"Do not be a Minister of Silence or an advisor of false propaganda" -- a visibly hurt S C Jamir lambasts "first timer NPF MLA" ... :::: "Life has given me enough; but one would like to forget and forgive"

"At this age - I may still expect people younger to me by age in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung or even Ukhrul and Tuensang show me some dignity. 

You disagree with me. I am democrat enough to sit and argue with you," - former Nagaland chief minister and Ex Governor in four key states S C Jamir blast NPF MLA and also makes a veiled attack on his 'masters'.  

In a strongly worded statement, Jamir said : "the year 1957 should be remembered as the momentous year  as on the basis of the resolution of passed in the first NPC , for the first time Nagas of Naga Hills of Assam and Nagas of  Tuensang Frontier division unanimously resolve to have a separate Naga Home known as the Naga hills-Tuensang Area and later it was christened as  Nagaland. 

Where was the ‘southern NAGAS’? Why hesitation? 

These questions ought to be answered by those who say “SC Jamir does not have authority”.   

"Life has given me enough; but one would like to forget and forgive even as some players try to make me feel hurt too."  

Taking strong exceptions to remarks from NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon -- who described Jamir as an old man in hurry; former chief minister said -  

"I am not saying something of a rocket science (on demand for imposition of President's Rule) ... All the state legislators including ‘man in desperation’ - the first timer legislator (Kikon) and his chief minister of Nagaland have proclaimed to the people of Nagaland and before the Prime Minister and leaders of all political parties in the country that as and when ‘Political settlement’ is made they would vacate their seats to pave the way for new political arrangement. 

"My point has been the Government of India should avail this opportunity and help restore the normal health of the Government of Nagaland under President’s Rule. 

I had in fact just stated the explicit expressions of the ‘Nagaland Legislators’ and various civil society organisations which should be read by everybody as a positive step towards the early solution of the Naga political problem. I have been in public life." 

The veteran Naga leader expressed anguish stating:

"I have not seen arrogant political protagonists (one-time self style goondas and killers) who would decide which Naga individual is ‘authorized’ or not. 

That Mr Kikon speaks like a college thug makes it absolutely clear who are his mentors and what kind of political learning he has been getting from his masters in Hebron, Manipur or Kohima. 

Or he has masters in all three places?" 

 S C Jamir and Rajesh Pilot - 1997 

"My attention was drawn to a public statement made by NPF secretary general and MLA Achumbemo Kikon. 

The young man in ‘desperation’ is working on behalf of certain masters. He has been tutored to discredit the undersigned, SC Jamir. So be it. 

"There is a decline in political standards and it is for all to see."

Jamir further said:

"I wonder how a spokesperson of ruling Party instead of ‘clarifying’ the Party’s stand, blindly resorted to personal attack on someone who is elder to him by age and also incidentally much senior to him in public life. 

Top of that Kikon has behaved as an ill-informed student who hardly knows A, B, C about the letter written to P Shilu Ao upholding the sanctity of the Constitutional position which even Government of India cannot ignore. 

It was the explicit expression of an elected representative of the people. Kikon and his masters especially in Hebron and Manipur must note it that the creation of the state of Nagaland was through a political Agreement between the representatives of the NPC and the Prime Minister of India in 1960. 

"Interim Body headed by P Shilu Ao took the rein of administration of the state of Nagaland in 1961. I, SC Jamir was elected by the Interim Body to represent Nagaland in the Lok Sabha. 

"Whether young or old, I was the representative of the people of Nagaland in the Indian Parliament especially in the early sixties. 

It was my solemn duty to ensure that Nagaland State enjoys the same status with other states of the country. 

As people’s representative one must be upright in his commitment and conviction to which one believes to be right according to his judgement. I was exactly doing the same."  

One day, Mrs Renu Barkakoti, MP from Assam, raised one question. 

“ Will the Prime Minister be prepared to meet AZ Phizo  who is in exile in England ?"  Nehru's response was a clear "yes".  I was sitting behind the Prime Minister, as his Parliamentary Secretary.

I was present on the occasion and from my position behind the Prime Minister -- I just said that the "reply or Prime Minister's answer was "not correct". This was flashed  in all Newspapers stating the obvious -- that Nehru's Parliamentary Secretary opposed him. All senior Congress leaders scolded me but I told them that my stand is 'correct' -- because it is logical and has merits.

I actually made a big political statement in my sincerity. My stance was "that Prime Minister Nehru cannot bypass the elected Government of the state in such an important pollical issue. When he came back to Delhi from Bombay (Mumbai), Deputy Minister Dinesh Singh came to me while I was in Central hall taking a brief coffee break. The Prime Minister had asked me to come to his office.

I was slightly apprehensive. But my statement was a serious matter  "Yes, Sir you (Nehru) should have said that I am prepared to meet Phizo in consultation with P Shilu Ao, the  Chief Executive Councilor.  He then gave a ring to the Speaker Hukam Singh and made correction by saying that he was prepared to meet A.Z.Phizo in "consultation" with P Shilu Ao, the Chief Executive Councilor. 

Later in this connection I wrote to P.Shilu  Ao that I would be prepared to (or compelled to resign) if state is ignored. As an MP, I did not like to sit as a stooge. Those days Nehru was worshipped like demi God but a youthful Naga of 31 years old could have the guts to tell even Nehru what was wrong should rather be accepted.

Again why should Kikon take the name of Hokishe Sema ? He had fully supported me. Furthermore, in a matter like state affairs the Ruling Party should not stoop too low while  making statement.  

It is brought to the knowledge of all concerned even including Achumbemo Kikon that I, S C Jamir  with the authorization of the Prime Minister, personal met A Z Phizo from 3rd to 5th August 1963 in the Brombley Kent. " 

"All these cannot be part of Naga culture - at least not within the framework or within the state of Nagaland as we know. 

Honourable MLA should be conscious of the language he uses either in the House or outside," Jamir noted. 

"Where does his masters stay - in Kohima, Manipur or Hebron? Nagas of Nagaland can easily guess." 

ends 

Egg on Face ? ::: Sickularism's bluff called out ::: Gyanesh Kumar wins crucial round::: Opposition does "indirect favour" to boost his image :::: Election Commission says all decisions on SIR was unanimous !! ::: Those who played the script of Hidden Agenda 'went silent' ::: 'Indian Express' gets a mild rebuke from Harish Salve

 So, is Democracy safe in India? Who gets the 'egg on the face' ?? 
::: 

'Indian Express' -  a paper which once claimed (under Gupta ji) claimed Gen V K Singh tried a coup against Congress-led UPA -- now gets a mild rebuke from eminent counsel Harish Salve. 

Emergency Days : It was a bold newspaper .... now it's a sheer anti-Modi and almost a 'jehadi' paper.  

"Just because one newspaper 'Indian Express' has published something .. and I have my views on them, please do not aske me" - Harish Salve. 

The 'propaganda express' stands exposed in more ways than one and in a crystal manner. 

But 'entertainment' shows from the Sickular media and the Indian opposition parties will not stop. Wait for next round of jokes. But before that -- we may take a closer views; -  

 

All the three Election Commissioners met today and then came a statement from the EC. It has put to rest wild speculation and character assassination campaign going against the poll panel, Indian institutions and Parliament and various governments that came to power since 2014. 

Rahul Gandhi even said (in his 56-year-old youthhood innocence) that all laws passed by Indian Govt and Parliament including GST would be deemed as 'illegal'. Only a dynast can get away such a joke. But this is exactly why and how Rahul is Narendra Modi's biggest asset for any electoral battle in the future - 2027, 2028 and also 2029. 

The Election Commission on Saturday said its order for conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across all states and Union territories was issued with the unanimous approval of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and 

Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, amid reports of differences within the poll panel. 

Tragedy is even a few former Election Commissioners are behaving as 'agents' of some political parties. Legal luminaries (by Delhi jugadu club standard) also said Gyanesh Kumar was wrong. 

But today's statement and the meeting the full commission held proves - if there is any crisis in India today -- it is the crisis of credibility of the opposition parties and a section of India's intellectuals and media jokers. 

One Lawmaker-pati screamed in a jocular (comedy) style - "Gyanesh Kumar hazir ho". Time to say - "joker 'raj' should end... lawmaker-pati hazir ho".  

'Bhai sahab ki chhutti ho' 

Of course the revision process under Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has made political parties nervous. Top in the list was Trinamool Congress - which ruled West Bengal with the help of fraudulent and bogus Bangladeshi voters. 

The 'SIR' done and the aapa is almost on way to Bangladesh -- at least politically. The 'aapa' lost herself. Her party is in shambles and the worse part is the hype about her being a 'prime ministerial' candidate is over -- at least for next five to 10 years. 

Voters have reasons to sing - "O pishi tui chole ja ... Bangladesh-e choley jaa' (Dear aunt aapa ... and fufi ... please go to Bangladesh)  

From the start, questions were raised 'deliberately' on unfounded-basis over the fairness and robustness of the revision - SIR exercise.

Little wonder - already 130 million names from across India struck off the voters' list on multiple grounds - like multiple card holders, illegal voters' cards industry in West Bengal and other reasons like unsatisfactory papers to substantiate the claims. 

Of course lakhs of voters have also complained to the authorities that their names are missing. One easy excuse is the 'new process' set by SIR to register as voters is too cumbersome and involves furnishing documents that many don't have. But does it justify the claim that the Indian election system has collapsed. 

It's true, Indian election system is appreciated world wide. One of the most trusted public institutions in the world's largest democracy, the three-member commission is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and includes Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi as commissioners.

A deliberate plot has been hatched - and it looks like a section of media readily agreed to play ball. The efforts were on to give an impression that the CEC Gyanesh Kumar (allegedly a protege of Amit Shah) has over ruled two other ECs. This is not true; actually - can't be true. 

BJP leader M Chuba Ao says  - "There is no chance of CEC being an autocrat or dictator. This is not possible because under law; all three Election Commissioners have one vote each. The CEC does not have casting vote or anything else. If majority or unanimity does not take a decision, that particular policy matter cannot be enforced. It's very simple".

But look how a section of foreign media is working. 

‘Shaken faith’: Why are India’s elections under unprecedented scrutiny? -- runs headline in Aljazeera.com.  

And then runs the piece stating: "India has long held up its elections as evidence of its democratic credentials. Now their legitimacy is under question like never before". 

Verdict cast, Indian elections have been compromised.  

The BBC says in an unusual enthusiastic style --  

"But the (SIR) exercise has been mired in controversy from the start with the opposition parties accusing CEC Kumar of manipulating voters' list to favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during elections." 

And then as a smart operator it cleverly adds: "Both the BJP and the Election Commission have rejected the accusations".

Narendra Modi and his 'biggest political asset' called Rahul Gandhi 

The attempt by the Sickular lobby was to prove - 

"Indian democracy has been shaken by new revelations showing divisions within the body that is in charge of conducting its elections over controversial policies that critics say have disenfranchised tens of millions of people." 

But the fact of the matter is something else.   

The opposition parties have their own agenda. The Congress has to justify the defeat. Undr Rahul Gandhi, India's grand old party has lost at least 100 elections in various levels.

But their attitude is one of stubborn refusal to accept reality. 

So far, they have shown a clear trend -- if the Supreme Court rules in their favor, it is considered good.

If EVMs yield results in their favor, they are deemed good. Congress is vack in power in Kerala.

Otherwise, they say EVM chori.

Hence, the debate should end. There is certainly no confusion within the EC and especially all three election commissioners.

The opposition is merely creating a 'fire' that is non-existence. They are desperate to create anarchy and a storm to project an image of confusion within the EC.

Gyanesh Kumar has not just won a battle. The opposition parties have done an indirect favour to boost his image.

Blogger - Relaxation during one of the election duties 

In-person hearings at ERO/AERO (Electoral Registration Officers/Assistant Electoral Registration Officers) offices are no longer required unless in exceptional circumstances, and will preferably take place online.

Authorised family members can also attend on the elector's behalf. Facilities for the online hearing are being strengthened, the poll body said.

The Election Commission directed district election officers (DECOs) to create an adequate number of help desks/hold special camps for the people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people, homeless, as per requirement.

ends  

Election Commission announces decisions on SIR, ECINET ::::: First meeting ::: Gyanesh Kumar, ECs meet amid SIR dissent row, issue point-by-point clarification

Election Commission announces decisions on SIR, ECINET

The Election Commission on Saturday said its order for conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across all states and Union territories was issued with the unanimous approval of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, amid reports of differences within the poll panel.

The Commission addressed the question of whether there had been disagreement within the poll panel over SIR. It said the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, covering all states and Union Territories, beginning with Bihar and followed by West Bengal and 30 other states and UTs, was issued with the “unanimous approval of the Commission.”

The Election Commission on Saturday said the Supreme Court upheld the declaration attached to Form 6 for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). For non-SIR periods, the EC will use the forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

The EC said field officers have role-based access to ECINET based on their statutory powers. A committee headed by a senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent IIT/IIIT expert will review ECINET’s compliance with relevant laws and rules.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi met at the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday amid questions over the functioning of the poll panel and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Commission met at 3 pm and subsequently issued a detailed press note outlining a series of decisions on the SIR process, ECINet, Form 6, claims and objections, as well as recent questions surrounding an internal communication to the Cabinet Secretary.  

Statement said:   

The meeting of the Commission was held today i.e. 26.09.2026 at 3:00 PM. The following decisions were taken in the meeting:

In case of any person to whom notice has been issued during the ongoing SIR, for unmapped and logical discrepancies, BLOs will visit the homes of such persons for collection of documents and thereafter upload them on the ECINet, for decision by the ERO. 

Such persons need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO office. Only in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, the hearing will be held preferably online. Any adult member of the family can be authorized by the elector to attend the hearing on their behalf, if required. Facilities for the online hearing to be strengthened.  

ii. 

DEOs (District Election Officers) will create adequate number of help desks/hold special camps for the people living in night shelters, labor, poor people, homeless etc. as per requirement.

iii. The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. For non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used.

iv. Field officers have role-based access to the ECINET system as per their statutory powers. A Committee headed by Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) and including an independent expert from IIT/IIIT will review the ECINET to double-check.  

On the controversy surrounding the Cabinet Secretary letter, the EC said it was “not related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division”, but concerned the “working of an officer on deputation to EC.”

The Commission added that work redistribution orders issued by the officer “were not actually implemented” after orders from two Commissioners and that “the oversight over the IT division by the DEC was never actually withdrawn.”

This was the first meeting of CEC Gyanesh Kumar with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi since reports emerged of their dissent over decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.  

The clarification comes against the backdrop of questions over the functioning of the Commission and the role of its IT division, with the EC using Saturday’s meeting to put its position on record.  

It added that the Supreme Court upheld the order on May 27, 2026.

The schedules subsequently issued for 12 states and UTs in October 2025 and 19 states and UTs in May 2026 were also issued with the “unanimous approval of the Commission,” the EC said.

WHAT HAPPENS TO VOTERS FLAGGED DURING SIR

For voters who have received notices for being “unmapped” or having logical discrepancies, the Commission has changed the process for verification.

Booth Level Officers will now visit the homes of such voters to collect documents and upload them on ECINet for a decision by the Electoral Registration Officer. Such voters “need not be called for hearing to ERO/AERO office.” Hearings will take place only in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, and will preferably be held online. An adult family member can also be authorised by the elector to attend the hearing on their behalf, if necessary.  

The note said, “The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.” For periods when SIR is not underway, the forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, will be used.

ends 

19 people have died in Nagaland for consuming spurious liquor :::: August 1990 -- my story in a Mumbai paper screamed -- "Nagaland goes dry amid cacophony"

At least 19 people have died in Nagaland over the past two days after allegedly consuming spurious liquor. Mokokchung district reported eight deaths, while Tuensang district reported 11 other casualties following the consumption of suspected illicit liquor. 

The state Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and trace the supply chain of suspected adulterated liquor in the state, where a prohibition law has been in place since 1990.  

Recall time. 

When Mumbai was still 'Bombay' and popular tabloid 'Mid-Day' used to be published in 'brown and black .... wha else 'when Nirendra Dev was just Nirendra of Nagaland'

...not even 'ND' as I came to be known in PTI after I shifted to New Delhi in 1998.

The above news clipping was my story published in 1990 i n Mid-Day ....on Prohibition of Nagaland....

Mind you, headline was not mine: My first feature story outside Nagaland. I had virtually fallen in love with the 'headline' -- "Nagaland goes dry amid cacophony". 

Those were difficult days. Journalism was not being a celebrity. When my papa also used to lament -- his eldest son is only wasting time ...... 

TIME CYCLE TOOK A TURN: YEARS LATER I LANDED IN Mumbai, the name was changed. 

It was no longer Bombay......Mid-Day was a coloured tabloid....

AMIDST CACOPHONY now 19 deaths .... so sad ... time to say 'Om Shanti' /// Rest in Peace.

Something in life always has a story to share, story from the heart!! 

Dil Ki baat or Mann Ki ?

Essentially, Prohibition is simply a case of : -- Reviving an idea whose time may have 'long expired'  

In 2016, Bihar’s 'su-sashan' babu Nitish Kumar government ried with the experiment. We always thought he should have been more pragmatic before announcing prohibition as this cost several states earlier in terms of revenue and only helped bootleggers.

Many Naga politicians - friends and critics later used to tell -- 

Prohibition idea was a folly. Prohibition has either failed as in Nagaland or Manipur or had to be withdrawn as in Mizoram.

“We brought in the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act in 1989. I was part of the Congress party that brought the law. But that was a mistake. We only helped the bootleggers of Assam and cash-starved Nagaland lost huge revenue,” added a Naga politician and a former minister in 2016.  

“Mizoram was reeling under Prohibition for 18 years and one of our governors said: ‘Mizoram is the wettest dry state in the country.’ Not a comment to be proud of. Let’s not indulge in hypocrisy,” wrote Vanlalruata from Mizoram capital Aizawl on Facebook on the day prohibition was enforced in Bihar in 2016.

Christian-majority Mizoram declared prohibition under the influence of church bodies but lifted this in July 2014 after 18 years of struggling with its failure. In Nagaland's case - the Prohibition law was enacted by the Congress Govt headed by S C Jamir under intense pressure from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the influential Naga Mothers' Association (NMA).  

Blogger and illustrious S C Jamir 

In another northeastern state, Manipur, prohibition was brought in 1991 and for more reasons than one everyone seemed to believe in its limitations. There have been reports of bootlegging and also increase in drug abuse. In July 2014, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh (of Congress) stated in the Manipur assembly that his government favoured exploring options of lifting prohibition. 

He also had suggested that the country liquor produced in Manipur by scheduled castes and tribes be sold in other states “for revenue”. 

In Nagaland capital on March 17 (1989), a massive rally was organised and an effigy of a Wine bottle was burnt. This was certainly not enough -- the NBCC wanted a legislative measure. The first bill made by the Jamir cabinet was rejected by the NBCC. Even a team of officials 'got a chance' to visit Mumbai as Maharashtra had tried with the idea long back.  

'Bombay State' – now Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat – briefly imposed prohibition from 1948 to 1950 and again from 1958 to 1960.

Gujarat is quite a different story. Prohibition is as old as Independence and the fact that it is violated openly is also as old.

The fact of the matter in the demand for Prohibition in Nagaland started in 1988 when Hokishe Sema was in power.  

One rally was organised in 1988 by the NBCC youth wing. Later an office bearer had said -- "The success of that day's rally had predicted our success in the long run".  

Prohibition had beeen in force in what is now Tamil Nadu since pre-Independence days and was lifted in 1971. It was again briefly imposed in 1974 before being lifted. 

Prohibition was imposed in Haryana in July 1996.

However, it remained in force only till March 31, 1998. One of the reasons is that neighbouring Punjab has one of the highest per capita consumption rates of liquor, so it was always easily available.

Rajasthan briefly flirted with prohibition in 1977-79.

Bombay State – now Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat – briefly imposed prohibition from 1948 to 1950 and again from 1958 to 1960.

With Maharashtra and Gujarat created on May 1, 1960, today there is prohibition in only two of Maharashtra’s 36 districts – Wardha, and Ghadchiroli.  

The prohibition in Chandrapur was lifted in 2021

1996 story: When Mizo CM Lal Thanhawla enjoyed 'wet Nagaland' 

ends 

“We demonstrated in 2025, terrorists will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide" :::::: "Their puppets may come and go, but let us have no illusion ...," India shows Shehbaz Sharif his place at the UNGA ::::: The term ‘Form 47 government’ is used by Pakistan’s opposition to question the legitimacy of the current Govt in Islamabad

"We heard some hypocritical homilies (from Shehbaz Sharif) about democratic rights and human values from a regime whose capital at this very moment is being fortified against its own people. 

"And that, Mr President, is happening because this is a regime of the army, by the army, and for the army. Their puppets may come and go, but let us have no illusion about who calls the shots," India's first Secretary at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, said. 

 

Exercising India's right of reply to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's speech, she warned that Pakistan's cross-border terrorism will have consequences.  

 “We demonstrated last year that terrorists will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised. And continued terrorism by Pakistan will have consequences," Ms Gahlot said. 

"The reality of Pakistan is expressed in its 27th Amendment and the lifelong immunity granted to its real ruler," she said. 

Ms Gahlot also said, "This afternoon, the General Assembly heard some bizarre remarks from the representative of Pakistan. 

This happens just a fortnight after New York City and the world marked the 25th anniversary of the horrendous 9-11 terrorist attack. This context is important to keep in mind because its mastermind, Osama bin Laden, was living right on the doorstep of the Pakistani Army's premier academy. 

This was the very entity which was the subject of such deep genuflection before us today by the representative of Pakistan. But all this is only to be expected from what Pakistanis themselves call a Form 47 government".  

A "Form 47 government" is a term used to describe Pakistan's current administration, originating from allegations of vote manipulation in the 2024 Pakistani general election.  

The term ‘Form 47 government’ is used by Pakistan’s opposition to question the legitimacy of the current government.

More joint activities between India and GCC countries on political dialogue, security, trade and investment, agriculture

The India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Troika Ministerial Meeting was held today on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, led the Indian delegation. 

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain are GCC member nations.

The leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to building on the achievements of the first India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue held on September 09, 2024 in Riyadh. 

EAM highlighted that India and GCC countries share historically close and friendly ties, underpinned by vibrant trade linkages and strong people-to-people ties.

 In recent years, the relationship between India and GCC countries has deepened in various spheres including trade, investment, energy, health, technology and cultural exchanges. A large Indian diaspora resides in the GCC region. Trade & Investment between India and GCC continues to grow with total trade of USD 178.66 billion in FY 2025-26.

The leaders reviewed the implementation of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan (JAP) 2024-2028, which was adopted at the first India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. 

The JAP envisages joint activities in areas such as political dialogue, security, trade & investment, agriculture & food security, transportation, energy, health, culture, and education. They underlined that the diversity of sectors in the JAP represented the depth and breadth of engagements between India and GCC countries, and appreciated the steady progress in advancing cooperation in these sectors.  

At the UN High-Level Meeting, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava says, "India reaffirms its commitment to strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through international cooperation. The lessons we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic must translate into sustained investment and institutional preparedness. 

India has adopted a whole-of-government, whole-of-society, and all-hazards approach, strengthening surveillance, laboratory networks, emergency coordination, workforce, stockpiles, and clinical care capacity. Preparedness must be embedded in national health systems, development plans, and domestic financing. International support should complement national responsibility. 

"India reaffirms General Assembly Resolution 78/3 and supports a member state-led review of its implementation coordinated with other PPPR processes."

ends 

Flash Flood Risk Flagged ::: Monsoon's parting punch leave Lucknow life hit ::: 24 hour downpour in Lucknow-Kanpur region .... Educational institutions to remain shut today

 24-hr downpour in Lko delivers monsoon’s parting punch 

Lucknow recorded 50.6 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Friday. Season's wettest day in Lucknow region. 

Heavy downpour reported in Kanpur region too. 

Flash Flood Risk Flagged  

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in view of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, and the situation arising from flash floods in the state, has directed district magistrates of concerned districts to maintain special vigilance and visit the field to monitor arrangements.

Educational institutions to remain shut today after 86.6mm rain in 12 hours; heavy showers bring maximum temperature down to 23.5 degrees, more rains on cards. 

The IMD forecast overcast conditions, strong surface winds and intermittent spells of rain or thundershowers.  

Major parts of the city left thoroughly drenched. 

The Lucknow airport Met station recorded a staggering 86.6mm of rainfall in 12 hours, from 8:30am to 8.30pm on Friday.  The state government put the district administrations on alert in view of the forecast of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning till September 27.

The heavy downpour cooled the city, forcing the maximum temperature down to 23.5 degrees Celsius and the minimum to 22.4 degrees Celsius—resulting in a remarkably narrow temperature variation of just 0.9 degrees.

In Lucknow, the IMD forecast overcast conditions, strong surface winds and intermittent spells of rain or thundershowers. 

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain around 24 and 22 degrees Celsius, respectively. Thunderstorms, lightning and heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places.

In wake of inclement weather, the district administration announced that teaching work will remain suspended on Saturday (September 26) in all government/non-government aided/private schools from pre-primary to Class 12 in all urban and rural areas of the district, said district magistrate (Lucknow) Vishak G.   

Lucknow’s maximum temperature was 34.3 degrees that plummeted to 29.6 degrees on Thursday. The day temperature dropped further to 23.5 degrees – 9.7 degrees below normal – on Friday. Thus the overall drop in day temperature was 10.8 degrees in 48 hours.

Barabanki recorded the lowest day temperature in the state at 23 degrees, followed by Hamirpur 23.2 and Lucknow at 23.5 degrees. 

The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow has issued a passenger advisory in view of the intensified rainfall activity.

Citing the forecast of intensifying rainfall over eastern Uttar Pradesh in the next 24 hours, airport authorities have advised passengers travelling to the airport to plan their journey with additional time margins, as traffic congestion across the city may cause delays.

"The Lucknow International Airport Limited (LIAL) team is fully prepared and is monitoring the situation round-the-clock to ensure smooth operations and passenger convenience," they said.

ends