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India Has No Fuel Shortage, Fully Prepared for Global Crisis: Rajnath Chairs High-Level Meet

New Delhi, May 11 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday chaired a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) on West Asia and asserted that India is fully prepared to tackle any fallout arising from the ongoing global conflict.

The government said there is no shortage of petroleum products or essential commodities in the country and urged citizens not to panic or rush to fuel stations.

According to officials, India currently has reserves of 60 days of crude oil and natural gas, along with 45 days of LPG stock. The meeting reviewed the latest developments in West Asia and discussed measures to minimise the impact of the crisis on the Indian economy and public.

The meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi, was attended by Union Ministers including J. P. Nadda, Hardeep Singh Puri, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Kiren Rijiju, Sarbananda Sonowal and Jitendra Singh among others.

Officials informed the ministers that India remains one of the few countries where fuel prices have remained stable despite prolonged global volatility. They said oil marketing companies are absorbing massive losses to shield consumers from rising international crude prices.

The government also highlighted that India’s foreign exchange reserves stand at around USD 703 billion and that the country continues to meet domestic fuel demand fully while exporting petroleum products to more than 150 countries.

Rajnath Singh directed ministries and states to intensify awareness measures on fuel conservation and responsible consumption. He stressed the need to strengthen renewable energy capacity, diversify energy supplies and enhance strategic reserves to deal with future disruptions.

The ministers were also informed that fertiliser stocks in the country remain comfortable, with total availability standing at 199.65 lakh metric tonnes, significantly higher than the corresponding period last year.

The Centre further said that there is no need for panic buying of fuel or essential items and assured that supply chains across the country remain stable.(NVI)

LG Sinha Inaugurates National Youth Festival in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated the National Youth Festival in Srinagar and said the event reflects a new vision of “Rise, Shine and Conquer” for the country’s youth.

Addressing the inaugural session, Sinha said the vision represents a philosophy that illuminates the path towards the future and serves as both a promise and a challenge for building a developed India by 2047.

He said the National Youth Festival signifies that the era of youth leadership has arrived and asserted that young people will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future.

Highlighting the “Young Leaders Dialogue” organised during the festival, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative would help create a strong framework for the next chapter of India’s heritage and progress.

Sinha urged the youth to contribute towards nation-building, innovation, leadership and social transformation, saying their energy and ideas are essential for achieving the vision of a prosperous and developed India.

Youth delegates, students, innovators and cultural representatives from different parts of the country participated in the festival.(NVI)

Fire Breaks Out at Darul Uloom in Naik Bagh, Panic Grips Locality

Srinagar, May 11 (NVI): A fire damaged the upper portion of a Darul Uloom seminary in the Naik Bagh area of Nowgam in Srinagar on Monday, officials said.

The blaze erupted in the upper storey of Darul Uloom Imdadiya located in Iqbal Colony, triggering panic in the congested locality as smoke and flames engulfed part of the structure, they said.

Students present inside the seminary were evacuated safely soon after the fire broke out. Locals and seminary staff initially tried to control the flames before Fire and Emergency Services personnel reached the spot.

Officials said several fire tenders were pressed into service to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby residential houses.

The fire caused significant damage to the upper floor of the building, officials said, adding that no loss of life or injuries were reported in the incident.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit, though the exact cause would be ascertained after a detailed assessment, they said.

Police and Fire and Emergency Services officials remained present at the site during the operation.(NVI)

Sajad Gani Lone Alleges NC-PDP ‘Fixed Match’ Helped BJP Win Rajya Sabha Seat

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Srinagar, May 11 (NVI): Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Monday alleged that the National Conference and PDP had facilitated the BJP’s victory in the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, terming the outcome a “fixed match.”

Addressing a press conference here, Lone claimed that both parties together “gifted” a Rajya Sabha seat to the BJP by failing to ensure proper monitoring during the polling process.

Referring to an RTI response, Lone said the PDP had not appointed a polling agent during the election. He said polling agents play a crucial role under anti-defection provisions by verifying and monitoring voting by party legislators.

“The RTI response revealed that PDP had not appointed a polling agent, which meant their legislators were free to vote without supervision,” he alleged.

Lone also questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his remarks on the matter, asking how the government was unaware of the issue until the RTI disclosure surfaced.

“Your Speaker, Assembly staff and administration were functioning under your government. Was the Chief Minister not aware that PDP had not appointed an agent, and why was no objection raised?” Lone asked.

He alleged that while one party failed to appoint an agent, the other did not object, ultimately benefiting the BJP in the Rajya Sabha contest.

The Peoples Conference leader further claimed that the 2024 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were fought on an anti-BJP plank, but the subsequent Rajya Sabha outcome contradicted that political narrative.

Lone also said his party had earlier offered support if the Rajya Sabha seat was allotted to Congress, but alleged that the NC and PDP “chose a different path.”

Raising another issue during the press conference, Lone alleged that between 22,000 and 24,000 government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir had been outsourced.

“Nearly Rs 1,000 crore are being paid to outsourcing companies. Whenever the issue is raised, confusion is created instead of clarity,” he claimed.

He urged the media and political parties to explain the circumstances surrounding the Rajya Sabha election outcome, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved answers.(NVI)

Army soldier Dies After Accidental Fall During Night Patrol in Baramulla

Representational Pic

Srinagar, May 11 (NVI): An Army soldier died after accidentally slipping during a night patrol operation in the forest area of Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Naib Subedar Hira Bahadur Pandey, who was attached with 32 Rashtriya Rifles, they said.

The incident occurred in the Hamam Markoot forest area during patrolling when the soldier lost balance and fell, resulting in his death on the spot.

Army personnel later recovered the body from the area, while further details are awaited, officials added.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah to Meet Amit Shah Today, Says Will Raise Business Rules, Reservation Issues

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Srinagar, May 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he will raise issues related to the Union Territory’s Transaction of Business Rules and reservation policy during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will also be discussed, while adding that the process requires continuous engagement with the Centre.

“Wish we could have got statehood through one meeting — we would have achieved it long back. It is a continuous process, but I raise the demand for statehood whenever I meet him,” the chief minister said.

He said several other issues concerning the functioning of the Union Territory administration would also be taken up during the meeting.

“There are other issues as well, such as our Business Rules, the appointment of the Advocate General, and the reservation issue, which the Lieutenant Governor has referred to New Delhi. It is better to discuss these issues, along with other matters, with the Home Minister,” Abdullah said.

The chief minister said the meeting with Shah is scheduled for later in the day.(NVI)

Fresh Thunderstorm System Approaches J&K, Rain & Hail Likely in Next 12 Hours

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Srinagar, May 10 (NVI): A fresh cluster of thundershower clouds has developed over parts of north Pakistan and is moving towards north Kashmir, raising the possibility of widespread weather activity across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 12 hours.

According to Kashmir Weather, several areas of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds, while hailstorms may also occur at a few places.

The weather system is expected to impact multiple districts, particularly in north Kashmir, with changing weather conditions likely during the night and early morning hours.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during periods of intense weather activity.(NVI)

Kishtwar Pays Tribute to Terror Victims, 70-Foot Tricolour Unveiled on Shaheedi Diwas

Jammu, May 10 (NVI): A 70-foot-long national flag was unveiled at Hidyal Chowk in Kishtwar on the occasion of Shaheedi Diwas on Sunday as people paid tribute to victims of terrorism and honoured the sacrifices made by civilians affected by terrioist violence in the region.

The ceremony witnessed participation from school students, prominent citizens, youth and local residents from different parts of the district, with the venue resonating with patriotic fervour.

In an emotional moment during the programme, the Tricolour was hoisted by members of martyr families whose relatives were killed in targeted killings, massacres and terrorist attacks in the region over the past decades.

Addressing the gathering, BJP MLA from Kishtwar Shagun Parihar said the national flag unveiled at Hidyal Chowk was dedicated to all those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and to families who endured the pain of terrorism with courage and dignity.

She said Shaheedi Diwas symbolised the collective resolve against terrorism and divisive forces.

Referring to the history of militancy in the region, Parihar said May 10 holds emotional significance for the people of Kishtwar as the first targeted killing in the area took place in 1993 with the murder of Satish Bhandari, following which several innocent civilians fell victim to terrorism and communal violence.

“Terrorists attempted to spread fear through selective killings and attacks on innocent people, but the people of the region never allowed the spirit of nationalism to bow before terror,” she said.

Parihar, whose father was killed in a terror attack, said families affected by terrorism carry immense pain, but their courage and sacrifices continue to inspire society and the nation.

She said the Tricolour standing tall at Hidyal Chowk symbolised the victory of patriotism, courage and national unity over fear and terrorism.

Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma, social activist Dr Vikrant, members of Sanatan Dharam Sabha, representatives of minority organisations and several prominent citizens were present during the ceremony.(NVI)

J&K Minister visits Kheer Bhawani Temple, Reviews Preparations for annual Mela

Srinagar, May 10 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma on Sunday visited the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district on Kashmimr today and reviewed arrangements for the upcoming annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, officials said.

Sharma, who holds the portfolios of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology and Science and Technology, paid obeisance at the shrine and directed the concerned departments to ensure adequate facilities for devotees expected to participate in large numbers during the mela.

During the visit, the minister reviewed preparations related to sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare services, security coordination, cleanliness and transportation facilities.

Emphasising hassle-free movement of pilgrims, Sharma instructed the Transport Department to ensure seamless bus connectivity to the shrine from different locations, particularly during the festival days.

“Religious and cultural events are an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage. The government remains committed to facilitating devotees and preserving the spiritual ethos associated with such revered places,” the minister said.

Later, Sharma visited the revered Mir Baba Hyder Shrine shrine and reviewed infrastructure and civic amenities available for devotees.

He directed the concerned authorities to undertake solarisation of the shrine complex as part of the government’s push for sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure development at important religious places.

The minister also asked officials to improve facilities including lighting, sanitation and public convenience infrastructure at the shrine.

During the tour, Sharma met several deputations from different areas and communities who projected various public welfare and developmental issues before him. He assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined sympathetically for early redressal.

He also interacted with Kabaddi players and young sportspersons who raised issues related to sports infrastructure and training facilities. Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for youth across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

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