Tuesday, April 14, 2026
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Omar Abdullah Thanks Centre for PMGSY-I Extension Till 2027

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Thursday thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-I) in Jammu and Kashmir till March 2027.

The Chief Minister said the extension would help expedite the completion of key rural road projects across the Union Territory.

He said the decision is expected to improve connectivity in remote and rural areas, enhancing access to essential services and contributing to overall development in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.(NVI)

J&K Govt Has Handed Over Two Hydro Power Projects to NHPC, says PDP MLA

File Photo : PDP MLA Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): PDP leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Thursday said that the Jammu and Kashmir government has handed over two new hydropower projects to NHPC amid the ongoing Assembly session, raising concerns over the UT’s control over its energy resources.

The Para said that an agreement has been signed between NHPC Ltd and JKSPDCL for the development of the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II and 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II projects, with a combined capacity of 500 MW.

He said the projects will be executed under the BOOT model for a period of 40 years, after which they will be transferred back to the Union Territory. The agreement, he added, was signed on March 27, 2026, in Jammu.

Para further stated that under the terms of the MoU, Jammu and Kashmir is entitled to over 12 percent of the electricity generated from NHPC-operated projects, while the remaining power is fed into the grid, forcing the UT to purchase electricity at market rates to meet its deficit.

Referring to past developments, Para said that in 2006, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had constituted working groups on Jammu and Kashmir’s economic development under former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan, which had recommended the transfer of Dulhasti and Bursar projects to the erstwhile state, but the proposal was not implemented.

He added that a cabinet sub-committee set up by the National Conference-led government in 2011 had also examined the issue and recommended that the Uri-II project be developed by the state after transfer of ownership, while setting a condition for Dulhasti-II to be taken up only after ownership of the existing Dulhasti project was handed over to the state. (NVI)

Suspicious Packet Recovered Near Border Village in R.S. Pura; Probe Launched

File Photo

Jammu, Apr 2 (NVI): Security forces recovered a suspicious packet, suspected to contain narcotic substance, during a late-night search operation in the border area of R.S. Pura, triggering an investigation to trace its origin and intended destination.

The search operation was carried out near the Korotana Border Outpost (BOP) in Korotana Khurd village at around 10:00 PM in an agricultural field belonging to Joginder Singh, son of Amarnath.

During the operation, a packet wrapped in yellow tape weighing approximately 1.5 to 2 kilograms was recovered. Preliminary findings indicate that the contents are likely narcotic in nature.

The recovered consignment has been taken into custody, while concerned agencies have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain its source and identify the intended recipient. Further action in the matter is underway. (NVI)

LG Sinha chairs high-level meet, directs strict action against drug trafficking networks

Jammu, Apr 1 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting in Jammu and directed strict enforcement of a “zero tolerance” policy against drug abuse, stressing a coordinated and aggressive approach to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard the future of youth across Jammu and Kashmir.

LG Sinha directed for adopting a ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy against the drug menace in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

He was chairing a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and senior officials of the Civil and Police administration at Lok Bhavan, Jammu.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized on a multi-pronged strategy: Strengthening law enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks, Intensive mass awareness campaigns to deter potential users, enhancing treatment and counselling and rehabilitation, to make Jammu Kashmir drug-free Union Territory.

“Action against drug abuse must be our top priority. We need a collective mechanism to safeguard our youth and ensure a healthy future for Jammu & Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also directed for strengthening grassroots intelligence and coordinated and stringent action against drug smugglers.

The meeting discussed the series of activities planned for a dedicated three-month campaign under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the senior officials to lead the campaign from the front and ensure participation of every section of the society and stakeholders to make this campaign a people’s movement.

The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; S.J.M Gillani, Special DG (Coordination); M.K. Sinha, ADGP Headquarters; Nitish Kumar, ADGP CID; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Divisional Commissioners, IGPs, DIGs, Deputy Commissioners, Director Information, SSPs and other senior officials.(NVI)

Police Bust Rumours of Terror Presence at Jammu Mall

Jammu, April 1 (NV): Police Jammu on Wednesday refuted reports circulating on social media about the presence of three terrorists at Palm Island Mall, terming them “baseless and unfounded.”

Police officials said that teams were immediately rushed to the spot following the rumours, but no suspicious activity or presence was found during thorough verification.

Advising the public to remain calm, the police urged people not to pay heed to unverified information on social media platforms, warning that such rumours create unnecessary panic.

The police also appealed to media outlets to act responsibly and refrain from publishing unconfirmed reports.

“Strict legal action will be taken against social media accounts and portals involved in spreading misinformation,” the officer added.(NVI)

J&K Govt to Begin Phased Regularisation of Daily Wagers This Fiscal: Omar Abdullah

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Jammu, Apr 01 (NVI) : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to the phased regularisation of daily wagers, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informing the Legislative Assembly that the process will begin during the financial year.

Responding to a private member’s bill moved by CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, the Chief Minister said the government does not oppose the intent behind the legislation but raised concerns over its timing. He noted that the administration had already made a formal commitment on the issue recently and stood by it.

Abdullah said raising the matter immediately after the announcement appeared premature, adding that the government recognises the concerns of workers who have served for years and considers their regularisation a priority. He also informed the House that the matter is under examination by a committee and its report should be awaited.

Following the assurance, Tarigami withdrew his bill.

Meanwhile, another private member’s bill on the same subject moved by PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para was rejected by the House through a voice vote.(NVI)

Amarnath Yatra 2026 preparations reviewed; Div Com calls for seamless arrangements

Srinagar, Apr 1 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026 and directed departments to ensure timely completion of infrastructure, safety and logistical arrangements for a smooth and incident-free pilgrimage.

Chairing a high-level meetings of senior officials including deputy commissioners of multiple districts and officials from key departments, Garg assessed the status of ongoing and proposed works under revenue and capital expenditure heads.

He reviewed progress on works being executed by BEACON, including snow clearance, track repairs and widening along the Pahalgam route.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to expedite macadamisation of roads around base camps, develop parking facilities and pony stands, and restore helipads ahead of the Yatra.

Emphasising safety and quality, Garg said tentage facilities along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes must be set up only in secure, non-vulnerable locations with proper standards and aesthetics.

He asked the Anantnag deputy commissioner to assess flood-prone areas, coordinate resource pooling and ensure safe placement of camps, along with regulated movement of pilgrims.

Reviewing arrangements at base camps, Garg stressed adequate fire safety measures, including fire gaps between tents and deployment of fire tenders and personnel. He also called for robust sanitation and cleanliness along the routes.

He directed that registration of pilgrims and service providers be completed well in advance, and reviewed healthcare facilities, calling for increased deployment of ambulances.

Instructions were also issued for accommodation of security personnel, transport arrangements through RTC buses, installation of public address systems and signage, and timely dissemination of weather updates.

Telecom service providers were asked to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across routes and camps to support communication and RFID-based tracking systems, officials said.(NVI)

Tulip Garden Attracts 1.78 Lakh Visitors in 15 Days; Final Count Likely Higher

Srinagar, Apr 01 (NVI): The Tulip Garden in Srinagar has recorded a footfall of 1,77,869 visitors within the first 15 days of its opening, with authorities stating that the final number is expected to increase once online ticketing data is incorporated.

Officials informed News Vibes of India (NVI) that the current figures are based solely on offline ticket sales, while data from online bookings will be compiled after the garden concludes its season.

“The footfall recorded so far stands at 1,77,869, excluding online ticketing. The final tally will be higher once complete data is available,” officials said.

They added that visitors include locals, domestic tourists, and foreign nationals, though a detailed category-wise breakdown is not available at this stage.

Authorities also noted a consistent rise in visitor turnout and anticipate a further surge as the tulip bloom reaches its peak in the coming days.

Situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake, Asia’s largest Tulip Garden showcases around 70–75 varieties of tulips this season and remains a key attraction during the spring tourism period in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh Takes Charge of Western Command

New Delhi, Apr 1 (NV): Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh on Tuesday assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command of the Indian Army.

He succeeds Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, who retired on March 31.

An officer of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), Lt Gen Singh was commissioned in December 1987. He has held a range of command and staff appointments during a career spanning nearly four decades, including operational roles in high-altitude and sensitive sectors along the northern and western borders.

His experience includes participation in Operation Pawan and multiple tenures in counter-insurgency operations along the Line of Control and International Boundary.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff and earlier as Director General Operational Logistics at Army Headquarters, where he contributed to enhancing operational mobility and logistics integration.

Lt Gen Singh is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and Lucknow University, and has attended key professional courses in defence management and public administration.

He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and two Sena Medals for his distinguished service.

On assuming charge, Lt Gen Singh emphasised maintaining high operational readiness, promoting innovation, and ensuring troop welfare, while continuing the Army’s focus on modernisation and multi-domain operational capabilities

Lt Gen VMB Krishnan Takes Charge of Eastern Command

New Delhi, Apr 1 (NVI): Lieutenant General VMB Krishnan on Wednesday assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, who retired on March 31.

Commissioned into the Army in June 1988, Lt Gen Krishnan brings nearly four decades of extensive operational, command and staff experience. Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of challenging assignments, including commanding an infantry battalion and brigade in the high-altitude Siachen sector.

He has also held key leadership roles as General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division and later headed the Brahmastra Corps. In addition, he has served as Director General Information Technology at Army Headquarters and as Defence Attaché at the

Indian High Commission in London.
Prior to his new appointment, Lt Gen Krishnan was serving as Quarter Master General at Army Headquarters l where he led major reforms in logistics and infrastructure to enhance operational preparedness.

He also holds the honorary positions of Colonel of The Dogra Regiment and the Dogra Scouts, and has previously served as Commandant of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School.

Upon assuming command, Lt Gen Krishnan paid homage to fallen soldiers and called on personnel to maintain high standards of operational readiness, strengthen jointness and accelerate technological integration to ensure stability in the Eastern theatre.(NVI)

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