Monday, May 18, 2026
Home Blog Page 9

Six-Month Rainfall Deficit Triggers Water Crisis Fears Across J&K
Kashmir Valley Among Worst Hit as Dry Spell Continues; Experts Warn of Severe Impact on Drinking Water, Farming, Power Generation

Representational image

Srinagar, May 9 (NVI): Jammu & Kashmir is staring at a looming water crisis as the Union Territory continues to witness below-normal precipitation for the sixth consecutive month, raising serious concerns over shrinking water resources, agriculture losses, and hydroelectric power generation.

According to official weather data, April recorded only 86.5 mm rainfall against the normal 99.6 mm, marking a 13 percent deficit across J&K. Environmental experts and climate observers have warned that the persistent dry spell could trigger acute water shortages during the peak summer months if immediate conservation measures are not taken.

The impact is already becoming visible in several rural and far-flung areas where fears of drinking water scarcity are growing amid declining water levels in rivers, streams, and natural reservoirs.

Experts said the prolonged rainfall deficit is part of a worrying climate trend, noting that Jammu & Kashmir has now witnessed seven consecutive winters of below-normal precipitation, severely affecting the region’s natural water recharge systems.

The district-wise rainfall figures for April reveal an alarming situation in several Kashmir districts. Shopian recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 67 percent, followed by Kathua at 60 percent and Anantnag at 46 percent. Major shortfalls were also recorded in Kulgam (39%), Pulwama (38%), and Srinagar (32%).

Other districts including Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, and Baramulla also remained below normal rainfall levels, further intensifying concerns over water availability.

Meanwhile, a few districts witnessed surplus rainfall during the month. Samba recorded 96 percent excess rainfall, followed by Rajouri (46%) and Reasi (40%). Districts including Jammu, Udhampur, Poonch, Kupwara, Ramban, and Doda also reported rainfall above normal levels.

Experts warned that the uneven rainfall distribution and continuous dry weather could lead to a sharp decline in water discharge in major rivers, including the Jhelum River, directly impacting irrigation and hydroelectric projects across the region.

With climate concerns mounting, calls are intensifying for the administration to implement long-term water conservation policies, strengthen reservoir management systems, and prepare emergency contingency plans to tackle possible shortages across Jammu & Kashmir.(NVI)

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Appointed New Chief of Defence Staff, To Succeed Gen Anil Chauhan
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff to Take Charge as India’s Top Military Officer After May 30

New Delhi, May 9 (NVI ): The Government of India on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan, who is set to complete his tenure on May 30, 2026.

According to an official order, Lieutenant General Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, from the date he assumes charge and until further orders.

Currently serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025, Lt Gen Raja Subramani earlier held the key post of Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025. Before that, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, the officer was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985. He has also trained at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College in New Delhi. He holds higher academic qualifications from King’s College London and Madras University.

In a military career spanning more than four decades, Lt Gen Raja Subramani has commanded several prestigious formations across sensitive operational theatres, including counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino, formations in Jammu and Kashmir, and the strategically significant 2 Corps on the Western Front.

He has also held a wide range of operational, intelligence, instructional and diplomatic assignments, including Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, Chief Instructor at Defence Services Staff College Wellington, and Chief of Staff at Northern Command.

Officials said his vast operational experience on both the Northern and Western borders, along with his strategic and administrative expertise, made him a natural choice for the country’s highest military post.

For his distinguished service to the nation, Lt Gen Raja Subramani has been conferred with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.(NVI)

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed Next Navy Chief

New Delhi, May 9 (NVI): The government on Saturday appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff, officials said.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan, presently serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will take over from Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi upon his retirement on May 31, they said.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings nearly four decades of distinguished service and has held several important operational, strategic and personnel management appointments in the Indian Navy.

A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), the officer is regarded as one of the Navy’s most experienced commanders.

Officials said the appointment was approved by the government ahead of the scheduled change of command later this month.(NVI)

SIT Completes Probe in Farooq Abdullah Firing Attempt Case; Chargesheet Filed Before Court

File photo: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, May 9 (NVI): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the firing attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet against the accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, officials said on Saturday.

The chargesheet and related documents have been submitted before a Jammu court, and the case is scheduled to come up for hearing before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, they said.

The incident took place in March this year during a function at a banquet hall in Jammu, when the accused allegedly attempted to target Abdullah. Security personnel deployed at the venue acted swiftly, secured the National Conference leader and overpowered the accused on the spot, officials said.

Given the sensitivity of the case, police had constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident from all angles. During the course of investigation, the accused was questioned extensively, evidence was collected and inquiries were conducted at multiple locations, officials said.

According to investigators, preliminary findings suggested that personal rivalry and certain past disputes could have been the motive behind the attack.

Police have placed all relevant material before the court, while further legal proceedings in the case are expected during the next hearing, officials added.(NVI)

J&K Working on Long-Term Rehabilitation Model for Drug Abuse Victims: CS
Focus on Treatment, Social Reintegration, Livelihood Support to Prevent Relapse; Dedicated Mentors, Digital Monitoring Portal Planned

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir administration is working on a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation plan for victims of drug abuse, with emphasis on treatment, social reintegration and livelihood support to prevent relapse after recovery, officials said on Friday.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting of senior officers to review the rehabilitation framework prepared by the Social Welfare Department in consultation with various departments and stakeholders.

According to officials, the proposed plan envisages a structured three-year rehabilitation model aimed at treatment and stabilization of victims, followed by reintegration into society, livelihood generation, post-care monitoring and social inclusion.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez and other senior officers.

Dulloo stressed the need for an effective and practical rehabilitation strategy capable of delivering tangible results on the ground. He directed that the framework be further refined through consultations with all stakeholders, particularly professionals from the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) and Psychiatry Departments of Government Medical Colleges.

Highlighting the role of mentors in the rehabilitation process, the Chief Secretary said trained patient mentors should be identified and provided specialised training at IMHANS. He suggested creation of a dedicated pool of 30 to 40 mentors in each district to support the long-term rehabilitation programme.

“He emphasized that the mentors should have clearly defined responsibilities based on the needs of individual patients and an appropriate incentive mechanism should also be devised,” officials said.

Dulloo also stressed convergence of various government schemes to provide livelihood opportunities, skill development and educational support to rehabilitated individuals. He directed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to develop a dedicated digital portal for monitoring the rehabilitation process and ensuring long-term stabilization of affected persons.

Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar suggested categorisation of patients according to severity of addiction so that rehabilitation interventions can be tailored accordingly. He also proposed exploring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and utilisation of psychologists available in different departments to strengthen counselling services.

Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti said the rehabilitation structure should be designed after assessing ground-level requirements and should address the specific challenges faced by victims and their families instead of replicating conventional government schemes.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez gave a detailed presentation on the proposed framework and said Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as the first region in the country to work on a structured long-term rehabilitation model for drug abuse victims.

He said the strategy also envisages empanelment of patient mentors for continuous counselling and emotional support, besides establishing monitoring mechanisms at the Union Territory, divisional and district levels for effective implementation of the programme.(NVI)

Kashmir Sizzles as Temperatures Stay Above Normal; Srinagar Records 30°C
Dry Spell Continues Across J&K, MeT Predicts Warm Weather to Persist Over Coming Days

(File)

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir continued to witness intense dry weather conditions on Thursday, with several places across the Kashmir Valley recording temperatures significantly above normal, while summer capital Srinagar touched 30 degrees Celsius, officials said.

According to Meteorological Department data available  Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.0°C, which was 5.9 degrees above normal for the season, while the minimum temperature settled at 13.0°C.

Qazigund recorded a maximum temperature of 29.6°C, remaining 6.4 degrees above normal, while tourist resort Pahalgam registered 24.1°C, which was 3.4 degrees above the seasonal average.

Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 28.3°C, while Kukernag settled at 27.6°C, with both places witnessing warmer-than-usual weather conditions.

Gulmarg, the famous tourist destination in north Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 21.2°C, which was 6.5 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature there settled at 6.5°C.

In Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.8°C, while Banihal, Batote, Katra and Bhaderwah also experienced mainly dry weather during the day.

Officials said no major rainfall activity was recorded anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, while humidity levels remained moderate across most areas.

The Meteorological Department has predicted generally dry weather conditions across the Union Territory over the next few days, with temperatures likely to remain above normal in many places.(NVI)

Army Rescues Stranded Tourists After Helicopter Service Disrupted in Gulmarg
CM Omar Abdullah praises rescue operation, calls for stronger tourist safety measures

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Several tourists stranded at Sunshine Peak in Gulmarg were safely rescued on Friday after helicopter services were temporarily suspended following a technical snag in a private helicopter, officials said.

Officials said the incident disrupted tourist helicopter operations in the famous ski resort, leaving a number of visitors stranded in the higher reaches of Gulmarg.

The tourists were later evacuated safely with the assistance of Army helicopters after a coordinated rescue operation was launched by the authorities, they said.

Meanwhile, the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Chief Minister appreciated the prompt response and coordinated efforts of the Army and civil administration in ensuring the safe rescue of the stranded tourists.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister also directed the administration to strengthen safety protocols and ensure a safe and secure experience for tourists visiting the region.

He further stressed the need to prevent recurrence of such incidents through better monitoring and precautionary measures, the statement said.(NVI)

Kashmir Transporters Defer May 12 Strike After Govt Assurances
Says concerns over Smart City buses, green tax, permits to be examined through committee mechanism

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Kashmir transporters on Friday deferred their proposed May 12 strike after a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Transport Minister Satish Sharma and senior officials over several issues concerning the transport sector in the Valley.

During the meeting, representatives of various transport associations raised concerns related to Smart City buses, free bus services, green tax, permits, outside-registered vehicles and other operational issues affecting local transporters.

The minister assured the transporters that the government is committed to ensuring a balanced and people-centric public transport system while safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of local transport operators.

He said all genuine concerns projected during the meeting would be examined through a transparent and consultative approach.

Sharma also stressed better coordination among transport agencies and directed officials to work closely with stakeholders to resolve issues related to Smart City buses and other services in a time-bound manner.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Transport Commissioner J&K, Managing Director RTC, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir and representatives of transport bodies from Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, transporters’ leader Shabir Ahmad Matta said the government had invited transport representatives for discussions following repeated representations regarding issues faced by the sector.

He said a committee has been formed and meetings would be held every 15 days to address the concerns raised by transporters.

Matta said the government assured transporters that no major decision regarding the sector would be taken without consulting stakeholders.

He further said the proposed strike scheduled for May 12 has been deferred for now in view of the assurances given by the authorities.

“If our issues are resolved, there will be no strike. Otherwise, the future course of action will be decided accordingly,” he said.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Expresses Grief Over Drowning Deaths of Three Boys in Hajin

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed profound grief over the tragic drowning incident in Hajin area of Bandipora district, where three young boys lost their lives.

Officials said the three youths, all residents of Chandergeer Hajin, drowned in the Jhelum river at Check Chandergeer area in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

In a statement, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

He also prayed for strength and patience for the grieving families during this difficult time.(NVI)

Why China Might Be the Only One Left to Stop a US-Iran War

Why China Might Be the Only One Left to Stop a US-Iran War
Why China Might Be the Only One Left to Stop a US-Iran War

In the high-stakes theater of the Persian Gulf, a new lead actor is stepping onto the stage. While Washington and Tehran exchange threats and “Project Freedom” missiles, Beijing is quietly positioning itself as the ultimate powerbroker.

With Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landing in Beijing just days before President Trump meets Xi Jinping, the question isn’t just if China can broker peace, but what the price tag will be for the rest of the world.

The Energy Handcuffs Linking Beijing to Tehran

China’s interest in this conflict isn’t just about global prestige; it’s about survival. As the world’s largest energy importer and Iran’s biggest oil customer, China is the primary victim of a closed Strait of Hormuz. When one-fifth of the world’s oil is choked off, the Chinese economy feels the squeeze instantly. This economic vulnerability has transformed Beijing from a passive observer into an urgent mediator, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi declaring that a “comprehensive ceasefire brooks no delay.”

Leverage in the Form of the Yuan

Years of Western sanctions have effectively pushed Iran into China’s economic embrace. From the 25-year strategic partnership signed in 2021 to the fact that Beijing buys the lion’s share of Iran’s discounted oil, the Islamic Republic is now deeply dependent on Chinese trade. This dependence gives President Xi a “nudge” factor that Washington lacks. However, analysts warn that while Beijing can bring Tehran to the table, it cannot force them to sign a deal that compromises their ultimate bargaining chip: control over the world’s most critical shipping lane.

What’s on China’s Shopping List?

Beijing isn’t acting out of pure altruism. If China successfully brokers a deal, it expects a significant geopolitical return. Beyond reopening the Strait, Beijing is looking to cement the yuan as the primary currency for global oil transactions, chipping away at the “petrodollar.” Furthermore, a successful mediation would allow China to cast itself as the “responsible superpower” of the Global South—a stark contrast to what it portrays as the “interventionist” policies of the United States.

The Trump-Xi Summit: A Wildcard for Tehran

The upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi has Tehran on edge. Iranian leadership is reportedly seeking reassurances that Beijing won’t trade away Iranian interests in exchange for trade concessions from Washington. For Trump, a China-brokered peace could be a political lifeline ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, helping to stabilize fuel prices that have soared 40% since the conflict began. But for China, the goal is broader: keeping a regional counterweight to U.S. influence alive while ensuring that the “bloodline of global energy” remains wide open.

1...8910...1,612Page 9 of 1,612

MUST READ