The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed for a third consecutive day as of Tuesday, with officials estimating it will take an additional five days to fully restore access. Engineers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reported that the highway has sustained damage at 22 different locations, and restoration efforts are currently in progress.

Landslides triggered by flash floods on Sunday in Ramban district resulted in three fatalities, with more than 100 individuals having been rescued. Approximately 4 to 5 km of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was completely washed away, burying numerous vehicles under debris.

Hundreds of travelers remain stranded on the highway, prompting authorities to provide shelter and food assistance. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, despite adverse weather conditions, visited Kali Morh on the highway on Monday to oversee the relief operations and assess the extent of the damage. He acknowledged the significant destruction but noted that the disaster was localized and would not be declared a ‘national disaster.’ However, he assured affected families that all possible assistance and relief would be offered.

Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has called on the central government to extend support for the families impacted by the disaster. In the meantime, V.K. Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner for Kashmir, has urged residents not to engage in panic buying, emphasizing that there are ample supplies of food grains and petroleum products available for the next two weeks.

Many individuals have been flocking to fuel stations across the Valley, purchasing petrol and diesel far beyond their daily needs. An attendant at a filling station in Ganderbal district remarked on the surge in demand, indicating that the rush of motorists has increased three-fold compared to normal days.

The Mughal Road, which connects the Shopian district in south Kashmir with the Rajouri district in Jammu, is currently open for one-way traffic for light motor vehicles (LMVs). The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway has led to a surge in air travel, as both tourists and locals opt for flights due to the uncertainties surrounding surface transportation.

United States Vice President JD Vance is set to deliver an important address on India-US bilateral relations at the Rajasthan International Centre this Tuesday. He arrived in Jaipur late Monday night with his family and a US delegation, marking the beginning of his four-day visit to India.

While in the Pink City, Vance plans to visit the historic Amber Fort, which is currently closed to the public due to increased security measures.

This visit carries symbolic weight, reminiscent of former US President Bill Clinton’s trip to Jaipur 25 years ago. To welcome the dignitary, the city has undergone a festive transformation, with elaborate decorations spread throughout. A section from New Gate to Tripolia Gate is draped in white cloth, leading to Badi Chaupar, where the flags of India and the United States are prominently displayed. Jawaharlal Nehru Marg has also seen similar festive preparations, creating a grand visual reception for the visiting delegation.

Accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, of Indian origin, and their three children—Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabel—Vice President Vance headed straight to the iconic Rambagh Palace upon his arrival, where he will be staying during his time in Jaipur.

Prior to arriving in Jaipur, Vance participated in a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where the Prime Minister hosted a private dinner for the Vice President and his family, signifying the warmth of the India-US relationship.

Prime Minister Modi took to X, stating, “Pleased to welcome US Vice President J.D. Vance and his family in New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges. The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be a defining partnership of the 21st Century for a better future for our people and the world,” he added.

In response, Vice President Vance expressed his gratitude on X, saying, “It was an honour to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader, and he was incredibly kind to my family. I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!”

During their discussions, both leaders acknowledged the significant momentum generated in negotiations for a US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). They announced the finalization of the Terms of Reference for these negotiations, establishing a clear roadmap for ongoing dialogue aimed at enhancing economic ties. The BTA aims to create a modern trade framework that fosters job creation and promotes economic prosperity in both nations. It seeks to strengthen bilateral trade and supply-chain integration in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner.

With aspirations for an ‘Amrit Kaal for India’ and a ‘Golden Age for America,’ both parties view this agreement as a means to create new growth opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries.

Vice President Vance’s visit comes shortly after a productive meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi in Washington earlier this year. That meeting reaffirmed both leaders’ commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and led to the initiation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, which is based on mutual trust, shared values, and active citizen participation.

This visit serves as an opportunity for both nations to assess progress on bilateral commitments and evaluate the implementation of outcomes from the Joint Statement issued on February 13. In addition to bilateral matters, both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared concern.

In light of heightened security for the Vice President’s movements in Jaipur, local authorities have deployed round-the-clock police personnel and implemented a closely monitored convoy plan to ensure safety during his stay.

Vice President JD Vance’s visit represents a significant advancement in the evolving partnership between these two democratic powerhouses, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation in the coming years.

On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a review of the new criminal laws’ implementation in Chhattisgarh alongside Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The two leaders addressed various critical issues, including the eradication of Naxalism, the overall development of the Bastar region, and strategies to enhance security and justice systems in the state.

Present at the meeting were several senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and the Chhattisgarh government, including Home Minister Vijay Sharma.

During the discussions, they examined the Indian Judicial Code, Indian Civil Defense Code, and Indian Evidence Act, while also assessing the implementation and status of new provisions related to policing, prisons, the judiciary, prosecution, and forensic systems.

Chief Minister Sai provided updates on the preparations for the effective roll-out of new criminal laws, stating that administrative and technical requirements have been met. A total of 27 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines are now in effect across the state. Furthermore, approximately 37,385 police personnel have been trained under this new legal framework. Infrastructure at courts, police stations, and jails has been upgraded to support e-evidence handling and video conferencing. Since the laws came into effect, 53,981 FIRs have been registered, with charge sheets filed in about 50% of the cases.

The meeting also focused on special strategies to achieve a lasting resolution to the Naxal issue. The Chief Minister reported that recent operations have resulted in the deaths, arrests, or surrenders of many wanted Naxalites. Initiatives like the Niyad Nelanar Yojana, Bastar Olympics, Women Security Center, and enhancements in homestay and tourism infrastructure in tribal areas have played a significant role in engaging youth with the mainstream.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to making Chhattisgarh Naxal-free by 2026 and underscored rapid progress toward establishing Bastar as a major tourist destination in India.

Emphasizing adherence to the Central Government’s guidelines, the Chief Minister assured that Chhattisgarh would take a proactive role in the successful implementation of this significant legal reform initiative.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts thus far and stressed the necessity for complete implementation of the new criminal laws as soon as possible. He highlighted the importance of coordination and efficiency, emphasizing that the goal of the new legal framework is to create a judicial system that is simpler, quicker, and more focused on the needs of the people.

Notable attendees at the meeting included Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pingua, Inspector General of Police Sushil Dwivedi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Principal Secretary of Law Rajneesh Shrivastava, Secretary Home Neha Champawat, and several other officials.