NEW DELHI, MAY 23: Jammu and Kashmir House at Chanakyapuri unveiled its newly redeveloped VVIP accommodation facilities on Friday, adding critical capacity to the Union Territory’s hospitality infrastructure for the dignitaries visiting the national capital.

Resident Commissioner, J&K, Ramesh Kumar, inaugurated the modernized 4th floor of C-Block in presence of Additional Resident Commissioner Anil Kumar Sharma and senior officers of the Resident Commission.

The upgrade has come after the reorganization of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, when A and B Blocks were transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh. That left J&K with only the ageing C-Block, sharply cutting accommodation for the visiting Ministers, MPs, senior civil and police officers, judicial officers and official delegations.

To address the gap, the administration undertook a comprehensive revamp of the 4th floor. The redesigned level now houses three suites including Pashmina, Hangul and Chinar and two VVIP rooms named as Trikuta and Saffron. These all have been built on contemporary hospitality standards for comfort, security and a professional environment.

New Delhi, May 23: Visiting US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after his arrival in New Delhi and extended an invite on behalf of US President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House in the near future.

After the meeting, PM Modi said that both countries will continue to work closely for the global good.

“Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Taking to X, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor stated that, during the meeting, both sides had a “productive discussion” on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across various sectors.

He also mentioned that India remains a “vital partner” to the United States.

“Great to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies – areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!” Gor posted on X.

“News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!”, he added in another post.

Earlier in the day, Rubio arrived in Kolkata, kicking off his four-day visit to India. He was welcomed by Ambassador Gor at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Rubio, the US Secretary of State visited Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.

“Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defence, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!”, Gor stated on X after Rubio’s arrival in Kolkata.

Rubio was the first US Secretary of State to visit Kolkata since Hillary Clinton travelled to the city in May 2012. His visit comes only weeks after West Bengal witnessed a major political change with a BJP-led government assuming power in the state

Rubio’s India itinerary, scheduled from May 23 to 26 and also covering Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, is being viewed as diplomatically significant because of planned energy discussions with India and meetings involving ministers from the Quad nations.

India is set to host the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26. At the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will also be arriving in India to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting along with Rubio.

Ahead of his visit to India, Rubio said that Washington wants to expand energy ties with New Delhi and deepen coordination through the Quad, while describing India as a “great ally” and “great partner” amid global supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Rubio’s visit will add further strength to India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its intensified crackdown against narcotics networks under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan-100 Days Campaign, Srinagar Police has attached multiple immovable properties worth approximately ₹5 crores belonging to individuals involved in drug trafficking and related unlawful activities across Srinagar and adjoining districts.

In a significant action, Police attached two residential properties comprising a single-storey and a double-storey house belongs to Bilal Ahmad Sheikh so of Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh and Aneek Ahmad Sheikh son of Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Larbal Beerwah, Budgam, and involved in case FIR No. 37/2024 U/S 8/20 NDPS Act of Police Station Saddar Srinagar.

The properties, valued at approximately ₹30 lakhs and ₹50 lakhs respectively, were attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act after completion of due legal formalities. The proceedings were conducted in the presence of the concerned Tehsildar and respectable members of the locality.

In another action, Police attached a double-storeyed residential house belonging to Suhaib Farooq Khan son of Farooq Ahmad Khan resident of Mini Colony, Chanapora, involved in FIR No. 15/2023 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Chanapora. The property, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, was attached under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act vide Attachment Order No. 02/2026 issued by Police Station Chanapora. The proceedings were carried out in the presence of police officials, Executive Magistrate and local witnesses.

Further, Police attached a three-storeyed residential house with attic belonging to Mohsin Ibrahim Naqash son of Mohammad Ibrahim Naqash resident of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, involved in FIR No. 42/2026 U/S 8/21, 29 NDPS Act of Police Station Saddar Srinagar. The property, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, was attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act in the presence of the Naib Tehsildar Rambagh and respectable locals, ensuring transparency and due legal process.

In yet another major action, Police attached a three-storeyed residential house belonging to Farhan Manzoor Pandit son of Manzoor Pandit resident of Kursoo, Rajbagh, involved in FIR No. 18/2026 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Rajbagh. The attached property has an estimated market value of approximately ₹50 lakhs and was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.

Additionally, Police Station Karan Nagar attached a double-storeyed residential house belonging to Fayaz Ahmad Rather son of Farooq Ahmad Rather resident of Patoo Mohalla Ajas, Bandipora, involved in FIR No. 01/2025 U/S 8/21, 29 NDPS Act and Section 111 BNS. The attachment proceedings were conducted strictly in accordance with legal provisions as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign.

In a separate action, Police attached a double-storeyed residential house situated at Bakshiabad, Bemina, belonging to Abid Hassan Dar son of Gh. Hassan Dar, involved in FIR No. 18/2022 of Police Station Batamaloo under Sections 8/21, 29, 27-A NDPS Act and Sections 468, 471, 473 IPC. The property, valued at approximately ₹1.7 crores, was attached under Sections 68-F(1) and 68-E of the NDPS Act for alleged forfeiture of illegally acquired property.

Investigations in these cases have revealed that the attached properties were acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking. Acting under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, Srinagar Police has formally attached these assets as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug peddlers and narcotics networks.

These actions reflect the firm resolve and unwavering commitment of J&K Police towards eradicating the drug menace and safeguarding the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics.

J&K Police reiterates that any individual found involved in drug peddling or related unlawful activities shall face strict legal action, including attachment and forfeiture of illegally acquired properties under the NDPS Act. The general Public is once again urged to cooperate with Police by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse with the nearest police establishment. The identity of informants shall be kept strictly confidential.

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its sustained efforts against drug trafficking and the narcotics menace, Police achieved another success by arresting four drug peddlers in Anantnag, Awantipora and Sopore and recovering contraband substances from their possession.

In Anantnag, a police party of Police Station Kokernag, during naka checking at Panzgam, intercepted two suspicious persons. During search, about 584 grams of Ganja-like substance and about 67 grams of Charas-like substance were recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Wani son of Sana Ullah Wani and Rouf Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd Maqbool Bhat, both residents of Panzgam, Kokernag.

In Awantipora, a police party of Police Station Tral apprehended a drug peddler during naka checking at Bathnoor–Nagdi Crossing. During search, 75 grams of Charas like substance and 460 grams of grinded Cannabis were recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Tariq Ahmad Khandey son of Mohammad Rajab Khandey resident of Bathnoor Tral.

In Sopore, Police apprehended a drug peddler during patrolling near Grid Station Seelo, in the jurisdiction of Police Post Bus Stand. He has been identified as Yawar-ul-Islam Naikoo son of Khazir Mohammad Naikoo resident of Seeloo Sopore. During search, heroin-like contraband substance was recovered from his possession and seized as per due legal procedure.

All the accused persons have been arrested, and accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations. Further investigation have been initiated.

Police remains committed to its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and appeals to the general public to share information regarding drug-related activities in their areas. Public cooperation remains vital in eliminating the drug menace from society.

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its firm action against the cultivation and trafficking of narcotic substances, police in Anantnag and Pulwama detected and destroyed an illegal opium poppy cultivation in the Kokernag and Ganngoo areas and initiated legal proceedings against the offender.

Police Station Kokernag received reliable information regarding the illegal cultivation of opium poppy in vegetable fields at Senzi Gadool. Acting promptly on the information, a case FIR No. 56/2026 under Sections 8/18 of the NDPS Act was registered and investigation was taken up. During the course of investigation, a joint team comprising Police officials, the Executive Magistrate Gadool, and Agriculture Department officials from Vailoo visited the spot. Upon inspection, it was found that an individual had illegally cultivated opium poppy in his vegetable field in violation of the provisions of the NDPS Act.

Samples of the illicit crop were collected on the spot for forensic examination, while the entire poppy cultivation was destroyed in the presence of the Executive Magistrate. Statements of witnesses were also recorded as part of the investigation.

Similarly, Police unearthed illegal poppy cultivation in the Gangoo area of the district and registered a case under the NDPS Act. Acting on reliable information, a police party of Police Station Pulwama found that one Tanveer Hussain Malik son of Shabir Hussain Malik resident of Gangoo Malikpora had illegally cultivated poppy plants on his land at Hanjikhalo Gangoo. Accordingly, FIR No. 97/2026 under Sections 8/18 NDPS Act was registered and investigation was initiated.

During investigation, samples of the cultivated plants were collected for forensic analysis and the illegal cultivation was destroyed on the spot as per legal procedure.

Police reiterates its commitment to eradicating the menace of narcotics and urges the public to share information regarding any illegal cultivation, trafficking, or abuse of narcotic substances. Public cooperation remains crucial in building a drug-free society.

Leh, May 23: Three Indian Army officers, including a senior commander, had a narrow escape after their Cheetah helicopter crashed in the mountainous Tangtse region near Leh, officials familiar with the matter said.

A lieutenant colonel and a Major were piloting the single-engine helicopter at the time of the crash. Their passenger was Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Infantry Division.

Officials said all three officers survived the crash. Further details about injuries or the circumstances leading to the mishap were not immediately available.

The crash occurred in the rugged mountainous terrain of Tangtse, an area where Army helicopters routinely operate for transport and operational requirements in high-altitude conditions.

Authorities are expected to ascertain the cause of the incident. [KNT]

Shopian, May 23: A woman died after a cemented wall collapsed on her in the Keegam area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday, officials and local sources said.

The incident occurred in Chek Hakeem Bakir village of Keegam, where the wall reportedly collapsed accidentally, trapping the woman beneath the debris.

The deceased was identified as Raja Bano, wife of Muhammwd Akram Wani, a resident of Chek Hakeem Bakir.

Locals rushed to the spot soon after the collapse and launched rescue efforts to pull her out. However, she had already succumbed to her injuries before she could be shifted to a hospital.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated necessary proceedings. [KNT]

Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday announced summer vacations for schools falling under the Summer Zone of Jammu Division in view of prevailing weather conditions.

In a post on X, the minister said summer vacations for primary classes will commence with effect from June 1, 2026, while students of Classes 6th to 12th will begin their vacations from June 8, 2026.

“Keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions, summer vacations for schools falling under Summer Zone of Jammu Division shall commence w.e.f. 01.06.2026 for Primary Classes and w.e.f. 08.06.2026 for students of Classes 6th to 12th,” Itoo said.

The minister also wished students a safe and enjoyable vacation.

The announcement comes amid rising temperatures and seasonal weather conditions across parts of the Jammu region. [KNT]