In a significant step towards strengthening global democratic cooperation, a group of 12 foreign delegates from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) representing seven countries arrived in Guwahati on April 8 under the International Election Visitors Programme (IEVP). Accompanied by three representatives from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the delegation began a two-day visit aimed at observing and understanding India’s electoral system. The delegates were received at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, marking the beginning of an engagement designed to foster knowledge exchange, transparency, and best practices in election management. The…

In a significant anti-corruption action, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has arrested two officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) in Baramulla district for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹13,000. The arrests were made during a carefully planned trap operation, following a complaint regarding delayed payment clearance linked to a bribe demand. The accused officials, identified as Mushtaq Ahmad, a Senior Assistant, and Farooq Ahmad, a Junior Assistant, were posted in the PWD (R&B) Mechanical Division in North Kashmir’s Baramulla. According to officials, both were caught “red-handed”…

Traffic on the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained suspended for the second straight day on April 8 after multiple landslides triggered by persistent rainfall blocked key stretches in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district. Authorities confirmed that restoration work is ongoing, but adverse weather conditions continue to hamper progress, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded along the route. The highway, which spans approximately 270 kilometers, serves as the only all-weather road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Its closure has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the…

BEL secures 75 hectares in Chitrakoot defense corridor, boosting Uttar Pradesh’s defense manufacturing, job creation, and industrial growth in Bundelkhand. Chitrakoot Emerges as Key Defense Manufacturing Hub In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has handed over an allotment letter for 75 hectares of land to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in the Chitrakoot node of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. This move marks a major milestone in the systematic development of the Chitrakoot defense node, positioning it as a critical…

Shiv Khori protest enters 5th day as locals demand yatra timing extension in Reasi, citing major livelihood losses due to restricted pilgrimage hours. Protest Enters Fifth Day at Shiv Khori Base Camp The ongoing protest at the base camp of the revered Shiv Khori shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district has entered its fifth consecutive day, with no resolution yet in sight. Demonstrators, including local residents, traders, and members of the Sangharsh Samiti, have intensified their agitation, demanding an immediate extension of yatra timings. The protest is centered in…

Polling personnel in Haflong are dispatched early to remote booths ahead of Assam Elections 2026, ensuring smooth, safe, and timely voting in challenging terrains. With the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 just around the corner, authorities have stepped up preparations to ensure a smooth and efficient polling process across the state. In a significant logistical move, polling personnel assigned to remote and inaccessible areas of Haflong constituency have been dispatched well in advance. This proactive step reflects the Election Commission’s focus on overcoming geographical challenges and ensuring that every eligible voter,…

Union Minister outlines multi-sector initiatives in Kishtwar focusing on disaster preparedness, infrastructure expansion and local economic development. Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced a series of development initiatives for Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, including the establishment of a seismological observatory, proposals for an airstrip under the regional connectivity scheme, and steps to promote local agricultural products. The announcements were made during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, where the Minister reviewed key projects related to infrastructure, disaster management, and economic growth. Key Highlights from the…

New facility at Rail Head Complex aims to enhance banking efficiency, customer service and regional outreach as J&K Bank strengthens its growth strategy Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated a new Regional Business Centre of Jammu and Kashmir Bank at the Rail Head Complex in Jammu. The facility marks a significant step in the bank’s infrastructure expansion and operational strengthening in the Union Territory. Senior officials from the administration and the bank attended the event, highlighting the importance of the initiative in improving service delivery and supporting business growth.…