A minor boy drowned in a pond near Devi Sthan in the Sultanpur of Bishnah area in the Jammu district on Sunday.
The locals tried to rescue him and fished him out of the water. They rushed him to Bishnah sub-district hospital, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police identified the deceased as Sushant Kumar, 11, son of Sandeep Kumar, resident of Chak Avtar.
New Delhi, Jun 7: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday said that Indian households continue to enjoy some of the lowest cooking gas prices in the world despite a sharp rise in international LPG prices following disruptions in West Asia.
According to the ministry, a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) currently pays an effective Rs 642 for a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder after subsidy, while the general consumer in Delhi pays Rs 942. The ministry noted that the actual cost of supplying a cylinder has risen to more thanRs 1,600 due to higher global prices.
The ministry said Indian LPG consumers pay significantly less than consumers in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as developed economies including the United States, Australia and Canada.
It attributed the rise in LPG costs to the increase in the Saudi Contract Price (CP), the international benchmark for LPG. The benchmark has risen by about 46 per cent since February 2026 following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
Despite the surge in international prices, the government has continued to shield domestic consumers from the full impact. The ministry said the under-recovery on each domestic LPG cylinder is currently around Rs 700, with public sector oil marketing companies and the government absorbing much of the burden.
The ministry highlighted that PMUY beneficiaries continue to receive a direct benefit transfer of Rs 300 per cylinder on the first four refills each year, amounting to Rs 1,200 annually per household. More than 10.58 crore PMUY connections are currently covered under the scheme.
The ministry also stated that India successfully maintained the flow of energy imports during the Strait of Hormuz disruption. It said Indian-flagged vessels continued transporting crude oil and LPG cargoes, ensuring uninterrupted supply across the country. As a result, there has been no shortage of petroleum products, and LPG bottling and distribution operations have continued normally.
To strengthen supply security, domestic LPG production was increased by over 60 per cent, while imports were diversified to countries such as the United States, Canada and Algeria. The government also intensified measures to prevent diversion of subsidised LPG for commercial use.
The ministry said cumulative under-recoveries on domestic LPG reached Rs 60,000 crore by the end of the last financial year, compared with Rs 41,338 crore a year earlier. To help offset these losses, the Union Cabinet has approved compensation of Rs 30,000 crore for oil marketing companies.
Emphasising the need for responsible consumption, the ministry urged consumers to use LPG judiciously and adopt energy-efficient cooking practices. It said that while the government has ensured affordable cooking gas despite extreme volatility in global markets, consumers should take utmost care in using this valuable resource and avoid wastage.
The ministry maintained that the government’s interventions have enabled Indian households to continue receiving cooking gas at prices well below international market levels, even during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs.
Sopore, Jun 7: Residents of Sangrampora area of Sopore town have voiced strong concern over an acute drinking water crisis that has persisted for nearly a month, causing immense hardship to hundreds of households and forcing people to rely on unsafe water sources for their daily needs.
According to local residents, the area has been facing a severe shortage of potable water due to the disruption of regular water supply. Despite repeated appeals to the concerned authorities, the problem remains unresolved, leaving residents frustrated and worried about the health and well-being of their families. Locals said that in the absence of a proper supply of clean drinking water, many families have no option but to consume contaminated and unhygienic water from alternative sources.
They warned that the situation poses serious health risks, particularly for children, elderly persons, and those suffering from various ailments. Residents stated that the ongoing crisis has affected their daily lives, making it difficult to meet basic household requirements. Women, children, and elderly members of families are reportedly bearing the brunt of the situation, often travelling long distances in search of water. “We have been suffering for the last one month without a reliable drinking water supply. People are forced to use dirty water, which can lead to serious diseases.
Clean drinking water is a basic necessity, and our repeated pleas have not yielded any result,” said Fatima Begum, one of the residents , while expressing anguish. The residents urged the Concerned Jal Shakti Department and district administration to immediately look into the matter and take urgent measures to restore the water supply. They demanded that officials visit the area, assess the ground situation, and ensure a sustainable solution to the crisis. The local residents hope that the concerned departments will act swiftly to restore access to safe and clean drinking water, which they say is a fundamental right and an essential requirement for a healthy life.
New Delhi, Jun 7: Domestic cooking gas LPG price has been raised by Rs 29 per cylinder, marking the second increase in three months as state-owned fuel retailers continue to grapple with elevated global energy costs.
The price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder in Delhi will rise to Rs 942 from Rs 913 with effect from June 7, according to industry sources.
The increase follows aRs 60-per-cylinder hike on March 7 after the conflict in West Asia disrupted global energy supplies and drove up international fuel prices. Industry sources said that the increase had only partly offset losses incurred on domestic LPG sales.
State-run oil marketing companies were estimated to be losing about Rs 703 on every LPG cylinder sold before the latest revision, the sources said.
The LPG price hike comes amid a broader round of fuel price increases.
Petrol and diesel prices have been raised by a cumulative Rs 7.50 per litre since mid-May, while compressed natural gas (CNG) rates have increased by about Rs 6 per kg.
Despite the recent increases, oil companies continue to sell petrol and diesel below cost, incurring losses of around Rs 11 per litre on petrol and Rs 33.6 per litre on diesel, according to industry sources.
The government has so far avoided a full pass-through of higher international energy prices to consumers, absorbing part of the increase through state-owned fuel retailers as global crude oil and fuel markets remain volatile.
Anantnag, Jun 7: An auto-rickshaw driver from Khanabal in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district returned a bag containing gold ornaments worth nearly Rs 10 lakh and clothes to its owner ending a family’s anxious search for the missing valuables.
Waheed Nanda, 34, son of Manzoor Ahmad Nanda, found the bag lying near the Harnag flyover at around 9:15 pm on Friday while returning after dropping a passenger in Wanpoh.
“It was lying on the roadside,” Waheed said. “When I checked it, I found gold ornaments and clothes inside. I thought the owner must be searching for it.”
He then contacted administrators of several social media pages and shared details of the recovered bag along with his contact information.
The posts quickly circulated online.
By Saturday afternoon, Waheed received a call from a man claiming ownership of the bag.
“He came to my house with his brother,” Waheed said. “I asked him to identify the bag and describe what was inside. He correctly mentioned the colour of the bag, the ornaments, and the clothes. After that, I handed it over.”
The owner, Mansoor Ahmad of Batengoo, Anantnag, said the bag had fallen from his motorcycle while he was travelling to his in-laws’ home in Dadipora-Kanipora area of Kulgam.
“The ornaments and clothes belonged to my wife,” Mansoor said. “She was staying at her parents’ home for the past few days and needed it there.”
He said he realised the bag was missing only when he was nearing Kulgam.
“I immediately went back to search for it. I retraced my route several times, asked people and even checked CCTV footage, but I couldn’t find it,” he said. “My wife and I were very upset.”
The following morning, acquaintances informed him that an auto driver in Khanabal had found a bag matching the description.
“We rushed to his house,” Mansoor said. “When we found everything safe and intact, we were relieved. We had almost lost hope.”
Mansoor said Waheed’s honesty deserved recognition.
“I am highly indebted to him, such people are hard to find these days,” he said. “Waheed’s parents deserve appreciation for raising a son with such values and integrity.”
At his home in Khanabal, Waheed’s father, Manzoor Ahmad Nanda, said his son had done what was expected of him.
“I am proud of him, but he simply fulfilled his duty,” he said. “Our religion teaches us that you cannot deny someone what rightfully belongs to them.”
His mother, Shameema Akhtar, said honesty had always been a guiding principle in the family.
“We may not be rich, but I have always taught my children to remain honest, whatever the circumstances,” she said. “Money earned through dishonest means does not last. What matters is self-respect and good character.”
As news of the incident spread, social media users praised Waheed’s gesture.
“Honesty and truthfulness are the biggest wealth, and Waheed has shown the way,” wrote one Facebook user.
Another commented: “In this world of materialism, people like Waheed have proved that honest people still exist.”
The Nanda family has two sons and two daughters, all married.
Another son died after an illness a few years ago.
For Mansoor Ahmad, the return of the bag brought relief after hours of uncertainty.
For Waheed Nanda, it was simply a matter of returning what belonged to someone else.
Srinagar, June 07: The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today announced power shutdown in several areas of the divsion in forthcomimng days.
In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the shutdown of 33 KV Rawalpora Airforce line will be observed due to which power supply to Peerbagh, Humhama, Sheikhpora, Friends Colony, Humhuma Heights, Hyderpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 10 June 2026.
Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV GIS Tengpora Court line will be observed due to which power supply to Moominabad, Batamaloo Ada, Lower court, Tengpora Chowk and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 21 June 2026.
Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Khanda Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Wagoora, Khanda, Sanzipora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 17 June 2026.
Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Arizal Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Arizal, Doodhpathri, Rayiyar and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 June 2026.
Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Watrewani Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Sholipora, Labertal, Perisabad, Dadina and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 18 June 2026.
Meanwhile, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the approved shutdown of 33 kV Budgam Line scheduled for 08 June 2026 has been cancelled due to operational exigencies.
Srinagar, June 07: Continuing its sustained drive against illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals, Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out significant enforcement actions in Ganderbal and Shopian districts, resulting in the seizure of 20 vehicles.
An official said that in Ganderbal, police teams during routine patrolling and checking operations intercepted and seized nine vehicles found transporting illegally extracted construction material within the jurisdiction of Police Station Ganderbal. Upon inspection, the vehicles were found carrying mining material without valid authorization, in violation of prescribed norms. The matter was subsequently referred to the concerned Geology and Mining Department, which imposed the requisite penalties under the relevant provisions of law.
Meanwhile, in Shopian, police continued their crackdown on illegal mining activities through coordinated enforcement operations across the district. A special naka established by Police Station Shopian intercepted nine tippers and dumpers traveling from Pulwama towards Shopian carrying mining material without valid royalty documents. The vehicles were seized on the spot, and FIR No. 107/2026 was registered at Police Station Shopian under relevant sections of law. Investigation has been initiated, official said.
In a separate operation, a police team from Police Post Berthipora seized two tractors involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals without the required permissions. Consequently, FIR No. 62/2026 was registered at Police Station Keller, and further investigation is underway.
Police reiterated its firm commitment to safeguarding natural resources and curbing illegal mining activities across valley. They said that strict legal action will continue against individuals involved in the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals.
Police also urged the people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting illegal mining activities; and assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
New Delhi, Jun 7: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Sunday released the exam city intimation slip for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, scheduled to be held on June 21.
Candidates can now check their allotted examination city for NEET-UG 2026. Log in with your application number and password to view and download your slip, the NTA said in a post on X.
According to a public notice issued by the agency, the re-examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.
The NTA clarified that the exam city intimation slip is not the admit card and is being issued solely to inform candidates about the city where their examination centre will be located.
“This is NOT the Admit Card. It shows only your exam city. The Admit Card will be issued later,” the agency said.
It said that all efforts are made by the NTA to give 1st choice city to all students.
The agency further urged candidates to stay updated through its official websites for the latest announcements regarding the examination and admit card release.
The NEET-UG for admissions into medical courses took place on May 3 this year but was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 amid allegations of paper leak. The CBI is currently investigating this matter, and a retest is scheduled for June 21.
Srinagar, June 07: The President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, on Sunday slammed the jailing of PDP leader Talib Chowdhary for “fighting for the rights of the poor and marginalized tribal community.”
“Treating him like a criminal simply for taking out a peaceful march against an arbitrary demolition drive in Sidhra sends a chilling negative message to Gujjar Bakerwals who have always stood by India,” Mehbooba said while terming his jailing as unfortunate.
Tagging the Jammu and Kashmir Police and J&K LG Manoj Sinha in a stement on X, Mehbooba stated that “Talib must be released.”
Unfortunate that PDP Leader & leading social activist Talib Chowdhary has been jailed for fighting for the rights of poor marginalised tribal community. Treating him like a criminal simply for taking out a peaceful march against an arbitrary demolition drive in Sidhra sends a…
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 7, 2026
Srinagar, June 07: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday paid his homage to Army Officer Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami for his supreme sacrifice while an operational duties in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.
“The nation will forever remain indebted to his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We stand firmly with the family of the martyr in this difficult hour,” LG sinha said.
In a post on X, Office of LG J&K posted, “Laid a wreath and paid homage to our Army Braveheart Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami. The nation will forever remain indebted to his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We stand firmly with the family of the martyr in this difficult hour.”
The Army officer made the supreme sacrifice while undertaking operational duties in an area marked by rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and adverse weather conditions.
Expressing profound grief on his untimely demise, WhiteKnightCorps stated, “his unwavering devotion to duty, indomitable spirit and selfless service to the Nation will remain an enduring inspiration to all ranks. White Knight Corps stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and prays for eternal peace to the departed soul.”
“White Knight Corps stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and prays for eternal peace to the departed soul.” it added
