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West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran retires from international cricket

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West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran retires from international cricket

New Delhi, June 10: West Indies’ highest-ranked T20I batter Nicholas Pooran has called time on his nine-year international career.

The Trinidadian represented the West Indies 167 times, scoring 1983 ODI runs at 39.66 at a strike rate of 99.15. Pooran, who has never played Test matches for West Indies, leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run scorer with 2,275 runs. He last played for the West Indies in December 2024.

“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket. This game we love has given and will continue to give so much – joy, purpose, unforgettable memories, and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies. Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem, and giving everything I had each time I stepped on the field… it’s hard to put into words what that truly means to me. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart,” Pooran wrote in his statement on Instagram.

“Though this International chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade. I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead,” it read.

Pooran represented the West Indies at the 2014 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, before making his senior international debut two years later in a T20I against Pakistan. An ODI debut in 2018 followed, and the left-hander was named in the West Indies Cricket World Cup 2019 squad.

He was named vice-captain for the Caribbean side for the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup and took the captaincy reins in both white-ball formats across a six-month period in 2022, which included the team’s Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.

“Cricket West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket. Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career,” Cricket West Indies said in a statement.

“We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond. We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey,” it added.

Greater Kashmir

Iran warns it will target Israel’s ‘secret nuclear sites’ if attacked

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Iran warns it will target Israel's 'secret nuclear sites' if attacked

Tehran, June 10: Iran’s top security body warned that its armed forces would immediately target Israel’s “secret nuclear facilities” if the Islamic Republic comes under military attack, following claims it has obtained “sensitive Israeli intelligence.”

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) issued the statement days after Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib said Iran had acquired a “significant cache” of Israeli documents through intelligence operations, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the council, months of intelligence gathering had enabled Iran’s armed forces to identify high-value Israeli targets for potential retaliatory strikes, should Israel initiate military action against Iranian interests.

“This forms part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at countering disinformation by hostile actors and reinforcing Iran’s deterrent capabilities,” the SNSC said.

Tehran’s access to Israeli intelligence would allow it to swiftly target “concealed nuclear sites” in the event of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, the council said, adding that the information also supports proportionate retaliation against attacks on Iran’s economic or military assets.

Israel is believed by many to possess nuclear weapons, though it has never officially confirmed or denied this, maintaining a longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity.

Greater Kashmir

Elderly woman hacked to death by son

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Body with bullet injury found in Jammu park, suicide suspected

Jamshedpur, June 10: A man allegedly hacked his septuagenarian mother to death in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, a police officer said.

Seventy-year-old Vinita Bhagat was at home in Upar Tola area about 25 km from here when her son Srinath Bhagat (40) rushed in and attacked her with a sharp weapon without provocation on Sunday night, Officer-in-Charge of Kowali police station Dhananjay Kumar Paswan said.

On being informed, a police team rushed to the spot and shifted her to MGM Hospital, Jamshedpur, he said.

Vinita was referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS), Ranchi following preliminary treatment.

The old woman succumbed to her injuries in the course of treatment at RIMS on Monday evening, the police officer said.

Srinath has been arrested after a case was registered on the statement of his father, he added.

Greater Kashmir

Security of people during Amarnath Yatra is Kashmir’s responsibility, says Mehbooba Mufti

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Security of people during Amarnath Yatra is Kashmir's responsibility, says Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, June 10: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said the security of the upcoming annual Amarnath yatra is the responsibility of the people of Kashmir.

Mufti held a meeting with various stakeholders and PDP workers at the Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district ahead of the yatra that begins next month.

“The security of the yatris is your responsibility. Every stakeholder has the responsibility to safeguard the yatra and yatris. More than the police and the security forces, it is you who have to secure them,” Mufti said addressing the meeting.

The PDP president said she had called those workers of her party who live along the route of the yatra and asked them to secure the pilgrimage.

“I told them that the people of Pahalgam have to secure the yatra so that it passes off well and confidence is restored among the tourists, by virtue of which tourism will be restored,” she said.

Mehbooba said the people of Kashmir, and especially Pahalgam, for centuries have welcomed Amarnath Yatris and the legacy will continue with the same spirit and sincerity.

“We want Amarnath yatris to come. The way in which the people of Kashmir have welcomed them for centuries, God willing, they will be welcomed this year as well. They will be served well and they will return safe and sound to their homes,” she added.

Mufti said the situation changed after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and tourism in the valley came to a halt.

Thousands of ponywallas, hoteliers, shopkeepers, and taxi and auto drivers suffered. They have taken loans from banks and they are in distress, she said.

She appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the elected government to reopen parks like Chandanwari, Aru, and Beetab Valley in Pahalgam so that tourists could visit these places and help the hoteliers and ponywallas to earn their livelihood.

The PDP chief appealed to the government not to “harass” the common people.

“I appeal to the government to stop calling ponywallas to Srinagar or Pahalgam for hearing. Do not do this to them. If you have to fight militants, do that, but do not harass common people. If you harass common people or make them your enemy, then it will not have good consequences,” she said.

“I had said this before to the Government of India that there was a time when leaders from Delhi came to the doors of the Hurriyat, but Hurriyat did not open the doors. Today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir want to lend a hand of friendship towards you, but you should not do what the Hurriyat did that time,” she said.

She was referring to the visit of an all-party delegation from New Delhi to Kashmir in the midst of the 2016 agitation over the killing of then-Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

The delegation visited the residence of Hurriyat leader late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, but the hardline Hurriyat chief did not open the doors of his residence and refused to talk to the delegation.

“Do not pull your hand back. Stop these arrests and locking parks. Own up the people here so that they become yours,” Mufti said.

Greater Kashmir

Cabinet sub-committee finalizes reservation report: Sakina Masood Itoo

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Cabinet sub-committee finalizes reservation report: Sakina Masood Itoo

Srinagar, June 10: Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to examine the issue of reservations in Jammu & Kashmir has completed its task and finalized the report within the stipulated timeframe of six months.

Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo, in a post on X, confirmed the development, stating, “The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue of reservations has drafted its report within the stipulated timeframe of six months. The report will be placed before the Cabinet when it meets.”

The reservation controversy in Jammu and Kashmir escalated after the 2023 amendments to the Reservation Act, which granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to communities like Paharis, Padaris, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins. While the move was hailed as historic by the government, it triggered intense criticism and protests from students, aspirants, and opposition parties, including Omar Led Government’s own MP Aga Ruhullah protesting outside CM’ residence in Srinagar with thousands of students joining the protest, who accused the government of “killing merit” and sidelining genuinely deserving candidates.

The issue intensified following the NEET-PG 2024 and JKCCE 2023 results, where a significant decline in open merit selections was observed sparking protests across colleges and public platforms. Aspirants argued that the Open Merit quota had been drastically reduced, breaching the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.

A petition was also filed in the J&K High Court, challenging the new reservation structure as unconstitutional.

In response, the government constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Education Minister Sakina Itoo. The committee held consultations with stakeholders and was mandated to examine all concerns regarding the revised quota system. The report has now been finalized and is awaiting cabinet review. (JKNS)

Greater Kashmir

Two held with narcotic substance in Jammu

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J&K Police arrest six persons for spreading misleading information on social media platforms

Jammu, June 10: Two persons were arrested after 350 grams of opium was allegedly recovered from their possession on Tuesday, police said.

Sudhir Singh and Surya Partap Singh, both residents of Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, were arrested from Talab Tillo area of Jammu, a police spokesman said.

They were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and further investigation is underway to trace the source and network behind the illegal drug trade.

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We want to honour legends of past: Maharaj

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We want to honour legends of past: Maharaj

London, Jun 9: Keshav Maharaj is determined to follow in the famous footsteps of Graeme Smith and his world number one team of yesteryears at the World Test Championship final, beginning here Wednesday.

South Africa will face off against Australia for ownership of the ICC Test Championship mace at Lord’s, the same venue where the Proteas last got their hands on the trophy 13 years ago.

A legendary South Africa side comprising Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Graeme Smith beat England at the fabled ground to rise to world number one that day, and Maharaj revealed those memories are fuelling motivation for his side to repeat the feat.

“I remember watching that when they lifted the mace,” he said.

“We know that apart from doing it for us, we want to honour the legends of the past, and hopefully we will one day be seen in the same calibre and light to win such a coveted title and hold the Test mace.”

South Africa arrive in London in strong form following seven consecutive Test victories, with their last defeat coming against New Zealand in February 2024.

That run took the Proteas to the top of the ICC World Test Championship table and has bred plenty of confidence in camp ahead of the decider against Australia.

“When we started the journey two years ago, a lot of people didn’t think we’d be in this situation, but with each and every series, we grew more and more,” added Maharaj.

“Our blend of youth and experience complements each other really nicely, and we find ourselves competing for another trophy. The boys have put in a lot of hard work. The excitement is building as we edge closer, and it’s now about letting it sink in and soaking up the occasion to allow us to play with freedom.”

Maharaj is one of a number in the South African squad who have come agonisingly close to ICC silverware in the past few years.

The spinner was part of the side that finished runners-up at the T20 World Cup 2024, while the Proteas also reached the semi-finals of both the ODI World Cup 2023 and Champions Trophy 2025.

While those near misses still sting, Maharaj is insistent on using those experiences in a positive way.

“In previous attempts, no one expected us to reach the knockout phases of any competition, but we have reached two semi-finals and two finals.

“Hopefully through all those misses we come right in this one. There is a lot of inspiration we can draw from in the brand of cricket we have played in the last three or four years.

“If we run with it and stay true to it, hopefully this is our opportunity to finally raise that most-coveted trophy that has eluded us for a number of years,” he said.

On a personal note, Maharaj is just two away from 200 Test wickets, and while the experienced spinner is happy to trade individual accolades for team success, the prospect of bringing up the milestone at Lord’s is one that he cannot escape.

“I don’t pay too much attention to the numbers; I just want to help ensure my team wins, so hopefully I can get a 10-fer.

“I’ve enjoyed my journey so far; hopefully I’ve got a long time left, but to get that feat in front of my family at Lord’s would be very special,” added Maharaj.

Greater Kashmir

LIC MD Sat Pal Bhanoo takes charge as acting CEO

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LIC MD Sat Pal Bhanoo takes charge as acting CEO

New Delhi, June 9: Sat Pal Bhanoo, Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India, has been appointed to assume the additional responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director on an interim basis.

According to a Ministry of Finance letter dated June 7, 2025, Bhanoo will exercise the full financial and administrative powers of the CEO and MD position for three months starting June 8, 2025.

The appointment runs until September 7, 2025, or until a regular incumbent takes charge, or until further government orders—whichever comes first. The directive was issued by the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.

This interim arrangement ensures continuity in LIC’s top leadership during the transition period.

Greater Kashmir

Otterly Unexpected

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Otterly Unexpected

Srinagar, Jun 9: In a rare and encouraging sighting, the Eurasian otter ñ long believed to be extinct in Jammu and Kashmir – has been spotted in a tributary of the Lidder River near Srigufwara in south Kashmirís Bijbehara area, renewing hope for the regionís fragile freshwater ecosystems.

Locally known as Wuddar, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a semi-aquatic mammal classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, pollution, and illegal hunting.

“This is a very encouraging sign. We have installed cameras to document its presence,” said Suhail Ahmad Wagay, Wildlife Warden, South Kashmir. “Otters are apex predators in freshwater ecosystems and serve as critical indicators of ecological health. Their presence suggests the aquatic habitat remains relatively intact and supports a viable fish population.”

The Eurasian otter feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic fauna and typically inhabits clean, well-vegetated riverbanks where it builds dens known as holts.

However, these habitats are increasingly threatened by pollution, unregulated construction, and destructive fishing practices.

“Otters are completely harmless to humans and should not cause alarm,” Wagay said. “However, destructive fishing methods, such as the use of chemicals or electric shocks, are major threats and must be curbed immediately.”

The recent discovery is not an isolated case.

Over the past year, otter activity has also been reported in the Chenab River, the Rambiara stream in Shopian, and the glacier-fed Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Wildlife officials confirmed the species’ presence after it was captured on camera traps during a joint survey conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

It marks the first confirmed photographic evidence of the species in the region in more than three decades.

Despite their ecological importance, otters have historically been viewed as a nuisance by local fishermen — particularly in commercial fishing zones like Wular, Dal, and Manasbal lakes – due to their predation on fish.

This perception, combined with habitat degradation, is believed to have contributed to their disappearance from many lowland aquatic systems.

“From 2010 to 2019, we had only indirect evidence like fish remains, but no photographic proof,” said Suhail Intesar, a wildlife researcher and warden with the Department of Wildlife Protection. “The otter survived in remote glacier-fed streams where trout are abundant and human interference is minimal.”

Historically, Eurasian otters inhabited the backwaters of Dal Lake, the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Shopian, Dachigam National Park near Srinagar, and the Aru Wildlife Sanctuary in Pahalgam.

But sightings became increasingly rare due to mounting environmental pressures.

Once extensively hunted for its thick, waterproof fur, the Eurasian otter has seen dramatic population declines across much of Asia. In India, the species is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Conservationists are now calling for immediate steps to restore natural habitats and implement long-term monitoring programs.

“Spotting otters in Kashmir again is a sign that nature is healing,” Wagay said. “But we must not become complacent. There is an urgent need to balance human activity with conservation goals to protect this vital species.”

The Eurasian otter is native to Europe, much of Asia, and parts of North Africa. While the species has rebounded in parts of Western Europe due to sustained conservation efforts, populations in South Asia remain scattered and highly vulnerable.

The post Otterly Unexpected appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir

Govt committed to ensuring equal opportunities for specially-abled: LG

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LG Sinha expresses deep anguish over Ramban landslide tragedy

Jammu, Jun 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said that the government was committed to ensuring equal opportunities for the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Inaugurating a mass distribution drive of aids and appliances for the PwDs (specially-abled), in Jammu, the LG in his address said, ìI assure our Divyangjan that administration is committed to ensuring equality and equal opportunity to them in every sphere of life and they will always be treated as equals in terms of rights, access, and dignity.

He lauded the noble initiative by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Jammu, under two key centrally sponsored schemes ñ Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase and Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) aimed to improve lives of senior citizens with disabilities and to empower PwDs.

ìI strongly believe that people with disabilities have special abilities and they possess unique strengths and perspectives. I admire their exceptional resilience, problem-solving skills, and empathy towards others in the society,î LG Sinha said.

He directed the officials to promote inclusion and leverage practical solutions in the ever-evolving technological world.

ìI have always dreamt of building a caring society and welfare and rehabilitation of Divyangjan is my priority. It is my commitment to ensure dignity of life to our Divyangjan and their participation in all walks of life,î the LG said.

He reiterated the commitment of the Centre and J&K administration to fairness and opportunity tailored to the individual needs of the senior citizens.

ìI will personally ensure that systemic inequities and accessibility barriers ñ physical, digital, and social are completely removed,î LG Sinha said.

He initiated the disbursement of pension arrears of Rs 6.14 crore to 12,660 beneficiaries under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS).

The arrears were pending due to Aadhaar non-seeding, aimed at ensuring financial inclusion and support to the elderly, widows, and PwDs.

The LG said that the Social Welfare Department was coming up with a revolutionary app for the integration of eligible senior citizens into the pension beneficiaries.

He inaugurated a 50-bedded halfway home for psycho-social rehabilitation of treated and controlled people with mental illness established at Rs 4.39 crore at Lower Chowadi Jammu, under the Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS).

The halfway home will offer a structured environment to help individuals with mental illness who have been discharged from hospitals or institutions to reintegrate into society.

LG Sinha assured all support and assistance to the PwDs by the Social Welfare Department for their self-employment endeavours.

He asked the officials to submit the proposal to the Centre for the establishment of a park dedicated to PwDs.

The LG also dedicated the Parisha Child Care Institution for Girls, established at a cost of Rs 3.03 crore at Mandi Gurglian, Samba.

He commended the efforts of everyone associated with the Parisha initiative for providing a safe and nurturing environment for a better future for girl children in need.

The Directorate of Social Welfare Jammu, in collaboration with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), has conducted 112 assessment camps in all 10 districts of the Jammu division.

A total of 2939 persons with disabilities under the ADIP scheme and 2756 senior citizens under the RVY scheme, culminating in a total of 5918 identified beneficiaries, will receive more than 19,960 aids and appliances during the mass distribution drive.

Members of Legislative Assembly Sham Lal Sharma,  Arvind Gupta, Gharu Ram, Yudhvir Sethi, and Surinder Kumar; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Rupesh Kumar, Director Social Welfare Department Jammu, senior officials, PwDs, representatives of various NGOs, and civil society members were present on the occasion.

Greater Kashmir

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