Lucknow: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said his maiden IPL hundred ‘came at the right time when the team needed it,’ as his unbeaten 101 guided the side to a seven‑wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and kept their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive after six successive defeats. “I’m ecstatic to be honest. It’s my first hundred and came at the right time when the team needed it. We won eventually after six consecutive losses. It’s a great positive and just hoping to support MI tomorrow,” Iyer said after being named Player of the Match. The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals’ clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. On his batting approach, Iyer, who became the third PBKS captain to hit a century after KL Rahul and Adam Gilchrist, said, “It’s a surreal feeling when you finish off the game and score a century. All the batsmen dream of that. “Today was one of the days when I felt super. I was in a great mindspace. I knew what I wanted, knew how the wicket was playing. Kinda reading the situation and how the wicket was playing helped me to score my runs, and the partnership was crucial. That creates the momentum in the game, and just to win it from there, I’m elated.” On sharing a 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who made 69, Iyer said, “I know if I give myself some time in the middle and time the ball as much as possible rather than getting on top of the ball and trying to score off a good ball. I feel it’s necessary for me to stay out there as much as possible because then the runs keep coming. “Prabh – the way he took on the bowlers, it takes two to tango. He seriously showed us what he’s capable of. He was temperamentally active, and the communication we had in the middle was sensational.” On how PBKS regrouped ahead of this clash to break a losing streak, Iyer said, “We didn’t say anything, just kept it simple. Rather than having meetings, putting more pressure on the boys. You kinda get lost in the previous losses when you discuss a lot. It’s important that you let them be. Free flow of mind is required in crucial matches. “You don’t want to make them overthink in pressure situations. Today I literally told Ricky, ‘let’s not do any team meetings. Let’s just head to the ground and do our rituals, which we’ve been doing consistently, and we could see the result.” Iyer then praised his bowlers for pulling the game back. “Elated by their performance. Even though we went 16 off the first over. Just to get the game back towards us, Azmat bowled brilliantly. The first over, which he bowled, got a wicket and saved those crucial runs. “It’s all about momentum in this situation, and just to get the game back, especially Yuzi, the way he came back and restricted runs. He got the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant. Kudos to him; he leaked a lot of runs in the last game, but he showed his character.” Coach Ricky Ponting lauded his captain’s maturity. “We’ve done it the hard way, let’s put it that way. We’ve done what we needed to do today. Sloppy in the field again, gave them 20 more runs than they should’ve got. Pretty clinical chase, especially being in trouble early. The captain he’s done that all season. That’s his first IPL century tonight. “We’ll celebrate that, and then we’ll sit around and wait for those results tomorrow. There’s a reason I spent as much money at the auction as I did a couple of years ago. He’s a ripping guy, a very mature player now, and a very mature leader. More often than not, he keeps his emotions in check on the field. The respect he has from his players is second to none. “The moment he stands in front of the group and speaks, not a single eye ball leaves a single word he says. Delighted to work with him. Really happy with the season he’s had. Great to see him back in the Indian one-day team. “I really think there’s a bigger, brighter future for him in the Indian T20 team as well. The level of cricket we played in the first half was a level I’ve never seen before. And then we just made some crucial errors at different times in the last six games.” Speaking about Prabhsimran, Ponting said, “A terrific player. It’s probably only been the last couple of years that he has realised how good he is. He and Priyansh have been outstanding for us the last couple of seasons. Seeing him play a mature innings tonight in a good run chase will do him a world of good. We’ll try to get the boys together and watch it (the RR-MI game).” LSG skipper Rishabh Pant admitted it was a tough season, as it’s now confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the points table. “Initial thoughts are – it’s a tough one. Still have to bite the bullet regardless of everything. Always you can get 5-10 more, but I think there was enough for the total. “But at the same time, you know batting gets easier in the second innings at Ekana. Sometimes, ideas without accountability are the hardest thing to do. As a team, we want to look at the positives… Definitely a lot of positives. It’s been a long season, we promise to come back stronger next year.” –IANS nr/bsk/
Fuel excise duty cut results in Rs 30,000 crore cost for central exchequer, no burden on consumers
New Delhi: The special additional excise duty (SAED) cut on petrol and diesel on March 27, 2026 resulted in approximately Rs 30,000 crore cost for the central exchequer in the current fiscal year, and the pass-through of higher crude was not made to the consumer; it was absorbed by the exchequer. Amid the Strait of Hormuz disruption, the SAED cut reduced petrol excise to three rupees a litre and took diesel excise to zero. The Congress argues that petrol cost roughly Rs 71 a litre in May 2014 and costs roughly Rs 98 a litre today and presents the difference as evidence of overtaxation. According to sources, the argument depends entirely on what one thinks the May 2014 number actually represented. It was not the cost of supplying a litre of petrol. It was the price that resulted after the UPA had issued approximately Rs 1.34 lakh crore in oil bonds to public sector oil marketing companies in lieu of price pass-through, between 2005 and 2010. The 2014 price was a deferred tax invoice on the next generation of consumers. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has been redeeming those bonds: roughly Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2021–22, Rs 31,150 crore in FY 2023–24, Rs 52,860 crore in FY 2024–25, and Rs 36,913 crore in FY 2025–26, alongside cumulative interest running into the tens of thousands of crores. The price which the Congress nostalgically quotes was being paid by the present government, on behalf of the previous one, until very recently. The mechanism the present government has used to absorb a price shock is different in kind, according to sources. When crude rose in 2022 and again in 2026, the central excise duty on petrol and diesel was cut. The reduction was direct, transparent, on-budget, and visible at the pump within a day. The exchequer accepted the loss of revenue. No bond was issued; no obligation was deferred; no future taxpayer was committed to repaying anything, said sources. –IANS na/
China seen as ‘predatory power’ in emerging global landscape: Report
Brussels: China is not merely a competitor but a “predatory power” in the international system that has “mastered the art of winning” without direct confrontation. While Western countries have spent decades focused on “globalisation” and “liberal reform”, Beijing has benefited from the gradual shift of the West’s industrial base to its own economy, a report mentioned. For Chinese President Xi Jinping, the weakening of the West is not a strategic goal but something that he watches unfold, said Konstantinos Bogdanos, a Greek politician and journalist, writing for the digital news website ‘Brussels Signal’. Highlighting the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, Bogdanos said, “On one side, we have the American president, a man who views geopolitics as a series of tactical deals and immediate shows of force – a true disciple of Thucydides (or, rather, of what the great historian attributes to the Athenians), believing that the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must. On the other side, we have the quiet emperor, who thinks in centuries, playing a game that is far more patient and lethal.” “While the cameras capture handshakes, witty exchanges and grand banquets, we must look at the strategic ghost haunting the room. There is an ancient Eastern proverb, often misattributed to Sun Tzu but rooted deeply in the Chinese strategic mind, which suggests that if you sit by the river long enough, you will eventually see the bodies of your enemies float by. This is the essence of modern China. They are not in a rush to go to war; they are waiting for the West to drown in its own decadence, its own debt, and its own ideological civil wars,” he added. According to the expert, Trump’s visit to Beijing reflects an attempt to steer a “turbulent” relationship through personal diplomacy and economic pressure driven by the belief that China only respects strength. “But even if a deal on trade or a temporary truce on Taiwan materialises, they will not be reversing the flow. China’s global expansionism – its bid to control European trade routes and African mines – is not a series of arbitrary business moves. It is the steady construction of a world where the West becomes a historical relic,” Bogdanos further stated. He noted that from the Covid-19 pandemic to China’s social credit systems, Beijing has offered a clear view of its vision for the future – “a world without the individual, a world where the state is the only god.” “While the EU issues strategic autonomy memos that nobody reads, China is busy ensuring that every solar panel and every electric car battery in Europe is provided by their Communist Party. They are waiting for us to become so dependent that ‘sovereignty’ becomes a word with no meaning,” Bogdanos said, raising concerns. –IANS scor/ksk/as
India will hit back if provoked: Amit Shah
Stresses strong border security
New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah Friday attended the Border Security Force (BSF) Investiture Ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture as the Chief Guest in New Delhi. Several dignitaries including the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Secretary (Border Management), and the Director General of the BSF attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the investiture ceremony symbolizes the BSF’s unwavering dedication, commitment to duty, and complete devotion to the nation. He said that after the 1965 war, a detailed assessment of the shortcomings in border security led to the realization that a dedicated force was needed to secure India’s borders even during peacetime. At that time under the leadership of Padma Vibhushan K.F. Rustamji, the BSF was established and has since ensured the security of the country’s borders. He said that the strong foundation laid by Rustamji has enabled the BSF to build an institution in the field of national security, bringing pride to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the investiture ceremony symbolizes the BSF’s unwavering dedication, commitment to duty, and complete devotion to the nation. He said that after the 1965 war, a detailed assessment of the shortcomings in border security led to the realization that a dedicated force was needed to secure India’s borders even during peacetime. At that time under the leadership of Padma Vibhushan K.F. Rustam, the BSF was established and has since ensured the security of the country’s borders. He said that the strong foundation laid by Rustamji has enabled the BSF to build an institution in the field of national security, bringing pride to the nation.
Amit Shah said that today, several new challenges have emerged in the field of border security. Illegal infiltration, narcotics smuggling, cattle smuggling, counterfeit currency, organized crime, and the smuggling of weapons and narcotics through drones are among the many challenges facing the BSF. However, the BSF has consistently made well-planned efforts to tackle these challenges. Shah said that the BSF has safeguarded the nation by making the best possible use of its resources and effectively confronting all these challenges. He added that in the coming days, the role of the force will have to become even more coordinated and comprehensive.
Amit Shah said that border security can no longer rely solely on traditional methods. Strengthening the security grid will require close coordination among State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), other armed forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), intelligence agencies, and state administrations. He said that border security should no longer be viewed as an isolated responsibility but as a broader territorial responsibility.
Shah also stressed the need to remain vigilant against demographic changes caused by cross-border infiltration and against attempts to weaken the country’s economy through narcotics and fake currency. He said that India must adopt new strategies to address cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and drone-based challenges.
Union Home Minister said that the Border Security Force remains steadfast in some of the country’s most challenging terrains, including the icy mountains of Siachen and Kashmir, difficult regions such as Kupwara, Keran, and Uri, the deserts of Rajasthan, the Rann of Kutch, the marshy creeks of Sir Creek, the dense forests of the Sundarbans, the difficult eastern borders of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and the sensitive riverine areas connected to the Brahmaputra. He said that this is why the BSF, which began in 1965 with only 25 battalions and limited resources, has today grown into the world’s largest border guarding force with strength of 2.70 lakh personnel.
Amit Shah said that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defence and border security policies have undergone a transformational change.
Referring to incidents such as Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam, he said that India responded decisively through surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor by targeting terror infrastructure inside Pakistan.
He said that the era of responding to terror attacks with negotiations is over, and that India has strengthened its security framework in line with the spirit of the Constitution. He described this as a new defence doctrine in which the BSF has played a major role.
Amit Shah further said that the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs will provide technological support to transform the country’s border into a ‘smart border’. He said that work is progressing towards creating an impregnable border security grid within the next year by integrating all kinds of technologies under the Smart Border concept. The Ministry of Home Affairs will soon introduce a Smart Border Project equipped with drones, radars, modern cameras, and other advanced technologies. The Home Minister said that once this initiative begins, the work of the Border Security Force will become significantly easier and stronger.
Amit Shah said that in the 60th year of the Border Security Force’s establishment, the government will launch the Smart Border Project and make the entire borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan impenetrable, thereby providing the BSF with significant technological support. He said that along with courage, valour, dedication, and patriotism, the force will also be equipped with strong technological backing, which will further enhance the security of both borders.
Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Government of India has resolved not only to stop infiltration, but also to identify and expel every single infiltrator from the country, and will not allow unnatural demographic change. He said that the BSF must prevent conspiracies aimed at altering demographics through infiltration. He said that governments in Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal now follow policies that clearly oppose illegal infiltration.
Shah said that it is the responsibility of the BSF not only to secure the borders but also to maintain close coordination with village-level officials, police stations, district collectors, DDOs, and superintendents of police. He said that detailed information must be gathered about new infiltrators, their routes of entry, and the networks involved in smuggling, including cattle smuggling, and that all such routes must be systematically identified and shut down. He said that the available information should be used to build a structured system for preventing and removing infiltrators. Union Home Minister said that the time has come to decisively stop infiltration that has continued unchecked for years.
Amit Shah also said that due to the Government’s determined efforts, the five-decade-old problem of Naxalismhas now been effectively eliminated from India. He said that security policy should not merely aim to contain problems, but to eradicate them completely. He urged the BSF to adopt the same determined approach in tackling infiltration.
Amit Shah said that Vibrant Villages-1 and Vibrant Villages-2 are development programmes being implemented in a democratic manner with the cooperation of the Border Security Force. He also mentioned that the BSF’s jurisdiction has been extended from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres and that decisions related to land allocation in West Bengal have also been finalized.
Amit Shah said that PM Narendra Modi has announced the High-Powered Demography Mission, and work on it will begin soon after its committee is constituted. He said that in the coming days, a strong security grid will have to be established along the borders of both countries, for which a major campaign will also need to be launched. Amit Shah said that the 60th year of the BSF is also a year dedicated to building a Smart Border and ensuring the welfare of BSF personnel. Shah said that within the next two months, the Narendra Modi government will introduce a major programme for the welfare of BSF personnel and all CAPF jawans.
Union Home Minister said that the government is going to launch a major nationwide campaign against narcotics, in which the Border Security Force will also play a very important role. He praised the force’s vigilance in gathering intelligence from both sides of the border to combat drug trafficking. He said that the next three to four years will bring transformative changes in border security. While technology will strengthen capabilities, he stressed that it will also increase responsibilities. Home Minister urged BSF personnel to embrace technology, build stronger ties with local communities, and improve coordination with local administrations to achieve the goal of making India infiltration-free. (PIB)
19th Rozgar Mela: PM Modi to issue over 51,000 job letters today
New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly-appointed youth in various government departments and organisations at the 19th Rozgar Mela on Saturday, said an official.
The letters will be distributed via video-conferencing, and PM Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion.
In keeping with the Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritising employment generation, the Rozgar Mela is a major initiative aimed at translating this vision into reality. Since its inception, around 12 lakh recruitment letters have been issued through 18 Rozgar Melas organised across the country.
The 19th Rozgar Mela will be held at 47 locations across the country. The newly recruited candidates, selected from all parts of India, will be joining various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, including the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, Department of Higher Education, among others.
During the 18th Rozgar Mela held in January, PM Modi emphasised that connecting youth with skills and providing them employment and self-employment opportunities have been the priority of the government.
The Prime Minister had said that the Rozgar Mela was launched to bring government recruitments into mission mode, and over the years, it has become an institution. Through this initiative, lakhs of young people have received appointment letters in various government departments.
“India today is among the youngest nations in the world, and the government is consistently striving to create new opportunities for the youth both domestically and globally,” the Prime Minister had said.
He had noted that the government was entering into trade and mobility agreements with numerous countries, which were opening countless new opportunities for young Indians.
PM Modi had pointed out that in recent times, India has made unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure, leading to increased employment across construction-related sectors.
He observed that India’s startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with nearly two lakh registered startups employing over 21 lakh youth.
He remarked that Digital India has expanded a new economy, with India emerging as a global hub in animation, digital media, and several other sectors.
LG unveils anti-drug film poster
‘Ek Galat Kadam’ backs Nasha Mukt Abhiyan
JAMMU, MAY 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday unveiled the poster of “Ek Galat Kadam”, an awareness short film on drug abuse, at Lok Bhavan.
The short film features Mahira Tandon, the Youth Ambassador of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to the entire team.
Divya Tandon, Writer and Director; Sumit Tandon, Producer of the film along with other team members were present at the poster unveiling ceremony.
Smart traffic systems planned for Jammu, Srinagar
CS pushes time-bound execution of mobility projects
SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Friday chaired the 5th meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review the implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by senior administrative and police officers, including Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Departments; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Inspector General of Police, Traffic; Secretary, Transport; Deputy Inspectors General of Traffic, Jammu/Kashmir; Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Jammu/Srinagar; Senior Superintendents of Police, Traffic, Srinagar/Jammu; Vice-Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority (SDA); Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir/Jammu; besides officers from other concerned departments.
The Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of the recommendations put forth by the committee headed by the Principal Secretary, Home, and called for a time-bound action plan for their effective implementation.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress on identification and rectification of black spots, widening of major roads, creation of rotaries and junction improvements in both cities.
He stressed the need for clearly identifying funding sources for all the proposed works, noting that these interventions are aimed at providing much-needed relief to the general public by improving ease of mobility in the twin cities and other urban centres of the UT. He directed the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to take up the matter with the Finance Department to ensure smooth and timely execution of these projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the review, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the measures undertaken by different departments for decongestion of major traffic corridors, augmentation of parking facilities, improvement of road infrastructure, streamlining of public transport and strengthening of intelligent traffic management systems in both the capital cities.
It was informed that several diversion routes have already been identified and operationalised in Jammu and Srinagar to reduce congestion on critical stretches and ensure smoother vehicular movement. In Jammu city, 10 diversion routes are being utilized for traffic decongestion. Similarly, five diversion routes have been made operational in Srinagar to reduce pressure on heavily congested city stretches.
The meeting was informed that dedicated e-rickshaw zones have also been notified to regulate traffic movement and improve last-mile connectivity. Six e-rickshaw zones have been established in Jammu while multiple operational, free and restricted zones have been identified in Srinagar city with some already implemented and others under consideration in consultation with stakeholders.
Reviewing traffic regulation measures, the Chief Secretary was apprised that one-way traffic systems have been introduced at several key locations in both cities, while proposals for additional no-vehicle zones in crowded commercial and hospital areas are under implementation after consultations with stakeholders and local authorities.
The meeting further discussed the implementation of Smart City Command and Control Response Systems (SCCoRS), installation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), creation of Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS) junctions and procurement of modern enforcement and surveillance equipment.
It was informed that Traffic Police and allied departments have procured motorcycles, interceptor vehicles, cranes, body-worn cameras and ambulances for better traffic enforcement and emergency response.
In order to improve road safety and enforce traffic discipline, action has also been taken against habitual offenders across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was informed that action has been initiated against more than 39,000 habitual offenders, resulting in suspension and cancellation of driving licences and registration certificates besides seizure and blacklisting of vehicles.
It was informed that several projects including Canal Head–Bohri, Jewel–Canal Head and Satwari–Belicharana road stretches in Jammu have already been completed, while other projects are at different stages of execution. In Srinagar, widening proposals and road safety interventions are under progress, including installation of metal beam crash barriers and preparation of DPRs for identified black spots.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of no-parking zones, IT-based parking systems, on-street parking management, parking policy formulation and development of dedicated vending zones. It was informed that GIS-based mapping for parking management is underway in Srinagar while several parking sites in Jammu have already been tendered and partially operationalised.
The meeting also discussed regulation of banquet halls and schools lacking adequate parking facilities. The Municipal Commissioners informed that notices have been issued to non-compliant establishments and parking management plans are being enforced to prevent roadside congestion.
Besides, the progress on installation of traffic signages, creation of no-honking zones, development of new roads, construction of rotaries and upgradation of bus stands in Jammu and Srinagar was also reviewed in detail.
The Chief Secretary further called for expediting all pending works, removing bottlenecks hampering project execution and ensuring visible improvement in traffic flow and commuter convenience across the twin cities at the earliest.
CM pays tribute to Ameer-e-Kabeer (RA)
Calls for unity, brotherhood
SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of the annual Urs of revered saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (RA), popularly known as Ameer-e-Kabeer.
In his message, the Chief Minister highlighted the immense spiritual, cultural and social contributions of Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabeer (RA), whose teachings of peace, compassion, brotherhood and righteousness continue to guide humanity and inspire generations across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
The Chief Minister said that the revered saint played a pivotal role in spreading the message of Islam, promoting communal harmony and enriching the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage through his wisdom, scholarship and exemplary character.
He urged the people to imbibe the noble values preached by the saint and work collectively towards strengthening mutual respect, unity and harmony in society.
The Chief Minister prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the blessed occasion.
NEET-UG-2026: Pradhan assures error-free retest on Jun 21
‘Exam cancellation was necessary to ensure fairness’
New Delhi: Acknowledging the mental torture suffered by 22 lakh students due to the NEET-UG 2026 exam cancellation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan vowed on Friday that the retest on June 21 will be free from irregularities, urging parents and students to trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling their aspirations.
Reiterating the Union government’s commitment to ensure 100 per cent error-free NEET-UG 2026 exam, Union Minister Pradhan also hinted towards suicides by competitive exam aspirants, calling upon parents to introspect on excessive “coaching culture” and avoid mounting pressure on their wards that drives them to lose balance.
Speaking at an event, the Union Minister said, “I understand the pain suffered by 22 lakh students and say this with full responsibility that we had to take the tough decision of cancelling the exam for ensuring fair play with all deserving medical aspirants.”
“We are facing stigma and public ire for the tough decision of cancelling NEET-UG exam but we did not want the wrongdoers in the education sector or the ‘examination mafia’ to deny any meritorious candidate his due,” Pradhan said, sharing the video of his speech on his social media account.
He added that he accepted the exam cancellation challenge as it is his duty to set the system right but not turn a blind eye to the root cause of the irregularity.
“In a democracy, it is our duty to take the responsibility,” the Union Minister said, adding that the Education Ministry is committed to ensuring an error-free NEET-UG 2026 exam on June 21.
He also dismissed the criticism of on-screen marking scheme introduction by the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) for error-free, scientific and uniform assessment in Board exams.
He said the time has come to admit lack of uniformity in assessment and award of marks to resourceful parents’ wards studying in an urban school and marks given to a meritorious student from a distant, rural school.
“An honest criticism should be accepted if it is intended to improve the system. We get to learn and improve the system. Attempts to create a new system face shortcomings and only collective consultation and criticism can show the way forward.”
Union Minister Pradhan said the couple of incidents mentioned by him in his speech underscore that the Central government is not going to turn a blind eye towards a grave problem or try to sweep it under the carpet.
“The government is duty-bound to fulfill the realistic aspirations and expectations of society,” he added, calling for a collective fight against social evils — like use of unfair means in exams — which will continue to exist despite stringent laws to restrict them.
“I want you to keep faith in the system, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in the National Education Policy, 2020, which is like a philosophical document of the country,” Union Minister Pradhan said.
He also urged parents to introspect on the excessive “coaching culture” and collectively resort to course correction.
“Handholding or arranging tuition for one’s wards is welcome but it is not good to turn a student into a commodity and mount unbearable pressure on him that he loses his matrix or balance.”
“As the Prime Minister has rightly said, ‘competence is more important than a certificate’,” the Union Minister said.
Kashmir highlands receive fresh snow
Hailstorm wreaks havoc in north Kashmir
Srinagar, May 22: Fresh snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Kashmir, including Minimarg along the strategic Zoji La axis, while heavy rain and hailstorm lashed several plains areas on Friday, damaging orchards and standing crops in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.
The weather activity affected many parts of the Valley as an active western disturbance continued to influence Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said that higher reaches around Minimarg received fresh snowfall during the day, leading to a sharp dip in temperatures in the area. Rainfall was also reported from several plains districts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and parts of central Kashmir.
A severe hailstorm struck the Lasar area of Rafiabad in Baramulla district and nearby villages, causing extensive damage to apple orchards, vegetable fields and standing crops, locals said.
The hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds, also affected villages in the Zaingeer belt, where residents reported damage to agricultural land during the afternoon hours.
“The weather changed suddenly as dark clouds gathered over the area, followed by intense rainfall and hailstones. Apple orchards and crops have suffered damage,” a resident from Rafiabad said.
Farmers expressed concern over losses to orchards and crops, saying the untimely hailstorm could impact the ongoing agricultural season in the area.
Officials said preliminary reports of damage had been received from affected villages, and assessment teams would evaluate the extent of losses.
The latest weather activity disrupted normal life in some areas, with waterlogging reported from low-lying localities and movement slowing on several roads during heavy showers.
The Meteorological Department said weather conditions are expected to remain unstable over the next few days.
According to the forecast, generally dry weather is expected during the forenoon between May 23 and 25, with brief showers likely at scattered places towards late afternoon hours.
From May 26 to 28, the weather is expected to remain mainly hot and dry across Jammu and Kashmir, while brief showers are likely at a few places between May 29 and 31.
Weather officials have advised people, particularly those in vulnerable and mountainous areas, to remain cautious during periods of thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity. (KNO)
