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US renews sanctions waiver for purchase of Russian oil

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US renews sanctions waiver for purchase of Russian oil

Washington, Apr 18: The United States has extended by a month a waiver from sanctions to allow countries to buy petroleum products from Russia, days after it ruled out renewal of the special measure.

The US Department of Treasury issued an order late Friday extending the waiver from sanctions on Russian oil that is already at sea on or before April 17 through May 16.

Earlier, the US had granted an exemption from sanctions to India for buying Russian oil for a month beginning March 5. A few days later, a similar waiver was extended to several other countries, which ended on April 11.

The general licence issued by the US on Friday does not authorise any transaction involving a person, entity or joint venture located in Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or parts of Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not be renewing the waiver for Russian oil and another for Iranian oil.

The previous waiver of sanctions had made available 140 million barrels of Russian oil already loaded on ships to global markets as prices soared against the backdrop of the US war with Iran.

“Effective April 17, 2026, General License No. 134A, which was dated March 19, 2026 and expired on April 11, 2026, is replaced and superseded in its entirety by this General License No. 134B,” said the order issued by the Department of Treasury.

Greater Kashmir

Sports, awareness campaigns gain momentum in Baramulla

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Sports, awareness campaigns gain momentum in Baramulla

District Youth Services and Sports Baramulla continues to energise the district with a powerful blend of sports excellence and social awareness under the ongoing Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions and the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Campaign.

In an inspiring display of commitment towards a drug-free society, as per an official statement, multiple zones across Baramulla actively participated in both sporting events and awareness initiatives, engaging hundreds of students in meaningful and transformative activities.

Zone Chandanwari successfully conducted Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions under the banner of Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, featuring Chess and Carrom for Under-14 boys, with an enthusiastic participation of 30 students, showcasing both skill and discipline.

Meanwhile, Zone Wagoora, on the 3rd day of its ongoing competitions, organized Under-14 boys events at HSS Kreeri, where 54 students participated with great zeal and competitive spirit, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports at the grassroots level.

Extending the campaign beyond playgrounds, Zone Dangiwacha organized a massive rally under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, witnessing participation from around 250 students, spreading a strong message against drug abuse across the locality.

Similarly, Zone Rohama conducted a series of impactful awareness activities including rallies, speeches, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions. Both students and teachers participated actively, reinforcing the message of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

Adding to the momentum, Zone Uri also organized a grand rally under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, where hundreds of students took part, demonstrating unity and collective resolve to eradicate drug abuse from society.

The dual initiative of promoting sports alongside spreading awareness is proving to be a powerful tool in channelizing the energy of youth towards constructive and nation-building activities.

Greater Kashmir

Two flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to operational reasons

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Two flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to operational reasons

Srinagar, Apr 18: Two flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Saturday due to operational reasons, officials said.

An airport official said that Air India flight AI 1799/1810 (Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi) and SpiceJet flight SG-161 (Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi) have been cancelled for the day.

Passengers have been advised to contact the respective airlines for rebooking, refunds, and further assistance before heading to the airport, the official added.

The inconvenience caused to flyers is regretted, the official said.(KNS)

Greater Kashmir

2023 Act comes into force yet women reservation only after delimitation

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2023 Act comes into force yet women reservation only after delimitation

As anticipated earlier, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 to implement 33 percent women reservation in legislatures in 2029 elections failed to clear two-third majority test in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

However, the Women’s Reservation Act 2023 – Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023- passed by the Parliament (in 2023) already came into force a day earlier (on April 16) through a notification of Union Law Ministry.

In case of Jammu and Kashmir and other Union Territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued similar notifications yet in their cases, the relevant Act would come into force from April 17, 2026.

Despite the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 coming into force, the reservation for women will come into effect only after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken following the conduct of the next census (2027).

After the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in voting, the government did not take up – two other related bills viz., “The Delimitation Bill, 2026” and “The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026”, which aimed at amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 to align the provisions relating to (33 percent) reservation for women with the constitutional framework under Article 334A and the delimitation law.

Dealing with the Union Territory of J&K, “The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023” (coming into force from April 17, 2026) too provided for as nearly as may be, one-third of total seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to be reserved for women.

The objective spelt out was to enable greater representation and participation of women as public representatives in law making processes of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

“As nearly as may be, one-third of the seats reserved under sub-section (7) of section 14 shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As nearly as may be, one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) shall be reserved for women in such manner as Parliament may by law determine,” the 2023 Act provided.

As per the 2023 Act, the provisions relating to reservation of seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first census taken after the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 have been published and will cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of fifteen years from such commencement.

“Subject to the provisions of section 14A, seats reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall continue till such date as Parliament may by law determine,” it added. It specified that rotation of seats reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will take effect “after such subsequent exercise of delimitation as Parliament may by law determine.”

Greater Kashmir

India joins Global Leaders’ Paris meet on Hormuz

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India joins Global Leaders’ Paris meet on Hormuz

India participated in a high-level international meeting in Paris on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as the United States remained absent from the summit, highlighting parallel diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region.

Confirming India’s participation, Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing that New Delhi had been invited to the meeting, which brought together around 40 countries to address maritime security and energy disruptions.

The conference, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was underway when Iran announced that the key shipping route would be reopened during the ongoing ceasefire.

According to BBC, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait had been “declared completely open” for commercial vessels for the remainder of the truce. Despite being central to the conflict, the US was not part of the Paris discussions or the proposed maritime initiative.

Opening the summit, Macron warned of the “very severe consequences” the closure of the strait had for “the whole of the planet and the global economy,” while welcoming recent developments and calling for the “full immediate and unconditional reopening” of the waterway.

Starmer said leaders welcomed Iran’s move but stressed durability, stating the reopening must be “a long lasting and workable solution.” He added that France and the UK would lead a “strictly peaceful and defensive” international mission to safeguard navigation, with a planning conference scheduled in London next week.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was in the “immediate interests” of all parties to push for peace and backed a “quick diplomatic agreement” between the US and Iran. While welcoming the “good news” on Hormuz, he stressed the need for a “lasting, secure and toll free” arrangement.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the reopening as a “fundamental principle of international law,” adding that ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon must be integrated into broader negotiations. She termed the proposed mission “purely defensive,” focused on ensuring safe passage and maritime security.

The Paris meeting reflects efforts by non-belligerent countries, including India, to mitigate the global economic fallout of the crisis and restore stability to a route that carries nearly a fifth of the world’s energy supplies. While Iran’s announcement and Trump’s reaction injected momentum, leaders emphasised that a sustained, unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. free of restrictions, remains essential for global economic stability and regional peace.

Greater Kashmir

Amid faith, tears and hope Kashmir’s first batch of pilgrims leaves for holy sojourn

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Amid faith, tears and hope Kashmir’s first batch of pilgrims leaves for holy sojourn

Srinagar, Apr 18: Tears, prayers, and heartfelt hopes filled the air at Hajj House Bemina here on Saturday morning as Kashmir’s first batch of pilgrims prepared to depart for Saudi Arabia.

The departure marked the beginning of the Valley’s annual spiritual journey to Islam’s holiest sites, with families bidding an emotional farewell to their loved ones embarking on the sacred pilgrimage.

According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), from the early hours, hundreds of family members gathered at the busiest Haj House premises in Srinagar to bid farewell to their kith and kin and friends chosen this year for the pilgrimage. 

Some embraced in silence, others raised their hands in prayer, while many struggled to contain emotion as departure time drew near.

The atmosphere was charged with devotion and longing, with children waved at departing elders, women wiped tears from their eyes and elderly pilgrims quietly recited verses while clutching prayer beads and travel documents.

“It feels like Allah has invited us to His house. We waited many years for this moment,” said Ali Mohammad Mir, an elderly pilgrim from Srinagar with moments before entering the Haj house gate.

A woman who had come to see off her parents said, “There are tears because they are leaving us behind, but there is happiness because they are going for Hajj. This is a blessing for our whole family.”

Another relative, Sameer said, “Every family here carries emotion today. We only pray that all pilgrims complete Hajj in good health and return safely.”

Executive Officer of the Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi told KNO, three flights carrying a total of 431 pilgrims are scheduled to leave from Srinagar on the first day of departures. The batch includes 230 men and 201 women. “The first flight carries 79 men and 66 women, the second 78 men and 65 women, while the third has 73 men and 70 women, taking the total to 431 pilgrims, including 230 men and 201 women,” he said.

He added, arrangements for transportation, baggage handling, medical screening and documentation were already put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly departure process.

“We have made all necessary arrangements for the comfort and convenience of pilgrims. The process has remained smooth since morning,” he said.

For today’s first flight schedule, pilgrims have been asked to report at Haj House, Bemina, Srinagar as per their allotted timings. QP-7521 (first flight) passengers should report between 06:00–06:30 AM, QP-7520 (second flight) between 08:15–08:45 AM, and QP-7519 (third flight) between 09:00–09:30 AM. Pilgrims have been advised to strictly follow the schedule and carry their passport, visa copy, vaccination card and standard baggage only, while avoiding any banned items—(KNO)

Greater Kashmir

Amit Shah tears into Congress, its allies over Constitution Amendment Bill

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Amit Shah tears into Congress, its allies over Constitution Amendment Bill

Slamming the Congress and its allies for the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill to implement 33 percent women’s quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country.

The Congress and its allies did not allow the passage of the essential bill, which would have given 33 percent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state/UT assemblies, he said.

“Rejecting the bill that would grant 33 percent reservation to women, celebrating it, and raising victory cries over it was truly reprehensible and beyond imagination,” Shah said in a message on X after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure two-third majority during voting in the Lok Sabha on Friday night.

“Today, a very strange scene unfolded in the Lok Sabha as the Congress, TMC, DMK, and the Samajwadi Party did not allow the passage of the essential Constitution amendment bill, the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’.

“Now, the women of the country will not get 33 percent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this, not for the first time but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country,” Shah said in the message in Hindi.

The home minister also warned the Congress and other parties which opposed the bill that this insult to “Nari Shakti” will travel far and wide.

“The opposition will have to face the wrath of women, not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections but at every level, in every election, and at every place,” Shah said.

When put to vote in the Lower House, 298 members voted in support of the bill, while 230 voted against it.

Out of the 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes to secure a two-third majority required for the passage of a Constitution amendment bill in the Lok Sabha.

According to the bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to “operationalise” the women’s reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.

Seats were also to be increased in states and UT assemblies to accommodate 33 percent reservation for women.

Greater Kashmir

LG Manoj Sinha flags off Shobha Yatra in Jammu

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LG Manoj Sinha flags off Shobha Yatra in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off a grand Shobha Yatra from Chanakya Chowk Parade, Jammu, to commemorate Bhagwan Parshuram Ji Jayanti.

The procession, as per an official statement, was organised by the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, celebrating the life and teachings of Bhagwan Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance to Bhagwan Parshuram and prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity for one and all.

Ved Prakash Sharma, President Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha,and members of organising committee including Parshotam Chander Sharma, Chander Mohan Sharma, Soujanya Sharma, Surinder Sharma, B D Sharma, Er Rajesh and Raman Sharma; heads of religious organisations, prominent citizens and people from different walks of life attended the flag off ceremony.

Yudhvir Sethi and Devyani Rana, Members of Legislative Assembly; senior officials and prominent citizens were also present.

Greater Kashmir

JKCA announces packed April–June schedule

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JKCA announces packed April–June schedule

Srinagar, Apr 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has released a comprehensive schedule of camps, trials and selection matches across age groups for the April–June period, with activities split between Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

According to the schedule issued by JKCA, the season will begin with the U-19 women’s physical fitness and fielding camp from April 20 to 26 at Hostel Ground, Jammu. This will be followed by U-23 men’s deep selection matches from April 27 to May 3 in Jammu, with the second phase scheduled from May 12 to 14 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar.

The association has lined up multiple camps for women cricketers as well, including a fitness and fielding camp for U-23 and senior women (Kashmir) from April 30 to May 6 in Srinagar, and a similar camp for Jammu-based players from May 25 to 31.

In the junior categories, deep selection matches for U-15 girls will be held from April 28 to May 4 at Vijaypur, while U-19 women’s matches are scheduled from May 6 to 12 at Barotia Cricket Ground. Talent hunt and selection matches for U-16 boys and U-19 men will take place from May 9 to 17 and May 16 to 25 respectively at SK Stadium.

The association has also announced T20 trials for senior men in Jammu from May 5 to 7, followed by Srinagar trials from May 9 to 11. These will be followed by senior men’s T20 trial matches from May 15 to 20 in Jammu.

For younger age groups, U-14 boys’ talent hunt trials and matches (Kashmir) are slated from May 19 to 24 in Srinagar, while the Jammu leg will be conducted either from May 27 to June 2 or in two phases from June 14 to 24.

In June, the focus will shift to advanced camps and final selection processes. Deep selection matches for U-23 and senior women are scheduled from June 3 to 8 in Jammu, followed by physical fitness and fielding camps for U-23 men and senior men from June 9 to 15 in Jammu and Srinagar respectively.

The U-19 boys’ fitness and fielding camp will conclude the schedule from June 20 to 26 at MA Stadium, Jammu.

Meanwhile, JKCA has also clarified that trial matches for U-19 and U-16 boys have been rescheduled. While trials will be conducted as per the original plan, the trial matches will now be held on revised dates.

Greater Kashmir

Awareness drives held across Kupwara to create anti-drug awareness

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Awareness drives held across Kupwara to create anti-drug awareness

Srinagar, Apr 17: In a significant step towards strengthening the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, the District Administration Kupwara organized mega Pad Yatras across the district to create mass awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free society.

A Mega Pad Yatra was held in Kupwara which was attended by MLA Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, SSP Kupwara, Syed Al Tahir Gilani and witnessed overwhelming participation from officers, government employees, members of civil society, youth, and a large number of students. Demonstrating strong public support, the rally drew an estimated participation of around 10,000 participants.

The Yatra commenced from Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Kupwara and passed through key streets and markets of Kupwara town, drawing attention from the general public and spreading the message of drug de-addiction. On the occasion, Nasha Mukt pledge was also taken by the participants for fighting against the drug menace. The rally culminated at Regipora Sumo Stand, where participants reiterated their commitment to combating the menace of drug abuse.

Participants carried placards and raised slogans highlighting the harmful effects of drug addiction and the importance of collective action to eliminate the threat from society. The initiative aimed not only to sensitize the public, particularly the youth, but also to encourage community involvement in prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Similar Pad Yatras were simultaneously organized across all tehsils and blocks of the district including border areas of Karnah, Machill and Keran under the Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan. These events saw active participation from local administrations, educational institutions, and community groups, further amplifying the message at the grassroots level. The District Administration reiterated its commitment to continue such awareness drives and appealed to all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community leaders, to play an active role in safeguarding society from the dangers of drug abuse.

Greater Kashmir

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