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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)

Operation Sherawali Enters Day 12; Search Operation Continues in Rajouri

Rajouri June 03 (NVI): Security forces continued their anti-terror operation in the forested areas of Rajouri district on Wednesday as Operation Sherawali entered its 12th day.

According to officials, a joint search operation is underway in the Ghambir Mughlan–Dorimal belt, where security forces have maintained a tight cordon and intensified surveillance in an effort to track down suspected terrorists.

The operation is being conducted by multiple security agencies in the dense forests and difficult terrain of the region. Search teams are carrying out extensive combing operations and monitoring movement routes to prevent any escape.

Officials said advanced surveillance equipment and logistical support have been deployed to aid the operation, while forces continue area domination exercises in the region.

The search operation remains underway, and further details are awaited.(NVI)

CIK conducts searches at 8 locations in J-K in terror-linked case

Srinagar, Jun 3 (NVI): The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Wednesday conducted searches at eight locations across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir as part of an investigation into alleged Pakistan-backed terror networks, officials said.

The searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 02/2015 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under provisions of the Foreigners Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act, they said.

According to officials, the raids were conducted at two locations each in Srinagar and Bandipora districts, and one location each in Kupwara, Anantnag, Kulgam and Sopore in Baramulla district.

The action followed intelligence inputs, technical analysis and findings gathered during the course of the investigation, they said.

Officials suspect that some of the individuals under scrutiny were in contact with Pakistan-based terrorist handlers through encrypted communication platforms and were allegedly involved in radicalisation, dissemination of extremist propaganda and facilitation of terror-related activities.

The searches were aimed at recovering incriminating material, establishing terror linkages, identifying associates and facilitators, and gathering further evidence to advance the investigation, officials said.

They added that the searches were conducted after obtaining warrants from a competent court and in accordance with legal procedures. Security personnel and technical teams were deployed during the operation.

Further investigation is underway, officials said.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Chairs NC Legislators’ Meeting in Srinagar

File Photo : CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, June 3 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the party’s legislators in Srinagar to deliberate on political and governance-related issues, party sources said.

The meeting was attended by NC MLAs and senior party leaders, who discussed matters concerning governance, public welfare, and the functioning of the government, the sources said.

The deliberations come amid ongoing political discussions in Jammu and Kashmir, including issues related to governance, coordination among alliance partners, and implementation of development initiatives.

Party leaders, however, did not disclose details of the discussions held during the meeting.

The meeting is being viewed as significant in the current political context, with observers closely watching developments within the ruling dispensation.(NVI)

Haryana to create 20 Lakh Metric Tonnes of New Grain Storage Capacity

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini chairing review meeting on five-year roadmap and action plan under 'Haryana Vision-2047'.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini chairing review meeting on five-year roadmap and action plan under 'Haryana Vision-2047'.

New Delhi, June 2– Haryana will create 20 lakh metric tonnes of additional grain storage capacity and officers have been asked to make all necessary preparations to achieve this target.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini issued directions in this regard today while chairing a review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department’s five-year roadmap and action plan under ‘Haryana Vision-2047’.

At the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officers to ensure adequate storage infrastructure for food grains so that the produce cultivated through the hard work of farmers is protected from damage and minimises post-harvest losses.

The meeting was informed by Commissioner and Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department J. Ganesan that due to open storage and inadequate warehousing facilities, nearly 4 to 5 percent of food grains produced in the state are lost every year.

He emphasized the need to expand covered storage facilities to minimize such losses.

He further informed that Haryana currently produces around 115 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, 71 lakh metric tonnes of rice, 110 lakh metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables, and 115 lakh metric tonnes of milk and dairy products annually.

Haryana contributes nearly 25 percent to the country’s food grain security, yet the state’s existing storage capacity stands at only 66 lakh metric tonnes, which needs to be expanded to 130 lakh metric tonnes to meet future requirements.

Taking serious note of post-harvest losses, the Chief Minister directed officers to formulate a comprehensive plan for the construction of covered warehouses, expansion of cold storage infrastructure, and optimum utilization of available resources.

He directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and achieve the target of constructing 20 lakh metric tonnes of warehousing capacity on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode ensuring that valuable food grains are safeguarded from deterioration.

The CM further stated that the state government would implement a long-term strategy over the next five years to strengthen storage facilities for food grains, horticulture produce, fruits, and vegetables, thereby ensuring maximum utilization of agricultural output and minimizing wastage.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the integration of renewable energy with warehousing infrastructure.

He directed that solar panels be installed on the rooftops of warehouses and connected to the power grid to contribute to electricity generation.

In addition, he called for pilot projects in mandis and warehouses to reduce manual handling of grain bags by labourers through the use of conveyor belts and other modern mechanized systems.

Presenting the department’s future roadmap, J. Ganesan highlighted various interventions aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and achieving the targets set by the Chief Minister.

He stated that these measures could help prevent losses estimated at Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore over the next five years.

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