Srinagar, Apr 25: Intermittent rains lashed most parts of Kashmir on Saturday, bringing relief from the heatwave conditions, even as the Meteorological Department forecast another spell of wet weather early next week, officials said.
Overnight, the plains of Kashmir, including the summer capital Srinagar, experienced continuous rain that persisted until late morning on Saturday. There were also reports of light snowfall in Zojila Pass.
As the weather improved in the afternoon, the rain brought down temperatures, alleviating the heatwave that had been prevalent in the valley over the past few days.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28.1 degrees Celsius on Friday, which was over six degrees higher than the seasonal norm. The minimum temperature was also nearly five degrees above average.
In general, temperatures at most locations in Kashmir were over six degrees above normal on Friday.
However, following the rainfall and overcast conditions on Saturday, the temperature dropped to 21.2 degrees Celsius — approximately seven degrees lower than the previous day and nearly one degree below the seasonal average, officials noted.
All weather stations in the valley reported below-normal day temperatures on Saturday.
The MeT Office said that while the weather is expected to be generally dry on Sunday, there is a chance of light rain, thunder showers, and gusty winds in scattered areas from Monday onwards.
A brief spell of light rain and thunder is likely at a few locations on April 29-30 in the late afternoon.
J&K: Intermittent Rain Brings Relief From Heatwave Conditions
J&K Chapter Of ‘Ambedkar Chamber Of Commerce’ Launched
Dr Jitendra calls for entrepreneurial mindset to avail Modi Govt’s schemes
JAMMU, April 25 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today presided over the launching ceremony of the Jammu & Kashmir chapter of the “Dr. Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce” here.
The Minister called for developing entrepreneurship mindset and an investment-oriented approach among Scheduled Caste (SC) community and other weaker sections of society to avail of schemes rolled out by the Narendra Modi Government.
Addressing the gathering in Jammu University, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the Government has created a wholesome system for weaker sections, including SCs and STs for handholding and supporting them right from the early age. He underlined that members of marginalized sections should move beyond reliance solely on government employment and actively explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that a series of targeted schemes have been introduced with a central focus on the upliftment of weaker sections of society. He termed Jan Dhan scheme as a financial inclusion initiative, and described MUDRA loan scheme as a transformative step in enabling access to credit. He also referred to the Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at preserving traditional crafts while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that statistical evidence reflects the positive impact of these schemes on the socio-economic advancement of Dalits and other marginalized groups. He noted a visible rise in aspirations among these communities, pointing out that candidates from humble backgrounds are increasingly succeeding in competitive examinations, including civil services. He also referred to the elevation of Adivasi lady as President of India, a reflection of social empowerment.
The Minister emphasized the importance of creating greater awareness about government welfare schemes to ensure maximum outreach and benefit. He highlighted initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti, aimed at promoting scientific temper and innovation among girls.
Referring to regional efforts, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned Khadi promotion camps organized in Udhampur district, where subsidies amounting to 50 crore rupees were distributed in a single day. He noted that beneficiaries largely came from the Kashmir Valley and stressed the need to expand awareness about such opportunities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further listed several schemes supporting marginalized communities, including pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SCs, STs, and OBCs, Dr. Ambedkar scholarships, National Fellowship for OBCs in biotechnology, inclusivity grants under the National Research Foundation (Anusandhan), Rozgar Melas providing employment opportunities, Venture Capital Fund for SCs and OBCs, and the Ambedkar Innovation and Incubation Mission.He also highlighted region-specific initiatives such as the Aroma Mission, which provides alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities, and Science Technology Innovation Hubs, where a significant proportion of beneficiaries are from SC communities.
Later, speaking to the media, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar will commence from 30 April. He informed that the number of coaches in the train has also been increased.
The Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing infrastructure development in Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that while the rail network had reached Jammu in 1962, expansion remained stalled for several decades. Renewed efforts in recent years have accelerated progress, resulting in improved connectivity and integration of the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
From Pixels to Emotion: Why Japanese RPGs Resonate Across Cultures
A college student located in Mumbai has an adventure through a modified Tokyo with the help of different characters speaking a language other than her own. A retired teacher from Jammu plays through a fantasy video game designed by a team from Osaka. He finds connections between video game themes of duty and sacrifice with the stories he heard growing up from his grandparents.
Japanese role-playing games have been translated across cultures since the 1980s, but they are gaining more than just entertainment value. They are demonstrating their capabilities for true cross-cultural appreciation.
JRPGs are able to move from culture to culture due to their primary focus on shared experience. Although the backgrounds of many JRPGs are culturally specific to Japan (Tokyo high schools, cherry blossom shrines), the emotional content is derived from shared experience. Families who prioritize obligation over freedom; the desire to protect your family; growing up in a world that values conformity; courageously challenging authorities who are unjust; all of these common human experiences are present in many cultures, including Indian epics, European fairytales, and African oral traditions, as well as in JRPGs.
The Persona series is a perfect example of this. At face value, it appears to include JRPGs about high school students in Japan battling monsters. There are also more universal experiences represented in the game (through family &/or individual obligations vs, freedoms, desire to protect your loved ones, growing up in a culture that emphasizes conformity, and courage to confront an authority figure when he/she is behaving unjustly). Ultimately, it’s a story of the masks we use to fit societal norms; it’s an issue that resonates deeply right throughout South Asia, where the constant struggle for one’s own identity versus that of others’ is one of the most identifiable experiences in life.
The design philosophy of the JRPG franchise has influenced many other facets of entertainment besides just gaming. Experience points (XP), leveling systems, achievement badges, and skill trees (four concepts made popular by JRPGs) can now also be found in fitness trackers, language learning programs, or corporate training programs.
The entertainment and gaming industries in Asia have acknowledged this connection. RPG-style progression mechanics have become a significant feature on platforms like [Kingbet89 platform] (https://icicledisaster.com/every-jrpg-with-character-creation/) that emulate many of the game design principles developed by Japan’s JRPG developers over forty years – because they recognize that the incremental reward psychology from entertainment to entertainment, and from culture to culture, produces a powerful effect.
There is no such thing as coincidence in this example. Game designers in Japan have spent the last forty years mastering the ability to keep people engaged with well-designed reward loops. All of the industries today using gamification have built their success on the foundation laid down by early pioneers in the JRPG industry such as Yuji Horii and Hironobu Sakaguchi.
One of the more notable components of JRPGs that do not require cultural interpretation is the music. The soundtracks of JRPGs are able to communicate emotion through melody, harmony and rhythm — or, as each brain processes them in the same manner through sound.
For example, a player in Chennai (India) does not need to speak Japanese to feel the sadness of Aerith’s theme from “Final Fantasy VII.” Nor does a listener in Karachi (Pakistan) require any cultural background to appreciate the excitement of hearing the boss victory theme from his game. The music of JRPGs communicates to everyone something pre-cultural because sound is a basic element of the human experience.
The orchestral performances of music from “Final Fantasy” and “Kingdom Hearts” draw diverse crowds in concert halls around the world. The fact that there are covers of these songs by Indian, Brazilian, and African musicians confirms that JRPG music goes beyond the cultures in which it was originally created.
The cross-cultural success of JRPGs has significant implications for the future of entertainment. There will continue to be a worldwide audience for stories that represent culturally specific identities using universally relevant themes of human emotion.
A full examination of the JRPG Genre within https://icicledisaster.com/best-rpgs-of-all-time/ shows that the genre has now diversified into an extensive array of games ranging from pixel art titles to highly cinematic blockbuster releases. Although JRPGs are unapologetically Japanese in terms of both aesthetics and narrative style, they are universal when it comes to the emotional truths they convey. This is something entertainment other than JRPGs should consider learning from.
For the increasing number of people who play JRPGs, the games themselves are much more than a source of entertainment. They are a vehicle for connecting cultures, a means to inspire empathy, and evidence that stories told well can cross any boundary.
Shah says BJP will win 110 seats in first phase of polling, promises CAA in Bengal
KOLKATA, Apr 25: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted the BJP had sealed its victory in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls itself, claiming the party would win 110 seats in the polling held on April 23.
Addressing an election rally, he promised swift implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), particularly for the Matua community, once the BJP came to power in the state.
“Voting for the first phase is over. In the very first phase itself, the BJP will win 110 seats, and Didi will be thrown out of power. Instead of TMC, the BJP will form a government here,” he said.
Voting was held in 152 of the 294 Assembly constituencies of Bengal on April 23 and recorded a turnout of over 92 per cent. In the second phase, polling will be held in 142 constituencies on April 29.
Shah targeted Banerjee over her opposition to the CAA and accused her government of denying citizenship rights to members of the Matua community and keeping them in fear.
“Didi does not allow the implementation of the CAA law. You form the government of the lotus (BJP’s poll symbol), and after May 5, the BJP government will ensure that every brother and sister of the Matua community receives citizenship,” he said.
The former BJP chief said the Matua community, a politically influential refugee population with roots in Bangladesh, would no longer have to live in uncertainty under a BJP government.
“People of the Matua community do not need to live in fear anymore,” he added.
Shah also launched a sharp attack on the TMC government over women’s safety, citing incidents such as the RG Kar case, Sandeshkhali, and alleged crimes at a law college in Kolkata.
“In the last 15 years of TMC rule, it is women who have suffered the most. Be it RG Kar, Sandeshkhali, or South Calcutta Law College, every incident has exposed the complete failure of Didi’s government in ensuring women’s safety,” he said.
The Union minister took exception to Banerjee’s reported remarks advising women not to step out after 7 pm, saying such statements reflected the government’s failure.
“Didi says women should not step out after 7 pm. But after May 5, when the BJP forms the government, even if a girl decides to go out at 1 am, nobody will dare raise an eye on her,” he said. (Agencies)
Govt Reconstitutes Niti Aayog
New Delhi, Apr 25: The government has reconstituted the Niti Aayog, appointing Ashok Kumar Lahiri as vice chairman and five full-time members, including economist K V Raju, Director of AIIMS M Srinivas and Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
Making the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a productive and impactful tenure to Lahiri and the new full-time members, including scientist Gobardhan Das and former cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba.
“The Government has reconstituted the NITI Aayog. My best wishes to Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri Ji on becoming the Vice Chairman. My best wishes also to Shri Rajiv Gauba Ji, Prof. K. V. Raju Ji, Prof. Gobardhan Das Ji, Prof. Abhay Karandikar Ji and Dr. M. Srinivas Ji on becoming Full Time Members of NITI Aayog.
“Wishing all of them a productive and impactful tenure ahead,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’.
The prime minister said that the NITI Aayog has emerged as a vital pillar in India’s policy-making architecture, fostering cooperative federalism, furthering reforms and boosting ‘Ease of Living’.
“It serves as a dynamic platform for innovation and long-term strategic thinking across sectors,” he said.
The prime minister is the chairman of the Niti Aayog.
Lahiri called on Prime Minister Modi on Saturday following his appointment.
A BJP MLA in West Bengal, he is a former chief economic advisor to the Government of India and a member of the 15th Finance Commission. He is not contesting the ongoing assembly election in the state.
AAP no longer the same party, no one can work with Kejriwal: Defected leader Swati Maliwal
NEW DELHI, Apr 25: Defected AAP MP Swati Maliwal on Saturday alleged that her former party had “strayed far” from its original principles, and its leader Arvind Kejriwal is no longer the same.
Barely a year after losing power to the BJP in Delhi, AAP suffered its greatest jolt on Friday when seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha and Maliwal, quit the party.
The other defectors were Sandeep Pathak, a key face of the party organisation, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney.
Maliwal, who joined the BJP after defecting, praised the “decisive and strong leadership” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I left my home, lived in slums for seven years, quit my job and supported every movement. But when I tried to file an FIR after being assaulted, I was beaten up at Kejriwal’s residence by his aide,” Maliwal told PTI Videos.
She claimed that when she tried to pursue the complaint, she was “threatened and pressured” to withdraw it.
“For two years, I was put under pressure to take my case back, but I did not bow down. Because of this, I was not given even a minute to speak in Parliament by the party,” she said.
Maliwal alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party had completely changed and is now known for “lies, corruption and hooliganism.”
“The real betrayal is not leaving the party, but not standing by your own principles. People are not leaving out of fear; they are leaving because of Arvind Kejriwal,” she said.
She claimed that more leaders would quit the party in the coming days. “No good person can work with him for long. He says one thing and does another,” she said about her former boss.
Maliwal said Kejriwal once projected himself as a “common man” but has since changed.
“There was a time when he carried a Rs 2 pen and wore simple clothes. Today, only his status has changed,” she said, alleging that he built multiple “sheeshmahals” — a coinage by the BJP to impute a lavish lifestyle to Kejriwal.
She also accused Kejriwal of running the Punjab government through “remote control” after AAP’s loss in Delhi.
“The Punjab government has become a personal ATM. Illegal sand mining and drug use are happening openly, and corruption is at its peak,” she alleged. She also claimed that people in Punjab were unhappy with AAP’s style of functioning.
“Those who once came on scooters now own big houses, cars and businesses. All this is happening under Kejriwal’s protection,” she alleged. Maliwal said she had joined the BJP after careful consideration, not out of compulsion.
“Under his leadership, India is progressing rapidly and has emerged strong globally due to his diplomacy,” she said about Modi.
Rejecting claims that leaders were joining the BJP due to fear of agencies like the ED and CBI, she said, “I am not someone who can be scared. I have joined wholeheartedly. If I wanted, I could have joined two years ago.”
Meanwhile, AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Saturday said that the party will write to the Rajya Sabha chairman to seek the disqualification of the seven defectors from the Upper House.
“Anti-defection law clearly states that any type of split or faction cannot happen in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. It does not carry any legal recognition, even if it’s a two-thirds majority,” Singh said.
On Friday, he slammed the defection as a work of the BJP under ‘Operation Lotus’, and said that the people of Punjab will not forgive the seven. Maliwal was elected to the Rajya Sabha from AAP in 2024. Before that, she served as the chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women. (Agencies)
11 Licenses Suspended As Drug Control Authority Kulgam Tightens Noose On Violators
KULGAM, Apr 25: Continuing its intensified enforcement drive under the 100-day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the Drug Control Authority Kulgam carried out extensive raids and inspections across the district, including Kulgam town, Pahloo, Devsar, and far-flung areas such as D.K. Marg, Qazigund, Frisal, Kadder, Behibagh, and Tengjan.
During the inspections, 11 licenses were suspended, while several establishments were issued show-cause notices and some sealed for violating provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The enforcement drive was conducted in close coordination with the police, including PS Behibagh, PS Kulgam, PS Qaimoh, PS Qazigund, and PS Devsar, to ensure strict monitoring and prevent misuse of scheduled drugs.
In addition to enforcement, awareness programmes were also conducted, wherein chemists were sensitized about maintaining proper records of scheduled drugs and ensuring that such medicines are sold strictly on the prescription of registered medical practitioners.
Further, in a significant action, a fine of Rs 20,000 was imposed in April 2026 by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kulgam, in a case filed by the Drug Control Authority for non-maintenance of sale records of scheduled drugs, sending a strong message to erring chemists to strictly adhere to regulations.
Ladakh | Overqualified Govt Staff Now Eligible For Promotion As LG Lifts Embargo
LEH, Apr 25: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Saturday removed the bar preventing government employees from applying for graduate-level posts if initially they were appointed to lower-qualification positions after submitting a declaration of non-graduate status.
Terming this embargo as “unjustified” and “restrictive”, the LG has ordered the removal of this restriction with immediate effect, an official spokesperson said.
Earlier, qualified graduate candidates, who had secured lower-qualification government jobs, were bound to submit an undertaking/affidavit, declaring that he/she did not possess a higher qualification and were only 10th or 12th pass.
Consequently, the candidates, based on such a declaration (non-graduate status), were rendered ineligible for future recruitment to many graduate-level posts.
The decision would benefit those who are already working on lowerqualification posts, such as Orderly or Multi-tasking staff (MTS), but are prohibited from appearing for graduate-level posts, the spokesperson said, adding that this restrictive provision also discouraged several youth from appearing for lower-qualification posts, fearing no career progression in future.
“It is ordered that all candidates already in Government service, including those appointed on the basis of such declarations/undertakings, shall be allowed to appear in future graduate-level examinations and apply for higher posts,” Saxena said.
“This relaxation shall apply uniformly to all existing employees seeking to apply for future graduate-level government posts and shall not be denied on the basis of earlier affidavits regarding non-possession of higher qualification. This order shall come into effect immediately,” the LG added. (Agencies)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi Meets Pakistan Army Chief Munir
Islamabad, Apr 25: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday met Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir here, as Islamabad continued its efforts to facilitate engagement between the US and Iran.
The meeting, according to a short video posted by the Iranian embassy on social media, was also attended by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, and ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam.
The Pakistani side included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials.
Araghchi calls on Munir, the embassy said in the video caption.
It did not provide further details about the discussions.
Araghchi arrived here late Friday for engagements with the Pakistani leadership. He was received by senior officials, including Munir, foreign minister Ishaq Dar and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi.
However, there is no clarity on whether direct talks between Washington and Tehran will take place during the visit.
“No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US. Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan,” Baqaei said in a social media post on Saturday.
Araghchi, before leaving for Islamabad, said that he was embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow, and the purpose of his visits is to “closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments”.
“Our neighbours are our priority,” he said.
Araghchi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
As the Iranian team landed in Islamabad, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US Special Envoy on the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner would be leaving for Pakistan on Saturday “to engage in direct talks” with representatives of the Iranian delegation.
However, the US team has not yet arrived.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar, in a social media post, expressed hope for “meaningful engagements” between the two warring parties to promote regional peace and stability.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar spoke late Friday night with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and discussed efforts being facilitated by Pakistan to launch a new round of negotiations between the US and Iran.
“The two leaders discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts being facilitated by Pakistan, and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. They emphasised the importance of sustained engagement to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the Foreign Office said in a social media post on Saturday.
The first round of US-Iran talks held on April 11 and 12 failed to produce a breakthrough, prompting a flurry of diplomatic efforts by host Pakistan to cool tensions and revive hopes for another round of dialogue.
On Tuesday, Trump extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to give Tehran more time to prepare a unified proposal to end the war, just hours before the truce was set to expire.
The Iran war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes. (PTI)
IMD Issues Heatwave Advisories As Temperatures Soar
NEW DELHI, Apr 25: With temperatures rising across several regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released detailed heatwave guidelines and advisories, officials said on Saturday.
These include avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak afternoon hours, staying adequately hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during high-temperature periods.
The IMD advised special care for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. “The department emphasised that early awareness and preventive action are critical in reducing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” an official said.
In its latest assessment, the IMD said that maximum temperatures in many parts of northwest, central, and peninsular India currently range between 40 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius recorded at Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.
In several regions, temperatures have been markedly above normal by five degrees Celsius or more, indicating a developing heat stress scenario across parts of the country.
“The IMD indicated that heatwave conditions are very likely to develop in isolated pockets of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and central India over the coming days,” the official said.
Hot and humid conditions are expected over coastal and eastern regions, while warm night conditions are likely in parts of north India.
“The department further projected no significant change in maximum temperatures over northwest India till April 27, followed by a gradual fall, while central and other regions may witness a gradual rise and subsequent decline in temperatures during the forecast period,” the official said. (Agencies)