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Mohsin Naqvi invited to attend ICC meeting and IPL final in India: Report

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Mohsin Naqvi invited to attend ICC meeting and IPL final in India: Report

New Delhi, May 16: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has received an invitation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to attend its Board meeting and the Indian Premier League (IPL) final scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad later this month, Geo TV reported.

According to the report, Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed receiving the invitation to attend the ICC Board meeting and the IPL final in India.

Jay Shah is currently serving as Chairman of the ICC after officially taking over the post on December 1, 2024, following his unopposed election.

The ICC’s upcoming quarterly meetings are being held in Ahmedabad, though it has not yet been confirmed whether Mohsin Naqvi will travel to India to attend them.

The ICC is scheduled to hold a virtual Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting on May 21, followed by in-person Board meetings on May 30 and 31 during the IPL 2026 final weekend in Ahmedabad. The meetings were originally planned for Doha, Qatar, but were shifted to India due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

According to the report, a final decision regarding Naqvi’s participation will be taken by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Greater Kashmir

Anantnag Police launch first-ever action against nambardars, chowkidars over failure to report poppy cultivation

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Anantnag Police launch first-ever action against nambardars, chowkidars over failure to report poppy cultivation

Anantnag, May 16: In a first-of-its-kind move to tighten accountability in the fight against narcotics, Anantnag Police has initiated action against several Nambardars and Chowkidars for allegedly failing to report illegal poppy cultivation in their respective areas, officials said on Friday.

According to police, the action follows a review of recently registered cases under the NDPS Act at Police Station Srigufwara related to unlawful poppy cultivation. During scrutiny of the cases, it was found that no prior information regarding the illegal cultivation had been shared with police by the concerned village-level officials despite their legal obligation under Section 47 of the NDPS Act.

Police said Section 47 of the NDPS Act makes it mandatory for every Nambardar and Chowkidar to immediately inform the Officer-in-Charge of the concerned police station about any cultivation of poppy or other narcotic plants in their jurisdiction.

Taking serious note of the lapse, Anantnag Police has initiated a preliminary enquiry to verify facts and determine responsibility of the concerned officials. Authorities said further legal action under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act will be taken on the basis of the enquiry findings.

Officials stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening grassroots vigilance and ensuring that all stakeholders entrusted with maintaining law and order discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Anantnag Police reiterated its commitment to dismantling the narcotics network at every level and urged the public to actively support efforts aimed at making society drug-free. (KNC)

Greater Kashmir

UAE to build new oil pipeline bypassing Strait of Hormuz

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UAE to build new oil pipeline bypassing Strait of Hormuz

Abu Dhabi, May 16: The United Arab Emirates has decided to construct a new west-east oil pipeline through Fujairah aimed at bypassing the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s export security and oil transport capacity.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the new pipeline is expected to be completed by 2027 and will help the UAE double its oil export capacity.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and attended by senior officials, including the chairman and board members of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince directed ADNOC to fast-track the implementation of the pipeline project amid growing regional energy security concerns.

The proposed pipeline will run overland for around 420 kilometres from the Habshan oil fields in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Port on the Gulf of Oman, allowing exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz entirely.

The UAE already operates the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), also known as the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, which can transport up to 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day and has become increasingly important for direct exports from the Gulf of Oman coast.

Currently, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the only Gulf oil producers with pipeline infrastructure capable of exporting crude oil outside the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman benefits from a long coastline along the Gulf of Oman.

The move comes amid continuing tensions in the Gulf region after Iran effectively restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the recent US-Israeli military campaign that began on February 28, disrupting nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies flowing to Asia and other regions.

Other Gulf nations including Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Bahrain remain heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for crude oil exports.

Greater Kashmir

Hindustan Copper PBT jumps 95 percent to record Rs 1,233 crore in FY26

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Hindustan Copper PBT jumps 95 percent to record Rs 1,233 crore in FY26

New Delhi, May 16: Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), the only Copper Miner to the Nation, has reported  historical results for the financial year 2025–26, setting multiple financial records marked by significant operational achievements.

The Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has surged by 95 % to Rs 1232.73 crore in FY 2025-26 from Rs 633.51 crore in FY 2024-25, the highest ever in the history of the company.

According to the audited financial results approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting held in Kolkata today, HCL has recorded its highest ever ‘Revenue from Operations’ of Rs 3077.92 crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting a robust year-on-year (YoY) increase by 49 % percent from Rs 2070.96 crore in FY 2024-25. The Company has also clocked an increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) by  97% to Rs ­­­­­920.67 crore in FY 2025-26 from Rs 468.53 crore in FY 2024-25.

The EBITDA margin achieved has been a healthy 48.7 % in FY 2025-26 as compared to 37.97 % in the previous year, showing an increase of 10.73%. The meeting also recommended a final dividend for the year subject to shareholder approval. This is in addition to Interim dividend already paid in March 2026.

During FY 2025-26 Hindustan Copper Ltd has achieved ore production of 3.67 million tonne in FY 2025-26 which is 6% higher than last year . Similarly, MIC (Metal in concentrate) production of 27,421 tonne has been achieved in FY 2025-26, which is 9% higher than FY 2024-25. The Sale quantity achieved  of 27,369 tonnes of Copper MIC during FY 2025-26 has been higher by 12 % over last year.

In addition to financial results, the Board of Directors deliberated on significant expansion plans as per Corporate Plan 2030 of the company, including its funding strategies.

Greater Kashmir

Three medical shops sealed for violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act: Srinagar Police

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Three medical shops sealed for violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act: Srinagar Police

Srinagar, May 16: Tightening the noose on illegal drug trafficking under the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’, Srinagar Police, in collaboration with the Drugs and Food Control Organisation, sealed three medical shops in the district for violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, police officials said on Saturday.

“Under the aegis of the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and the 100 Days Campaign’ launched by the Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, a joint inspection drive of medical shops was conducted today in the Noorbagh area of Srinagar by Police Post Noorbagh (Sub Division Maharaj Gunj) in collaboration with the Drugs & Food Control Organisation,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.

During the inspection, the spokesperson said, three medical shops were found operating in violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and were accordingly sealed on the spot.

Officials identified the sealed medical shops as: Tahir Medicate, Noorbagh run by Mohd Tahir Wani, son of Mohd Maqbool Wani, resident of Lalbazar Srinagar; Cyelon Pharma Chemist & Druggists, Guzerbal run by Altaf Ahmad Khan, son of Mohd Sultan Khan, resident of Rathpora Eidgah; and Care Plus Pharmacy, Noorbagh run by Irfan Ahmad Khan, son of Attaullah Khan, resident of Zainakadal.

The spokesperson said that during the course of inspection, expired medicines and several other violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act were detected. Acting promptly, the authorities sealed the medical shops and initiated further legal proceedings as warranted under law.

Srinagar Police reiterated its commitment towards curbing the menace of drug abuse and ensuring strict compliance with laws governing the sale and distribution of medicines. Such drives shall continue across the district to safeguard public health and strengthen the ongoing anti-drug campaign.

Greater Kashmir

MoS Tokhan Sahu commutes to office on bicycle, urges citizens to support fuel conservation drive

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MoS Tokhan Sahu commutes to office on bicycle, urges citizens to support fuel conservation drive

New Delhi, May 16: Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, today cycled 3 kilometres from his residence to Sankalp Bhawan in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation, sending a strong message of sustainable urban mobility, environmental responsibility, and service to the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sahu said that the Prime Minister’s appeal to revive Covid-era practices such as work from home, online classes, virtual meetings, and reduced consumption of petrol and diesel is both timely and relevant in the present uncertain global circumstances. He stated that such measures are in the larger national interest and that it is the duty of every responsible citizen to contribute towards this collective effort as a service to the nation.

Shri Sahu emphasized that fuel conservation is not merely an economic necessity, but also an environmental responsibility and a collective national duty that can strengthen the country during challenging times. “Every litre of fuel saved contributes to the nation’s larger interest. At a time when the country is collectively working towards sustainability and self-reliance, citizens can make a meaningful contribution through small but conscious lifestyle changes,” he said.

Shri Sahu further highlighted that Union Ministers and senior leaders have already begun reducing their convoys by 50 percent, following the example set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that leadership through personal action sends a powerful message and inspires wider public participation.

Giving a broader message of public participation and patriotism, Shri Sahu remarked, “Every pedal towards conservation is a step towards national service, and every drop of fuel saved safeguards India’s future and pride.”

Appealing to the public to actively participate in the movement, he urged citizens to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel by increasingly adopting public transport, electric buses, cycling, and carpooling wherever possible.

Greater Kashmir

AIIMS Jammu achieves another milestone, performs advanced sight-saving procedures

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AIIMS Jammu achieves another milestone, performs advanced sight-saving procedures

Jammu, May 15: The Department of Ophthalmology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully restoring vision in a middle-aged patient, who was admitted to the eye OPD, with severe ocular trauma sustained while gardening.

The patient was cutting grass with an iron sickle when a small fragment of the sickle struck his eye. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Jammu.

On clinical examination, the patient, according to an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, was found to have corneal perforation and traumatic cataract and an Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB) was suspected. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound B-scan and CT scan, confirmed the presence of a metallic foreign body measuring approximately 5 mm lodged within the posterior segment of the eye.

A highly complex microsurgical procedure involving pars plana lensectomy, vitrectomy and removal of the iron foreign body was successfully performed by Dr Ridham Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology along with the team.

The procedure was supported by senior Residents Dr Asma Jabeen and Dr Shefali Verma, who carried out detailed pre-surgical evaluation and coordinated perioperative care. 

Dr Nanda highlighted that removing the metallic foreign body without injuring the retina posed a significant challenge due to its sharp edges; however, the surgery was meticulously performed along with endolaser photocoagulation to reinforce weak retinal areas. “Postoperatively, the patient is recovering well with significant visual improvement,” Dr Nanda said.

Dr Bhavani Raina, Additional Professor and officiating Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, provided expert guidance and oversight throughout the case, commending the team for their precision and commitment to patient safety. She emphasised that the department was committed to providing super-specialty ophthalmic services in the region.

Prof (Dr) D N Sharma, Executive Director and CEO, congratulated the department for performing such advanced sight-saving procedures at AIIMS Jammu.

“These complex surgeries reflect the growing clinical and surgical excellence of the institute and will help reduce patient referrals outside the Union Territory while building confidence in tertiary eye care services within the region,” Prof (Dr) Sharma maintained.

Greater Kashmir

Cop shoots wife dead during argument in north Kashmir’s Kupwara; later attempts suicide

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Cop shoots wife dead during argument in north Kashmir’s Kupwara; later attempts suicide

Kupwara, May 16: A probationary sub-inspector (PSI) of Jammu and Kashmir Police allegedly shot his wife dead during an argument and later attempted suicide in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said on Saturday.

The police officer, identified as Deep Singh and posted at a Special Operations Group (SOG) camp in the Kandi area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, had a quarrel with his wife, late on Friday, a PTI report said, quoting officials.

During the altercation, Singh allegedly fired upon his wife in a fit of rage, killing her on the spot.

He then went on to shoot himself, and was critically injured, officials said, adding that he is undergoing treatment at SKIMS hospital in Srinagar.

Greater Kashmir

Pakistan eyes PKR 100 bn defence hike in IMF-linked budget

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Pakistan eyes PKR 100 bn defence hike in IMF-linked budget

Islamabad, May 16: Pakistan is expected to raise its defence budget by about PKR 100 billion in the upcoming fiscal year as the government prepares its budget under an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed reform programme that projects a sharp rise in revenues, according to a media report.

The Dawn newspaper, citing the IMF staff report issued after the completion of the third review of the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the USD 1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), reported that defence expenditure for 2026-27 was estimated at Pakistani rupees (PKR) Rs 2.665 trillion, up from PKR 2.564 trillion this year.

The IMF projected Pakistan’s total federal revenues for 2026-27 at PKR 17.144 trillion – that’s more than PKR 2 trillion higher than the current fiscal year and represents a 13.5 per cent increase, the report said.

It said Pakistan had also committed to increasing the combined expenditure of the federal and provincial governments by 0.2 per cent of GDP to a total of PKR 4.227 trillion, while digitising all federal and provincial government payments by June 2027.

As part of wider reforms linked to the IMF programme, the government will identify the 10 top corruption-prone institutions by the end of this year for detailed analysis and audit. The provincial anti-corruption agencies are also expected to be strengthened.

The government has also given an undertaking not to introduce new incentives for special economic zones, export processing zones, and special technology zones, while phasing out existing incentives by 2035 to create what the report described as a level playing field for all.

The paper said that authorities have maintained that apart from those living in absolute poverty and receiving social income support, around 40 per cent of the population remained economically vulnerable.

An IMF staff mission is currently in Pakistan to finalise budget proposals before the budget 2026-27 is presented to the cabinet and the parliament early next month.

Greater Kashmir

Sopore Police conduct raids at 15 locations in UAPA case linked to JeI

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Sopore Police conduct raids at 15 locations in UAPA case linked to JeI

Srinagar, May 16: Sopore Police, in coordination with security forces, on Friday carried out extensive search operations at more than 15 locations across Bomai, Warpora, Sopore and Tarzoo in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district in connection with a UAPA case linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) network.

Officials said the searches were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into activities related to the proscribed organisation and its alleged associates operating in the area.

The raids were conducted simultaneously at multiple locations with the assistance of security personnel to collect evidence and verify suspected links connected with the unlawful activities case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Sources said documents, digital devices and other materials are being examined as part of the investigation. Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle networks suspected of supporting banned organisations in the Valley.

Police officials stated that further investigation in the case is underway.(KNC)

Greater Kashmir

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