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Talks with US on Trade Deal have made progress: India

PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump (File Pic)
PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump (File Pic)

New Delhi, June 5: India has said the negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US have made further progress, a day after an American official trade delegation concluded its visit here.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) delegation, led by its Chief neogiator, visited India from June 1 to June 4 and held detailed talks with counterparts from the Ministry of Commerce.

Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward and finalising the trade agreement, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Both sides have termed these conversations constructive and positive.

The discussions are part of efforts to finalise an interim trade agreement while work continues on a broader trade deal.

In a statement, India’s Commerce Ministry said the discussions were held in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism. The ministry said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and economic ties through a balanced agreement.

The talks covered several key areas, including trade in goods, customs procedures, trade facilitation measures, non-tariff barriers, economic security cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.

The negotiations are part of a framework announced by India and the US earlier this year.

Interim Agreement

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, both countries agreed to work towards an Interim Agreement while continuing discussions on a larger Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

Last week, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said negotiations were in the final stages and that only a small portion of the agreement remained unresolved.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also recently said that most issues had already been settled. According to him, discussions are now focused on final details before the first tranche of the agreement can be announced.

Progress on the trade pact has gathered pace, but uncertainty remains as the Donald Trump administration is also considering 12.5 per cent additional tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including India.

New Challenge

The USTR is reviewing a separate proposal that could affect imports from India and several major trading partners.

It has completed investigations involving 60 economies and proposed additional tariffs under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

The proposal is linked to concerns over the import of goods allegedly connected to forced labour.

According to the proposal, economies that have adopted restrictions on such imports could face tariffs of 10 per cent. Countries that have not implemented similar measures could face duties of up to 12.5 percent.

India, China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Vietnam and several other economies are included in the review.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said countries that fail to address imports linked to forced labour create unfair conditions for American workers.

However, the proposed tariffs are not yet final. Stakeholders have until June 22 to request participation in hearings. Written comments can be submitted until July 6, while hearings are scheduled for July 7. The USTR will review all submissions before making a final decision.

India Engaged with US on Section 301

India has remained engaged with the US on Section 301 proceedings while simultaneously negotiating the trade agreement.

The Commerce Ministry said discussions on the proposed tariffs and the trade pact are moving in parallel.

New Delhi is seeking to protect its trade interests while also advancing an economic partnership with Washington.

For both countries, the stakes are high. The US remains one of India’s largest trading partners, while India continues to be an important market for American businesses.

LG Sinha inaugurates Emergency Operations Centre, Amarnath Yatra Control Room in Ganderbal

Srinagar, Jun 5 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated the District Emergency Operations Centre and Shri Amarnathji Yatra Control Room at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Ganderbal, officials said.

The newly established facility is aimed at strengthening monitoring, coordination and emergency response mechanisms for the upcoming annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the key features of the centre, which brings together CCTV feeds from across the district installed by the civil administration, police and other security agencies for real-time monitoring from a centralized location.

Officials said the facility is supported by a 24-hour emergency citizen helpline to provide immediate assistance and facilitate crisis management.

The Emergency Operations Centre also integrates CCTV feeds from Baltal Base Camp, approach roads leading to the camp, parking areas at Baltal, Sonamarg and the Manigam Transit Camp to ensure enhanced surveillance and coordination during the pilgrimage.

Speaking on the occasion, Sinha said the facilities would help ensure a smooth, safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees undertaking the annual yatra.

The centre will play a key role in planning, monitoring and decision-making during the pilgrimage, officials added. (NVI)

Pakistan to hold ‘General Elections’ in Gilgit-Baltistan: India lodges protest

Anti-Pakistan protests in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (File pic
Anti-Pakistan protests in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (File pic)

New Delhi, June 5: Pakistan has no right to hold so-called ‘general elections’ in illegally-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, India said today while commenting on the plans afoot regarding those territories.

The External Affairs Ministry, in a statement, underlined that Gilgit-Baltistan is an Indian territory under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan, which is subjecting the locals tehre to extreme human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation and denial of freedom.

Pakistan is planning to hold ‘general elections’ to the so-called ‘Assembly’ of Gilgit-Baltistan two days from now.

“The Government of India categorically rejects any attempts by Pakistan to bring material change to areas under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, and underlines that such actions cannot hide the fact that Pakistan illegally remains in possession of Indian territories, which it must vacate,” said the statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry.

“The Government of India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan regarding the latter’s plans to hold “General Elections” to the so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly”, in the Indian territories illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan, scheduled for 7 June 2026,” it said.

“The Government of India reiterated its well-known position that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan”, are integral and inalienable parts of India as a result of complete, legal and irrevocable accession of Jammu & Kashmir to India in 1947,” it said.

The Government of India further emphasized that “such endeavours by Pakistan cannot mask the underlying issues of grave human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation and denial of freedom in territories illegally occupied by Pakistan.” (NVI)

ACB books former Horticulture officials, contractor over alleged irregularities in Srinagar garden project

Srinagar, Jun 5 (NVI) :The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against former officials of the Horticulture Department, members of various committees and a private contractor for alleged corruption and procedural violations in development works carried out at Zawoora Garden in Srinagar, officials said on Friday.

The case was registered following a Joint Surprise Check conducted by the ACB into allegations of financial irregularities and abuse of official position in works executed under the Centre of Excellence project at Zawoora Garden, they said.

According to officials, the enquiry found prima facie evidence of irregularities in the tendering and execution of works. The notice inviting tender (NIT) was allegedly framed without adequate quality parameters and technical specifications, creating scope for arbitrary decision-making.

The enquiry further revealed that financial provisions incorporated in the tender were substantially higher than those envisaged in the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR), officials said.

They said the eligibility criteria relating to financial turnover were allegedly fixed at an unusually high level despite lower actual requirements, restricting fair competition and favouring a particular bidder.

The findings indicate prima facie abuse of official position, criminal misconduct and criminal conspiracy involving public servants and the beneficiary private firm, resulting in undue pecuniary advantage to the contractor and loss to the government exchequer, the officials said.

Following the findings, FIR No. 09/2026 was registered at ACB Police Station Srinagar under relevant provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code.

Those named in the case include the then Director Horticulture Kashmir, members of the District Level Purchase Committee (DLPC), members of the Inspection Committee, contractor M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt Ltd and other persons involved, officials said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the role of all those involved and take appropriate legal action, they added.(NVI)

CS Pushes for Wider Implementation of Agri Credit Schemes Across J&K

Srinagar, Jun 5 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday called for ambitious implementation of agricultural credit schemes across the Union Territory, stressing that easy access to finance is key to unlocking the potential of the agriculture and allied sectors.

Chairing a review meeting of the Agriculture Production Department (APD), Dulloo assessed the district-wise progress of major credit-linked schemes, including the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) Credit and other flagship initiatives.

He said district administrations and banks should work with greater commitment to ensure that eligible farmers, entrepreneurs and producer groups derive maximum benefits from the schemes.

The chief secretary emphasized saturation of KCC coverage, timely renewal of accounts and prompt disbursement of repayment incentives to eligible farmers. He also directed authorities to intensify awareness campaigns so that farmers are fully informed about the benefits and eligibility conditions under the scheme.

Dulloo further asked officials to expedite onboarding under the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) in areas where land records have been digitised and ensure that records remain updated alongside the generation of Farmer IDs.

Highlighting the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in strengthening rural economies, he called for systematic capacity building and mentoring support to make them financially sustainable and credit-worthy.

According to official figures presented during the meeting, Jammu and Kashmir currently has around 11.57 lakh active KCC account holders, with nearly 3.5 lakh farmers availing prompt repayment incentives during the previous financial year. About 7.99 lakh beneficiaries have been issued smart cards, while PM Fasal Bima Yojana coverage reached 41 per cent during the Kharif season.

Officials informed the meeting that loans worth Rs 680 crore have been sanctioned under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, with Rs 431 crore disbursed among 392 beneficiaries.

Under PMFME, 545 cases involving disbursement of Rs 22 crore were reported during 2024-25, while loans amounting to Rs 302.78 crore have been sanctioned under HADP Credit, of which Rs 172.69 crore has been disbursed till May 2026.

The meeting was also told that credit worth Rs 604 crore has been sanctioned to 67 FPOs, while Rs 425 crore has been disbursed among 54 FPOs across the Union Territory.

Reviewing the PM-KISAN scheme, officials said Jammu and Kashmir has around 9.16 lakh active beneficiaries and that pending issues related to land seeding, NPCI linkage and e-KYC are being addressed on priority.

Additional Chief Secretary, APD, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, presented an overview of the agricultural credit ecosystem in the Union Territory and outlined measures for achieving targeted outcomes.

Officials also informed the meeting that the upcoming “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” would be utilised to spread awareness about agricultural credit schemes and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the farm sector across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

J&K Lt Governor Inaugurates Yatri Bhawan at Kheer Bhawani Temple

Srinagar, June 5 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a newly-constructed Yatri Bhawan at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district of Kashmir.

The Bhawan will provide additional accommodation facilities for pilgrims visiting the shrine, significantly ahead of the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela on June 22.

After dedicating the facility to the public, Sinha said the Yatri Bhawan would significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing safe, hygienic and comfortable lodging facilities for devotees.

Located in Tulmulla, around 25 kilometres from Srinagar and five kilometres from Ganderbal town, the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Jammu and Kashmir and attracts thousands of devotees, particularly during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani and Jyeshtha Ashtami celebrations.

The Lieutenant Governor said the project was conceived following requests from several delegations in 2023 seeking improved facilities for pilgrims. The foundation stone for the Yatri Bhawan was laid on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024.

“With the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani, I had laid the foundation stone last year. The project will strengthen the shrine’s capacity to host pilgrims visiting from across India and abroad. Our endeavour has been to provide members of the Kashmiri Pandit community and other devotees with better facilities and a peaceful spiritual experience,” Sinha said.

Constructed within the temple premises at a cost of Rs 3.85 crore, the facility comprises a G+II RCC framed structure with a plinth area of 3,885 square feet. It has the capacity to accommodate around 800 to 900 pilgrims through floor bedding arrangements.

Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the temple and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people, officials said.(NVI)

LG Sinha says anti-drug campaign has turned into people’s movement; 1,128 smugglers arrested in 55 days

Ganderbal, Jun 5 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the ongoing anti-drug drive in the Union Territory has evolved into a mass movement against narco-terrorism, with over 1,100 drug smugglers arrested and more than 1,000 FIRs registered during the past 55 days.

Addressing a gathering after joining the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ and a padyatra in Ganderbal district, Sinha said the administration was determined to eliminate the drug menace and dismantle narco-terror networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Having now visited every district in Kashmir Valley and stood with each march, I can say that a historic movement against narco-terrorism has risen,” the lieutenant governor said.

Sharing details of the campaign, he said that in the last 55 days, 1,036 FIRs have been registered, 1,128 drug smugglers arrested and more than 100 properties linked to drug traffickers attached.

He said nearly 700 driving licences had been cancelled, while recommendations had been made for cancellation of passports of 130 drug smugglers.

Sinha said the campaign, launched from Jammu 55 days ago, had transformed from a government initiative into a people’s movement aimed at protecting youth from drugs and preventing narco-terrorists from exploiting society.

Describing drug trafficking as a threat to national security, he said proceeds from the illegal trade were being used to fund terrorism and purchase weapons.

“This is not simply a matter of ordinary crime but also a question of national security and a direct threat to the very survival of our society,” he said.

The lieutenant governor warned that those involved in narco-terrorism, whether operating from within Jammu and Kashmir or from across the border, would face stringent action.

He also assured rehabilitation and support for those affected by drug addiction through treatment, counselling and employment opportunities.

Calling upon women and youth to actively participate in the campaign, Sinha urged them to act as protectors of their communities and educational institutions against the drug menace.

On the occasion, the lieutenant governor launched “Sindh Samvad”, a podcast series, and felicitated winners of various competitions organised under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan. (NVI)

Putin wants India to join development and production of Su-57 fighter jet

Russia not unhappy; Putin sends New Year greetings to Kovind, Modi
Russian President Vladimir Putin

New Delhi, June 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to involve India in development and production of 5th Generation fighter plane Su-57, repeating a several-year-old offer which had not elicited a positive response from New Delhi.

The Su-57, the latest version of Sukhoi series of fighter planes produced by Russia, comes with enhanced stealth capabilities and most modern accessories.

During an interaction with journalists, Putin recalled that Russia had previously offered India the opportunity to develop the Su-57 fighter jet jointly.

It was around 2018 and was then known as the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project.

“At one point, we proposed to our Indian friends to work together on this technology. But back then, our Indian friends said, ‘Go ahead on your own, and then we will see — maybe we’ll join’,” the Russian President said.

“The aircraft could have been our joint project. We built it independently, but we are ready to work with India in this field,” he added.

“We are ready to supply India with this aircraft, to keep developing it. We don’t have any issues or limitations. The same goes for air defence systems,” Putin said.

The timing of the offer is significant as the Indian Air Force (IAF) does not have any 5th-generation fighter and there are reports of Pakistan soon going to acquire China’s Shenyang J-35AE stealth fighters has raised concerns.

Su-57 Fighter Plane

Su-57, a multi-role combat aircraft, is the latest version of the Sukhoi fighter plane series, offering high manoeuvrability, stealth capabilities, and modern avionics.

The Su-57 is placed alongside China’s J-35 and America’s F-35, as part of a small group of 5th-generation fighters in service presently.

Why India did not show interest

India has been showing interest in jointly developing 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft with Russia for nearly one-and-a-half decade.

Joint development and production of Su-57 was under consideration.

However, later there was a rethink as the IAF reportedly concluded that the aircraft did not fully meet its operational requirements.

Several reports at that time claimed that the IAF was not satisfied with its stealth characteristics.

There were also disagreements over technology transfer.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed Next Vice Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the new Vice Chief of IAF

New Delhi, June 5 (NVI): Ace fighter pilot and experimental test pilot Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF).

He will assume charge on July 1.

Air Marshal Dixit is currently serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

He has long experience in flying fighter planes, having logged over 3,300 flying hours on a wide range of aircraft.

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in December 1986, Air Marshal Dixit has commanded frontline units and served in senior leadership positions at Air Headquarters before being entrusted with major strategic responsibilities.

During his distinguished career, he has held several key operational, command and staff appointments, and has played an important role in defence reforms, joint military integration and indigenous fighter aircraft programmes. (NVI)

Simmering anger in PoJK against Pakistan set to erupt again: Agitation on June 9

Sea of people at a protest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir

Muzaffarabad (PoJK), June 5: The simmering anger in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) against Pakistan is set to erupt again on June 9 when an indefinite agitation will be launched by the locals.

The agitation has been called by Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a conglomerate of several local organisations, for the continued injustice being meted out to the people of the occupied region by Pakistan.

The latest provocation is the betrayal by Pakistan on its certain commitments made to the people under an agreement signed with JAAC in October last year following widespread protests.

The agreement was arrived upon between the Pakistan government, the PoJK administration and JAAC representatives to address a 32-point charter of demands.

The charter included a reduction in electricity tariffs, wheat subsidies, payment of hydropower royalties, abolition of elite privileges and a series of structural governance reforms.

However, most of the key commitments have not been fulfilled by Pakistan, triggering renewed public outrage and fresh mobilization.

Last month, JAAC leaders met in Mirpur and issued an ultimatum to the authorities, demanding full implementation of the agreement by May 31, 2026.

The group had warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in a fresh protest movement.

Multiple rounds of talks between JAAC, led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir, and representatives of the Pakistan federal government and the PoK administration failed to produce a breakthrough before the deadline expired.

On May 31, JAAC announced an indefinite strike beginning June 9.

JAAC leaders, apprehending crackdown by the Pakistani authorities, have also publicly warned of what they describe as an expected crackdown by the Pakistani establishment.

According to the group, authorities may resort to enforced disappearances, registration of what they term “fake” FIRs, anti-terrorism charges against activists, internet shutdowns and deployment of paramilitary forces to suppress the protests.

According to reports, the Pakistani military is mobilizing troops and resorting to disinformation campaigns against the movement leaders.

However, a showdown is likely as the JAAC leaders are determined to go ahead with the agitation.

The call for the agitation is receiving support from the Kashmiri diaspora across the world.

United Jammu Kashmir Forum US (UJKF-USA), a New York-based organisation, issued a statement, announcing full support for the June 9 protest and said it will organize “large-scale protests” in front of the Pakistani Consulate in New York, the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC and the United Nations office.

It said letters will also be sent to members of the US Congress to “inform them of the current situation” in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the public demands.

The UJKF-USA described the June 9 protest as “the voice of the people” of the Pakistan-occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed their determination to stand by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee and continue to fully support it.

It pledged to provide all possible human, financial and moral support “in the struggle for the legitimate demands and rights” of the people of PoJK.

It said, “if, like in the past, any kind of violence or coercion is committed against the people peacefully protesting by the government of Pakistan or Azad Kashmir (POJK), Kashmiris living around the world will launch a joint and coordinated protest campaign through mutual communication.”

Moreover, letters will also be sent to international human rights organizations to inform them of the situation and the protest will continue, it said. (NVI)

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