SRINAGAR, MAY 25: The J&K government Monday ordered the regularisation and promotion of 3 In-charge Information Officers and 14 Assistant Information Officers as Information Officers and equivalent in the Information Department.

According to a Government Order issued here by the Information Department, the promoted officers included Showket Ahmad Khan, Riyaz Ahmad Fazili, Parshotam Dass, Rajinder Paul Singh, Gulshan Sumbria, Majeeb Ahmad Ganai, Gulshan Ara, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Sayed Gulam Jeelani Qadiri, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, Gurpreet Singh, Liyaqat Ali Mir, Mohammad Owais Gurkoo, Natyapal Singh, Parvaiz Ahmad Lone, Sajad Ahmad Shah and Hardeep Singh Choudhary.

Showket Ahmad Khan, Riyaz Ahmad Fazili and Parshotam Dass have been regularised with effect from September 5, 2018, while the promotions of the remaining officers will take effect prospectively, according to the order.

The officers shall continue to work at their present places of posting until further orders.

Srinagar, May 25: In a major crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse in parts of Kashmir, Police have arrested six drug peddlers in a series of successful anti-narcotics operations in Baramulla, Pulwama and Anantnag, recovering significant quantities of contraband substances from their possession.

In Baramulla, during naka checking at Jhandiya Dardkote on Uri National Highway, a police party from Police Post Uroosa intercepted a suspicious individual who attempted to flee after noticing the naka party. Acting swiftly, police apprehended the accused identified as Waseem Ahmad Mangral son of Shair Zaman Mangral resident of Nambla Uri. During search, approximately 60.5 grams of charas was recovered from his possession. In another operation in the Madiya area of Kamalkote, a patrolling party from Police Post Kamalkote apprehended a suspicious person identified as Muhammad Safir Sheikh son of Abdul Majid Sheikh resident of Madiya Kamalkote. During search, approximately 29 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile in Pulwama, Police achieved a major success after arresting two drug peddlers and recovering approximately 273 grams of heroin-like substance during naka checking at Parigam Khalsa. A scooty bearing registration number JK13H-6074 coming from Lerve towards Parigam was intercepted by Police Post Parigam. The accused were identified as Mohd Aslam Malik son of Mohd Yousuf Malik resident of Hanji Mohallah Bongam Kakapora and Nasir Ahmad Dar son of Mohd Shafi Dar resident of New Colony Kakapora. Both were taken into custody on the spot and the contraband substance was seized.

In Anantnag, a police party from Police Station Srigufwara apprehended Nazir Ahmed Sheikh son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh resident of Trail, at Sakhras Crossing Chowk. During search of a bag in his possession, 6.566 kilograms of ganja-like substance was recovered. In another operation conducted by Police Station Kokernag near Tangpawa Petrol Pump, a Tavera vehicle bearing registration number RJ38TA-1602 was intercepted during naka checking. During search of the vehicle, a brown sugar-like substance concealed inside the dashboard drawer was recovered. The driver, identified as Huzaif Ahmad Ganai son of Mohammad Ayoub Ganai resident of Soaf Shali Kokernag, was arrested and the contraband was seized.

Regarding the incidents cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police station and investigations have been initiated.

Police reiterated their firm commitment towards eradicating the menace of drugs from society and appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug trafficking and substance abuse in their respective areas.

Srinagar, May 25: Sustaining its intensified drive against the drug menace, Police in Shopian continued its crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation by acting on specific intelligence regarding poppy cultivation in the Check Sideeqkhan Imamsahib area of the district.

Acting promptly on the information, a police team from Police Station Imamsahib along with officials from Revenue Department reached the spot and detected illegal poppy cultivation on land belonging to Farooq Ahmad Dar son of Gh Nabi Dar resident of Check Sadeeq Khan. The illicit crop was immediately destroyed on the spot. In this regard, a case vide FIR No. 37/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Imamsahib and further investigation has been taken up.

J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drug abuse and illegal narcotics cultivation from the society. The general public is urged to cooperate with the police and share any information related to drug trafficking or unlawful cultivation to help build a drug-free society

 Srinagar, May 25: In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Court, Police in Anantnag carried out the destruction of a large quantity of seized contraband substances at Lassipora, Pulwama.

The disposal process was conducted in a transparent and secure manner under the supervision of a duly constituted committee, strictly adhering to legal procedures and prescribed norms. This action reaffirms the firm commitment of J&K Police to curb the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in society.

The contraband destroyed comprised a total of 522 kilograms of narcotic substances, along with psychotropic drugs, including 240.015 Kgs of Poppy Straw, 59.198 Kgs of Charas, 154.984 Kgs of Bung Boosa, 63.582 Kgs of Ganja, 4.245 Kgs of Cannabis powder & leaves, 0.63 grams of Brown Sugar.

These substances were seized in multiple cases registered across the district and were destroyed following due legal sanction. This decisive action underscores the relentless efforts of J&K Police in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. By destroying such a significant quantity of narcotics, the J&K Police send a strong message of zero tolerance against drugs and reiterate their resolve to safeguard the youth and the community from the harmful effects of addiction.

J&K Police remains committed to working in close coordination with the public to build a drug-free society and urges citizens to continue extending their cooperation by sharing any information related to drug peddling or abuse.

New Delhi, May 25: The Centre on Monday notified the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026, aimed to provide additional relaxation and convenience to domestic LPG consumers who shift to piped natural gas (PNG) connections.

Under the amended provisions, LPG consumers who have PNG connections as well may apply for termination of the LPG connection within 30 days of obtaining a PNG connection. These consumers may obtain a transfer voucher for future restoration of the LPG connection in a non-PNG area, according to an official statement.

This amendment provides significant relief and flexibility to consumers who may subsequently shift to areas where PNG infrastructure may not be feasible.

The provision is particularly beneficial for transferable employees, migrant households, tenants, students and families shifting to non-PNG areas, the statement said.

Meanwhile, about 7.99 lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure created for an additional 2.87 lakh connections, taking the total to 10.86 lakh connections since March this year, according to an official statement.

Around 1.72 crore domestic LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of around 1.66 crore cylinders during the last four days. The public sector oil companies also organised about 15,400 awareness camps for small 5 kg LPG cylinders and have sold more than 2.45 lakh such cylinders during these camps since April 3 this year.

“Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchases of petrol, diesel and LPG as the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG. They are also advised to beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information,” the statement said.

LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors. Citizens are encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation, the statement added.

New Delhi, May 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday wrote letters to all Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators across the country, seeking their cooperation in conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-examination.

The NEET exams, held on May 3, were cancelled after nationwide furore over paper leaks and alleged irregularities. The re-examination for over 23 lakh medical aspirants will now be held on June 21. The National Testing Agency (NTA), the apex body for conducting competitive exams like NEET, is understood to be working in close coordination with the Education Ministry and pulling out all the stops for safe, transparent examinations, this time, given public anger and outrage over paper leaks that led to the cancellation of exams.

The Union Minister, in his letter, has urged all state governments to cooperate to ensure fair and seamless examinations, particularly in the wake of the severe heatwave conditions. He has asked the state administrations to ensure the availability of all essential basic facilities at examination centres, for the convenience and well-being of aspirants.

In his letter, Pradhan wrote: “In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions, I request you to kindly issue appropriate instructions to the District Authorities and all schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions hosting the examination in your State/UT to ensure the availability of essential basic amenities for the convenience of candidates.

“These may include safe drinking water, adequate seating arrangements, functional fans/coolers, clean washrooms, shaded waiting areas, uninterrupted electricity supply, and portable toilets, wherever required,” he added.

The Education Minister also called upon all the state governments to ensure adequate transportation facilities for candidates on the day of the examination, June 21.

Notably, a day ago, Dharmendra Pradhan roped in IITs to fix glitches in the CBSE re-evaluation portal. The Education Minister asked experts from IIT-Madras and IIT-Kanpur to stabilise the system and strengthen digital infrastructure so that students and parents don’t face technical glitches during the post-result re-evaluation process.

New Delhi, May 25: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma awards to several distinguished and esteemed personalities on Monday, honouring their countless contributions to the nation, across diverse sectors including arts, cinema, public service, music, and more.

Among the most notable ones, Bollywood actor Dharmendra was conferred the Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of arts, and the honour was received by his wife and MP, Hema Malini.

Noted violinist N Rajam was also conferred with Padma Vibhushan at the Civil Investiture Ceremony, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and acclaimed banker Uday Kotak were honoured with Padma Bhushan.

This year, the Government announced 131 Padma Awards. These include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.

Among the awardees, 19 are women, and 16 will be awarded posthumously.

The Padma Awards, namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among the highest civilian awards of the country.

In the first civil investiture ceremony being held today, President Droupadi Murmu will confer 66 Padma Awards, including 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan, and 58 Padma Shri.

The remaining Padma Awards will be presented in the second round of the civil investiture ceremony, the date for which will be announced later, reports said.

The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The awards recognise the achievements and contributions of acclaimed Indians in the fields and disciplines of Arts, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, and Trade and Industry.

New Delhi, May 25: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a Junior Assistant, working in the office of an Superintending Engineer in Jammu for demanding a bribe of Rs 4,500 to clear a pension seeker’s application, an official said on Monday.

Junior Assistant Mohd. Usman, working in the office of the Superintending Engineer, Public Health Engineering Mechanical Urban Circle, Narwal, was arrested on Monday, said a CBI statement.

The CBI registered the instant case on Sunday against Usman based on a complaint alleging that the accused demanded a bribe of Rs 4,500 from the complainant for processing and clearing the pension case of the complainant.

The accused had shared a QR Code through WhatsApp for receiving the alleged bribe amount, the CBI said.

The CBI laid a trap on Sunday and caught the accused for receiving the bribe amount from the complainant through QR code.

In another case probed by the CBI, a special court in Chennai convicted a private software company, its Managing Director and CEO, along with two other private individuals, in connection with a bank fraud case involving fraudulent loans amounting to Rs 1.24 crore, officials said.

The verdict was delivered by the CBI Court in Chennai on Friday after completion of the trial.

According to officials, the convicted company is Palpap Ichinichi Software International Ltd., while the convicted individuals include the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Senthil Kumar, along with private persons P.A. Sasi Kumar and P. Thanjai Chezian.

The court sentenced Senthil Kumar, Sasi Kumar and Thanjai Chezian to five years of rigorous imprisonment each. In addition to the jail term, the three convicts were collectively fined Rs 11.7 lakh.

The court also imposed a separate fine of Rs 1.2 lakh on the company, M/s Palpap Ichinichi Software International, said a CBI statement.

The case was originally registered by the CBI on November 14, 2008, following a complaint filed by the State Bank of India in Chennai.

Srinagar, May 25: The National Investigation Agency on Monday conducted searches at three locations in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a terror funding case linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) organisation.

According to an NIA press release, the searches were carried out in Srinagar and Shopian districts, leading to the seizure of several incriminating financial documents and electronic gadgets suspected to be linked with the activities of JeI and its associated trusts and organisations in J&K.

The agency said it has been investigating the separatist and secessionist activities of JeI, which was declared an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, in connection with case RC-03/2021/NIA/DLI.

Investigations so far have revealed that JeI was allegedly involved in collecting funds within the country and from abroad in the name of charity and welfare activities, including health and education, the NIA said. The agency alleged that these funds were diverted towards violent and secessionist activities and channelled to banned terrorist outfits, including Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, through organised networks.

The NIA further stated that the conspiracy also involved the radicalisation and recruitment of Kashmiri youth for carrying out secessionist activities in the region.

The agency said investigations in the case are continuing to dismantle the terror network and curb unlawful activities linked to the outfit in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu, May 25:  Heatwave conditions continued across Jammu region on Monday with Jammu city recording a scorching maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest days of the season so far.

According to the Meteorological Department, Katra recorded the second-highest temperature at 37.8 degrees Celsius, while cooler temperatures were witnessed in hill stations including Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah.

Amid rising temperatures, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department announced summer vacations for primary classes from June 1 to July 22 and for Classes 7 to 12 from June 8 to July 22.

The MeT Department said hot and dry weather is likely to continue on May 26 and 27, while rain, thundershowers, hailstorms and gusty winds are expected at scattered places on May 28 and 29.

Meanwhile, several tourist destinations in the hilly areas of Jammu division, including Patnitop, Sanasar, Bhaderwah and Bani, witnessed a heavy rush of visitors seeking relief from the intense heat. (KINS)