Srinagar, Aug 29: Prominent political analyst from Kashmir valley Javed Iqbal Shah on Friday was honoured in New Delhi for his multifaceted advocacy and strengthening nationalist cause in Kashmir.

The ceremony was held at New Delhi’s Constitution Club of India, which was presided over by Sunil Deodhar, a senior BJP leader. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan was chief guest on the occasion.

Javed Iqbal also a public speaker, blogger and freelance columnist was appreciated for his fearless articulation of the region’s complexities, accountable governance imperatives in the troubled UT, impactful public speaking and selfless service to voiceless animals. The ceremony celebrated his dedication to national unity and social good, marking a moment of pride for his remarkable efforts.

The function also recognized couple of other Delhi-based social workers for distinguished services in their respective fields and was also attended by eminent social and political personalities besides former IAS/IPS officers including author & mentor Avinash Dharmadhikari, IAS (Retd) former Principal Secretary to CM Maharashtra.

Pertinent to mention Sunil Deodhar, chief patron of noted social service organization My Home India, is widely credited with consolidating BJP’s reach and electoral footprint across the North East having successfully worked as BJP incharge Tripura where the party stormed to power in the last two assembly elections and is widely expected to be entrusted with a significant role in the soon-to-be-reconstituted BJP organization.

New Delhi, Aug 29: The Central government has received Rs 10,95,209 crore from April to July of the current financial year, which comprises 31.3 per cent of the corresponding budget estimates (BE) for 2025-26, according to data released by the Finance Ministry on Friday.

Of this, a sum of Rs 6,61,812 crore constitutes net tax revenue to the Centre, Rs 4,03,608 crore is non-tax revenue, and Rs 29,789 crore is part of non-debt capital receipts.

The Centre has transferred Rs 4,28,544 crore to state governments as devolution of share of taxes during this period, which is Rs 61,914 crore higher than the previous year, the Finance Ministry said.

Total Expenditure incurred by the Centre during this period is Rs 15,63,625 crore, which constitutes 30.9 per cent of the corresponding BE 2025-26. Out of this total amount, Rs 12,16,699 crore is on the revenue account and Rs 3,46,926 crore is on the capital account, which is spent on large infrastructure projects.

Interest payments make up Rs 4,46,690 crore of the total revenue expenditure, while major subsidies account for Rs 1,13,592 crore.

The government’s capital expenditure on big-ticket infrastructure projects in the highways, railways, ports and power sectors has crossed Rs 3.5 lakh crore compared to Rs 2.6 lakh crore a year ago. This augurs well for the economy as these infrastructure projects push up the growth rate and have a multiplier effect on creating more jobs and incomes.

The government’s fiscal deficit is also well under control at 29.9 per cent of the budget estimate fixed for the full fiscal year 2025-26.

A declining fiscal deficit reflects the strengthening of the fundamentals of the economy and paves the way for growth with price stability. It leads to a reduction in borrowing by the government, thus leaving more funds in the banking sector for lending to corporates and consumers, which leads to higher economic growth. A low fiscal deficit also helps to keep inflation in check.

Shillong, Aug 29: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Amar Preet Singh on Friday highlighted the need for a unified approach to counter emerging threats and challenges to maintain a high level of preparedness to respond to any situation.

While addressing the Commanders’ Conference, he also emphasised the crucial role of Eastern Air Command (EAC) in securing the country’s northern and eastern borders. Air Chief Marshal Singh attended the Commanders’ Conference held in Eastern Air Command headquarters in Shillong on Thursday and Friday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the four-day Conference is being held from August 27 to August 30.

In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) emphasised the crucial role of Eastern Air Command in securing the Country’s northern and eastern borders, the spokesman said. The conference focused on enhancing the operational capabilities and effective coordination with other services to ensure seamless operations in the region.

The CAS awarded trophies to Air Force Stations for achieving excellence in the field of operations, maintenance and administration. The students of Air Force School, Kendriya Vidyalaya and UMEED Vidya Kiran School, Upper Shillong, had an opportunity to interact with the IAF Chief on Friday. The interaction evoked immense motivation and left an indelible impression on young minds.

The CAS was earlier received by Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, EAC. The IAF chief was presented with a guard of honour on his arrival and was introduced to all Commanders and Senior Officers of EAC.

Meanwhile, Air Marshal Surat Singh visited Air Force Station Kalaikunda last week to preside over the valedictory function of the 213 pilot course. The Air Marshal awarded trophies to the pilots who excelled in various fields and congratulated them on their successful completion of training.