Washington, Jan 8: President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela has agreed to purchase only American-made products using proceeds from a new US-brokered oil deal, describing the arrangement as a major shift in the Caracas economic orientation and a boost for American manufacturers, farmers, and exporters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had been informed that Venezuela would use the revenue it receives from the oil agreement to buy US goods across a wide range of sectors. “I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing only American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal,” Trump wrote. He said the purchases will include “American Agricultural Products, and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices, and Equipment,” as well as technology and hardware to improve Venezuela’s electricity grid and energy facilities. Trump described it as a strategic realignment, saying Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States as its principal partner after years of economic ties with US rivals. “In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner,” Trump said. “A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States.” The announcement follows the Trump administration’s decision to take control of Venezuelan oil sales under a new framework that places exports and revenues under US oversight. Administration officials have said the oil will be sold at market prices, with proceeds directed through US-controlled mechanisms. Trump presented the purchasing commitment as a direct benefit to the US economy, particularly American farmers, manufacturers and medical suppliers. Venezuela’s electric grid has suffered repeated failures in recent years, while shortages of medicines and medical equipment have been widely documented. Trump said US-made equipment would be used to “improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities.” Under Mudoro’s regime, Venezuela relied heavily on imports from China, Russia and Iran, often using discounted oil shipments as payment. The new arrangement reverses that trend. By tying oil revenue to US purchases, the Trump Administration has linked Venezuela’s access to global energy markets with demand for American goods. (IANS)

Says, government making efforts despite limited powersRehan Qayoom MirSrinagar, Dec 5: National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Friday said that while the party is working to strengthen its organization at all levels, some voices from within are unfortunately speaking against it. He said that everything people have today is because of the party s historic role and sacrifices.Addressing a gathering in Naseem Bagh, during Sheikh Abdullah s 120th Birth Anniversary, Dr Farooq said the party is making changes to strengthen the organisation."But unfortunately, some of our own people are speaking against the party," he said.He said everything they have today is because of the party.He also defended the government s efforts, saying it was unrealistic to expect major achievements within a year when most powers rest with the Lieutenant Governor. What can a government achieve in just one year when most powers lie with the LG? Even so, the government is making every effort to serve the people, he said.Dr. Farooq further said that the time had come to introduce young and educated faces , especially women, in active politics as the Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections draw closer. The youth must take charge now. Our educated boys and girls need to step forward and serve their people. Only by empowering the next generation can we secure the future, he added.The NC President also reiterated that unity and discipline within the party were essential to uphold Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah s vision of empowerment and equality. (KNO)

No invitation, no information on party meet: MPs officeKS News Desk Ganderbal, Nov 27: On the day when the National Conference is holding its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Srinagar, its estranged Srinagar MP, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, is visiting Ganderbal to meet farmers.The MP is expected to interact with farmers today afternoon at Bunpora, Tulmulla, in the Ganderbal assembly segment, which is represented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.He is also expected to visit the family of a Kangan youth who died in the Red Fort blast in New Delhi.Ruhullah has been at odds with the National Conference over a gamut of issues including rationalization of reservation.The office of the MP said that he has neither been invited nor is he aware of any such meeting.The session is expected to discuss, among other matters, the partys defeat in the Budgam by-poll.The MP had stayed away from campaigning for the party in the Budgam assembly segment -a move many believe contributed to NCs loss there. (KNO)

KS News DeskSrinagar, Nov 26 (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday alleged that the BJP "helped the People's Democratic Party secure a win" in the recently held Budgam bypoll."Do you think the BJP had no role to play in PDP's success? Did the BJP not field the proxy candidates? It was all manipulated," he told reporters here.The ruling National Conference (NC) lost the bypoll to the PDP by over 4,000 votes.The poll was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the seat following his election from the family bastion of Ganderbal as well in last year's assembly polls.The result of the bypoll was declared on November 14.Choudhary added, "But we are proud that the people stood by the NC candidate. The whole (BJP-led central) government was working to ensure PDP's win."The deputy chief minister said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti had met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha before the election, and "we got to see in Budgam that she must have discussed with the LG the ways to defeat the NC"."Let them celebrate for a few days. Budgam has always supported the NC and will do so in the future. There were some misunderstandings, and those will be resolved," he added, apparently referring to the differences with the party's Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, Ruhullah Mehdi.The MP has had a strained relationship with the party leadership over several issues, including reservation.Mehdi, who has represented Budgam, a Shia-dominated seat, in the assembly thrice before, didn't campaign for the party candidate in the bypoll and stayed away from the election.Choudhary further told reporters that the Omar Abdullah-led government is promise-bound to work for the welfare of the people."We will fulfill all the commitments made in our manifesto. I only appeal to the people that they do not fall for rumour-mongering. It is a conspiracy to create a gap between the people and the NC," he said.On the issue of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) admissions, the deputy CM said people should desist from communalising education."The beauty of India lies in its unity in diversity. Jammu and Kashmir has always been known for brotherhood and communal harmony. I only want to tell those people who want to communalise education, that please spare it," he said.Earlier, a delegation of BJP legislators called on Sinha and sought the revocation of the first admission list issued by the SMVDIME in the Reasi district.The delegation, led by the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, questioned the selection list, alleging that a majority of the admitted students belonged to one community.They urged the administration to ensure that students "having faith in the deity" be considered for admission.

Muhammad AdnanSrinagar, Nov 24: Chief Spokesperson Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq on Sunday said that communalising health and education was fundamentally wrong and it harms society today besides destroying nation tomorrow.In a post on X, Tanvir Sadiq said that those communalising institutions aren t just doing politics but are dividing society at its core."This toxic politics must stop before irreparable damage is done," he wrote on X.He said if hospitals, schools, universities, and medical colleges start deciding intake on the basis of religion, what kind of country will we become."Tomorrow, will a patient be treated according to their faith? Will merit be pushed aside to satisfy majoritarian demands? This is a recipe for disaster," he said.He wrote this while reacting to a statement of Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma wherein he said that selection of a large number of non-Hindu students for medical courses at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) has caused distress among many devotees.In his meeting with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Sharma urged him that the issue involves not only academic considerations but also cultural sensitivities and faith-related expectations associated with institutions linked to Mata Vaishno Devi.The delegation led by Sunil Sharma urged the Lieutenant Governor to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised by devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi.On this NC's Tanvir Sadiq said the BJP s stance on the SMVDIME admissions where selections were purely merit-based is not just misguided, it is dangerous."A shrine-funded institution does not become a religion-based institution," Tanvir Sadiq wrote on X.He said donations made in devotion cannot be converted into tools of discrimination."For your petty political gains, BJP, please do not turn our institutions into battlegrounds of faith. You are planting a time bomb that, once it goes off, will create a divide no one will ever be able to fix," his post on X reads.

Reiterates States must be empowered through democratic rights , seeks compensation for Nowgam blast victimsJahangeer GanaieSrinagar, Nov 21: Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Friday responded sharply to criticism from some National Conference (NC) leaders, saying they should direct their political energy where it is actually needed ."Instead of fighting against me, NC leaders should have adopted the same posture while taking on Modi, Ruhullah said while speaking to reporters after visiting Hari Parigam area of Awantipora to express solidarity with the family of the Crime Branch photographer Javid Ahmad, who lost his life in the recent Nowgam blast.MP spent time with the bereaved family, offering condolences and assuring them that he would raise the matter at every appropriate platform.Ruhullah said the Chief Minister should have kept his ego aside and fought for the mandate he received from the people. "Omar Abdullah should have set ego aside and instead of making personal attacks, he should fight for what he got votes for, he said.Calling out those within NC who have been speaking against him, the senior National Conference leader said, "Those leaders who are speaking against me just to keep their boss happy should fight against Modi with the same courage and posture. The MP demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into Nowgam blast. He questioned the circumstances under which the ammunition material was being transported, saying that the mishandling appeared to be highly unprofessional and required an independent probe."The Nowgam blast must be investigated thoroughly. Why was the ammunition material being carried in such an unprofessional manner and kept in a police station, and how were civilians like the tailor and Naib Tehsildar brought there? All angles must be looked into so that the truth comes out, he said.Ruhullah also urged the government to compensate all victims, including civilians and professionals like Javid Ahmad, who suffered due to the incident."Whoever has suffered in any way in this blast deserves compensation. The government must ensure that justice is delivered to every affected family, he added.Mehdi also rejected the claim that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir was linked to the abrogation of Article 370. "Linking Article 370 with militancy is nothing but propaganda. Such incidents were happening before 2019, and the same are happening now, he said.Highlighting the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism, Mehdi said the people from all communities have contributed, and the death of photographer Javid is also a fight against terrorism."In fighting terrorism, people from every sect - Muslims and non-Muslims - have sacrificed. This is not the work of one sect. People like Javid have contributed immensely, and people irrespective of religion or caste will continue to stand against terrorism, he said.Ruhullah reiterated the importance of restoring democratic rights and empowering states, stating that people in Jammu and Kashmir felt empowered when they had special status and now feel disempowered after its revocation. "There is a dire need to empower states through democratic rights. People in J&K felt empowered with the special status; after its abrogation, they feel disempowered, he said. (KNO)

Rallies support for Aga Syed Muntazir MehdiKS News Desk Budgam, Oct 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today launched a blistering attack on the National Conference (NC) leadership during a workers convention in Budgam, accusing them of betraying the very people who once trusted them with their votes.Addressing a massive gathering, Mehbooba Mufti extended her full support to Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, PDPs candidate from Budgam, calling him a sincere, grounded and people-centric leader who has stood by his community in times of crisis.Coming down heavily on the Omar Abdullah-led government, Mehbooba said NCs rule brought nothing but misery and repression for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.During Omar Abdullahs tenure, thousands of our young boys were jailed, and ordinary people were pushed to the wall. Those who claimed to be the voice of the people turned their backs the moment they tasted power, she said.Recalling Omar Abdullahs previous victory from Budgam, the PDP President accused him of abandoning the constituency and betraying public trust.Budgam gave him a historic mandate, but he repaid it with silence and indifference. The people who voted for him in hope were left disillusioned and unheard, she remarked.Mehbooba Mufti said Budgam, a politically significant district, had been used as a ladder by NC to climb to power but never prioritized when it came to governance or development.For years, Budgam has been treated like a political outpost by those who only remember it during elections. The time has come to choose leadership that truly belongs to the people, she asserted.She appealed to the people of Budgam to unite behind Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and the PDPs vision of dignity, justice, and accountable leadership."PDP stands firm with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their fight for rights and dignity. Real change will come only when power returns to those who feel the pain of the people, she added.

Cong cannot favour BJPs win, LoP must stop issuing baseless claimsKS News DeskSrinagar, Oct 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday exuded hope that the National Conference (NC) would emerge victorious in all four seats in the Rajya Sabha elections, slated to be held on October 24.He also urged the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, to stop issuing baseless statements.On the sidelines of the joint strategy meeting, the Chief Minister told media persons that ahead of every Assembly session, a Legislature Party Meeting is conducted, and today, NC and other independents held a meeting to devise a strategy.This session is different from others as elections for the Rajya Sabha are being held, and a strategy was being prepared to secure victory in all the seats, he said, terming the meeting as significant.I am thankful to Tarigami and other independents for attending the meeting. With the enthusiasm that can be seen among the NC MLAs and other independents, I am hopeful that NC will secure all four Rajya Sabha seats, he said.The Chief Minister, while replying to a query about Congresss non-participation in the meeting, said that they did not join as they had their own meeting.Congress has always maintained that they will not allow the BJP to emerge victorious. Congress has its own system. There is a difference between their party and ours. They have to wait for the party high commands decision, whereas we take decisions here, he said.The Congress high command cannot be in favour of the BJP, he said, referring to Congresss participation in the Rajya Sabha elections.He added that although, at the local level, Congress was ready to contest the bypolls, the high command decided to leave the seat for NC, and therefore, the candidate was announced.Regarding PDPs support, the Chief Minister said that NC leader, Shami Oberoi, met PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti today and requested, on behalf of the party, to support the NC candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections."Earlier, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also spoke with her. Although no decision has been made public by the party yet, they have promised us that a decision will be taken after internal discussions, he said.On the LoPs statement, the Chief Minister said that he must clarify who made the offer to form a government with the BJP.We have not made any such offer. We do not hide anything. The LoP must stop issuing these baseless statements, he added. (KNO)

'People understood game plan of PDP, NC'KS News Desk Srinagar, Oct 22: Apni Party candidate for Budgam Assembly constituency, Mukhtar Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday accused the National Conference (NC) of being responsible for the prolonged underdevelopment of Budgam district.Dar, one of the 17 candidates contesting the upcoming Budgam bypoll, told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that Budgam continues to be among the most neglected districts in Kashmir."There are no proper health facilities. People are craving for drinking water and electricity. Roads are in pathetic condition, Dar said.He said he is contesting the elections on the Apni Partys manifesto, which focuses on restoring peoples rights and ensuring social justice.In our manifesto, we want the Public Safety Act (PSA) to be revoked. Our party is committed to granting general amnesty to political prisoners and establishing rehabilitation centres for youth involved in drug abuse, he said.Highlighting his decade-long involvement in social work, Dar asserted that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve people rather than pursue personal gain.Ninety percent of politicians join politics for money. But my aim is purely to serve the public, he said.On why he chose to join the Apni Party, Dar said he found its mission pro-people and transparent. There are many political parties, but the Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari speaks the truth. Our leadership has clearly stated that Jammu and Kashmirs progress is possible only through cooperation with the Centre. However, NC and PDP twisted this statement and spread propaganda, branding us as the B-Team of BJP. People have now understood their game plan, he said.Dar also criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that the NC government failed to deliver on its promises.What happened to NCs promises of 200 free electricity units, 12 gas cylinders, and one lakh jobs? he asked. (KINS)

Addresses BJP Kulgam meeting, stresses organisational strengthening, welfare of needyKS News Desk Kulgam, Sept 24: J&K BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul Tuesday chaired a partys district meeting with the Office Bearers of district Kulgam.During the meeting Koul took stock of the progress of ongoing programmes and to chalk out future strategies for expanding the partys outreach.BJP General Secretary Mohammad Anwar Khan and State Secretary Mudasir Wani, District President Kulgam Farooq Ahmad, Prabhari Adv Wajahat, former District Presidents, and other senior leaders of the party were also present.In his address, Ashok Koul emphasized that BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is fully committed to strengthening its organisational network in every corner of Jammu & Kashmir.He said that BJPs priority is to connect the last person in the queue with the benefits of public welfare schemes envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.He said that these schemes are designed to uplift the poor, marginalized and neglected sections of society.The organisational strength of BJP lies in its ability to reach the needy directly and ensure that no beneficiary is left behind.Koul urged the district team to work with dedication at the grassroots level so that every family in the remotest part of Kulgam feels connected with the party and benefits from government initiatives.Mohammad Anwar Khan said that the focus of BJP remains on empowering the needy through a strong organizational framework that bridges the gap between the people and welfare programmes.Farooq Ahmad said that the Kulgam unit of BJP is committed to taking forward the mission of Prime Minister Modi by ensuring maximum implementation of schemes on the ground.

Says statehood a constitutional right, not contingent on BJPs electoral performanceKS News DeskSrinagar, Sept 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should not be punished for the BJPs failure in recent elections, emphasizing that statehood is a constitutional right that cannot depend on the outcome of any political party.Talking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar Omar Abdullah said that Supreme Court was informed that there would be a three-step process delimitation, elections, and then statehood. Delimitation has been completed, elections were held, and people participated."Unfortunately, BJP did not win, but that cannot be a reason to deny statehood. This is injustice," he said.He said that if BJP fights against statehood, it is fighting against the people of Jammu and Kashmir."It was never said that statehood would be granted only if BJP wins," he said.Omar Abdullah also highlighted his governments focus on addressing peoples problems through direct feedback and touched upon tourism growth, recent controversies, and opposition criticism, asserting that the government was working sincerely for the welfare of the people. (KNC)

Muhammad Adnan Srinagar, Sept 24: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister (CM) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday said reducing the struggle of Jammu and Kashmir by CM Omar Abdullah to the issue of Statehood alone, was not only misleading but also deliberate attempt to diminish a complex reality.In a post on her X, Mehbooba Mufti wrote: "While violence of any kind is absolutely condemnable, let us be clear. To reduce the struggles of Jammu and Kashmir to the issue of statehood alone, as @OmarAbdullah does, is not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to diminish a much deeper and more complex reality."The post further reads that the core concerns whether in Jammu and Kashmir or in Ladakh have always centered around dignity, rights, and the protection of land, jobs, and resources, including the demand for special status."Even in Ladakh today, people are openly expressing their discontent, driven by a fear of losing control over their land, livelihoods, and identity," the post reads.Mehbooba Mufti said that by framing this struggle solely as a question of statehood CM Omar Abdullah not only ignores these broader aspirations but also ends up "reinforcing the BJP s narrative."Earlier in a separate tweet, Mehbooba Mufti while referring to clashes that erupted in Ladakh said that it was time the Government of India undertakes a "sincere and thorough appraisal of what has truly changed since 2019.""This video isn t from the Kashmir Valley considered the epicentre of unrest but from the heart of Ladakh, where angry protesters have set police vehicles and a BJP office on fire," her post on X reads.Mehbooba Mufti said that Leh, a region long known for its peaceful and measured protests, is now witnessing a disturbing shift toward violent demonstrations."People seem to have lost patience , feel betrayed, insecure, and let down by unfulfilled promises," the post reads.She said that it was imperative that the Government move beyond day to day crisis management and address the root causes of this "discontent urgently and transparently."