“Indians Can Sprint, Break Barriers and Rewrite History”: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi, May 31 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed Indian sprinters Gurinder Veer Singh and Animesh Kujur for rewriting the national record books, saying they have proved that Indians can excel in world-class sprinting despite long-held perceptions to the contrary.

In his Mann Ki Baat address, as per news agency JKNS, Prime Minister highlighted the recent National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi, where nearly 800 athletes participated and four national records were broken. Referring to the men’s 100-metre event, Modi noted that the national record was broken three times in just two days by Gurinder Veer Singh and Animesh Kujur, describing their achievement as a powerful example of determination, healthy rivalry and sporting excellence.

During the programme, Modi held a detailed interaction with both athletes, congratulating them on their achievements and describing their performance as a unique “jugalbandi” of competition. “We have seen jugalbandi in music, but now there is a jugalbandi of challenges, where one athlete breaks a record and the other surpasses it,” he remarked.

Animesh Kujur, who hails from Chhattisgarh and currently represents Odisha, recounted his journey from playing football in school to becoming a national-level athlete. He said he entered athletics in 2021 after participating in a state meet during the post-COVID period and unexpectedly qualified for national competitions. Since then, he has gone on to win medals at the Asian level and the World University Games while representing India internationally.

Gurinder Veer Singh, a Petty Officer in the Indian Navy and currently India’s fastest sprinter, told the Prime Minister that he recently clocked 10.09 seconds in the 100 metres, becoming the first Indian to run below the 10.1-second barrier. He credited his father and grandfather, both sportsmen, for inspiring him to pursue athletics from a young age.

Sharing his personal journey, Gurinder said his father’s unfulfilled sporting dreams became a source of motivation for him. He recalled how people often discouraged him from choosing the 100-metre sprint, claiming that Indians were not naturally built for the event. “We decided not to step back. Whoever said Indians could not do it, we wanted to prove them wrong,” he said.

Modi observed that both athletes had challenged a deeply rooted perception that Indians cannot excel in elite sprinting events. He asked them about the struggles, determination and sacrifices behind their success.

Responding to the Prime Minister, Gurinder said injuries, defeats and self-doubt were part of the journey, but support from family and coaches helped him remain focused. He stressed that encouragement from the community and belief in one’s dreams are crucial to overcoming setbacks.

Animesh echoed similar sentiments, saying many people had questioned whether he could succeed in athletics when he first started. However, his family stood firmly behind him and encouraged him to remain committed. He said their recent achievements have shown that Indians are capable of breaking sprinting barriers and competing with the best in the world.

The Prime Minister also asked about reports that the two athletes had motivated each other to keep breaking records. Animesh explained that the record first stood at 10.18 seconds before Gurinder improved it to 10.17 seconds in one semifinal, after which he lowered it further to 10.15 seconds in another race. He said both athletes shared a common goal of taking Indian sprinting to new heights and inspiring future generations.

Gurinder described their relationship as one built on friendship and competition. He said they support each other during training and preparations but become fierce competitors once they step onto the track. “Outside the ground we are friends, but on the track we compete to run faster than each other,” he said.

Praising their attitude, Modi said their sportsmanship represented the true spirit of athletics. He said their willingness to challenge each other while also helping each other improve was commendable and reflected the values needed to take Indian sports forward.

“The competition you are participating in is meant to enhance the nation’s prestige and take India to greater heights. Your spirit of competition, resilience and mutual support is exemplary,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi extended his best wishes to both athletes for future competitions, expressing confidence that they would continue bringing glory to the nation through their performances on the international stage. (JKNS)

New Delhi, May 31 (JKNS): The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved waiver of the mandatory cooling-off period for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, paving the way for his immediate deputation to the Central Government in relaxation of the existing IPS Tenure Policy.

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the approval was granted on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which had forwarded the proposal through its communication dated April 10, 2026.

The order stated that, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for waiving of the “cooling off” period for central deputation, in respect of Shri Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IPS (AGMUT:2003), in relaxation of IPS Tenure Policy.”

The decision assumes significance as Birdi is presently serving as IGP Kashmir and has been supervising policing, law and order management, counter-terror operations, and security-related matters across the Kashmir Valley.

Under existing central deputation guidelines, IPS officers returning from central assignments are generally required to complete a three-year cooling-off period in their parent cadre before becoming eligible for another deputation to the Government of India.

Birdi had returned to Jammu and Kashmir after serving on deputation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he held the rank of Inspector General. He was prematurely repatriated from the CRPF in September 2023 and sent back to his parent cadre for posting in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following his return, he formally joined the AGMUT cadre on October 13, 2023 and was subsequently posted as Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone.

As per the normal deputation rules, Birdi’s cooling-off period was scheduled to conclude on October 13, 2026. However, the latest ACC decision has effectively waived the remaining period, making him immediately eligible for a central posting nearly four months ahead of schedule.

Birdi originally belonged to the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre of the IPS. Following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and merger of the J&K cadre into the AGMUT cadre after the abrogation of Article 370, he became part of the AGMUT cadre.

The waiver has fuelled speculation within administrative and security circles that the Centre may be considering Birdi for an important assignment in a central security or intelligence-related organisation, although no official posting order has been issued so far.

The relaxation granted by the ACC reflects the Centre’s prerogative to exempt officers from cooling-off requirements in exceptional cases where their services are considered necessary for specific assignments at the national level. (JKNS)

Srinagar, May 31 (JKNS): Traffic Police Rural Kashmir issued a traffic advisory announcing restrictions and diversions in Kulgam town on June 1 in view of a Mega Rally (Padyatra) being organised under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

According to the advisory issued by Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural Kashmir, Liaqat Ali, as per news agency JKNS, vehicular movement from Khudwani Crossing to Chawalgam Chowk via Laroo Bus Stand and Ghanta Ghar, as well as from Sangus Crossing to Laroo Bypass Crossing via Circle Road Kulgam, will remain completely suspended from 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM on June 1.

Traffic authorities have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel within Kulgam town during the event and follow designated alternate routes to ensure smooth movement of traffic.

As per the diversion plan, traffic from DH Pora towards Anantnag and Srinagar will be diverted through Chawalgam Bypass, Pahloo, Kilam and Mirbazaar before joining NH-44.

Similarly, traffic heading towards Kulgam from Srinagar and Anantnag will be diverted at Wanpoh and Khudwani crossings via Alstop, Mirbazaar, Kilam, Pahloo and Chawalgam Bypass before reaching Kulgam town.

Vehicles coming from Khudwani and Qaimoh areas towards Kulgam have been advised to move through Kaddar Crossing, Bachroo and Laroo before entering the town.

Traffic Police said the advisory has been issued in public interest for awareness and compliance and urged commuters to cooperate with authorities to avoid inconvenience during the anti-drug awareness programme. (JKNS)

Srinagar, May 31 (JKNS): International water sports star and prominent sports administrator Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt petition before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), alleging that the Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Department failed to comply with tribunal directions to release her salary, which she says has remained unpaid for more than two-and-a-half years.

As per news agency JKNS, The contempt petition has been filed against the Commissioner Secretary and Director General of the Youth Services and Sports Department. Mir has contended that the CAT, in its order dated February 5, had directed the authorities to release her legitimately earned salary within 15 days, but the order has allegedly not been implemented despite the expiry of the stipulated timeframe.

According to the petition, the continued non-compliance has caused severe financial hardship and professional distress, depriving her of her livelihood despite rendering services to the department. She has alleged that the failure to implement the tribunal’s order is deliberate and undermines the authority of the judicial institution.

Mir’s salary issues date back to November 2023, following the registration of a case against her by the Anti-Corruption Branch under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code. However, in July last year, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed the FIR and made strong observations in her favour, stating that efforts appeared to have been made to harass a talented sportsperson.

The celebrated sports administrator has had a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades. She represented India at the Canoeing and Kayaking World Cup in Hungary in 2009 and became the first Indian woman to serve as a judge at the Asian Games. She also coached India’s women’s kayaking and canoeing teams at international events and holds an international coaching diploma from Hungary.

Mir gained international recognition after being selected as India’s only female kayaking and canoeing judge for the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was also recently appointed chief coach of the national kayaking and canoeing team for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

The petition states that despite clear judicial directions and the department’s knowledge of the CAT order, her salary has not been released. It further claims that the respondents were represented during the tribunal proceedings and were fully aware of the binding nature of the order.

The legal battle over her financial dues had earlier reached the High Court, which subsequently transferred the matter to the CAT for adjudication. In its observations, the High Court had praised Mir’s achievements, describing her accomplishments as a matter of pride for the country and lamenting the treatment meted out to accomplished sportspersons.

The court had also criticized the Anti-Corruption Branch’s actions, observing that the case appeared to be a “witch-hunt” and expressing concern over what it described as attempts to target a sportsperson of international stature. —(JKNS)

Jammu, May 31 (JKNS): A high-level meeting on industrial promotion and development in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Sunday, has been postponed, official sources said.

Sources told news agency JKNS, The meeting was to be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and was expected to review various initiatives aimed at boosting industrial growth and investment in the Union Territory.

Sources said the new date for the meeting will be communicated to the Jammu and Kashmir administration in due course. —(JKNS)

Jammu, May 31 (JKNS): In a significant relief to long-serving daily wage and ad hoc workers, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld the regularisation of 17 employees engaged by the Forest Department, dismissing two petitions filed by the Union Territory administration challenging orders passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

According to the details available with news agency JKNS stated that, a Division Bench comprising Justice Sindhu Sharma and Justice Shahzad Azeem observed that the government cannot continue to avail the services of workers for decades and later deny them regularisation by terming their engagement as temporary, seasonal or need-based.

The court held that such practices amount to exploitation of labour and are contrary to the principles expected from a welfare State. It emphasized that the State cannot evade its responsibilities by using technical classifications after benefiting from the services of workers over long periods.

The case pertained to 16 daily-rated workers of the Eco Task Force Division, Jammu, and one employee, Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Malik, who had served as a Mali in the Forest Division, Doda. The CAT had earlier directed their regularisation after finding that they had rendered uninterrupted service for several years.

In the case of the 16 workers, the Tribunal relied on official records, including muster rolls, service certificates and duty registers, to establish that they had worked continuously for nearly 25 to 30 years. The High Court noted that these records were not disputed by the department.

The Forest Department had argued that the workers were engaged only on a need basis and not against sanctioned posts. It also contended that earlier regularisation schemes had ceased to exist following recent policy changes.

Rejecting the contention, the Bench observed that the very fact that the workers had been continuously engaged for decades demonstrated the permanent nature of the work being performed. The court said the government cannot shield itself behind labels such as temporary or need-based to deny legitimate benefits to employees.

The court further remarked that a “hire and fire” approach undermines the dignity of labour, creates uncertainty and defeats the objectives of public employment.

In a separate but connected matter, the High Court also upheld the CAT’s order directing the regularisation of Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Malik as Mali with effect from January 1, 2002, along with all consequential service benefits.

According to official records, Malik had been associated with the Forest Department since 1991-92 and continued to discharge duties for over three decades. The court noted that departmental documents themselves acknowledged his long service and the fact that he had crossed the age limit while awaiting regularisation.

Relying on recent Supreme Court rulings, the High Court held that public authorities cannot perpetuate prolonged ad hoc employment by merely assigning temporary designations to workers performing permanent duties. Finding no merit in the petitions, the court dismissed both cases and upheld the regularisation benefits granted to all 17 employees. —(JKNS)

New Delhi, May 31 (JKNS): General NS Raja Subramani formally assumed charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi, marking the commencement of his tenure as the country’s highest-ranking military officer.

Taking over from Anil Chauhan, who completed his tenure on May 30, General Raja Subramani said the Armed Forces remain committed to strengthening national security through greater jointness, innovation and self-reliance.

Expressing gratitude for the trust reposed in the Armed Forces, the new CDS said the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of Defence and other strategic institutions would work together under a “whole-of-nation approach” to advance the vision of “JAI” — Jointness, Atma Nirbharta and Innovation.

He emphasized that organisational reforms, enhanced synergy among the services and accelerated induction of indigenous defence systems would remain key priorities during his tenure.

The Government had appointed General NS Raja Subramani as the next CDS on May 9. He will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, Government of India, from the date of assuming office.

Before taking over as CDS, General Raja Subramani served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat. He earlier held key appointments, including Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command.

Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, the officer has served in a wide range of operational, command and instructional roles over a distinguished military career spanning more than four decades.

He has commanded formations in counter-insurgency operations in Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and along strategic sectors of the country’s borders, besides leading the Army’s premier strike corps on the Western Front.

For his distinguished service, General NS Raja Subramani has been conferred with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, according to the Ministry of Defence. —(JKNS)