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New Delhi, May 5:

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved a proposal to enhance the strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from the existing 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

The decision paves the way for introducing the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend the 1956 Act governing the court’s sanctioned strength.

Briefing the media, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move is aimed at improving the court’s efficiency and ensuring quicker delivery of justice by addressing the rising workload.

Officials stated that the additional financial burden, including salaries, staff, and infrastructure, will be met through the Consolidated Fund of India.

Under Constitution of India Article 124(1), Parliament holds the authority to determine the number of judges in the apex court. Since the enactment of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, the sanctioned strength has been revised multiple times to meet growing judicial demands.

The most recent increase came in 2019, when the number of judges was raised from 30 to 33. The latest proposal marks another step in strengthening the country’s top judicial institution to handle an expanding docket and reduce pendency.(KNC)

Srinagar, May 05 :

People in Jammu & Kashmir will be able to submit their household details online from May 17 to May 31 before enumerators arrive at their homes as part of the of the Census-2027.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Amit Sharma, Director of Census Operations and Chief Principal Census Officer, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, said that people can fill in their household details online themselves between May 17 and May 31 for Phase I of the Census.

“The people can fill in these details themselves before the arrival of enumerators,” he said, adding that enumerators will still visit the house.

As part of Census 2027, the Houselisting Operations will be carried out in Jammu & Kashmir between June 1 and June 30.

The second phase of the Census- enumeration of population- will be carried out in snow-bound areas of the Union Territory in September 2026 and in non-snow areas in February 2027. Got it — keeping your version exactly as you wrote it, no changes to anyone:

The 2027 Census is significant for Jammu and Kashmir for two reasons — political and quota-related. While it will become the basis of the next electoral delimitation, it will also reveal the population of all reserved categories for the first time in J&K’s history.

This is important given that reservation has become a major issue in Kashmir, with non-reserved people alleging disproportionate quotas for the reserved population—(KNO)

Kolkata,May 05

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to accept the outcome of the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that she has not lost and will neither visit Raj Bhavan nor resign from her post.

Reacting a day after the results, Banerjee claimed that the verdict was not a reflection of the people’s mandate but the result of a “conspiracy” aimed at undermining democracy. She alleged large-scale irregularities, including manipulation of votes and interference by institutions, terming the situation a “murder of democracy.”

“I haven’t lost, so I will not go to Raj Bhavan and I will not resign. We were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” she said, reiterating her firm refusal to accept the results.

The remarks come amid a major political shift in West Bengal, where the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a sweeping victory, ending the long-standing dominance of the Trinamool Congress.

Banerjee’s reported personal defeat in her stronghold has further intensified the political crisis, with opposition leaders dismissing her allegations and calling the results a clear mandate from the people.

The situation remains tense as political developments continue to unfold across the state.

Jammu, May 04 :

The Jammu Development Authority on Monday carried out a major demolition drive along the Ring Road corridor, removing more than 15 unauthorized structures in a significant move to enforce planned urban development.

Officials said the demolished structures had been constructed without obtaining mandatory permissions from the competent authority and were in clear violation of approved land use norms and building regulations.

According to preliminary assessments, several of these незакон constructions posed a serious threat to public safety. Authorities noted that many structures were either structurally unsafe or had encroached upon critical areas, thereby increasing risks to nearby residential and commercial establishments.

The demolition drive was executed by the Enforcement Wing of JDA with support from local administration and law enforcement agencies. The operation was conducted smoothly without any untoward incident. Officials added that prior notices had been served to the violators in accordance with legal procedures, giving them sufficient time to comply.

Reiterating its commitment to regulated urban growth, JDA urged residents to strictly follow building norms and secure necessary permissions before undertaking construction activities. The authority warned that illegal constructions not only violate the law but also endanger public safety and disrupt planned development.

The JDA further stated that such enforcement actions will continue against violators without exception.

Srinagar, May 4 :

The annual Darbar Move resumed in summer capital Srinagar on Monday as the Civil Secretariat officially reopened after shifting from Jammu.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Jammu and Kashmir Police upon his arrival at the Secretariat.

The reopening marks the commencement of the government’s summer functioning in Srinagar, with various departments resuming operations to facilitate governance and public service delivery in the Valley.

Senior officials and staff members have already moved to Srinagar as part of the biannual Darbar Move, a long-standing tradition in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at ensuring administrative accessibility in both regions.

Officials said necessary arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth functioning of offices, while security and logistical measures were also strengthened in view of the reopening.(KNC)

SRINAGAR,MAY,03 :

Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, today chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan to review the progress of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan and assessed the district-wise action plans aimed at eliminating drug- abuse and narco-terrorism.

The meeting was attended by Shri Atal Dullo, Chief Secretary; Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home Department; Shri S.J.M.Gillani, Spl DG Coordination PHQ; Shri Nitish Kumar, ADGP, CID; Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Sujit Kumar, IGP Security; Shri Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner/Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary School Education Department; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; senior officials of civil and police administration, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs from Kashmir Division.

Reviewing the progress, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the need for a focused, time-bound and result-oriented strategy by all district administrations in the next 78-days. He directed the Officers to ensure effective implementation of the action at all levels with measurable outcomes in curbing drug abuse and dismantling narcotics networks.

The Lieutenant Governor called for intensified grassroots-level engagement at the Panchayat and Ward levels. He emphasized active participation of community stakeholders, including religious leaders, educationists, traders, youth groups, and social and political activists to transform the campaign into a sustained mass movement.

The Lieutenant Governor laid special emphasis on youth engagement through sports and recreational activities. He instructed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the development of playfields in all panchayats and strengthening of sports infrastructure across districts.He also directed to regularly organize sports competitions and youth engagement activities under the banner of the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, enabling young people to channel their energy and talent into positive pursuits and stay away from substance abuse.

Reiterating the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, the Lieutenant Governor called for strict and visible enforcement actions against those involved in drug trafficking.The Lieutenant Governor emphasized swift implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for cancellation or suspension of driving licenses and passport and other documents of drug peddlers.

He also called for prompt identification and seizure of properties linked to narcoterrorists and drug smugglers. He further stressed intensified inspection of pharmaceutical shops to prevent misuse of prescription drugs and also enhanced vigilance in and around educational institutions and vulnerable areas.

The Lieutenant Governor also directed Deputy Commissioners to identify and take appropriate action against the fake or unauthorized drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, ensuring that only certified institutions operate within the established regulatory framework.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the importance of strengthening Mahila Samitis and Youth Clubs as vital community institutions in the fight against drug abuse. He called for their effective functioning and active involvement in awareness campaigns, early identification of vulnerable individuals, and community-based monitoring mechanisms.He also directed for utilizing Block Diwas and Thana Diwas as platforms for addressing public grievances and strengthening trust between citizens and the administration.

The Lieutenant Governor further directed the officers to take advance and comprehensive measures for the smooth conduct of upcoming major religious events, including the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra and Muharram. He emphasized the need to ensure adequate arrangements to facilitate the convenience and safety of the people.

New Delhi, May 03:

Two officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau have been placed under suspension following the custodial death of a constable from the Border Security Force, sources said on Sunday.

The deceased, identified as BSF Constable Jaswinder Singh, reportedly died after suffering cardiac arrest during treatment at Pulse Hospital on the night of March 19–20.

According to officials, Singh had been detained by the NCB in Jammu in connection with a narcotics-related case registered in Amritsar. He was later remanded to custody by a Special NDPS Court in Jammu before being transported to Punjab for further investigation.

Sources revealed that during transit, Singh complained of severe chest pain. Though he briefly recovered after being given water, his condition worsened upon arrival in Amritsar. He was admitted to Pulse Hospital around 10 pm on March 19, where he suffered two cardiac episodes and was declared dead at approximately 4 am on March 20.

Preliminary inputs suggest that Singh was allegedly in contact with certain virtual numbers suspected to be linked with operatives across the border. Investigators also noted that a relative of Singh, also serving in the BSF, is facing multiple narcotics-related cases.

Authorities stated that all procedures laid down by the National Human Rights Commission for custodial deaths are being followed. A post-mortem has been conducted by a panel of doctors, while a magisterial inquiry is underway.

Police have registered a zero FIR in Jammu, and further legal action will depend on the findings of the post-mortem report and inquiry proceedings. The matter has also been reported to the NHRC, which has sought a detailed report.

Meanwhile, the case is under consideration before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Family members of the deceased have raised serious concerns over the circumstances leading to his death and have demanded strict action against the officials involved.

Officials confirmed that the investigation officer and an assistant director linked to the case have been suspended pending further inquiry.(KNC)

We extend our heartfelt greetings to all journalists and media professionals.A free, independent, and responsible press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. It plays a vital role in upholding truth, ensuring accountability, and giving voice to the voiceless.

In challenging times, the courage and commitment shown by journalists in pursuing facts and reporting with integrity deserve the highest appreciation.

The Baramulla Working Journalists Association stands firmly committed to safeguarding the principles of press freedom and supporting journalists in their mission to inform, educate, and empower society. We also call upon all stakeholders to respect and protect the rights and safety of media personnel, enabling them to perform their duties without fear or favour.Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen the pillars of ethical journalism and uphold the values that define a free and fair press.

Regards
Karamat Qayoom
Chairman
Baramulla Working Journalists Association (BWJA)

Reyaz Rashid

Baramulla, May 3:

A youth was critically injured after a bear attack in the Gulistan Bala area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday morning, officials said.

The injured has been identified as Mudassir Ahmad Chanieja, son of late Abdul Rashid and a resident of Gulistan Bala of Sheeri Narvaw area.
According to reports, he had gone to the Gawas Budun area along with his livestock when a bear suddenly attacked him at around 9:00 AM.

Locals immediately rushed the injured to nearby hospital in Sheeri for initial treatment. However, due to the severity of his injuries, doctors referred him to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for specialized care, where his condition is reported to be critical.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, who have urged the Forest Department to take immediate steps to curb the increasing movement of wild animals in the area and ensure the safety of people.SNS

Jammu, May 3 :

In a key administrative development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has approved the induction of 23 officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and forwarded its recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for final notification.

Sources said that three officers who had earlier been inducted on a provisional basis have now been formally confirmed as IAS officers.

The inductions have primarily been made against vacancies of 2019, while a smaller number of officers have been adjusted against vacancies for 2020.

The UPSC held detailed deliberations with senior Jammu and Kashmir officials in New Delhi on April 23 and 24. Following the meeting, the Commission forwarded its recommendations to the MHA, which will subsequently send them to the General Administration Department (GAD) for further processing.

According to sources, seven among the 23 cleared officers have either retired or are close to retirement. These vacancies will be carried forward and re-notified after completion of the current induction process and assignment of service years.

“These posts, along with future vacancies, will be available for induction of more JKAS officers next year,” sources said.

The year of allotment for the newly inducted IAS officers will be determined after the MHA issues a formal notification, which is expected shortly.

The UPSC has also approved the confirmation of three officers who were earlier inducted provisionally and are already serving in the IAS.

Senior officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Commissioner/Secretary GAD M Raju represented Jammu and Kashmir during the two-day UPSC meeting in New Delhi.

Following Jammu and Kashmir’s inclusion in the AGMUT cadre, IAS officers are now posted across various States and Union Territories including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, Delhi, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep.

Notably, this is the first such induction in nearly four years. The previous induction was carried out on August 4, 2022, when 16 JKAS officers were elevated to the IAS.

The process had remained stalled due to legal disputes and seniority issues. Although 28 officers were initially cleared for induction in July 2022, 11 were later dropped due to retirement, refusal, or other reasons.

Inductions from JKAS to IAS had also remained pending for over a decade between 2010 and 2022 due to prolonged legal and administrative hurdles. Officers of the 1999 JKAS batch, in particular, had to wait over two decades for elevation.

The government is now planning to make the induction process a regular annual exercise to ensure timely promotions and avoid long delays in future.(KNC)