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Prez Murmu confers Padma awards

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.

CBI nabs officer while taking bribe

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.

NIA raids 3 locations in Kashmir

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 swelters at 40.3°C

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)

Govt committed to inclusive development: CM Omar

Meets legislators, VC, other delegations at Civil Secretariat

SRINAGAR, MAY 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday met legislators, Vice Chancellors and various delegations at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed a wide range of issues concerning regional development, public welfare, higher education, healthcare and infrastructure.

A delegation of Members of the Legislative Assembly comprising Javid Iqbal (Budhal), Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (Thanamandi), Choudhary Mohammed Akram (Surankote) and Iftikhar Ahmed (Rajouri) called on the Chief Minister and discussed various developmental and public welfare issues concerning the Pir Panjal region.

MLA Kulgam M.Y. Tarigami and MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay also separately met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various matters related to their respective constituencies.

MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi also called on the Chief Minister and discussed the overall situation in the Budgam constituency, besides matters related to the forthcoming holy month of Muharram-2026.

Vice Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar Prof. Mohammad Mobin met the Chief Minister and apprised him of the recent progress and developmental initiatives undertaken by the university.

Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir Prof. A. Ravinder Nath also called on the Chief Minister and briefed him about the developmental progress and academic initiatives of the university.

Director of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie also met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various issues and developments concerning the institution.

Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Construction Company Arjun Dhawan also called on the Chief Minister and briefed him on various ongoing works being executed by the company in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all the delegations and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, strengthening public institutions and addressing public concerns in a responsive manner.

 

 

CS bats for modern disaster management systems

SEC clears UNDP collaboration, advanced measures

SRINAGAR, MAY 25: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Monday chaired the meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to review and approve a series of significant initiatives aimed at strengthening disaster mitigation, preparedness and response mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, DMRR&R; Commandant General, SDRF; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, Revenue; besides other senior officers of the DMRR&R.

During the meeting, the SEC deliberated upon several key agenda items concerning disaster preparedness and resilience-building measures in the UT and accorded approval to a number of important decisions aimed at enhancing the institutional and operational capacity of the administration to effectively deal with natural disasters and emergencies.

Among the major decisions taken was the formal approval for entering into partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for implementation of disaster mitigation measures in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Committee also approved the constitution of a Project Steering Committee to oversee coordination and effective implementation of the programme. The committee will be headed by the Principal Secretary, DMRR&R and co-chaired by UNDP along with several other members from concerned Departments.

In order to strengthen technological preparedness and scientific assessment capabilities, the SEC also approved procurement of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for vulnerable districts to facilitate simulation, prediction and mitigation of natural disasters. The Committee further gave nod for procurement of satellite phones for high-risk subdivisions and tehsils across all districts to ensure seamless communication during emergency situations and disaster events.

The meeting also discussed the constitution of hazard-specific task forces for disasters such as earthquakes, floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and landslides. These task forces would comprise experts and members drawn from reputed national and local institutions including IITs, universities and other technical organizations to provide specialised inputs for disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning.

In another significant decision, the SEC revalidated funds amounting to Rs 10.69Cr for procurement of rescue and emergency response equipment to ensure safe, secure and efficient conduct of the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for robust preparedness, coordinated response mechanisms and adoption of modern technology-driven systems to minimize risks and strengthen resilience against disasters across the Union Territory.

Govt promoting offbeat, adventure tourism in J&K: Sakeena

Inaugurates Tourism Capacity Building Camp at Panchanpatri

KULGAM, MAY 25: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday inaugurated a Tourism Capacity Building Camp at Panchanpatri Kulgam and also flagged off an All-Terrain Rally (ATR), trekkers’ expedition, cycle rally and other tourism promotion activities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government is committed to strengthening the tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir by developing offbeat destinations and promoting adventure tourism activities across Jammu and Kashmir. She said that such programmes provide a valuable platform to inform and aware youth about various government schemes and programmes related to tourism, employment generation and self-employment opportunities.

The Minister emphasized that the promotion of unexplored tourist destinations will not only attract visitors but also create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. She highlighted the importance of involving youth and local stakeholders in tourism-related initiatives for the overall economic development of the region.

The programme was organized with an aim to promote tourism awareness, adventure tourism and enhance the participation of youth in the tourism sector across the district.

Tourism stakeholders, tour and travel operators, local representatives, district officers and a large number of youth participated in the camp. They appreciated the efforts being made to boost tourism infrastructure and adventure activities in the area.

The event also witnessed enthusiastic participation in trekking, cycling and other adventure activities aimed at showcasing the tourism potential of Panchanpatri and adjoining areas.

100-day anti-drug campaign: 84 FIRs registered, 117 arrested, 100 DLs suspended in Sgr

DC Sgr, SSP call for continued joint enforcement efforts

SRINAGAR MAY 25: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo Monday chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee to review the impact and progress achieved under the ongoing 100-day anti-drug campaign being implemented across the district.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dr. Sundeep Chakravarthy was also present in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Qazi Irfan; Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed; SP  Headquarter, Umar Shah; IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas; SDM West, Irfan Bahadur; SDM East, Zubair Ahmad; and Officers from Excise, Drug Control Organisation, DYS&S, heads of ATF’s and Officers of other concerned departments.

At the outset, the meeting held a comprehensive review of the District’s anti-drug strategy, enforcement actions and preventive interventions undertaken during the ongoing 100-days anti-drug Jammu and Kashmir Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.

During the meeting, it was informed that intensified enforcement operations and coordinated action against drug peddling networks have yielded significant results across Srinagar district.

Giving detailed figures, the meeting was informed that 84 FIRs have been registered under NDPS cases and 117 persons have been arrested during the ongoing campaign. It was further reported that 100 driving licences and 46 vehicle Registration Certificates (RCs) linked to NDPS-related violations have been suspended to date, as part of sustained and strict enforcement measures aimed at disrupting drug networks and deterring drug-related activities in the district.

The meeting was further informed that licences of 17 chemists were suspended for violations related to drug regulations and unauthorized handling of controlled substances. In addition, red entries have been recorded in revenue records against identified drug peddlers to strengthen legal and administrative action against repeat offenders.

Additionally, illegal properties worth nearly Rs 40 crore linked to drug peddlers have been attached or demolished in Srinagar as part of the intensified crackdown on narcotics networks and illegal assets generated through drug trafficking.

The Deputy Commissioner and SSP appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments and agencies involved in the campaign and emphasized the need to sustain the momentum through continued enforcement, public participation and preventive outreach initiatives.

On the occasion, the DC directed all concerned departments to further strengthen inter-departmental coordination and intensify action against drug peddlers and trafficking networks to ensure a drug-free and safer environment in the District. He emphasized renewed focus and coordinated efforts to curb drug abuse and dismantle the ecosystem supporting narcotics trafficking in Srinagar District.

The DC further stressed the importance of a multi-pronged strategy combining strict law enforcement with awareness generation, counselling and rehabilitation measures to effectively tackle the menace of drug abuse, particularly among youth.

The SSP Srinagar reiterated the commitment of the Police in collaboration with civil authorities towards sustained action against narcotics-related activities and called for active support from the public in identifying and reporting drug-related offences.

The meeting also reviewed measures related to intensified surveillance of identified hotspots and vulnerable areas, close monitoring of repeat offenders, strict regulation of pharmaceutical outlets, and effective implementation of awareness programmes across the district.

It further deliberated on strengthening counselling support and rehabilitation initiatives for affected individuals, with a focus on ensuring a coordinated, sustained, and outcome-oriented response to the drug menace.

 

Dr Farooq Dar, Fayaz Mir call on LG

SRINAGAR, MAY 25: Dr. Farooq Ahmad Dar, Vice President, Sewa Bharti J&K UT and Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Kashmir Prabhari, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Monday.

They projected various important matters pertaining to strengthening of grassroots-level outreach programmes under Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, and other issues of public importance.

 

Road safety drive conducted in Ganderbal

GANDERBAL, MAY 25: Under the chairmanship of Abdul Nasir, chairman district legal services authority Ganderbal and under the guidance of Sheikh Babar Hussain, secretary district legal Services authority Ganderbal, the district legal services authority in collaboration with ARTO Ganderbal conducted road safety and legal awareness drive at Duderhama Ganderbal.

Burjeena Hameed and Shaheena Ali, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels, actively participated in the awareness drive and distributed pamphlets and awareness material among the participants. The campaign focused on various aspects of road safety including adherence to traffic rules, mandatory use of helmets and seat belts, prevention of rash and negligent driving, avoidance of over-speeding and observance of statutory obligations under the Motor Vehicles laws.

During the programme, emphasis was also laid upon the importance of legal awareness in safeguarding the rights and safety of citizens and on the role of Legal Services Institutions in promoting access to justice and dissemination of legal literacy among the masses.

The Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Ganderbal extended full cooperation for the successful conduct of the awareness drive by providing informative pamphlets and road safety awareness material for public distribution.

The participants appreciated the joint initiative undertaken by DLSA Ganderbal and ARTO Ganderbal and actively responded to the awareness campaign.

The programme concluded with a collective resolve to continue such awareness initiatives in the larger public interest for promoting road safety, legal consciousness and responsible citizenship.