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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to launch PMGSY-IV Batch II tomorrow in Srinagar

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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to launch PMGSY-IV Batch II tomorrow in Srinagar

New Delhi, Apr 27: Jammu & Kashmir is set to witness a significant milestone in its development journey tomorrow, as Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will launch Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV, Batch-II at a special programme at SKICC, Srinagar. The event will also be attended by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and other senior dignitaries, making it not just an administrative occasion but a major public platform symbolizing a collective commitment to development.

Since 2000, under PMGSY, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed the construction of 3,328 roads, creating a road network of 19,851 kilometers, along with 257 bridges. Building on this progress, PMGSY-IV, Batch-II will further accelerate development with the construction of 330 new roads covering 1,600 kilometers, at a project cost of ₹3,550 crore, benefiting 363 habitations across the region. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to moving beyond announcements and delivering tangible development on the ground. He emphasized that the focus is on ensuring that roads, services and other facilities reach even the remotest villages. He also underlined that infrastructure development is being viewed as a key driver to further integrate Jammu & Kashmir into the national development mainstream.

The programme, scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM on April 28, will also see the Union Minister handing over the approval letter for PMGSY-IV, Batch-II to the Chief Minister. In addition, approvals under DAY-NRLM will be released, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in Jammu & Kashmir. The visit reflects a broader focus that goes beyond road construction, encompassing rural economic growth, women’s self-help groups, and social empowerment. Currently, nearly 96,000 Self-Help Groups, 7,500 Village Organizations, and 650 Cluster-Level Federations are actively strengthening the rural livelihoods ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. Through the efforts of thousands of Community Resource Persons, along with initiatives in skill development, entrepreneurship, and women-led leadership, a new environment of confidence and income generation is being fostered in rural communities.

From the perspective of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, farmers in Jammu & Kashmir are being supported through multiple flagship schemes, including PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Horticulture Mission, Farmer Producer Organizations, e-NAM, and micro-irrigation initiatives. In this broader context, Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit also carries a strong message of trust, participation, and results-oriented governance for farmers, horticulturists, rural families, and women’s groups.

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CM Omar as HC quashes Malik’s PSA detention

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CM Omar as HC quashes Malik’s PSA detention

Srinagar, Apr 27: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said AAP MLA Mehraj Malik should never have been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), terming the move a “gross misuse” of the law, after the High Court quashed his detention.

“He should NEVER have been detained under PSA, in fact he should never have been detained at all. His detention was a gross misuse of this law and totally unjustified,” Abdullah said, reacting to the court’s decision.

He said he hoped the authorities responsible for the detention would take note of the ruling and reflect on the use of such laws. “I hope the people responsible for this detention learn a valuable lesson from the decision of the Hon’ble High Court and reflect on the way these laws are being abused in J&K,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh quashed the detention order of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik, who had been booked under the PSA in 2025.

Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani announced in open court that the preventive detention order against Malik stands set aside, officials said.

Malik had been detained under the PSA last year. (KNS).

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Shabir Shah produced before NIA court in Jammu; remand extended by 10 days

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Shabir Shah produced before NIA court in Jammu; remand extended by 10 days

Jammu, Apr 27: A special NIA court on Monday extended the remand of separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah by 10 more days in connection with a three-decade-old terror case, officials said.

Shah was produced before the court on the expiry of his previous 10-day remand. He has moved a bail application which is likely to be taken up on the next date of hearing, they said.

During the proceedings, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought further custody of Shah for more questioning. The court, after hearing the submissions, granted the agency an additional 10 days of remand.

Shah was arrested by the Srinagar branch of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 17 in Delhi in the 1996 case involving a terrorist attack on policemen during a militant’s funeral. The Patiala House Court allowed his transit remand and subsequently he was produced before the NIA court in Jammu the next day.

The separatist leader was recently released on bail after nearly seven years of imprisonment in other cases.

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NSA Doval holds extensive talks with UAE ruler

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NSA Doval holds extensive talks with UAE ruler

New Delhi, Apr 27: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyanlast evening and discussed the current political and security situation in the region and measures to  deepen strategic partnership.This is the second high level visit of an Indian official to the Emirates in the past ten days.Earlier External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid a visit to Abu Dhabi and held talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on whole range of issues including the closure of Strait of Hormuz and the Iran conflict.

The discussion focused on recent developments in West Asia and their implications for regional and international security and stability, along with global energy security concerns.During. Mr  Doval also conveyed President Prime Minister Narendra Modi good wishes.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security.

Discussions centered on regional instability, the security of maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and enhancing intelligence sharing. The meeting also addressed developments in the Middle East and their serious implications for regional and international security and stability, as well as global energy security,said  officials of the UAE .

Earlier, Ajit Doval made a high-level visit to Saudi Arabia , meeting top officials including the Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abudul Aziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Advisor Dr Musaed Mohammed Al Aiban.

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LG Manoj Sinha joins padyatra in Udhampur, calls for united fight against drug menace

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LG Manoj Sinha joins padyatra in Udhampur, calls for united fight against drug menace

Srinagar, Apr 27: Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Monday joined a padyatra in Udhampur as part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, urging people to unite in a collective fight against drug abuse.

Addressing participants, the Lieutenant Governor described the anti-drug campaign as a “shared war against narcotics” and called upon every citizen to actively contribute towards making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.

“In the war against drugs, unity will be our shield and resolve our weapon. Let us commit to shaping a Jammu Kashmir where young people carve free destinies, families remain whole, and communities thrive,” he said.

Sinha said the region is rising with renewed determination to reject the drug menace and stressed that no authority alone can tackle the issue without public participation.

“Let every village, hamlet, and city become a fortress of resistance. Every household must stand as a vigilant bastion. I call upon each resident to enlist as a warrior in this cause,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, the Lieutenant Governor said the campaign must ignite awareness in every section of society so that April 27 is remembered as a turning point in the fight against drugs in Udhampur.

He also emphasized compassion and rehabilitation for those affected by addiction, urging society to treat them as individuals in need of support rather than stigma.

“Rehabilitation must restore dignity and reintegrate individuals into the community. Collective efforts will be key to transforming awareness into accountability,” he added.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off an anti-drug awareness bike rally, launched Mini-Olympics under the campaign, and distributed sanction letters to individuals who have recovered from substance abuse. He also felicitated winners of the Nasha Mukt Ideas Championship.

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Kashmir gets first 25,000-litre community biogas plant in Ganderbal

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Kashmir gets first 25,000-litre community biogas plant in Ganderbal

Srinagar, April 27: The Rural Development Department (RDD) Kashmir has initiated the construction of a 25,000-litre capacity community biogas plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G) in Pathribal Gund area of Ganderbal district, officials said.

The project, with an estimated cost of ₹35 lakh, is part of a Union Territory-wide initiative that envisages the installation of one such plant in each district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the plant under execution in Ganderbal is expected to be the first of its kind to become operational in the Kashmir Valley, marking a step toward decentralized renewable energy generation and structured rural waste management.

The facility will operate on anaerobic digestion, using cattle dung sourced from the local community on a rotational basis. Through microbial decomposition in an oxygen-free environment, the process will generate methane-rich biogas and organic slurry.

The biogas produced is intended to meet cooking fuel needs of around 10 households, while the slurry will be used as nutrient-rich manure for agricultural purposes.

To address climatic challenges in the region, the digester is being equipped with a thermostatic control system to maintain optimal temperatures for microbial activity. In addition, IoT-based sensors are being integrated to monitor parameters such as gas pressure, temperature, pH levels, and feedstock input in real time.

Officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the project is designed to reduce dependence on conventional fuels such as LPG and firewood, while also providing a structured mechanism for disposal of cattle waste.

The initiative is also expected to contribute to environmental goals by reducing methane emissions from unmanaged waste and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

A community participation model has been planned for the plant’s operation, with local households and dairy farmers contributing feedstock. A user-group committee will be formed to oversee operations, maintenance, and equitable distribution of biogas.

Authorities said the project will serve as a demonstration model for similar installations across the Union Territory, highlighting the feasibility of community-scale biogas systems in high-altitude regions.

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PM Modi to visit Sikkim on 27, 28 April

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PM Modi to visit Sikkim on 27, 28 April

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sikkim on 27–28 April 2026, where he is scheduled to inaugurate, launch and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore.

As per a statement, issued by the PIB, PM Modi will arrive in Gangtok on 27 April at around 3 PM. 

On 28 April, at approximately 9:30 AM, Prime Minister will visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok. To showcase the ecological and floral heritage of the state, Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park has been developed as a state-of-the-art, world-class Orchid Experience Centre.

Thereafter, at around 10 AM, Prime Minister will participate in the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th Year of Statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will inaugurate, launch and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across the State. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

These projects span a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture, and are aimed at accelerating holistic and inclusive development in Sikkim.

In the healthcare sector, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a 100-bedded Ayurveda Hospital at Yangang in Namchi district. He will also inaugurate a 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali, thereby strengthening access to traditional and integrative systems of medicine in the State.

In the education sector, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the Administrative Block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, the Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang in Gangtok district, and the Dentam Professional College at Dentam in Gyalshing district.

He will also inaugurate model residential schools at Hee Gyathang, a new Model Degree College at Mangshila in Mangan district, and a monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gumpa in Namchi district. Further, he will launch the implementation of IT-enabled educational infrastructure projects across 160 schools in Sikkim.

To improve connectivity further in Sikkim,  Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of two hinged double-lane steel arch bridges over River Teesta at Sirwani and Lower Samdong, connecting Namchi and Gangtok districts. He will also inaugurate the widening and strengthening of the road from Birdhang to Namchi via Kitchudumra, which will enhance inter-district accessibility, improve travel efficiency, and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.

In the power sector, Prime Minister will inaugurate the improvement, upgradation and revamping of the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network in Gangtok, strengthening reliable power supply in the region.

In the area of urban development and administrative infrastructure, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Jan Seva Sachivalaya (Mini Secretariat) at Lumsey and the Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok. He will also inaugurate housing initiatives including the Sikkim Urban Garib Awas Yojana at Lingding, housing for police personnel, and Grade ‘C’ quarters at SAP Pangthang. In addition, he will lay the foundation stone of Sadhbhav Mandap (Public Utility Centre)at MG Marg.

As part of environmental protection efforts, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for sewerage system rehabilitation at Singtam town under river pollution abatement initiatives. He will also inaugurate the pollution abatement scheme of River Rani Chu through Roro Chu river in Zone III, Gangtok, contributing to improved urban sanitation and sustainable ecosystems.

In the tourism and pilgrimage sector, Prime Minister will inaugurate the redevelopment of the Ridge Precinct in Gangtok, eco-tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure at Dodak in Soreng, infrastructure related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra including facilities at 18th Mile and Hangu Lake, and a Yatri Niwas at Krishna Pranami Mangaldham, Namphing. He will also lay the foundation stone for an Eco-Pilgrimage Complex at Silnon in Gyalshing district.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant, which is expected to provide a significant boost to agro-processing and strengthen farmer livelihoods and value chains in the State. Prime Minister will also inaugurate indoor cricket facilities at Mining, Rangpo in Pakyong district to promote youth engagement and sports development.

The visit of the Prime Minister marks an important milestone in the Golden Jubilee year of Sikkim’s statehood and reflects the current Government’s continued commitment to the rapid and sustainable development of the State and the Northeast region.

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Iran proposes to reopen Strait of Hormuz without nuclear agreement

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Iran proposes to reopen Strait of Hormuz without nuclear agreement

Dubai, Apr 27: Iran offers proposal to US to reopen Strait of Hormuz without nuclear agreement.

Iran is offering to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear programme, two regional officials with knowledge of the proposal said on Monday.

Iran also wants the United States to end its blockade of the country as part of its proposal, according to the two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations.

The new proposal, passed on to the US by Pakistan, is not likely to receive the backing of US President Donald Trump, who wants to end Iran’s atomic programme as part of an overall deal including the Strait of Hormuz to make the ceasefire permanent.

“We have all the cards. If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us,” Trump told Fox News Channel on Sunday.

Axios first reported Iran’s proposal.

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India-New Zealand free trade agreement: An explainer

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India-New Zealand free trade agreement: An explainer

New Delhi, Apr 27: India and New Zealand on Monday will sign a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost two-way commerce in goods and services and promote investments. The pact will come into force on actually decided date agreed by both sides.

Here are a few questions and answers to understand the main strategic gain of this deal:

FTA:

An economic arrangement between two or more countries where they agree either to end or significantly reduce customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them, besides cutting down barriers which can hinder or promote two-way commerce and investments.

INDIA-NEW ZEALAND FTA BRIEF:

Negotiations were first launched in 2010, stalled in 2015 after nine rounds, and were revived in March 2025.

March 16, 2025: Negotiations resumed afresh

December 22, 2025: Announced conclusion of talks

April 27, 2026: FTA set to be signed

The agreement covers 20 chapters, including trade in goods, rules of origin, services, customs and trade facilitation, SPS, TBT, trade remedies, dispute settlement and legal provisions.

BENEFITS FOR INDIA:

All Indian goods, including labour-intensive sectors like textiles, plastic items, leather and engineering goods, will enter at zero duty in New Zealand, whose average import tariff is just 2.3 per cent.

New Zealand has committed to invest (FDI) USD 20 billion over 15 years.

India has secured commitments across a wide range of high-value services sectors, including IT and IT-enabled services, professional services, education, financial services, tourism, construction and other business services.

The FTA Opens Skilled Employment Pathways through a new Temporary Employment Entry Visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations, with a quota of 5,000 visas at any given time and a stay of up to three years.

Duty-free wine and spirits exports from India, while wines from the Oceania country will enter the domestic market at a concessional duty, which will be reduced over a period of 10 years.

BENEFITS FOR NEW ZEALAND:

India, following the template used in its trade agreement with Australia, has offered market access on 70 per cent of tariff lines (or product categories). The country will give duty-free access to 54.11 per cent of New Zealand exports from day one of the implementation of the free trade agreement, and these goods include sheep meat, wool, coal and several forestry and wood products, a move which is expected to make these items cheaper for Indian consumers.

Duty concessions on agricultural goods like apples, kiwifruit, manuka honey, and albumins (including milk albumin), but with quotas and minimum import prices (MIP). Duties on several seafood items, such as mussels and salmon, will be eliminated over a period of seven years.

The levy will be removed on a number of iron, steel and scrap aluminium items over a period of 10 years or less.

Sensitive farm products, including apples, kiwifruit, manuka honey, and albumins (including milk albumin), are managed through tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), supported by minimum import prices (MIPs) and safeguard measures.

Further, the import duty on avocados and persimmons by India will be eliminated in 10 years.

SENSITIVE GOODS:

To protect the interests of farmers and MSMEs, India has not extended any import duty concessions to New Zealand on several sensitive sectors, including dairy, animal products, vegetables, sugar, copper and aluminium.

Products that are kept in the exclusion list are: Dairy (milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, cheese etc.), animal products (other than sheep meat), vegetable products (onions, chana, peas, corn, almonds etc.), sugar, artificial honey, Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils.

The list also includes Arms and Ammunition, Gems and Jewellery, Copper and Articles (Cathodes, Cartridges, Rods, Bars, Coils ), Aluminium and articles thereof (Ingots, billets, wire bars).

INVESTMENTS:

New Zealand has committed to facilitating USD 20 billion in foreign direct investment into India over 15 years. At present, India has received just about USD 89 million FDI during April 2000 and December 2025.

IMPORTANCE FOR INDIA:

For India, the agreement strengthens access to a high-income, rules-based Pacific market and supports its broader Indo-Pacific economic strategy. For New Zealand, it offers more secure entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing large economies at a time of rising global trade uncertainty.

New Zealand’s Indian diaspora of over 300,000 people — ”about 5 per cent of its population — ”provides a strong bridge for trade and investment. Easier visas, faster student pathways and lower education costs could further boost services trade.

BILATERAL TRADE:

Bilateral merchandise trade stood at USD 1.3 billion (USD 711.1 million and imports 587.13 million) in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services reached about USD 2.4 billion in 2024, with services trade alone reaching USD 1.24 billion, led by travel, IT, and business services.

India exports include aviation fuel, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, petroleum products, readymade garments, and machinery; while imports include wood and wood products, iron and steel, raw wool, dairy products, scrap metals, coal and farm-linked inputs.

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Criminal killed after encounter in Jammu: Police

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Criminal killed after encounter in Jammu: Police

Jammu, Apr 26: A 30-year-old criminal was killed after a shootout on the outskirts of Jammu late Sunday evening, a police official said.

The incident took place in Miran Sahib area when a police party laid a trap following information about possible movement of two notorious criminals wanted in over a dozen cases — ranging from attempt to murder to arms smuggling, the official said.

When challenged, they attempted to breach the police cordon by opening fire, the official said, adding that the police team retaliated in a calibrated response in self-defence and to prevent harm to the public.

He said both the accused left the motorcycle following an accident and tried to escape taking the advantage of darkness.

However, they were chased by the police party and one of the accused was later found in an injured condition in a canal, the official said.

The injured accused was rushed to hospital where he was declared brought dead, police said, adding his identity is awaited.

The official said the search for the other criminal was continuing when the last reports were received.

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