Srinagar– Just a week after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, tourists are once again enjoying the scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. Visitors are seen taking Shikara rides on Srinagar’s Dal Lake and exploring the city with ease, and posting the videos on social media. .
Tourists are expressing confidence in the Valley’s safety and urging others to visit.
“I was told by news channels to say negative things about Kashmir but I refused to do this,” one tourist said in a social media video. “However, I have been taken care of by Kashmiri people. They have offered every help. One even offered money.”
Others said they didn’t cancel their trip despite the Pahalgam incident, saying they are safe.
Foreign tourists, too, appeared unfazed. According to ANI agency, a group from Croatia and Serbia, currently visiting Pahalgam, said they felt secure and praised Kashmir’s natural beauty and hospitality. “We are very happy here. The people are kind, and the landscape is stunning,” said Ljiljana from Croatia, quoted by ANI.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a high-level security review with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present. The meeting followed an earlier Cabinet Committee on Security session on April 23, held in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
The government has vowed strict action against the attackers and those behind the conspiracy.
At least 14 people lost their lives in a tragic fire that engulfed the Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata, according to police officials.
The blaze broke out around 7:30 pm on Tuesday, claiming most lives due to suffocation, while one individual reportedly died after falling from the building in an attempt to escape the flames.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the casualty toll and said the fire had been brought under control around 1 am on Wednesday after ten fire engines were dispatched to the site.
Addressing reporters, he stated, “Till now, 14 casualties have been reported. Additionally, an SIT has been formed to probe the cause of the fire and the safety measures that were in place. The investigation will also look into the difficulties faced by the guests while evacuating from the building.”
While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, preliminary reports suggest that many of the deceased were guests who had been unable to exit their rooms in time.
Police said that the victims were trapped inside the hotel once the blaze began.
The Rituraj Hotel is built on top of a commercial storage facility on the ground level, with the five upper floors designated for accommodations.
The fire reportedly spread quickly through the structure, filling the hotel with thick smoke.
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar called on the state administration to act swiftly in assisting victims and demanded a serious review of fire safety protocols.
“I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future,” he said in a post on X.
Echoing similar sentiments, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh blamed illegal construction and government negligence for the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, expressing hope that the festival would serve as a catalyst in strengthening the nation’s collective resolve towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is a significant Hindu festival observed annually. The day is believed to usher in success, good luck, and prosperity.
Traditionally, people mark the occasion by purchasing gold, a symbol of wealth and security, to invite blessings for the future.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Infinite best wishes to all of you on Akshaya Tritiya. May this auspicious festival dedicated to humanity bring success, prosperity and happiness to everyone, which gives new strength to the resolve of a Viksit Bharat.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings through a social media post.
“Infinite best wishes for Akshaya Tritiya, the festival symbolising the confluence of nature and culture. I wish that this holy festival brings eternal virtue, good fortune and prosperity in everyone’s life, ” Shah wrote.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda joined in conveying greetings, stating, “I convey my heartfelt best wishes to all of you on the occasion of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ which bestows everlasting virtuous results.”
“May this auspicious day bring an inexhaustible flow of happiness, prosperity and auspicious opportunities in the life of all of you. May everyone’s life be blessed with positivity, divinity and self-study, ” he added.
The term Akshaya denotes something eternal or indestructible, while Tritiya refers to the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar.
The day is considered highly auspicious for initiating new ventures, buying valuables, and performing religious rituals. Devotees believe that such acts on this day yield lifelong blessings and well-being.
The festival also coincides with Parashurama Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees also pay homage to Lord Shiva, underscoring the spiritual and cultural depth of the day.
In the backdrop of soaring temperatures in Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued updated guidelines to safeguard students from the escalating heat.
Updating previous advisories, the new directives focus on increased school preparedness and they have been instructed to avoid assemblies during the afternoon shift and to ensure that no classes are held in open-air settings.
All outdoor activities have been suspended until weather conditions improve, minimizing students’ exposure to extreme heat.
The directive places strong emphasis on hydration. Schools must ensure a constant supply of clean drinking water, with properly functioning RO systems and water coolers. Scheduled water breaks are now a mandatory part of the daily routine to encourage students to stay hydrated throughout the day.
According to the circular, the schools are required to keep classrooms well-ventilated and ensure that all fans are in working condition. Additionally, the guidelines mandate the installation and maintenance of functional fire extinguishers in school corridors in accordance with fire safety regulations.
Students are to be sensitized on the importance of covering their heads using umbrellas, hats, caps, towels, or traditional headgear, especially while commuting during the day. The circular strictly prohibits anyone—students, parents, or staff—from staying or sitting in open areas under direct sunlight.
Health preparedness has also been highlighted as a priority. Schools must promptly address any cases of heat-related illness, with First Aid kits stocked with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). Such cases should be reported to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.
The Directorate also emphasized that all existing safety and hygiene measures must be maintained consistently. Deputy directors at the district and zonal levels have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the guidelines across all schools.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled a book ‘Scaling Mount UPSC: Inspiring Stories of Young IAS Officers’. Authored by Sajjan Yadav, it chronicles the remarkable journeys of seven individuals who overcame immense challenges to achieve success in the prestigious UPSC examination.
Speaking at the launch, Pradhan emphasized the potential to inspire aspiring civil servants across the nation. He noted that the stories serve as a beacon of hope and determination for those preparing for the UPSC examination.
The book not only narrates the personal struggles and triumphs of these officers but also provides practical insights and strategies for tackling the various stages of the UPSC exam. From preliminary preparation to the final interview, the book offers valuable guidance for aspirants aiming to scale the ‘Mount Everest’ of competitive exams.
It delves into the lives of these young IAS officers, highlighting the obstacles they faced and the innovative strategies they employed to conquer one of the world’s toughest exams. Each story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering self-belief.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, educators, and civil service aspirants, who lauded the book’s focus on resilience and perseverance.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament at the earliest in the wake of the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack, which was later claimed by ‘The Resistance Front’, an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, saw terrorists open fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley, killing 26 and injuring several others, including a Nepali national.
In his letter, dated April 28, Gandhi stressed the need for Parliament to demonstrate solidarity and resolve against the deadly assault on civilians.
“The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has outraged every Indian. At this critical time, India must show that we will always stand together against terrorism. The Opposition believes that a special session of both Houses of Parliament should be convened, where the representatives of the people can show their unity and determination, ” he wrote.
Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, echoed Gandhi’s sentiment, stating that a special session should be convened as a powerful demonstration of collective unity.
“At this moment, when unity and solidarity is essential, Opposition believes that it is important to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament at the earliest. This will be a powerful demonstration of our collective resolve and will to deal with the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on innocent citizens on 22 April 2025. It is our fond hope that the session will be accordingly convened, ” Kharge’s letter read.
On Monday, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to convene a Special Session of Parliament to address the pressing challenges to national security following the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Expressing deep concern, Jha wrote a letter to the Prime Minister: “As a concerned citizen of India, moved by the gravity of the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, I believe that the Parliament of India, as the cornerstone of our Republic and the highest forum for democratic expression, must be the platform where the anxieties, hopes, and resolve of the people find their fullest voice.”
He urged the PM to convene a special session of Parliament “dedicated exclusively to an open and principled discussion on the Pahalgam attack and its broader implications for the security, well-being, and aspirations of the people of India. Such a session would send a powerful and reassuring message that our democracy remains resilient and that our commitment to every part of our union, especially those most affected by violence, is unwavering”.
The Central government on Thursday briefed leaders of various political parties on the Pahalgam terror attack at an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Rahul Gandhi, who attended the meeting, extended full support to the government’s proposed actions.
The Congress party assured the government of its complete backing to avenge the killings of innocent civilians in Pahalgam by the terrorists.
Srinagar– Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley that left 26 civilians dead, the Jammu and Kashmir government has temporarily closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley. The move is aimed at supporting ongoing security operations and ensuring visitor safety.
Officials said the closures, announced after security reviews, target areas either involved in active operations or considered vulnerable. The situation will be reassessed regularly, and restrictions may be lifted as the security environment improves.
The shutdown is expected to severely impact Kashmir’s economy, heavily dependent on tourism. Local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators have already reported cancellations and a drop in bookings. Authorities have promised support measures for those affected.
Tourists have been advised to stay updated with the latest travel advisories, avoid restricted zones, and follow instructions from local authorities. Travelers are urged to check official channels and local news outlets for real-time information.
The April 22 attack killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen. Though The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility, it later withdrew its statement. The incident has heightened security tensions and strained India-Pakistan relations.
Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The resolution was adopted by a voice vote during a special session, one of the rare occasions in the Assembly’s history, after a three-hour-long discussion.
Moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar, the resolution expressed the House’s shock and anguish over the “barbaric” attack on civilians on April 22. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather opened the session with a reference to the incident, followed by a two-minute silence.
“This House stands in full solidarity with the victims and their families,” the document stated. “We extend our deepest condolences to those who have suffered irreparable loss and affirm our collective resolve to share in their grief and support them in their hour of need,” it added.
The resolution also mentioned the “supreme sacrifice” of pony ride operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah who laid down his life while trying to save the tourists from the terrorist attack.
“His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations,” Choudhary said.
“This House commends the people of Kashmir and Jammu for their extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience in the aftermath of the attack.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a heartfelt address, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, calling it one of the most poignant speeches of his tenure. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma also kept the focus on unity, steering clear of political barbs.
The resolution also called upon all states and union territories to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiri citizens living or traveling outside J&K. It urged political parties, civil society, and media to reject violence and divisive rhetoric and to uphold peace and constitutional values.
In a significant gesture, the names of all 26 victims were included in the final text of the resolution, following a suggestion by MLA Sajad Lone and supported by the Chief Minister.
The Assembly also endorsed the diplomatic measures announced by the Union Government after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on April 23.
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his absence from the all-party meeting on Pahalgam terror attack, saying he is always busy with the election programmes across the country.
“It is unfortunate for the country that when its self-respect was attacked in Pahalgam and the Prime Minister was busy delivering an election speech in Bihar. Leaders of all parties attended the all-party meeting, but it is saddening that PM Modi did not. Was Bihar so far away? He should have come to the meeting, shared his plan, and told us how we could help, ” the Congress President said at the Congress’ ‘Samvidhan Bachao Rally’ held at Ramlila Maidan in Jaipur.
In the rally which saw participation from other senior Congress leaders, including former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, and Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, who earlier welcomed Kharge at the Jaipur airport.
Kharge criticised PM Modi’s working, saying, “You boast about a 56-inch chest, but when it was time to lead, you didn’t even attend an all-party meeting. We, leaders of all parties, gathered, yet you showed indifference. Such is the attitude of our Prime Minister.”
Speaking on inflation and unemployment, the Congress President blamed PM Modi for soaring inflation and unemployment, asserting, “All major welfare schemes today are gifts from Congress. What has PM Modi given? Only inflation and joblessness. He promised big things but delivered little. PM Modi’s 56-inch chest has shrunk under the weight of his unfulfilled promises.”
Highlighting alleged discrimination against Dalits and Backward Classes, the Congress President said, “Our Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully visited the temple, and afterwards, the temple was washed with ‘Gangajal’ by a BJP leader. Where did the talk of Hindu unity go then? Before elections, Amit Shah and his followers would visit Dalit homes for meals, but the reality is they don’t even allow Dalits to drink water from community ponds or touch idols they make. They are trying to suppress Dalits and backward classes, but they will not bow down.”
Kharge also spoke on the Constitution and Ambedkar; stressed the importance of the Constitution, saying, “It is because of Ambedkar’s Constitution that a tea-seller can become the Prime Minister and a mill worker’s son like me can become the Leader of Opposition. If the Constitution survives, so will democracy.”
He also criticised Home Minister Amit Shah for comments about B.R. Ambedkar, saying, “Home Minister Shah said if we had taken God’s name as much as Ambedkar’s, we would attain salvation. Such hatred towards Baba Saheb shows their mindset. Now, whether they go to heaven or not, Yamraj will decide.”
Further listing what he called PM Modi’s “12 lies”, Kharge said, “PM Modi promised to bring back black money in 100 days, deposit Rs 15 lakh in every citizen’s account, create two crore jobs annually, make petrol and diesel cheaper, clean the Ganga by 2022, double farmers’ income, provide housing for all by 2022, ensure MSP for farmers, control inflation, and set up factories under ‘Make in India’. Where are those promises now? None have been fulfilled. PM Modi even promised a Rs 1.25 lakh crore package for Bihar — did Bihar receive it?”
He also took a jibe at the Prime Minister and added, “We can’t even have a morning prayer without PM Modi appearing on our TV screens. It feels like watching Amitabh Bachchan in an advertisement. The Prime Minister’s post demands a statesman’s stature, but today, it has been reduced to mere propaganda.”
In his concluding message, Kharge ended by reaffirming his faith, saying, “I am also a Hindu. My name, Mallikarjun, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. We believe in unity and equality, not in the divisive politics practiced by PM Modi and Amit Shah.”
Following the rally, the Congress President is scheduled to hold three closed-door meetings with party leaders from Rajasthan to review organisational matters and provide new directives on Monday.
In a move aimed at easing traffic congestion in South Delhi, the Delhi government is set to revive the long-pending widening and upgradation project of Mandi Road. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma announced that the 8.8-kilometre stretch will be handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for expansion and management.
“To decongest Mandi Road, we plan to transfer it to NHAI. They are better equipped to handle land acquisition, which is crucial for this project,” Verma said.
The project, considered vital for improving traffic flow along the busy Mehrauli-Gurugram Road corridor, had remained on hold for over a decade. Originally conceived in 2012, the detailed project report was prepared by a PWD-appointed consultant and submitted to the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC). Although the plan was made public in 2013 for feedback from residents and resident welfare associations, it was subsequently shelved.
At the time, the estimated cost of the project was Rs 597 crore.
The road, which connects MG Road near Chattarpur Metro Station to Faridabad Road across the Haryana border, is a key route for commuters travelling between Gurugram and South Delhi. Flanked by upscale farmhouses, residential properties, and commercial establishments, Mandi Road frequently experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Verma added that the project received a fresh approval in 2023 during a UTTIPEC meeting chaired by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. As per the Delhi Master Plan, the road should have a width of 100 feet, but a ground survey revealed that it has narrowed to just 60 feet in many stretches.
To complete the widening, approximately 20 hectares of land will need to be acquired, officials said.
As part of broader decongestion efforts in the area, the government is also planning a feasibility study for a new flyover near the intersection of Main Chattarpur Road and SSN Marg.
The move to hand over Mandi Road to NHAI follows a broader strategy by the Delhi government, which recently transferred four other major roads from PWD to the highway authority for better management and expansion.
