New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday gave a clarion call for launching the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Monday to enlighten farmers across the country on the harm that excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides causes to the health of the soil. Ahead of the national launch of the campaign on June 1 from Ramsiya village in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, Chouhan held a virtual interaction with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions, agricultural universities, senior agricultural officials of the Central and state governments, and others working for farmers’ welfare nationwide. He said that rising temperatures, the indiscriminate and imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, the deterioration of soil health, and the growing climate crisis have emerged as serious challenges before agriculture. “Therefore, timely awareness generation and practical interventions have become essential.” Chouhan added that the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ will focus on creating awareness among farmers regarding balanced fertiliser use, soil testing, soil health cards, natural farming, crop selection, water conservation, green manuring, alternative agricultural practices in conditions of low rainfall, and the identification of counterfeit fertilisers, seeds and pesticides. He emphasised farmers’ confidence would have to be strengthened through field-level demonstrations, scientific evidence and practical examples. The Union Minister said that a detailed roadmap extending up to June 30 should be prepared across the country, clearly identifying which officer, scientist, institution or team would visit which village and on what date. He directed that district-level programmes should be planned in advance, monitoring should be dashboard-based, adequate arrangements should be ensured at the local level, and effective coordination should be visible at every stage of the campaign. Highlighting the crucial role of state agriculture departments, Chouhan said that the campaign could succeed only if the Centre, state governments, ICAR, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, public representatives, students and farmer-support organisations worked together in a coordinated manner. He also stressed the need to involve Members of Parliament, legislators and other elected representatives in the campaign and encouraged them to present practical examples of natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices. He called upon all stakeholders to visit villages with complete dedication, preparation and sensitivity, provide farmers with accurate information, and transform the resolve to protect Mother Earth into a mass movement. Chouhan also announced that he himself would visit villages in different states during the campaign and interact directly with farmers. The Union Minister said he had also spoken over the phone with the Chief Ministers of all states to seek their participation in this important initiative. He also added that the campaign should be given a multi-dimensional character by ensuring that the benefits of schemes such as the Kisan Credit Card, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Cards, Mini Seed Kits, Pulses and Oilseeds Mission, and Agricultural Mechanisation programmes reach farmers. This, he said, would not only help protect farmlands but would also strengthen farmers’ incomes, awareness levels and agricultural management capabilities. The Union Minister laid special emphasis on publicity and outreach, describing them as integral components of the campaign. He said that this is a programme in the national interest and that the faster information about it reaches villages across the country, the more effective the campaign will become. He urged officials and scientists to interact freely with the media, noting that the campaign concerns the future of the land, agriculture and the nation’s food providers. –IANS sps/khz
IPL 2026: Virat Kohli’s fastest fifty powers RCB to back‑to‑back titles
Ahmedabad: Powered by Virat Kohli’s fastest half‑century in the IPL, Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed back‑to‑back IPL title triumphs by completing a clinical chase of 156 and beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in front of their passionate fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Kohli smashed a 25‑ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls – laced with nine fours and three sixes, also his highest score in the IPL playoffs. He also continued his remarkable streak – RCB have not lost a game since 2025 whenever he has scored a fifty. Supported by Venkatesh Iyer’s brisk 32, Kohli’s masterly innings ensured the defending champions never lost grip of the chase and finished the job with authority to claim successive IPL crowns. Both sides had entered the final eyeing their second IPL title and aiming to join the elite club of Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders as multiple‑time champions. RCB, who won their maiden trophy in Ahmedabad in 2025, have now become only the third team after MI and CSK to successfully defend their title, while extending the streak of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine seasons. The win also means Josh Hazlewood remains unbeaten in white-ball finals while Krunal Pandya has emerged victorious in every IPL final he’s played in. GT, champions in 2022 at the same venue, were undone by disciplined RCB bowling and the scheduling grind of playing their third game at a third venue in six days, having reached Ahmedabad only on Saturday night due to inclement weather. Washington Sundar’s fighting fifty gave GT a total of 155/8, but Rasikh Salam Dar’s three‑for and early strikes from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept them in check. Kohli’s landmark knock then turned the final into a one‑sided affair, reaffirming his reputation as the man for the big occasion. With this clinical triumph in Ahmedabad, RCB have not only defended their crown but also cemented their place among the league’s most successful franchises, apart from having the rare honour of holding both WPL and IPL titles at the same time. RCB’s chase of 156 began with Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer tore into Gujarat Titans’ new‑ball attack. Kohli unfurled a flurry of wristy flicks (one of which went for a jaw-dropping six) and pulls against Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, and race 28 off just 10 balls in just four overs, while Iyer smashed 32 off 16 deliveries despite battling a right knee niggle. The pair brought up RCB’s fifty inside 21 balls – the fastest in an IPL final – and ensured the asking rate was never a concern from the get go. Iyer eventually lobbed a pull to mid-on off Siraj and Rabada, who had conceded 37 in his first two overs, eventually dismissed Devdutt Padikkal cheaply when he sliced to third man. But by then, the damage had already been done by RCB. Rajat Patidar joined Kohli and kept the tempo high by pulling Siraj for six, before swivelling off Jason Holder for four. Kohli, meanwhile, continued to keep going despite GT trying some mind games through Sai Sudharsan’s chatter. But GT struck right after first time-out when Patidar holed out to long-on off Rashid Khan, who trapped Krunal Pandya plumb lbw in the same over. With Tim David joining the boundary hitting act, Kohli got his fifty in 25 balls after pulling Arshad Khan though short mid-wicket for a boundary, despite struggling with cramps in his right leg. Though David gave a feather edge behind off Arshad Khan after GT got the decision in their favour via review, Kohli and Jitesh Sharma hit exquisite fours to take RCB closer. Kohli then survived a caught out decision on 63 as replays showed the ball touched the ground while Gill was trying to take the diving catch at mid-on. Fittingly, Kohli finished off the chase by pulling Arshad in the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket before smacking him over long-on for six to spark jubilant celebrations in the RCB camp and their loyal fans after clinching the IPL title once again. Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50 not out, Nishant Sindhu 20; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75 not out, Venkatesh Iyer 32; Rashid Khan 2-25) by five wickets –IANS nr/
RBI likely to hold rates steady amid global uncertainty
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is widely expected to keep its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) concludes its three-day meeting on June 5, as policymakers weigh mounting global uncertainties and their potential impact on inflation and economic growth. Market participants and economists anticipate that the central bank will maintain its cautious stance, choosing to closely monitor evolving developments in West Asia and their implications for commodity prices, supply chains and financial markets before taking any policy action. The six-member MPC, chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, will meet from June 3 to June 5 to review the monetary policy framework. The committee had also left rates unchanged at its previous meeting in April, citing uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions and their possible effects on inflation and growth prospects. While a status quo on interest rates is seen as the most likely outcome, some economists believe the central bank may revise its macroeconomic projections. Rising crude oil prices, persistent supply chain disruptions and pressure on the rupee due to external factors could prompt the RBI to raise its inflation forecast while trimming its GDP growth estimates for the current financial year. A recent report by the State Bank of India’s economic research department expects the central bank to maintain the existing policy rate amid a volatile global backdrop. According to the report, inflation trends suggest that consumer price inflation could remain above 5 per cent for the next three quarters, even though inflation during the current quarter is expected to remain in the range of 4 to 4.1 per cent. The report projects India’s real GDP growth at around 7.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of FY26 and estimates overall economic growth for FY26 at 7.5 per cent. However, it cautioned that prolonged geopolitical uncertainties could alter the outlook and necessitate revisions to growth forecasts as fresh data becomes available. For FY27, the SBI research team currently estimates GDP growth at 6.6 per cent, though it acknowledged that the forecast remains subject to change depending on developments in the global economic and geopolitical environment. The report argued that the RBI should continue to adopt a data-driven approach while keeping rates unchanged for now. It noted that if inflationary pressures intensify, the central bank has alternative policy tools at its disposal, including measures such as Operation Twist, which can help manage market conditions without altering benchmark interest rates. –IANS pk
Trump defends anniversary plans as protests, political tensions grow
Washington: As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence next month, the Trump administration is facing a series of political and legal challenges, from questions over anniversary celebrations in Washington to growing controversy surrounding immigration detention policies and key Senate races ahead of the midterm elections. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the administration’s Freedom 250 initiative, which is helping organise events tied to the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations. “Freedom 250 and the celebration of the 250th is a nonpartisan event,” Burgum said, responding to criticism after several musical artists withdrew from planned performances, saying they believed they had signed up for a nonpartisan celebration. Questions have emerged over private funding supporting some celebrations. Asked whether donor information should be disclosed, Burgum said, “I think transparency is always a good thing,” but added that such decisions rested with the organisation itself. The administration has paired the anniversary campaign with an ambitious effort to renovate public spaces and monuments across Washington. Burgum said crews have restored fountains, repaired monuments and removed graffiti from historic sites ahead of the celebrations. “We have removed over 1,000 graffiti sites,” he said. He also defended expedited contracting procedures used for some projects, including work on the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial, arguing that accelerated timelines were necessary to complete the work before July festivities. The secretary also criticised a recent court ruling involving the Kennedy Centre, where a judge challenged aspects of the administration’s plans involving the institution. Burgum argued that many federal landmarks and facilities had suffered from years of deferred maintenance and said President Donald Trump was focused on restoring them ahead of the anniversary. While the administration highlighted preparations for national celebrations, immigration issues dominated another major portion of Sunday’s political discussion. Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, warned that tensions surrounding the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility had reached a dangerous level after days of protests and clashes that prompted local officials to impose a curfew around the site. “We’re seeing just a heightened level of danger,” Kim said. The senator said concerns remained focused on conditions inside the facility, where attorneys representing detainees have alleged unsafe conditions and reported a hunger strike by some detainees. “It’s really about the detainees, about the really unsafe conditions that we’re seeing within Delaney Hall,” Kim said. Kim said families and lawyers had struggled to gain access to detainees and called for greater medical support and independent oversight. When asked about a proposal by Homeland Security officials to reduce customs staffing at airports in sanctuary states, Kim criticised the idea, saying it would create economic disruption and complicate international travel. “It would do so much economic damage,” he said. The political backdrop to both controversies is an increasingly intense battle for control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. Democrats are seeking to expand the Senate map, including in states such as Maine, where Democratic candidate Graham Platner has come under scrutiny following reports about personal conduct issues that surfaced during his campaign. –IANS int/lkj/uk
Govt creating durable, modern infrastructure: Dy CM
Inaugurates double-lane Bridge at Greater Kailash
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed double-lane bridge over the Nallah at Greater Kailash in Jammu.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is deeply focused on creating robust surface connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the inauguration of the bridge marks a significant step towards strengthening the urban connectivity and improving the public infrastructure in the region.
The newly constructed bridge is expected to provide seamless connectivity, ease traffic movement and enhance convenience for the residents of Greater Kailash and adjoining areas. The project has been executed to improve accessibility and support the growing transportation needs of the locality.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is working under a well-knit system to ensure robust, inclusive and people-centric development across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that strengthening the basic infrastructure remains a key priority for the government, as it plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life of the people and accelerating socio-economic growth.
“The government is creating durable and modern infrastructure that directly benefits the public. Projects like this bridge not only improve the connectivity but also contribute to the overall development of the region,” he asserted.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s continued efforts towards upgrading the road networks, bridges and other essential public infrastructure to meet the aspirations of the people and facilitate balanced development across the Union Territory.
Chief Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B), along with other senior officers of the department, were present on the occasion. They briefed the Deputy Chief Minister about the technical aspects of the project and other ongoing infrastructure works in the area.
The local residents expressed satisfaction over the completion of the bridge and appreciated the government’s efforts in enhancing the civic infrastructure and public convenience.
Health, education, roads top Govt priorities: Speaker
Inaugurates NTPHC at Challyan
BUDGAM, MAY 31: In a major boost to the local healthcare infrastructure, Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, Sunday formally inaugurated a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Challyan, Chrari-Sharief constituency.
The Speaker underscored that NTPHC is set to significantly augment the medical services in the area, bringing quality healthcare directly to the doorsteps of the local population.
Following the inauguration, the Speaker addressed a large public gathering, where he highlighted the government’s ongoing developmental achievements and welfare initiatives aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker emphasized that the primary focus of the administration remains the equitable development of all regions, with a special emphasis on ensuring easy access to essential amenities.
“The government is deeply committed to provide top-tier basic facilities to the public. Our core priority sectors like Health, Roads, Education, Power and Clean Drinking Water are receiving unprecedented focus. The inauguration of this NTPHC is a testament to our resolve to ensure that no citizen has to travel long distances for fundamental medical care,” the Speaker said.
Recalling establishment of this health centre in 1979-80, he said it reflected his commitment to work for the remote, under developed and underprivileged communities of the region.
“Today, I see infrastructure like roads, drinking water, healthcare, electricity, education has reached every nook and corner of this constituency and people are harping on the benefits of these facilities at their doorsteps”, he said.
He further elaborated on various ongoing government schemes and urged the public to actively participate and avail benefit of these initiatives. He assured the community that the government will continue to accelerate infrastructure projects to ensure comprehensive growth and improve the overall quality of life for the common citizens.
The event was attended by CMO Budgam, senior administrative officials, prominent citizens and representatives from the health department.
1684 candidates appear as BOPEE conducts PCET
SRINAGAR, MAY 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (J&K BOPEE) Sunday conducted the Common Entrance Test (CET) for B-Pharmacy and D-Pharmacy courses for the academic session 2026-27 at Jammu and Srinagar Centres.
The test was conducted at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, in the Kashmir division and the Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, in the Jammu division, with 1684 candidates appearing from across Jammu and Kashmir.
To ensure smooth conduct of the Entrance Test, adequate arrangements were made in collaboration with the respective institution/college administration and law enforcement agencies, under the guidance of Professor Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, J&K BOPEE.
The examination concluded without any untoward incidents or unfair means, under the supervision of staff from the host institutions.
The Chairperson, along with the Members, the Secretary, the Controller of Examinations and officials of the J&K BOPEE actively monitored conduct of the Common Entrance Test at both the Centres in Jammu and Srinagar. They thanked the staff members of the respective institutions and the staff deployed under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioners in the respective District Headquarters for smooth conduct of the entrance test.
Preserve rich cultural, religious heritage: Dr Bilal
Attends ongoing Holy Adhikmas Kumbh at Mattan
ANANTNAG, MAY 31: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Sunday visited Mattan and attended the ongoing Holy Adhikmas Kumbh 2026 alongside the representatives of Shri Martand Tirath Trust (SMTT) and a large congregation of devotees.
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Tariq Ahmad Malik, Tehsildar Mattan, senior officers of line departments and other concerned officials.
Notably, the month-long religious congregation which commenced on May 17, is witnessing participation of devotees from different parts of the country. The pilgrims are visiting the revered place including the Holy Temple as well as the nearby Sacred River with enthusiasm and religious fervor to pay their obeisance and perform traditional rituals and prayers.
During the visit, the DC attended the celebrations and ceremoniously participated in the rituals alongside the devotees. Interacting with them, the DC stated that the place has long stood as a great symbol of brotherhood and communal harmony, defining the region’s shared heritage. He appreciated the spirit of unity among the people and urged everyone to continue preserving the rich cultural and religious heritage of the area.
On the occasion, the DC reviewed the arrangements and impressed upon the concerned departments to ensure all necessary facilities are provided to the devotees in a smooth and uninterrupted manner. He instructed that all efforts be made to facilitate devotees enabling them to undertake a safe and comfortable pilgrimage.
The DC observed that the Holy Adhikmas Kumbh is not only a significant religious occasion but also presents an apt opportunity to showcase the district’s hospitality so the pilgrims leave with pleasant and lasting memories. He stressed upon the officers to ensure that all arrangements remain functional and effective on the ground.
Reiterating district administration’s commitment for smooth conduct of the event, Dr. Bilal directed all departments to make sustained efforts, remain vigilant, address the grievances promptly and provide best possible facilities to the devotees during their stay. He urged officers to work in close coordination with the Shri Martand Tirath Trust and other stakeholders for the successful culmination of the Holy Adhikmas Kumbh.
The devotees expressed gratitude to the district administration for extending proper support during the holy days.
Ramesh Hangloo, others call on LG
SRINAGAR, MAY 31: Ramesh Hangloo, Founder and Managing Director, Radio Sharda called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Sunday. He was accompanied by Avtar Jotshi and Bharat Raina.
Subsequently, various delegations including Gujjar Bakarwal Employees Association J&K-UT, led by Choudhary Imtiyaz Kataria; Mohammad Faheem Reshi, Chairman, Greater Shahr-e-Khaas, a social organisation, and representatives of We The Helping Hand Foundation, led by its Chairman Umer Wani, also called on the Lieutenant Governor.
Ensure foolproof security arrangements: IGP Jammu
Reviews SANJY-2026 preparedness in Kathua, Samba
KATHUA/SAMBA, MAY 31: To review security and facilitation arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, accompanied by DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil; DC Kathua Rajesh Sharma; SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma; SO to IGP Jammu SSP Rajinder Singh and other senior officers, conducted an extensive review of preparations in Kathua and Samba districts.
The IGP first visited Lakhanpur and inspected the Base Camp, Langar Points, Lodgement Centres and Reception Centres. Security deployment, CCTV coverage, access control measures, frisking arrangements, traffic management and pilgrim facilities were reviewed on the ground.
A comprehensive security review meeting on SANJY-2026 was later held at DPL Kathua. The meeting was attended by supervisory officers, including SP SOG Jammu, Addl. SP Kathua, SP Operations Upper Kathua, SP Ops Border Kandi Kathua, all SDPOs and SHOs of NHW Kathua. SSP Kathua Ms. Mohita Sharma, IPS gave a detailed presentation on security arrangements, surveillance measures, convoy management, QRT deployment and emergency response plans.
Addressing the officers, the IGP stressed maximum alertness, strict adherence to security protocols and professional conduct with pilgrims. The DIG JSK Range directed officers to regularly inspect Langars and lodgement centres and maintain close surveillance on suspicious elements.
The IGP subsequently reviewed arrangements in District Samba, where SSP Samba Anuj Kumar briefed him on the district’s preparedness for SANJY-2026. A security review meeting was also held, which was attended by DIG JSK Range, senior officers, all supervisory officers and SHOs of the district. The IGP emphasized close coordination among J&K Police, CAPFs, intelligence agencies and Punjab Police to ensure a safe, secure and smooth Yatra for all pilgrims.
During the review meetings in both districts, officers were directed to intensify drone surveillance for real-time monitoring and deploy Dog Squads for anti-sabotage checks at vital installations, Langars and lodgement centres. Emphasis was laid on strengthening surveillance and ensuring swift response capabilities.
Directions were also issued to strengthen security along the National Highway and border areas through round-the-clock domination, naka checking and area patrols. Officers were instructed to expedite tenant verification and census drives and enhance CCTV coverage at all important Yatra locations with 24×7 monitoring.
