Srinagar, May 30: A total of 540 Agniveers of the seventh batch successfully passed out from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Regimental Centre during an impressive Attestation and Passing Out Parade held in Srinagar on Saturday.

The grand ceremony, held against the scenic backdrop of the Kashmir Valley, marked the successful completion of military training by the Agniveers and their induction into the Indian Army as trained soldiers.

The parade was reviewed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, who praised the Agniveers for their excellent turnout, discipline, synchronized drill, and high standards of military professionalism. The event was attended by senior Army officers, civil dignitaries, and family members of the recruits.

The Agniveers underwent months of rigorous physical training, tactical exercises, and character-building activities before reaching this important milestone. The attestation ceremony symbolized their commitment to duty, courage, and selfless service to the nation.

Addressing the newly attested soldiers, the GOC urged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army and serve the country with dedication and integrity. He also appreciated the instructors and training staff for their efforts in shaping the young recruits into disciplined and combat-ready soldiers.

In a special gesture, dignitaries presented ‘Gaurav Padaks’ to the parents of the Agniveers in recognition of their sacrifice and contribution to the nation through their sons’ service.

The ceremony concluded on an emotional note as the young soldiers took the oath of allegiance and marched past with pride and confidence. With the Tricolour flying high above the parade ground, the event reflected the spirit of patriotism and the commitment of India’s youth towards safeguarding the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

Srinagar, May 30: Continuing its sustained and intensified crackdown against drug trafficking and narcotics networks under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police has attached multiple immovable properties worth approximately ₹2 crores belonging to individuals involved in narcotics-related activities.

In the first case, Police Station Bemina attached immovable property worth approximately ₹1.5 crores belonging to accused drug peddler Mudasir Ahmad Pir alias Sahil alias Doge S/o Shareef-U-Din R/o Firdous Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. The attachment proceedings were carried out under Section 68F(1) of the NDPS Act after obtaining confirmation from the Competent Authority SAFEMA, Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, New Delhi. The attached property comprises a double-storey residential house along with approximately 04 marlas of land situated at Firdous Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. Investigations revealed that the said property was acquired through proceeds generated from illicit narcotics trafficking.

In another significant action, Srinagar Police attached a residential house along with land worth approximately ₹50 lakhs belonging to notorious drug peddler Shafiq Ahmad Khawaja son of Fateh Joo resident of Dildar Karnah, District Kupwara. The property was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, 1985 in connection with Case FIR No. 10/2024 registered under Sections 8/21-29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station M.R. Gunj.

The attachment proceedings in both cases were carried out after following due legal procedures and establishing that the properties were acquired through proceeds generated from illicit narcotics trafficking. These actions reflect the firm resolve of Srinagar Police to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks and to ensure that illegally acquired assets of drug peddlers are identified and attached under the provisions of law.

J&K Police remains committed towards eradicating the menace of drugs from society and appeals to the general public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to drug peddling and narcotics activities in their areas.

Srinagar, May 30: As part of its continued crackdown on narcotics-related activities, J&K Police in Shopian have attached an immovable property valued at ₹22.35 Lakh belonging to Gh Rasool Dar son of Lassi Mohd Dar resident of Khurampora Trenz Imamsahib. The property measuring 32 Marlas was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics. Accordingly, the said property has been attached in connection with FIR No. 35/2023 of Police Station Imamsahib.

The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal procedures and maintaining transparency.

Police reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs by targeting both offenders and the financial assets generated through illicit activities. The general public is urged to come forward with any information regarding drug trafficking or related activities.

Srinagar, May 30:  In continuation of the Government’s commitment to make Jammu & Kashmir drug-free, J&K Police in Sopore intensified surprise inspections of medical shops and chemists in Tarzoo area as part of the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan.

During the checking, records of sale and purchase of scheduled drugs, psychotropic substances, and other medicines were thoroughly scrutinized. CCTV footage, sale registers, and prescription compliance were also verified in line with NDPS Act, 1985 and Drugs & Cosmetics Act. Sale records of habit-forming drugs like codeine-based syrups, alprazolam, and tramadol were checked for proper documentation. Shopkeepers were briefed on legal provisions of Section 8, 21, 22 & 29 of NDPS Act and directed to strictly adhere to prescription norms. Public was sensitized about the ill effects of drug abuse and encouraged to share information on illegal sale of drugs with police.

Police reiterated that similar drives will continue across all areas of the sub-division during the 100-day campaign. Legal action shall be initiated against any medical establishment found violating rules.

Srinagar, May 30: In its continued efforts to eradicate the menace of narcotics and achieve the vision of a Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir under the ongoing “Nasha-Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan,” J&K Police detected and destroyed one more illicit poppy cultivation during routine patrolling in the jurisdiction of Police Station Gund.

During the patrolling operation, police personnel noticed a patch of land cultivated with poppy plants. Acting promptly, the police team destroyed the illicit cultivation on the spot and initiated legal proceedings. Accordingly, a case FIR No.15/2026, under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Gund, and investigation has been taken up to identify all persons involved in the illegal cultivation and ascertain further links, if any.

The public is urged to cooperate with the police and share any information regarding drug-related activities so that collective efforts can help build a safer, healthier, and drug-free society. Police reiterates its unwavering commitment towards safeguarding the youth and ensuring a drug-free future for the district.

New Delhi, May 30: India has crossed a historic milestone by connecting 40 lakh homes to rooftop solar under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’, Union Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative is not only freeing the country’s common citizens from electricity bills and making them ‘Atmanirbhar’ but also saving the environment. Puri posted on X.

“India becomes superpower of solar power — A major achievement in the direction of clean energy,” said the minister.

Echoing similar sentiments, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that your own roof is becoming a home of energy,

“Family is becoming empowered and life is becoming self-reliant. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, more than 40 lakh families have already connected with solar energy,” Goyal posted on X.

Under the leadership of PM Modi, “this new India is not only saving electricity, but also scripting a new revolution of change in the energy sector,” he noted.

Under the scheme, funds amounting to Rs 14,585.29 crore have been utilised in FY26 (till March 5), against Rs 7,822.92 crore in FY25.

Launched in 2024, the PM Muft Bijli Yojana is a demand-driven scheme wherein all residential consumers in the country having grid connected electricity connection of the local discom can avail the benefits of the scheme, for the installation of Rooftop Solar systems, by applying on the National Portal of the scheme.

The government estimates that installations of rooftop solar systems in one crore households could produce renewable electricity of 1,000 billion units, potentially reducing emissions by 720 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent over the 25‑year lifetime of the systems.

The top five states in implementation as of 2025-end include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan.

The government is also implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), with an objective to make India a global hub of production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives, the minister added.

Thiruvananthapuram, May 30: India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Neetha K Gopal said on Saturday that 2026 will witness “below normal” rainfall in major parts of India, including Kerala. She attributed El Nino affect as the reason, calling it a “peculiar feature” of the phenomenon.

Gopal mentioned that according to the IMD’s forecast “it is not a good picture in the sense that monsoon would be below normal for Kerala and major parts of India”.

She said that the rainfall in June will also be “below normal” for Kerala.

“After the onset of the monsoon, around June 10, we might receive some good rainfall. However, after that, we may experience below normal rainfall, so the total rainfall for the month is likely to be below normal,” she added.

“This being an El Nino year, we have to experience this kind of below normal rainfall, including spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall,” Gopal said.

However, the IMD Director added that sometimes states can receive good rainfall, in some period of the week or month.

“Then there would be drier periods also,” she underlined.

She highlighted that this is a very “peculiar feature” of El Nino year.

Meanwhile, the weather in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) changed dramatically on Saturday evening when rains accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds swept across several areas, weather officials said.

The rainfall has provided much-needed respite from the intense heat and humidity that had persisted over the past few days.

According to IMD’s latest forecast, weather across the NCR is expected to remain relatively pleasant until June 4.

Maximum temperatures are likely to fall, offering relief from the heat.

Change in weather was also witnessed in different parts of Rajasthan as sandstorms swept through Churu, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Nagaur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Alwar and Sikar, while Jaipur witnessed rain accompanied by strong winds. Hailstones were also reported from some rural areas.

Qazigund, May 30: A mother and her son sustained serious injuries after they were attacked by a bear in Gujjar Basti Lammer area of Qazigund in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, with the woman later shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for advanced treatment.

The incident has raised concern among local inhabitants, who said increasing movement of wild animals in the area was posing a threat to public safety.

The injured were identified as Raqiya, wife of Bashir Ahmad Chechi, and Saqib Ahmad Chechi, son of Bashir Ahmad Chechi, residents of Chechi Mohalla, Gujjar Basti Lammer.

According to local sources, the mother and son were attacked by a wild bear, leaving both of them severely injured. Soon after the incident, local residents rushed to their aid and shifted them to a nearby health facility for immediate medical attention.

After receiving first aid, doctors referred both injured persons to Emergency Hospital Qazigund for specialized treatment. However, owing to the severity of her injuries, Raqiya was subsequently shifted to Government Medical College Anantnag for advanced medical care, while Saqib Ahmad Chechi continues to undergo treatment.

Locals urged the Wildlife Department to take effective preventive measures to avoid such incidents and ensure the safety of inhabitants living in vulnerable areas. [KNT]

Budgam, May 30: Scores of Italy apple trees were allegedly cut down by unidentified miscreants in the Rangeen Kultreh area of Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, prompting police to register a case and launch an investigation.

The incident has caused concern among orchard owners and local inhabitants, as horticulture remains a major source of livelihood in the area and damage to fruit-bearing trees often results in significant economic loss.

Local sources said the miscreants targeted an apple orchard in Rangeen Kultreh and cut down scores of Italy apple trees, causing extensive damage.

The act came to light after locals and orchard owners noticed the damaged trees and informed the concerned authorities.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and initiated investigation to identify those involved and ascertain the circumstances behind the orchard damage.

The extent of the losses caused to the orchard was not immediately known.

The incident has drawn concern in the locality, with residents urging authorities to identify the culprits and take strict action to prevent recurrence of such acts.

Further investigation was underway. [KNT]

Bhaderwah, May 30: Marginal farmers in Bhaderwah Valley who shifted from traditional maize cultivation to lavender farming under the Aroma Mission are expecting a bumper harvest this season, reflecting what growers describe as a positive transformation in the region’s agricultural landscape.

The shift toward aromatic crop cultivation has emerged as an alternative livelihood model for hill farmers, with local families reporting improved economic prospects and greater optimism compared to conventional farming practices.

Around 20 families in Raie hamlet of Shiva Panchayat have adopted lavender cultivation and are witnessing changing livelihood patterns through the crop, according to local accounts.

Farmers said the move from maize cultivation to lavender farming had generated renewed interest in agriculture due to better returns and growing market demand associated with aromatic plants.

Touqeer Bagban, widely known as the “Lavender Man of India,” said the initiative under the Aroma Mission had opened new opportunities for growers in the region.

He credited Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) for supporting and promoting the initiative.

Bagban said the intervention had helped transform the agricultural outlook of the region and encouraged farmers to adopt alternative cultivation methods suited to local conditions.

The development is being viewed as part of a broader shift toward diversification in farming practices in hill areas, where traditional agriculture often faces economic and climatic challenges.

With harvesting season is in progress, farmers in Bhaderwah said they were hopeful that this year’s lavender crop would further strengthen incomes and encourage more cultivators to join the initiative. [KNT]