New Delhi, January 21: H.E. Mr Jose Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 21, 2026).
Welcoming Mr Albares at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that relations between India and Spain go back centuries, enriched by trade, culture and shared values of democracy and pluralism. She noted that this year is 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, which is being marked by celebrating the ‘India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence’.
The President said that India and Spain have a steadily growing economic relationship, with expanding trade and investment. She said that Spain’s strengths in engineering, railways, renewable energy, urban services, and defence aerospace complement India’s development priorities. She expressed confidence that with the signing of India – EU FTA, the trade relationship between the two countries will further be strengthened.
The President said that as strong adherents to multilateralism, India and Spain must work together on multilateral platforms such as the UN and G-20 to further our shared goals of peace, prosperity and stability across the world.
The President underlined that India and Spain have a shared position on countering the menace of terrorism which remains a serious threat to global peace and stability. She said that we must pool our resources and capabilities to together fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The President said that India’s relationship with Europe and European Union is growing steadily, and that we are looking forward to welcoming the President of European Council and the President of European Commission as Chief Guests for our 77th Republic Day.
Raises border area issues, secures central support for ATS in J&K
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 8: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Science & Technology, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, today participated in the Meeting of Transport Ministers of all States and Union Territories and the 43rd Meeting of the Transport Development Council (TDC) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
The high level national meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues related to road safety, vehicular standards, accident response mechanisms and transport reforms. These included cashless treatment for the accident victims, compensation to hit-and-run cases, e-DAR implementation, Zero Fatality Districts, Sadak Suraksha Mission, BN-CAP 2.0, bus body codes, Divyangjan accessibility and introduction of advanced safety technologies in buses and trucks.
Earlier, Satish Sharma held a detailed interaction with Nitin Gadkari, during which he highlighted the pressing problems faced by the people residing in border and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in terms of emergency medical services and public transport connectivity. He strongly urged the Union Minister to provide ambulances and Border Passenger (BP) buses for the border belts so that residents are ensured timely medical aid and dependable transport facilities.
The Minister also sought Central Government funding for establishment of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in Srinagar and Jammu, stating that these facilities are essential for ensuring scientific vehicle fitness testing, pollution control and enhanced road safety.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari agreed to the proposal on the spot, assuring full support for setting up the ATS infrastructure in the Union Territory.
The meeting also witnessed discussion on safety standards, programme schedules and the proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, with emphasis on strict compliance with the safety norms, time-bound implementation and high-quality execution of transport and highway projects.
Later in the day, Satish Sharma met with the representatives of major travel and transport unions from across the country.
During the interaction, he invited them to become active partners in the tourism and trade development of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir in pilgrimage, leisure and adventure tourism as well as in logistics and commercial transport.
He assured all government’s commitment towards providing a conducive, secure and business-friendly environment. He called upon them to expand their operations, tourism circuits and transport services in Jammu and Kashmir to help generate employment and strengthen the region’s economy.
Reviews Salal, Sawalkot and Ratle Projects on day 1
New Delhi, January 4: Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, accompanied by Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power, Government of India, arrived in Jammu earlier today to review the NHPC hydroelectric projects in the Union Territory of J&K.
Shri Bhupendra Gupta, CMD, NHPC briefed the Minister on the progress of various NHPC Hydroelectric projects located in Jammu & Kashmir. The two-day visit includes inspections of projects located in Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.
Today, Sh. Manohar Lal visited NHPC’s Salal Power Project, where he was apprised of the ongoing works. He directed NHPC to expedite the sediment removal operations of the Salal reservoir. It is pertinent to mention that the Salal Power Station, located on the Chenab River in Reasi district, is undertaking sediment removal works following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), aimed at removing accumulated silt and maximizing optimal utilization of water resources.
During the visit to the Salal Power Station, the Minister also undertook a plantation drive within the power station premises, underscoring the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. He also held discussions with the local administration and senior officials of various concerned departments to ensure coordinated efforts for timely execution of works.
Enroute to Kishtwar, Sh. Manohar Lal conducted an aerial inspection of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project (1856 MW).
Upon arrival in Kishtwar, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for the dam concreting works and encouraged the project team to complete the works in an effective and time-bound manner.
New Delhi, December 18: His Majesty Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik conferred upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the ‘Order of Oman’ award for his exceptional contribution to India-Oman ties and his visionary leadership.
Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the age-old friendship between the two countries and called it a tribute to the warmth and affection between the 1.4 billion people of India and the people of Oman.
The conferment of the honour during the Prime Minister’s visit to Oman, coinciding with the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, imparted special significance to the occasion and to the Strategic Partnership.
Instituted in 1970 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman has been bestowed upon select global leaders in recognition of their contribution to public life and bilateral relations.
New Delhi, December 8: Renowned Kashmiri poet, storyteller, and critic Yousuf Jahangeer has been chosen to represent the Kashmiri language at the prestigious National Symposium of Poets 2026, organized by Prasar Bharati on the eve of Republic Day.
Akashvani has selected one poet from each of the 22 scheduled Indian languages for what is being hailed as the world’s largest poetic symposium. The complete list of poets and their translators was officially released by Prasar Bharati today.
Yousuf Jahangeer’s widely acclaimed poem Rooh Te Raaz (The Soul and the Secret) will be featured in the national broadcast. A celebrated literary figure with seventeen published books, Jahangeer is known for writing seamlessly in Kashmiri, Urdu, and English. He will be accompanied by noted translator Dr Upendra Raina during the symposium.
The grand event is being recorded this month in New Delhi and will be aired at 10 pm on Republic Day eve (January 25, 2026) through the National Hook-Up of All India Radio, reaching listeners across the country. Akashvani Srinagar will simultaneously broadcast the complete programme in Kashmiri, ensuring the poetic richness of the valley reaches every household in Jammu & Kashmir.
The National Symposium of Poets 2026 promises to be a historic celebration of India’s linguistic diversity and literary heritage on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day.
Srinagar, December 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday issued Government Order No. 336-F of 2025, announcing a series of transfers, postings, and additional charge assignments across the Finance Department for administrative efficiency. The changes take immediate effect.
According to the order issued by Santosh D. Vaidya (IAS), Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, the following officers have been assigned new responsibilities:
Javed Maqbool Khanday, Treasury Officer, Sadder Treasury Srinagar, will also hold charge of Treasury Officer, Additional Treasury Khanyar until Owais Qadir Jan returns from medical leave.
Farooq Ahmad Lone, Chief Accounts Officer, Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) North Kashmir, Baramulla, will additionally hold charge of District Treasury Officer, Bandipora till Sheikh Abid Manzoor resumes duty.
Mohd Ashraf Ahanger, Chief Accounts Officer, MRDA Srinagar, shall also serve as Chief Accounts Officer, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti (PHE), Kashmir until Shadab Mukhdoomi returns from leave.
Mehak Gupta, Accounts Officer, State Health Agency (Ayushman Bharat), has been assigned additional charge of Accounts Officer, Commissioner/Controller Drugs & Food Control Organization, J&K until further orders.
Ashutosh Abrol, Accounts Officer, Directorate of Accounts & Treasuries Jammu, is transferred and posted as Accounts Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, replacing Jai Dev Singh.
Jai Dev Singh, Accounts Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, is transferred and posted as Accounts Officer, Directorate of Accounts & Treasuries Jammu, replacing Ashutosh Abrol.
Umar Shabir, Treasury Officer, Surankote, will additionally hold charge of Treasury Officer, Mendhar until Sumnash Kumar returns from leave.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set big goals for White Revolution 2.0
New Delhi, December 06: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated the newly constructed Bio-CNG and Fertilizer Plant built by Banas Dairy in Vav-Tharad district of Gujarat and laid the foundation stone for a 150-ton powder plant. On this occasion, Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shri Shankar Chaudhary, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Union Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, along with many other dignitaries, were present.
Addressing the program, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the journey started by Galbabhai Nanjibhai Patel, who founded Banas Dairy in Banaskantha, has gradually grown to such an extent that today the dairy has a turnover of up to ₹24,000 crore. He said that wherever he goes across the country, he proudly declares that the task of making Gujarat’s villages prosperous has been accomplished by the mothers and sisters of state. The farmers of this region, especially the pioneers of the cooperative movement, the chairmen of village-level milk societies, and the directors of Banas Dairy may not even realize what a massive miracle they have achieved. He added that building a ₹24,000-crore company is a task that would make even the biggest corporate houses break into a sweat, yet the women and farmers of Banaskantha have built a ₹24,000-crore company in the blink of an eye.
Shri Amit Shah said that today he has brought with him Members of Parliament from both Houses of the Indian Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He said that in the coming January, around 250 Chairmen and Managing Directors of dairies from across the country are coming to Banaskantha to personally witness the miracle that has unfolded in this cooperative dairy sector. He recalled that when he used to visit this region after the drought of 1985–87 and asked the farmers, they would say they could grow only one crop in the entire year. But now, the farmer of Banaskantha grows three crops in a year — groundnut, potato, pearl millet (bajra) in summer, and also takes the kharif crop. Just twenty-five years ago, cultivating three crops in Banaskantha was nothing more than a dream.
Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ensured the availability of water in the regions of Gujarat where it was scarce by diverting surplus water from areas where it was abundant. He said that under the Sujalam-Sufalam Scheme, excess water from the Narmada and Mahi rivers was brought to Banaskantha. Earlier, farmers here had to work as labourers on others’ fields. Today, the same farmer has turned his land into paradise and made the entire Banaskantha prosperous.
Shri Amit Shah said that it has never been our tradition or habit to fully document or write the history of any great achievement we accomplish. Shri Shah said that he has assigned two universities the responsibility of preparing a detailed, well-documented research of the water conservation efforts in Banaskantha and Mehsana, the prosperity brought by water, and the transformation that has come into people’s lives as a result. He said that the hard work of Banaskantha will be written in golden letters and will emerge as a source of inspiration in the entire history of rural development across the country.
Union Home Minister said that the most heartening aspect is the immense contribution of women in this achievement. Shri Shah said that in this massive ₹24,000-crore business, the entire hard work of collecting milk collection has been done by the hands of the sisters, daughters and mothers of Banaskantha. He added that these women have presented the most vibrant and the greatest living example before all the NGOs of the world that keep talking about women’s empowerment. Such a transparent system has been established that, without any movement or slogan, the full payment for their milk reaches directly into the bank accounts of these mothers and sisters every week.
Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that Banas Dairy has now become Asia’s largest milk-producing dairy, and Galba Kaka (Galbabhai Nanjibhai Patel) has an immense contribution in this achievement. Galba Kaka was a personality whose heart was filled only with the welfare of farmers. The journey that began in 1960 with milk societies from just eight villages of only two talukas — Vadgam and Palanpur — has today reached a turnover of ₹24,000 crore. He said that the core mantra of the tradition started by Galbabhai Patel was very simple: “We may have little money, but we have a huge number of people.” Shri Shah added that Galbabhai’s idea of many people contributing small amounts to accomplish big things has grown into a gigantic banyan tree, which is today inspiring not only India’s cooperative movements but cooperative movements across the entire world.
Shri Amit Shah said that today is the death anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He said that the Constitution given to this country by Baba Saheb has created such a strong system that Dalits, the poor, tribals and backward classes can also live a life of dignity and respect. He offered his heartfelt tribute to Baba Saheb. Shri Shah further said that today also marks the concluding ceremony of the grand padyatra being organised across Gujarat as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said that the very concept of farmers and cooperation was Sardar Saheb’s own idea. Gujarat embraced it, and today that idea has grown into a gigantic banyan tree.
Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that today several new initiatives have been launched here, including the inauguration of the Bio-CNG plant and milk powder plant, as well as the dedication of a state-of-the-art protein plant and a high-tech automated paneer plant. He said, the tradition of establishing a Bio-CNG plant started by Banas Dairy will become a model for cooperative societies across the country. He said that the innovative experiments Banas Dairy has conducted in the circular economy will be showcased to the Members of Parliament who are part of the consultative committee. He added that until now, under Amul’s leadership, Gujarat’s dairies have been collecting milk, processing it into products, selling them, and directly transferring the profits into the bank accounts of sisters and farmers — in this, we have been ahead of the entire world. But now the time has come to transform the dairy sector completely into a circular economy.
Shri Shah emphasized that not even a single gram of cow or buffalo dung should go to waste — it should be converted into organic manure, bio-gas, and electricity, and the income generated from it should also go back to the farmer. He said that there are many high-value dairy products in the world that are not yet being manufactured in India. He announced that he is handing over a complete list of such products to the Chairman of Amul today itself so that their production can begin immediately. These products command very high prices and have huge demand in the global market. If, instead of only producing curd, ghee and paneer, we focus on these high-value products, our farmer brothers and sisters will earn many times more profit.
Shri Amit Shah said that now, along with dairy, we must start producing biogas and bio-CNG. He further said that from now on, cooperative dairies across India will no longer purchase animal feed from the open market; it will also be produced at the cooperative level, and the profit earned from manufacturing animal feed will go directly into the bank accounts of our sisters. He assured that the entire ecosystem required for this, including technology and financing, has already been put in place by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that for the benefit of farmers, the Government of India has formed three new national-level cooperatives: one for seed production and distribution, one for marketing of organic products, and one for agricultural exports. At the same time, three national-level multi-state cooperatives have been created specifically for the dairy sector. He said that these six cooperative institutions together will now cover every aspect of agriculture and animal husbandry — whether it is making cheese, protein, dairy whitener, khoya, ice-cream, baby food; packaging edible oil, producing flour, honey, running cold storages, potato chips, seed production, or manufacturing animal feed — all these activities will come under the dairy economy, and the entire profit will reach directly into the accounts of the livestock farmers. This is the clear and firm plan of the Government of India.
Shri Shah said that he assures the brothers and sisters of Banaskantha that within five years, the benefits from increased milk production alone will be significant, but even with the current volume of milk production, their income will be increased by at least 20 per cent through the circular economy model. A detailed plan for this has been prepared, and it is very fortunate that the headquarters of Banas Dairy will be the center of this entire detailed planning. He expressed confidence that this model for increasing the income of livestock farmers and farmers, like those in Banaskantha, will be successful throughout the country.
Shri Amit Shah said that every village milk cooperative has been provided with a micro-ATM, which has made the process of handling frozen semen much easier. In the coming days, financial services will also be launched through these micro-ATMs. He said that Prime Minister Modi has set several ambitious targets for White Revolution 2.0, and he is confident that with the support of the four pillars – the National Gokul Mission, the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, the restructured National Dairy Plan, and the National Animal Disease Control Programme – White Revolution 2.0 will definitely be successful. He added that the tradition established by Banas Dairy will not be limited to Banaskantha alone; it will become a source of prosperity for millions of livestock farmers across the entire country.
For the past 40 years, three hotspots that had become a persistent wound for the country—Naxalism, Northeast, and Jammu & Kashmir—have been given permanent solutions by the Modi government, soon, these regions will become like the rest of the country
New Delhi, November 28 : Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the three-day 60th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh today.
In his address, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the DGsP/IGsP Conference has emerged as a key forum for resolving the country’s internal security challenges – ranging from identifying problems and challenges to formulating strategies and policies. Referring to the actionable steps taken by the Modi Government for the complete elimination of Naxalism, Home Minister said that in the last seven years, the Central Government has strengthened the security grid by constructing 586 fortified police stations. As a result, the number of Naxal-affected districts has come down from 126 in 2014 to just 11 today. Union Home Minister expressed confidence that the country will be completely free from the menace of Naxalism before the next DGsP/IGsP Conference.
Shri Amit Shah said that the country has been facing the problem of Naxalism for the last 40 years. He said that the Modi Government has provided permanent solutions to the three hotspots which had become a festering wound for the nation — Naxalism, the North-East, and Jammu & Kashmir. He said that very soon these regions will become like the rest of the country. Highlighting the achievements of the Modi Government, Home Minister said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been strengthened, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has been made more robust, three New Criminal Laws have been introduced, and strong laws have been enacted against narcotics and fugitive offenders. He further said that once the three New Criminal Laws are fully implemented, policing in India will become the most modern in the world.
Referring to the Modi Government’s action against terrorism and extremism, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that after the Centre banned the Popular Front of India (PFI), nationwide raids were conducted on their hideouts and arrests were made, which is an outstanding example of Centre-State coordination. He said that security forces and police are delivering strong blows to extremism, radicalisation and narcotics by focusing on three key aspects: accuracy of intelligence, clarity of objectives, and synergy in action. Shri Shah reiterated that we must launch a 360-degree attack on narcotics and organised crime and build such a system that drug traffickers and criminals do not get even an inch of space in this country. He said the time has now come for state police forces to work together with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and strike hard at narcotics gangs operating at state, national and international levels, and put their masterminds behind bars.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called on Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and held an extensive discussion on a wide range of developmental matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the two leaders deliberated on key developmental priorities of Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction focused on strengthening core infrastructure, enhancing investment opportunities, and ensuring continued financial support for welfare-centric initiatives aimed at improving public services and overall socio-economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
NEW DELHI, MAY 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this evening called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the national capital to discuss key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on the recent developments in the region.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing situation in the wake of the heinous terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of the Pahalgam tourist resort, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
The Chief Minister reiterated the deep sense of grief and outrage felt by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On April 28, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest possible terms, reflecting the collective will of the people’s representatives to stand united against terrorism and safeguard the peace and harmony of the region.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed to the Prime Minister the deep sense of solidarity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir in rejecting violence.
