New Delhi: Industry Chamber PHDCCI on Monday said that the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) strengthens India’s trade connectivity with the GCC and East Africa through strategic logistics infrastructure. The agreement will strengthen economic integration of both countries by improving market access, trade benefitting exporters, professionals and investors, according to a statement. “Reduced trade barriers will open new opportunities for MSMEs and service providers. India is well positioned in key labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems and jewellery that will benefit substantially from the agreement”, said Rajeev Juneja, President PHDCCI. Under the agreement, 99.38 per cent of India’s exports by value across sectors such as agriculture and processed food, marine products, textiles, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electronics, automobiles and footwear will receive duty-free access to the Omani market. The agriculture and processed food sector will see new opportunities for products such as basmati rice, cashews, onions, potatoes, sweet biscuits, butter and bovine meat products. The marine products sector is expected to benefit from import duty waivers on shrimp, fish and other seafood products, he added. “Coastal states with significant seafood exports, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, are clear winners,” he further said. In the gems and jewellery sector, the elimination of tariffs will boost competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly in manufacturing clusters located in Surat, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. “The agreement will support export growth, employment generation and greater participation in regional markets. Faster regulatory approvals, and enhanced investment cooperation will particularly benefit sectors such as information technology, healthcare, engineering, and start-ups where India has strong relative competitive advantage”, said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, SG & CEO, PHDCCI. The pharmaceutical sector will benefit from faster regulatory approvals and improved market access. Pharmaceutical products approved by major international regulators, including the USFDA and EMA, will qualify for accelerated marketing authorisation procedures. A major hurdle in exports— compliance burden will see substantial reduction due to provisions for recognition of inspection and certification systems, the statement said. “The CEPA also includes one of the most comprehensive services market access commitments offered by Oman to any country. Indian professionals and businesses in information technology, engineering, healthcare, education, financial services, construction and consultancy services are expected to benefit from improved mobility provisions,” the statement noted. —IANS aar/pk
Iran halts message exchanges with US over Israel’s actions in Lebanon Tehran, June 1 (IANS) Iran has halted message exchanges with the United States via mediation in protest against Israel’s actions in Lebanon, local media reported on Monday. “There will be no dialogue” until Iran’s demands on “immediate cessation” of Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon are secured, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Monday. It added that Iran and its allies have determined “on the agenda to completely block the Strait of Hormuz, and to activate other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,” in retaliation, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that they had ordered the military to strike Beirut’s southern suburbs. According to the statement, the order was given following repeated Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon, including rocket and drone attacks targeting northern Israeli cities. Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that the move came after the United States approved Israel’s requests to expand military activity in Lebanon, shifting from an initial focus on the country’s south to include airstrikes in the capital city. Meanwhile, the United States has accused Hezbollah of undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire with Israel, saying the Iran-backed group is prolonging the conflict and refusing to halt attacks despite a US-backed proposal aimed at preventing further escalation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon, according to a US official familiar with the talks. The United States proposed what the official described as a straightforward path to de-escalation. “To advance those talks, the United States proposed a clear sequence: Hizbollah must stop all attacks on Israel. In return, Israel would refrain from escalation in Beirut. This would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities,” the official said. –IANS ksk/pgh
BJP organisational meet reviews 12 years of Modi govt, expansion plans
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office bearers and karyakartas are meeting in the national capital to take stock of achievements over 12 years of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also to discuss future initiatives to broaden the party’s outreach across various sections of society.
The meeting, which began around 2:30 p.m. at the party’s national headquarters under the chairmanship of BJP President Nitin Nabin, is expected to continue till late tonight, according to Lok Sabha MP and party National Spokesperson Sambit Patra.
Briefing the media, Patra observed that people have witnessed the country’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with growth across every sector. Additionally, the BJP, either on its own or in alliance with NDA partners, is running the government in 22 states.
Apart from discussing the Modi government’s 12 years of achievements, organisational expansion, grassroots strengthening, and future initiatives to broaden the party’s outreach across various sections of society are also on the agenda, Patra added.
He stressed that not only has the government achieved significant milestones and established itself successfully in the states, but that the BJP, as an organisation, has also witnessed tremendous growth over the years.
From only two members of Parliament, it has emerged as a major political force through the organisation’s continuous expansion, he noted.
The party, he asserted, firmly believes that karyakartas are invaluable and rare assets. The meeting would also discuss in detail all aspects of further strengthening the party and its work at the grassroots level, incorporating suggestions, gathering input from all stakeholders, and consolidating views on various subjects.
Patra shared that “a major transformation” in the BJP’s organisational functioning is expected as part of its ongoing expansion under the leadership of the incumbent party President.
Among deliberations underway are issues such as onboarding more youth into the organisation, further strengthening women’s empowerment, enabling Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to progress further, and creating greater opportunities for professionals to contribute and advance, Patra added.
–IANS
jb/dan
Whole-of-nation approach key to security: CDS
Gen N.S. Raja Subramani assumes charge
New Delhi: General N.S. Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan, who retired on May 30, and pledged to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of JAI — Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation — while safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Before taking charge, Gen Subramani paid tributes to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and was accorded a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.
Addressing reporters, the new CDS said he was honoured to assume the country’s highest military post and thanked the nation for its trust in the Armed Forces.
“We, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of Defence, strategic institutions and all stakeholders stand united as part of a whole-of-nation approach to strengthen India’s security,” he said.
Outlining his priorities, Gen Subramani said transformation of the armed forces through organisational reforms, greater jointness, synergy and integration would remain a key focus. He described self-reliance in defence as a central pillar of national security and said efforts would be intensified to develop, induct and integrate indigenous weapon systems.
He also stressed the importance of innovation, saying collaboration among the military, industry, academia, startups and the research ecosystem would be crucial for modernisation and capability development.
“Our Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he said.
The CDS paid tribute to his predecessors, late General Bipin Rawat and General Anil Chauhan, describing them as “illustrious predecessors” whose leadership and contributions had advanced the journey of military reforms.
He said the welfare and training of soldiers, sailors and air warriors would remain a priority and reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to veterans and Veer Naaris.
Along with assuming charge as CDS, Gen Subramani will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs until further orders.
The Ministry of Defence has described Gen Subramani as a highly decorated officer with over four decades of distinguished service. Prior to his appointment, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) since September 2025. He earlier held key positions including Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command.
Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985 after graduating from the National Defence Academy, Gen Subramani has held several important operational and staff appointments. He attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom, and later studied at the National Defence College in New Delhi.
During his career spanning more than 35 years, he served in various operational environments and conflict zones, including as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan. He also served as Deputy Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles sector in Jammu and Kashmir, commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba, and held senior intelligence and operational appointments at Army Headquarters and Eastern Command.
In 2023, he took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, and in 2024 became the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Following his retirement from active military service, he was appointed Military Adviser at the NSCS before being named the country’s next CDS.
Gen Subramani holds a Master’s degree from King’s College London and an M.Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University. For his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Swaminathan assumes charge as Navy Chief
New Delhi: Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Krishna Swaminathan reaffirmed his commitment on Sunday to ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the highest level of operational readiness and combat effectiveness for protecting the nation’s security and economic interests.
He also emphasised the importance of ‘JAI’ – Jointness, Atmanirbharata (self-reliance), and Indigenisation.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan took charge as the Chief of Navy Staff after taking the handover from Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, who bid farewell to the military service earlier in the day. He also laid wreaths at the National War Memorial to pay homage to those who laid down their lives on the line of duty.
Addressing the media after assuming the charge as Indian Navy Chief, Admiral Swaminathan said, “I assume command today as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, pride, and gratitude. Being selected by the top leadership of the country for this job has been the highest honour and privilege of my life, and I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to serve the Indian Navy and the nation in this capacity.”
He stated that the Indian Navy stands vigilant to protect national interests and is very actively deployed in a regional security environment that “continues to remain challenging, complex, unpredictable, and uncertain”.
“It shall be my highest priority to ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the highest level of operational readiness and combat effectiveness so that it can protect the nation’s security and economic interests wherever they can be,” Admiral Swaminathan said.
“The Indian Navy is well set on a course of capability enhancement and modernisation. It shall be my endeavour to sustain the growth momentum of the Navy, consolidate all ongoing programs, scale up where required, and sharpen our operational capabilities through the induction of niche and emerging technologies as soon as I can,” he added.
“The Indian Navy is deeply committed to Jointness, Atmanirbharata, and Indigenisation, and that will also be one of my key result areas. I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to work with the men and women of the Indian Navy, whom I consider the finest professionals anywhere in the world. Their welfare, well-being, professional performance, and personal growth shall be of the highest importance to me, and I shall remain invested in that very sincerely in the days to come,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to Admiral Tripathi for his “highly meritorious and illustrious service” to the nation, Admiral Swaminathan said, “He has been an extremely effective CNS, led us very successfully, and given us the benefit of his guidance and vision at every turn. On behalf of a grateful Navy, I wish him the very best as he transits to a new phase of his life.”
“I will devote every single day of my life to making the Navy a better, stronger, sharper, and more impactful service so that it can serve the interests of national security, national development, and national economic prosperity to the best of its ability,” the Indian Navy chief added.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi urges caution amid heatwave
Advocates traditional summer drinks
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to take precautions against the ongoing heatwave across large parts of the country, advising them to stay hydrated and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.
Addressing the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM said rising temperatures and hot winds made it essential for people to take care of their health.
“It is very hot in most parts of the country right now. Keep drinking water and, if you have to go out in the sun, do so with caution. Do not forget the guidelines issued by government departments,” he said.
The Prime Minister also promoted traditional Indian summer beverages, describing them as time-tested remedies against the heat. He referred to drinks such as aam panna, lassi, buttermilk, sattu sherbet, kokum sherbet, sol kadhi, panakam, neer mor, sambaram and bael pana, saying they reflected India’s cultural diversity as well as indigenous knowledge.
During the programme, PM Modi lauded Indian athletes Gurinder Veer Singh and Animesh Kujur for their record-breaking performances in the men’s 100-metre sprint at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi. Interacting with the athletes, he said their achievements had challenged long-standing perceptions about Indian sprinting and inspired a new generation of sportspersons.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the return of 24 Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands, describing the development as a matter of national pride. He said the inscriptions offered valuable insights into the maritime strength, governance and cultural legacy of the Chola Empire.
Referring to recent archaeological discoveries, PM Modi said three rare copper plates dating back nearly 1,500 years had been unearthed in Chhattisgarh under the Gyan Bharatam Abhiyan, providing important information about ancient Indian governance and culture.
On environmental conservation, he praised efforts to rescue a Gangetic dolphin trapped in a canal in Uttar Pradesh, noting that India’s first Ganga dolphin rescue ambulance played a crucial role in saving the endangered aquatic mammal. He said protecting the dolphin was essential for preserving the biodiversity of the Ganga river system.
The Prime Minister also highlighted grassroots initiatives from across the country, including a swimming campaign in Kerala that has trained over 15,000 people, a river-cleaning drive led by youth in Uttar Pradesh, and a water-supply initiative undertaken by a retired teacher in Goa.
Encouraging scientific curiosity among young people, PM Modi urged students to join astronomy clubs and visit planetariums during their summer vacations, noting the growing popularity of astronomy and astrophysics across the country.
He also praised Chennai-based educator Girija Amma and her students for raising nearly ₹40 lakh through a one-rupee-a-day contribution campaign for the welfare of soldiers, calling it an inspiring example of patriotism and collective effort.
Concluding the programme, PM Modi urged citizens to recognise and support people engaged in community service, saying such initiatives reflected the strength of public participation in nation-building.
CM calls NC, ally MLAs’ meet on June 3
Key governance issues likely on agenda
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened a meeting of National Conference (NC) legislators and independent MLAs supporting the ruling alliance on June 3 to deliberate on matters of collective importance, public welfare and governance.
According to sources, Omar has personally invited all NC MLAs to attend the meeting, scheduled to be held at his Gupkar residence at 10:00 AM.
According to sources, the Chief Minister, in his invitation letter, stated that the meeting would discuss “matters of collective importance and issues concerning public welfare.”
Besides NC legislators, all four independent MLAs supporting the NC-led Government—Akram Choudhary (Surankote), Dr. Rameshwar Singh (Bani), Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (Thanamandi) and Pyare Lal Sharma (Inderwal)—have also been invited.
Sources said governance is expected to be a key focus of the deliberations, with the functioning of ministers also likely to come under discussion.
The meeting comes amid reports of growing discontent among some legislators over the functioning of a minister.
Sources said three MLAs from a particular region met the Chief Minister before Eid-ul-Adha and complained of alleged bias in the allotment of projects and funds, claiming their constituencies were being neglected while the minister’s constituency was receiving a disproportionate share.
They added that during an NC provincial committee meeting held earlier this month, a legislator from Central Kashmir also alleged that the same minister had threatened to have him expelled from the party after he approached him regarding a development project.
The June 3 meeting assumes significance as Omar Abdullah had earlier hinted at making a major political statement after Eid. Speaking at a function in Tangmarg on May 6, he said he wanted to “burst like a cloudburst” but would speak openly at a public gathering after Eid.
While the official agenda has not been made public, the reference to “matters of collective importance” has triggered speculation that broader issues, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, could be discussed. Omar had also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on May 11 and discussed statehood restoration, transaction of business rules, rationalisation of reservation and other governance-related matters.
Repeated attempts to obtain comments from NC leaders on the agenda of the meeting and the allegations against the minister were unsuccessful, with party leaders maintaining that they were unaware of the details. (KNO)
Omar dismisses buzz
Srinagar, May 31: J&K Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah Sunday dismissed speculation surrounding a meeting he has convened with party legislators, saying that those making the most comments about the gathering are the ones who know the least about it.
In a post on social media platform X, Omar Abdullah took an apparent swipe at political opponents and commentators who have been speculating about the purpose and outcome of the meeting with National Conference MLAs.
“I love how the people who know the least about the meeting I’ve called with my MLAs are talking the most. Remember one thing – those who know don’t speak and those who speak sit in the opposition,” Abdullah wrote.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid growing political discussions and speculation over the significance of the meeting, with various opposition leaders and political observers offering differing interpretations regarding its agenda.
Uri-I Stage-II work begins with first blast
Srinagar, May 31: Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NHPC, Bhupender Gupta, on Sunday successfully carried out the first blast for the construction of the 240-MW Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric Project in the Uri area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
A major milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector was achieved with the successful execution of the first blast for the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric Project by NHPC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Bhupender Gupta on Sunday, marking the formal commencement of key construction activities.
The development is being viewed as significant for the region’s energy infrastructure, with the project expected to strengthen power generation capacity and contribute towards long-term energy security.
Officials associated with the project said the successful first blast signals the beginning of major construction work under the Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric Project.
The hydroelectric project is expected to augment electricity generation and improve energy availability, particularly as Jammu and Kashmir continues to pursue the expansion of its power infrastructure.
The project forms part of broader efforts aimed at harnessing hydropower potential and reducing dependence on external power supply sources.
Officials said the commencement of construction activities marked an important stage in the implementation of the project. The 240 MW project is expected to play a key role in enhancing generation capacity and supporting future power requirements in the region.
NHPC already operates six major hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir with a combined installed capacity of 2,250 MW. These include Salal HEP (690 MW) in Reasi district, Uri-I HEP (480 MW) in Baramulla district, Uri-II HEP (240 MW) in Baramulla district, Dulhasti HEP (390 MW) in Kishtwar district, Kishanganga HEP (330 MW) in Bandipora district and Sewa-II HEP (120 MW) in Kathua district.
NHPC is also executing multiple large-scale projects in Jammu and Kashmir, largely through joint ventures such as Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) and Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL). These include the Pakal Dul project (1,000 MW) on the Marusudar River in Kishtwar district, the Ratle project (850 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, the Kiru project (624 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district and the Kwar project (540 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district.
For the Dulhasti Stage-II and Uri-I Stage-II projects, NHPC has approved a major investment programme for capacity expansion, with the two projects together targeted to add another 500 MW of generation capacity.
Army nabs 3 trying to cross LoC in Uri
Srinagar, May 31: Three persons were apprehended on Sunday while they were trying to cross the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said the Army nabbed the three persons as they tried to cross the LoC in Kashmir.
All three persons are hailing from the Sopore area of Baramulla district. They were trying to exfiltrate into PoK from the Hathlanga-Nambla axis during the intervening night of Saturday-Sunday, the officials said.
The trio arrested have been identified as Adil Hussain Dar, resident of Sopore; Ishfaq Ahmad, a resident of Sopore and Jaffar Ahmad, a resident of Sopore. Of these, Dar is a suspended TA (Territorial Army)-161 personnel, said officials.
Sources said the trio was in contact with some handlers based in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
All three are currently in custody and are being questioned by security agencies.
More details are awaited.
In another incident, the Army unit apprehended a PoK resident who had crossed the LoC into Kashmir in the Silikote area of the Uri sector.
The apprehended person, Zeeshan Mir, a resident of Muzaffarabad, claimed he had crossed the LoC to meet his girlfriend who lives in Tileai in the sector.
Both Mir and the girl are being questioned by security forces, the officials said, adding further details were awaited.
Jammu and Kashmir has a 740-km-long LoC situated in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora districts of the Valley and in Poonch, Rajouri and partly in Jammu district of Jammu division.
The Army is guarding the LoC in J&K against infiltration, exfiltration, drug smuggling and drone activity initiated from across the border.
Drones are used by terrorist outfits in PoK to drop payloads of arms, ammunition, cash and drugs into the Indian side of the border. These payloads are picked up by the overground workers (OGWs) of terrorist outfits and passed on to the terrorists to sustain terrorism in the union territory.
High-tech anti-drone equipment is being used by the Army to check the menace of drones.
