Moscow: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Friday condemned the Ukrainian armed forces’ attack on a college in Starobilsk in Luhansk, local media reported. During his meeting with graduates of the ‘Time of Heroes’ programme, Putin said that the “‘Neo-Nazi regime that seized power in Kyiv” conducted a “terrorist attack” on a student dormitory, Russia’s state-owned Tass news agency reported. Putin emphasised that the attack happened at night, when the students were sleeping. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that by “committing atrocities against children in Starobilsk, the Kyiv regime and its handlers are taking full responsibility for the escalation of hostilities and the undermining of political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.” “Unleashing open, inhumane terror against defenceless children,” is a new chapter in the armed conflict which is being opened by the Kyiv regime, which suffered defeat on the battlefield, the ministry added. The ministry said that such strikes are carried out with the long-range weapons supplied by NATO. It stated that it has reliable information regarding Western capitals proving Armed Forces of Ukraine with intelligence data and assistance with target designation. “This strike could not have been accidental. It was a deliberate attack on civilians, carried out in the spirit of the German Nazis. None of those inside the building was or could have been taking part in hostilities, and there are no military facilities near the college,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. It called on international organisations, national governments and the global public to assess the actions and condemn the attack in Starobelsk. According to the statement, 86 children aged 14-18 were present inside the five-storey dormitory building of the college of Lugansk State Pedagogical University in Starobelsk. At present, 40 people are known to have been injured, and four people were killed. –IANS ksk/as
GIFT City emerging as key pillar of India’s global financial architecture: FM Sitharaman
Gandhinagar: India’s efforts to position itself as a global financial and investment destination received fresh emphasis during a high-level review of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), where Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) was helping channel international capital flows into the country through globally benchmarked institutional frameworks, regulatory agility and a supportive social ecosystem. Addressing the review meeting on Friday, Sitharaman said GIFT City had emerged as an important pillar of India’s international financial architecture and reflected the country’s growing economic confidence and global aspirations. “India, today, offered a unique combination of scale, technology and talent and growth opportunities. The ecosystem being developed at GIFT City was strengthening the country’s position in global finance and investment,” she said. The Finance Minister also underlined the need for futuristic policy discussions to result in immediate implementation and measurable changes on the ground. “The progress achieved so far is encouraging, and continued coordination among stakeholders will further strengthen GIFT City’s role in India’s growth journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047,” she said. The review meeting focused on the development of the International Financial Services Centre ecosystem, institutional capacity building and infrastructure expansion aimed at attracting global financial institutions, investors and skilled professionals. In his post-review address, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra, highlighted the importance of translating the Prime Minister’s vision for GIFT-IFSC into concrete outcomes by bringing in skilled professionals and creating world-class infrastructure. He also lauded the work undertaken so far towards developing the financial hub and stressed the need to continue strengthening the ecosystem to support GIFT City’s emergence as a globally competitive international financial centre. At present, GIFT City hosts more than 1,150 entities operating across financial services, technology and allied sectors. Banking assets at GIFT City have crossed USD 110 billion, while capital commitments under fund management activities have exceeded USD 32 billion. The ecosystem includes 37 banking units, 217 fund management entities, 36 insurance companies, 35 aircraft lessors and 36 ship leasing entities, along with international exchanges, fintech firms and international universities. Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, state government, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and GIFT City officials. –IANS mys/pgh
K’taka on high alert after WHO declares Ebola outbreak global health emergency
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health Department has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures across the state following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the ongoing Ebola Disease (ED) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026. According to an official statement issued by the Health Department, “In Bengaluru, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD) has been designated as the isolation centre, while the Epidemic Diseases Hospital has been identified as the quarantine and treatment centre. “In Mangaluru, Srinivas Port Hospital under the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has been identified as the quarantine centre, while Wenlock District Hospital has been designated as the isolation and treatment facility.” The Health Department stated that samples from suspected Ebola cases would be collected and sent through the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Bengaluru, for confirmatory testing at NIV Pune. The public has been advised not to panic and to rely only on official information issued by health authorities. Officials said persons returning from Ebola-affected countries should undergo self-monitoring and health observation for 21 days after arriving in India. In case of symptoms, they have been advised to immediately report to the nearest health facility. The department said it was continuously monitoring the global situation and had taken all necessary precautionary and preparedness measures to handle any potential health emergency. Health authorities clarified that no Ebola cases had been reported in India so far. However, considering the volume of international travel and trade, precautionary measures have been intensified to prevent any possible outbreak. Ebola is a severe viral disease that can cause symptoms including fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, rash and red eyes. The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, organs or body fluids of infected persons, as well as contaminated materials such as bedding, clothes and syringes. Healthcare workers and close family members of infected persons are considered to be at higher risk. As part of the preparedness measures, the state has strengthened surveillance and monitoring of suspected cases under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Coordination has also been enhanced with airports and Points of Entry (PoEs). The department said dedicated quarantine and isolation facilities had been identified, while referral ambulance services had been kept ready. Training of healthcare personnel and infection prevention and control measures have also been intensified. Authorities added that adequate stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE), medicines and laboratory facilities were being ensured across the state. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have also been placed on alert. –IANS mka/pgh
Examine issues related to Gair Mumkin Khads in J&K: Dy CM
SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Friday chaired a meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issues related to Gair Mumkin Khads in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar, was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana and Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, who are members of the Sub-Committee.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for seeking public suggestions before finalizing the committee’s report through designated offices. He directed on designating a nodal officer from the Civil Secretariat for easy access for submission of suggestions by the general public. He directed that the report be submitted in a time-bound manner, ensuring that the genuine public concerns are addressed in a fair and legitimate way.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, briefed the Sub-Committee on the present status of Gair Mumkin Khads and the ongoing process of segregation.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need for pragmatic and people-centric decisions to ensure amicable resolution of issues faced by the public. He said that policy interventions must maintain a balance between the environmental protection and safeguarding the livelihoods and property rights of citizens.
The Committee directed for the constitution of a technical team for proper segregation of Khads and submission of accurate details. Directions were issued for identification of chronic problem areas to address recurring public issues effectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Javed Ahmad Rana stressed the importance of adopting a balanced and environmentally sustainable approach while addressing the issues related to Gair Mumkin Khads. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among the departments to safeguard the ecological interests while ensuring relief to the affected population.
The Agriculture Minister highlighted the importance of transparency, public participation and timely redressal of grievances.
The Sub-Committee discussed in detail the existing status of Gair Mumkin Khads, Daryas and Nallahs, along with related concerns, with the objective of providing relief to the general public wherever required.
The members of the Sub-Committee also put forth various suggestions and highlighted several public concerns requiring urgent attention.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Secretary Revenue Department Rajiv Rajan, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Dr. Devansh Yadav, VC JDA, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu, Rupesh Kumar and other senior officers of the concerned departments.
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, PSC, others call on LG
SRINAGAR, MAY 22: The Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, headed by Tiruchi Siva, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at Lok Bhavan on Friday.
A delegation of Dharm Jagran Sansthan Dharmarth Trust Bharat led by Acharya Mahant Dr. Vivek Guru Ji called on Lieutenant Governor.
The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor on important issues related to conduct of Jammu & Kashmir Dashar Kumbh 2026 (Bod Dashar), scheduled to be held from 15th to 24th July 2026 at the sacred confluence of the Sindh and Jhelum Rivers at Shadipora, Ganderbal.
Jammu & Kashmir Dashar Kumbh 2026 is being jointly organized by J&K Dashar Kumbh Parichalan Samiti, Pt. Premnath Shastri Sanskritik Shodh Sansthan, Shadipora Kumbh Committee and Dharm Jagran Sansthan Dharmath Trust – Bharat.
The ten-day spiritual and cultural congregation marks the revival of an ancient civilizational and spiritual tradition of Jammu Kashmir and is expected to attract a significant gathering of devotees, saints, scholars, spiritual leaders, and participants from across India and abroad.
Members of organising committees were also present during the interaction.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GoC), Chinar Corps.
Rationalise health staff for rural areas: Sakeena Itoo
Reviews Education, Health sector scenario in Budgam AC
SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo held an extensive review of the education and health sector scenario in Budgam constituency in a meeting at Civil Secretariat here Friday.
The meeting was attended by MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi; Special Secretaries of School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare departments, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Colleges, Director Planning/Director Finance of School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare departments, Additional Secretaries of all concerned departments, CMO Srinagar, CMO Budgam, CEO Budgam and other concerned officers.
During the review meeting, the Minister took stock of the progress achieved under various schemes and assessed the status of infrastructure development works being executed across the constituency. She directed the officials to maintain close coordination and ensure that projects are completed within stipulated timelines without compromising quality standards.
Regarding Government Degree College, Soibugh, the Minister called for expediting the ongoing works so that the project is completed timely and dedicated for public use on all ongoing developmental projects to ensure timely public benefit.
While reviewing other developmental aspects of the Budgam constituency, the Minister directed the concerned officers to prioritise all the issues raised by concerned public representative and take immediate steps for their timely redressal. She also stressed on resolving all the bottlenecks to make the satellite campus of Maulana Azad National Urdu University functional as a permanent campus.
While reviewing the healthcare sector, the Minister sought detailed updates regarding functioning of health institutions, availability of medical staff, medicines, diagnostic facilities and patient care services in the constituency. She instructed the concerned authorities to address gaps in priority and ensure that healthcare institutions remain fully equipped to cater to the needs of the public.
She directed the health department for rationalisation of staff in health institutions of cities and towns to fill gaps in rural and peripheral areas.
While reviewing other aspects related to the health sector, the Minister directed the officers of the health department that diagnostic facilities like MRI, CT Scan, USG should be made functional 24×7 in hospitals and GMCs wherever these are available. She also directed the health department to submit a report regarding these facilities availed by patients beyond routine working hours in the last one month.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment towards strengthening public service delivery, the Minister said that education and healthcare remain priority sectors of the present administration and sustained efforts are being made to improve facilities at the grassroots level. She reiterated that people in both urban and rural areas must receive better educational opportunities and accessible healthcare services.
The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare facilities and directed officials to ensure smooth functioning of hospitals and health centres, particularly in remote and underserved areas. She emphasized that patient welfare and quality healthcare services should remain the foremost priority of the department.
Reviewing the education sector scenario, Sakeena Itoo assessed the progress on school infrastructure projects, availability of teaching staff, classroom facilities and implementation of various educational initiatives. She directed the officers to focus on improving academic standards and ensuring better learning environments for students.
She further called for speedy completion of ongoing school building projects and upgradation works so that students do not face inconvenience. The Minister maintained that modern educational infrastructure is essential for enhancing the quality of education and ensuring equitable opportunities for students across the constituency.
During the meeting, the Minister also highlighted the importance of regular monitoring of developmental works and asked officers to ensure transparency and accountability in execution of projects. She said that timely completion of public welfare initiatives is necessary to meet people’s expectations and accelerate overall development in the region.
RAABITA: CM’s Advisor pushes timely redress of public issues
JAMMU, MAY 22: Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani Friday conducted an extensive public outreach programme at the RAABITA office, Canal Road, Jammu, under the RAABITA initiative.
A large number of public delegations and individuals from across the Jammu division met the Advisor and highlighted various issues, seeking speedy redress.
Interacting with the deputations, the Advisor issued on-spot directions to the concerned officers for priority resolution of public grievances raised during the programme. He also asked the heads of delegations to pursue their issues with the respective departments to ensure timely disposal.
The delegations which met the Advisor including a delegation from GCC Gurha Slathia (NGO) highlighted important issues before him which were related to area development and social welfare measures.
A deputation from the citizen forum of Bathindi Welfare Board sought resolution of general developmental issues of the Bathindi area. A deputation led by Chairman Citizens Cooperative Bank Limited, Jammu, highlighted urgent matters pertaining to the bank and sought intervention for redress.
A deputation from retired Migrant Employees of Revenue Department, sought urgent intervention for treating their service period as on-duty and early approval of pending leave encashment benefits.
A delegation from the Panthal area raised the issue of Kendriya Vidyalaya land at Panthal and discussed developmental requirements of the institution for the benefit of the local community.
A deputation from JKPSC/JKSSB aspirants presented grievances related to recruitment and examinations, including delays and uncertainty in the recruitment process affecting the candidates across J&K. Besides, some individuals from Kathua also met with the Advisor.
Nasir Aslam said RAABITA has been launched to strengthen the direct interface between the government and the citizens for prompt redress of public grievances. He took stock of the issues highlighted and directed all the concerned officers to follow up on the directions issued during the outreach programme for time-bound disposal.
Special Secretary, RAABITA, Sohail Noor Shah; Additional Secretary, RAABITA, Aziz Ahmad; Under Secretary, RAABITA, Anu Sharma and other concerned officers were present during the outreach programme.
SANJY-2026: DC Sgr, SMC Commissioner emphasize pilgrim comfort, convenience
Visit Yatra Transit Camp Pantha Chowk, review preparedness
SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo and Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb Friday visited Yatra Transit Camp at Pantha Chowk to review the onsite arrangements being put in place for the smooth and seamless conduct of the upcoming Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.
The visit was aimed to ensure seamless arrangements and better facilities for devotees traveling to the Shri Amarnathji cave during the annual pilgrimage, halting at the Transit camp, Panthachowk.
During the visit the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by SSP Security, Kashmir, Sajad Khaliq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas, SP Headquarter, Umar Shah, Deputy Commandant (IR), K.Sahu, Joint Commissioner SMC, Syed Abu Qasim, SDPO Panthachowk Zohaib Ahmad, Superintending Engineer Hydraulic, Er. Anbreen Anjum, Superintending Engineer KPDCL, Syed Ahmad Wani, SDM East, Zuber Ahmad, DySP Traffic Suhail Ahmad, Tehsildar Pantha Chowk, Muzamil Zamaan and senior Officers of District Administration, Police, SMC, Information, Fire & Emergency, Health, RTO, Traffic and other line Departments accompanied the.
During the visit, the DC and SMC Commissioner carried out an inspection of the Yatri Facilitation Centre and took stock of its readiness to manage and facilitate pilgrim-related services. They reviewed the facilities and infrastructure being established at the Transit Camp regarding KYC/RFID registration, accommodation, sanitation, drinking water supply, power availability, healthcare facilities, security, traffic management and other essential services.
On the occasion, the duo also inspected the readiness of Yatri Facilitation Center, which will handle critical services such as e-KYC verification, RFID card distribution and registration process to streamline the pilgrimage process, thereby ensuring streamlined movement, better crowd management and an efficient pilgrimage experience for the Yatris.
They also held detailed interactions with Officers from various line Departments and comprehensively reviewed the preparedness measures undertaken to ensure a smooth, efficient and hassle-free experience for the pilgrims. They assessed the overall coordination mechanism, operational readiness and service delivery framework being put in place for the upcoming Yatra.
Emphasizing pilgrim comfort and convenience, the officers stressed the need for close coordination among all Departments to ensure timely completion of works and augmentation of essential services at the Transit Camp. They laid special focus on maintaining sanitation standards, ensuring availability of clean drinking water, uninterrupted power supply and other civic amenities, besides strengthening facilities at Langars (community kitchens) to provide wholesome meals to the pilgrims.
During the visit, the DC was informed that a sufficient number of bathrooms, urinals and mobile toilets have been established at the Transit Camp for the convenience of the Yatris. He was also apprised that, besides a dedicated water supply to the camp, standby water storage tanks with a cumulative capacity of 80,000 litres have been installed to cater to the needs of the visiting pilgrims at the halt camp.
On the occasion, the DC directed all line Departments to ensure that all arrangements and facilities are completed in a time bound manner to facilitate the smooth conduct of this year’s Annual Yatra.
PM Surya Ghar: Solarisation drive transforms power sector in Anantnag
Govt offices, Private consumers receive “zero electricity bills”
ANANTNAG, MAY 22: The flagship rooftop solar initiative, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli (PMSGMB) Yojana and Solarization Scheme for Government Buildings, aimed to reduce electricity bills of households and public offices, are revolutionizing power sector and making appreciable progress in district Anantnag.
The schemes are successfully transforming the energy landscape in both domestic and public sectors, leading the way toward self-reliance in the district.
According to the concerned officials, 2398 SRTs have been installed with a capacity of 8.65 MW and subsidy amounting to Rs 17.67 crore has been disbursed among 2394 beneficiaries under PMSGMB Yojana so far. Under the Solarization Scheme of Govt Buildings, rooftop solar installation has been completed in 242 buildings with a capacity of 3532 kW.
As per the latest data released by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Anantnag, a growing number of domestic households and government buildings including Staff Quarter, Tourist Office Achabal, Manager Cum Chemist, Horticulture Office Achabal, GHSs, Buchoo, Khrity and Dessu have achieved a historic financial breakthrough, recording “Zero Electricity Bills” since installation.
This achievement is driven by grid-connected rooftop solar installations, allowing beneficiaries and offices to generate electricity and feed surplus power back into the grid ensuring a 100% savings for their daily power needs.
Senior officials from district administration and KPDCL noted that the data indicates that the schemes have huge potential to remarkably reduce bills and ease the load on the traditional power grid. The authorities have urged the household consumers to register for the PMSGMB Yojana via the designated national portal- consumer.pmsuryaghar.gov.in to secure a future of clean, free and sustainable power.
Youth living expression of nation’s aspirations: LG Sinha
‘Ensure nutritious meals for schoolchildren’
JAMMU: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Thursday laid the foundation stone of Akshaya Patra’s centralized kitchen facility in Katra. Once operational, this facility will provide 5000 nutritious meals to school children every day. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also spoke about Akshaya Patra’s future projects in Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir including upcoming kitchen facility in Jammu.
“I urged stronger collaboration between Government and Social Organisations to empower younger generation. We must ensure that school children receive balanced, nourishing meals. Every child deserves access to healthy food and we need to make sure no child is left behind,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor spoke on legacy in ordinary life emphasising that it rests on 3 questions – what are we creating, what are we preserving, and what will we hand over to future generations? He said we must add another question to that list: what are we feeding our children? He further observed that nutrition of our young generation will shape our future.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that a hungry child cannot learn, and a school that cannot feed its children cannot honestly create equal opportunities for progress. He said that decades of global research and their outcomes have shown that nutrition and education are not separate things; education rests on the foundation of good nutrition.
“Children who eat balanced, nutritious meals concentrate better, retain information more effectively, and participate more actively in class. Protein, vitamins, and a balanced diet supply the basic energy for thinking and understanding of a child. I want every school in Jammu Kashmir to remember, when we provide nutritious meals in schools, we are not merely filling stomachs but we are shaping future thinking.
The next generation is not just our future but they are the living expression of the dream and aspiration we wish to build as a nation. Their education, health, and confidence are a shared pledge and a collective responsibility of society. The values, knowledge, and faith we instill in children today will shape Jammu Kashmir’s and India’s decades to come,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor applauded self-less service of Akshay Patra, which is among the world’s largest NGOs in the school meal sector, currently serving over 20 lakh children across 16 states and 3 UTs.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also served the meal to the school students.
Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President & Trustee, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Baldev Raj Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mata Vaishno Devi; Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Member of Legislative Assembly from Reasi; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary School Education Department; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Uday C. Rege from Savita Oil Technologies; senior officials, members of Akshaya Patra Foundation and students in large number attended the ceremony.
