Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Home Blog Page 20

J&K Assembly Notifies Election Schedule for Three Financial Panels

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday announced the schedule for elections to three key financial committees of the House, each comprising 11 members.

An official notification issued by the Assembly Secretariat, the elections will be conducted in line with Regulation 2(1) governing committee polls through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

Speaker Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather has outlined the election programme, with April 4, 2026 (till 3 PM) set as the last date for filing nominations. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 6, 2026 (till 3 PM), while the deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 8, 2026 (till 3 PM).

Polling, if required, will be held on April 13, 2026 (till 3 PM), the notification said.

The Speaker has appointed Bilal Ahmed Bhat, Additional Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, as the Returning Officer to supervise the election process.

The notification stressed strict adherence to the prescribed regulations and timelines to ensure the smooth conduct of elections to the financial committees.(NVI)

No Shortage of Petrol, Diesel; Govt Urges Public to Avoid Panic Buying

petrol
Representational image

New Delhi, Mar 30 (NVI): The Government of India on Monday assured that there is adequate availability of petrol, diesel, LPG and PNG across the country, even as panic buying was reported at some locations.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the country’s refineries are operating normally and crude inventories remain sufficient to meet domestic demand.

She said that while most fuel retail outlets are functioning without disruption, instances of panic buying have been observed in certain areas.

Sharma reassured citizens that petrol and diesel stocks are available in ample quantities. To ensure adequate domestic supply and contain price rise, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.

Additionally, an export levy has been imposed on diesel to maintain its availability within the domestic market.

On natural gas supply, she said that 100 per cent supply is being ensured for domestic consumers and CNG transport, while around 80 per cent supply is being maintained for industries connected to the gas grid.

The government reiterated that it is continuously monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability across the country.(NVI)

Nagrota Incident: Rescue Teams Recover 2 Bodies, Search Intensifies for Missing Youth

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): Bodies of two teenagers have been found, hours after they drowned in Tawi river in Nagrota in Jammu.

However, the third teenager, who also drowned with the two, remains untraced so far.

The three boys, all residents of Jagti migrant colony and all aged 15-16 years, reportedly slipped into the river and were swept away by strong currents.

Rescue teams were immediately pressed into service, and after hours of search, two bodies were recovered. Efforts are still underway to trace the third missing youth, officials said.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident, and further details are awaited.(NVI)

Tri-Services Conduct ‘Exercise Dweep Shakti’ to Boost Coastal, Island Defence Preparedness

New Delhi, Mar 30 (NVI): A high-intensity tri-service exercise, ‘Exercise Dweep Shakti’, aimed at validating integrated capabilities for rapid response in coastal and island defence operations, was conducted from March 24 to 28, 2026.

The exercise witnessed seamless coordination among the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, showcasing joint operational readiness across multiple domains.

According to official sources, the drill involved coordinated amphibious assaults, maritime dominance operations and complex beach landing exercises, with forces deploying next-generation equipment and drones to enhance operational precision.

The exercise also focused on refining integrated tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), further strengthening interoperability and mission readiness among the three services.

Officials said ‘Exercise Dweep Shakti’ underscores the Armed Forces’ growing multi-domain capabilities and their continued commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers and island territories.(NVI)

Young Kashmiri Boxers Impress at Jammu Champions

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Boxing Championship concluded in Jammu on Monday, with the Kashmir division delivering an impressive performance by clinching 19 medals in the three-day event.

The Kashmir contingent secured three gold, five silver, and eleven bronze medals across multiple weight categories, reflecting the region’s growing strength in boxing.

Boxing coach Farooq Khan said the achievement highlights the dedication and discipline of the athletes. “The results reflect consistent performance and hard work put in by our players,” he said.

The championship saw participation from boxers representing various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, making it a closely contested tournament with emerging talent on display.

Khan noted that the event provided a vital platform for young athletes to gain exposure and showcase their skills at a competitive level.

He added that the performance underscores the steady rise of boxing in Kashmir, with increasing youth participation in the sport.

Officials said such tournaments are part of ongoing efforts to promote sports culture and identify promising talent across the Union Territory, adding that top performers would be encouraged to compete at national-level events.(NVI)

J&K Govt Orders Major IAS, JKAS Reshuffle Across Key Departments

GI registration

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday ordered a significant reshuffle in the setup, transferring and posting several IAS and JKAS officers with immediate effect to streamline governance and enhance efficiency across key departments.

According to an official order (No. 501-JK(GAD) of 2026) issued by the General Administration Department, fresh appointments have been made in crucial sectors including Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Agriculture Production, Information, and Tourism.

Nazim Zia Khan has been appointed as Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir. In a parallel move, Rajesh Kumar Shavan has been posted as Director of the same department for the Jammu division.

Dr. Sagar Doifode Dattatray has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary in the Agriculture Production Department, where he will also handle additional responsibilities under HADP and JKCIP.

Meanwhile, IAS officer Shreya Singhal will hold the additional charge of Director Information, J&K, with effect from April 1. Amit Gupta has been posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pahalgam.

The order, issued by Commissioner/Secretary M. Raju, also outlines adjustments, relieving of additional charges, and reassignments aimed at strengthening administrative functioning across the Union Territory.

The reshuffle is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsive governance and efficient public service delivery. (NVI)

Erratic Weather to Persist in J&K Till April 10; Rain, Snow Likely in Phases

File photo

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast continued erratic weather across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with intermittent spells of rain and snow expected over the coming days.

The MeT department, most places are likely to witness intermittent light to moderate rain, while higher reaches may receive snowfall on March 30, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph till late evening or night. Weather conditions are expected to improve thereafter.

From March 31 to April 2, brief spells of light rain or snow may occur at isolated places, particularly during late afternoon hours. On April 3 and 4, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with scattered light rain or snowfall along with thunder and gusty winds.

The forecast indicates partly cloudy conditions between April 5 and 7, while fresh spells of light rain or snow are likely at scattered places from April 8 to 10.

The MeT Centre has issued an advisory warning of moderate rain at a few locations and moderate snowfall over higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir till Monday evening, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and gusty winds.

There is also a possibility of landslides at vulnerable locations, the advisory said.

Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations between March 31 and April 2, while travelers are urged to follow official traffic advisories and plan their journeys accordingly.(NVI)

UT Govt Can Legislate on Key Issues Even Without Statehood: Mehbooba Mufti

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said that the Union Territory government is empowered to legislate on key matters even in the absence of statehood.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly hall after a gap of seven years, Mufti said the government can enact laws related to land rights, creation of new districts and administrative units, and issues concerning daily wagers.

She urged the administration to focus on fulfilling its commitments, including providing employment to one lakh youth and addressing concerns related to reservation policies.

Mufti also called for a fresh review of policies affecting daily wagers, advocating their regularisation on humanitarian grounds without political bias.

Referring to SRO-related matters, she said long-pending issues of workers require immediate reconsideration. Commenting on the West Asia situation, Mufti noted that Iran appears resolute amid the ongoing conflict. (NVI)

Congress to Take ‘Dispassionate View’ on Liquor Ban Bill: Nizamuddin Bhat

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): Congress leader and MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Monday said that his party will examine the proposed liquor ban bill in detail and take a balanced and responsible stand in the Assembly.

Talking to reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, MLA Bhat said the Congress, being a responsible opposition as well as a partner in governance, will adopt a “very dispassionate view” on all matters taken up in the House.

When asked whether the party would support or oppose the bill, Bhat said no one openly supports alcohol, but the issue is also linked to the economy, revenue generation, and the overall financial condition of the Union Territory.

He noted that proposals to ban alcohol are not new and reflect a broader social and moral perspective rooted in Gandhian ideals, which view substance abuse as harmful to society.

However, Bhat added that such matters are often left to individual conscience, and implementing strict legal bans can also create practical challenges. (NVI)

Census exercise to begin on April 1; What will be status of Live-in couples?

New Delhi, Mar 30: Ahead of the first phase of the house listing and housing enumeration Census starting April 1, the government has notified 33 frequently asked questions with answers.

The portal has a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to make it easy for the public to answer questions posed during the 16th Census of the country.

One of the questions is related to the status of live-in couples in relation to the Census.

“Will a couple in a live-in relationship be considered a married couple? If they consider their relationship as a stable union, they should be treated as a married couple,” the FAQ states.

The portal has been opened for people opting for self-enumeration during the Census. It will be available for both phases of the Census – Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) and Population Enumeration.

1...192021...1,577Page 20 of 1,577

MUST READ