Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Home Blog Page 156

UK Foreign Secy arrives in India, to discuss collaboration on energy, freedom of navigation

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper

New Delhi, June 3: Amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia and disruption in energy flows, India and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to discuss ways to have closer collaboration to minimise the economic shocks from ongoing conflicts, preserve global stability, and ensure freedom of navigation.

The two countries will also discuss ways to take forward the bilateral ‘Vision 2035’ when visiting British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper holds talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar here tomorrow on her first official visit to India.

‘Vision 2035’, a shared ambition for how the UK and India partner together to unlock the huge potential of this partnership, was unveiled last year jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Cooper’s trip “sets an ambitious path for engagement with India, a top priority partner for the UK. It builds on the visit by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle earlier this week to bring the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement into force as soon as possible,” said a statement issued by the British High Commission here.

“Together with Dr Jaishankar, the Foreign Secretary will undertake a formal review of delivery under the UK-India Vision 2035 to date, highlighting the UK’s priorities for the year ahead across economic growth, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and education,” it said.

“The annual review ensures our partnership remains dynamic, aligned, and responsive to rapid global change,” the statement said.

Ahead of the visit, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said: “The UK-India partnership is a bulwark against rising global uncertainty. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s visit this week, her first visit in the role, is another important opportunity to build on that partnership.

“Since our Prime Ministers unveiled their shared vision for a modern UK-India partnership last year, the UK has been driving forward collaboration with India as a priority.

“From the Technology Security Initiative where we are shaping the technologies of tomorrow to our landmark trade deal that will help make trade cheaper, quicker and easier – the UK-India partnership is delivering where it matters most to people in both countries.”

In New Delhi, the British Foreign Secretary will welcome new Indian investment into the Technology Security Initiative throughout her programme.

She will interact with AI health tech entrepreneurs and join a special programme at the British Council to hear how UK-India partnerships on education and growth are delivering real results on shared priorities.

India-UK Relations

The UK and India signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July 2025, marking a new era of growth for two of the world’s largest and most innovative economies.

The deal could increase yearly bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, and boost GDP by nearly £5 billion each in the long run for both countries.

The UK and India have deepened our defence cooperation through a new 10-year Defence Industrial Partnership, high-level military engagements, and enhanced coordination on counterterrorism, serious organised crime, and emerging threats.

Two UK universities have opened international branch campuses in India – the University of Southampton (Delhi National Capital Region) and Queens University Belfast (GIFT City in Gujarat) and seven more UK universities have approval to open in 2026-27, boosting the UK’s soft power and driving growth into the UK economy.

These are: University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, University of Lancaster, University of Surrey, and Birkbeck – University of London. These new campuses complement wider higher education collaboration on UK-India joint and dual degrees and joint research and innovation.

International opportunities for Haryana’s Farming community to sell products

aryana CM Nayab Singh Saini at MoU signing event today

New Delhi, June 3: In a good development for agriculturists of Haryana, its Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can now explore farming and agri-business opportunities in Tanzania, Kenya and other African countries.

This may be possible under an agreement signed today between MDH private company and six Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) of Haryana as per an initiative being implemented by the Department of Foreign Cooperation and the Horticulture Department.

The initiative aims to connect farmers with global markets, enhance their income and create new opportunities in the agriculture sector.

On the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the agreement is a major step towards integrating the state’s farmers with global agricultural trade.

He said it would help develop agricultural and business opportunities in Tanzania, Kenya and other African nations.

In future, if Haryana’s FPOs acquire land in these countries and cultivate ginger, turmeric, chilli and other spice crops, MDH would also be interested in procuring the produce grown there, Saini said.

This will enable Haryana farmers, for the first time, to venture beyond India’s borders and participate directly in farming and agribusiness activities in African countries, he said.

He further stated that the state government’s objective is not to limit Haryana’s farmers to local markets but to make them part of global supply chains and international markets.

Addressing a dialogue programme, the Chief Minister said that in this year’s Budget, the government had announced the development of the Morni region.

In line with that announcement, the MoU has been signed today to promote natural farming in the area.

He assured that farmers adopting natural farming would be compensated in case of any losses.

In addition, the company will offer farmers practising natural farming a price that is 10 percent higher than the prevailing market rate.

He said the government’s target is to initiate natural farming on approximately 4,000 acres in the first phase.

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government does not want farmers to remain confined to traditional farming practices.

Instead, it seeks to connect them with agricultural entrepreneurship, value addition and international trade, thereby making them self-reliant and prosperous.

Keeping this objective in mind, continuous efforts are being made to ensure farmers gain access to global markets.

Under the agreement, commercial cultivation of various spice crops, including ginger, turmeric and chilli, will be promoted in the Morni region of Panchkula district.

MDH will provide farmers with technical guidance, support for quality production, marketing assistance and procurement support.

The initiative will also strengthen direct procurement from farmers while promoting pesticide-free and sustainable farming practices in Haryana.

MDH owner Rajeev Gulati said the long-term objective extends beyond industrial development and focuses on creating a strong agricultural ecosystem where the government, farmers and industry work together as partners.

NC to hold protest in Delhi on first day of Monsoon Session over statehood demand

Tanvir Sadiq, MLA & Chief Spokesperson National Conference. (File Pic)

Srinagar, Jun 3 (NVI): The ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Wednesday said it will hold a protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory and seek constitutional guarantees.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s leadership, ministers and legislators chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, NC chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the party’s legislature wing discussed a range of political and developmental issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

Sadiq said the party had decided to stage a protest in the national capital, either at Jantar Mantar or another designated venue, on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

“The National Conference has decided that on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, we will hold a protest in Delhi over the demand for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees,” he said.

Reiterating the party’s stand, Sadiq said restoration of statehood remained the NC’s primary demand and was linked to the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The time has now come to seek back what has been taken away from us,” he said.

The NC has consistently been seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which was reorganised into two Union Territories in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370.(NVI)

UP aims to cut pollution in NCR, will implement ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ system

UP Chief Secretary holds meeting on pollution
UP Chief Secretary holds meeting on pollution

Lucknow, June 3: From October 1 this year, the Uttar Pradesh Government will implement “No PUCC, No Fuel” system in National Capital Region (NCR) as part of efforts to reduce air pollution levels this year by 30 to 35 percent in these areas, including Ghaziabad, Noida and Meerut which border Delhi.

Decisions in this regard, among several others, were taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary S.P. Goyal regarding air pollution control and air quality improvement in NCR.

The meeting included a detailed review of the work being done by various departments to control pollution and the upcoming action plan, an official spokesman said.

At the meeting, the Chief Secretary urged all concerned departments to ensure coordinated and effective action to control air pollution and significantly improve air quality in the Delhi-NCR region. He urged citizens to be aware of this to ensure their participation.

The Chief Secretary informed that the State Government aims to reduce air pollution levels in the NCR region by 30 to 35 percent by the year 2026, an official spokesman said.

To achieve this objective, targeted interventions are being made in key areas such as vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, road dust, construction and demolition waste (C&D waste), green cover expansion and stubble management.

He directed that an integrated network of various portals, mobile applications, GPS tracking systems, and dashboards be developed in the future to digitally monitor all key activities.

This will enable real-time monitoring of road cleaning, road redevelopment, greening, construction waste management, and other pollution control measures.

He directed all departments to ensure timely achievement of set targets and maintain quality of work through regular reviews.

The meeting was informed that in the automobile sector, through the ‘Naya Safar’ scheme, old and polluting vehicles are being phased out and BS-6, CNG and electric vehicles are being promoted.

Approximately 26.19 lakh ‘end-of-life’ (EOL) vehicles have been identified in the NCR districts and between January and April 2026, 37,156 vehicles were scrapped and 460 vehicles were seized.

Additionally, a “No PUCC, No Fuel” system will be implemented from October 1, 2026, under which ANPR cameras will be installed at 1,041 petrol pumps in the NCR.

PUCC is Pollution-Under Control Certificate issued for vehicles which not have emission levels beyond a certain level.

To make public transport clean and environmentally friendly, a target has been set to operate a total of 975 electric buses in Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Meerut. Currently, 100 e-buses operate in these cities.

To strengthen air quality monitoring, 43 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) are to be installed in the NCR-Uttar Pradesh region.

Of these, 25 stations are operational, while the remaining 18 new stations will be installed by October 2026.

Under industrial pollution control, 725 air polluting industries have been identified. Of these, Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) has been installed in 613 industries and connected to the server of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The need for Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) has been identified in 665 industries, of which this system has been installed in 179 units, and installation and retrofitting is underway in 100 units, and installation is being done in other units in a phased manner.

To control road dust, a target has been set to redevelop a total of 1,792 kilometers of roads in Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Meerut, with an estimated expenditure of approximately ₹3,666 crore. To date, 143.8 kilometers of road redevelopment work has been completed.

To further enhance the effectiveness of the mechanical road cleaning system, a requirement for 108 mechanized road sweeping machines has been estimated. Currently, 45 machines are available, and the procurement process for 50 more is underway.

A total of 37 secondary collection centers are to be established under Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D Waste) Management, of which 29 centers are operational, and the remaining centers are under construction.

A system based on GPS tracking, geo-tagging, and an Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) is being developed to monitor all construction sites.

Under Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management, systems for scientific collection and processing of daily waste are being strengthened in Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Meerut.

A 600 TPD torrefied charcoal project and a 300 TPD biogas project are being developed in Noida. Effective monitoring of biomass and garbage burning incidents is also being ensured.

Apart from this, plantation, stubble management, establishment of CBG plants, biomass utilization, EV charging stations, battery swapping stations, metro and RRTS expansion, last mile connectivity and public awareness programs have also been made important parts of the action plan.

J&K CS reviews preparedness for rollout of Viksit Bharat Gramin Rozgar Abhiyan Mission

Srinagar, Jun 3 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for the rollout of the Viksit Bharat Gramin Rozgar Abhiyan Mission (VB-G RAM G) across the Union Territory from July 1 and directed officials to ensure timely completion of all preparatory activities.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, Dulloo assessed the progress made by the Rural Development Department and district administrations in transitioning from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework to the newly enacted VB-G RAM G, which was notified by the Centre on May 11, 2026.

The chief secretary stressed the need for meticulous planning and coordinated execution, directing officers to strictly adhere to prescribed timelines for operationalisation of the scheme.

He asked officials to expedite key prerequisites, including notification of the scheme in consultation with the Law Department, completion of e-KYC of eligible workers and advance planning and approval of works to ensure a seamless transition.

Dulloo also directed the Directors of Rural Development for Jammu and Kashmir to personally oversee capacity-building programmes and training of functionaries associated with the implementation of the scheme.

He said employees at the district, block and Gram Panchayat levels should be fully trained and familiar with the provisions, procedures and technological platforms under the new mission before its launch.

During the meeting, Secretary Rural Development Aijaz Asad informed that awareness and outreach campaigns had been conducted across all 4,291 Gram Panchayats through special Gram Sabhas, community engagement programmes, social media campaigns and newspaper outreach initiatives.

Officials informed the meeting that all 20 districts, 285 blocks and 4,291 Gram Panchayats had been onboarded on the Yuktdhara platform, with planning activities commencing in over 94 per cent of Gram Panchayats and more than 92 per cent already submitting their plans.

Around 3,849 Gram Sabhas have approved development plans and over 63,000 works have been identified to meet anticipated labour demand under the new programme, the meeting was told.

The chief secretary was also informed that Jammu and Kashmir is among the top-performing States and Union Territories in e-KYC coverage and face authentication compliance of MGNREGA workers, with all Gram Panchayats achieving full coverage.

Dulloo said technology-driven governance mechanisms under VB-G RAM G, including face authentication, geofencing, AI-enabled analytics and real-time monitoring dashboards, would strengthen transparency, accountability and service delivery.

The meeting was informed that the draft notification for implementation of the scheme has been prepared and submitted for approval, while rules, dedicated accounts, budgetary provisions and integration of financial management systems are being pursued as per timelines set by the Ministry of Rural Development.

The chief secretary called for sustained public outreach and close monitoring at all levels to ensure effective implementation of the flagship rural employment and development initiative from day one, officials said.(NVI)

CAPF Companies Arrive in Srinagar for Amarnath Yatra Duty; Police Make Logistical Arrangements

Srinagar, June 3 (NVI): Srinagar Police on Wednesday welcomed companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) arriving in the city for deployment ahead of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, officials said.

The CAPF personnel were received by officers of Srinagar Police as part of the security preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.

Officials said elaborate arrangements have been made for the accommodation and welfare of the deployed personnel, including boarding and lodging, transportation, medical assistance, communication facilities and other logistical support to ensure their operational readiness.

The visiting CAPF personnel appreciated the arrangements made by Srinagar Police and lauded the coordination and planning undertaken for their induction and deployment, they said.

Police said the interaction highlighted the close coordination between the district police and CAPFs, which will play a key role in maintaining a strong security framework during the pilgrimage.

Srinagar Police reiterated its commitment to working in coordination with all stakeholder agencies to ensure the smooth, safe and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, officials added.(NVI)

Major fire at Delhi restaurant; 21 killed, 40 rescued

Major fire at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi
Major fire at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi

New Delhi, June 3: At least 21 people, many of them foreigners, were killed today as a major fire engulfed a restrauant in Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi.

More than 40 people were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

The fire at Flourish Stay B&B, Malviya Nagar was reported at around 8:48 AM and many people present in the basement got trapped.

Local police staff immediately reached the spot and commenced rescue, evacuation, and relief operations, Delhi Police said in a statement.

The fire was extinguished with the assistance of 8 fire tenders and involvement of Police and other emergency responders,

“It is with profound sorrow that 21 persons have been declared dead in this tragic incident,” the police statement said, without giving any further details.

“Rescue and search operations are still underway, and all concerned agencies remain deployed at the spot to ensure every possible assistance to those affected,” it said.

Dachigam National Park Open to Visitors, No Restrictions Imposed: Official Clarification

Srinagar, June 3 (NVI): Authorities on Wednesday clarified that entry to Dachigam National Park remains open for all visitors and no restrictions have been imposed on access to the park.

The clarification was issued in response to claims circulating in certain quarters that visitors were not being allowed entry to the national park on June 3.

Officials said that entry to the park continues as per the usual procedure and that the government has not issued any order restricting public access.

They advised visitors to follow standard protocols during their visit and urged the public not to pay attention to unverified reports or misinformation regarding the park’s accessibility.

The authorities reiterated that normal tourist movement to Dachigam National Park is continuing without any disruption.(NVI)

Fresh fighting in West Asia: US attacks Iran which targets its bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq

Explosions in Kuwait
Scene in Kuwait due to attacks

New Delhi, June 3: West Asia erupted into fighting once again today as the US launched attacks on Iran, which retaliated by targeting American military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq.

Iranian also warned that it would carry out more than proportionate attacks against the US and Israel, in case of assaults on it, saying “the era of ‘hit-and-run’ has ended”.

Iran said the US carried out attack on its “beloved” Qeshm Island, after which it targeted American military bases in Kuwait.

In a statement, the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that “in response to the provocation and blatant aggression of American terrorist

forces targeting the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the beloved island of Qeshm, the Air and Space Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps …. subjected the military bases of American occupiers in Kuwait to precise and concentrated missile attacks.”

The Iranian attacks resulted in “the successful destruction of their (American) targets and the ignition of the aggressors’ trenches.” It added.

Kuwait’s military confirmed “hostile” missile and drone attacks.

“Any sounds of explosions heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting these hostile attacks,” the military said in a post on X, without identifying the source of the projectiles.

The General Staff of the Army urged residents to avoid approaching any debris or unidentified objects “that may result from intercepting hostile aerial targets, due to the danger they may pose to public safety.”

Authorities also advised citizens and residents to report any suspicious debris immediately through emergency services and to rely only on official sources for updates.

“The General Staff of the Army calls on everyone to cooperate and adhere to the issued guidelines to preserve the security and safety of all.”

Loud explosions were also reported from Bahrain and Erbil in Iraq, apparently due to the attacks by Iran.

The IRGC also added “a firm and decisive warning to the government of the United States, the leader of global arrogance, and all those who allow the use of their soil or airspace to violate Iran:

“Any new stupidity, further aggression, or any action that violates even a single inch of our borders and sovereignty will be met with a devastating, crushing, and decisive response that goes beyond all laws and established boundaries.

“Our brave forces will not hesitate to turn all the headquarters and interests of the aggressors in the region into ashes.

“The era of ‘hit-and-run’ has ended, and the aggressor forces must bear the dire consequences of their ignorance and reckless adventures.”

Western Disturbance Likely to Trigger Rain, Thunderstorms Across J&K Over Next 72 Hours

Street in Delhi after heavy rains.

Srinagar, Jun 3 (NVI): An active western disturbance is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday afternoon, bringing spells of rain and thunderstorms across several parts of the Union Territory over the next 72 hours, according to a weather advisory issued by Kashmir Weather Watch.

The advisory said the weather system is likely to intensify on June 4 and 5, with widespread rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, hailstorms and lightning expected in many areas, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.

While intermittent showers and thunderstorms are forecast, no prolonged or day-long rainfall is anticipated, it said.

The weather agency warned that some places could witness intense showers accompanied by strong winds and lightning, urging residents to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions.

Farmers have been advised to suspend field activities for the next three days in view of the forecast.

The advisory also urged people to avoid staying outdoors during thunderstorms, especially near trees and electric poles, and cautioned against boating and other activities on Dal Lake, Wular Lake and other water bodies during periods of strong winds and inclement weather.

Authorities have advised residents to remain updated with official weather forecasts and follow safety precautions during the expected spell of unstable weather.(NVI)

1...155156157...1,781Page 156 of 1,781

MUST READ