#JAMMU: Under its innovative “Wall of Shame” initiative, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has intensified its efforts to transform Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) and identified red and yellow spots across the city into clean, accessible and dignified public spaces.

The initiative is aimed at discouraging open urination, preventing waste dumping and improving sanitation standards while simultaneously beautifying the urban landscape.

As part of this campaign, around 30 public urinals are being established at prominent locations across Jammu city. Alongside the construction of new facilities, JMC is also undertaking extensive renovation and upgradation of existing public toilets to ensure better hygiene, accessibility and convenience for citizens.

The renovation and development works are presently being carried out at several important locations including Shahidi Chowk, Railway Station, Gumat, Prade Ranbir Higher Secndary School, Dogra Chowk, near the passenger shed at Bus Stand, BC Road near the Estate Department quarters, Jhullaka Mohalla, near the DC Office and Jewel Chowk near Abhinav Theatre.

To further enhance these spaces, walls around vulnerable points are being decorated with creative wall paintings, awareness messages and sanitation-themed artwork to discourage misuse and inspire civic responsibility among the public.

Issuing directions to field functionaries and sanitation teams, Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, JMC emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and proper maintenance of these facilities. He directed officials to ensure timely completion of works, regular upkeep, cleanliness and strict vigilance to prevent vandalism or recurrence of red and yellow spots.

#JAMMU: In continuation of the earlier meeting, Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Chandraker Bharti, chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of ration distribution under the Special Relief Ration Scheme for Kashmiri/Jammu Migrants, notified vide Government Order No. 15-JK(FCS&CA) of 2026 dated 05.03.2026, and the extension of social sector scheme benefits to the eligible migrants.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), J&K, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, State Informatics Officer, NIC J&K and senior officers of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Social Welfare Department,  Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department and National Informatics Centre.

It was observed that more than 19,000 migrant ration cards have already been punched into the NFSA database and the process of integration of about 8,000 migrant ration cards is in the pipeline. It was apprised that the full quota of ration has been made available at all designated ration depots and more than 5200 families have, so far, lifted the ration in terms of the Special Relief Ration Scheme, distribution in terms of which has commenced w.e.f. 18-04-2026. It was further informed that those who could not lift ration in the month of April are being provided two months’ free ration (April & May 2026).

Worthwhile to mention that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has made necessary amendments in the Jammu & Kashmir Food Security Rules, 2021, and the Targeted Public Distribution (Control) Order 2023 for integration of the Migrant Ration Cards into the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database, to enable the migrants avail the benefits of various Government Schemes. The migrants were not able to avail the benefits of the social sector schemes for the last 35 years due to their ration cards being non-digitized and not integrated with the national database.

The Government, in terms of various Government Orders and notifications, has repeatedly clarified that the earlier scale of ration distribution to the migrants registered under the relief category and norms/procedures for inclusion, deletion, bifurcation, conversion and corrections, etc shall continue and that all relief ration card holders (irrespective of categorization into PHH, NPHH or Special category) shall  continue to receive 11 Kg  free ration per person per month and 1 Kg sugar as per the extant scale of ration distribution. Besides, those registered with the Relief Organisation under the non relief category (Pensioners etc) and categorized into NPHH category will also receive 5 Kg ration on the Government-approved rates as per their entitlement under NFSA on cost basis.

The Government has also given an extension in the distribution period of ration against the migrant ration cards for the month of April 2026 into May 2026 (in addition to the ration of May 2026), so as to ensure that migrant beneficiaries are not deprived of their entitled ration. It was assured by the Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department that all eligible migrant beneficiaries shall be provided free ration as per their entitlement and no genuine beneficiary shall suffer on account of the transition to the NFSA based digitized system.

It was also decided that the officers of DMRRR, FCS&CA, and Relief Organization shall take proactive steps to reach out to all households and ensure ration supply to all migrant beneficiaries who have enrolled for integration on NFSA database, even if e-KYC formalities are pending/ in process. It was decided that extensive IEC campaign shall be launched on ground to make migrants aware that the integration of migrant ration cards into NFSA database is purely a welfare-oriented governance reform aimed at inclusion of migrants into the mainstream welfare architecture, extension of social security benefits, digitization and modernization of records, transparency and accountability in beneficiary management. Under the new dispensation, the continuation and protection of all the existing relief provisions/guidelines/entitlements available to Kashmiri/Jammu Migrants is being ensured.

The directions were also issued for strict action against those FPS dealers who do not abide by the Government directions to dispense free ration to eligible categories as per the entitled scale. Instructions were also issued for strict legal action against rumour-mongering elements trying to derail the government-approved scheme and intimidating the migrant beneficiaries to join protests. The officers were directed to ensure close supervision of the integration of migration ration cards and e-KYC in field and supervise ration distribution at FPS level.

It was also decided that more special camps shall be organized by the Social Welfare Department in coordination with Relief Organization to reach out to the eligible potential beneficiaries and facilitate them in filling various online applications for availing benefits of different social sector schemes like Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, Disability Pension, Marriage Assistance, Ayushman Bharat and various scholarships. About 600 families have so far availed the benefit of various social sector schemes after the integration of migrant ration cards into NFSA database.

“The government is fully committed to operationalize the new scheme for all the migrants within the shortest time period and will make full efforts to achieve the same. All the genuine migrant beneficiaries will be provided ration as per the entitlement with full protection of the existing relief provisions,” maintained the Principle Secretary.

#JAMMU: In a historic boost to rail connectivity in #Jammu and #Kashmir, the much-anticipated #Jammu–#Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was officially launched today, marking a new era of fast, modern, and all-weather transportation between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. That the twin capital cities, Jammu and Srinagar were directly connected by the train service. The historic Vande Bharat Express, flagged off by Union Railways Minister #AshwiniVaishnaw, created history by linking the two capitals for the first time.

Originally inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendera Modi on June 6 last year, the service had remained limited for nearly eight months to the Katra-Srinagar corridor. Today’s launch marked the first time the full 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) — a Rs. 44 thousand-crore project completed over 25 years. The state-of-the-art train service is part of the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project, aimed at seamlessly connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country via rail.

The regular passenger services on the route will commence from May 2, providing a significant travel alternative for residents, tourists, and businesses. The first pair (Train No. 26401/26402) will operate six days a week except Tuesdays, covering the distance in four hours and 50 minutes. A second pair (Train No. 26403/26404) will run six days a week except Wednesdays. Designed to operate efficiently in the region’s challenging terrain and weather conditions, the Vande Bharat train comes equipped with advanced safety systems, heated windshields, and enhanced braking mechanisms.

The train will drastically cut down travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a comfortable and swift journey through the picturesque Himalayan landscape. The launch is expected to give a major push to tourism, trade, and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

The improved connectivity is also likely to benefit local industries, horticulture sectors, and small businesses by ensuring faster and more reliable transport of goods and passengers. The introduction of the Vande Bharat service has been widely welcomed by the public, who see it as a transformative step toward regional development and integration.

Authorities have also ensured that security and operational protocols are in place ahead of the full-scale rollout. With this development, Jammu and Kashmir moves closer to becoming fully integrated into India’s modern railway network, enhancing accessibility while showcasing the region’s strategic and economic importance.

#BIHAR: Former Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary takes oath as #Bihar CM; BJP’s first in post, JD(U) leaders become Deputy CMs.

NEW DELHI : PM Modi spoke with US President Trump, reviewing bilateral ties and stressing the security of the Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia concerns.

#KISHTWAR: In Jammu and Kashmir the sacred Shri Machail Mata Temple, nestled in the spiritual expanse of Machail Valley in District Kishtwar, was reopened for pilgrims on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, today, heralding the commencement of the annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026. A

The religious event also marked the shifting of the idol of Goddess Machail Mata (Durga) from the house of local priest to the Main temple amid a huge rush of devotees amid religious rituals and a grand fair. The reopening of the revered temple was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Singh Tutti, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma and SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, who paid their obeisance at the sacred shrine.

After paying the obeisance, the Div Com and IGP Jammu took a comprehensive review of the arrangements put in place for the smooth and safe conduct of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026. The review included an assessment of security protocols, provision of electricity, water supply, sanitation, langar sewa, accommodation, transportation and healthcare facilities for the devotees. The Div Com directed for effective implementation and enforcement of RFID registration, with counters to be established for on-the-spot registration at Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot and Gulabgarh. He emphasized that no entry shall be permitted without the registration.

He issued instructions for the strict implementation of sanitation measures, including the deployment of sanitation workers and proper management of plastic waste to make the Yatra 100% plastic-free. Further, directions were issued to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to Machail and adjoining areas. He also directed for adequate water supply and provision of accommodation facilities in educational institutions (schools and colleges) in the event of adverse weather conditions and emergencies along the Yatra route from Gulabgarh to Machail.

Underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra, the Div Com said the shrine has emerged as major attraction for promoting spiritual tourism in the region. He assured full support from the administration for the successful conduct of the Yatra and emphasized the importance of providing a secure and comfortable environment for the pilgrims. The Shri Machail Mata Yatra holds profound religious importance and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country every year.

#CRICKET: The Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time in their 67-year history, defeating two-time former champions Bengal by six wickets on day four of the semifinal today in West Bengal.

As per reports Set a below-par target of 126 by the home side, they chased it down in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out) and Abdul Samad (30 not out) steering them past the finish line.

This was after pace spearhead Auqib Nabi had wreaked havoc by taking nine wickets in the match to destroy the host side’s chances. J&K first participated in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 seasons and was not seen as a contender up until now.

During the 2013-14 seasons, they qualified for the knockouts for the first time in over a decade. At stumps on day three on Tuesday, J&K were 43/2, and they lost overnight batter Shubham Pundir (27) and skipper Paras Dogra (9) early on day four.

But Vanshaj and Samad dug in with a 55-run partnership to steer them to a historic victory. Brief scores: Bengal: 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs.

Jammu and Kashmir: 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his congratulations to the J&K cricket team for their remarkable victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, which secured them a historic place in the final.

In a post on X, the Office of the LG lauded the team’s performance and described the achievement as a milestone in the region’s sporting journey.

“Congratulations to the J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K,” the post read. The LG further stated that the entire Union Territory takes pride in the team’s exceptional performance and expressed hope that the players would maintain their winning momentum in the final to bring further glory to J&K.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also congratulated the J&K cricket team for its remarkable achievement in the Ranji Trophy.

#JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Republic Day Tableau has secured an impressive Second Position at the national level at the Republic Day Parade 2026, marking a significant milestone and a proud moment for the Union Territory.

The recognition underscores Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and its vibrant traditions showcased on one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.

The Jammu and Kashmir tableau, themed as a “living canvas”, presented a visually compelling and culturally immersive narrative, celebrating the region’s centuries-old arts, handicrafts, and folk traditions. The tableau offered a seamless fusion of craftsmanship, performance, and storytelling, reflecting the timeless creative spirit of the Union Territory.

The tableau prominently showcased iconic handicrafts synonymous with Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity, including Pashmina weaving, walnut wood carving, carpet weaving, papier-mâché, copperware, and Basohli miniature paintings—each representing generations of refined skill and artistic mastery.

The visual narrative opened with a grand engraved Samovar, symbolising Kashmiri hospitality and warmth, flowing through imagery of traditional wooden architecture and houseboats, evoking the unique cultural landscape of the region. At the heart of the tableau, a Dogra Chhajja performance staged on a traditional village Thadda highlighted community life, social harmony, and cultural continuity.

Adding rhythm, colour, and movement were vibrant folk dance performances, including Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri, and Dumhal, which together reflected the diverse ethnic and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The tableau concluded with a striking display of colourful papier-mâché artefacts arranged in a willow basket, symbolically presenting Jammu and Kashmir as a dynamic, living canvas of art, tradition, and creativity.

This acclaimed appearance marks a major comeback of the Jammu and Kashmir tableau at the Republic Day Parade, reaffirming the Union Territory’s renewed cultural presence on the national stage and its commitment to preserving and promoting its rich intangible heritage.

The idea, design, and conceptualisation of the tableau were led by renowned artist Shri Balwant Thakur, a distinguished recipient of the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Shri Thakur has also served as the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for eight years and brings with him vast experience in cultural leadership. He has further represented India internationally as Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and headed Indian Cultural Centres in South Africa and Mauritius.

The national recognition of the Jammu and Kashmir tableau stands as a testament to the Union Territory’s artistic vibrancy, cultural resilience, and its enduring legacy of creativity that continues to inspire audiences across the country and beyond.

Senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh appointed Ladakh DGP, incumbent Jamwal moved to Arunachal

NEW DELHI: Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch IPS officer, was on Friday appointed Ladakh’s DGP, replacing SD Singh Jamwal who has been moved to Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singh, presently posted in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been asked to take over the police establishment in Ladakh.

Singh was originally from the Jammu and Kashmir cadre before it was merged with the AGMUT cadre after the abrogation of Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile state, and its downgrading into two Union territories — Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir — in 2019.

Before moving to ITBP, Singh served as the inspector general and later as the additional director general of police for the Jammu range.

Singh takes over from SD Singh Jamwal, a 1995-batch IPS officer who has been moved as the head of the Arunachal Pradesh Police.