Srinagar, Apr 30: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday alleged that the Omar Abdullah-led administration is attempting to dilute the role of Urdu in official functioning, sparking a fresh political debate in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a press conference, Mufti claimed that recent administrative steps—particularly in the Revenue Department—suggest a gradual shift
India’s push to blend ethanol with petrol, promoted as a clean energy transition, is now raising serious concerns over its impact on the country’s already stressed water resources. At the centre of the issue are water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, maize, and rice, which are increasingly being used as raw materials for ethanol production. Experts
Banihal, Apr 30: A tragic incident was reported from Panchayat Doulka in Bani tehsil of Kathua district on Wednesday evening, when a lightning strike hit a residential house, leaving one minor boy dead and another child injured. According to official details, the lightning struck the house of Tulsi Ram, son of Jagat Ram, a resident
New York, Apr 30: The United States has returned 657 antiquities collectively valued at nearly USD 14 million to India, stating that “more work remains” in the ongoing effort to repatriate stolen cultural artefacts. The return was officially announced on Tuesday by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, marking a significant development in the fight against
New Delhi, Apr 30: Indian Hajj pilgrims will have to pay an additional ₹10,000 following a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, triggered by the ongoing crisis in West Asia. The Haj Committee of India has issued a circular informing all pilgrims of Haj 2026 about the increase in airfare and directed registered
Abhav Bhatia’s last words to his father were simple—he was on his way home. The 14-year-old had gone to watch Monday’s IPL match between Delhi and Bengaluru and was returning on a bike with his 20-year-old cousin, Yagya. As they crossed Ashoka Road, Abhav called his father, Sumit, to inform him he would be home
VARANASI (UP), Apr 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning held a roadshow in Varanasi during the second day of his two-day visit, drawing massive crowds along the entire route, party leaders said. The roadshow began from Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and passed through Lahartara, Kachahri, Ambedkar Chauraha, Chaukaghat, Teliyabag, Lahurabir and Maidagin before
Kolkata, Apr 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday visited several polling booths in her Bhabanipur assembly constituency where voting is underway and alleged that central forces and election observers were acting at the behest of the BJP. The Bhabanipur seat is considered Banerjee’s strong political base, where she is locked in a
KOLKATA, Apr 29: Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from several parts of West Bengal during the early hours of voting in the second phase of the Assembly elections on Wednesday, police said. The incidents were reported from multiple locations, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar, triggering tension in affected areas, they added. In
Jammu, Apr 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level security review meeting at Lok Bhavan in Jammu to assess the prevailing security situation and review preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Senior police and administrative officials, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, attended the meeting, which primarily focused on law and