Health & Fitness

Puerto Rican student turned plantain peels into weed-fighting mulch

97% of strangler figs in Indonesia grew on burned ground, aiding forest recovery

Can't Put Your Phone Down at Night? The Hidden Mental Health Toll of Revenge Bedtime Procrastination

Exhausted but still on your phone at night? Uncover the psychology behind revenge bedtime procrastination and how to deal with it.

Diet Drinks May Work As Well As Water For Long-Term Weight Loss: Study

Diet beverages, specifically those with acesulfame potassium (acesulfameK), aspartame, and sucralose, are equivalent to water for long-term weight management, the study claimed.

Video: Creator Spent A Day With Mumbai Dabbawalas Who Deliver 2 Lakh Lunchboxes. You Can Too

A content creator spent a day with Mumbai's dabbawalas, getting a firsthand look at the 130-year-old system that delivers nearly 2 lakh lunchboxes across the city every day.

DRDO conducts successful flight trial of indigenous developed High-Altitude Platform

New Delhi, Oct 6: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the successful flight trial of indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS). The experimental flight attained an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level (AMSL) and remained at an altitude of 20 km AMSL for more than 30 minutes, before it was commanded to descend back to ground. The system was successfully recovered and flight performance data was analyzed. Real-time video data and all other vehicle parameters were acquired from the Airborne platform at Ground Control Station during the entire flight, which showed intended flight performance. System carried various instrumentation and control electronic packages like an inertial measurement unit, Global positioning system receiver, onboard cameras, altitude control mechanism besides various other sub-systems. The trial was conducted in coordination with various agencies, namely Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities. The High-Altitude Platform, a lighter than air system as a long endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform, is being designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, IAF, PSUs and Industry on successful flight trial of High-Altitude Platform and stated that the successful trial is an important milestone in Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey towards realizing a long endurance stratospheric Airship. Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh has congratulated the teams associated with the flight trial of high-altitude airship platform.

Census 2027: Snow-bound enumeration completed in J&K, Ladakh, says Director of Census Operations

Jammu, Oct 6: Director of Census Operations, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma on Tuesday said the Census 2027 exercise was progressing smoothly in the twin Union territories, with population enumeration in snow-bound areas completed and the main enumeration in the remaining areas, including Srinagar and Jammu, scheduled for February. Sharma, who is also the Chief Principal Census Officer of J&K and Ladakh, said while the house listing operations had been completed in June, the District Census Handbook (DCHB), which began on October 1, will continue till October 30. The population enumeration in the snow-bound areas of J&K and Ladakh was successfully completed 100 per cent from September 1 to 30. A five-day revision round was also completed on October 5 to incorporate corrections, omissions and other changes reported after the initial enumeration, Sharma told reporters here. He said the detailed population enumeration exercise in the snow-bound areas covered 5,292 enumeration blocks (EB) across the two Union territories. Of these, 4,597 EBs were in Jammu and Kashmir and 695 in Ladakh, reflecting the extensive scale of the exercise undertaken ahead of the winter season. He said the enumeration involved a large field machinery deployed across remote, difficult and snow-bound areas, with enumerators and supervisors undertaking door-to-door coverage to ensure that every eligible person was included in the Census. Among the districts, Doda accounted for 798 enumeration blocks, Kishtwar 602, Ramban 418, Anantnag 377, Baramulla 369, Reasi 345, Udhampur 313 and Kupwara 230, Sharma said, highlighting the substantial field exercise involved in covering the snow-bound areas. He said Ladakh and Kishtwar districts were entirely designated as snow-bound, while several other districts of Jammu and Kashmir had partially snow-bound areas. The remaining plain areas would be covered during the main population enumeration exercise in February, following the requisite notification. The District Census Handbook exercise, which began on October 1, will continue till October 30, Sharma said. He said Census 2027 was India's first fully digital Census, with enumerators using digital devices and citizens being provided the facility of Self-Enumeration. Jammu and Kashmir has performed exceptionally well in Self-Enumeration. It ranked first among the Union Territories and eighth overall in the country, the director census said. He said the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India had deployed independent observers who visited different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to assess field-level implementation, verify the use of digital devices and interact with Census officials, supervisors and enumerators. Sharma said Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan had himself visited several remote and strategically located areas of Ladakh, including Turtuk, Bogdang, Pangong, Chushul, Nyoma, Chumar, Kargil and Zanskar, and reviewed the Census preparedness and field operations. He said Additional Registrar General Sunil Kumar had also visited Jammu and Kashmir in August to review preparations for the exercise. On the census coverage principle, Sharma said the exercise followed the extended de facto approach, under which a person was counted at the place where he or she was found during the enumeration period. Whether it is a migrant labourer, a person working in another state or anyone else present at a particular place during the Census enumeration, the person will be counted where he or she is found, he said, adding that determination of the legality of a person's stay was the responsibility of the concerned government agencies and not the Census authorities. He said the Centre had released around Rs 49.2 crore for census-related requirements in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including IT infrastructure, training, honorarium, and contingency expenditure. Sharma also highlighted the extensive publicity campaign undertaken to create awareness about the Census, including newspaper advertisements, LED screens, publicity vans, pamphlets, seminars, university programmes, quiz competitions, radio jingles and hoardings. He said an MoU had also been signed with Jammu and Kashmir Bank for displaying Census-related publicity material at its branches, describing the initiative as a first-of-its-kind arrangement in the country. He said the main population enumeration in the remaining areas was yet to be conducted and provisional population figures at the national level were expected only after completion of the exercise next year. The director said the census data would provide the foundation for government planning and policy formulation, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, social welfare, connectivity and other development programmes. Census data is the foundation for development planning. The data being collected now will be used for planning and development for years to come and will also contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047, Sharma said.

Zambia says it will sign $3.6B US health deal after stripping patient data clauses

Zambia plans to sign a revised health agreement with the United States that excludes controversial clauses about sharing patient data and specimens

Montana student compares banana and plantain starch to make stronger bioplastic

Cabinet approves proposal to set up Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority

The ITLA will prepare a long-term Transport Plan covering roads, railways, ports, civil aviation and urban mobility, and evaluate government infrastructure projects worth 500 crore or more

Kenya confirms first Ebola case imported from Congo after patient dies in Nairobi

Health Minister Aden Duale said 28 contacts have been identified and placed in isolation, as Kenya becomes the fourth country to record a case in the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history

Karwa Chauth 2026: Date, Timings And 5 Traditional Dishes To Prepare For The Festival

Karwa Chauth is celebrated with great devotion across several North Indian states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

J&K authorities demolish illegally built house of Afzal Guru's relative in Baramulla

Srinagar, Oct 6: Authorities on Tuesday demolished an illegal shed allegedly constructed by relatives of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru on state land in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The shed, constructed on a flood basin in Sopore area, was demolished during a drive carried out by a team of the Revenue Department, the officials said. They said the structure was erected on state land in violation of government regulations. The officials said family members of Guru, who was convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack case and executed in February 2013, allegedly built and occupied the structure.

President Murmu addresses first historic convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur

New Delhi, Oct 6: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu today conferred degrees on the first graduating batch of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bilaspur at the Institutes first Convocation, marking a major milestone in the growth of the institution and its contribution to medical education and healthcare in the country. Addressing the graduating students, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, lauded the graduates and the gold medallists, as well as the parents, guardians and teachers who supported them through their academic course. She stated that, as the first batch to graduate from AIIMS Bilaspur, they have a special role in shaping the identity and legacy of the institution. She implored them to uphold its reputation through their conduct, commitment and service, reminding them that the medical profession carries a responsibility towards humanity. She encouraged the graduates to keep the needs of people at the centre of their work, particularly those living in remote and inaccessible areas with limited access to specialised healthcare. Given the geographical location of AIIMS Bilaspur, she asked the Institute and its graduates to work towards strengthening tertiary healthcare in the region, including through telemedicine, expert consultations, training of medical personnel and the use of modern technology. The President also highlighted the role of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in reducing the financial burden of healthcare for economically vulnerable families, under which eligible beneficiaries receive health cover of 5 lakh per family per year. She noted that more than 2 lakh crore has been spent on treatment under the scheme and asked stakeholders to endorse that information about these health protection measures reaches people in far flung areas. She also stressed the need for leading institutions such as AIIMS to contribute to the development of basic and cost effective healthcare solutions. Exhorting the graduates to remain lifelong learners, the President asked them to keep pace with changing medical practices and health services, while translating research into innovation that improves people's lives. The field of medicine is not just a field of science and technology. It is actually a field of compassion and trust as well, she said. Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Kavinder Gupta commended the graduates on their achievement and highlighted the important role being played by AIIMS Bilaspur in bringing specialised healthcare closer to people in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states, particularly those from remote and tribal areas. Recalling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis remarks on the occasion of AIIMS Bilaspurs inauguration, he noted that the Institute is extensively contributing to healthcare, education and research and has strengthened Himachals footing in the health sector. Conveying his regards to the graduating students, he reminded them that their degrees carry a responsibility towards society and the nation and urged them to place compassion, sensitivity and service at the centre of their professional journeys. He expressed confidence that the graduates would use their knowledge and service spirit to contribute to the nation and said, I believe that these graduate students of AIIMS Bilaspur will make a new identity with their talent, their knowledge and their service spirit in various fields of the country and will make an important contribution in the construction of a Viksit Bharat. Speaking at the Occasion, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J.P. Nadda expressed happiness and pride at witnessing the inaugural batch of AIIMS Bilaspur complete its academic journey. Highlighting the expansion of medical education in the country, he shared that the number of medical colleges has increased from 384 to over 800, while undergraduate medical seats have risen from 51,348 to 1.42 lakh. Addressing the gathering, he shared the Governments target of adding 75,000 undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats by 2029, including an allocation of 15,000 crore for the creation of 10,000 additional MBBS and PG seats. Highlighting the expansion of the AIIMS network under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister noted that while the country had only one AIIMS for several decades, 16 new AIIMS have been established in the last 12 years. He urged the audience to recognise the scale of this expansion and the efforts to widen access to quality medical education and specialised healthcare across the country. Speaking about AIIMS Bilaspur, Nadda noted that the Institute has expanded beyond its initial target of 750 beds and now has 776 beds, with 26 specialties and 15 super specialties fully functional. He highlighted the availability of complex surgical procedures, cardiac catheterisation interventions, neurosurgery, comprehensive care, cancer care and radiotherapy services, noting that this progress has been achieved within the last five years. He also shared that the Institutes OPD consultations have crossed 12 lakh and IPD admissions have crossed 1 lakh over the last four years. Nadda spoke highly of the AIIMS Bilaspur faculty and staff for the pace at which the Institute has developed and expressed confidence in its continued growth. Addressing the graduating students, he urged them to uphold the reputation of AIIMS Bilaspur and carry its values of excellence and service into their professional journeys. With your rapid growth, I am certain that very soon AIIMS Bilaspur will be at par with any other AIIMS in the country he said, while expressing confidence that the graduates would provide high quality services and work for humanity. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also extended his best wishes to the graduating students and AIIMS Bilaspur on the occasion. Gracing the event, Shri Harsh Mahajan, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Lt Gen (Dr.) Daljit Singh (Retd.), Executive Director, AIIMS Bilaspur and Prof. (Dr.) Narendra Kumar Arora, President, AIIMS Bilaspur, were also present. A total of 92 students received their degrees at the ceremony: 43 MBBS, 26 BSc Honours Nursing, 9 BSc Allied Healthcare and 14 MD/MS students. The President also presented Gold Medals to meritorious students across disciplines in recognition of their academic performance. The awardees included Ms. Sagarika and Mr. Rakshit Vashishth from MBBS, Ms. Bhawna Thakral from BSc Allied Healthcare Science, Ms. Bhavya Malhotra from BSc Honours Nursing and Mr. Prateek Goel from MD, Community & Family Medicine. About AIIMS Bilaspur AIIMS Bilaspur began its academic endeavour with the induction of its first MBBS batch in January 2021, followed by the first batches of Allied Healthcare Sciences and Nursing Sciences in 2022. The Institute was formally inaugurated in October 2022 in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Since then, it has steadily expanded its academic, clinical and research capacities. During 2024 to 2025, the Institute recorded more than 3 lakh OPD consultations and provided emergency medical services to over 17,000 people. More than 3,500 major surgeries, over 900 minor surgeries, more than 1,000 cardiac catheterisation procedures and over 3,200 dialysis sessions were carried out during the year, while its diagnostic laboratories conducted more than 10 lakh tests. The Institute currently has around 620 students pursuing various undergraduate, postgraduate and super specialty courses, reflecting its growing role in medical education alongside healthcare delivery. The Convocation marks a significant step in AIIMS Bilaspurs institutional journey, as its pioneering batch moves from academic training into professional service. The newly qualified doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals and postgraduate specialists will attend patients and strengthen public health across the country.

Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create future champions

New Delhi, Oct 06: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday approved the governments commitment of Rs 10,000 crore towards establishing the SME Growth Fund (SGF) to provide growth capital to small and medium enterprises and help create Indian companies capable of competing globally. The initiative, announced as part of the Union Budget 2026-27, seeks to address the structural gap in growth-stage equity financing available to SMEs, particularly those looking to scale operations, adopt advanced technologies, expand internationally and integrate into global value chains. Under the scheme, the government will provide an aggregate commitment of Rs 10,000 crore to an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework. The fund will focus primarily on small and medium manufacturing enterprises, while also considering SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The government said the fund is designed to provide patient, long-term equity capital to high-potential SMEs with demonstrated business viability and scalability. The initiative is expected to help enterprises expand capacity, improve productivity, adopt new technologies, enter international markets and undertake strategic investments, thereby strengthening their competitiveness and export potential. The government said the SGF would complement existing measures aimed at strengthening the SME ecosystem, including credit support, digitalisation, ease of doing business reforms, public procurement measures, startup promotion and production-linked incentive programmes. The initiative is also expected to support balanced regional industrial development, strengthen local supply chains and generate quality employment, particularly through investments in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The government said the fund would help foster a new generation of competitive Indian enterprises and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Govt eases NoC norms for private schools, drops multiple certification requirements

Srinagar, Oct 06: In a major relief to private schools seeking statutory approvals, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has amended the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules, 2010, removing several requirements related to school permissions and certifications. The amendments were notified by the School Education Department on October 5, 2026, through an order issued under Section 29 of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002. The order in this regard has been issued by Commissioner Secretary School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma by the orders of J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. Under the amended rules, several provisions under Rule 4 and Rule 6 have been omitted, while certain requirements have been replaced with self-attested certificates from the concerned schools. For traffic safety compliance, schools will now be required to furnish a self-attested certificate stating that necessary compliance with traffic rules has been or will be made to ensure the safety of students. Similarly, requirements concerning school buildings have been simplified. Schools can submit a self-attested certificate confirming that the building has been constructed according to the prescribed norms and relevant building laws, with necessary safety measures in place. The amended rules also provide for self-attestation regarding installation of necessary fire-safety equipment in school buildings. In another provision, schools have to certify that chemicals, if any, kept in laboratories are stored safely in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court and other Courts respectively. The government has also deleted a number of sub-clauses under Rule 6, including provisions under clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), further reducing the procedural requirements under the rules. The amendments are expected to ease the compliance burden on private schools and streamline the process of obtaining permissions/NOCs while retaining self-certification requirements relating to key areas including student safety, building safety and fire protection as well. The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has extended gratitude to the government for granting much awaited relief to the schools. Talking to Greater Kashmir, president PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba extended gratitude to the chief minister Omar Abdullah, J&K LG Manoj Sinha, minister for education Sakina Itoo and Commissioner Secretary SED for easing the burden of NoC for private schools. It was a much awaited relief for the private schools. We express our gratitude and thanks to the Government, he said. He also extended gratitude to Directors of School Education Kashmir and Jammu division . This decision is a commendable step towards simplifying the administrative process, reducing unnecessary educational burden, and creating a more conducive and supportive environment for private educational institutions, Baba said. He said the need for multiple NOCs was a source of concern for many school administrations, especially those serving in rural, remote, backward, and economically weak areas. These institutions continue to strive to provide quality education to children despite financial difficulties, infrastructure issues, and various administrative responsibilities, PSAJK president said. The decision to abolish several unnecessary NOCs will help the schools to focus more effectively on their core responsibilities, he added.

Omar Abdullah welcomes SC scrutiny of voter deletions, rules out UCC in J&K

Srinagar, Oct 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Courts intervention in the issue of voter deletions, said the INDIA blocs campaign against the Election Commission would continue and ruled out implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the INDIA bloc had finalised a calendar of programmes during a recent meeting in Delhi, with the campaign beginning with a march by its Members of Parliament to the Election Commission. Todays programme was a march to the Election Commission, and this campaign will continue, he said. Abdullah said the media had begun highlighting concerns over voter deletions, an issue he claimed had repeatedly been raised by the opposition. It is a good thing that questions are now being raised in the Supreme Court as well, he said, referring to the court seeking responses from the Election Commission and the Government of India on the deletion of names from electoral rolls and the basis for those deletions. We will have to wait and see to what extent the matter can be rectified through the courts, he added. We will not implement UCC here On the Uniform Civil Code, Abdullah categorically ruled out its implementation in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the BJPs approach of pursuing the measure through individual states. We will not implement the Uniform Civil Code here, he said, adding that several other state governments had also opposed its implementation. Abdullah argued that a law intended to be uniform should be debated and considered at the national level rather than introduced separately by individual states. If they have the courage, let them bring a law in Parliament and debate it there. Let us see whether it gets passed, he said. Claiming that the BJP did not have the numbers to secure the passage of such legislation in Parliament, Abdullah alleged that the party was pursuing the measure incrementally through states where it was in power. That is why the BJP is implementing it gradually, state by state, which is wrong, he said. If we look at democracy in its true sense, this issue should be debated at the Centre and not separately in different states, he added. Questions action against Rohingya refugeesJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Courts intervention in the issue of voter deletions, said the INDIA blocs campaign against the Election Commission would continue and ruled out implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Union Territory Abdullah also questioned the action being taken against Rohingya refugees living in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they had been given shelter after fleeing their country. Those who have come from Bangladesh without permission are a separate matter. But the Rohingya, who are being unnecessarily targeted, are a different case, he said. He said the refugees had been allowed to stay until conditions in their country improved. When they were driven out of their own country, we gave them shelter and some space to stay here until conditions in their country improved, Abdullah said. Taking action against them suddenly now seems strange to me, he added. The chief minister, however, said the matter was beyond the control of his government, as the action was being taken by the Government of India with police assistance. The police are not under our control either. It would be better to put these questions to those who exercise command over the police, he said. Mobile connectivity, underground ducts On the administrations recent decisions concerning mobile connectivity and underground utility ducts, Abdullah said the government intended to improve access in areas that remain without mobile signals and reduce repeated digging of roads. At a time when we are talking about artificial intelligence, there are still areas in Jammu and Kashmir where mobile phone connectivity is unavailable, he said. He said the Cabinet had decided to allot land to BSNL in areas without mobile signals to facilitate the installation of mobile towers. Explaining the decision on underground ducts, Abdullah said roads were frequently dug up by different departments to lay water pipelines, electricity infrastructure and telecommunications cables. One department after another keeps digging up the roads, he said. He said installing ducts during road construction would allow departments to use the same infrastructure instead of repeatedly excavating roads. That was the purpose of the decision. Now it needs to be implemented, he said. Asked how satisfied he was with his governments performance as it approached two years in office, Abdullah said it was too early to assess its record. Let two years be completed first. After that, we will tell you what we have done and what we have not done, he said. Abdullah also declined to comment on reported remarks by former chief minister Farooq Abdullah concerning Jawaharlal Nehru, saying he had not heard the statement and did not know the context in which it was made. I cannot comment on what was said or the context in which it was said, because I am hearing this from you for the first time, he said.

Can You Buy Maternity Health Insurance After Pregnancy?

Majority of health insurance plans do not allow you to buy maternity health insurance for a pregnancy that has already begun. This is because policies usually have certain eligibility rules for maternity benefits. These rules determine when pregnancy-related expenses are payable under the policy. Insurance for pregnant women are different across insurers and chosen plans. Reviewing the policy details helps clarify the available benefits and eligibility conditions. Continue reading to learn more about maternity insurance in detail. Why is Existing Pregnancy Not Covered Under Health Insurance? Existing pregnancy is typically not covered under a newly purchased medical insurance policy, as the maternity benefits are subject to eligibility conditions and waiting periods. Insurance is intended to cover future medical requirementswhereas what has started is not covered. Thus, an ongoing pregnancy falls outside the scope of the new policy. The exact terms and conditions of the policy might differ across insurers and plans. Before buying a policy, it is important to be aware of the maternity benefits, waiting periods, exclusions, and eligibility to clarify coverage. What are the Benefits of Choosing Maternity Health Cover? Maternity health cover helps manage eligible expenses while you are pregnant and giving birth. The benefits offered differ across policies and their terms. Cashless Claim Facility A cashless facility can make hospitalisation expenses easier to manage. At respective network hospitals, the insurer settles approved expenses directly, depending on the terms and conditions in the insurance policy. Extensive Coverage For maternity cover, eligible expenses are related to pregnancy, delivery and post-natal care. Specific coverage, limits and waiting periods vary from one policy to another. Tax Benefits Health insurance premiums may be eligible for any tax benefits under the Income Tax Act. The available benefits depend on individual eligibility conditions and existing tax rules. Key Factors to Consider for Maternity Insurance for Pregnant Women Maternity insurance provides financial support during pregnancy. Here are the key factors to consider to choose the right maternity insurance for pregnant women: Waiting Period Go through the waiting period before buying a policy. Maternity benefits may only be applicable after completion of the waiting period. Complications Coverage Re-read the policy and determine if pregnancy-related complications are included. This coverage is subject to the terms, limits and exclusions. Number of Pregnancies Covered Check if the policy mentions any time limit on the number of pregnancies covered. This may differ depending on the plan and should be outlined in detail. Terms and Conditions of Policy Understand the policy wording and check maternity cover, exclusions, sub-limits, eligibility and claim conditions. This clarifies the coverage available. Explore Maternity Health Cover with IndusInd General Insurance IndusInd General Insurance provides maternity coverage as an add-on to health insurance plans. The cover might include eligible expenses for pregnancy, childbirth and maternity complications. It may also include pre-natal, post-natal, and newborn baby care, as per policy terms. The Health Infinity plan provides an add-on for Mother and Child Care with benefits for both mother and newborn. Before purchase, check the applicable waiting period and coverage limit, and choose the appropriate maternity health cover based on your healthcare needs.

Omar Abdullah Welcomes SC Taking Up Vote Deletion Issue, Rules Out UCC in J&K

Mehraj Malik praises Ghulam Nabi Azad, calls for sustained fight for J&K statehood

Women account for over 57% of online medical consultations through eSanjeevani

The eSanjeevani platform has reached a significant milestone of 50 crore teleconsultations across India. It shows notable participation, with 57.14 percent of users being women and 40.15 percent aged 46 and above. Telemedicine is proving essential in enhancing healthcare access for citizens in remote areas. The service has expanded rapidly and supports a diverse range of medical consultations daily.

Chef Kunal Kapur's Easy Samak Rice Cutlets Are Healthy, Crispy And Low In Oil

Perfect for busy weekdays and last-minute get-togethers, these delicious snacks are easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes for lunchboxes or guests.

Drakshadi Kashaya (4)

Drakshadi Kashaya (4) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Drakshadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic decoction indicated for ... Read more The post Drakshadi Kashaya (4) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

NC joins INDIA bloc protest over vote theft, seeks EC chiefs resignation

Rice Water vs Rose Water: Which Toner Is Better for Indian Skin and Climate?

Confused between rice water and rose water? Discover which natural toner works best for Indian skin and beats the heat and humidity for a glowing complexion.

Ageing mice study finds why 'zombie cells' evade immune clearance and fuel inflammation

Lupin launches fixed-dose triple combination inhaler for COPD in India

Lupin Ltd has launched Formoflo-G MDI, a new inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management in India. This fixed-dose inhaler combines three therapies into a single device for better treatment outcomes. It aims to benefit over 55 million people living with COPD across the country. The Drug Controller General of India has approved this innovative product for use. Lupin is currently ranked second in the respiratory therapy segment in India.

Woman succumbs day after being struck by e-rickshaw in Nishat

Srinagar, Oct 06: A 50-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries a day after she was struck by an e-rickshaw near Ishber Chowk in Nishat area of Srinagar, officials said. An official said that an e-rickshaw bearing registration number JK01BE-5707 hit the pedestrian near Ishber Chowk in Nishat on Monday evening. He said that the woman was shifted to a hospital for treatment, where her condition remained critical during the night. However, she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning. The deceased woman was identified as Shafiqa Bano (50), wife of Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, a resident of Ishber Nishat. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and further details are awaited.(KNO)

SC normalised contempt of court acts over last decade: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Oct 06: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the judiciary makes lofty observations during case proceedings but often delivers judgments that are at odds with those remarks. Commenting on Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's observation that the Supreme Court has not approved the Election Commission's modified Form 6 for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Mehbooba said the judiciary has repeatedly normalised acts that amount to contempt of court over the past decade. So what? Over the last ten years, the judiciary has repeatedly normalised acts that amount to contempt of court and simply moved on. Lofty observations are made in court, but when the time comes to deliver a judgement, the outcome is often entirely at odds with those very remarks, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said in an X post.

Lords Mark strengthens UK and UK allied market strategy with regulatory backing for IVD portfolio.

In an exciting development, Lord's Mark Industries has secured registration for its In-Vitro Diagnostic portfolio with the MHRA, significantly boosting market access. This follows the approval of their AI-enhanced Renalyx haemodialysis system in the UK. The firm aims for a December 2026 market launch for its IVD products, ahead of schedule, along with a planned January 2027 start for its pathology lab, highlighting its strong commitment to global healthcare integration.

40 oyster reefs placed along Gandy's Beach in New Jersey to support live oysters and cut storm-wave

Kashmirs fly-fishing enthusiast on the art of fly tying and protecting trout streams

Sheikh Tahir Rehman, from Mujgund on the outskirts of Srinagar, has been fly fishing for trout for more than two decades. Fly fishing uses artificial flies that imitate insects trout feed on, while fly tying is the craft of making those flies using feathers, fur, thread and wire. As illegal fishing puts pressure on Kashmirs streams, Tahir believes fly tying can encourage young people to fish responsibly, understand the ecosystem and learn a skill. In this feature, Tahir demonstrates how he makes an artificial fly and shares his passion for the craft and Kashmirs trout streams. Reported and edited by Murtaza Bilal | Greater Kashmir

J&K to get new Industry Policy, no need to shut public sector units: Deputy CM

HC sets aside kidney transplant permission refusal, asks committee to reconsider patient's request

Kolkata, Oct 06: The Calcutta High Court on Monday set aside a kidney transplant permission refusal by the designated authorisation committee to a chronic renal ailment patient, directing it to reconsider the request of the petitioner. The court observed that unless there is definite material to establish financial dealings involving the parties, permission ought not to be withheld or rejected. If the donor states that out of love and affection, he/she is making the donation, in the absence of any credible reason, the averment should not be doubted, the court observed in its judgment. Justice Krishna Rao directed the state-level authorisation committee for organ donation and transplant to reconsider the petitioner patient's request and to take appropriate decision within two weeks, setting aside its refusal to allow the kidney donation by the wife of his driver. The court said the reasons the authorisation committee refused to recommend the petitioner's case for kidney transplantation were not in accordance with the statute, despite the fact that no commercial transaction was involved and the donor was willing to donate the organ out of love and affection, knowing the recipient for the last three to four years. The authorisation committee did not recommend the case of the petitioner with the reasons that the husband of the donor has not produced documents that he was working as a driver at a driver centre and has obtained driving licence only in the year 2024. Holding that the rules provide for scrutiny of application, the court said that if there is doubt, the applicants can be asked for an explanation, and verification can also be done through government officials. Observing that too much burden cannot be laid on the shoulders of the applicants unless there is definite material to establish that there are financial dealings involving the parties, Justice Rao observed, Permission ought not to be withheld or rejected. The court noted that in the present case, before making a decision, the authorisation committee examined the donor, the husband of the donor and the petitioner patient. Pointing out that the committee also called for a report from the police authorities to ascertain whether any commercial transaction or middlemen/touts were involved, the court noted that the police report certified that there was no commercial transaction or middlemen involved. The court noted from the statements of the donor, the donor's husband, and the recipient that they have known each other for the last three or four years. Furthermore, the donor's husband used to drive the recipient to the hospital, and the donor treated the recipient as her uncle. The court stated that if the donor is not a near relative, the requirement is that they must establish that the organ removal was authorised for transplantation into the recipient's body due to attachment or some special reason for donating the organ. Justice Rao observed that the purpose of enacting the statute shows that there cannot be any commercial element involved in organ donation.

Hungry After The Gym? Heres Why Your Appetite Hits Later

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CM Omar Abdullah-led Govt approves land for mobile towers in underserved areas across J&K

Srinagar, Oct 06: The Jammu and Kashmir Government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved provision of land for installation of mobile towers in underserved areas across Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at strengthening high-speed telecom connectivity in remote and border villages. Under the initiative, land has been approved for installation of BSNL mobile towers in underserved areas of Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the initiative would help extend reliable connectivity to remote and border communities and ensure that geographical location does not become a barrier to access to digital services and opportunities. The infrastructure is being developed under the USOF to expand 4G network coverage and achieve telecom saturation in areas that remain underserved. The initiative is expected to strengthen access to online education, e-governance services and emergency communications, besides improving digital inclusion for residents of rural, remote and border areas. The provision of dedicated land for telecom infrastructure is also aimed at facilitating faster deployment of mobile towers in difficult and geographically challenging locations, thereby helping bridge the digital divide across Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative reflects the Governments focus on extending the benefits of digital connectivity to communities in far-flung areas and strengthening communication infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

INDIA Bloc MPs stopped on way to EC, stage dharna demanding CEC's resignation

New Delhi, Oct 06: INDIA bloc MPs, including Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday marched from Parliament House complex towards the Election Commission but were stopped by police on Parliament Street, where they sat on a dharna demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The MPs were stopped in front of the NITI Aayog office, on the stretch between NITI Aayog and Akashvani Bhavan leading towards the Election Commission headquarters. After being prevented from proceeding further, they sat on the road in protest. Opposition MPs carried cutouts depicting Kumar in an RSS uniform and raised slogans, including BJP hai CEC hai, Vote chor, gaddi chhod and Democracy not for sale. In a post on X, Gandhi posted, Gyanesh it's done bro. Time to resign. TMC leaders Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O Brien, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and CPI (M) leader John Brittas were among those who took part in the march. Heavy security deployment and barricading had been put in place in and around Parliament and the Election Commission headquarters ahead of the march. Security personnel were stationed in the area much before the MPs began arriving. The MPs gathered at Parliament's Makar Dwar before setting off towards Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission headquarters. Ahead of the march, opposition MPs questioned the security arrangements and stepped up their demand for Kumar's resignation, citing the Supreme Court's observations on changes to Form 6, the statutory application for enrolment as a voter. Congress MP Imran Masood accused Kumar of eroding public trust in the Election Commission. Across the country, the institution that Gyanesh Kumar headed was an institution the entire country trusted, an institution the entire country took pride in and felt proud of. Questions were never raised over its impartiality. One person has broken that trust, he told PTI Videos. And an entire nexus is working together. We will question Gyanesh Kumar, and the BJP chief ministers will start giving the answers, he alleged. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar said the Supreme Court's observations on Monday had strengthened the opposition's objections to the additional declaration attached to Form 6 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On September 26, there was a press statement by the Commission and it was stated that the entire process related to Form 6 has been ratified by the Supreme Court. Whereas it has been proven that it is an entirely misleading statement, he alleged. Calling the CEC a Cheating Election Commissioner, the CPI leader said opposition parties had been agitating against the provisions since 2025 and would intensify their movement. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the scale of security deployment ahead of the march, saying the MPs intended to proceed peacefully. We are MPs. We are members of Parliament. We are also citizens of this country. Why is there a need to deploy such a large force to stop us? We will walk and go. We are unarmed, he said. Raut claimed that Border Security Force and CISF personnel had been deployed and security outside ministers' residences increased. Accusing Kumar of misleading the public over the Supreme Court's position on Form 6, he said the CEC had o moral right to continue in office. The Supreme Court on Monday said it had not approved any modified version of Form 6 and would examine the Election Commission's records to ascertain whether changes had been made and who had authorised them. The observations were made while hearing a petition challenging alleged unilateral decisions by Kumar. In its September 26 statement, the Commission had said the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR had been upheld by the Supreme Court, while forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, would be used outside the SIR period. The protest comes amid an opposition campaign over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and reports of differences within the three-member Commission. The poll body has rejected suggestions of a split and maintained that decisions relating to SIR were taken unanimously. Editors Note: Except for the headline, this report has been carried as received from the agency feed.

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INDIA bloc MPs begin march to EC demanding CEC's resignation; security tightened

New Delhi, Oct 06: MPs of the INDIA bloc began a march from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters on Tuesday to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation amid allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was among the leaders taking part in the march. The march began amid heavy security deployment and barricading in and around Parliament and the Election Commission headquarters. Security personnel were stationed in the area much before the MPs began arriving. Ahead of the march, opposition MPs questioned the security arrangements and stepped up their demand for Kumar's resignation, citing the Supreme Court's observations on changes to Form 6, the statutory application for enrolment as a voter. Congress MP Imran Masood accused Kumar of eroding public trust in the Election Commission. Across the country, the institution that Gyanesh Kumar headed was an institution the entire country trusted, an institution the entire country took pride in and felt proud of. Questions were never raised over its impartiality. One person has broken that trust, he told PTI Videos. And an entire nexus is working together. We will question Gyanesh Kumar, and the BJP chief ministers will start giving the answers, he alleged. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar said the Supreme Court's observations on Monday had strengthened the opposition's objections to the additional declaration attached to Form 6 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On September 26, there was a press statement by the Commission and it was stated that the entire process related to Form 6 has been ratified by the Supreme Court. Whereas it has been proven that it is an entirely misleading statement, he alleged. Calling the CEC a Cheating Election Commissioner, the CPI leader said opposition parties had been agitating against the provisions since 2025 and would intensify their movement. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the scale of security deployment ahead of the march, saying the MPs intended to proceed peacefully. We are MPs. We are members of Parliament. We are also citizens of this country. Why is there a need to deploy such a large force to stop us? We will walk and go. We are unarmed, he said. Raut claimed that Border Security Force and CISF personnel had been deployed and security outside ministers' residences increased. Accusing Kumar of misleading the public over the Supreme Court's position on Form 6, he said the CEC had o moral right to continue in office. The Supreme Court on Monday said it had not approved any modified version of Form 6 and would examine the Election Commission's records to ascertain whether changes had been made and who had authorised them. The observations were made while hearing a petition challenging alleged unilateral decisions by Kumar. In its September 26 statement, the Commission had said the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR had been upheld by the Supreme Court, while forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, would be used outside the SIR period. The march comes amid an opposition campaign over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and reports of differences within the three-member Commission. The poll body has rejected suggestions of a split and maintained that decisions relating to SIR were taken unanimously.

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Two arrested in Arnia drone-dropping case; pistol, heroin, opium recovered

Jammu, Oct 06: Two persons were arrested by police in connection with an alleged drone-dropping case in Arnia area of Jammu district, with an Italian-made Beretta pistol, two magazines, four live rounds and narcotics recovered during the investigation. The arrests were made during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The accused have been identified as Rahul Kumar, son of Rishpal Chand, resident of Trewa, and Ajay Kumar, son of Mangal Dass, resident of Talahar. Police said the investigation led to the recovery of one Beretta pistol, two magazines, four live rounds, approximately 500 grams of heroin and 500 grams of opium. According to police, the accused also disclosed that they had received two drone-dropping consignments and had links with handlers based in Pakistan. A case under Sections 8, 21, 22 and 29 of the NDPS Act and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Arnia vide FIR No. 64/2026. Further investigation into the case is underway. [KNT]

No immediate change in school timings in Kashmir: DSEK

Srinagar, Oct 06: Amid growing demands from parents for a change in school timings in view of the cold morning weather, Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani has said there is no immediate plan to revise the existing schedule. Talking to Greater Kashmir, DSEK Naseer Ahmad Wani said the current school timing was fixed keeping the academic calendar and seasonal conditions in view, and students and staff would have to acclimatise to the changing weather. It is true that there is a demand from parents that the timing should be changed this month because it is very cold in the morning. The demand is fine, but our calendar has to be ready for these things, he said. He said the department had already shifted the timing to 9 am this year, compared to the earlier practice of changing school timings multiple times during summers. Earlier, in summer, we used to change the timing two-three times and ultimately our timing used to be 8:30 am. But this time, we have set the timing at 9 am, Wani said. He said the current school timing was comfortable for all parents and students as well. He however acknowledged that mornings had turned colder but said the weather pattern would continue to change, requiring people to adjust accordingly. Today, it feels a little cold and in the coming days the winters will be harsh and summers will be hot as well, so we will have to acclimatise a little with the situation, he said. Wani also said the revision of school timings was linked to the annual Darbar Move schedule, indicating that the department would change the timings in November. If we will change the school timings and keep it 9:30, it will be problematic given the traffic concerns, he added. The DSEK however said he would still discuss the matter of traffic management with SSP Traffic Srinagar, amid concerns over the timing of school movement and traffic congestion.

End of Era! Harmanpreet Kaur steps down from India women's team captaincy

Indian women's cricket team's long-serving captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Tuesday stepped down from her position in all three formats, saying that she has done her duty as leader and is now eady to play for the love of the game again. Harmanpreet's announcement came after a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati to evaluate the team's trajectory in the past few months. Chaired by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the meeting was attended by Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar. The 37-year-old led the Indian T20 side for a decade, taking over the position in 2016, and was elevated to ODI captaincy in 2022 before becoming the all-format leader in 2023. Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team across all formats, she posted on her instagram account. This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, Harmanpreet said in a lengthy statement. N

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US moves to strip 40 persons of American citizenship

Washington, Oct 06: The US launched the largest denaturalisation effort in modern history by moving to strip 40 individuals, including one of Indian origin, of their American citizenship, the Department of Justice said. The 40 individuals facing denaturalisation actions in multiple US courts have been accused of serious offences, including acting as an agent for a foreign government, committing voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated sodomy against a special-needs man. Balwinder Singh of California is facing denaturalisation action in the states Eastern District court for using a fraudulent identity to gain admission to and acquire a US citizenship. Todays announcement marks the largest denaturalisation effort in modern history, said Attorney General Todd Blanche on Monday. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalised US citizens citizenship may be revoked and certificate of naturalisation cancelled, if it was procured illegally or by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. Every single one of these individuals lied their way into US citizenship, said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Departments Civil Division. This administration will continue to pursue the largest denaturalisation effort in department history to restore trust and integrity in US citizenship. Our message is clear: the United States will not tolerate deception in the naturalisation process, Shumate said. According to the Department of Justice, Singh, in 1992, submitted an immigration application under the identity of Balwinder Singh. In 2003, he sought and received permanent resident status under a second identity. Fingerprints establish that Singh submitted both applications. In 2009, Singh naturalised under his second identity. The complaint alleges seven counts for his numerous misrepresentations and unlawful acts that adversely reflect his moral character, the Justice Department said. The department said it is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Jinchao Wei, a China-born former US Navy sailor convicted of espionage-related offences. According to the Justice Department, Wei enlisted in the Navy in 2021 and by February 2022 had begun conspiring to sell military secrets to China. He became a US citizen in May 2022 under provisions designed to expedite naturalisation for people serving honourably in the US armed forces. Wei was convicted in August 2025 of conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage and unlawful export of technical data related to defence articles. He was sentenced to 200 months in prison and discharged from the Navy. Among those against whom denaturalisation actions have been initiated are those from Pakistan, Mexico, Cambodia, Nepal and Afghanistan.

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VC JKLCMA reviews beautification of Dole Demb area

Srinagar, Oct 5:Vice Chairman (VC), Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, today conducted an extensive inspection of the Dole Demb area to review the existing condition of the water body and its surrounding areas and assess the scope for beautification and development of the site. The Vice Chairman was accompanied by the Superintending Engineer, Collector Land Acquisition, FA&CAO, Executive Engineers of Lake Division 1st and Lake Division 2nd, Technical Officer, Assistant Executive Engineers, Junior Engineers, and other officers and officials of the Authority. Emphasising the importance of developing the site in a planned and sustainable manner, the Vice Chairman directed that the beautification proposal should incorporate modern landscaping, suitable plantation, improved pathways, aesthetic features, and other necessary amenities. He stressed that the area should be developed as a state of the art public space while maintaining the ecological character of the water body. He observed that the development of Dole Demb would also contribute towards enhancing the overall tourism potential of the area and attract more visitors to Dal Lake. The Vice Chairman directed the concerned officers to immediately undertake bush cutting along the site and carry out other necessary site clearance works to improve the overall appearance and accessibility of the area, so that further dredging and restoration works in the Dole Demb area can be taken up. He further instructed the Engineering Wing to prepare detailed estimates for the proposed beautification and development works at Dole Demb. The Vice Chairman further directed the concerned officers to ensure close coordination among the Engineering, Revenue, and field wings so that the proposed works are planned and executed in a time bound manner. He emphasised that the development should focus on environmental improvement while enhancing the visual appeal and overall utility of the area for tourism. Reiterating the Authoritys commitment towards the conservation and beautification of water bodies and their surrounding areas, the Vice Chairman stated that LCMA will continue to undertake integrated conservation, restoration, and development measures to improve urban water bodies and create clean, attractive, and environmentally sustainable spaces for the public and tourists. He emphasised that such initiatives would also contribute towards strengthening the tourism potential of Dal Lake and its adjoining areas.

MSME-DFO Srinagar launches 5-day marketing programme for Anantnag entrepreneurs

Anantnag, Oct 5: The MSME Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Srinagar, in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC), Anantnag, today commenced a five-day Management Development Programme (MDP) on Business Marketing Management for entrepreneurs from the manufacturing and service sectors. The programme aims to equip Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with contemporary marketing knowledge and practical tools to expand their market reach, strengthen business operations and compete effectively in a changing business environment. Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir, Head, CIED, IUST, attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, while the General Manager, DIC Anantnag, presided as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the participants, Prof. Mir discussed emerging marketing trends and opportunities for MSMEs, stressing the need for enterprises to adopt innovative marketing strategies, leverage technology and build competitive capabilities to contribute effectively to economic growth and employment generation. The General Manager, DIC Anantnag, welcomed the initiative and termed such programmes a timely step towards strengthening the industrial sector. She emphasised the importance of capacity building and continuous learning to help entrepreneurs respond effectively to changing market requirements. Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Srinagar, Saheel Alaqband, in his keynote address, highlighted the significance of the five-day programme in strengthening the managerial and marketing capabilities of MSME entrepreneurs. He also thanked the DIC Anantnag for its support and cooperation in organising the programme. The programme is being attended by 25 entrepreneurs from manufacturing-based MSMEs operating in the industrial estates of Anantnag. During the programme, participants will be exposed to various aspects of business development and enterprise growth, including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), AI-enabled marketing, contemporary marketing strategies and major MSME schemes and initiatives. The programme is expected to help participating entrepreneurs improve their market presence, adopt modern business practices and enhance the competitiveness of their enterprises.

3rd J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers begins at Kashmir University

Srinagar Oct 5: The Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir (KU), began its Third J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers at the Main Campus on Monday. The conference aims to bridge the gap between fundamental cancer research and clinical application by providing a platform for experts and researchers to deliberate on recent advances in precision oncology, cancer genomics, immunotherapy, artificial intelligence in oncology, early detection, biomarkers, drug discovery and personalized cancer care. The three-day conference is being organised in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation and is sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Ministry of Science & Technology, JKST&IC and J&K Bank. The event brings together leading oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, molecular biologists, public health experts, data scientists and young researchers to exchange recent scientific findings and promote interdisciplinary collaborations. Delegates are participating both in-person and online. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between basic research and clinical practice in the fight against cancer. She stressed on the need to promote early detection, scientific innovation and accessible cancer care, particularly in the context of breast cancer. Research must ultimately translate into better prevention, early detection and care for patients, she said. Vice-Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University, Prof. Rana Pratap, noted the growing importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative research in addressing complex health challenges. He highlighted the need for stronger linkages among universities, research institutions, clinicians and other stakeholders to accelerate advances in cancer research and treatment. Senior Consultant and Oncologist, Dr. Sameer Kaul, stressed on the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment in improving cancer outcomes and the need to increase public awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular screening and strengthen the connection between scientific research and clinical practice. Dean Research KU, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganaie, and Prof. Nazir Dar, Department of Biochemistry, KU, also shared their views on the occasion. An abstract book containing research contributions presented at the conference was also released on the occasion. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Organising Secretary and faculty member, Department of Bioresources KU, said that the event would provide an important platform for scientific exchange, knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of breast and allied cancers. Head, Department of Bioresources KU Dr Riaz-ul- Rehman proposed vote of thanks on the occassion. The three-day conference features a breast cancer screening camp besides paper presentations, panel discussions, oral and poster presentations, and plenary lectures by internationally renowned scientists, clinicians and healthcare leaders. The programme also provides opportunities for young researchers and students to interact with experts and learn about emerging developments in cancer research. Students from various colleges across the districts are also participating in the conference, along with researchers, faculty members, clinicians and delegates from different institutions.

Protech Biopharma secures EAEU-GMP certification, eyes Eurasian pharma market

Pulwama, Oct 5: Protech Biopharma Pvt Ltd, a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Jammu and Kashmir, has secured Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, opening the way for the company to export its pharmaceutical products to member countries of the EAEU. According to a press note issued by the company, the certification follows a comprehensive joint inspection of its manufacturing facility at SIDCO Industrial Growth Centre, Lassipora, Pulwama, conducted from May 18 to May 21, 2026. The inspection assessed the facilitys compliance with international requirements relating to manufacturing and quality standards. The audit was conducted by a team of EAEU GMP auditors led by Nurzhanov Asset Auezhanovich, along with Zargali Yeset Abdullayuly and Denis Alekseevich Dolgopolov. The auditors examined the companys quality management systems, production protocols and safety measures as part of the certification process. Document 193. Protech Biopharma promoter Waheed Ul Rehman said the certification marked an important milestone for the company and reflected its focus on quality, safety and efficiency. The company said the latest accreditation adds to its existing portfolio of quality certifications, including WHO-GMP certification, ISO 9001:2015 certification, Revised Schedule M GMP Certification (India) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) Certified Quality Control Laboratory accreditation. With the EAEU-GMP certification, the company said it is positioned to expand its presence in international pharmaceutical markets and take products manufactured in J&K to the broader Eurasian market. The companys registered office is in Srinagar, while its manufacturing facility is located at the SIDCO Industrial Growth Centre in Lassipora, Pulwama.

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PEMA honours Kashmirs master artisans

Srinagar, Oct 5: The Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation honoured six artisans for their outstanding contribution to Kashmirs traditional Pashmina craft at its annual Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on September 30. The ceremony, attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as the chief guest, recognised artisans whose specialised skills in Kani and Sozni have helped preserve Kashmirs centuries-old textile heritage. Instituted in 2023, the PEMA awards have now entered their third edition, with the Foundation seeking to place artisansnot merely the finished Pashmina productat the centre of the industrys recognition and promotion. PEMA President Tariq Dar said the awards were conceived to recognise the contribution of artisans and create greater respect for the skills sustaining Kashmirs traditional craft. PEMA started these awards in 2023 to recognise the artisans who are the real custodians of Kashmirs Pashmina heritage. The Honourable Lieutenant Governor has supported this initiative from the beginning, and his presence and encouragement have given great confidence to our artisans, Dar said. He expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for attending the ceremony and encouraging the artisan community, while also acknowledging the support of the Department of Handicrafts and Hina Shafi Bhat for their active role in promoting the traditional crafts sector. This journey would not have been possible without the support of the government, particularly the Department of Handicrafts, and the encouragement we have received from Hina Shafi Bhat. Their active involvement has helped us take this initiative forward, Dar said. Ghulam Mohammad Malik received the first prize in Sozni, carrying a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and a certificate, while Mohammad Ismail Shalbaaf won the first prize in Kani, also carrying Rs 1 lakh and a certificate. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat received the second prize in Sozni with Rs 50,000 and a certificate. The second prize in Kani was jointly awarded to Tariq Ah Shaksaz and Manzoor Ah Dar, with a cash award of Rs 50,000 and certificates. Bashir Ah Bhat received the third prize in Sozni, carrying Rs 25,000 and a certificate, while Zahoor Ahmad Dar received the third prize in Kani with Rs 25,000 and a certificate. The Foundation also conferred special honours on veteran craftsmen. Ali Mohd Mir was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also recognised as Wastakar of the Year in Sozni, while Mohd Shafi Kar was named Wastakar of the Year in Kani. Dar said recognising master artisans was particularly important at a time when traditional crafts face the twin challenge of preserving skills and attracting younger generations. An artisan may spend decades mastering a craft. Recognition gives dignity to that skill and also sends a message to the younger generation that traditional craftsmanship can and should be valued as a profession, he said. He said the challenges facing the Pashmina industry included rising production costs, changing market conditions and international trade barriers, making greater market access and sustained demand for genuine handmade products essential. Dar said PEMA would broaden the awards programme next year by introducing dedicated recognition for women artisans. From next year, we will also honour women artisans. Women have made an enormous contribution to Kashmirs traditional crafts, and their work deserves greater visibility and recognition, he said. He said the Foundation would continue working towards greater recognition of genuine handmade Pashmina and the artisans behind it, while encouraging skill development and creating better opportunities for the younger generation to enter the traditional craft sector. The PEMA awards are aimed at ensuring that Kashmirs Pashmina story is not limited to the luxury product itself but also highlights the skilled hands, generations of knowledge and painstaking craftsmanship that give the product its identity.

Massive forest fire engulfs Zabarwan Range

Srinagar, Oct 5:Massive forest fire broke out in the upper reaches of Zabarwan Range near Kral Sangri on Monday, sending towering plumes of smoke and flames into the sky that were visible from several parts of Srinagar. By evening the blaze could be clearly seen from Harwan, Brein, Dalgate and several Downtown localities, with thick smoke rising from the mountain slopes. Residents said the fire appeared to spread rapidly across the dry vegetation. It was frightening to watch the flames which kept advancing across the hill and the smoke covered a large portion of the skyline, said a resident of Harwan. Another local from Brein said recurring forest fires have become a worrying trend this year and called for stronger preventive measures. The incident comes after weeks of dry weather, with officials repeatedly cautioning that prolonged dry conditions have made forests highly vulnerable to fires. Throughout the year, several forest fire incidents have been reported across the Dachigam-Harwan-Zabarwan belt, with many blazes occurring in difficult and inaccessible terrain. An official of the Fire and Emergency Services Department said the department received information about the blaze on Monday evening. There is no motorable road leading to the affected area. We immediately coordinated with the Forest Department after receiving the information. The Forest Department is also working on the issue and necessary steps will be taken accordingly, the official said. Fire and Emergency Services officials had earlier said that personnel often have to trek on foot to reach inaccessible forest areas where fire tenders cannot operate. The department has also issued repeated advisories asking visitors and trekkers not to light fires, burn grass or leave behind burning material while cooking in forest areas. Environmental experts said recurring fires pose a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem, destroying vegetation, damaging flora and fauna, and increasing the risk of long-term ecological degradation across the Zabarwan landscape. Residents urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures to safeguard the ecologically sensitive forest range.

Mandeep Kour chairs stakeholders consultation meeting for GIS Based Master Plans under AMRUT 2.0

Baramulla, Oct 5: Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kour, today chaired a comprehensive stakeholders consultation meeting to deliberate upon the draft GIS-based Master Plans for Baramulla, Sopore and Pattan being prepared under AMRUT 2.0, at Dak Bungalow, Baramulla. The meeting was attended by Member of Legislative Assembly Baramulla Javid Hassan Beigh; MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar; MLA Pattan Javaid Reyaz Bedar; MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafeez Lone; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla S.F. Hamid, ADDC Baramulla, ADC Baramulla, ADC Sopore, senior officers from the HUDD and other line departments, public representatives, stakeholders, representatives of various organisations and members of civil society. The meeting had a comprehensive presentation on the draft Master Plans highlighting the major provisions, proposed planning interventions, land-use considerations, infrastructure requirements, development priorities and other components envisaged for the systematic and sustainable development of the three towns. The Commissioner Secretary held detailed discussions with the participants on various provisions of the draft plans and sought their suggestions and observations. The elected representatives and other stakeholders also put forward their views and suggestions concerning urban development, infrastructure, connectivity, public amenities, institutional requirements and other local priorities. MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Beigh highlighted the limited availability of state land within Baramulla town as a major challenge. He suggested that the Master Plan should identify suitable peripheral areas where the government offices and projects that do not require daily public access could be shifted. MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar stressed the need to address the scattered location of government offices and suggested provision for a Mini Secretariat in Sopore in the Master Plan. MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafeez Lone emphasised that development envisaged under the Master Plan should be sustainable and balanced with adequate safeguards to protect the regions agricultural and horticultural land and livelihood interests. Meanwhile, Reyaz Bedar highlighted the need for widening of road in Pattan town, provision of a truck terminal, and effective utilisation of available state land for various developmental projects. Various other stakeholders and representatives from civil society also raised issues. They offered suggestions concerning land utilisation, infrastructure, connectivity, public amenities, traffic management, institutional requirements and future development of the three towns. Responding to the inputs, Mandeep Kour emphasised that the Master Plan is an important long-term planning document that will shape the future growth, infrastructure development and urban management of Baramulla, Sopore and Pattan and therefore requires extensive consultation with all concerned stakeholders. The Commissioner Secretary urged all stakeholders to go through the draft Master Plans in detail and submit their representations, suggestions and observations within the prescribed timeline assuring that all representations would be examined carefully before the Master Plans are finalised and notified. DC Baramulla urged all stakeholders, public representatives, departments and members of civil society to carefully examine the draft Master Plan and submit their representations, suggestions and observations within 21 days, so that the inputs can be duly examined and incorporated in the Master Plan. Later, Mandeep Kaur, accompanied by DC Baramulla, conducted an inspection of various sites in Baramulla, including Baramulla Jetty, Janbazpora and other locations, to review the ongoing and proposed development works.

4,222 accidents, 756 deaths till September: J&K intensifies road safety drive

Srinagar, Oct 5:Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to take comprehensive stock of the Road Safety Action Plan, accident data, i-RAD, black spot rectification, trauma care, digital enforcement and other road safety interventions across the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; Principal Secretary, Home; Secretary, Transport Department; Inspector General of Police, Traffic; Transport Commissioner; Representatives from BRO; NHAI; NHIDCL and other concerned senior officers. The Chief Secretary directed all the executing agencies to accord top priority to the time-bound rectification of identified black spots and hazardous stretches, stressing that every identified engineering deficiency should be addressed through short- and long-term corrective measures. He also enjoined upon all concerned to maintain sustained momentum on road safety interventions and ensure that identified deficiencies are not allowed to persist. Dulloo called upon all District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs), chaired by the respective District Magistrates, to meet mandatorily every month, closely monitor the i-RAD real-time accident dashboards, review accident-prone locations and ensure prompt rectification of residual infrastructure hazards. Reviewing the key performance indicators, the Chief Secretary was informed by the Secretary, Transport Department, AvnyLavasa that concerted multi-departmental interventions have resulted in a significant decline in road fatalities revealing that against 1,090 fatalities recorded in 2024, the number has come down to 756 up to mid-September 2026, indicating steady progress towards the targets of restricting fatalities to 600 or below by 2027 and 450 by 2030. Moreover it was further divulged that the total number of road accidents has also declined, with 4,222 accidents recorded during the current period against the 2024 baseline of 5,808. The meeting was further apprised that 367 black spots have been identified by the Transport Commissioner, of which 165 have been audited by central agencies and 68 hotspots have already been completely rectified. Similarly under the Road Safety Fund, a comprehensive audit of 1,433 roads has also been completed, with Rs 11.60 crore released to 15 districts for immediate corrective interventions. Emphasising the need to make roads safer for vulnerable road users, the meeting was informed that Municipal Corporations have constructed 135.85 km of footpaths and cycle tracks, including 39.58 km by Jammu Municipal Corporation and 96 km by Srinagar Municipal Corporation. As many as 398 encroachment clearance drives have also been undertaken. Giving special emphasis to the critical Golden Hour in saving accident victims, the Chief Secretary reviewed the findings of the first comprehensive UT-wide audit of 15 Level-III Trauma Centres, comprising eight in Jammu and seven in Kashmir. The Health and Medical Education Department has prepared a blueprint too for upgrading these centres, including provision for additional manpower and advanced medical equipment, aimed at strengthening emergency response and trauma care facilities across J&K. The meeting was also informed that 906 road accident victims have so far availed cashless treatment under the PM-RAHAT and Rah-Veer schemes. The Transport Department has further issued necessary orders, providing one-time token tax exemption for the registration and operationalisation of state-owned ambulances. The meeting also reviewed the expanding use of technology for traffic enforcement and road safety. Enforcement agencies have issued 10.39 lakh e-challans during the current year, marking a significant shift towards technology-enabled enforcement and reducing dependence on manual checks. To extend technology-based traffic management to rural areas, a DPR for Rural ITMS has been prepared, covering 2,144 digital devices across 25 critical corridors and 195 rural junctions. The meeting was informed that four Traffic Control Units are presently functional at Srinagar, Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, while 13 additional sites are under revenue mutation for further expansion. Reviewing capacity-building initiatives, the Chief Secretary was informed that the infrastructure of the Institute of Driver Training and Research (IDTR), KotBhalwal, Jammu, has been completed. Additionally under the government-approved partnership with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the institute is scheduled to commence operations from next month with a 45-day commercial driving training curriculum to be started there. The meeting noted that around 116 % increase in mass awareness campaigns, which have risen to 4,509 during 2026, underscoring the importance of sustained public awareness alongside enforcement and engineering interventions. The meeting was also apprised that in a significant compliance measure, the Transport Commissioner has engaged oil marketing companies for implementation of the No Helmet, No Fuel directive for two-wheelers. The Chief Secretary was informed that manual vehicle fitness testing has been discontinued in key districts with the introduction of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in Jammu and Samba. As many as 23 additional applications from private investors are under process for establishing such facilities. Simultaneously, nine Consent Letters have been issued through the National Single Window System for setting up Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs), paving the way for systematic removal of end-of-life vehicles from J&K roads.

Man killed, two injured as tractor falls into gorge in Kupwara

Kupwara, Oct 5:A man was killed and two others injured after a tractor they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge at Manchatter Kralpora in north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday, officials said. An official said the tractor fell into the gorge while travelling from Manchatter Kralpora, leaving all three occupants injured. The injured were shifted to SDH Kralpora, from where one of them was referred to GMC Handwara. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, the official said. The deceased was identified as Tahir Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Ahad Dar, a resident of Kralpora. The injured were identified as Ghulam Qadir Ganie, son of Mohammad Sidiq Ganie, and Ghulam Qadir Ganie, son of Abdul Rahim Ganie, both residents of Manchatter. Police have taken up an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident.

As quarry dispute drags on, Baramulla families struggle to keep afloat

Baramulla, Oct 5:For Shafiq Ahmad, stone carving is more than a profession. It is a family inheritance that has sustained three generations and provided his household with a modest but dependable livelihood. That stability has now disappeared. Restrictions affecting stone quarrying in Baramulla have brought work to a standstill for families dependent on the trade, leaving artisans, quarry workers, tipper operators and labourers struggling to make ends meet. I am unable to pay the school fees of my children. The school authorities have now told me either to clear the dues or take my children back, Shafiq said. His predicament is shared by scores of families whose livelihoods are directly or indirectly linked to the quarrying industry. For tipper owners and drivers, the halt in operations has turned income-generating vehicles into idle assets while loan repayments continue to accumulate. Muhammad Maqbool, who owns and drives a tipper, said the financial pressure had become overwhelming. What is left for us now? he asked. When a person is unable to feed his family and faces unending pressure from banks to repay loans, a man is left with no option but to think of extreme steps. The disruption is also being felt beyond those directly involved in quarrying. The shortage of sand, bajri and gravel has begun affecting contractors and government development works across the district. With construction material becoming difficult to procure, the Baramulla Contractors Association has announced a boycott of the tendering process until adequate supplies are restored. Association chairman Bashir Ahmad Sheikh said contractors were facing the crisis at a critical time, with only around a month left in the working season to complete several projects. Without material, how is it possible to start work on projects? Tomorrow, if something goes wrong with the work, we will be blacklisted, he said, adding that contractors could not participate in tenders without assurance of material availability. The dispute stems from a continuing standoff between authorities and quarry and tipper owners over royalty payments on minor minerals. While authorities have tightened enforcement against illegal extraction and transportation, operators maintain that the unresolved royalty issue has paralysed legitimate quarrying and transportation activity as well. Baramulla MLA Javed Hassan Baig has also questioned how development projects can progress when quarry owners are unable to operate and transporters have no material to carry. For now, the impact is being felt far beyond government offices and tender roomsin households where school fees remain unpaid, loan instalments continue to pile up and daily-wage workers wait for work. Behind the stalled quarries lies an economic chain that has supported thousands of families, directly and indirectly. With that chain disrupted, many families across Baramulla are struggling to keep their livelihoods afloat.

Punjabi Sahit Sabha marks 59th annual day in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 5:The J&K Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar on Sunday marked its 59th annual day with a Punjabi seminar, folk music performances and a mushaira in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Tagore Hall here. The programme brought together Punjabi writers, poets, scholars, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts from across Jammu and Kashmir and focused on the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and cultural traditions. JKAACL Secretary Harvinder Kour, Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar President R.S. Rajan, renowned Punjabi poet and writer Ajit Singh Mastana, and Popinder Singh Paras, editor of Sheeraza Punjabi, were among those present. Kour appreciated the Sabha's efforts to promote Punjabi language and literature and highlighted the Academy's support for literary and cultural activities across Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen the region's literary traditions. Chief Guest S. Jaipal Singh said the Punjabi Sahit Sabha and the Cultural Academy were making significant efforts to promote and develop Punjabi language and literature. He said such programmes give younger generations meaningful opportunities to remain connected with their language, literature and cultural heritage. Additional Secretary JKAACL Lal Chand said the Academy was committed to organising Punjabi literary and cultural programmes regularly, including in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, to take the region's Punjabi literary and cultural traditions to wider sections of society. Rajan presented an overview of the Sabha's activities and achievements during the year and thanked JKAACL for its support in organising the annual event. Mastana said literary gatherings provided a common platform for writers, poets and cultural practitioners while helping preserve Punjabi language, literary traditions and cultural heritage across generations. Paras also appreciated the Academy's cooperation, saying such programmes provide opportunities for writers, poets, artists and young literary enthusiasts and encourage wider participation in Punjabi cultural activities. The second session featured a Punjabi folk culture programme, with folk artists from the Jammu division presenting traditional Punjabi music. Master Kuldeep Sharma and his party performed before the audience. The cultural programme was followed by a Punjabi mushaira featuring poets from the Kashmir division. Noted Punjabi poet, writer and literary personality Dr. Baljit Singh Raina also participated. Raina spoke about the richness and evolving character of Punjabi poetry and its connection with the social and cultural experiences of people. He said poetry preserves the emotional and cultural memory of society while giving expression to contemporary realities. He also recited his poetry, which was warmly received by the audience. The programme concluded with appreciation from members of the literary fraternity for the joint efforts of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and JKAACL in promoting Punjabi language, literature and cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir.

Water shortage triggers protest in Sopore, residents block highway

Sopore, Oct 5:Residents of Rashidabad in Bomai, Sopore, blocked the Bandipora-Kupwara road on Monday while protesting prolonged disruption in drinking water supply, bringing traffic to a standstill. The residents said the locality has been facing an acute shortage of potable water for nearly a month, forcing households to struggle for basic drinking water. They alleged that repeated complaints to the Jal Shakti Department had failed to resolve the issue, with the supply frequently remaining disrupted for days. The protesters said the water supply was restored shortly after they blocked the road but alleged that such measures were temporary and the disruption recurred after a few days. This is not the first time we have been forced to protest. The department restores the supply after protests, but the problem returns again, resident Farooq Ahmad Mir said, demanding a permanent solution. The residents urged the Jal Shakti Department and district administration to inspect the existing water supply infrastructure and identify the cause of the repeated disruptions. The road blockade left vehicles, including buses and school buses, stranded on both sides, affecting commuters and students. A police team from Police Station Bomai reached the spot and intervened to manage the situation and restore traffic movement. Residents said they want a regular and reliable drinking water supply and should not have to repeatedly take to the streets to have their basic civic needs addressed.

FRA workshop in Poonch calls for wider awareness, community participation

Srinagar, Oct 5: A two-day national workshop on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, in Jammu and Kashmir concluded in Poonch , with experts and forest-dependent communities calling for greater awareness of statutory rights and stronger community participation. The workshop was organised by the J&K Climate Action Group in collaboration with the National Alliance on Community Forest Resources & Minor Forest Produce (NACM). Rights advocates, legal experts, environmentalists, civil society representatives and forest-dependent community members from Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Jharkhand participated in the workshop along with local stakeholders and government representatives. Discussions focused on the implementation of Individual Forest Rights (IFR), Community Forest Rights (CFR) and rights over Minor Forest Produce (MFP) in J&K. J&K Climate Action Group Chairman Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat expressed concern over the absence of district administration officials from the workshop and urged the Tribal Affairs Department to undertake extensive awareness campaigns in rural and forest-adjacent areas. He said local NGOs and civil society organisations should be involved as partners in informing forest-dependent communities about their rights under the law. The workshop also provided a platform for affected families from Hari in Surankote to raise grievances over the alleged damage to their homes during a Forest Department action several years ago. The families alleged that the action violated protections under the FRA and sought justice and rehabilitation. Local speakers included Sikender Noorani from Surankote, Lokesh Sharma, social and political activist and district coordinator of the J&K Climate Action Group, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, retired principal, and Sabir Hussain Bittu. NACM delegates from different parts of the country shared field experiences and examples of FRA implementation, including community forest resource management and Minor Forest Produce rights. The speakers included Dileep Gode of Nagpur, Maharashtra; Sandeep Minhas of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh; Advocate Virender Kumar of Ranchi, Jharkhand; Kailash Babu of Kandhamal, Odisha; Dr. Kishore Moge of Yavatmal, Maharashtra; Keshav Gurnoole of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra; Dr. Chitaranjan of Kalahandi, Odisha; and Bharat Namdev of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Speakers said community forest management and MFP rights had helped strengthen livelihoods and local governance among tribal and traditional forest-dependent communities in states including Odisha, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. They urged J&K to study and adopt relevant models. Advocate Badrul Duja, Ajaz Sofi, Advocate Shakir Parray and Mir Mushtaq coordinated the workshop proceedings and facilitated discussions between national experts and local participants. The workshop concluded with participants pledging to continue advocacy and capacity-building efforts on forest rights across J&K. Participants also thanked the J&K Climate Action Group and its chairman, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, for organising the workshop.

E-Bus deficit keeps Govt footing the bill

Srinagar, Oct 5:The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned Rs 38 crore for operating electric buses in Jammu and Srinagar in 2026-27, as the Smart City e-bus network continues to depend on substantial public support amid a wide gap between running costs and fare revenue. In an order issued on September 25, the Housing and Urban Development Department sanctioned Rs 3,800 lakh for the operational expenditure of e-bus projects run by Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) and Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). Rs 20 crore has been released to JSCL and Rs 18 crore to SSCL to meet operational liabilities during the current financial year. The release follows significant operating deficits. Figures placed before the J&K Legislative Assembly showed that running an electric bus in the Kashmir Division costs around Rs 60.74 per km against average revenue of about Rs 12 per km, a gap of Rs 48.74. In Jammu, the cost was Rs 62.65 per km against revenue of Rs 10.01, leaving a gap of Rs 52.64. The two divisions together face a daily deficit of nearly Rs 20 lakh, with Srinagar alone accounting for around Rs 9.74 lakh. The deficit must be seen alongside the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, launched on April 1, 2025 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which allows women to travel free on all Smart City e-buses and J&K Road Transport Corporation buses across the Union Territory. At the launch, the Chief Minister said the Government would compensate JKRTC and the Smart City services from the budget for the scheme. Women are required to show their Aadhaar card to avail the service. The burden is also tied to long-term commitments. Tata Motors was awarded a 12-year contract to supply, operate and maintain 200 electric buses, 100 for each city. The first batch began running in Srinagar in 2023, followed by Jammu, with air-conditioning, GPS tracking and smart ticketing. The Government is now moving to expand the fleet. Another 200 e-buses, again 100 each, have been approved under the PM e-Bus Sewaprogramme, potentially doubling the existing fleet and extending service to rural and tourist areas. Central assistance under the scheme is provided on a per-km basis, and the additional buses are expected to run on a public-private partnership model. Project estimates point to heavy funding needs. Operational cost over 10 years is placed at around Rs 628 crore for Jammu and Rs 686 crore for Srinagar. After projected subsidies and fare earnings, a sizeable gap is expected to be met by the J&K Government. The Rs 38-crore allocation is therefore significant not just as an annual provision but as part of a larger expenditure commitment. The order clarifies that the money is for operational expenditure only and is not a fresh capital allocation for buying buses. It comes with strict conditions. The Drawing and Disbursing Officer must submit utilisation certificates and red accounts within prescribed timelines, funds can be used only for items approved by the competent authority, and parking of funds is prohibited. Spending must conform to the General Financial Rules, 2017 and the relevant contracts. The release, the order adds, cannot be construed as acceptance of any contractual claim, with verification and settlement of liabilities resting with the department and the Smart City SPVs, which must ensure spending only against actual and admissible liabilities. Delayed funding has hurt maintenance before. Officials had earlier indicated that shortages of money for repairs and spare parts left some Srinagar e-buses grounded. Even so, the buses have become an important part of urban transport in both cities, with passenger demand prompting plans for expansion. The challenge for the Government is to reconcile three goals: expanding clean public transport, keeping the service affordable, including free travel for women, and ensuring the growing deficit does not become an open-ended burden on the exchequer. With 200 more buses in the pipeline, that challenge is set to grow.

2024 IFS batch officers call on LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar. Oct 5: A group of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers of the 2024 batch on Monday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at LokBhavan and shared their field experiences and insights on environmental and developmental initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. The officers were accompanied by Dr M.K. Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (Working Plan, Research and Trainings). During the interaction, the young officers briefed the Lieutenant Governor on their field experiences in Jammu and Kashmir and shared their observations on various flagship environmental and developmental initiatives being implemented across the Union Territory. The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to the officers for a successful and impactful career in public service. The delegation comprised Anubhav Jain, AnushaKoli, Aseem, Sana Fayaz and ShubhamKanoujia.

Loudspeaker-fitted vendors cause noise, inconvenience in South Kashmir

Shopian, Oct 5:Loudspeaker-fitted auto-rickshaws and other load carriers moving through residential and market areas have become a growing source of noise and inconvenience in south Kashmir. Vendors use them to sell vegetables and other household goods, while some also move around buying windfall apples from growers. Residents of Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts said auto-rickshaws and other load carriers fitted with loudspeakers move from one locality to another, announcing goods for sale or seeking buyers for windfall apples, often generating considerable noise. According to residents, the problem has become more pronounced with the beginning of the apple harvesting season, when windfall apples are collected and sold in large quantities. The auto-rickshaws appear in our locality as early as 6 am to buy windfall apples. The ear-splitting sound from the loudspeakers makes it difficult for residents to sleep, said Mohammad Saleem, a resident of Shopian. Abdul Lateef, a resident of Pulwama, said mobile vendors often generate so much noise that residents find it difficult to sit peacefully in their homes. Children cannot study peacefully, while sick people and elderly residents also face considerable inconvenience because of the constant noise, Lateef said. Similar concerns were raised by residents of Kulgam, who said the use of loudspeakers by mobile vendors has become particularly noticeable during the apple harvesting season. Mohammad Ramzan, a resident of the Manzgam area of Kulgam, said auto-rickshaws and mobile vans fitted with loudspeakers frequently pass through residential areas. The vehicles move from one locality to another with loudspeakers playing at high volume. They are selling vegetables and other items, while some are looking to buy windfall apples. The announcements can be heard across the neighbourhood, Ramzan said. Residents said they were not opposed to vendors selling essential goods or buying windfall apples but urged them to keep the loudspeaker volume under control, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. They said the issue was more disruptive in densely populated areas, where sound from loudspeakers carries across homes and residential lanes. With apple harvesting underway across major producing areas of south Kashmir, residents said the movement of vehicles buying windfall apples was likely to continue for several weeks. They urged the authorities to regulate the use of loudspeakers on mobile vending vehicles and ensure vendors do not cause unnecessary disturbance to residents.

Transfers to continue as routine process without disturbing academics in schools: Commissioner Secretary HED

Sopore, Oct 5:Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Department (HED) Ram Niwas Sharma on Monday said transfers under the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) would continue as a routine process, saying that the department would not allow the academic session in schools and colleges to be disturbed. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a sports event at Government Degree College for Women (GDCW), Sopore, Ram Niwas Sharma said the transfer process was normal and the employees should analyse their postings and proceed accordingly. We would not like to disturb the academic session in the schools and colleges. Transfer is a normal process. It will continue, he said. ATD has been done. They have to just analyse and go ahead. This is a routine thing, Sharma said. About incentives for teachers posted in far-off areas, the Commissioner Secretary refused to comment on the issue. I cannot comment on the statement made by education minister, he told reporters here. As already reported by Greater Kashmir , Minister for Education Sakina Itoo said that instead of those posted in city and towns, teachers posted in far off areas will be given incentives for serving remote areas. This will encourage and motivate them to serve in the far off areas and they deserve such incentives instead of those teachers posted in city schools, Itoo earlier told reporters in Srinagar. Meanwhile, about the demand from parents for change in school timings across the Kashmir region in view of cold weather during morning hours, Sharma said the concerned director would take a call on the matter. I will be happy on that day when we will have the school open for 220 days, he said. On making education skill oriented, Sharma also said J&K was moving rapidly towards skill-based and vocational education, terming it a need of the time. He said around 1.54 lakh students in schools were currently studying different skills, while most courses offered by colleges and universities also incorporated skill components. We are moving very fast in that direction and that is a need of the time, he said. On prospects of private university investment in north Kashmir, Sharma said the J&K Assembly had passed the relevant legislation during its last session and the rules were currently awaiting approval from the competent authority. He said once the act and rules were in place, investment in the private university sector would be done not only from across the country but also from abroad. The moment the rules are in place, it will start coming, Sharma said. Earlier, Commissioner Secretary HED inaugurated the first-ever north Kashmir Womens Sports Festival at Government Degree College for Women, Sopore. Around 900 athletes from 14 degree colleges and five higher secondary schools are participating in the three-day festival, which features competitions in seven sporting disciplines. Sharma said the participation of women athletes from across North Kashmir was a matter of pride and described the event as a major step towards promoting sports among young women. Nine hundred plus athletes are present here. Not only for North Kashmir, but for the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, for the whole nation, it is a proud moment where our daughters are going to play on the field, he said. Sharma congratulated the participants and expressed hope that they would excel in sports and their future careers and contribute to nation-building. Special Secretary Higher Education Safqat Iqbal, SSP SoporeIftkharTalib and Principal GDCW Sopore Prof SubeenaChiloo were also present on the occasion.

Practical Guide to Preventing and Controlling Diabetes

PART A IMPROVING GLUCOSE CONTROL THROUGH FOOD CHOICES AND POST-MEAL ACTIVITY Magnitude of diabetes in Kashmir, India and Asia Diabetes is one of the largest chronic-disease challenges of our time. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 830 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, most in low- and middle-income countries. Asia carries a major share: the ICMR-INDIAB study estimated that India alone had approximately 101 million people with diabetes in 2021. Each number represents a person at risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, visual loss, neuropathy and premature death. [8,9] Kashmir is not protected. Precise valley-wide totals remain uncertain because studies use different populations and diagnostic methods. A study of 6,808 tribal adults from the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities across five districts of Kashmir found diabetes in 1.26 percent but prediabetes in 11.64 percent, about nine times as common. The authors warned that this pattern points to a rise in diabetes in the years ahead. These findings cannot be extrapolated to every Kashmiri, but they demonstrate a meaningful local burden and explain why the Fayaz Shawl Philanthropic Foundation is developing this education series: to promote earlier testing and practical guidance on food, portions, meal sequence, medication safety and activity alongside medical care. [10] A family experience When someone close to us develops poorly controlled diabetes, prompt action matters, and so does accuracy. A close member of my family in Kashmir had an HbA1c of 8.9 percent, well above the usual treatment target. Her seven-day continuous glucose monitor (CGM) report for September 612, 2026 showed an average glucose of 181 mg/dL, with evening averages reaching 205 and 220 mg/dL. Alongside her medical care, we made structured changes to meal composition, portion size, food order and post-meal activity, with close supervision and continuous glucose monitoring. Her next seven-day report, for September 1420, 2026, showed an average glucose of 133 mg/dL, a fall of 48 mg/dL, with three-hour averages between 115 and 147 mg/dL. As her glucose improved, I reduced her glucose-lowering medication, including insulin, under close supervision. The response is encouraging, but medication, activity, adherence, sleep, illness and other factors also affect glucose. It is not proof that diabetes has been cured or reversed. HbA1c reflects glucose exposure over about three months, so a repeat laboratory HbA1c is essential. International consensus defines type 2 diabetes remission as an HbA1c below 6.5 percent for at least three months without glucose-lowering medication, and even then, continued monitoring is necessary because high blood sugar can return. [1] A CGM is useful for recognizing patterns and testing how an individual responds to meals. It does not by itself diagnose remission, and a single low or normal reading should never be treated as proof that diabetes has disappeared. My purpose in sharing this experience is practical: relatively simple habits can improve daily glucose patterns, but they must complement appropriate medical treatment rather than replace it. Practical evidence-based regimen 1 Begin with a medical assessment. Confirm the type of diabetes and review HbA1c, fasting glucose, kidney function, urine albumin, blood pressure, lipids, weight and current medication. An HbA1c of 7 percent or higher deserves active treatment and follow-up. Lifestyle measures may improve control, but medication may still be necessary to protect the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. 2 Use nuts as a measured food. Walnuts and almonds provide unsaturated fat, fiber, magnesium and protein. A small serving taken 20 to 30 minutes before a meal may reduce the post-meal glucose rise in some people, particularly when it replaces biscuits, sweets or bakery bread. A randomized trial in Asian Indians with prediabetes found benefit from 20 grams of almonds taken 30 minutes before meals. [2] Take the nuts with a glass of water and chew them well. Water supports hydration and may help you feel full sooner, but it has not been shown to lower glucose further. People who have been told to restrict their fluids should follow the advice in step 7. Nuts are calorie-dense and should be counted within the daily food plan. People with a nut allergy should avoid them. 3 Eat vegetables and protein before starch. Small crossover studies show that eating non-starchy vegetables and protein before carbohydrate can reduce the immediate rise in glucose and insulin after a meal. [3] Fiber, protein and fat slow digestion, so glucose enters the blood more gradually. A practical sequence is salad or haakh first, alone or mixed with a modest serving of plain unsweetened Kashmiri curd (dahi or zamutdud); then protein; and a limited amount of rice or bread last. 4 Choose plain yogurt when it fits the meal. Plain unsweetened yogurt or zamutdud supplies protein and generally causes only a small rise in blood sugar. [12] In my clinical observation with CGMs, mixing a modest serving of plain curd with haakh or other non-starchy vegetables at the start of the meal was associated with a smaller post-meal glucose rise. This combination has not been tested in a controlled trial, so it is a practical observation rather than a proven treatment. Choose curd without sugar, honey or sweetened fruit. Portion size and total calories still matter. People with lactose intolerance or dairy allergy need an alternative. 5 Reduce rapidly digested carbohydrate without unnecessary prohibitions. White rice, maida breads, sweetened bakery products and sheermal can cause large glucose rises, especially in generous portions. The most important step is to reduce quantity and frequency. A small measured serving of rice or whole-wheat roti may fit an individual plan when eaten after vegetables and protein. Sheermal and other sweetened breads should be occasional foods, not daily staples. 6 Walk after meals. A 10 to 15 minute walk soon after a meal can lower post-meal glucose. Working muscles draw sugar out of the blood, partly without needing insulin. This helps, but it does not replace diabetes treatment. A randomized crossover study found that short walks after each main meal improved post-meal glucose more than a single daily walk. [4] 7 Stay appropriately hydrated. Water is preferable to sweetened drinks, and dehydration can worsen illness when blood sugar is very high. Fluid intake must be individualized in people with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease or a tendency toward low sodium. 8 Measure the result over time. Review CGM patterns over at least 10 to 14 days when available, confirm unexpected readings with a finger-stick meter, and repeat HbA1c after about three months. Follow weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, kidney health and medication needs as well as glucose. Medication safety Do not reduce or stop prescribed medication or insulin on your own. Better food choices and more activity can lower glucose quickly, especially in people taking insulin or sulfonylureas such as glimepiride or gliclazide, and these medicines may need supervised adjustment to prevent hypoglycemia. In my family members case, I made those adjustments myself as her physician, with continuous monitoring. Other medicines may remain important because they protect the heart and kidneys even when glucose improves. The main lesson The family experience shows how quickly daily glucose patterns can respond to a disciplined routine. It does not establish a cure. The clinically meaningful questions are whether the improvement is sustained, whether HbA1c falls over the next three months, whether medication can be adjusted safely and whether cardiovascular and kidney risk factors also improve. PART B PREDIABETES IS A WARNING AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PREVENTION The magnitude of prediabetes The population at risk is even larger than the number already diagnosed with diabetes. The ICMR-INDIAB study estimated that approximately 136 million people in India had prediabetes in 2021, more than the estimated 101 million who already had diabetes. Across Asia, millions of people are living in this intermediate stage, often without symptoms and frequently without knowing that their glucose is abnormal. [9] Using HbA1c, prediabetes generally means a laboratory value from 5.7 to 6.4 percent. A value of 5.7 percent is the lower boundary, not a medical emergency, while 6.5 percent or higher may meet a diagnostic criterion for diabetes when confirmed. In a person without symptoms, an abnormal result should generally be confirmed with a repeat HbA1c or another laboratory glucose test. Anemia, kidney disease and some hemoglobin variants can affect HbA1c accuracy. [5] Prediabetes should not be described as harmless, but neither is progression to diabetes inevitable. It is a warning and, more importantly, an opportunity for prevention. The International Diabetes Federation estimated that in 2024 approximately 635 million adults worldwide had impaired glucose tolerance and 488 million had impaired fasting glucose. These categories overlap, and they are not identical to HbA1c-defined prediabetes, so the two figures must not be added together. They nevertheless show the enormous global pool of people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. [11] This is precisely the population I would like to educate. People with an HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4 percent may feel completely well while insulin resistance is progressing. Timely education about culturally familiar food choices, sensible carbohydrate portions, regular activity, weight management when needed and appropriate medical follow-up can help many of them delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. During more than four decades as an interventional cardiologist, I have seen the consequences of diabetes in the arteries of the heart, brain, kidneys and legs. Prediabetes deserves attention because it identifies people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is also a stage at which prevention can be highly effective. Current medical care does not recommend waiting passively for diabetes to develop. It recommends weight management when needed, healthier food choices, regular physical activity and periodic testing. Metformin may also be considered for selected people at particularly high risk. Prevention is effective, but cure is not the right term Prediabetes can return to the normal glucose range, and progression to type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented. The word cure is misleading because insulin resistance and future risk may remain. The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program found that an intensive lifestyle program reduced the development of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent over approximately three years. Participants aimed for 7 percent weight loss and at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. [6] Why I am sharing this message Prediabetes is a common precursor to type 2 diabetes, although progression is not inevitable. Early action offers a real opportunity to interrupt that progression. In my clinical experience, many patients who closely followed structured dietary recommendations and regular exercise saw their HbA1c return to the normal range, below 5.7 percent, within approximately six to nine months. This should be confirmed by repeat laboratory testing and does not mean that future diabetes risk has disappeared. A few of my close friends had an HbA1c of 5.7 percent. With their permission, I reviewed their CGM patterns. After reducing cereal portions and combining carbohydrate with nuts, berries and unsweetened Greek yogurt, they saw smaller peaks after breakfast and average glucose levels near 100 mg/dL. At a Kashmiri breakfast, the same principle means a smaller piece of bread taken with walnuts, an egg or plain zamutdud. These observations are encouraging, but they are not a controlled trial and cannot predict every persons result. A single CGM value cannot diagnose or exclude prediabetes. Follow-up should include repeat laboratory HbA1c and assessment of weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids and overall cardiovascular risk. A prevention plan for Kashmir 1 Know the baseline. Check laboratory HbA1c or fasting glucose and confirm an abnormal result when appropriate. Measure blood pressure, weight, waist circumference and lipids. Earlier testing is reasonable for South Asian adults with abdominal obesity, a family history, previous diabetes in pregnancy, fatty liver, high blood pressure or abnormal lipids. 2 Change portions before abandoning traditional food. Traditional Kashmiri food can remain part of a healthy plan. Use haakh and other non-starchy vegetables generously. Keep rice, roti and bakery products to small, measured portions. Reduce sheermal, sweetened tea, biscuits, desserts and sugar-sweetened drinks. Wazwan dishes such as rista and gushtaba should be eaten in moderate portions because they may contain substantial saturated fat and salt. 3 Use food order as an additional tool. Start with vegetables, alone or mixed with a modest serving of plain unsweetened Kashmiri curd; follow with protein or dal; and take rice or bread last. This may blunt the post-meal rise, but it does not make an unlimited carbohydrate portion safe. 4 Choose snacks that replace refined carbohydrate. A measured portion of unsalted walnuts or almonds can replace bakery products at tea time. Unsweetened dahi or yogurt can also be useful. Noon chai contains little carbohydrate when unsweetened, but its salt content matters for people with high blood pressure or heart failure. Evidence does not support relying on cinnamon or green tea as diabetes treatment. [7] 5 Move after meals and throughout the week. Walk for 10 to 15 minutes after meals when safe. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week and include muscle-strengthening exercise two or three times weekly. People with heart symptoms, severe neuropathy, foot ulcers or major mobility limitations should get individual exercise advice. 6 Address the major drivers of risk. If excess weight or abdominal fat is present, even modest weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity. Preserve muscle with adequate protein and strength exercise. Sleep regularly, avoid tobacco and treat high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. 7 Repeat laboratory testing. Recheck HbA1c about three months after a major lifestyle change. People with confirmed prediabetes should usually be tested at least yearly, with the interval set by their doctor. A message for the public Prediabetes is neither a reason for panic nor a reason for inaction. It is an opportunity to intervene early. Sustainable food choices, weight management when needed, regular activity and appropriate medical follow-up can substantially reduce risk. Medication is sometimes appropriate and should never be seen as failure. The goal is lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health, not a perfect single sensor reading. PART C HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS: THE SCIENCE BEHIND EACH STEP The steps in this program are not arbitrary. Each one acts on how quickly food leaves the stomach, how quickly starch is digested and absorbed, or how the body clears sugar from the blood after a meal. The explanations below describe what research has shown and, where the evidence is still developing, how these steps are thought to work. 1 Nuts before the meal: a natural brake. When the fat and protein in walnuts and almonds reach the upper small intestine, they trigger gut hormones, including cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These hormones signal through the nerves of the gut to slow the emptying of the stomach, a feedback system known as the duodenal brake. When the main meal follows, it passes into the intestine more gradually, so its sugar reaches the blood more slowly. Chew the nuts thoroughly, because breaking their cell walls happens in the mouth, not the stomach. Take them with a glass of water, which supports hydration and may help you feel full sooner, although it has not been shown to lower glucose further. A small serving of about 20 grams is enough; the trial in Asian Indians with prediabetes used this amount, taken 30 minutes before meals. [2] 2 Vegetables first: thickening the meal. Haakh, gogji, monji and salad vegetables supply fiber. Soluble fiber, such as pectin, absorbs water and makes the stomach contents thicker. Thicker contents empty more slowly and mix less readily with digestive enzymes, so sugar from starch eaten later in the meal is absorbed more gradually. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and fullness. Much of the benefit also comes from the order itself: the starch simply arrives later, after the bodys early hormonal response is under way. [3,13] 3 Plain curds: an early protein signal. Plain curd and zamutdud provide milk proteins, casein and whey. Eaten at the start of a meal, these proteins stimulate an early release of insulin and GLP-1, so the body is already prepared when the starch arrives. In a clinical trial in type 2 diabetes, a whey protein drink taken before breakfast reduced the rise in glucose after the meal. [14] Casein also forms soft curds in the stomach that empty slowly. As noted earlier, combining curd with haakh reflects my clinical observation and has not been tested in a controlled trial. [12] 4 Protein or dal: fullness and slower digestion. Protein from fish, chicken, eggs or dal slows stomach emptying further and stimulates gut hormones such as peptide YY (PYY), which act on appetite centers in the brain to increase fullness. [15] Feeling satisfied sooner makes it easier to keep the rice or bread portion small. Dal also contains carbohydrate, so its portion counts toward the total for the meal. 5 Rice or bread last: a lower, slower rise. By the time rice or roti is eaten, the stomach is emptying more slowly and the meal is thicker and richer in fiber, protein and fat. The starch is still digested and absorbed, but more gradually. In studies, eating vegetables and protein before carbohydrate lowered the post-meal glucose peak by roughly a third and reduced the insulin response. [3] Large, repeated swings in glucose after meals are associated with oxidative stress, which can injure blood vessels, so smoothing them may help protect the heart and arteries as well as improving glucose control. [16] 6 A note on cooled rice. When cooked rice is refrigerated, part of its starch changes into resistant starch, which is digested more slowly. In one study, white rice cooled for 24 hours and then reheated produced a smaller glucose rise than freshly cooked rice. [17] Food safety matters: cooked rice left at room temperature can grow bacteria whose toxin survives reheating. Put cooked rice into shallow containers and refrigerate it within two hours, keeping the refrigerator at 4C or below. After about 24 hours, reheat only the portion you need until it is steaming hot throughout (74C), eat it promptly, and do not reheat it a second time. Portion size remains more important than cooling. 7 Walking after meals: muscles as a sugar sink. In type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, the body responds poorly to insulin, mainly because the insulin signal inside the cell is impaired. Working muscle has a second route. During walking, signals within the muscle move glucose transporters called GLUT4 to the cell surface without needing insulin, letting sugar pass from the blood into the muscle to be used as fuel. [18] This is why a short walk after meals lowers post-meal glucose and reduces how much insulin the pancreas must produce. [4] Even two to five minutes of light walking helps, [19] and in winter, walking indoors or climbing stairs works as well. What these mechanisms do and do not mean Together, these steps make the rise in blood sugar after a meal smaller and slower. They do not stop sugar from entering the blood, and they do not make large portions safe. They work best alongside sensible portions, regular activity, weight management when needed and appropriate medical treatment. People taking insulin or sulfonylureas should discuss these changes with their doctor, because lower post-meal glucose may require medication adjustment. My observations come from patients using continuous glucose monitors, sensor patches worn on the arm that send readings to a mobile phone. Glucose may fall substantially after these dietary changes; individual responses vary, and this is not a controlled trial. Patients taking insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycemia must coordinate with their treating physician about dose adjustment. During the early dietary change, monitor glucose frequently and do additional finger-stick tests, especially at bedtime, when the sensor shows a low or rapidly falling value, or when symptoms do not match the sensor reading. Do not change medication without guidance from your treating doctor. Author is currently the Director of Interventional Cardiology at Adventist HealthCare, White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland (USA) and founder of The Fayaz Shawl Philanthropic Foundation.

2 arrested in alleged employment fraud in Budgam, more arrests possible: SSP

Srinagar, Oct 5:Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two persons in connection with an alleged employment fraud in central Kashmirs Budgam district, where job aspirants were reportedly duped through fabricated appointment letters and false promises of government employment. SSP Budgam Hariprasad K.K., while addressing a press conference at Beerwah on Monday, said the accused have been identified as Advocate Jehangir Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Mohammad Dar of Ratsun, Beerwah, and Firdous Nabi of Zabgul, Beerwah, who identifies himself as chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Peoples Front (JKPF). Both accused are presently being questioned at Police Station Beerwah following formal complaints, the SSP said, adding that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. According to police, the accused allegedly targeted job aspirants from different parts of Budgam by issuing fabricated appointment letters and assuring them of lucrative government employment. A significant breakthrough in the investigation came with the recovery of an allegedly forged official communication bearing fake Ministry of Home Affairs stamps. The document was purportedly issued in the name of then Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and addressed to J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat. Police said the fabricated communication allegedly directed the appointment of 10 youths from different villages of Budgam as Special Police Officers (SPOs) in the J&K Police, purportedly on the directions of the Union Ministry. The recovery of the document has become a key part of the investigation as police seek to establish how the forged communication was prepared, circulated and allegedly used to convince job seekers of the authenticity of the recruitment claims. So far, three FIRs have been registered in connection with the alleged fraud, including FIR Nos. 183 and 188 at Police Station Beerwah. A Zero FIR was also registered at Beerwah and subsequently transferred to Police Station Budgam, the SSP said. Police are examining the complaints received from alleged victims and are also investigating whether the accused were operating as part of a larger network involved in fake recruitment and fraudulent placement schemes. The investigation is being conducted by a police team headed by SHO Beerwah Muddasir Nazir under the supervision of SSP Budgam Hariprasad K.K. The SSP said the police were verifying the allegations and examining the evidence recovered during the investigation. Further arrests and legal action are expected depending on the probe's findings.

J&K BJP could have done much better

It is clear that statehood will not be restored to J&K anytime soon. The local unit of BJP has taken credit for it, because it deemed that the return of this status to National Conference government would encourage secessionist and separatist forces. It had a severe objection to the wording of the resolution that read: In addition to the Resolutions passed by this House on 26th June 2000 and 6th November 2024, this House calls upon the Government of India for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and resolves that this Resolution be forwarded to Government of India. At the moment it is in a self-congratulatory mode because it got the rejection for the Resolution written much before the discussion started on it in the Assembly. There is absolutely no harm in celebrating the success, but the party also needs to understand that it could have done all that what it did in the House, it could have done in far better manner in tune with the democratic spirit and the task it was handed over seven years ago. Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the accompanying decisions taken by the Government of India on August 5, 2019, Union Home Minister Amit Shah handed a critical mandate to the BJP leadership in Jammu and Kashmir: go door-to-door and explain how transformative these moves would be for the people of the two newly created Union Territories. One territory held the hope of promised statehood, while the otherLadakhfinally achieved the distinct status its majority Buddhist population had coveted for decades. Ladakh received what it wanted, and J&K was promised its statehood back at an appropriate time. On display was a clear political ideology and philosophy. The Home Minister had piloted these historic amendments in Parliament, scoring a monumental political goal that the BJP had sought for 70 years. This milestone provided a unique political platform for the local J&K unit. The task was to explain that J&K has been blessed with profound opportunities. When this vision was first conceived by Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Kashmir was vastly different from the reality of 2019. By then, the region was gripped by chronic stone-pelting, peak terrorism, and pervasive life uncertainty. According to the BJPs national leadership, August 5 was a breakthrough moment. The local unit simply had to convey its merits to the people, balance the emotions of the past and pathway to future. Today, the BJP must judge itself by that very touchstone. If early leaders from Jammu, like Pandit Prem Nath Dogra of the Praja Parishad, could lay the groundwork for what finally materialized in 2019, why couldnt the modern reincarnation of the party build upon it? They held every advantage: a powerful Narendra Modi-led government ruling the Centre and no dearth of resources. All they had to do was reach out to the people. After the initial three to four monthsduring which shopkeepers shut their doors spontaneously without any formal strike callsthe ground for a pro-peace, post-Article 370 narrative was remarkably fertile. The people of the Valley desperately yearned for normalcy, the freedom to work, and the ability to send their children to school without facing constant crises. When normalcy finally emerged, it was a genuine convergence of the publics desire for peace and the security forces all-out operations against terrorists and the ecosystems. The BJPs role was to fill the resulting political vacuum. In my view, had the local leadership approached their political task with sincerity and hard work, they would not find themselves facing a crisis of rhetoric and substance today. Catchphrases only resonate when they are backed by sublimity; genuine wit and robust logic are the fundamentals of political excellence. They could have drawn valuable lessons from their predecessors. During the debate on the greater autonomy resolution in the final week of June 2000before it was passed by a two-thirds majority and subsequently rejected by the Union Government - the BJP members stood their ground. Though they eventually walked out as the final vote was called, they actively participated in nearly a week of intense discussion. There were only eight of them, yet they argued and counter-argued throughout the entire session. Regardless of the resolutions ultimate outcome, that session remains a benchmark where historical facts, political realities, and geopolitical perspectives were masterfully rolled out. The BJP members never lagged behind because they had earned their political education through blood and sweat on the ground, entering the House on their own merit. They knew the art of articulating their ideology against an overwhelming adversary. Some of the BJP legislators elected to the House in the overflowing glow of PM Modi are brilliant speakers - both young and old. Somewhere along the line, however, they mistakenly decided that they could do better with other methodology, by passing the debate and discussion. Whether spending time in well of the House or raising slogans from their benches was a good political strategy, they would have to go back to drawing board to analyse it . Some members defended their actions by claiming they saved Indian nationalism against conspiracies challenging Indian sovereignty over J&K. Do they really think that a resolution that addressed statehood issue, that too as a reminder to the promise held out by PM and Home Minister could pose a challenge to the sovereignty when day in and out we rebuff Pakistan for disputed territory narrative. Kashmir wanted to hear more profound assertion from BJP. There are two questions. First, did all the people represented by the BJPs 29 MLAs oppose statehood? No. BJP leaders have repeatedly stated that restoring statehood is on their agenda and that they remain open to debating it. Yet, they simultaneously argued that the matter was sub judice and could not be discussed in the House. They asserted that had the resolution focused purely on statehood, they would have participated. This contradiction is irreconcilable. If BJP is opposed to granting statehood to NC government which it describes as symbol of incompetence, it should have argued that why Omar Government is not eligible to get statehood. Things which needed to be said in the House, should have been said there only. As it appears that statehood would not return to J&K anytime soon. The impression that has gone around all across is, the party has stonewalled it. Targeting the government is the fundamental right of any Opposition, but when it is done with sharp arguments and sound logic, the appeal is far more enduring.

Saffron: We Banish, They Welcome

There is a striking irony in the story of saffron in the Himalayas today. Ladakh is exploring the possibility of creating a new saffron economy, while Kashmir is struggling to protect the ecological foundation of the saffron economy it has inherited for centuries. This is not an argument against Ladakh cultivating saffron. On the contrary, scientific experimentation and agricultural diversification deserve encouragement. In 2025, the Ladakh Administration announced trials with CSIR-IIIM, identification of suitable locations in Leh and Kargil, technology transfer and farmer training. Later that year, saffron corms were distributed to farmers in Kargil as part of the initiative. But the development should make Kashmir pause and look at itself. Ladakh is asking: Can saffron be created here? Kashmir should be asking: Can saffron survive here? Kashmiri saffron is not simply an agricultural commodity. It is an ecological and cultural heritage intrinsically connected with the Karewasancient elevated lacustrine formations whose soil characteristics, drainage, altitude and climatic conditions have historically supported saffron cultivation. The Governments Economic Survey 2024-25 records that under the National Mission for Saffron, 3,715 hectares have been targeted for rejuvenation, of which 2,598.75 hectares had been rejuvenated across Pulwama, Budgam, Srinagar and Kishtwar. The same survey acknowledges declining productivity and environmental stresses, including changing weather patterns and moisture stress. These figures should not merely be read as agricultural statistics. Behind every hectare is a farmer, a livelihood and a landscape and that landscape is now under tremendous pressure. Saffrons decline cannot be attributed to one factor alone. Climate variability, irregular precipitation, moisture stress, changing land use, urbanisation, soil degradation and agricultural practices all influence production. Yet in the KhrewWuyanKhanmoh belt, the impact of industrial activity, particularly cement manufacturing and associated dust, deserves far greater scrutiny. A 2021 study specifically examining cement factories and saffron cultivation in Khrew, Khanmoh and Wuyan reported that pollution from cement factories was associated with deterioration of saffron corms, stigmas and petals and with a sharp decline in production and productivity. More recent research by SKUAST scientists, published in 2026, examined 100 soil samples around three cement industries in the Khrew industrial area. The study found that cement industries adversely affected soil physicochemical properties and nutrient status, with organic carbon lower towards polluted sites and pH, electrical conductivity and calcium carbonate showing increasing trends towards the cement plants. These are not allegations from social media. They are findings that deserve serious policy attention. Development cannot become displacement. Kashmir certainly needs industry. It needs employment, infrastructure and economic opportunities. Cement is an essential component of construction and development. The question, therefore, is not industry versus environment. The real question is: where should industry be located, what should its environmental limits be, and what happens when an industrial cluster sits alongside a fragile and economically valuable agricultural landscape and besides an eco sensitive zone for Dachigam Sanctuary? When industrial activity, quarrying, transportation and urbanisation converge around saffron-producing Karewas, the cumulative impact cannot be understood by looking at one factory or one environmental clearance at a time. The farmer ultimately bears the cost. If productivity falls, the farmer loses income. If the soil deteriorates, the farmers investment loses value. If cultivation becomes economically unviable, agricultural land becomes vulnerable to other forms of land use. Gradually, an agricultural landscape can disappear without anyone formally announcing its disappearance. On the other side the people of Khrew cannot be ignored as the issue extends beyond saffron. Communities living around Khrew and neighbouring villages have repeatedly raised concerns regarding dust, air pollution, agriculture and health. Such concerns should neither be exaggerated without scientific evidence nor dismissed without investigation. What is required is independent and continuous environmental and public-health monitoring. Air quality should be monitored by trusted Labs. Dust deposition should be measured. Soil and groundwater should be periodically tested. Heavy metals and other contaminants should be assessed. Most importantly, agricultural productivity should be scientifically compared with distance from industrial sources and with unaffected saffron-growing areas. If there is no significant industrial impact, the data will establish that. If there is an impact, the same data will tell us what corrective measures are necessary. Either way, the people deserve evidencenot assurances. What Ladakhs experiment should teach Kashmir Ladakhs saffron initiative should not be viewed as competition. It should be viewed as a wake-up call. Ladakh is investing scientific effort to determine whether saffron can be cultivated successfully under its conditions. Kashmir already has the worlds recognised geographical identity, centuries of cultivation knowledge, established farmers and naturally suitable Karewa landscapes. Why, then, should Kashmir allow these landscapes to become progressively degraded? There is something fundamentally contradictory about promoting saffron as a high-value heritage crop while allowing the ecological systems that sustain it to come under increasing pressure. Protect the Karewa before it is too late Jammu and Kashmir urgently needs a Karewa and Saffron Landscape Protection Strategy. This should include continuous scientific monitoring and mapping of saffron Karewas using GIS and remote sensing; cumulative environmental-impact assessments of industrial clusters; continuous monitoring of air, soil and groundwater; assessment of dust deposition on agricultural land; independent studies of saffron productivity around industrial areas; strict enforcement of emission-control standards; and scientifically determined protection or buffer zones around critical saffron landscapes. Most importantly, Karewas must stop being treated as vacant or barren land simply because they appear dry during part of the year. They are not wastelands. They are ecological assetsand for Kashmir, they are saffron assets. The choice before Kashmir Ladakh may succeed in creating new saffron-growing areas. If it does, it will be an interesting example of agricultural innovation in a high-altitude environment. But Kashmir must not allow the success of its own saffron heritage to become a historical footnote. The real danger is not that Ladakh may grow saffron. The danger is that Kashmir may lose the landscape that has grown it for centuries. What Ladakh is trying to create, Kashmir is struggling to protect. And if we wait until the last productive Karewa is degraded, the last farmer abandons saffron and the last purple field disappears, no government scheme will be able to recreate the ecological heritage we lost. The time to protect Kashmirs saffron landscape is nownot after it has disappeared. Dr Tanveer Khan, Sr. Environmentalist & Researcher

Jammu railway division takes green leap

Jammu, Oct 5: Taking a step towards environmental protection and self-reliance, Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway has achieved a major milestone in the field of solar energy, by successfully generating electricity through it (solar power) at its 5 major depots. Solar power plants are being rapidly expanded to energise various stations and railway premises of the division with clean, green and modern energy. At present, according to railway officials, solar plants with a total capacity of 1745 kWp (1.745 MW) are successfully generating electricity at 5 major depots of Jammu Railway Division. They include the platforms of Jammu Railway Station, Booking Office, Parcel House to the huge 1 MW plant, installed at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, where the energy needs of the railways are being met by sunlight. Taking this journey of solar energy forward, according to them, 18 new solar plants with a capacity of 808 kWp are now being installed in the Railway Division. After commissioning of these new plants, the total solar power capacity of Jammu (Railway) Division will increase to 2553 kWp (2.55 MW). Elaborating about this achievement, Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer Vishal Rathi said, Work on the new plant of 450 kWp capacity at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station has been started by Messrs Sankalp Realmart Private Limited from September 12, 2026, which will be completed by December, 2026. Along with this, work on 13 plants of 358 kWp capacity at Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur Railway Station will also start soon. Lauding this historic achievement of Jammu Railway Division, Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, said, Our goal is not just to operate trains but to take Indian Railways towards a clean, green and sustainable future. Every station of Jammu (Railway) Division will be illuminated with solar energy in the coming times and we will fulfill our responsibility towards the environment with full dedication. Listing advantages of this initiative both in terms of finances and environment protection, the officials point out that there will be a reduction of thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually, which is equivalent to planting thousands of trees. This will realise the dream of clean air and a green Railway. Besides, the use of solar energy will help railways save lakhs of rupees annually on electricity bills. This amount will be utilised to further improve passenger amenities, they assert, adding that with its own electricity and energy, dependence of Division on the power grid would be reduced and 24x7 uninterrupted power supply would be ensured in railway premises.

Ban without enforcement

Kashmir generates more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic and polythene waste every year, and bottles, wrappers and polythene bags now litter its most celebrated tourist destinations. In Pahalgam, waste lies along the Lidder and around picnic spots. Gulmargs meadows and roadsides are strewn with it, and Sonamargs Sindh riverbanks fare no better. The problem has been reported from Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Gurez, Daksum, Kokernag and Aharbal as well. Microplastics have already been detected in Manasbal Lake. Rain and runoff carry discarded packaging from meadows into streams, and from streams into the rivers and lakes. Nor is the problem a shortage of rules. Polythene carry bags were banned in 2008. Courts have issued orders since 2006, and SRO-182 and the expanded SRO-45 of 2017 added legal weight. In 2018, the Tourism Department declared resorts and destinations polythene-free. This February, the Pahalgam Development Authority imposed a fresh ban with a Rs 2,000 fine for dumping. Yet the waste persists. The pattern is familiar. An order is issued, officials stay active for a few days, and then the drive fizzles out. A ban enforced for a week is, in practice, no ban at all. Authorities do point to some effort. Development authorities say clean-ups happen daily, dustbins are being installed, and Gulmarg hotels have been told to replace plastic water bottles with glass ones. The Forest Department plans an anti-polythene checkpoint on the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road. These steps are welcome, but cleaning up after the damage cannot substitute for stopping it at the source. Entry points must actually stop banned material; the 1,100 kg of polythene seized from a single vehicle in 2025 shows how much slips through when checks are weak. Enforcement must also reach wholesale markets and shops, where banned items are openly sold. Ladakh has shown that tighter checks are needed, and it is time we follow suit. This needs sustained effort, not seasonal drives. Tourists and locals share responsibility, but only consistent enforcement will change behaviour.

Schoolgirl injured as taxi overturns on Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch NH

Rajouri, Oct 5:A schoolgirl was injured after a speeding taxi overturned near Narian Top on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway-144A on Monday afternoon. The girl, identified as Toiyba Islam, daughter of Mohd Yousuf of Rani Badetar, was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police sources and local residents said the taxi, bearing registration number JK12D-4271, was travelling towards Rajouri when its driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The taxi overturned rendering the girl, who was returning home from school with other students, injured. Other passengers travelling in the vehicle were reportedly safe, though some sustained minor bruises. The incident sparked concerns among the locals over rash driving on and along the highway. They said that over-speeding by taxi operators posed a particular risk to pedestrians and schoolchildren. Residents urged the traffic authorities to intensify speed checks and enforcement along the highway and take action against drivers violating traffic norms.

6 injured in Bhaderwah accident

Ramban, Oct 5: Six persons were injured after two cars collided at Nalthi village in Bhaderwah area of Doda district on Monday. According to officials, the accident involved two Maruti cars, bearing registration numbers JK06-9513 and JK08Q-5974. Six occupants sustained injuries in the collision and were shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Bhaderwah, for treatment. The injured have been identified as Shafqat Iqbal (50), son of Mohd Iqbal, resident of Pasri Mohalla, Bhaderwah; Sajad Ahmed (50), son of Ab Hamid, resident of Nagar, Bhaderwah; Mohd Ayub (62), son of Mohd Zareeb, resident of Lawang, district Kathua; Firdous Ahmed (54), son of Gh Mohd, resident of Sarafa Mohalla, Bhaderwah; Naseer Ahmed (55), son of Gh Ali, resident of Nagar, Bhaderwah; and Waseem Raja (50), son of Bashir Ahmed, resident of Pasri Mohalla, Bhaderwah. The injured were provided medical treatment at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Bhaderwah.

Sluggish traffic movement on Srinagar-Jammu NH at vulnerable stretches

Ramban, Oct 5: The SrinagarJammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open to scheduled two-way traffic on Monday, with slow movement reported at several vulnerable and construction-affected stretches between Udhampur and Banihal. Traffic officials said movement remained normal at most locations, while delays were reported at stretches affected by ongoing four-laning works, narrow carriageways, uneven surfaces and rain-related damage. At Dewal in Udhampur, traffic was being regulated through a rain-damaged stretch of around 3040 metres under single-lane movement. NHAI has deployed men and machinery for restoration and stabilisation work. Rain-induced erosion has also affected the Srinagar-bound carriageway at two to three locations in the area. In Ramban district, traffic moved slowly along the MaroogKishtwari Pather stretch due to construction works, narrow carriageway and uneven road conditions. The BanihalNachlana section also witnessed intermittent slowing due to the movement of nomadic families with livestock. Meanwhile, Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers continued to face daytime restrictions beyond Chenani along the DigdoleKhooni Nallah section and were allowed to proceed during the designated 5 pm5 am window. Traffic authorities urged commuters to maintain lane discipline, avoid unnecessary stoppages and drive cautiously through rain-affected, single-lane and vulnerable stretches. The highway will remain open to regulated two-way traffic on Tuesday, subject to weather conditions, road clearance and any fresh restrictions.

Chief Justice Bhatti felicitated by Srinagar Bar Association

Srinagar, Oct 5:The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association Srinagar on Monday organised a felicitation programme in honour of Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhatti at the Common Bar Room of the Srinagar Wing of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Judges of the High Court, including Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar and newly appointed Justice Yashpal Bourney, besides Judicial Member and HoD, Central Administrative Tribunal, Srinagar, Mir Syed Lateef, attended the function. The judges were also felicitated. President of the Bar Association, Waseem Gul, delivered the welcome address, while Advocate Bikram Deep Singh conducted the proceedings. A large number of advocates attended the event, including senior advocates Zaffar Ahmad Shah, G A Lone, R A Jan, Mohsin Ul Showkat Qadri, Syed Faisal Qadri, Tahir Majid Shamsi, Anupam Raina, Jehangir Ganie, Syed Manzoor, Anil Bhan, Bashir Ahmad Bashir, Showkat Makroo, Abdul Majid Dar, Arifa Jan and Masooda Jan, besides other lawyers and law officers. Strong Bar essential for good judgments Responding to the felicitation, Chief Justice Bhatti expressed appreciation for the warmth extended by the Bar and recalled his 24-25 years as a lawyer. He paid tribute to senior members of the legal fraternity and said his association with the Bar had given him a deep understanding of the profession and its responsibilities. The Chief Justice said he had come to recognise nearly 90 percent of the faces in the Bar, describing the familiarity as a source of professional satisfaction. He sought the cooperation of lawyers in protecting the constitutional rights of citizens within the framework of law.

J&K Govt enhances retirement age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 years

Jammu, Oct 5:J&K Government has accorded sanction to the enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers serving in the Union Territory from 60 years to 62 years, with effect from March 31, 2026. Sanction to enhancement of retirement age is, however, subject to certain stipulated conditions. Enhancement would take effect also in respect of those Judicial Officers, who retired on or after March 31, 2026, subject to their consent and fulfillment of the applicable conditions. As per conditions specified, the continuation in service beyond the age of 60 years will be subject to assessment by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of the fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility of the Judicial Officer concerned, in accordance with the recommendation of the Full Court dated August 10, 2026. Besides, necessary amendments in the relevant rules will be undertaken in consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Commissioner Secretary, J&K Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi specified in an order, issued on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor. The order issued today, October 5, 2026, following approval by the Lieutenant Governor, is in consonance with the Supreme Court directive. Earlier, J&K Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had approved the proposal, in light of SC direction, in its meeting on September 22, 2026. The Supreme Court, while considering W P (C) No 1022/1989, titled All India Judges Association & Ors. and connected matters, vide orders dated July 22, 2026 and August 5, 2026, had directed the State governments and Union Territories to take a decision regarding enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers from 60 to 61/62 years, in consultation with the respective High Courts. The Supreme Court, vide order dated July 22, 2026, had further directed that, wherever such enhancement was agreed to, the same would take effect from March 31, 2026, including in respect of Judicial Officers who retired on or after the said date (March 31, 2026), subject to their consent and fulfillment of the applicable conditions. Thereafter, vide order dated September 1, 2026, the Supreme Court directed seven consenting States, namely Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, to amend their judicial service rules to provide for superannuation at 62 years, subject to assessment of suitability at the age of 60 years by the jurisdictional High Court. The apex court separately directed the remaining States and Union Territories, including the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to take an appropriate decision and submit a compliance report. In pursuance of those directions, the matter was considered in consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Registrar General, vide communications dated July 30, 2026 and August 12, 2026, conveyed that the Full Court, in its deliberations held on August 10, 2026, resolved to recommend enhancement of the retirement age of Judicial Officers in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to 62 years, subject to such officers being found fit and eligible for their continued utility beyond the age of 60 years, Achal Sethi mentioned. Thereafter, the matter was taken up with the Finance Department, which vide U O No 7786054 FD-Code/916/2026-02-978 dated September 9, 2026, conveyed its concurrence to the proposal, subject to assessment of fitness, eligibility and continued utility beyond the age of 60 years, carrying out of necessary amendments to the relevant service rules, and approval of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers, vide decision number 146/12/2026 dated September 22, 2026, accorded approval to the proposal. Now, therefore, in pursuance of the aforesaid directions of the Supreme Court, the competent authority has been pleased to accord sanction to the enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers serving in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from 60 years to 62 years, with effect from March 31, 2026, subject to stipulated conditions, the order read.

Bar Association, othersrally for establishment of HC bench in Kargil

Srinagar, Oct 5:The Bar Association Kargil, joined by key civil society organisations and local political and religious leaders, has intensified its agitation demanding the establishment of a dedicated circuit bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in Kargil. Following weeks of sustained protests and suspended court proceedings, members of the legal fraternity and civil society held a joint press conference in Kargil on Monday, warning of a large-scale public movement if their demand was not addressed within a week. The agitation gained momentum after reports surfaced that a permanent High Court bench was proposed to be established in Leh, sparking concerns in Kargil over equitable access to justice across the Union Territory. Clarifying their stance, leaders from the Bar Association emphasised that while they did not object to judicial infrastructure in Leh, equity and regional balance required regular sittings of a High Court bench in Kargil. Bar Association Kargil members said, This is not merely an issue concerning lawyers; it is linked to the larger public interest, the volume of cases and the fundamental right of timely, affordable access to justice for the people of Kargil. Highlighting the geographic hardships, civil society and political representatives noted that Kargils scattered population and severe winter weather made traveling outside the district for higher judicial remedies extraordinarily burdensome for litigants. They stressed that the absence of local High Court sittings disproportionately impacted marginalised citizens and rural communities who could not afford the financial and logistical strain of long-distance legal travel. The legal fraternity has already submitted formal representations outlining their grievances to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With legal services, court appearances and notarial work halted across district courts, the leaders warned that the current peaceful protest would expand into a broader civil movement across the region if the administration failed to issue a concrete commitment within the one-week deadline. Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan, Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Karhil Dr Mohd Jaffar Akhoon extended their full support to the demands of the Bar Association and urged the UT administration and the Chief Justice of the High Court to establish a High Court Bench in Kargil without further delay.

NIT Srinagar takes Swachhata Hi Seva campaign beyond campus

Srinagar, Oct 5: The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar organised a three-day series of cleanliness, environmental awareness and community outreach activities under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign from October 1 to 3. Students, faculty members, staff, NSS and NCC volunteers and other members of the institute community participated in the programme, which focused on cleanliness, sustainability and civic responsibility. As part of the campaign, the NSS unit organised a poster painting competition on cleanliness and environmental awareness. Separate categories were held for teachers and staff and students, while children of professors also participated and showcased their artwork. The entries were evaluated by Dr Nitika Kundan and Dr Veningston K, following which winners were awarded. A Best out of Waste competition was also held, encouraging participants to turn discarded materials into useful and innovative products. The entries were judged by Dinesh Kumar Rajendran and Ashok Kumar. On October 3, NSS and NCC volunteers, faculty members and institute staff conducted a community cleanliness and outreach drive at Harwan Park and Government Boys High School, Dara. At Harwan Park, volunteers collected litter and waste from the public park. The NSS unit also donated dustbins and brooms to the park to support continued cleanliness efforts.

Adequate housing for all discussed at IEI-JKSC

Srinagar, Oct 5: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC), on Monday organised a technical talk and panel discussion on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2026, focusing on the theme 'Adequate Housing for All'. The programme brought together engineers, former administrators, academicians, professionals and civil society representatives to discuss affordable, safe, sustainable and resilient housing, and human settlements. Chairman IEI-JKSC Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, led the Executive Committee members at the event. Syed Raza Shah Madni, former Secretary Technical (PHE), was the chief guest, while Er Farooq Ahmad Wani, FIE, former Chief Engineer (Mechanical), Er Naseer Ahmad Kakroo, FIE, former Chief Engineer (Civil), and Touseef Bhatt, President, Rotary Club Kashmir, were the guests of honour. Ghulam Nabi Qasba, former Commissioner, SMC; Syed Farooq Geelani, IFS (Retd), former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Ghulam Nabi Itoo, former Director General, School Education Department, Kashmir; Mushtaq Ahmad Hafiz, Chief Engineer (Retd); Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa, Chief Engineer (Retd); Sajad Ahmad Wani, Executive Engineer (Retd.); and advocate Nadeem Qadri were among the invitees. Welcoming the participants, Bhat said adequate housing should go beyond providing shelter and encompass safety, affordability, access to essential services, accessibility, environmental sustainability and human dignity. The panel discussed affordable housing and housing security, climate- and disaster-resilient construction, energy-efficient buildings, basic infrastructure, inclusive housing for vulnerable sections and cost-effective construction technologies. The participants also stressed the need for integrated urban planning, better connectivity, community development and stronger governance, financing and institutional mechanisms. They said the focus should shift from merely creating housing units to developing sustainable, resilient and liveable communities, requiring coordinated efforts by government agencies, engineers, planners, financial institutions and civil society. Madni appreciated the initiative and underscored the importance of sound planning, essential infrastructure and coordination among institutions to ensure adequate housing. Wani and Bhatt also appreciated IEI-JKSC for providing a professional platform to deliberate on an issue of social and developmental importance. As an outcome of the programme, IEI-JKSC will prepare a policy brief incorporating the recommendations and key deliberations of the technical session. The brief will subsequently be submitted to the concerned government authorities for consideration and appropriate policy action.

KFTA delegation raises film fraternity concerns with NC Chief spokesperson

Srinagar, Oct 5: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Film & Television Association (KFTA) Monday called on Tanvir Sadiq Ali, Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, and apprised him of the concerns and grievances of the indigenous film fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir. The delegation was led by Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Founder & Director of the Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) and Chairman, KFTA, and comprised prominent members of the KWFF Management Committee, including Zameer Ashai, Mushtaq Bala, Hussein Khan and other members of the Valleys film fraternity. During the meeting, the delegation expressed a deep sense of alienation and neglect among local filmmakers, artists and technicians, particularly over what it described as the complete exclusion of the indigenous film fraternity from the recently held government-sponsored international film festival. The delegation conveyed its concern that, despite substantial expenditure from the public exchequer, local filmmakers, technicians and other film professionals were neither adequately consulted nor meaningfully involved in the planning and execution of the event. The delegation stressed that an international film festival is a specialised professional and artistic undertaking requiring experience, creative vision, technical expertise and sustained engagement with the filmmaking community. It, therefore, urged that such initiatives should not be treated merely as bureaucratic exercises.

PDP holds Lal Chowk Zonal Committee election

Srinagar, Oct 5: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lal Chowk Constituency, Monday held elections for its Zonal Committee at the party office in Lal Chowk. The proceedings, as per a statement, were presided over by Zahoor Ahmad Mir, former MLA and Cabinet Minister. Following the voting process, Reyaz Ahmad Dar was elected as the Zonal President. The election proceedings were attended by Zuhaib Yousf Mir, In-Charge Lal Chowk Constituency; PDP Spokesperson Iqbal Tramboo; former State Secretary Arif Laigaroo; former State Secretary Abdul Hameed Koshen; and Abdul Qayoom Bhat. Speaking on the occasion, Zuhaib Yousf Mir emphasised the importance of strengthening the party organisation at the grassroots and said that organisational elections must go beyond the mere appointment of office-bearers. These elections should mean more than merely choosing office-bearers. They should help strengthen the party at the grassroots, deepen our engagement with people and give greater meaning and responsibility to our organisational structure. The real significance of these elections will lie in how effectively we translate this organisational exercise into stronger engagement with the people, Mir said.

Deliver on election promises, address public issues: Ravinder Raina

Kupwara, Oct 5: Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir UT President and senior leader Ravinder Raina Monday said, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should focus on addressing the issues confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir instead of repeatedly taking refuge in the demand for restoration of statehood. Speaking to reporters in Kupwara before he left for Seemari Karnah, Raina said the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has already assured that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the process was being pursued while security-related concerns were also being taken into consideration. Statehood should be restored at the earliest but certain security concerns also need to be taken into account. The matter is being addressed at the appropriate level, Raina said. Taking a dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Raina said Omar Abdullah was an elected representative and should concentrate on fulfilling the commitments made to the people. Instead of seeking refuge in the statehood issue, the Chief Minister should address the grievances of the people and work for development, he added. There was no need for Omar Abdullah to resign, instead he should use his tenure to deliver on the promises made to the people in his partys election manifesto, he added. On the security situation, Raina claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing a peaceful environment, adding that stone-pelting and shutdowns have ended which was a positive sign with regard development. Reacting to recent remarks by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on mistakes committed by the Congress and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Raina said the statement vindicated the BJPs position maintained over the years. When a senior leader like Farooq Abdullah acknowledges that mistakes were committed by the Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru, it validates what the BJP has been saying all these years, he added. Raina called for peace, harmony and brotherhood among people. BJP leader Javed Qureshi and other party workers were also present on the occasion.

MLA Sajjad Shaheen lays foundation stones for Rs 4.61 crore road projects in Banihal

Banihal, Oct 5:Continuing the thrust on improving road connectivity and strengthening basic infrastructure in the remote and far-flung areas of Banihal-Gool Assembly Constituency, MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, Monday laid the foundation stones of two important road projects in the Chamalwas-Neel area and announced an ambulance for Neel to strengthen emergency healthcare and medical access for the local population. The two road projects, as per a statement, include the KrachihalTabela Road and the SinigamKawansool Road, being taken up at a combined estimated cost of Rs 4.61 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Sajjad Shaheen said that better road connectivity remains one of his foremost priorities, particularly in the mountainous and difficult-to-reach areas of the constituency. He said these roads will provide safer and more reliable connectivity to local communities, improve access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and facilitate the movement of agricultural and other local produce. Highlighting the importance of healthcare access in remote areas, Shaheen also announced an ambulance for Neel, saying that timely availability of emergency transportation can prove crucial for patients, particularly during medical emergencies and adverse weather conditions. He said that road infrastructure and healthcare facilities are not merely development projects but are directly linked with the safety, economic opportunities, education, healthcare and overall quality of life of people living in remote areas.

Kazinag Markhor population hits 227, up 71% from 2005 baseline

Srinagar, Oct 05:Kashmirs markhor population in the Kazinag landscape has risen nearly 71 percent from the 2005 baseline of 133 animals to an estimated 227 in 2026, with the latest assessment recording 69 kids per 100 adult females, according to a joint report by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and J&K Wildlife Protection Department. The report, Recovery of Kashmir Markhor - A Threatened Mountain Ungulate in Jammu and Kashmir, puts the 2026 Kazinag population estimate at 227 13.9 animals. The 71 percent increase is based specifically on the Kazinag 2005 baseline. Despite fluctuations in the early surveys, the long-term trend has been upward. The population was estimated at 152 in 2010, 142 in 2012, 187 in 2016, 184 in 2018 and 221 12.5 in 2023, before reaching the 2026 estimate. The latest assessment recorded 33 males per 100 females and 48 groups averaging 5.11 animals, with group sizes ranging from one to 18. The assessment was conducted under the 2022-26 project period, with field monitoring over four years along 12 permanent trails covering more than 2,000 kilometres. In the 2026 assessment, researchers recorded 600 direct sightings across four seasons in Kazinag National Park, Limber and Lachipora wildlife sanctuaries and Naganari Conservation Reserve. Hirpora faces recovery hurdles Unlike Kazinag, the report does not provide a comparable population estimate for Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary and therefore cannot establish a percentage increase, decline or other population trend there. Instead, it assesses habitat suitability, livestock pressure, and conservation measures. Only 14 percent of Hirpora was rated highly suitable for summer and 11 percent for winter, compared with 50 percent and 18 percent, respectively, in Kazinag National Park. Illegal livestock herding declined 26 percent in 2025, with more than 185 transient herders prevented from entering Hirpora without valid permits. Livestock grazing or visits to the sanctuary fell 8 percent between 2023 and 2025, while anti-grazing camps were established at key entry points. The project also piloted a thermal-drone survey in Hirpora, after obtaining permissions from the Wildlife Department, Army and Srinagar Air Traffic Control. Grazing, poaching remains threats Senior Manager and WTI Head of J&K Projects Tanushree Srivastava said human and livestock pressure remained a key challenge to markhor recovery in Hirpora. Rising human and livestock populations have increased competition for food and space, disease transmission and predation risks, particularly for young markhor, Srivastava said, adding that poaching of large-bodied males remained a concern. She said recovery measures include anti-grazing camps, regulated livestock movement, trained Markhor Watchers and frontline monitoring, with community participation in patrolling and preventing illegal grazing and poaching. We have identified critical markhor habitats within protected areas and are actively working to reduce livestock pressure through these measures, Srivastava said. Wildlife Warden North Kashmir Intesar Suhail said efforts were underway to make critical markhor habitats in Kazinag National Park and the Limber and Lachipora wildlife sanctuaries grazing-free. We have successfully identified several critical markhor habitats within Kazinag National Park and the Limber and Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuaries, and efforts are underway to make these areas grazing-free, Suhail said. He said stricter protection was enforced during the November-December rutting season and May birthing season. Conservation expands More than 140 frontline wildlife staff have been trained and equipped, while 44 Markhor Watchers have been trained to monitor grazing and poaching. The project supported six homestays and 22 nature guides, while more than 70 percent of communities surveyed in Kazinag supported markhor and wildlife conservation. A tailoring centre established in Babagail in March 2025 trained 22 women, who collectively earned Rs 72,000 between July and December 2025. More than 250 school students were engaged through Wildlife Week activities, nature walks and painting competitions. Worlds largest wild goat The markhor (Capra falconeri) is the worlds largest wild goat and is found in India only in Jammu and Kashmir. It is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The report identifies livestock grazing, poaching, habitat fragmentation, roads, mining, high-tension power lines, border fencing and other infrastructure among the major threats. Report released during Wildlife Week The impact report, supported by the Astral Foundation, was released at the UT-level inaugural function of Wildlife Week 2026 at SKUAST-K, Shalimar. PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden J&K Suneesh Buxy, SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva and CAT Srinagar Administrative Member Prashant Kumar attended the function. The report calls for continued WTI-Wildlife Department collaboration, stronger protection and monitoring in Kazinag and Hirpora, reduced livestock pressure and wider use of thermal drones, camera traps and radio collars.

Committed to transforming religious institutions through better infrastructure, management: Dr Darakhshan Andrabi

Budgam, Oct 5:Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Sabaat Complex and a High-tech Conference Hall at the revered Ziarat Sharif of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) at Chrar-e-Sharief, Budgam. Dr Andrabi was accompanied by Waqf Board Members Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem and Syed Mohammad Hussain Haqani, along with Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, Tehsildar-cum-Executive Magistrate of the J&K Waqf Board. The newly constructed facilities, as per a statement issued, mark a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Chrar-e-Sharief and reflect the J&K Waqf Boards continued focus on strengthening infrastructure at important religious and spiritual centres across Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Andrabi highlighted the importance of these infrastructure projects, stating that the development of facilities at revered shrines is essential for improving arrangements for devotees and visitors while preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of these historic places. Development is now synonymous with the J&K Waqf Board, and this mission will continue. We are committed to transforming our religious institutions through planned infrastructure development, improved facilities and better management. Our endeavour is to ensure that our revered shrines retain their spiritual sanctity while providing better amenities to the people, Dr Andrabi said. Waqf Chairperson later convened a meeting with the Board authorities, local management and the eminent persons from the civil society of the town.

NC will push for inclusion of Punjabi, Gurmukhi in J&K: Sadhotra

Jammu, Oct 5: A delegation of prominent members of the Sikh community Monday called on National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra at the party headquarters at Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, and presented a memorandum seeking inclusion of Punjabi language, in Gurmukhi script, among the officially recognised languages of Jammu and Kashmir. It was organised by Sardar Jatinder Singh Lucky. The delegation, as per a statement, apprised Sadhotra of the aspirations of the Sikh community regarding preservation and promotion of Punjabi and Gurmukhi, which, they said, formed an important part of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the region. They urged the National Conference leadership to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities and work towards fulfilment of the long-pending demand. Sadhotra said the National Conference had always remained committed to respecting the linguistic, cultural and social diversity of Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring that the aspirations of all sections of society were adequately represented. He said the partys commitment to Punjabi and Gurmukhi was clearly reflected in its election manifesto. Referring to the specific provisions concerning minorities and regional cultures, he said the National Conference had explicitly committed that it would advocate for the inclusion of Gurmukhi/Punjabi language to preserve and promote it. This is a clear and conscious commitment of the National Conference. We recognise the importance of Punjabi and Gurmukhi as an integral part of the cultural and linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Every language carries the history, traditions, literature and collective memory of its people, and no language should be allowed to lose its rightful place, Sadhotra said.

CAT puts on hold drivers transfer amid administrative exigency plea

Srinagar, Oct 5:The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department not to disturb the present posting of a driver who had assailed his transfer from district to state cadre with a plea that general recital of administrative exigency cant override the applicable cadre restrictions. A bench of Judicial Member, M S Latif, while disposing of petition by a driver, Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh, directed the authorities to examine his representation in light of Rule 23 of the Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment Rules, 2010, and pass a reasoned and speaking order within two weeks. According to Sheikhs plea, he was selected by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board as a driver against a district cadre post in Shopian, following which he was appointed in the Transport Department in September 2015. He was subsequently posted in the office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Shopian. He challenged the government order dated September 24, 2026, whereby he was transferred from ARTO Shopian to the office of the Transport Commissioner, J&K, against a state cadre post. Sheikh contended that the transfer violated the applicable service rules, particularly Rule 23, which provides that a member of a state, divisional or district cadre shall be transferable only within his own cadre and shall not be transferred from one cadre to another. He also relied upon Order No 230 of 2021/PSY dated February 23, 2022, contending that inter-district appointments, postings and transfers of district cadre staff were prohibited. Moreover, he submitted that the impugned order did not disclose any lawful authority for transferring him outside his parent cadre or any statutory procedure for deploying him against a state cadre post. He argued that the general recital of administrative exigency could not override the applicable cadre restrictions or prejudice his service rights, including seniority, lien and promotional prospects. The tribunal, without entering into the merits of the dispute, directed the authorities to consider and dispose of Sheikhs representation by passing a reasoned and speaking order in light of Rule 23 and subject to his entitlement, if there was no legal impediment. The tribunal further directed that Sheikh shall not be disturbed from his present place of posting until the speaking order was passed.

Farooq Abdullah welcomes SC notice, says NC to unveil new constitution

Srinagar, Oct 5: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday welcomed the Supreme Courts notice concerning decisions taken by an Election Commissioner, while saying the party would present its new constitution to the public after approval by its working committee. Commenting on the Supreme Courts notice concerning the Election Commissioners decisions, Abdullah welcomed the courts intervention. I am very happy that the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of this, he said. Speaking about a party meeting, Abdullah said it was convened to strengthen the organisation and identify shortcomings that needed to be addressed. The meeting was held to strengthen the party, he said, adding that discussions were held with Srinagars eight MLAs, ward presidents and other party workers. We spoke to them about the shortcomings that need to be addressed, Abdullah said. He said the party would present its new constitution to the public after completing the necessary internal procedures. First, we will place it before our working committee. After it is approved, the process will move forward, he said.

HC directs trial courts to fast-track dowry, cruelty cases

Srinagar, Oct 5:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed all trial courts in Jammu and Kashmir to accord priority to cases involving offences of dowry deaths and cruelty by husband or his relatives against a woman and ensure their expeditious disposal. The directions were issued for adherence by the trial Courts, in compliance to the directions rendered by the Supreme Court vide its Order dated August 20, 2026, passed in Miscellaneous Application Nos. 2689-2690 of 2025 in Criminal Appeal Nos 132-133 of 2017 titled State of Uttar Pradesh Vs Ajmal Beg etc, according to a Circular issued by Registrar General, M K Sharma. All trial courts have to accord priority to cases involving offences under Sections 304B and 498A of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code (IPC) and their corresponding provisions under 80 and 85 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 80 of the BNS corresponds to section 304B of the erstwhile IPC which defines and penalises the offence of dowry death. Likewise, Section 85 of BNS corresponds to the former section 498 A of the IPC, dealing with cruelty by husband or his relatives against a woman. The District Judiciary in keeping with the circular has to identify cases pending for more than three years, particularly those at the stage of framing of charge or recording of evidence, and monitor their progress through quarterly reviews. The circular asks the trial courts to endeavour to secure prompt appearance of accused after filing of charge-sheets and consider framing charges preferably within 60 to 90 days. The courts have been directed to commence recording of evidence within a reasonable period after framing of charges and proceed with evidence on a continuous or day-to-day basis, subject to statutory safeguards and exceptional circumstances. Moreover, the trial courts have been directed to discourage unnecessary adjournments and record reasons in writing whenever an adjournment is granted. Where counsel for an accused repeatedly remains absent without sufficient cause, the courts may appoint legal aid counsel or an amicus curiae to prevent unnecessary delay. The circular underscores that immediately after framing of charges, trial courts have to prepare witness calendars specifying dates for examination of material witnesses, service of summons and sequencing of evidence to ensure timely attendance and avoid repeated deferment of proceedings. The circular also provides that in matrimonial disputes arising primarily out of matrimonial discord and not involving death, grievous physical violence or other serious offences, courts may, wherever permissible and considered appropriate, explore mediation or counselling without compromising the rights of the parties or the seriousness of cognisable offences. The directions have been circulated to all Principal District and Sessions Judges in J&K and Ladakh for necessary compliance and further circulation among judicial officers under their respective jurisdictions.

19th J&K UT Water Skiing Championship concludes at Nigeen Lake

Srinagar, Oct 5: The Jammu & Kashmir Water Skiing Association, affiliated with the Wakeboard and Wakesurfing Association of India, organised the 19th J&K UT Water Skiing Championship 202627 under the aegis of J&K Sports Council at the Water Sports Centre, Nigeen Lake, from 4th to 5th October 2026. The championship, as per a statement, witnessed enthusiastic participation from talented boys and girls from across Jammu & Kashmir, providing young athletes with a valuable platform to compete, develop their skills and excel in water sports. The closing ceremony was graced by Ab Majeed, In-charge Water Sports, Nehru Park, as the Chief Guest, Adnan Ah form sports council along with other esteemed guests and dignitaries. The event concluded with appreciation for the athletes, organisers, coaches and officials for their contribution towards promoting and strengthening water sports in Jammu & Kashmir.