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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)

Home Secy Orders Tight Security at Tourist Spots in J&K, Pushes Intensified Anti-Terror Ops

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Monday directed authorities to ensure stringent and fool-proof security arrangements at all tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, in view of the upcoming tourist season.

The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Home Secretary via video conferencing, focusing on safeguarding tourists and strengthening the overall security grid across the Union Territory.

Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Home Secretary Chandraker Bharti, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, along with top police and intelligence officers, attended the meeting and briefed him on the prevailing security situation.

Emphasizing heightened vigilance at major tourist hotspots, Mohan instructed agencies to prevent any untoward incidents that could impact tourism, especially as a surge in tourist arrivals is expected in the coming weeks.

He also reviewed ongoing anti-terror operations in forested and mountainous areas, directing forces to step up operations in upper reaches where movement tends to increase following snowmelt.

A coordinated strategy involving the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) is being implemented to neutralize threats and dismantle terror networks in difficult terrains.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed the financial position of the police force for the current fiscal and discussed requirements for 2026–27, with modernization and resource strengthening identified as key priorities.

The Home Secretary stressed proactive measures, close monitoring, and seamless inter-agency coordination to ensure peace, stability, and a secure environment for both residents and visitors.(NVI)

Minor Earthquake Jolts Kashmir Valley, No Damage Reported

Srinagar, Mar 23 (NVI): A low-intensity earthquake measuring 2.4 on the Richter scale struck parts of the Kashmir Valley late Monday night, triggering brief panic among residents, officials said.

According to data, the tremor occurred at 11:46:58 PM IST, with its epicentre located in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir at a depth of 10 kilometres.

Mild tremors were felt across several areas of the Valley, prompting people to rush out of their homes as a precautionary measure.

However, there were no immediate reports of any damage to property or loss of life. Authorities are monitoring the situation, officials added.(NVI)

Jammu Court Remands Farooq Abdullah Attack Accused to Judicial Custody

Dr Farooq Abdullah NC President talking to reporters at party headquarters Nawa-e-Subh complex,

Jammu, Mar 23 (NVI): A local court in Jammu on Monday remanded the accused involved in the firing incident targeting National Conference president Farooq Abdullah to judicial custody till April 6 after the completion of his police remand.

The accused was produced before the court following the expiry of his police custody. In the absence of the city judge, the case was taken up by a sub-judge, who subsequently ordered judicial remand.

The incident occurred on March 11 in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu, where the आरोपी allegedly opened fire at Abdullah while he was leaving a function. He was immediately overpowered and arrested on the spot along with the weapon.

Officials stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the case. Charges, including attempt to murder and relevant provisions of the Arms Act, have been invoked.

Further legal proceedings are underway. (NVI)

ED seizes funds linked to fake law enforcement extortion case

Srinagar, Mar 23 (NVI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached ₹16.86 lakh in connection with a ‘digital arrest’ cyber fraud case involving impersonation of law enforcement agencies, officials said on Monday.

In a statement, the ED said the attachment was made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, by its Srinagar Zonal Office. The amount represents proceeds of crime traced to a bank account held in the name of M/s Jeevika Foundations at HDFC Bank, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, operated by accused Gaurav Kumar.

The central agency initiated its probe based on an FIR registered by the Cyber Police Station, Kashmir, and a preliminary chargesheet filed before a Srinagar court.

According to the ED, the accused, along with associates including Gurpreet Singh and Ujwal Chauhan, allegedly ran a well-organised racket by posing as officials from agencies such as TRAI and CBI to extort money.

The victim was allegedly threatened with arrest in a fabricated money laundering case linked to national security and was coerced into liquidating fixed deposits and transferring funds.

A total of ₹21 lakh was fraudulently obtained and routed through the said bank account, officials said, adding that ₹4.13 lakh has already been refunded to the complainant on court orders.

The remaining ₹16.86 lakh has now been attached as proceeds of crime, and further investigation is underway, the ED said.(NVI)

Two IAS Officers Get Additional Charge in J&K Administration

Srinagar, Mar 23 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday assigned additional responsibilities to two senior IAS officers to ensure smooth administrative functioning.

According to an official order, the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, has been given additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department, until the regular incumbent resumes duties.

In a separate arrangement, the Commissioner/Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, has been assigned the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

The order stated that both arrangements will remain in force until further orders or till the concerned officers return to their respective posts.(NVI)

Big News: Trump orders pause on strikes on Iranian power, energy infrastructure for 5 days
Trump claims US and Iran have had 'very good and productive' talks on total resolution of hostilities

Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump (File pic)

New Delhi, Mar 23: In a massive development, US President Donald Trump has just now announced suspension of strikes on Iran’s power and energy infrastructure.

He claimed that the US and Iran have, over the last two days, had “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

In a social media post, Trump said, “Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period.”

This, he added, is “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

(Developing story….)

Army Chief of Northern Command Inspects Troops in Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Mar 23 (NVI): The Indian Army’s Northern Command on Monday said that Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited the Kishtwar sector of Jammu and Kashmir to review operational preparedness and assess the overall security grid in the region.

The Army Commander held detailed discussions with commanders in the chain of command and interacted with troops deployed in the sector.

Lt Gen Sharma commended the sustained efforts, professionalism, and resolute conduct of troops operating in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.

He also urged the forces to maintain operational momentum and ensure close coordination with other security agencies to uphold peace and stability in the region.(NVI)

PDP MLA Introduces Bill Proposing New Divisions, Districts in J&K

Waheed Parra
File Photo: Waheed Para

Srinagar, Mar 23 (NVI): People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Para has introduced a private member’s bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly seeking a structured legal framework for the reorganisation of administrative units across the Union Territory.

The proposed legislation, titled The Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganisation Bill, 2026, calls for the creation of additional administrative divisions, including a separate Chenab Division with headquarters at Doda and a Pir Panjal Division with headquarters at Rajouri, in addition to the existing Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

The bill also proposes the formation of several new districts. In the Kashmir division, these include Tral–Awantipora Hill District, Ashmuqam Hill District, Beerwah, Sopore, Handwara, Gurez, Tangdhar–Karnah Hill District and Norabad Hill District.

In the Jammu division, the proposed districts include Nowshera, Bhaderwah, Banihal, Thathri, Akhnoor, Billawar, Kotranka and Mendhar, with several designated as hill districts to address administrative challenges in difficult terrain.

According to the draft, the government would be empowered to notify the allocation of districts among Jammu, Kashmir, Chenab and Pir Panjal divisions, ensuring geographical continuity, administrative feasibility and balanced regional development.

The bill aims to address governance challenges arising from vast geography and uneven development by introducing a transparent mechanism for the creation of new administrative units, with a focus on decentralisation and improved service delivery.

The proposal has been submitted to the Assembly Secretariat during the ongoing Budget Session, which is scheduled to resume on March 27 and conclude on April 4. Private members’ bills and resolutions will be taken up on designated days, officials said.(NVI)

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