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Director Agriculture Jammu Reviews Progress of DCS, Flags Poor Performance

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta on Tuesday reviewed the progress of various departmental schemes, including the Digital Crop Survey (DCS), at a high-level meeting held here, officials said.

The meeting, conducted at the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu, was attended by senior officers in person and through virtual mode, including Divisional Nodal Officer Jammu Krishan Kant, Deputy Director Planning Mudassir Yaqoob Zargar and Accounts Officer Vriti Uppal.

Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) of Jammu division, District Nodal Officers of DCS from across Jammu and Kashmir, and the Divisional Nodal Officer Kashmir also participated via video conferencing.

During the review, it was observed that the Digital Crop Survey, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, was showing suboptimal performance in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Gupta directed district and divisional nodal officers to address implementation bottlenecks and step up efforts to ensure timely completion of survey activities.

The meeting also discussed financial progress and expenditure under various schemes, including HADP, CSS, CAPEX and NABARD-funded projects. Emphasising efficient fund utilisation, Gupta called for strict adherence to financial norms and outcome-based implementation.

He further instructed officers to coordinate closely with executing agencies and ensure timely submission of expenditure bills, directing that all pending bills be cleared by noon on Wednesday.

The Director also stressed the need for accountability and responsiveness among officers to meet targets within stipulated timelines, the officials added.(NVI)

Trump calls Modi amid raging war with Iran

Trump and Modi (File pic)

New Delhi, Mar 24: Amidst the raging war with Iran, US President Donald Trump today called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi who pushed for immediate de-escalation and restoration of peace in West Asia.

“President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor posted on his X handle at 6.14 PM.

Soon after, Modi also posted on his X handle: “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest.”

He added: “Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.”

Trump has been facing widespread criticism for initiating the war by launching attacks, along with Israel, on Iran on February 28.

The war has led to severe impact on the economic conditions of many countries around the world as the flow of oil and gas from the energy-rich region has been disrupted badly, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

ACB books former TSO, others in Reasi ration scam

Srinagar, Mar 24 (NV): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has registered an FIR against a former Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) and other officials for alleged misappropriation of ration and siphoning of transportation funds in Reasi district, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an ACB spokesperson, the case (FIR No. 06/2026) has been registered under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and Ranbir Penal Code at Police Station ACB Udhampur against Pranav Gandotra, then TSO Arnas/Dharmari, along with other officials of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Department.

Preliminary verification revealed that during his tenure from April 2011 to January 2013, the accused allegedly fraudulently obtained 22,298.80 quintals of excess ration and around Rs 1.03 crore as transportation charges in connivance with other officials.

The investigation found that the excess ration was not distributed through designated depots and was instead diverted to the black market, causing substantial loss to the government exchequer.

The ACB said further investigation into the case is underway.(NVI)

Top Army Commander Assesses Counter-Terror Ops, Stresses Coordination

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps visited the Romeo Force to review the prevailing security situation and assess the counter-terrorism grid, officials said on Tuesday.

During the visit, the GOC evaluated the operational posture and stressed the need for enhanced coordination among various formations to strengthen security mechanisms.

He emphasised maintaining high standards of operational conduct, sustained readiness and heightened vigilance to ensure effective security and protection, they added.—(NVI)

Asiya Andrabi Gets Life Term; Fehmeeda, Nasreen Awarded 30-Year Jail in UAPA Case

New Delhi, Mar 24 (NVI): A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment, while her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen were awarded 30-year jail terms each in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The sentence was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh after hearing arguments on the quantum of punishment following their conviction earlier this year.

The trio had been convicted on January 14, 2026, under various provisions of the UAPA and the IPC, including charges of conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state.

The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had sought stringent punishment citing the seriousness of the offences. The prosecution submitted that Andrabi was actively involved in promoting secessionist activities and was linked with a militant organisation.

During the proceedings, the NIA argued that Andrabi had effectively waged war against India and pressed for life imprisonment, stressing the need for deterrent punishment.

The court, concurring with the prosecution’s submissions, awarded life imprisonment to Andrabi, while sentencing Fehmeeda and Nasreen to 30 years in prison each.

Andrabi, founder of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, was arrested in April 2018 and has remained in custody since then. Officials said the case involved multiple charges, including support to banned organisations and activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.—(NVI)

Rajnath Singh Reviews West Asia Situation, Assesses Impact on India’s Defence Preparedness

New Delhi, Mar 24 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the evolving security situation in West Asia and its implications for India’s defence preparedness during a high-level meeting with top military and defence officials.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs, Defence Secretary, Secretary (Defence Production) and the DRDO Chairman.

Officials briefed the minister on the prevailing global and regional security scenario, including the potential impact of any escalation in ongoing conflicts on India’s strategic interests. The review also covered challenges related to defence supply chains, procurement, production, and maintenance of existing military assets.Singh emphasised the need to continuously study operational and technological aspects of ongoing conflicts to strengthen India’s preparedness.

He called for the formulation of a comprehensive and integrated roadmap for the next decade, taking into account emerging challenges, lessons learnt, and future opportunities, while ensuring self-reliance in defence and maintaining operational readiness across all fronts.—(NVI)

A person loses Scheduled Caste status after converting: SC

Supreme Court (File photo)

New Delhi, Mar 24: Conversion to any religion not covered under Clause 3 results in the immediate and complete loss of Scheduled Caste (SC) status, irrespective of an individual’s birth, the Supreme Court ruled today in a significant judgement.

 

The top court, while upholding a ruling of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, made it clear that a person who converts to Christianity and actively practices it cannot continue to claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status.

 

It emphasised that this restriction is absolute and non-negotiable.

 

The Court underlined that the Scheduled Caste identity is restricted to those professing Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism as per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950.

 

The bench observed that the 1950 Order leaves no room for ambiguity.

 

“No statutory benefit, protection or reservation or entitlement under the Constitution or enactment of Parliament or state legislature can be claimed by or extended to any person who by operation of clause 3 is not deemed to be a member of the Scheduled Caste,” the Supreme Court said.

 

This bar is absolute and admits no exception, it said.

 

“A person can’t simultaneously profess and practice a religion other than the one specified in clause 3 and claim membership of the Scheduled Caste,” the top court said.

 

The ruling was delivered while hearing a case involving a man who had embraced Christianity and served as a pastor.

 

Despite his conversion, he filed a complaint under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, alleging that he had been assaulted.

 

The accused challenged his claim, arguing that he was not entitled to invoke protections under the Act since he no longer belonged to the Scheduled Caste community.

 

The Supreme Court agreed with the High Court that once the pastor converted and practised Christianity, his SC status automatically ceased.

 

What is the case?

The matter originated from a Criminal Petition involving allegations under Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(2)(va) of the SC and ST Act, along with Sections 341, 506 and 323 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

 

In his initial complaint, a person, who served as a Pastor and conducted Sunday prayers in Pittalavanipalem village, alleged that he faced repeated assaults, threats to his life and attacks on his family.

 

He also claimed that he was abused with caste-related slurs which prompted him to register a case against the accused.

 

After the investigation concluded and the charge sheet was filed, the accused moved the High Court seeking quashing of the charges.

 

The petitioner argued that filing an FIR under the SC and ST Act was legally untenable because the complainant had converted to Christianity and was actively working as a Pastor.

 

He maintained that the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, explicitly states that a person who no longer professes Hinduism cannot be regarded as a member of the Scheduled Caste community.

Govt Calls All-Party Meeting on West Asia Situation on March 25

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New Delhi, Mar 24 (NVI): The Government of India has convened an all-party meeting on March 25 (Wednesday) at 5 PM to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis and its implications.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region, which have now entered the fourth week and are impacting global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the evolving global and regional security scenario, as well as India’s defence preparedness.

The meeting was attended by top military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, and DRDO Chairman Samir Kamat, among others.

The conflict intensified following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint strikes by the US and Israel on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, further disrupting maritime routes and impacting global energy markets and economic stability.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha today regarding the situation and its impact on India’s energy security.

A day earlier, addressing the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister described the situation as “worrisome” and said the conflict has posed unprecedented challenges economic, national security, and humanitarian. (NVI)

Centre to Provide 3-Month Advance Free Ration to Card Holders from April

New Delhi, Mar 24 (NVI): The Centre has announced that ration card holders across the country will receive three months’ advance supply of foodgrains in April 2026 under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

According to officials, the decision has been taken to ensure uninterrupted food security, particularly in view of potential logistical and seasonal challenges in the coming months.

Under the plan, eligible beneficiaries will be provided essential foodgrains, including rice and wheat, covering April, May and June in a single cycle.

The move is expected to benefit millions of economically vulnerable households dependent on subsidized rations.

Officials said the initiative aims to streamline distribution, reduce repeated visits to fair price shops, and ensure adequate foodgrain availability at the household level.

States and Union Territories have been directed to coordinate with local authorities and fair price shop dealers to ensure smooth and timely.

India’s PDS remains one of the world’s largest food security programmes, operating under the National Food Security Act framework to provide subsidized foodgrains to a large section of the population.(NVI)

High Court Bids Farewell to Justice Javed Iqbal Wani on Retirement

Srinagar, Mar 24 (NVI): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladak on Tuesday accorded a warm farewell to Justice Javed Iqbal Wani on his retirement upon attaining the age of superannuation.

A Full Court Reference was held at the Srinagar wing of the High Court in keeping with established traditions. The ceremony took place in the Chief Justice’s courtroom and was attended by Chief Justice Arun Palli, other sitting judges, former judges, senior civil and police officials, members of the Bar, judicial officers, and court staff. Advocates from the Jammu wing joined the proceedings virtually.

Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri, in his farewell address, praised Justice Wani’s judicial acumen, fairness, and commitment to upholding the rule of law, highlighting his efforts to ensure access to justice for marginalized sections. Kashmir Advocates Association President Waseem Gull also lauded his distinguished service and adherence to constitutional principles.

Chief Justice Palli, in his remarks, commended Justice Wani’s academic excellence, integrity, and balanced approach on the Bench, noting that he earned widespread respect within the legal fraternity. He also acknowledged the support of Justice Wani’s family throughout his career.

In his response, Justice Wani expressed gratitude to his colleagues, members of the Bar, judicial officers, and court staff for their cooperation. He underscored the importance of coordination between the Bench and the Bar for effective justice delivery.

The proceedings were conducted by Registrar General M.K. Sharma. Justice Wani was later accorded a guard of honour in recognition of his distinguished service.(NVI)

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