is being held from April 30th to May 3rd, 2026, between 11 AM and 8 PM, and brings together some of the leading jewellers of Jammu & Kashmir under one roof. Presented by Silverlines, Fortofino, and Semparia, The event promises a premium jewellery experience that combines luxury, variety, and strong value-driven offerings. The exhibition features over 10,000 exclusive jewellery designs, catering to a wide spectrum of customers, from bridal collections to everyday and office wear pieces. Visitors can explore a diverse range including gold jewellery, natural diamond jewellery, solitaires, and 24KT gold coins. A key highlight this year is the availability of natural diamond jewellery starting from just ₹35,000, making fine jewellery more accessible without compromising on quality or design. A strong focus has been placed on quality and trust, with all gold jewellery being hallmarked and HUID certified, while diamond jewellery comes with 100% natural diamonds  that are internationally certified. The exhibition also introduces a unique value proposition with 21% appreciation on diamond jewellery, offering customers long-term value on their purchases. Additionally, customers can benefit from zero deduction on old gold exchange, ensuring they receive complete value when upgrading their jewellery. To enhance the overall shopping experience, the exhibition is offering attractive benefits including up to 40% off on diamond jewellery, the opportunity to buy gold at old rates, zero making charges on jewellery, and a chance to win a lucky draw worth ₹1 lakh. The event is designed not just as a retail platform but as an immersive experience where visitors can explore styling ideas, from minimal office looks to elaborate wedding sets, all within a luxurious environment. Speaking about the exhibition, Kunal, Director of Silverlines & Fortofino, said,  “With every season, our aim has been to elevate the jewellery buying experience in Jammu & Kashmir. The 13th edition  focuses on delivering both aspiration and value, through certified quality, transparent pricing and, designs that suit every occasion. We believe luxury should feel accessible and trustworthy, and this exhibition reflects that vision.” The J&K Wedding Jewellery Exhibition will continue till May 3rd, 2026, at Radisson Blu, Jammu, and visitors are encouraged to experience this grand showcase before it concludes.

J&K’s Mega Padyatra on May 3 to Promote Drug-Free Society

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday mobilized citizens across Jammu and Kashmir to join a significant public uprising against drug abuse, announcing a Mega Padyatra to be held on May 3 at the TRC Football Stadium in Srinagar. The initiative aims to foster a drug-free society in the region, appealing especially to the youth.

Sinha expressed optimism as he noted, “I am witnessing a strong and inspiring momentum across the Union Territory towards eliminating the menace of drug abuse.” Calling for collective action, he emphasized the crucial role community involvement plays in the campaign.

“Let us unite and work together to create a safer and healthier Jammu and Kashmir for future generations,” he added. His message highlights that community participation is essential to the success of the anti-drug initiative.

This padyatra contributes to ongoing government efforts to enhance awareness and intensify action against drug abuse throughout the Union Territory. It addresses a critical issue affecting many families and communities.

The administration encourages widespread public participation, recognizing that a united stand will amplify the campaign’s impact and sustainability. Authorities believe that involving citizens in the padyatra will fortify their resolve to combat drug abuse effectively.

As preparations begin for the Mega Padyatra, local organizations and youth groups eagerly await the opportunity to participate in this pivotal movement. The event will serve as a platform for raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Experts point out that drug abuse poses serious health risks and threatens the social fabric of communities. By engaging with citizens in open discussions during the padyatra, the government aims to shine a light on the necessity for collective action against this crisis.

Several similar initiatives in the past have proven that community-led efforts can create significant strides in public health issues. By raising awareness and mobilizing citizens, the Sinha administration hopes to replicate successful outcomes from other campaigns.

The Mega Padyatra will not only serve as a demonstration of solidarity against drugs but will also foster a sense of community and responsibility among participants. It marks an important step towards ensuring the future generation leads a drug-free life.

DIGP DKR Range Chairs Introductory & Crime-cum-Security Review Meetings at DPO Doda

Doda, April 23, 2026:
Ms. Sargun Shukla, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) Range, was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome on her arrival at District Police Office (DPO) Doda.
Reaffirming her firm commitment to strengthening policing standards and ensuring a robust security environment, the DIGP chaired an introductory as well as crime-cum-security review meetings at DPO Doda. The meeting was attended by SSP Doda, Sh. Kartik Shrotriya, IPS, along with all Addl SsP, SDPOs, DySsP Ops, SHOs, and Incharge Police Posts, including IC PCR, DSB, and the Anti-Drug Squad of District Doda.
The meeting commenced with comprehensive PowerPoint presentations by DySP Hqrs Doda, SDPO Bhaderwah, SDPO Gandoh, DySP DAR Doda, DySP Ops Dessa-Kastigarh, who presented a detailed overview of their respective jurisdictions, covering law & order, crime scenario, security dynamics, operational preparedness, achievements, and challenges. The structured presentations enabled a realistic and thorough assessment of the prevailing ground situation.
During the review, the DIGP conducted an in-depth evaluation of the overall crime scenario, case disposal, security preparedness, counter-insurgency grid, anti-drug operations, action against illicit liquor trade, performance of Police Stations and field units, and the effectiveness of public grievance redressal mechanisms. All under-investigation cases were discussed threadbare, with directions for timely disposal strictly on merits and within prescribed timelines.
Special emphasis was laid on cases registered under the NDPS Act, with clear directions for expeditious investigation, close supervision, and effective prosecution to ensure higher conviction rates. The DIGP stressed the need for robust preventive measures against organized criminal networks, including drug traffickers, bovine smuggling syndicates, offenders involved in property crimes, and crimes against women and children. Officers were directed to identify and monitor habitual offenders and initiate strict legal action wherever warranted.
Highlighting the importance of intelligence-based policing, she emphasized strengthening intelligence gathering mechanisms at all levels and maintaining close coordination with the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies for effective security management. Directions were also issued to intensify area domination drives, strengthen night patrolling in vulnerable areas, and reinforce the overall security grid.
The ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan was reviewed in detail, with focus on stringent enforcement measures including attachment of properties derived from proceeds of crime in NDPS cases and sustained crackdown on drug peddlers. The DIGP also reviewed awareness drives and anti-drug campaigns aimed at sensitizing youth and directed officers to further intensify such initiatives.
While addressing the officers, Ms. Sargun Shukla-IPS laid strong emphasis on professionalism, transparency, and accountability in policing. She reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards crime and stressed the need for people-friendly policing, prompt grievance redressal, and enhanced community engagement to build lasting public trust.
The DIGP issued key directions including ensuring quality investigations with strict adherence to SOPs to improve conviction rates, enhancing beat policing, surveillance and area domination, leveraging technology and digital platforms such as CCTNS, e-Sakshya and e-Summons, directing all Supervisory Officers, SHOs, Incharge Police Posts and Investigating Officers to ensure effective and mandatory utilization of CCTNS for real-time data entry, case tracking, supervision and monitoring, ensuring mandatory utilization of FSL services as per BNSS provisions, and maintaining regular supervision and accountability at all levels.
Appreciating the efforts of Doda Police in maintaining peace and stability under challenging conditions, the DIGP encouraged all ranks to continue working with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service. She exhorted officers to strengthen grassroots policing and public outreach to foster community trust and ensure lasting peace in the region.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session wherein officers highlighted field-level challenges and received strategic guidance and directions from the DIGP.

Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Including Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal Quit Party; To Join BJP

 In a massive jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday, seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, quit the party.
Addressing a press conference, Chadha, flanked by Pathak and Mittal, said that two-thirds of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MPs have quit the party and will join the BJP as a faction.
Chadha said that party MPs Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal are also quitting the AAP.
“AAP, that I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has completely strayed from its principles, values and core morals,” he said.
Chadha was recently removed as the deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha and was replaced by Mittal in the Upper House.
“In the Rajya Sabha, the Aam Aadmi Party has 10 MPs. More than two-thirds of them are with us in this initiative.
“They have already signed, and this morning we submitted all the required documentation, including signed letters and other formal paperwork, to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha,” Chadha told reporters.
Hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, Chadha said that the party is no longer working for the country, but for its own benefit.
“Over the past few years, I have increasingly felt that I am the right person in the wrong party. Today, I announce my decision to move away from AAP and work more closely with the ‘janata’ (public),” he said.
Another Rajya Sabha MP, Sandeep Pathak, said that he had never thought that this situation would arise, but it has.
“For 10 years, I remained associated with this party. And today, I am parting ways with the Aam Aadmi Party,” Pathak said.
On April 15, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at business entities linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab as part of a FEMA probe. (Agencies)

Administration Demolishes Residences Of Two Drug Peddlers In Outskirts Of Jammu City

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The district administration on Friday demolished residential properties of two alleged drug peddlers in the outskirts of Jammu city as part of its crackdown on assets linked to persons involved in drug trafficking and trade, officials said.
Bulldozers — accompanied by heavy police deployment — rolled into Indra Nagar Colony of Miran Sahib and razed the houses of two drug peddlers in the area, they said.
The action against the duo — booked under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act — came under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’, officials said.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate, R S Pura, Anuradha Thakur and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gurmeet Singh were present at the scene during the demolition exercise.
In a similar action, on Thursday, three residential properties of alleged drug peddlers were demolished in Rajiv Nagar area of Jammu city.
On April 18, in another administration and police crackdown on drug tradelinked assets, two residential properties of NDPS-accused in Belicharana area of the city were razed.Jammu business directory

Gold Futures Drops To Rs 1.51 Lakh/10g As Strong Dollar, Oil Surge Weigh On Bullion

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Gold prices fell Rs 462 to Rs 1.51 lakh per 10 grams in futures trade on Friday, tracking weak global trends amid a stronger US dollar and rising crude oil rates.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the yellow metal for June delivery declined Rs 462, or 0.3 per cent, to Rs 1,51,299 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 8,310 lots.
Analysts said pressure on precious metals came from a firm dollar and elevated energy prices, as well as heightened inflation concerns.
Gold prices declined on Friday. The pressure on the precious metals can be attributed to a stronger US dollar and rising crude oil prices, which have intensified inflation concerns among investors, Gaurav Garg, Research Analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said.
He added that oil prices were hovering around USD 95.84 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which has exacerbated market uncertainty.
In the international market, Comex gold futures for the June contract slipped USD 33.54, or nearly 1 per cent, to USD 4,690.46 per ounce in New York.
Brokerage firm Kotak Securities gold hovered around USD 4,680 per ounce, heading for nearly a 3 per cent weekly loss as prolonged US-Iran tensions and the continued Strait of Hormuz blockade drove oil higher and lifted inflation concerns.
According to analysts, signs of friction between Washington and Tehran persist due to the US Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed the blockade an act of war, while chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said a complete ceasefire would be meaningful only if maritime restrictions are lifted.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to act against any vessels laying mines in the crucial shipping route, further dampening hopes for de-escalation.
Analysts said these developments have supported the US dollar’s strength, putting pressure on gold prices in the global markets.
Market participants are now awaiting the final University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment data for further cues on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path and the near-term trajectory of bullion prices, Kotak Securities said in a note. (PTI)

India To Be Top-10 Sporting Nation By 2036, Top-5 By 2047: Mandaviya

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said India would emerge among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and break into the top five by 2047.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ompora in the central Kashmir district here, Mandaviya credited the Narendra Modi-led government for streamlining sports governance and creating a more structured system.
“It (the government) is providing opportunity to the youth to perform in the sports arena. I am sure that in the days to come, in the next ten years by 2036, India will be among the 10 best sporting nations in the world and by 2047, India will emerge among the top five sporting nations,” Mandaviya said.
The minister added that the government’s sustained push has strengthened the sporting framework across the country.
“The country has won the bid for hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has also bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The process is going on to meet all the demands and expectations of the International Olympic Committee.
“The sports ecosystem has been improved in the country, and with programmes like Fit India, Khelo India movement, the country’s youth are getting opportunities,” Mandaviya added.
About the hospital, Mandaviya said that the facility, built at a cost of Rs 165 crore, will serve over 50,000 workers and their families and provide them free treatment.
He added a nursing college will also be added to the facility in the future to impart training to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.