New Delhi, June 12

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified the ‘Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026’ to curb black marketing and hoarding of diesel by unscrupulous elements.

An official spokesman in a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau issued here said that these regulations are temporary measures, initially valid for up to 90 days, ensuring diesel availability to all retail consumers.

The current situation is one of uneven extraordinary demand growth in some retail outlets due to shifting of bulk diesel volume to PSU Oil Marketing Retail Outlets.

This is driven by industrial and direct or institutional and commercial consumers who have been shifting their procurement from their dedicated consumer pumps to retail outlets due to the difference between bulk and retail diesel prices.

The other reason is that private Oil Marketing companies’ sales exhibited a decline of around 58 percent in HSD sales during May 2026 due to higher prices fixed by them.

The data for May 2026, as compared to the corresponding period last year, reveals a significant surge in diesel sales through PSU OMCs retail outlets wherein 327 districts recorded more than 10 percent growth, with 80 districts seeing a growth exceeding 30 percent.

The new regulatory measures are specifically designed to protect retail consumers from inconvenience caused by intermittent supply issues at retail outlets.

These measures will not affect citizens in any way, given the fact that for the average person driving a car or riding a two-wheeler, the 200-litre cap is far beyond what any private vehicle would need.

The measures are aimed at large and bulk consumers who should not be procuring diesel from retail outlets to take undue advantage of the price arbitrage.

Blatant instances of procurement of large quantities of diesel in jerry cans, and its resale have come to the notice of the government.

This order will enable strict action against such buyers/operators, dealers and officers who are involved in this black marketing and hoarding of diesel.

Prohibiting diversion of fuel from retail outlets to bulk consumers essentially means more supply stays in the system for the retail customers.

To protect retail consumers during the ongoing West Asia disruption, PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are currently absorbing losses of around Rs 500 crore per day on the sale of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG.

This graduated price support is intended to protect retail consumers and ensure affordability of fuel for households, farmers and other end-users.

This support is not meant for industrial and bulk supplies, where pricing continues to track international market prices, resulting in retail diesel being around Rs 40 per litre cheaper than bulk diesel.

The diversion of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) by bulk consumers has led to localised supply issues and potential disruptions for bona fide retail customers and essential services.

Pursuant to this order, now the Central Government have issued directions to Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to ensure the following:

Retail outlets will dispense diesel only into vehicle tanks or PESO-approved containers, with a maximum limit of 200 litres per day per customer and vehicle.

Diesel purchased at retail outlets cannot be resold.

Industrial and direct or Institutional and commercial customers are prohibited from procuring fuel from retail outlets and must source their requirements through consumer pumps.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Retail Outlet Dealers will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the prescribed restrictions and preventing any attempts to circumvent the provisions of the Order.

State governments and Union Territory administrations have been directed to take necessary actions against any malpractices, such as black marketing or unauthorised diversion, to ensure the interests of the common man are protected

Violations of the Order will be subject to penalties and other legal action as provided under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and applicable laws.

The ‘Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026’ is explicitly defined as a temporary measure designed to address specific, current market challenges.

This is not a rationing measure, and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the country. Notably, India remains the world’s 4th largest refiner and 5th largest exporter of refined petroleum products.

The government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies, protecting consumer interest and maintaining energy security through timely and proactive measures.

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Srinagar, June 12

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Friday said that the government is committed towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality patient care across Jammu and Kashmir.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the minister made these remarks during her day-long tour of healthcare institutions and medical facilities in the Khanyar and Hazratbal constituencies.

She was accompanied by MLA Khanyar, Ali Mohammad Sagar and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar besides others.

During the tour, the Minister visited the Urban Public Health Centre (UPHC) at S R Gunj and inspected the ongoing upgradation works. She directed the concerned authorities to expedite completion of the remaining works, including the rooftop, approach road and lift facility, so that the upgraded facility can be dedicated to the public at the earliest.

Itoo said that the health centre is a significant project designed while preserving the area’s local heritage, which will greatly enhance healthcare services for the residents.

The minister also visited Gousia Hospital, Khanyar, where she announced the construction of an additional block on a nearby identified site to improve healthcare facilities for the local population and address the issues of space constraints and parking.

She directed the concerned departments to ensure all required formalities are completed promptly, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is prepared for the project.

Inspecting the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) at Habbak Chowk, Hazratbal, the Minister announced that work on the approved 50-bedded hospital block will commence shortly.

“I am thankful to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for approving this important project. I also appreciate the consistent efforts of local MLA Salman Ali Sagar in pursuing this matter and securing its approval,” she said.

The minister said that the government is focused on ensuring better patient care and modern healthcare facilities so that the people, particularly the economically weaker sections, do not have to depend on private hospitals for quality treatment.

She highlighted that significant improvement has been witnessed in the health sector. She informed that around 400 new doctors are being deployed across Jammu and Kashmir to address the staff shortages and improve service delivery.

“We are identifying and addressing the existing gaps in the healthcare system. Our objective is to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to every citizen,” she said.

The minister assured that the foundation stone for the new projects would be laid soon and that regular monitoring would be undertaken to ensure their timely completion and dedication to the public.

She also appealed to the public to contribute towards maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in healthcare institutions, stressing that community participation is essential for better healthcare outcomes.

Speaking on the occasion, the local legislators expressed gratitude to the minister for her proactive approach towards strengthening the healthcare services and infrastructure in their respective constituencies.

Later, the minister visited Burzahama and directed the concerned authorities to identify suitable land for construction of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population.

During her tour, several individual and public delegations met the Minister and apprised her of various issues and demands. She assured them that all their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.

Senior officers, including MD KPDCL, VC LCMA, Director School Education Kashmir, Principal GMC Srinagar, Chief Engineer R&B, ADC Srinagar and other senior officers from concerned departments also accompanied the Minister during the tour.

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New Delhi, June 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that over the last 12 years, the government had worked to further women-led development, which was visible across sectors.

An official spokesman, in a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau, said that the PM noted that, from financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science, and governance, women are playing a prominent role across diverse fields.

PM Modi emphasised that the government’s efforts were rooted in dignity, opportunity, and empowerment, noting that they have helped create an environment in which women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building.

The Prime Minister expressed particular happiness in seeing India’s women power make a mark in sectors like science, space, and innovation.

He highlighted that their growing participation in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming the development landscape across the nation.

PM Modi shared that the government was actively supporting Self Help Groups, which were going a long way in making women financially independent.

Sharing a Sanskrit Subhashitam, the Prime Minister said that India’s women power was the cornerstone of nation-building.

“Today, our mothers, sisters, and daughters are increasing the pride of Maa Bharati with their amazing talent and skills in every field,” he said.

In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister shared: “Over the last 12 years, the NDA Government has worked to further women-led development. And, this is visible across sectors. From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance, women are playing a prominent role across diverse sectors. The efforts of the NDA Government are rooted in dignity, opportunity and empowerment. They have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building. #12YearsOfNariShakti.

“I am particularly happy to see India’s Nari Shakti make a mark in sectors like science, space and innovation. Their growing participation in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming the development landscape across the nation. Our Government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are going a long way in making women financially independent. #12YearsOfNariShakti”

“Woman is the mother of the three worlds. She is the very expression of all the three realms. She is the foundation of the entire universe, and she is the true embodiment of power.”

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Srinagar, June 12

The Passport Seva Project (PSP) under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has introduced Mobile Passport Van Services to ensure seamless passport facilities for applicants residing in different jurisdictions, including remote and far-flung areas.

An official spokesman in a statement issued on Press Information Bureau said that under this initiative, the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Srinagar, will operate a Mobile Passport Van in Kargil district for facilitating passport-related services to applicants.

The Mobile Passport Van will remain stationed for two days at the Tourist Facilitation Centre, Bemathang, Kargil on June 15 and 16, 2026.

Applicants from Kargil and adjoining areas can avail passport services by booking appointments through the official Passport Seva website.

Applicants are required to visit the website and select “Passport Van” as the service option while choosing their preferred appointment slot for the specified dates.

Speaking on the initiative, B S Rawat, Passport Officer, Srinagar, said that the Mobile Passport Van Service reflects the Government of India’s commitment to extending citizen-centric passport services to people living in remote regions and ensuring greater accessibility, transparency and convenience in passport delivery mechanisms.

The applicants should report to the designated location at the scheduled time on the date of appointment and may contact the Mobile Passport Van Team Registration Number PB65BF1377 for any further assistance. For more information, applicants may visit the official Passport Seva website at passportindia.gov.in or contact the Regional Passport Office, Srinagar.

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New Delhi, June 12

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah separately met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and raised concerns over the proposed closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to 16, 2026, scheduled under Phase III of the runway resurfacing project.

During the meetings, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted air connectivity to Jammu & Kashmir, particularly during the peak autumn tourism season when the Valley attracts a large number of visitors from across the country.

While acknowledging that the resurfacing works are essential for operational safety and fully respecting the operational assessment of the Indian Air Force, Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the timing of the final phase of the project, which coincides with one of the busiest periods for the tourism sector.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Ministers that air services to the Valley have already been curtailed since April owing to the earlier phases of the resurfacing programme. He noted that a complete suspension of flights during the first half of October would adversely affect tourism, hospitality, transport, handicrafts and allied sectors that sustain thousands of livelihoods across Jammu & Kashmir.

Highlighting the broader economic implications, Omar Abdullah said the proposed closure could lead to large-scale travel disruptions and cancellations, causing inconvenience to residents and visitors alike while impacting business activity during a crucial tourism season.

In his meeting with the Defence Minister, the Chief Minister requested that the Indian Air Force examine the possibility of shortening or phasing the final stage of the runway works without compromising safety or operational requirements.

He further requested that, in the event a complete closure of Srinagar Airport becomes unavoidable, minimal civil flight operations, commensurate with the operational capacity of the Awantipora Air Base, may be permitted from the air base during the closure period to ensure essential air connectivity for the region.

Recalling his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah noted that during the runway resurfacing works in September 2010, civil flights had successfully operated from Awantipora under a coordinated arrangement involving the Ministries of Defence and Civil Aviation.

“We are working on possible alternatives to minimise the disruption & maintain a basic flight schedule as was done in the past when the airport closed for similar reasons in 1998 & 2010,” the Chief Minister said.

During his meeting with the Union Civil Aviation Minister, the Chief Minister sought intervention to facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Defence on reviewing the timing of Phase III, including the possibility of shortening, phasing or shifting the closure to a leaner travel window without compromising safety requirements.

He also requested that contingency arrangements be explored in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force to ensure continued air connectivity to the Valley in the event the closure remains unavoidable.

The Chief Minister emphasised that any alternative operational arrangement would require extensive inter-agency coordination and advance planning, and therefore needed to be initiated well ahead of the scheduled closure period.

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New Delhi, June 11

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the restoration of statehood to the federally administered territory and sought continued central support for economic development, infrastructure expansion and tourism promotion.

During a meeting in New Delhi, Abdullah said restoring statehood would strengthen democratic institutions and public participation while supporting the region’s next phase of development, according to officials.

Abdullah also raised issues related to economic growth, connectivity and employment generation, including fuller utilisation of Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower potential, additional rail services ahead of the apple harvesting season and support for tourism, agriculture and small businesses.

In a post on social media platform X after the meeting, Abdullah said he discussed “early return of statehood, the state of the economy, pace of development and promotion of tourism” with Modi.

The meeting comes amid persistent demands by Abdullah’s National Conference-led government for the restoration of statehood nearly seven years after Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two federally administered territories in 2019.

The federal government has repeatedly said statehood would be restored at an appropriate stage following the completion of political and administrative processes.

Separately, Abdullah met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to seek measures aimed at improving connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

Abdullah proposed allowing civilian flights to operate from the Indian Air Force airfield at Awantipora in south Kashmir if Srinagar airport is closed from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15 for runway repairs.

Officials said the federal government would explore options to minimise disruption to air travel during the peak autumn tourism season.

The chief minister also requested additional rail services to the Valley and sought a stop for the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag in south Kashmir.

A day earlier, addressing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Modi, Abdullah sought greater federal investment and institutional support for Jammu and Kashmir.

He urged the Centre to extend benefits available to India’s hill states under the “Pride of Hills” initiative to Jammu and Kashmir and called for a long-term hydropower partnership to harness the region’s estimated 14,867 megawatts of hydropower potential.

Abdullah also sought support for new tourism infrastructure, expansion of rail services, promotion of agricultural and handicraft sectors and the establishment of government medical colleges in districts that currently lack them.

He said Jammu and Kashmir recorded 23.6 million tourist arrivals in 2024 and highlighted government programmes aimed at entrepreneurship, agriculture and skill development as key drivers of economic growth.

“Jammu and Kashmir seeks partnership and convergence to transform its resilience, resources and human potential into a stronger contribution to national growth and development,” Abdullah said.

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Srinagar, June 11

Jammu and Kashmir is building a stronger hockey ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, grassroots competitions and talent identification programmes aimed at producing future national-level players, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ALFA Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Sinha said the administration was focused on creating a structured pathway for young athletes to progress from school competitions to higher levels of the sport.

“We are building a talent pipeline in J&K that will ensure a player’s journey from the school level to the regional level and national stage,” he said.

The tournament featured students from 32 schools across several districts of Kashmir and was organised with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Badal Hockey Club and Hockey Jammu and Kashmir.

Sinha said the competition served as a platform to identify promising players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack access to opportunities and professional training.

“Many outstanding players come from ordinary backgrounds, but without opportunities and proper support, talent cannot progress,” he said.

The lieutenant governor said hockey had received renewed attention in recent years as authorities expanded sports infrastructure and encouraged greater participation at the grassroots level.

Synthetic hockey turfs have been established at Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Pulwama and Poonch, while additional facilities are being developed at Bandhu Rakh and K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu, he said.

According to Sinha, the infrastructure expansion would support advanced coaching programmes, talent scouting and training camps, helping create a sustainable framework for player development.

“We aim to see more schools and more young players take up hockey in the coming years and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a cradle for world-class hockey talent,” he said.

Addressing participants, Sinha urged young athletes to remain disciplined, continue learning from coaches and focus on improving their performance.

He also linked sports development with broader youth empowerment and nation-building goals, saying the government remained committed to creating opportunities for young people.

Expressing confidence about the future of the sport in the region, Sinha said current efforts would help produce a new generation of players capable of competing at higher levels.

“Hockey can become a major avenue for our youth. I am confident that more players will emerge from Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Senior government officials, sports administrators, coaches, teachers and students attended the event.

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New Delhi, June 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India was continuing on its growth trajectory despite global uncertainty and instability, as he called for closer cooperation between the federal and state governments to achieve the country’s long-term development goals.

Chairing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Modi said India remained confident and determined in pursuing its vision of becoming a developed nation under the Viksit Bharat programme.

“The world is passing through a period of uncertainty and instability, yet India continues to move forward on its growth trajectory with confidence and determination,” Modi said, according to NITI Aayog.

The prime minister said free trade agreements signed with several countries were creating new opportunities for economic growth and exports, while also opening global markets for India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said Indian businesses should use the agreements to improve competitiveness and align with international standards.

Modi described India’s demographic dividend as a historic opportunity and stressed the need to invest in quality education, skills development and employment generation for young people.

“Empowered youth will be the driving force behind our journey towards Viksit Bharat,” he said.

The prime minister also called for greater cooperation and dialogue among states, saying NITI Aayog could serve as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices to support national development objectives.

Highlighting the role of women in economic growth, Modi said women-led development remained central to the government’s vision for a developed India.

“From farming and startups to science and innovation, Nari Shakti is contributing across the domains,” he said, urging states to prioritise women’s education, skills development, safety and empowerment.

Modi said the combined efforts of the Centre and states, guided by the principle of cooperative federalism, would be crucial to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.

“The collective efforts of the Centre and States will play a pivotal role in realising our shared vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

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New Delhi, June 11

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, with a focus on preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin next month, officials said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior civil administration officials, police officers and representatives of security agencies are expected to attend the meeting in New Delhi, according to sources familiar with the preparations.

The review comes weeks before the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, which begins on July 3 and concludes on August 28, and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of devotees.

Officials said discussions are likely to focus on deployment of security personnel, intelligence coordination, surveillance systems and contingency plans aimed at ensuring the safe conduct of the pilgrimage.

Shah is expected to assess the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and review measures taken to safeguard pilgrims travelling along the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, sources said.

The meeting follows a separate review chaired by Sinha in Srinagar on Wednesday, during which he directed departments to complete arrangements related to infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and other services for pilgrims.

“Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee,” Sinha said after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (Security) Sujit Kumar on Thursday inspected key transit camps along the Pahalgam route to review security and logistical arrangements ahead of the pilgrimage.

Kumar visited transit facilities at Qazigund and Mirbazar in south Kashmir, where officials briefed him on the multi-layered security grid and the deployment of screening and surveillance equipment, including explosive detectors, X-ray scanners, jammers, metal detectors and CCTV systems.

He also reviewed medical, sanitation, communication and emergency response arrangements and stressed the need for close coordination among the police, paramilitary forces, army and civil administration.

“Robust security measures, prompt response capabilities and close inter-agency coordination are vital for the smooth conduct of the Yatra,” Kumar told officers during the inspection.

Authorities have intensified preparations for the annual pilgrimage, with plans including a three-tier security cover, drone surveillance, mock drills and upgraded facilities at base camps and transit points.

The Amarnath Yatra is one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages and requires extensive security arrangements across multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir each year.

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Srinagar, June 11

National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah said on Thursday his party would not approach other political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to join its planned protest in New Delhi demanding restoration of statehood, adding that any group wishing to participate was free to do so.

The NC has announced plans to stage a demonstration outside Parliament on the opening day of the forthcoming Monsoon Session to press the federal government for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

“Whoever wants to join the protest can do so. We are not going to anyone with a begging bowl,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar when asked whether the party would invite other political organisations to participate.

His remarks came days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on constituents of the opposition INDIA alliance to support the NC’s campaign for restoration of statehood.

Farooq Abdullah said political parties in Jammu and Kashmir were united on the issue despite broader political differences.

“This is the need of the hour to get united for the restoration of statehood. We are all united as far as statehood is concerned,” he said.

About the prospects of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status, Abdullah said the issue depended on decisions taken by the authorities in New Delhi but pledged that his party would continue its campaign through constitutional means.

“We will continue to fight. Constitutionally, we have the right to protest for what has been taken away from us,” he said.

The former chief minister also criticised the existing governance structure in the Union Territory, arguing that the elected government lacked adequate authority.

“The people have elected a government here. The elected government should have the powers, not the Lieutenant Governor,” he said.

Commenting on the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Abdullah expressed concern over reports of unrest and called on the United Nations to assess conditions in the region.

He urged the UN human rights mechanisms to investigate the situation and help address the concerns of residents.

Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office, Abdullah said lasting stability in Jammu and Kashmir would require addressing the aspirations of its people and restoring what he described as their dignity and honour.

The NC has repeatedly pressed for the restoration of statehood since Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in August 2019, making it the party’s central political demand since returning to power following the Assembly elections.

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