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CM Omar Abdullah Meets Public Representatives, Deputations at Raabita; Reviews Developmental Issues

Srinagar, May 08 (NV): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday interacted with public representatives, deputations and individuals at his Public Services and Outreach Office “Raabita” in Srinagar, where a wide range of developmental and public welfare issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir were discussed.

During the interaction, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq called on the Chief Minister and discussed matters related to parks and gardens in his constituency.

MLA Banihal Sajad Shaheen also met the Chief Minister and raised several issues of public importance concerning the Banihal constituency.

Former Minister Javid Mustafa Mir separately called on the Chief Minister and discussed various matters.

Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam also met Omar Abdullah and deliberated on several social and public issues.

Educationist G. N. Var met the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude over the passage of the J&K Private Universities Bill while also highlighting several concerns related to the education sector.

Besides, several deputations and individuals from different areas of Kashmir Valley met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various public grievances and developmental issues.

The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all visiting delegations and individuals and assured them that the issues raised would be given appropriate consideration, officials said.(NVI)

Anantnag Police Attaches Narcotics-Linked Assets Worth ₹6.5 Crore in Biggest Crackdown in J&K

Anantnag, May 08 (NVI): In one of the biggest actions against narcotics networks in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Anantnag Police on Friday attached and seized properties worth approximately ₹6.5 crore under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act in south Kashmir’s Sangam area.

Police said the action was carried out against Bashir Ahmad Mir son of Gul Mohammad Mir and his family members, residents of Doonipora Sangam, following an enquiry conducted under Chapter VA of the NDPS Act.

According to officials, the enquiry revealed that the family had allegedly accumulated huge movable and immovable assets disproportionate to their known lawful sources of income. The investigation further established that the properties were jointly held by family members and are suspected to have been acquired through proceeds generated from illegal narcotics trade.

During the enquiry, police also unearthed multiple criminal cases linked to the family. These include FIR No. 213/2024 registered at Police Station Bijbehara under sections 8/15 and 29 of the NDPS Act involving recovery of 58.90 kilograms of poppy straw against Bashir Ahmad Mir.

Another case, FIR No. 191/2020 under section 8/20 of the NDPS Act, pertains to recovery of 500 grams of charas against the same accused.

Police also referred to FIR No. 232/2011 under section 8/20 of the NDPS Act involving recovery of 1.100 kilograms of charas against Gul Mohammad Mir, father of the accused.

The attached and seized properties include double-storeyed residential houses at Doonipora Sangam, a newly constructed residential house, commercial building “Muskan Restaurant” at Sangam, around 211 marlas of land in Sangam and Naina areas, besides a Hyundai Creta vehicle bearing registration number JK03H-5758.

Police said the total market value of the attached assets is estimated at around ₹6.5 crore.

Anantnag Police stated that the action reflects its firm resolve to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and ensure that proceeds generated through narcotics trade are brought within the ambit of law. The anti-drug campaign will continue with full determination, police added.(NVI)

Why Trump Says the Ceasefire Holds While the Gulf Ignites?

Trump says ceasefire still holds after fighting between the US and Iran flares
Trump says ceasefire still holds after fighting between the US and Iran flares

Washington, May 08: It was supposed to be a quiet window for diplomacy, but the Strait of Hormuz had other plans on Thursday night. As the U.S. and Iran traded fire in one of the world’s most volatile waterways, the fragile month-old ceasefire faced its most “explosive” test yet.

Despite reports of destroyers under fire and drones buzzing over the UAE, President Trump took to Truth Social to dismiss the chaos as a “trifle,” insisting the path to a peace deal remains wide open even as oil prices scream otherwise.

Midnight Duel in the Hormuz Chokepoint

The latest flare-up centered on three U.S. Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz a narrow passage that carries 20% of the world’s energy. President Trump claimed the vessels came “under fire” but emerged unscathed, while inflicting “great damage” on Iranian attackers.

Tehran, however, told a different story, accusing Washington of violating the truce by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and launching airstrikes on civilian areas near Qeshm Island. While Iran’s state media eventually declared that things were “back to normal,” the exchange has left the region on a knife-edge.

The $100 Barrel Returns to Haunt Markets

The economic shockwaves of the skirmish were felt instantly at gas pumps and trading floors across the globe. Brent crude jumped back above the psychological $100-per-barrel mark in early Friday trade, as investors priced in a “war premium” once again. With 20 Middle Eastern refineries already offline or throttled due to earlier drone strikes, any threat to the Strait which has been effectively closed since the conflict began in February threatens to send global inflation into another tailspin.

Diplomacy in the Shadow of Destroyers

Behind the military theater, a high-stakes diplomatic game is still being played. The U.S. has floated a proposal to formally end the war which began with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 but the details remain a sticking point.

While Trump claims Tehran has agreed to his “red line” of zero nuclear weapons, Iran says it is still reviewing the plan and has not committed to reopening the Strait or suspending enrichment. Trump remains characteristically optimistic, telling reporters a deal “could happen any day,” even as his base feels the pinch of gasoline prices that have climbed 40% since the war’s onset.

A Shaky Peace Under the Radar

While the world watches the Strait, the conflict’s ripples are hitting other shores. The UAE’s air defenses were forced to engage a fresh wave of Iranian drones and missiles early Friday morning, a grim reminder that host countries for U.S. bases remain prime targets.

As the Pakistan-mediated talks continue in the background, the “ceasefire” looks less like a pause in fighting and more like a period of recalibration. For now, the world is left wondering: can a piece of paper signed in a boardroom survive the reality of missiles in the Gulf?

Hantavirus: Could This Rare Virus Become The Next Pandemic After Covid?

Hantavirus: Could This Rare Virus Become The Next Pandemic After Covid?
Hantavirus: Could This Rare Virus Become The Next Pandemic After Covid?

New Delhi, May 08: The luxury of a cross-Atlantic cruise turned into a medical mystery this week as the MV Hondius became the center of a global health alert. With at least three passengers dead and dozens more being tracked across 12 countries, the rare Hantavirus has re-emerged in the headlines. While the news has revived uncomfortable memories of 2020, health officials are racing to explain why this “hidden” virus is suddenly making waves in the middle of the ocean.

A Rare Strain with a Human Twist

What makes the current situation aboard the MV Hondius particularly alarming is the suspected involvement of the Andes virus. While most Hantaviruses are a “dead-end” in humans—meaning they stop with the person who caught it from a rodent—the Andes strain found in South America is the rare exception that can spread from person to person. This potential for human-to-human transmission is why the WHO has alerted countries from Singapore to Sweden to monitor disembarked passengers.

Rodents, Dust, and the “Thermos” Effect

In most cases, Hantavirus isn’t something you “catch” from a cough in a crowded mall. It is primarily a rodent-borne illness. Humans typically become infected by breathing in tiny, contaminated particles of rodent urine or droppings—often while cleaning out long-closed sheds, cabins, or storage units. On the cruise ship, investigators believe the initial spark may have occurred during a birdwatching trip in Argentina, where passengers likely encountered infected environmental pockets before returning to the close quarters of the ship.

Why Experts Say “This Isn’t COVID-2.0”

Despite the high fatality rate—which can reach a staggering 35% to 40%—epidemiologists insist that Hantavirus is unlikely to cause a global pandemic. Unlike the highly efficient airborne spread of COVID-19, Hantavirus transmission between humans is extremely difficult. It requires “close and prolonged” contact, such as sharing a long dinner or living in the same room, rather than a casual greeting. As Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of the WHO noted, most people will simply never be exposed to the virus in their daily lives.

The Difficulty of the “Wait and See” Period

One of the biggest hurdles for health authorities is the virus’s long incubation window. Symptoms can take anywhere from one to eight weeks to appear. This “stealth mode” makes contact tracing a nightmare, as a passenger could feel perfectly fine while flying across the world, only to fall ill a month later. The illness typically starts with deceptive “flu-like” symptoms—fever, aches, and chills—before potentially escalating into severe respiratory distress as fluid fills the lungs.

Prevention Over Cure

Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral cure for Hantavirus; treatment relies heavily on intensive care and oxygen support. Because of this, the focus remains entirely on prevention. Health experts advise that anyone cleaning dusty, rodent-prone areas should avoid sweeping (which kicks up dust) and instead use disinfectants to wet down contaminated surfaces. While the cruise ship outbreak is a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability, officials believe that with strict isolation and monitoring, this “rare” threat will remain just that—rare.

Mild Earthquake Tremors Felt Across Parts of J&K, Epicentre Located in Kishtwar
3.5 Magnitude Quake Strikes at 10 Km Depth; No Loss of Life or Property Reported

earthquke
(File/Representational image)

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Mild earthquake tremors were felt in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning, triggering brief panic among residents.

Officials told NVI that an earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale struck Kishtwar at around 09:57:54 IST.

According to official data, the epicentre was located in the Kishtwar region at Latitude 33.289 North and Longitude 76.739 East, with the quake occurring at a depth of 10 kilometres beneath the surface.

Tremors were felt in parts of the Chenab Valley and adjoining areas, though no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to property were received from anywhere in the Union Territory till the filing of this report.

Authorities are monitoring the situation, officials said.(NVI)

DRDO, IAF Successfully Test India’s First Indigenous Glide Weapon ‘TARA’ Off Odisha Coast
Low-Cost Precision Strike System Converts Unguided Bombs Into Smart Weapons; Rajnath Singh Hails Major Boost To Indigenous Defence Capability

New Delhi, May 8 (NVI): In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence programme, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off the Odisha coast on May 7.

An official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert conventional unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons capable of accurately striking ground-based targets from extended ranges.

Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat along with other DRDO laboratories, the modular range extension kit is aimed at enhancing the lethality, accuracy and operational flexibility of low-cost aerial weapons.

Officials said the system uses state-of-the-art low-cost guidance and navigation technologies, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in advanced weapon systems under the indigenous defence manufacturing push.

The development programme has been executed in collaboration with Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) and several Indian defence industries, which have already commenced production activities linked to the system.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF and industry partners for the successful maiden trial, describing the achievement as a “significant development” towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the successful test.(NVI)

Centre Empowers J&K LG Under Telecommunications Act; MHA Notification Vests State Government Powers in UT Administration
President’s Order Authorises LG to Exercise Powers Under Section 20(2) of Telecom Act, 2023 in Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): In a significant administrative and legal development, the Centre has empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise the powers and functions of the “State Government” under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, further strengthening the Union Territory administration’s control over telecom-related governance and regulatory mechanisms.

An official Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the President of India has directed that the Administrator of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir — the Lieutenant Governor — shall exercise powers under sub-section (2) of Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The notification, issued vide S.O. 2288(E) and published in the Gazette of India on May 7, 2026, states that the decision has been taken “in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution.”

As per the notification, “the Administrator (whether known as the Lieutenant Governor) of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall, subject to the control of the President and until further orders, exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the State Government” under the specified provisions of the Telecommunications Act.

The order effectively authorises the J&K LG administration to act on behalf of the State Government in matters covered under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, within the Union Territory.

The development assumes significance as the Telecommunications Act, 2023, provides the legal framework governing telecom infrastructure, services, interception and emergency telecom-related measures, replacing several colonial-era laws.

Officials said the latest notification aligns with the constitutional and administrative structure of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory under the direct supervision of the Centre. (NVI)

Breaking: Explosions at various places in Iran; Fresh fighting erupts?

Explosions
Explosions (File pic)

Tehran, May 8: Iran seemed to have been attacked once again as explosions have been reported from various places, including the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media reported that the explosions were result of “exchange of fire between the Iranian armed forces and the enemy”.

According to Fars News Agency of Iran, parts of commercial section of Bahman Port on Qeshm Island were hit during the exchange of fire between Iranian forces and “the enemy”.

As the reports emerged, Ebrahim Azizi, Head of National Security Commission of the Iranian Parliament, issued a statement on his social media handle, saying: “Making the same mistake again and again won’t get you a different answer; only a stronger one. Respect the new Maritime Regime of Iran”.

It was not clear as to what exactly he meant and whom his message was addressed to.

Tehran has restricted vessels linked to the United States and Israel from navigating through the Strait for more than two months in response to US-Israeli strikes, disrupting a corridor that carries roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade.

Washington later imposed similar restrictions on vessels departing Iranian ports.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that navigation in the Strait would normalize if the war is permanently resolved, the maritime blockade is lifted, and sanctions imposed on Iran are removed.

US President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom” on May 3 as a naval mission aimed at escorting stranded vessels through the Strait, but suspended the operation less than 48 hours later, citing requests from Pakistan and other countries as well as reported progress in indirect talks with Iranian representatives.

Fars News agency claimed Iranian forces had responded over the past two nights to US attempts to move vessels through the Strait.

It also alleged that US forces targeted two civilian fishing boats, killing five people. (NVI)

J&K Govt Fast-Tracks NFSA Integration with ration cards of displaced Kashmir Pandits
Kashmiri Pandits, dislocated from Kashmir valley to Jammu because of terrorism, have opposed the move

Jammu, May 7 (NVI): Despite strong opposition by the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, the integration of their ration cards with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) has been accelerated by the Jammu and Kashmir government “signficantly”.

In a statement tonight, the government of the Union Territory said more than 19,000 ration cards have already been digitized and another 8,000 currently under process.

The details were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Chandraker Bharti to assess implementation of ration distribution under the Special Relief Ration Scheme for migrants.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, senior police officials, NIC officers and senior functionaries of multiple departments, the spokesman said.

Officials informed the meeting that over 5,200 migrant families have already availed of  rations under the Special Relief Ration Scheme, which became operational from April 18, 2026.

The term ‘migrants’ refers to the Kashmiri Pandits and others dislocated from Kashmir Valley because of terrorism and presently living in Jammu region.

The government also assured that those families who could not collect ration in April will receive two months’ free ration covering both April and May.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of strong opposition and protests by displaced Kashmiri Pandits against integration of the ration cards with NFSA, as they have doubts and suspicions regarding the move.

 

Authorities said the government has amended the Jammu & Kashmir Food Security Rules, 2021 and the Targeted Public Distribution (Control) Order, 2023 to facilitate integration of migrant ration cards into the NFSA database, “ending a decades-long gap that had prevented migrants from accessing several social welfare schemes due to non-digitized records.”

The statement said all relief ration card holders, irrespective of categorization, will continue to receive 11 kilograms of free ration per person every month along with one kilogram of sugar under the existing relief structure.

Non-relief category migrants, including pensioners categorized under NPHH, will continue to receive ration on government-approved subsidized rates as per NFSA norms.

The government further extended the April ration distribution period into May to ensure that no eligible migrant family is deprived of its entitlement during the transition to the digitized system.

During the meeting, directions were issued to officials concerned to proactively reach out to migrant households and ensure ration supply even in cases where e-KYC formalities are still pending or under process, the spokesman said.

“The administration also decided to launch a massive awareness campaign to inform migrant families that integration of ration cards into the NFSA database is aimed at welfare inclusion, transparency, digitization and extending social security benefits while fully protecting all existing relief provisions and entitlements,” he said.

The government warned of strict action against fair price shop dealers failing to distribute free ration as per entitlement and also ordered legal action against “rumour-mongering elements” allegedly attempting to derail the scheme or intimidate migrant beneficiaries.

Special camps will also be organised by the Social Welfare Department and Relief Organisation to help eligible families avail benefits of schemes such as old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension, marriage assistance, Ayushman Bharat and scholarships, the spokesman said.

According to officials, nearly 600 migrant families have already availed benefits of various social sector schemes following integration of their ration cards into the NFSA database.

“The government is fully committed to operationalize the new scheme for all migrants within the shortest possible time. All genuine beneficiaries will continue to receive ration as per entitlement with full protection of existing relief provisions,” Principal Secretary Chandraker Bharti said.

(NVI)

J&K Govt reassures tourists on safety, facilities
Tourist confidence was shaken after terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir in April last year

Satish Sharma, Senior minister of Jamm and Kashmir.
Satish Sharma, Senior minister of Jamm and Kashmir. (File Pic)

Srinagar, May 7 (NVI): Seeking to give a reassurance to tourists, a senior minister of Jammu and Kashmir said the government is focused on building a tourist-friendly ecosystem that boosts visitor confidence and contributes to economic growth and employment generation in the Union Territory.

The government is committed to ensure that every visitor feels secure, supported and well-connected throughout their journey, said Satish Sharma, Minister for Transport,  Youth Services & Sports, said during an interaction with a group of tourists here.

The remarks assume significance as the tourist confidence was shaken after the ghastly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on April 22 last year, in which 25 visitors and a local man were killed.

That dastardly attack by three Pakistani terrorists had caused a setback to tourism in Kashmir and prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor against perpetrators of terrorism based in Pakistan.

Sharma said the government is making all possible efforts to ensure smooth movement, comfortable stay and hassle-free travel for tourists visiting different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the administration has put in place adequate arrangements to provide transport facilitation, accommodation support, food and essential supplies, medical assistance and tourist guidance wherever required.

Calling tourists the “valued guests and ambassadors” of Jammu and Kashmir’s hospitality and culture, Sharma said

“The government is committed to provide a safe, welcoming and hassle-free environment for tourists. All departments are working in close coordination to ensure timely assistance and necessary facilities without inconvenience,” he said.

Highlighting tourism as a key pillar of the region’s economy, the Minister said Jammu and Kashmir continues to attract visitors from across the country and abroad because of its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

He added that sustained efforts are underway to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve transport connectivity, enhance public amenities and promote new tourist destinations across the Union Territory.

The Minister also interacted individually with several tourists and sought feedback regarding their travel experience and arrangements. He assured that all genuine concerns raised by visitors would be addressed promptly by the administration. (NVI)

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