JAMMU: In a resolute effort to enforce justice, Jammu District Police in Bishnah area successfully apprehended a fugitive, Mohd Hanif, S/o Mohd Shafi, R/o Deshnesh Nagar, Digiana, Jammu, who was evading arrest for over six months. The suspect was wanted in connection with a case registered under FIR No. 04/2014, facing charges under Sections 395/201 RPC and 4/25 Arms Act at Police Station Bishnah.
A specialized team from Police Station Bishnah, led by the Station House Officer,Inspector Sushil Choudhary acting on a non-bailable warrant issued under Section 512 of the CrPC by the 1st Additional Session Judge, Jammu, meticulously tracked and arrested the accused, who had been at large since the crime.
Jammu Police reaffirm their unwavering dedication to public safety, ensuring prompt and resolute action against those who attempt to elude justice.
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” for a period of six years, beginning with 2025-26 to cover 100 districts. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.
The Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. It is in pursuance of Budget announcement for 2025-26 to develop 100 districts under “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”. The Scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 Departments, other State schemes and local partnerships with the private sector.
100 districts will be identified based on three key indicators of low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement. The number of districts in each state/UT will be based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings. However, a minimum of 1 district will be selected from each state.
Committees will be formed at District, State and National level for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme. A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be finalized by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will also have progressive farmers as members. The District Plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of natural and organic farming. Progress of the Scheme in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be monitored on 117 key Performance Indicators through a dashboard on monthly basis. NITI will also review and guide the district plans. Besides Central Nodal Officers appointed for each district will also review the scheme on a regular basis.
As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts will improve, the overall average against key performance indicators will rise for the country. The scheme will result in higher productivity, value addition in agriculture and allied sector, local livelihood creation and hence increase domestic production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). As the indicators of these 100 districts improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory.
Srinagar: “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 is going on seamlessly, and pilgrims are taking darshans of Baba Barfani without any interruption” Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir informed today reacting to the false news being circulated on various Social Media Channels that the Yatra has been suspended. As on 15th July, 2025 more than 2.34 lakh pilgrims have taken darshans, and today on 16th July, pilgrims have proceeded to the Holy Cave from both the routes without any interruption and are taking darshans.
All media outlets are advised to verify facts from official sources before publishing or circulating any information regarding the yatra.
Public is requested to rely only on official updates for accurate and timely information.
Reiterates commitment to strengthening medical education, rural health infrastructure
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed the Annual Day function of SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina, where he commended the commitment of the faculty, students and newly inducted doctors.
Addressing a gathering of medical professionals, students, staff, and parents, the Chief Minister said that the role of doctors in society is one of immense responsibility and trust. “Patients in our region place their utmost faith in their doctors, almost as much as they place in Allah,” he said. “It is our collective duty to uphold that sacred trust with integrity and compassion.”
Highlighting the rapid evolution in medical science, the Chief Minister noted the constant advancement in technologies, treatments, and surgical methods. “From robotics to artificial intelligence, the medical profession is now at a crossroads of human care and machine efficiency. While tools like ChatGPT can simulate empathy and generate treatment suggestions, they can never replace the human touch that defines this profession,” he remarked.
In a light-hearted personal reflection, Omar Abdullah recalled how he narrowly avoided a career in medicine due to his fear of cadaver dissection, choosing instead to pursue commerce. “I lacked the aptitude and courage to become a doctor—but I have always had the utmost respect for those who do,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that earning a medical degree is only the beginning, and the real challenge lies in applying that knowledge to serve people, especially in underserved and rural areas. He urged young doctors to embrace government service not merely for job security but as a platform to deliver care where it is most needed. “I meet aspirants who seek government jobs but don’t want to be posted even a few kilometers away from home. That mindset needs to change,” he added.
Underscoring the government’s focus on healthcare, the Chief Minister said that health and medical education would continue to receive top priority in budgetary allocations. “You have our full support—whether it’s infrastructure, staffing or training. But improving urban hospitals alone is not enough. If we are referring normal deliveries and minor surgeries to tertiary care due to staff shortages in rural areas, we are failing our system,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also praised the Principal of SKIMS Medical College for gaining wide popularity and earning the trust of students and staff in a remarkably short time. “It’s rare to see a rising popularity graph after four months in any leadership role. This speaks volumes about the direction in which this institution is headed,” he said.
Congratulating the graduating students and their families, the Chief Minister assured the parents that their sacrifices will not go in vain. “You have fulfilled your responsibility by educating your children. Now it is our duty to ensure they thrive and contribute meaningfully to the health sector of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He wished the students continued success and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for SKIMS and its affiliated institutions.
Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary H&ME Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Director SKIMS Soura Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, and Principal SKIMS Medical College & Hospital Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parray also addressed the gathering.
The event was attended by several MLAs, former Directors of SKIMS, senior faculty members, outgoing graduates, students, parents, and other distinguished guests.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented certificates to the graduates of the 2019 batch and felicitated the families of deceased faculty members in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the college and hospital.
NEW DELHI: In a momentous occasion, Jammu and Kashmir has been awarded the Gold medal in the States (Category B) at the National One District One Product (ODOP) Awards 2024.
This prestigious ceremony was held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, marking the second consecutive year that J&K has received this esteemed honour for its outstanding efforts in advancing the ODOP initiative.
The event, which celebrated India’s vibrant cultural heritage, rich diversity, traditional craftsmanship and entrepreneurial excellence, saw an overwhelming response with 641 applications from 587 districts, 31 States/UTs and 23 Indian Missions Abroad.
Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce and Sudershan Kumar, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), received the award on behalf of the J&K government.
JKTPO, as the nodal agency for ODOP in the region, has played a pivotal role in promoting the local ODOP products, showcasing a strong commitment to the initiative.
In addition to J&K’s Gold medal, Pulwama district received the Silver medal in Category A (Agriculture) while Ganderbal district was honored with the Silver medal in Category B (Non-Agriculture).
Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama and Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, accepted the awards on behalf of their districts.
The ODOP National Awards recognized excellence across various categories, including Districts Awards (Agriculture), Districts Awards (Non-Agriculture), States (Category A), States (Category B) and Missions Abroad.
The ceremony celebrated India’s progress towards self-reliance, with J&K exemplifying excellence in advancing the ODOP initiative.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in J&K’s success, demonstrating a deep commitment to the region’s economic and cultural development.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue promoting ODOP products, benefiting the local weavers, artisans and farmers.
The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation will continue to demonstrate its commitment towards its growth. It has formulated a comprehensive plan to intensify the promotion of ODOP products across J&K, focusing on each district’s unique offerings. With government support, JKTPO will enhance visibility, market access and recognition of ODOP products, driving economic growth and empowerment in the UT.
NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister today extended a welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his return to Earth from his landmark mission aboard the International Space Station. He remarked that as India’s first astronaut to have journeyed to the ISS, Group Captain Shukla’s achievement marks a defining moment in the nation’s space exploration journey.
“I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan.”
Srinagar: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has condoled the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Ponda area of District Doda today.
In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor has said: “Pained by the loss of lives due to the tragic road accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
SAMBA: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma today reviewed the beneficiary verification under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 here at a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC).
The Committee reviewed applications received from Municipal Council Samba and the Municipal Committees of Vijaypur, Bari Brahmana, and Ramgarh. After thorough scrutiny and joint spot verification by the Revenue and Urban Local Body (ULB) staff, eligible cases under the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) component were recommended for further processing through the Unified Web Portal.
DC Samba directed the concerned officers to facilitate the applicants of pending cases for their expeditious disposal. He emphasized the importance of transparency and proper identification of genuine beneficiaries to ensure that timely assistance reaches deserving households under the scheme.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Champa Devi Thakur; Assistant Commissioner Revenue; Senior Manager, Housing Board; District Social Welfare Officer; Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Samba and other concerned officers and officials.
Jammu: The Inspector General of Police, Jammu Sh. Bhim Sen Tuti, IPS today visited Police Station Bishnah,where he inaugurated prefab barrack constructed by Police Construction Division for the police personnel at Police Station Bishnah.
Present on the occasion were DIG JSK Range Sh. Shiv Kumar Sharma,IPS; SSP Jammu Sh. Joginder Singh,JKPS;SP headquarters Jammu Sh. Irshad H. Rather, JKPS;SDPO R.S.Pura Sh. Gurmeet Singh,JKPS;,DSP DAR Jammu Sh. Tahir Amin,JKPS;SHO Bishnah, Inspector Sh. Sushil Choudhary & other officers of Jammu Police.
After inaugurating the newly constructed Prefab barrack for Police personnel, the IGP Jammu inspected all the structures created to suffice the requirements of the Jawans .He also enquired about the facilities available in these structures.
The newly added infrastructure in Police Station Bishnah will go a long way in providing better accommodation facility to the manpower.
The IGP Jammu also held a detailed interaction with the officers including newly passed out Probationary Sub-inspectors regarding the various aspects of policing and he advised officers to improve, upgrade and utilise their specialisations for overall betterment of policing in the region.
IGP Jammu also advised the police officer posted in various capacities to provide a good policing to the general public and give a tough time to anti-national and antisocial elements.
IGP Jammu specifically mentioned that all drug peddlers should be identified & strict action need to be taken against them .There is clearly policy of ZERO TOLERANCE against Drugs and whosoever, is involved in drug trafficking should be strictly dealt.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has taken full responsibility for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, terming it a “security failure” while asserting that the attack was orchestrated by Pakistan to disrupt Kashmir’s growing economic stability and foment communal tensions.
While acknowledging the security lapse, he highlighted the decline in local terrorist recruitment and emphasized the government’s commitment to countering terrorism.
In an interview to The Times of India, LG Sinha said that the Pahalgam terror attack was a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack. “The intention of the neighbour (Pakistan) was to create a communal divide.” “I take full responsibility for the incident, which was undoubtedly a security failure.
