Health & Fitness

22-year-old Kenyan engineer builds recycled-plastic robotic hands for deaf children

Can smart TVs become a privacy risk inside your home?

Srinagar, Sep 15: A television was once a device that received signals and displayed programmes. Today, a smart TV can connect to the internet, communicate with phones and other devices, recognise what is playing on screen, respond to voice commands and collect data about viewing behaviour. That transformation has created a new privacy question: how much should a television be allowed to know about the household it sits in? The recent controversy involving LG TVs has brought that question into focus. An investigation by technology YouTube channel Gamers Nexus, conducted with Level1Techs and security researchers, raised questions about network scanning, device discovery and the ability of LG televisions to process audio. Using tools including Wireshark, researchers said they observed LG OLED televisions scanning local networks and identifying other devices, including phones and smartwatches, while also gathering information about nearby Wi-Fi networks. The investigation also raised questions about whether audio could be captured while an LG TV was apparently offline. LG rejects claims of ambient recording LG has rejected the suggestion that its televisions routinely record conversations. The company says voice data is processed only when the remote's voice button is pressed and held, or when a wake word such as Hi LG is recognised after Far-Field voice recognition has been activated. Other than these instances, the TVs do not collect or record ambient conversations, LG said. The company does acknowledge that its TVs can scan for and connect to nearby devices on the same network. LG says this capability is necessary for functions such as device connectivity, content sharing and smart-home features, and describes it as a standard function commonly found in smart TVs and connected-home devices. That distinction is important. The investigation raises questions about what a smart TV is technically capable of doing; it does not, by itself, establish that LG routinely records private conversations. But the controversy highlights a broader privacy problem. A TV can see more than what you watch Smart TVs may collect information about viewing habits through technologies such as Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). Depending on the service and the user's consent settings, this can help provide recommendations and may also support targeted advertising. LG says its ACR feature is opt-in and supports personalised recommendations, services and advertising. The company says that if users do not consent to the applicable optional agreement, ACR data is not used for advertising purposes. The important privacy question is therefore not simply whether a TV collects data. It is what information it collects, when it collects it, what consumers have agreed to, where that information goes and who can access it. Your TV can also see your digital neighbourhood Connected TVs need to communicate with other devices to provide features such as screen sharing, casting and smart-home integration. This can require network discovery, allowing a television to identify or interact with devices connected to the same network. That capability can be useful. But from a privacy perspective, it means a television is no longer operating as an isolated appliance. It is another networked computer inside the home. The more connected devices a TV can discover and communicate with, the greater the potential visibility into the digital environment around it. The microphone changes the equation Voice control makes the privacy issue more sensitive. A television with a microphone can process spoken commands, while some models also support wake-word detection. LG's position is that its TVs do not collect or record ambient conversations outside the specific voice-activation scenarios it has described. For consumers, however, the underlying question remains relevant: when is the microphone listening, what is processed locally, what is transmitted elsewhere and how long is any resulting data retained? The advertising connection The privacy implications become even bigger because smart TVs are increasingly part of the digital advertising ecosystem. Connected-TV platforms can use viewing information to make advertising more measurable and targeted than traditional television. LG Ad Solutions, for example, markets connected-TV capabilities to advertisers and has described its ability to reach large numbers of connected devices. For advertisers, this makes television more valuable as a source of audience intelligence. For consumers, it means a device traditionally associated with passive entertainment can become another source of behavioural data. The bigger privacy question The LG controversy should therefore not be reduced to the question of whether a particular television is spying on its owner. LG strongly disputes that characterisation. The more important issue is how much information a modern television can potentially access and whether consumers have meaningful control over that access. Users should be able to understand what their television can see, which features are optional, what information remains on the device, what leaves the home and whether that data can be used for advertising or shared with third parties. The smartest television is no longer just a screen in the living room. It is a connected computer with microphones, software, network access and a growing role in the advertising ecosystem. And that leaves consumers with a question that goes well beyond LG: How much should we allow the television in our living room to know about us?

ACB books former Assistant Commissioner Revenue Jammu, 4 others in Gair Mumkin Khad land case

Jammu, Sep 15: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K has registered an FIR against former Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Jammu and four private beneficiaries over allegedly granting illegal permission for the transfer of Gair Mumkin Khad land in Jammu. In a statement, the spokesperson said that ACB J&K has registered FIR No. 12/2026 at Police Station ACB Central, Jammu, against Nisar Ahmad Shad, the then Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Jammu, and four private beneficiaries. He said the FIR has been registered on the outcome of Preliminary Enquiry No. PE-JSK-17/2019, which prima facie disclosed that the accused public servant, during the period from 23.05.2018 to 11.07.2018, while functioning as Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Jammu, allegedly abused his official position by granting nine permissions for alienation/transfer of Gair Mumkin Khad land situated at Chowadi and Deeli, Jammu. The permissions were allegedly granted in violation of the applicable revenue laws, Government orders and directions of the Honble High Court concerning land recorded as Gair Mumkin Khad. The enquiry further revealed that the permissions were shown to have been granted with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu. However, verification conducted with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, revealed that no such approval, note sheet or formal delegation order was available on record. Accordingly, the FIR has been registered under Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Sections 120-B, 467, 468 and 471 RPC. Further investigation in the matter is in progress, spokesperson added.

Omar Abdullah says no fear of MLAs switching sides, defends seven-day Assembly session

Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed concerns over the stability of his government, saying he had complete faith in his MLAs and had no fear that any of them would switch sides. Responding to questions about remarks by Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma over the functioning of the Assembly and the upcoming session, Abdullah defended the governments decision to convene a seven-day session, saying the BJP was in no position to accuse his government of being non-serious. Why? The session has been called for seven days. What is non-seriousness in this? Abdullah said. Non-seriousness would be if we followed the path shown by the BJP, where they have called one- or two-day sessions in their states. These are the people who never even come before Parliament, who are hardly seen in Parliament. Abdullah said members of his government regularly remained present in the Assembly and Parliament for long hours. We sit in the Assembly from morning and leave in the evening, he said. There is not a single day when we are not personally present in the Assembly. He added that the BJP could not accuse his government of lacking seriousness without comparing the attendance and participation of its own members. Let them see in Parliament who sits for how long. Then tell me who is taking it seriously and who is not, he said. Abdullah also appeared to push back against the expectation that he respond to every statement made by the Opposition. They make statements every day. Dont expect me to respond to every statement, he said. Now you have said this today, fine. I will react to the next statement after a month. I will react to one of their statements every month, not every day. I have complete faith in my MLAs Asked whether he was concerned about the political stability of his government amid speculation about some MLAs potentially switching sides, Abdullah said he had no such apprehension. Ask me openly. Why are you asking in veiled words? he said. You are asking whether I count my MLAs every day or not. That is what you are asking, right? Asked directly whether he feared some of his MLAs could leave, Abdullah replied: I have absolutely no fear. I have absolutely no fear. I have complete faith in my people. He then alleged that certain individuals were attempting to create such speculation and accused them of seeking personal benefits from the government. I know who is doing this in between, Abdullah said. There are one or two people who collect their envelopes from the agencies offices on Gupkar Road. He alleged that some of these individuals had approached him after his government was formed seeking appointments or accommodation. These are the same people who came to meet me in my office in Jammu as soon as the government was formed and asked me, Adjust me somewhere, he said. Abdullah said he had refrained from naming them out of consideration for their reputation. I dont open my mouth to protect their dignity. But you can take out the record and see who came to my office. You will find all the names of those who are counting my MLAs today, he said. Recruitment being done carefully On government recruitment and vacancies in various departments, Abdullah said the administration was moving ahead with the process but would not compromise on established procedures in an effort to fill posts quickly. There are some departments where there are vacancies, but they are not becoming available, he said, adding that recruitment was being carried out gradually. We can hurry up recruitment, but often we have seen that the result of haste is not good, Abdullah said. Somewhere or the other, there is then room for complaints. He said he had instructed recruiting agencies to prioritise transparency even if the process took longer. I have told the recruiting agencies that even if they take one or two months more, transparency must be maintained and the procedure must be followed, he said. This is so that tomorrow nobody should have any complaint about the process. The process is continuing. Wherever recruitment is needed in every department, we are doing it. On daily wagers protest Asked about a protest call by daily wagers on September 22, coinciding with the Assembly session, Abdullah said the government stood by the commitment it had made during the Budget Session. We said in the Budget Session that we will resolve their issues, and we stand by that, he said. They are doing this during the session. Let them do it. On broader questions about political stability in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the situation should be assessed openly rather than through indirect questions. Ask openly, he said, before reiterating that he was not worried about the stability of his government or the loyalty of its legislators. Abdullah was speaking after welcoming a new batch of JKAS and Accounts Gazetted Service officers into the Jammu and Kashmir government. He said the annual process of appointments was part of the normal cycle of government service, with some officers retiring, some JKAS officers moving into the IAS and a new batch entering service. Today we have welcomed a new batch of JKAS and Accounts Gazetted Service officers into the Jammu and Kashmir government, he said. He expressed hope that the officers would use their careers to serve Jammu and Kashmir and its people. The next 20, 25 or 30 years of their service should be properly utilised in the service of Jammu and Kashmir and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

Watch: Pune Chaat Shop Owners Create 13-Foot-Tall Ganesha Idol Using 21,000 Pani Puris

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US judge blocks Trump administration's new visa rules for foreign students, journalists

Washington, Sep 15: A US federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration new rule that would impose stricter limits on how long foreign students and journalists can study or work in America. The decision by the Massachusetts district judge on Monday will bring some relief to international students, including many from India and has came one day before it was to come into effect. The judge ruled that the new policy would probably cause catastrophic damage to the US economy and higher-education system, rejecting the governments claims that it was needed to protect the country. Judge F Dennis Saylor IV also rejected the government contention that the relief being granted be limited to the plaintiffs and not the entire country. The preliminary injunction halts the implementation of the new rule while the case is heard in court. Plaintiffs represent almost 600 public and private institutions. But there are more than 5,000 higher-education institutions in the United States, the judge noted. Limiting relief to the parties represented would require maintaining parallel regulatory regimes and making repeated and potentially inconsistent determinations of whether a particular student or institution falls within the scope of the order, Saylor ruled. The Trump administration rule, finalised in July, put a four-year limit on student and exchange visitor visas, and a 240-day limit on journalists visas, barring China. Mediapersons from China had a 90-day limit on visas issued to them as per the now-postponed rule. The new rules were to come into effect from Tuesday. The rule allowed students and journalists to apply for extensions, but approval was at the discretion of officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with no provision to appeal the denial of extension. Several organisations, primarily representing the higher education sector and labour unions, had moved court with a plea to strike down the rule. Harvard President Alan M. Garber had called the rule odd, contrasting the four-year cap with the typical length of a PhD programme. A typical PhD programme usually takes at least six years, so four years is a bit odd as the cutoff for the visa, Garber said in July. But the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argued that the limits would help it curb fraud and make it easier to stop people from overstaying their visas. The judge also specifically noted the possibility that the now-blocked rule could be abused. He wrote that in particular, the obvious likelihood that the visas of foreign journalists who are critical of the government (or, more particularly, DHS officials) will not be renewed. The weakness of the connection between the rule and its purported rationales raises legitimate questions as to whether its real purpose is not to safeguard national security and protect our borders, but to achieve other, undisclosed, goals such as, for example, asserting greater government control over academic institutions and the press, the judge in his decision granting the preliminary injunction.

Will raise peoples demands to hold government accountable in Assembly: Sunil Sharma

Which Place In India Is Known As The 'Land Of Elaichi'?

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LoP Sharma calls for 30-day Assembly session, says J&K govt has made legislature a joke

Jammu, Sep 15: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Tuesday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government over the duration of the upcoming Assembly session, demanding that it be extended to around 30 days to allow legislators adequate time to raise public issues. Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters, Sharma said the Assembly was the primary platform through which people's grievances and expectations could be placed before the government. Peoples expectations are raised before the government through their elected representatives. There is a system in a democracy through which issues are raised and the government works on them so that people can benefit and get relief, he said. He said the Assembly was the principal forum for raising public concerns, but alleged that the J&K government had undermined the institution's role. Unfortunately, I am saying this with regret that the Jammu and Kashmir government has almost lost its legislative accountability. The Assembly has been made a joke, Sharma said. He also criticised Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, saying the Speaker's chair was expected to function in an unbiased manner. I am most saddened by the Speaker of the Assembly. The Speakers chair is expected to oversee the functioning of the Assembly in an unbiased manner. We no longer have much expectation from the Speakers chair, he said. Sharma objected to the proposed seven sittings of the session, saying the limited duration would prevent legislators from adequately taking up public concerns. With only seven sittings, of which the last sitting mentions business, if any and the first sitting refers to obituary, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has made a mockery of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by scheduling only five effective sittings, he said. The BJP leader said his party, as the principal Opposition, took the matter seriously because of its responsibility to raise issues affecting the public. We had expected the session to be for around 30 days so that the government would listen to the people's expectations and resolve them, Sharma said. He also accused the government of failing to provide effective routine governance over the past two years. For the past two years, there has been no such thing as routine governance visible on the ground. There is no feeling of the government among the people, and there is no public outreach by any minister, he alleged. Sharma further alleged that corruption had become a major concern for people dealing with government offices. From ordinary officials to ministers, corruption is rampant, he said, adding that people were increasingly reluctant to visit government offices because the burden of corruption is being placed on their pockets. He accused the government of using the short Assembly session to demonstrate its non-performance and ego. Once again, by making a mockery of the people and scheduling only seven sittings, the government is displaying its non-performance and the ego of this high-headed government, Sharma said. He appealed to the Speaker to reconsider the schedule and extend the session. We demand that the Speaker should still reconsider the matter. There is still time. Reconsider it, Speaker sahib, and extend the duration of this session to around 30 days, he said. Sharma said the BJP legislature party had also decided to reach out to people across districts and hear their concerns directly. Every district headquarters, we will go there and meet the common people across party lines and understand their issues, he said.

US admits deploying space weapons for first time

Srinagar, Sep 15: The United States has, for the first time, acknowledged deploying space weapons in Earths orbit, with US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink saying the weapon was necessary to safeguard US forces against hostile enemy action, according to a report by the BBC. However, speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Monday, Meink said the US was ready for evolving threats, but did not disclose the weapon's capabilities or when they were put into orbit. As per the report, China responded on Tuesday by warning against an arms race in space, urging the US to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space, the BBC report said, citing AFP, which quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying. Space control encapsulates the mission areas required to contest and control the space domain employing kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities through disruption, degradation and even destruction, if necessary, A US Space Force spokesperson said, adding thatThese capabilities can be employed for offensive and defensive purposes at the direction of combatant commands. An expert on military uses of outer space noted that precious little was publicly known about the technology, and told the BBC there could be a whole range of different weapons systems. Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme, Dr Bleddyn Bowen, from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said he was otally guessing but that the US could have been referring to some kind electronic warfare or radio jamming platform. That would be the sort of weapon that already exists on Earth and could disrupt radio communications, Bowen said. An alternative would be a kinetic kill vehicle of some sort - so a vehicle that would release a projectile of some sort that would ram into a satellite and destroy it. But this was less likely because such a physically destructive tool would be capable of creating a lot of debris, Bowen added. Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' defence system The Trump administration has said that space-based capabilities - and interceptor missiles - are a crucial part of its planned Golden Dome defence system to protect the US from missiles and other airborne threats. Last year President Donald Trump issued an executive order underlining the US Space Force's role in not only defending assets, but also as an attacking force. The US Space Force - the first new branch of the US military for more than 70 years - was launched in 2019 as a way to protect American assets in space, including hundreds of satellites used for communication and surveillance. A 1967 treaty banned weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Since then, key powers including the US, Russia, and China have been exploring other capabilities outside of the treaty, such as targeting rivals' satellites - which are key for military communications, surveillance and navigation. In early February, it was revealed that two Russian satellites had likely intercepted the communications of at least a dozen European ones since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Such interceptions may have allowed Russian intelligence services to read the sensitive data they transmit, or hypothetically, even to take control of the satellites. In 2024, the US said Russia had launched a satellite which it believed may be capable of attacking other such probes. Russia did not publicly comment on the issue. The US Space Force says China develops and operates space and counterspace capabilities as part of a military modernisation strategy, while Russia views space as a warfighting domain and believes space supremacy will be a decisive factor in future conflicts.

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Slip lanes, small interventions planned to ease MA Road congestion: SMC Commissioner

Srinagar, Sept 15: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Faz Lul Haseeb on Tuesday said a series of small interventions, including slip lanes at Sangarmal and Jehangir Chowk, are being planned to ease traffic congestion along the busy MA Road. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Haseeb said the SMC, in coordination with its engineers and the Srinagar Smart City team, has been working on measures to reduce traffic pressure and improve vehicular movement on the road. We have taken a couple of designs, one at Sangarmal and another at Jehangir Chowk. You will see the work starting in the next few days and with some small interventions, there will be an improvement in traffic movement, he said. The Commissioner said the SMC would also coordinate with SSP Traffic to formulate an enforcement plan for better traffic management. For now, we will introduce slip lanes and see how the traffic can be managed, he added.(KNO)

Omar Abdullah questions BJPs UCC strategy: Why do it state by state?

Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the move by BJP-ruled states to pursue the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying legislation on an issue of national importance should be brought before Parliament rather than being introduced separately by individual states. If you have the numbers, bring it to Parliament. Why are you doing it separately in different states? Abdullah said, arguing that the UCC could not be described as universal if it applied only to BJP-ruled states. The whole country is not BJP-ruled. There are a number of states and territories that the BJP does not govern, he said. Abdullah also pointed to differences within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, saying some of its allies were not in favour of implementing the UCC in their states. According to reports, the Janata Dal (United) has directly said that it will not be implemented in Bihar. So if their own allies are not ready for it, how can they say that it should be implemented across the country? he said. He said a measure of such significance should be decided by Parliament, which represents the country as a whole. Something of this nature should not be decided by individual states. It has to be decided by the country as a whole, Abdullah said. The country as a whole is represented not in the states but in Parliament. Let the legislation come to Parliament. Abdullah also questioned why the government was pursuing the UCC through states while other major legislative proposals had been discussed in the context of Parliament. So far, whenever they have talked about legislation in Parliament, whether it is One Nation, One Election or reservation, they have not brought it to Parliament, he said. Now, with this too, they are talking about bringing it in the states. Bring it to Parliament and let us see whether you can pass it. Our foreign policy is our own On Chinas reported praise of Indias foreign policy, Abdullah said New Delhi should not attach undue importance to assessments from other countries, whether positive or negative. Our foreign policy is our own. Why do we look for certificates from other countries? he asked. He warned against selectively welcoming foreign comments when they were favourable while rejecting them when they were critical. The danger with something like this is that tomorrow, if China says something against our foreign policy, then what will you do? Abdullah said. I don't think we should rather, we shouldn't give too much importance to what other countries say about our foreign policy, whether positive or negative, because we cannot cherry-pick. He added: We should neither want their praise nor their criticism. Our foreign policy is our own. We should focus on that. A good step on LAC On reports of a reduction in Chinese deployments along the Line of Actual Control, Abdullah welcomed any move that could reduce tensions along the India-China frontier. Anything that reduces tensions on the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control is a good step, particularly for those people who live close to it, he said. Abdullah said residents living near the LoC and LAC were particularly affected by tensions and military deployments. We know how difficult it is for people to live close to the LoC or LAC, he said. So, if there is any step that reduces deployments along the Line of Actual Control, that is a good step. He said he hoped a similar improvement would eventually take place along the Line of Control. Similarly, we hope that, over time, things will get better along the Line of Control as well, he said. On Pahalgam attack Asked about the National Conferences condemnation of the Pahalgam attack without explicitly naming Pakistan, Abdullah said the issue was primarily for the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs to address. That is something for the Government of India, and particularly the Ministry of External Affairs, to talk about, he said. Abdullah argued that the fact that the Pahalgam attack had been mentioned in the international condemnation was itself significant, particularly given the presence of countries considered allies of Pakistan. The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing, he said. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. He added: For even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy. Now, okay, it has happened. Let us move forward. Let's move on, Abdullah said.

Why Does Paneer Bhurji Turn Watery? I Tried 4 Ways To Keep It Soft, Not Soggy

From salt timing to when the paneer goes in, these tweaks changed the texture of my bhurji.

Omar Abdullah: UCC must be decided by Parliament, not individual states

Sports opening new avenues for J&K youth: Dulloo

Baramulla, Sept 15: The growing participation of youth in sports reflects a positive change in Jammu and Kashmir, with youngsters increasingly using sporting platforms to pursue their dreams, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said on Tuesday. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the CPL at General Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, Dulloo said sports are emerging as a launchpad for youth to realise their dreams, while playgrounds serve as classrooms of life where youngsters learn valuable lessons and get opportunities to showcase their talent and prove their mettle. He lauded the Indian Armys Dagger Division for organising the league and providing young sportspersons with a platform to pursue their ambitions through cricket. Dulloo said around 1,600 players from more than 10 districts participated in the tournament. He also appreciated the parents for supporting their children and encouraging them to utilise such platforms to pursue their sporting aspirations. The Chief Secretary said the government would further upgrade the infrastructure at General Bipin Rawat Stadium to provide players with better facilities and enhance the experience of spectators, particularly during day-and-night sporting events. He added that sporting initiatives of this nature help youngsters develop discipline, confidence, teamwork and other qualities that remain valuable beyond the playing field.(KNO)

J&Ks Shriya Gupta, Vishal Thapar set to represent India at Asian Games 2026

Jammu, Sep 14: In a historic achievement for the sporting fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, sabre fencers Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have been selected to represent India at the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The selection marks a significant milestone for fencing in Jammu and Kashmir, with Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar becoming the first Sabre fencers from the Union Territory to secure a place at the Asian Games. Shriya Gupta will compete in the Womens Sabre Individual and Team events, while Vishal Thapar will represent the country in the Mens Sabre Team event. Their selection is being seen as a major recognition of the growing talent and competitive potential of fencing in Jammu and Kashmir. The achievement also reflects the years of dedication, disciplined training and hard work put in by the two athletes. Ahead of their departure for Japan, Tazayun Mukhtar Kawos, JKAS, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, met the two fencers and conveyed his best wishes for their participation at the prestigious international sporting event. Speaking on the occasion, Mukhtar said that the selection of Shriya and Vishal was a matter of immense pride for the entire Sports Council and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Meeting Shriya and Vishal before they leave for Japan was a proud moment for all of us at the Sports Council. What they have achieved, becoming the first Sabre fencers from J&K to reach the Asian Games, is the result of years of discipline and hard work. The whole of J&K is behind them, and we cant wait to see them compete on that stage, he said. The J&K Sports Council extended its heartfelt wishes to both athletes for their upcoming campaign, expressing confidence that their participation would inspire a new generation of young fencers across the Union Territory. The historic selection of Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar has added another significant chapter to the sporting journey of Jammu and Kashmir, with the duo now set to carry the hopes and aspirations of the region onto the Asian Games stage in Japan.(KNC)

Earthquake: Is Kashmir Prepared?

Kashmir lies in a seismically active region, and the risk of a major earthquake remains a serious concern. But how prepared are we to face one? From the vulnerability of Srinagars buildings and construction practices to the safety of schools and hospitals, traditional earthquake-resilient architecture and the lack of a disaster preparedness culture, GKTV looks at the risks Kashmir faces and what can be done to reduce the damage. In this special report, we speak to experts to understand where Kashmir stands and what needs to change before the next major earthquake strikes. Report and Edit: Murtaza Bilal

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Man absconding for 10 years arrested in J-K's Udhampur

Jammu, Sep 15: Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district have arrested an absconder who was wanted in a case registered 10 years ago, officials said. A police team from Rehambal arrested the accused, identified as Mohd Tahir, a resident of Hanjana Thakra in Rajouri district on Monday, they said. Tahir was wanted in connection with a case of disobedience to a government order and the Prevention of Corruption Act registered in 2016. The accused had been declared an absconder and warrants were issued against him by the special mobile magistrate, Udhampur, on July 27, 2016, they said. Acting on the warrants, the Rehambal police team apprehended the accused, who will be produced before the court for further legal proceedings, the police said.

HDFC Bank refunds Rs 4.5 crore to 13 depositors in Shopian fraud case: EOW Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 15: HDFC Bank has refunded around Rs 4.50 crore to 13 depositors affected by alleged financial irregularities at its Shopian branch, following an investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K. According to the EOW, the refunds were made following a swift and time-bound investigation into the alleged fraud, providing relief to the affected depositors. The case pertains to FIR No. 30/2025, registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act following a complaint regarding financial irregularities at the bank's Shopian branch. The investigation was subsequently transferred to Crime Branch J&K on the directions of Police Headquarters (PHQ), J&K, for a detailed probe. During the investigation, the EOW identified five principal accused, including former branch managers and employees of HDFC Bank posted at Shopian and Pulwama. All five were arrested on February 18, 2026. After completing the investigation, the EOW filed a chargesheet against 11 accused persons before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shopian, in May 2026. The criminal proceedings are continuing before the competent court. The EOW said it remains committed to taking the case to its logical conclusion and ensuring that all accused are dealt with strictly in accordance with law.

Pakistan court orders blocking passports of KP CM, 24 lawmakers of Imran Khan's party

Peshawar, Sep 15: An Islamabad anti-terrorism court has ordered the blocking of passports of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi and 24 other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers in connection with a case registered at a police station in the national capital. Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain on Monday issued the order while allowing a request by the police and directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to block the passports until further orders. The order also covers senior PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, lawmakers Shahram Khan Tarakai, Shah Ahmad, Sher Ali Arbab, Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, Dr Amjad Ali, Junaid Akbar, Shahid Khattak, Zubair Wazir, Arshad Umarzai, Zar Alam, Mian Omar and Akhtar Khan, among others. The court said the available record showed that the individuals have been named as accused in the case. The investigating officer told the court that the accused could flee the country to evade legal proceedings and alleged that they were facing serious charges, including attacks on state institutions and promotion of terrorism. The court noted that the accused had failed to appear before it and that those who had secured interim bail had also not yet joined the investigation. It subsequently approved the police request and ordered the FIA to keep the passports blocked until further orders. The order comes amid heightened political activity by the PTI, which has announced a nationwide protest for September 27. Afridi, who is currently touring Punjab to mobilise support for the planned protest, separately alleged on Monday that Punjab Police had attempted to abduct him and later left him on the roadside after assaulting and mistreating him. Punjab Police will have to answer for this action. This is no joke, Afridi said, describing the alleged treatment of a chief minister of one province by police of another province as unacceptable. He demanded an explanation from the Punjab government over why he was allegedly left on the roadside and mistreated. The PTI has in recent months remained engaged in political agitation against the central government, with its supporters and leaders facing multiple cases linked to protests and alleged violence against state institutions.

Man found dead near NH in Nowshera

Rajouri, Sept 15: A man was found dead near the National Highway at Lamberi in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the body was spotted by passersby, who informed the police. A police team subsequently reached the spot and took the body into custody. He said the body has been kept for identification, while further legal formalities are being carried out. Meanwhile, police have appealed to people who may have information about the deceased to come forward and help establish his identity. (KNO)

Waking Up With a Puffy Face In The Morning? Expert Shares The Real Reason Your Face Swells Overnight

Morning facial puffiness is usually harmless. A dermatologist breaks down why it happens around the eyes specifically, and when to visit a doctor.

Houthis seize 2 strategic Red Sea islands, and other Mideast developments

Dubai, Sep 15: Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea, bolstering the Iran-backed rebels' ability to control a key maritime shipping route. Meanwhile, repairs to a crucial Saudi Arabian oil pipeline that was struck in an attack last week could last three to five weeks, putting it mostly out of service, two regional officials said. Here's a look at the latest news in the Middle East. Full coverage can be found here. Houthis gain ground as oil prices face more pressure Houthi officials said Monday that rebels had taken over the two islands just as Saudi-backed government forces tried to claw back territory from the rebels' swift advances around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz -- through which a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas transits in peacetime -- in the opening days of the war. The Saudis have since used the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads out of the Red Sea, for crude oil exports. The Houthis' latest takeover, following the seizure of the Red Sea port of Mokha and a strategic island last week, puts more pressure on Saudi shipments and, in turn, global oil supplies and prices. This could give Iran additional leverage in its war with the United States. Oil might only partially move through damaged line Saudi Arabia relies on the East-West Pipeline to move crude from Gulf ports to ports on its western, Red Sea coast. From there it can be put on tankers for export. Two officials briefed on the matter said repairing damage from an attack on September 10 could take weeks, including at a major pumping facility. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to brief the media. One said the line may work partially while teams carry out the repairs. China, a major Middle East oil importer, called Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure unacceptable and said that it was deeply concerned about further escalations by the rebels. Saudi Arabia behind postponed meeting on Hormuz: Iran Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that Saudi Arabia had demanded that a meeting bringing together Iran with other regional countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz be scrapped for the time being. Baghaei called the meeting, which was to be hosted by Oman, a proper opportunity to restore security in the region. The spokesperson said that an agreement between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz has been finalised and it will be announced later. Saudi Arabia had submitted amendments to the agreement, citing concerns that it could have lasting implications for the Strait of Hormuz, negatively impacting other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, according to a Gulf official familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Iran condemns Austria's visa refusal for its nuclear chief Iran denounced on Monday the refusal by Austria to issue visas to the Iranian nuclear chief and other delegation members for the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference in Vienna, calling the decision completely unjustified. Baghaei said that Tehran summoned the Austrian charg d'affaires, saying Austria was obligated as the host country to issue the visas. Baghaei accused Western countries of denying Iran an opportunity to defend itself and blamed the US for pressuring Austria to deny the visas. The refusal is part of UN sanctions on Iran, reinstated last year, that include a travel ban on Iranian officials. Iran fails to live up to nuclear obligations, US official says US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Monday criticised Iran's failure to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog. Wright was particularly critical of Tehran's refusal to grant UN inspectors access to Iran's nuclear sites affected by the war. He said Iran had ample time to address its egregious negligence toward its obligations ut that time is up. US-Saudi deal contains rigorous clauses to prevent proliferation Wright said additional safeguards contained in a US-Saudi nuclear accord include absolutely rigorous terms against proliferation. He told the IAEA general conference that the UN nuclear agency was part of it all along. The US-Saudi accord, signed in July, could potentially provide the kingdom the capability to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear programme. Wright was responding to a question from the media about why the US requested Iran to sign an Additional Protocol and not Saudi Arabia. The Additional Protocol is an agreement between the IAEA and a country that grants agency inspectors increased access to nuclear sites. Yemenis flee homes as rebels press on Nearly 94,000 people have fled their homes in Yemen since fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and government forces escalated this month, the International Organisation for Migration said Monday. The worst-hit areas are Taiz and Lahj, where 48,000 have been displaced, the UN agency said, adding that more than 2,000 people have fled across the sea into Djibouti. Around 200 schools have been converted to shelters in southwestern Yemen to absorb an influx of families, the International Rescue Committee, an aid group, said. Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 2 Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday killed two people and wounded several others, hospital officials and the health ministry said. One person was killed in Gaza City, while the other was killed when a strike hit tents in Muwasi, according to Shifa and Nasser hospitals. The strikes also wounded people in Zawaida in central Gaza and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the health ministry said. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes and said they targeted militants. US slaps Russian-owned bank with full sanctions The US Treasury Department on Monday issued full sanctions on VTB Bank -- one of Russia's largest financial institutions -- as part of its efforts to target Iran's remaining financial lifelines. But the impact of the sanctions remains unclear as the Biden administration had also issued sweeping sanctions against the state-owned bank shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under Trump, US officials are now accusing the institution of helping the Islamic Republic evade sanctions by establishing correspondent relationships with sanctioned Iranian banks. For years, VTB Bank has been expanding its global presence, including opening branches in China, India and Iran.

Scientists built a floating farm using seawater; three crops topped 80% germination in tests

Scientists create solar cells that work underwater at 10 metres and run robots

Saudi pipeline hit by drones to be out of service for weeks, further restricting oil flow

A Saudi oil pipeline faces weeks of repairs after an attack, impacting global petroleum supplies. Houthi rebels captured key Red Sea islands, further threatening Saudi oil exports. This disruption forces the kingdom to shift crude oil away from the Persian Gulf. The pipeline's shutdown threatens extended periods of reduced oil flow to markets. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is also escalating, causing significant displacement and casualties.

HC restrains Ladakh administration from creating third-party rights over 1,076 kanals of HIAL land

Srinagar, Sep 15: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has restrained the Ladakh administration from creating any third-party interest in 1,076 kanals and one marla of land at Phyang Thang in Leh, which was allotted to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) in 2018 before being cancelled by the authorities. Justice Sanjay Dhar passed the interim direction while hearing a petition filed by HIAL through its co-founder and CEO, Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The court also issued notice to the respondents on the petition challenging the cancellation of the land allotment. The dispute concerns an order issued on August 21, 2025, by the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, cancelling the allotment of the land. The land had been allotted to HIAL on May 5, 2018, for setting up an alternative university focused on mountain development. The allotment, covering 1,076 kanals and one marla, was for 40 years, subject to execution of a lease deed and completion of other formalities. In its petition, HIAL submitted that it had applied for execution of the lease deed within 15 days of the allotment and subsequently initiated infrastructure development and academic activities at the site. The institute claimed that possession of the land had been handed over to it and that the delay in executing the lease deed was attributable to the authorities. HIAL further submitted that the process remained pending following Ladakh's transition into a Union Territory and the Covid-19 pandemic, amid administrative changes and the proposed formulation of a new lease policy. The petition also referred to official communications which, according to HIAL, permitted it to continue construction and other developmental activities while lease formalities were being processed. Appearing for HIAL, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, assisted by Advocates Rahil Raja, Bahuli Sharma, Dilawar Khan and Susan Maria Mathew, argued that the cancellation order was legally unsustainable as the delay in executing the lease deed was allegedly due to the authorities. The Ladakh administration was represented by Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma and Central Government Standing Counsel Eishaan Dadhichi. After hearing the matter, the court issued notice to the respondents. Dadhichi accepted notice on their behalf and sought time to file a reply, which was granted. The court directed that the respondents shall not create any third-party interest in the disputed land, subject to objections from the other side and until the next date of hearing. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 21, 2026.

Nepal seeks Chinese help to rebuild flood-damaged Rasuwagadhi road

Nepal has sought Chinas assistance to rebuild the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road, a key trade route with its northern neighbour, that was severely damaged in last months devastating flash floods. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, killing nearly 1,400 people and leaving more than 5,000 missing. The roughly 16-km road linking Syaphrubesi with the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was being upgraded under a NRs 6.5-billion Chinese-funded project when the floods swept away large sections, severely damaging the border crossing and cutting a major trade link between the two countries, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. According to the preliminary estimates made by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the total recovery of the damaged road between Rasuwagadhi and Galchhi will cost around NRs 55 billion (around USD 364 million). China has given us a verbal commitment to provide assistance, although a written agreement has not yet been signed, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal told the newspaper on Saturday. The route is not only a trade corridor between Nepal and China. There are many settlements along it as well, Lamsal said. For now, we are preparing to use a temporary track to keep the route to Rasuwagadhi open. In the long term, we need to build a safer road, but for the time being we will make do with a temporary track. Lamsal said Nepal had also sent a proposal to China seeking assistance to restore the border point and that discussions on various alternatives were continuing. The Rasuwagadhi border point, located about 152 km north of Kathmandu, had resumed operations on January 1 after a major flood in July 2025 swept away the Miteri bridge and inundated the customs yard at Timure. Rasuwagadhi has emerged as Nepals principal northern trade route with China after the Araniko Highway and the Tatopani border crossing suffered repeated disruptions, particularly following the 2015 earthquake, the report said. The August 26 disaster completely destroyed the border point and surrounding areas. Customs officials said it was no longer possible to rebuild the customs office and other facilities at their former locations.

President Xi, PM Modi reach most important consensus that India-China should be partners: Wang Yi

President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reached most important consensus during their meeting on the margins of BRICS summit that China and India should be partners, the top Chinese diplomat said on Monday. Summing up Xis two-day visit to New Delhi on September 12-13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and his meeting with PM Modi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two leaders held a candid and in-depth exchange of views on strategic, long-term and directional issues concerning China-India relations. The most important consensus they reached was that China and India should be partners, Wang told Chinese official media on Sunday. President Xi said that China and India can draw on each others strengths, support one another, help each other succeed and pursue common development, according to Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. The leaders of the two countries agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, while the two countries will support each other as rotating chair of the BRICS, Wang said. The Modi-Xi meeting drew widespread international attention, he said. Under the strategic guidance of the two countries leaders, China-India relations have gradually emerged from a low point progressing from a restart to a renewed elevation, a readout posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website said. Areas of cooperation between the two countries keep expanding, trade volume has hit record highs, and people-to-people exchanges are growing more dynamic. The improvement and development of China-India relations are not only welcomed by the over 2.8 billion people of both nations, but also represent an essential pillar of strengthening cooperation across the Global South, Wang said. He said that both sides pledged to further nurture political mutual trust, manage differences and contradictions appropriately, and jointly uphold peace and tranquility along the border areas. Wang said that the development trajectories of China and India represent shared opportunity for one another, and that the impact of China-India cooperation extends far beyond bilateral ties carrying profound significance for the Global South and the wider world. He noted that the normalisation and improvement of China-India relations has been hard-earned, and this progress deserves to be cherished. Expressing hope that India will join China in translating the leaders shared consensus into action, he reaffirmed that both nations should remain partners rather than rivals, and advance bilateral relations steadily forward without stagnation or backsliding. He also emphasised that the border issue should be viewed in proper perspective within the broader context of the bilateral relationship; that dialogue and cooperation should remain the prevailing trend; and that both nations should accelerate their respective development and national renewal, working side by side to contribute their due share toward regional and global peace and shared prosperity. In his meeting with Modi, Xi called on China and India to draw on political wisdom of mutual respect and understanding to overcome disruptions, urging both sides to pursue parallel progress in bilateral ties and border issues with the two tracks reinforcing each other, so as to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. Wang said PM Modi offered a positive response, affirming that India has always approached India-China relations from a strategic and long-term standpoint. PM Modi stated that India stands ready to be a partner, not an adversary, to China, and regards each others development as an opportunity rather than a challenge, according to the Chinese foreign minister. Indias approach to its relationship with China is independent of third-party influence, and it will not allow any forces to conduct anti-China activities on its territory, Wang said, quoting PM Modi. India remains committed to maintaining high-level exchanges with China, deepening strategic communication, and broadening people-to-people ties on the foundation of mutual respect and trust all to drive further progress in bilateral relations, he added. The two leaders agreed to prioritise development as the bedrock of shared interest, deepen friendly ties and mutually beneficial collaboration, and expand cooperation in areas including cultural and people-to-people exchanges and direct air connectivity, to foster greater mutual understanding between the Chinese and Indian public and build stronger public support for bilateral relations, Wang said. They also agreed to support each others BRICS chairmanship, strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the G20, advance cooperation across the Global South, promote a more multipolar world order, and together serve as a stabilising, progressive force in an era of global uncertainty, he said. China takes over as the BRICS chair for 2027.

Arise Hyundai opens new sales outlet in Kangan

Arise Hyundai, an authorised dealer of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), on Monday inaugurated its new sales outlet at Kangan in Ganderbal district, expanding its retail presence and customer reach in the region. Located near Qadeem Jamia Masjid, Kangan, the new facility will offer Hyundais range of vehicles along with product information, test-drive facilities and professional sales assistance. The inauguration was attended by senior representatives of Hyundai Motor India, including Jun Ho Lee, Zonal Business Coordinator; Bedabrata Sharma Bordoloi, Zonal Business Head; Gupesh Gupta, Zonal Parts and Service Manager; and Puneet Mehta, Regional Sales Head. The Arise Hyundai management was represented by Managing Directors Altaf Beigh, Omar Beigh and Barik Beigh, besides customers, officials, guests and well-wishers. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Beigh said the new outlet was aimed at making Hyundai vehicles and services more accessible to customers in Kangan and adjoining areas. We are thrilled to bring the complete Hyundai experience closer to our customers in Kangan and the surrounding areas. This new facility will not only showcase our latest models but also provide a seamless and comfortable buying experience, he said. Beigh said the outlet would serve as an important touchpoint for customers seeking information about Hyundais vehicle portfolio, features and technologies, besides receiving assistance during the purchase process. The facility has been designed to provide customers with a convenient retail environment while maintaining Hyundais customer service standards. The company said the new outlet would enable customers from Kangan and neighbouring areas to access Hyundais latest offerings without travelling to outlets farther away. With the opening of the Kangan facility, Arise Hyundai said it aims to further strengthen its customer network and expand access to its products and services across the region.

IUST holds capacity-building workshop for MBA students

The Centre for Career Counselling and Placements (3CP@IUST), in collaboration with the Department of Management Studies, organised a capacity-building workshop for MBA first-semester students at the Business Lab of the department on September 8. Brand Consultant at Deloitte, Suhail Arif Bhat, was the expert speaker at the session, which focused on career opportunities in consulting and the wider corporate sector. Bhat shared insights into industry expectations, essential professional skills, career planning and emerging opportunities, helping students understand the competencies required to navigate increasingly competitive career environments. The interactive session also encouraged students to make informed career choices and better understand the skills and attributes sought by employers. The programme was attended by Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir, Dean, School of Business Studies; Dr Amir Dar, Head, Centre for Career Counselling and Placements (3CP@IUST); and Dr Asif Naqshbandi, Head, Department of Management Studies, besides faculty members and MBA students. The workshop was part of the universitys efforts to enhance student employability and strengthen academia-industry linkages by facilitating interaction with industry professionals and exposing students to contemporary career pathways.

RBI launches multicurrency forex services on Bharat Connect

Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Rohit Jain on Monday announced the introduction of multicurrency capabilities for foreign exchange services on Bharat Connect at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026. The initiative, launched on a soft-launch basis, will initially support the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc and UAE Dirham, expanding the platforms existing forex offering beyond the US Dollar. Bharat Connect, operated by NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), has integrated the service with FX-Retail, operated by Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL). Customers using participating Bharat Connect channels will be able to purchase foreign currency, make overseas remittances and reload forex cards. The platform will provide live rates and transparent pricing through FX-Retail, while transactions will continue to be fulfilled through participating relationship banks. Customers can also add multiple relationship banks to their Forex Retail profile and select the bank through which they want to complete a transaction. Forex transactions through Bharat Connect crossed Rs 100 million in value between April and July 2026, according to the statement. The multicurrency facility is initially available through participating channels including MobiKwik, BHIM, bob World, PNB, Federal Bank, SBI and Axis Bank. Participating fulfilment banks include Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda and Federal Bank. Nand Kishore, MD, CCIL, said the expansion would make retail foreign exchange more accessible while providing customers greater choice. The expansion of the FX-Retail platform across multiple currencies will provide customers with greater choice, while its integration with Bharat Connect will significantly enhance the ease of accessing retail forex services, he said. Dr Noopur Chaturvedi, MD and CEO, NBBL, said the initiative would provide customers with simpler and more interconnected access to international financial services. The introduction of multicurrency forex capabilities on Bharat Connect gives customers greater choice while retaining the convenience and trust that define the platform experience, she said. Following the testing and assessment phase, the multicurrency offering is proposed to be expanded to additional Bharat Connect channels and participating banks.

SKUAST-K, Mission Poshan sign MoU to boost nutrition through Poshan Vatika

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Mission Directorate Poshan, Jammu and Kashmir, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and establish sustainable Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres across the Union Territory, supporting the implementation of Mission Poshan 2.0, aimed at improving nutritional outcomes among children aged 06 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The MoU was signed in the presence of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who said the collaboration will leverage SKUAST-Ks expertise in agriculture, horticulture and nutrition with the governments extensive nutrition outreach network to provide technical guidance and capacity building on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The event was attended by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension; Prof. Irfan Bisati, Directorate of Research; Prof. Massarat Shafi, Head, Community Science; Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Head, Vegetable Sciences; Dr. Sajad Bhat, Head, Food Science and Technology; and Dr. Iffat Ganai, Community Science, along with various officers of the University. Officials from Mission Poshan/ICDS present on the occasion included Sajad Hussain, Mission Director, Poshan/ICDS; Bureeda Majeed, District Programme Officer, Poshan/ICDS, Srinagar; Sobia Fatma, CDPO, Srinagar; and Aqeel Ahmed, CDPO, Batwara. Speaking on the occasion, Sajad Hussain, Mission Director, Poshan/ICDS, said, SKUAST-Ks expertise will provide valuable technical support for establishing and sustaining Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres, while helping promote access to fresh and nutritious local produce for children. We are hopeful that this collaboration will strengthen efforts to address malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers, the Mission Director said. The MoU, signed for a period of three years, provides a framework for collaboration to establish and sustain Poshan Vatika, provide technical guidance and capacity building on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and enhance awareness regarding balanced diets, micronutrient-rich crops and local food diversity. It will also facilitate research, innovation and mentorship in nutrition gardening. Under the collaboration, SKUAST-K will provide technical expertise in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition gardening and sustainable management of Poshan Vatika. The University will also conduct capacity-building programmes for Anganwadi Workers and field-level staff. Mission Poshan J&K will provide logistical and field-level support for training, demonstrations, exposure visits and awareness programmes.

VC JKLCMA inspects Ashai Bagh area, directs strengthening oflake cleaning measures

Vice Chairman (VC), J&K Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, today visited the Ashai Bagh area to review the ongoing cleaning and maintenance works being carried out in and around the lake. The Vice Chairman was accompanied by the SE, Collector, XEN LD-I, AEEs, JEs and other Revenue and Engineering officials of JKLCMA. During the inspection, the Vice Chairman reviewed the cleanliness of the area and took stock of the ongoing works related to lake cleaning, conservation and maintenance. He appreciated the improvement in the cleanliness and overall appearance of the area following the cleaning activities undertaken by the Authority. The officers briefed him about the ongoing works and the measures being implemented for effective conservation and management of the lake. He also directed the concerned officers and field staff to continue the ongoing cleaning activities and ensure proper upkeep of the lake and its adjoining areas. He stressed the need for regular field supervision and timely execution of the works. The Vice Chairman called for sustained efforts to maintain cleanliness and improve the overall condition of the lake and its surroundings. He further emphasized that close monitoring and coordinated efforts by the field staff are essential for strengthening the conservation and management of the lake.

DC Srinagar visits Ganpatyar Temple; participates in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today visited Ganpatyar Temple in the Habbakadal area of the City and participated in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, which were marked by deep devotion, spiritual fervour and enthusiasm. During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the arrangements put in place for devotees and the smooth conduct of the celebrations. He interacted with the devotees and extended his warm greetings and best wishes to them on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The DC paid obeisance at the revered temple and extended his warm greetings to devotees on the religious occasion. He interacted with members of the temple Management Committee, devotees and Officers and reviewed the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the celebrations. The event was organised in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere with the active participation of devotees, volunteers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The DC appreciated the coordinated efforts of all Departments, Police and organisers for ensuring the successful conduct of the celebrations. The members of the organising committee also expressed its sincere appreciation to the District Administration Srinagar for making comprehensive arrangements for the occasion.

Pooling expertise, experience can deliver greaterpublic good: Kashmir University Registrar

A free medical outreach camp was organised at Faqir Gujri by the Directorate of Lifelong Learning and Skill Development (DLL&SD), University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Moul Mouj Foundation, University Health Centre, University of Kashmir, J&K Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar, BMO Hazratbal and GK Labs. Inaugurating the camp, Registrar, University of Kashmir, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in taking healthcare services to underserved and difficult-to-reach communities. The expertise and experience of different individuals and organisations, when brought together, can help us deliver better and contribute meaningfully to the upliftment and well-being of people, he said. Prof. Iqbal said such initiatives reflected the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisages academic institutions extending their role beyond teaching and research to contribute to community development through healthcare and other social interventions. As many as 146 patients were examined at the camp and provided free medical consultations, medicines and diagnostic investigations. The services included ECG, pulmonary function test (PFT), NT-proBNP, cardiac screening, complete blood count (CBC), kidney function test (KFT), liver function test (LFT), lipid profile and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing. Three elderly patients were also identified for the Moul Mouj Privilege Card, which entitles beneficiaries to free medical care for life. Prof. Bashir Ahmad Joo, Director, DLL&SD, said university-led outreach programmes provided an opportunity to translate academic and professional expertise into tangible benefits for communities. Senior Geriatric Consultant Dr Zubair Saleem highlighted the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among patients and stressed the importance of medication adherence. He also cautioned patients against altering prescribed doses without medical advice. Prof. Dr M. Iqbal, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar, emphasised the need to take preventive healthcare and early diagnostic services closer to communities facing barriers in accessing medical facilities. Dr Abdul Majid, BMO Hazratbal, said institutional collaborations could help ensure timely, accessible and patient-centred healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. Those who contributed to the camp included Dr Khalid Nazir, Coordinator, University Health Centre, University of Kashmir; Dr Waseem and Dr Rifat Jan of the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar; Dr Zeenat, Consultant Gynaecologist; Dr Iram, ZMO Harwan; besides staff members of DLL&SD, the University Health Centre and GK Labs. Waseem Hassan Raja, Project Officer, DLL&SD, coordinated the camp and emphasised the importance of multi-institutional collaboration in delivering accessible and timely healthcare services to underserved communities.

2 J&K cyclists complete Leh-Khardung La ride in 12 hours

Leh, Sep 14:In a remarkable display of endurance, determination and high-altitude cycling, Er. Mushtaq Wani and Jaleed-ul-Mushtaq successfully completed a challenging mountain bike ride from Leh City to Khardung La Top, reaching an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet. The ride, as per a statement issued, started from Leh City at 6:40 am. The two riders steadily made their way towards the world-famous Khardung La. They reached the Khardung La Top at 6:15 pm, after covering a demanding uphill route. After a brief halt, they began their descent at 6:35 pm. The return journey continued into darkness, with the cyclists riding under headlights. They finally reached Leh City at 9:05 pm, completing approximately 80 kilometres in total. Speaking about the experience, the riders said that the initial section of the route up to South Pullu was enjoyable and comparatively smooth. However, beyond South Pullu, the ride became a real test of physical strength, mental endurance and determination due to the steep gradients, thin air and extreme high-altitude conditions. The expedition was monitored by Jammu & Kashmir Mountain Biking Association (JKMBA) President Riyaz Wani, who closely followed the progress of the riders. The successful completion of the LehKhardung La ride highlights the growing spirit of adventure cycling in Jammu & Kashmir and demonstrates the capability of local cyclists to take on some of the most demanding high-altitude cycling routes in the Himalayas.

Downtowns parking problem is now a business problem

The chronic shortage of parking space in Downtown Srinagar is fuelling daily traffic congestion and increasingly hurting businesses in the historic commercial heart of the city, with traders and residents urging authorities to act on long-pending plans for dedicated parking facilities. Roadside parking has become routine across several parts of Shaher-e-Khaas , where narrow roads leave little room for the movement of traffic. Nowhatta, Bohri Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Fateh Kadal, Khanyar, Nowpora, Gojwara, Khwaja Bazar, Kathidarwaza, Hawal and adjoining areas frequently witness traffic snarls during peak hours. Commuters said vehicles parked along road margins on both sides often reduce the carriageway to a narrow passage, creating bottlenecks and disputes among motorists. Driving through Downtown has become exhausting. There is hardly any place to park, so everyone leaves vehicles wherever they find space. This results in traffic jams almost every day, and minor disputes between commuters have become common, said Mohammad Asif, a commuter. For traders, however, the problem is no longer limited to traffic inconvenience. They say the lack of parking is affecting customer footfall as shoppers increasingly prefer markets where they can park easily. Our customers often call and ask where they can park. Many simply decide not to come after hearing there is no parking facility. We are losing business because people do not want the hassle of searching for space or getting stuck in traffic, said a shopkeeper from Maharaj Gunj. Ayaz Zehgeer of the Beopar Mandal said traders had previously worked with authorities to identify potential parking sites, but the proposals failed to progress. We had even tried to identify a few locations with the authorities, but nothing moved forward. Downtown is one of the oldest and most important markets in Kashmir, yet shoppers are avoiding it because they cannot park their vehicles, he said. If the government talks about developing Downtown under the Smart City initiative and giving it a facelift, then parking has to be at the centre of that vision. Without adequate parking, businesses will continue to suffer, Zehgeer added. Residents said indiscriminate roadside parking was also contributing to wrong-side driving and making it difficult for essential vehicles to move through congested stretches. Delivery vehicles, emergency services and public transport frequently struggle to pass through busy stretches because of indiscriminate parking, while traffic police are left with little room to manage the congestion, said Mudasir Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta. Authorities have previously acknowledged the difficulty of providing dedicated parking in the densely built-up Downtown area. A senior official of Srinagar Smart City Limited said some sites had been identified for parking projects, but the plans could not move forward because of difficulties in finding suitable land. A few sites were identified for parking projects, but the plans failed to take off as identifying suitable land in the densely populated and congested Downtown remained a major challenge, the official said. The official said the agency remained keen on developing parking facilities in the area and was exploring options to overcome the land constraints, stressing that dedicated parking infrastructure was essential to improving mobility and easing congestion in Shaher-e-Khaas . Traders and residents said the parking crisis had persisted for years and called for a time-bound solution, including identification of suitable sites and development of structured parking facilities. They said improving parking infrastructure should be a priority alongside other urban development work in Downtown, arguing that without addressing the basic problem of vehicle parking, efforts to improve mobility and revive commercial activity in the historic marketplace would remain incomplete.

Machil Premier League draws 72 teams, concludes with thrilling finals

Kupwara, Sep14: The Machil Premier League (MPL) 2026 concluded in the border valley of Machil with exciting finals in the mens and womens categories, drawing large participation from local and outside teams. In the womens final, Himalayan Queens Machil scored 213/4 before restricting BHSS Ring Payeen to 99/5 in 15 overs, securing a comprehensive 114-run victory to lift the championship trophy. In the mens final, Sheikh 11 Dudi posted 116 runs and set a target of 117 for 11 Brothers Dabpal. The latter chased down the target in 11.2 overs to emerge victorious and claim the MPL 2026 mens championship. The tournament witnessed participation from 58 mens and 14 womens teams, providing local players an opportunity to showcase their talent, improve their skills and gain exposure through competition with teams from outside the valley. Beyond cricket, the MPL was aimed at promoting border tourism, strengthening the local economy, encouraging youth engagement and highlighting the sporting potential of Machil Valley. The grand finale was attended by a large number of residents and Indian Army officials, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm, sportsmanship and community participation. Local residents Molvi Abdul Jabbar and Habibullah Harry appreciated the Indian Army for providing young men and women with a platform to showcase their sporting talent. They said such initiatives help youth develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and competitive skills. They also urged the Army to continue and expand such programmes by organising more sports tournaments, training opportunities and youth-oriented activities in the border areas. The residents expressed hope that continued support for sports and community initiatives would contribute to youth empowerment, tourism promotion, local economic growth and overall development of Machil Valley.

Swift Strikers, Athwas India XI play out goalless draw in KSL 2

Srinagar, Sep 14:Swift Strikers Rainawari FC and Athwas India XI FC played out a goalless draw in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Monday, with both sides battling hard for a breakthrough until the final whistle. The match, as per a statement, witnessed an intense contest as both teams pushed forward in search of a goal. Swift Strikers and Athwas India XI created opportunities at both ends, but neither side could convert their chances into goals. Despite sustained efforts from both teams in the closing stages, the deadlock remained intact, and the match ended 0-0. The KSL action will continue on Tuesday, with Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC taking on Sanctorum North United FC in the next league fixture.

Omar govt trying to revive old political order: LoP Sunil Sharma

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Monday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for, what he described as, putting his government's excessive focus on the statehood issue while basic public services remained a concern in several areas. Sharma also accused the Abdullah family and the National Conference government of making efforts to revive old political order. He was responding to media queries after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday concluded its Jan Samvad programme in Ramban, marking the completion of its public outreach initiative across all district headquarters of the Jammu division. The programme was aimed at directly engaging with people and gathering grievances related to livelihood, basic amenities, public services and other issues requiring government intervention. The BJP said the concerns received during the outreach would be compiled and taken up during the forthcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Addressing reporters, Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma said the initiative was undertaken to reach out to the deprived, aggrieved and victimised sections of society and understand their problems at the grassroots level. He said a large number of delegations and individuals participated in the Ramban programme and raised issues concerning electricity, drinking water, roads, education and healthcare. Demands for improved sports infrastructure, an airport and establishment of a womens college in the district were also brought before the BJP delegation. Sharma said concerns relating to pending salaries and regularisation of PHE employees and daily wagers, the ongoing strike by NHM employees and issues concerning Anganwadi and ASHA workers, VDC members and other sections of society were also highlighted. This was not a programme confined to BJP workers. People from different sections came forward and narrated their problems. We will become their voice in the Assembly and hold the government accountable, Sharma said. He alleged that people across Jammu and Kashmir were facing growing difficulties and claimed that effective grassroots governance was lacking. He also raised concerns of the business community and contractors associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission and civil works. LoP said the BJP, as the principal opposition party, would scrutinise the grievances received during the Jan Samvad programmes and take up genuine public issues during the Assembly session scheduled to begin on September 21. The BJP leader also criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over what he described as the government's excessive focus on the statehood issue while basic public services remained a concern in several areas. Questioning the government's priorities, Sharma referred to reported power shortages, inadequate medical staff in hospitals and vacancies of teachers and other employees in educational institutions. People are facing four to ten hours of power cuts. Hospitals require staff and schools are facing staff shortages, he said. He also questioned the reported proposal to fill around 25,000 vacancies through outsourcing, arguing that such posts should instead be filled through a transparent and merit-based recruitment process to address the concerns of unemployed youth. LoP also criticised the Abdullah family and the National Conference government, alleging that its policies reflected an attempt to revive what he termed an old political order. Sharma also highlighted the long-pending demand for enhancement of the honorarium of Special Police Officers (SPOs). He said the matter had been taken up with the concerned authorities and that several meetings and communications had taken place between Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to Sharma, the formalities for processing the proposal had been completed and Police Headquarters had forwarded a proposal for enhancement of SPO honorarium to the MHA. The proposal is presently under consideration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Very soon, you will hear that the salaries of SPOs have been enhanced, he said. Recalling the previous enhancement in SPO remuneration from Rs 6,000 to Rs 18,000 in 2014, Sharma said the increase had taken into account their period of service. He added that the demand for a hardship allowance for police personnel had also been raised with the authorities and that a proposal in this regard was under consideration. Sharma said the Jan Samvad initiative would now move to the Kashmir division, where the BJP would continue engaging with people, documenting their grievances and taking up issues requiring government intervention. He extended the party's support to striking NHM employees and the daily wagers.

J&K's Shriya Gupta, Vishal Thapar to represent India at 20th Asian Games

Srinagar, Sep 14:In a landmark moment for sports in Jammu & Kashmir, fencers Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have been selected to represent India at the 20th Asian Games, to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The duo become the first Sabre fencers from J&K to earn selection to the Asian Games. As per a statement, Shriya will compete in the Women's Sabre Individual and Team events, while Vishal will represent India in the Men's Sabre Team event. Ahead of their departure, Tazayun Mukhtar Kawos, JKAS, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, met with the two athletes in person to wish them well and see them off. Speaking after the meeting, Mukhtar said: Meeting Shriya and Vishal before they leave for Japan was a proud moment for all of us at the Sports Council. What they've achieved, becoming the first Sabre fencers from J&K to reach the Asian Games, is the result of years of discipline and hard work. The whole J&K is behind them, and we can't wait to see them compete on that stage. The entire J&K Sports Council family extends its heartfelt wishes to both athletes as they embark on this journey. Stand tall, stay focused and make J&K proud.

LG Ladakh approves draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts

Marking an important step towards strengthening Ladakhs administrative structure and opening up avenues for career progression for serving government employees, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts across 15 departments and services of the Ladakh UT administration. The proposed rules will provide a structured route for eligible officers serving in the feeder cadres to move to higher junior scale posts after completing the prescribed qualifying service. The proposed recruitment rules cover junior scale posts across the 15 departments and services, namely General Administration Department; Cooperative; Employment; Excise and Taxation; Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution; Handicrafts and Handlooms, Industries and Commerce; Information; Labour; Rural Development; Revenue; Social Welfare; Tourism and Transport. The recruitment rules have been framed following the recent amendment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), dated September 9, 2026, which has empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to frame rules for Group B gazetted services or posts, including posts forming part of a common cadre such as JKAS. Earlier, such posts were outside the rule-making powers of the Lieutenant Governor. This development came after LG Saxena, in July this year, personally raised the issue with the MHA, pointing out that regular promotions were delayed in the absence of the necessary recruitment rules. The Lieutenant Governor has thanked Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for his constant support in strengthening the governance in Ladakh.The move is expected to contribute significantly to administrative efficiency and institutional strengthening in Ladakh by enabling the UT administration to establish appropriate recruitment and promotion mechanisms for critical Group B gazetted posts according to its own administrative requirements. Strong and efficient institutions are essential for delivering responsive and effective governance. I am thankful to Union Home Minister, Amit Shah Ji, for his continued support and guidance in strengthening governance in Ladakh and fulfilling the aspirations of the people. These Recruitment Rules will provide deserving officers in the feeder cadres a clear and structured pathway for career progression, while direct recruitment will bring fresh talent into the administration, said LG Saxena. The proposed recruitment pattern provides 50 percent direct recruitment and 50 percent promotion for several services. Overall, 79 posts have been identified for direct recruitment and 50 for promotion. The draft recruitment rules will be placed in the public domain for 30 days in accordance with the DoPT guidelines, inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders. After examination of the feedback and necessary modifications, the final proposals will be submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for consultation or approval, as applicable, before notification.

Govt committed to create inclusive sports ecosystem in J&K: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Sep 14: Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, Satish Sharma Monday reaffirmed the government's commitment towards the promotion of para sports and empowerment of differently-abled sportspersons, stating that every athlete deserves equal opportunities to excel and bring laurels to the nation. The Minister, as per an official statement, made these remarks while interacting with a delegation of the JK Divyang Welfare Association (JKDWA), which called on him at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. During the meeting, Satish Sharma formally launched the jersey of Hyderabad Hawks, a franchise participating in the upcoming Radiant World Para Cricket League, scheduled to be held from October 6 to 11, 2026, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The delegation was comprised of Sayed Shah Aziz, Captain of the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team and Hyderabad Hawks; General Secretary JK Divyang Welfare Association Pirzada Sayed Nissar Hussain Shah and association member Manmohan Singh. Congratulating Sayed Shah Aziz on his remarkable achievements, the Minister described him as a role model for the aspiring athletes and a source of pride for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that Aziz's journey from Poonch to leading the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team reflects the extraordinary determination, talent and resilience of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. Extending his best wishes to Hyderabad Hawks for the forthcoming tournament, Satish Sharma expressed confidence that the team would perform exceptionally well and continue to inspire countless sportspersons across the country. The Minister also held detailed discussions with the delegation regarding the development of disability sports in Jammu & Kashmir. Various issues related to the promotion of para cricket and para sports, including infrastructure, training facilities, sporting opportunities, recognition and institutional support for differently-abled athletes, were deliberated upon. Satish Sharma emphasized that the government is committed to create an inclusive sports ecosystem where athletes with disabilities receive the support and facilities necessary to realise their full potential. He said that sports serve as a powerful medium of empowerment, confidence-building and social inclusion. He reiterated that the aspirations of differently-abled athletes would be given due attention. The Minister said that the achievements of para athletes from Jammu & Kashmir have demonstrated that physical limitations can never become barriers to excellence when determination and dedication are coupled with opportunity and support. He stressed the need to further strengthen the initiatives aimed at encouraging greater participation of differently-abled youth in sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir. The JK Divyang Welfare Association appreciated the Minister's keen interest in the development of para sports and thanked him for his encouragement and support.

FCI rice truck overturns, blocks NH-144A

Traffic movement on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway (NH-144A) was disrupted on Monday after a loaded FCI rice truck overturned at Narian Top, completely blocking the highway in both directions. According to Traffic Police Rural Jammu, the truck bearing registration number PB05AK 7021 overturned at Narian Top, bringing traffic movement to a halt on the stretch. Officials said restoration of traffic could take some time and advised commuters to avoid the affected route until the road was cleared. Those travelling to or from Jammu have been advised to use the Kalakote route as an alternative. Traffic Police Rural Jammu has urged commuters to plan their journey accordingly and cooperate with personnel deployed at the spot.

PM Modi congratulates Indian Womens Cricket Team on winning Asia Cup

New Delhi, Sep 14:The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has congratulated the Indian Womens Cricket Team on winning the Asia Cup. The Prime Minister said that the teams confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. Shri Modi expressed hope that this triumph would inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine. In a post on X, Shri Modi said; A proud moment for Indian cricket! Congratulations to the Womens team on winning the Asia Cup. Their confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine.

Altaf Bukhari condoles demise, express solidarity with bereaved family

Jammu, Sep 14:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, accompanied by J&K Apni Party Jammu Province President and former Minister S. Manjit Singh and several senior party leaders and office-bearers on Monday visited the residence of Partys Provincial Vice President Jammu and ST Wing Vice Chairman Saleem Alam at Sarore Adda, Bari Brahmana, in Samba district to express condolences over the sudden demise of his mother, Bashiran Bibi. As per a party statement, prominent among those who accompanied Altaf Bukhari were Apni Party District President Samba Raman Thappa, Party spokesperson Sahil Bharti, Babu Ram, Bachan Choudhary, Farooq Chouhan, Onkar Singh and Yaqoob Choudhary, besides other party leaders and workers. Bashiran Bibi passed away suddenly, leaving the family, relatives and well-wishers deeply saddened. During the visit, Bukhari met the bereaved family members and conveyed his heartfelt condolences, assuring them of his solidarity and support in this difficult hour. Expressing grief over the loss, Bukhari said that the passing of a mother leaves an irreplaceable void in the family and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. My heartfelt condolences to my colleague Saleem Alam, Provincial Vice President Jammu and Vice Chairman of the Partys ST Wing, on the passing of his beloved mother. May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul eternal peace and a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and may He give the bereaved family the patience and strength to bear this profound loss, Bukhari said. J&K Apni Party Jammu Province President S. Manjit Singh also expressed his condolences to Saleem Alam and his family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. The visiting leaders conveyed their sympathy to the family and prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give the family members patience and courage to overcome the profound loss. The visit also reflected the personal bonds and sense of solidarity among the members of the Apni Party, with senior leadership standing with a colleague and his family in a moment of bereavement.

Renowned Polish geologist delivers lecture on Himalayan geology at KU

The Department of Geology, University of Kashmir (KU), organised an interactive expert talk by Prof. Michal Krobicki, AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Geology, Poland, on Palaeobiogeographical Significance of the Early Jurassic Lithiotis-type Bivalves from HimalayanKarakoramTibet Perspective & the Early Permian Breakup of Pangea/Open Neotethys at the Main Campus. The talk aimed to provide students and researchers with insights into the geological history of the HimalayanKarakoramTibet region, with particular focus on palaeobiogeography, plate movements, the evolution of the Neotethys and the geological processes associated with the breakup of Pangea. The Himalayan region provides an important geological record for understanding past plate movements, paleogeographic changes and the opening and evolution of the Neotethys, Prof. Krobicki said while explaining the significance of the geological evidence discussed during the talk. He also highlighted the importance of such academic engagements in exposing students and researchers to contemporary developments in Earth sciences and creating opportunities for interaction with international experts. Speaking on the occasion, renowned Earth scientist and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Talat Ahmad said, Such academic interactions are important for connecting students and researchers with current developments and international scholarship in Earth sciences. Dean, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, KU, Prof. Pervez Ahmad, and Head, Department of Geology, KU, Prof. Ghulam Jeelani, noted the value of such expert lectures in strengthening academic exchange and encouraging research-oriented discussions within the department. The talk was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students and research scholars actively engaged with Prof. Krobicki on various aspects of the subject. Earlier, Prof. Krobicki called on the Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, and held a brief interaction with her in the presence of Prof. Talat Ahmad. During the interaction, Prof. Krobicki emphasised the significance of discussions on Himalayan geology and paleobiogeography in understanding the regions complex geological evolution. He noted that such academic engagements provide students with valuable opportunities for scholarly exchange, while also helping them stay abreast of the latest developments and emerging research in the field.

Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil provides relief material to affected families

Srinagar, Sep 14: Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil Srinagar Monday provided relief material to assist ten families affected by the devastating fire incident that occurred recently at Watalkadal, Srinagar. The relief material was handed over to the local mosque committee for distribution among the affected families. A delegation, as per a statement, led by Mufti Ghulam Rasool Samoon, visited the affected area and handed over essential relief supplies to the local committee for distribution among the affected families, with the objective of helping alleviate their difficulties to some extent. Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil reiterated its commitment to its longstanding humanitarian mission. Since its inception, the institution, with financial and material support from its well-wishers and philanthropists, has remained engaged in providing assistance and rehabilitation to people affected by natural and man-made disasters, without distinction of religion or community. The institution once again appealed to philanthropists and people of means to continue extending their generous support to the welfare organisation, as they have done in the past, so that relief and assistance activities for deserving and affected families can be carried out more effectively.

Home composting should be made mandatory for Govt officials

Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG), Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, has welcomed the statement of Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kour, wherein she said government officials, especially municipal officials, cannot preach cleanliness unless they practise it themselves through home composting of biodegradable waste. Mandeep Kour made the remarks while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function organised at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, where the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) launched the Swachhta Internship Programme. The Commissioner Secretary said people keep talking about cleanliness and sanitation, but unless they become serious about managing waste at home, tangible change cannot be achieved. How many of us are managing waste at home? I ask my Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and other officers, are you doing home composting of waste? We can only preach when we practise this, Mandeep Kour said. Dr Raja Muzaffar also hailed the Bandipora district administration's decision to make home composting of biodegradable waste mandatory for households with sufficient space around their homes. He said such decisions are necessary and government officers must start home composting of waste first, after which it can be enforced on citizens. We have been urging home composting for the last 10 years. In fact, I met the then Chief Secretary, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, in 2018 on this issue and over the last 10 years I have written multiple articles on the subject. The government has woken up late, but it is never too late, Dr Raja Muzaffar said. He demanded that a formal government order be issued making home composting mandatory for all municipal officers, Rural Development Department officials, teachers and other government officials. This can then be followed by citizens as well. If these stringent decisions are not taken, our rivers, streams and open spaces will get choked with trash, he said.

3-day Kashmir Theatre Conference concludes

Srinagar, Sep 14:The three-day Kashmir Theatre Conference culminated on Monday with a vibrant concluding and felicitation function, bringing together eminent theatre practitioners, scholars, writers, artists, cultural enthusiasts and distinguished guests to celebrate Kashmirs rich theatrical heritage and deliberate upon its creative future. The concluding day, as per a statement, commenced at 11:00 a.m. with an academic paper-reading and presentation session, followed by an interactive brainstorming discussion on The Future Prospects of Theatre in Kashmir. The academic sessions throughout the Conference featured paper readings and presentations by eminent theatre scholars, writers and practitioners, including Hasrat Gadda, Gouri Shankar Raina, Bhawani Basheer Yasir, Dr. Aiyash Arif, Ravi Kemmu, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Prof. Farooq Fayyaz, Lalit Parimoo, Majeed Khan, Shaikh Haneef, Shah-e-Jahan Ahmad Bhagat, Javaid Khan, Raees Wathoori, Nisar Naseem, Arshad Mushtaq, Reshi Rasheed, Hassan Javaid, M. Y. Shaheen, Hakeem Javaid, Ameen Bhat, Gulzar Fighter, Shaikh Altaf, Mir Sarwar, S. Humayun Qaisar and Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan. The scholarly deliberations explored the evolution and development of theatre in Kashmir, its contemporary challenges and future prospects. Speakers offered constructive suggestions concerning institutional support, creative experimentation, professional development, audience engagement and the long-term sustainability of theatre in the region. The sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation and a rich exchange of ideas among practitioners, scholars, artists and members of the audience.

Minors body recovered from Bandipora nallah after five days

The body of a 10-year-old boy who drowned in Madhumati Nallah in north Kashmirs Bandipora district was recovered on Monday, five days after the incident. Momin Ahmad Ganie, a fourth-standard student from Ganie Mohalla in Kaloosa, had slipped into the nallah while trying to retrieve a cricket ball. A large-scale search operation was launched following the incident, involving local volunteers, police, SDRF, civil administration, politicians, the Army and other agencies. On Monday, Momins body was recovered several metres downstream from the spot where he had drowned by local volunteers, including Owais Ahmad Dar. Everyone was in pain and worried about how long it would take for the body to be recovered. Although the child has passed away, the recovery will reduce some of the pain in the hearts of the bereaved family, said Tahir Ahmad Dar, a local volunteer involved in the recovery. Momin was the only boy among four sisters. Thousands of people gathered at his residence before his funeral prayers were offered. The incident has prompted residents living along the Madhumati Nallah to call for stronger safety and emergency response measures. Residents urged the administration to provide at least four to five life jackets in villages including Nathpora, Kaloosa, Lankreshipora and Kulhama so that locals can immediately begin rescue efforts during emergencies. This could even help us recover drowned persons alive, so that no time is wasted waiting for the SDRF and other agencies to arrive with machines and equipment, a local resident said. Former MLA Usman Majid called for immediate measures to secure vulnerable stretches of the nallah. I urge the administration to take immediate and necessary measures to properly fence and secure the vulnerable stretches of Nallah Madhumati, so that no more precious lives are lost, he said.

Darakhshan Andrabi unveils shrine upgrade, high-tech ambulance service at Baba Rishi

J&K Waqf Board Chairperson and Minister of State Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Monday inaugurated a shrine upgradation project and a high-tech ambulance service at the Baba Payam-ud-Din Rishi shrine in Baba Rishi, Tangmarg. Andrabi paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir before attending a function organised by the Waqf Board. The upgradation project includes beautification of the shrine complex, improved public facilities and better management. Later, Andrabi reviewed ongoing development works, including those at Gulmarg Jamia Masjid, and interacted with the engineering team to assess progress and ensure timely completion. Senior Waqf Board officials, including Special Officer Auqaf Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, JKAS, Executive Magistrate and Tehsildar Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, JKAS, and Executive Engineer Er Qazi Mushtaq were present. Addressing the gathering, Andrabi said the Waqf Board was undertaking development works across its properties and shrines in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on modern infrastructure, public amenities, cleanliness and preservation of spiritual heritage. The Waqf Board is undergoing a historic transformation across Jammu and Kashmir. Our endeavour is to ensure that every shrine and Waqf institution reflects development, dignity, cleanliness and efficient public service, she said. She said the Board was undertaking development initiatives across different regions in a planned and transparent manner to make Waqf properties centres of spirituality, community service and public welfare while preserving their historic character. Andrabi also called for collective efforts by Waqf officials, local communities and devotees to maintain the sanctity, cleanliness and dignity of shrines. She said the Board would continue to undertake projects aimed at improving facilities for devotees and strengthening Waqf infrastructure.

Private enterprise can create jobs, strengthen local economy: Altaf Bukhari

Kathua, Sep 14:President of the J&K Apni Party Altaf Bukhari on Monday inaugurated the Indian Oil petrol pump Aanam Filling Station at Hamirpur (Rajbagh) on National Highway-44 in Kathua. The filling station is owned by Yasar Ali Chowdhary.Bukhari was accompanied by J&K Apni Party Provincial President Jammu, S. Manjit Singh; District President Samba Raman Thappa; party spokesperson Sahil Bharti; and Onkar Singh, among others. Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari, as per a party statement, congratulated Yasar Ali Chowdhary and his family for establishing the new facility and described it as a welcome addition to the growing economic and commercial activity along the important NH-44 corridor.He said that the establishment of a new business venture by a local entrepreneur reflects the growing confidence of people in the economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that such initiatives should be encouraged because sustainable economic development cannot be achieved through government employment alone. We need more young entrepreneurs and investors to come forward and create opportunities for themselves as well as for others. Every new enterprise has the potential to generate direct and indirect employment and contributes to strengthening the local economy, Bukhari said. The Apni Party President said that Jammu and Kashmir possesses enormous potential in sectors such as tourism, transport, hospitality, agriculture, food processing, small industries, services and trade. He stressed the need for an environment in which entrepreneurs can establish and expand their businesses without unnecessary administrative hurdles. Bukhari observed that the expansion and improvement of road connectivity, particularly along major national highways, should translate into greater economic opportunities for local communities. He said NH-44 is an important economic lifeline connecting different parts of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, and the development of commercial facilities along the highway can provide essential services to commuters while also generating employment and business opportunities for people living in adjoining areas. He said that better connectivity should not remain confined to the movement of vehicles but should also facilitate the movement of goods, services, tourists and investment, thereby creating a wider economic ecosystem. Bukhari called upon entrepreneurs to explore emerging opportunities and urged the government to provide a conducive policy and regulatory environment for private investment. The Apni Party chief stressed that unemployment remains one of the major concerns confronting the youth and said that a comprehensive strategy is required to address it. He said government departments and public-sector institutions have an important role, but the private sector must also become a major source of employment. Our youth possess talent, skills and the ability to succeed. What they need is an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, investment and innovation. When a young person establishes a business, he or she does not merely create self-employment but also opens avenues of employment for others, he said. He appreciated Yasar Ali Chowdhary for taking the initiative and expressed hope that the new venture would grow successfully and become a source of employment for local youth. Bukhari said that Jammu and Kashmir needs a stronger and more transparent business environment where legitimate enterprises can function smoothly. He called for simplification of procedures, timely approvals, improved infrastructure and effective coordination between departments dealing with commerce, roads, power, taxation and other essential services. He said that local entrepreneurs should be given greater encouragement so that capital generated within Jammu and Kashmir is invested back into the local economy. Our objective should be to create an economy in which our youth become job creators rather than only job seekers. For this, the government, financial institutions and the private sector have to work together, he said. Bukhari extended his best wishes to Yasar Ali Chowdhary, proprietor of Aanam Filling Station, and his family, expressing hope that the new facility would serve the people travelling on NH-44 and the residents of surrounding areas efficiently. He also underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of customer service, safety and professionalism at such public-facing facilities. The inauguration concluded with Bukhari interacting with the proprietor, local residents and other guests present on the occasion. The gathering expressed hope that the new commercial facility would contribute to local economic activity and provide convenient services to commuters and residents in the Hamirpur-Rajbagh area. The presence of senior Apni Party leaders, including S. Manjit Singh, Raman Thappa, Sahil Bharti and Onkar Singh, reflected the party's support for local entrepreneurship and initiatives aimed at strengthening economic activity and employment opportunities in the region.

Brother, sister injured in bear attack in Anantnags Dooru

A brother and sister were seriously injured on Monday evening after a wild bear attacked them while they were picking apples in their family orchard in Kralmad area of Dooru in Anantnag district. The injured were identified as 23-year-old Aabid Nazir and his 16-year-old sister Sehrish Nazir, children of Nazir Ahmad Rather, residents of Kralmad, Dooru. According to locals, the siblings were picking apples when the bear suddenly appeared and attacked them. Both sustained serious injuries and were shifted for medical treatment. Wildlife authorities reached the area and launched an operation to trap the animal, officials said. The attack comes amid a spike in bear attacks across Kashmir since the start of apple harvesting. At least two people have been killed and more than 45 injured in bear attacks across the Valley. The increased bear movement near orchards has raised concern among residents as apple harvesting activity has intensified across Kashmir.

Power infrastructure gets major boost in Banihal-Gool: Shaheen

Banihal, Sep 14:Power infrastructure in the Banihal-Gool area is witnessing a major augmentation with receiving stations being upgraded, new transmission lines taken up and additional transformation capacity planned, MLA Sajjad Shaheen said on Monday. Speaking ahead of the dedication of the upgraded Khari Receiving Station, Shaheen said its capacity had been enhanced from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA, while the Banihal Receiving Station had already been augmented from 6.3 MVA to 10.6 MVA. The Sangaldan Receiving Station has also been upgraded from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA, with the newly installed transformer ready for dedication, he said. Shaheen said work was underway on the Tethar-Banihal power line and a new line from Marog to Ramsu. An additional 20 MVA transformer at Tethar Grid Station is also in the pipeline. He said the projects would strengthen the power network, improve reliability and help reduce frequent outages in the area. These projects are being taken forward in phases, but together they represent a major strengthening of the power system in Banihal-Gool, Shaheen said. He said several development projects had been sanctioned across the constituency during the past one-and-a-half years, covering sectors including roads, healthcare, education, sports and tourism, with particular focus on remote and far-flung areas. Shaheen credited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's government for its focus on addressing long-pending infrastructure deficiencies in difficult and remote areas. Executive Engineers of PDD Ramban and STD Udhampur, AEEs, local party functionaries and prominent citizens were present.

J&Ks EV push comes with a winter test

Srinagar, Sep 14:Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for a significant shift towards electric mobility, but the administration is taking a cautious approach, seeking to ensure charging infrastructure, winter performance and after-sales support are in place before electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates. The Draft Jammu and Kashmir Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 proposes that electric vehicles account for 40 percent of new personal four-wheeler registrations within six years of its adoption. The proposed targets are 35 percent for two-wheelers, 30 percent for buses and 25 percent for taxis and shared mobility vehicles. The draft policy has not yet been notified. It was recently reviewed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who directed that the framework follow a reliability-first and fiscally prudent approach. The Law Department has been asked to undertake legal vetting before the policy is finalised. The policy formulation process began nearly four years ago, with the government constituting a committee on October 20, 2022, to examine EV incentives, commercial fleet conversion, charging infrastructure, road safety, research, innovation and skill development. The latest draft has been prepared by the Transport Department with support from the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG). A major focus of the draft is J&Ks winter conditions. Sub-zero temperatures, mountainous terrain and difficult road conditions can affect battery performance, vehicle range and charging efficiency. The proposed policy therefore provides for a dedicated Winter Validation Protocol to assess battery thermal behaviour, low-temperature charging and the impact of cabin heating on vehicle performance. Dulloo has also directed that EV deployment be aligned with J&Ks terrain, climate and operational requirements, particularly on difficult routes, with vehicles and charging infrastructure validated under actual field conditions. A senior government official involved in the policy process said the administration did not want registrations to outpace infrastructure. Electric mobility cannot be driven only by registration targets. In Jammu and Kashmir, consumers need confidence that their vehicles will perform in winter, that charging points will be available and that servicing will be accessible when required, the official said. Charging infrastructure is consequently at the heart of the proposed framework. J&K currently has around 180 public charging stations. The draft proposes increasing this to 450 sites by the third year and 900 by the sixth year. It also proposes 140 priority fast-charging hubs, each expected to maintain at least 98 per cent monthly uptime an indication that the government intends to measure charging reliability rather than merely count installations. For electric two-wheelers, dealers say consumer confidence will be critical. A Srinagar-based electric-scooter dealer, Umar Ahmad said demand was increasing, but buyers remained particularly concerned about winter range, battery life and charging availability. Customers are interested in electric scooters because of the lower running cost, but winter performance is one of the first questions they ask. People want to know how much range they will actually get in cold weather and where they can charge if they travel outside Srinagar, the dealer said. Once customers know that charging is reliable and servicing is available, adoption can increase much faster. At present, infrastructure and confidence are bigger issues than interest in the technology, the dealer said. The proposed targets are ambitious. A 40 percent share for personal four-wheelers would mean two out of every five new cars being electric within six years, while the 35 percent two-wheeler target would mean more than one in three new registrations. The draft also proposes financial support, including interest subvention of up to 3 percent per annum or rolling top-up support, with both benefits not available simultaneously. An annual scrappage exchange bonus has also been proposed for up to three years through authorised scrappage channels. Government fleets are proposed to transition gradually to EVs, although Dulloo has directed that replacements be phased and need-based, taking account of local terrain, climate and operational requirements. The policy also seeks to link EV charging with the power system through Time-of-Day tariffs and charging during solar hours. It proposes 40 percent renewable-energy integration in charging operations during the policy period. Transport Secretary Avny Lavasa said the draft had been structured around eight strategic pillars covering vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, workforce development, fiscal support, power-system integration and environmental outcomes.

Govt spending alone cant make Srinagar clean: HUUD

Srinagar, Sep 14:Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kaur, Monday said cleanliness in Srinagar cannot be achieved through government spending alone, saying citizens must take responsibility for keeping their homes and surroundings clean. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a function here, Kaur said despite substantial expenditure on infrastructure such as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), garbage collection vehicles and waste-processing facilities, the cleanliness campaign would not succeed unless people change their behaviour at the household level. Until we start from our homes, nothing is going to change, she said. Kaur stressed the need for practices such as home composting and responsible waste disposal, saying the change in waste management must start at the household level and people must start segregation of waste and composting in homes. We all, including the Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), must do it, she said. Kaur said that the SMC has around 3000 to 4000 sanitation workers, while the city has a population of around 16-17 lakh, making it impossible for municipal staff alone to keep every locality clean. She said the administration was particularly focusing on children and schools to create a culture of cleanliness, saying that the Cleanliness Internship Programme had already been started in Jammu. Until children start forcing their parents to keep their house clean and their surroundings clean, nothing will change, Kaur said. She also called for an end to the indiscriminate use of plastic and said the administration aimed to create clean warriors in schools and homes who could lead the fight against pollution. We keep saying no to plastics, but everybody uses it, Kaur said. She said that the objective was to ensure that tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir do not find the region dirty but beautiful. On Srinagars cleanliness ranking, Kaur said the city had witnessed a decline primarily due to inadequate waste processing despite improvements in waste collection. Srinagar is very clean compared to other cities. There is a collection, but there is no processing, she said. The absence of adequate processing infrastructure has emerged as a major challenge, with the long-delayed cleaning operation at the Achan waste site now set to resume. Kaur said for years the solid waste of the city remained piled up at Achan without treatment, adding that the situation was manageable now. Thankfully we have a solution now and it is being implemented on a fast-track, she said. Achan is Srinagars primary landfill and legacy dumping site near Eidgah and has been a recurring subject of official visits, reviews and criticism. In July, a Rs 361-crore remediation project was examined by the Legislative Assemblys Environment Committee. Kaur said work on the required project had now started after remaining pending for a long time, expressing hope that the problem would be addressed. I am hopeful that Srinagar will significantly improve its cleanliness ranking and in two years will at least come in the top three clean cities, she said. The optimism comes amid a decline in Srinagars ranking in national environmental assessments. On September 7, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the fifth Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan (Clean Air Survey), which assessed 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme and ranked Srinagar 26th among cities with a population above ten lakh. In 2025, Srinagar was placed 25th in the survey, while three years ago, in 2023, it was ranked fourth. Srinagars CPCB score dropped from 184.6 in 2023 to 162.6 this year, while Jammus score rose over the same period. According to the J&K Pollution Control Committee, the survey does not simply measure ambient air quality but also takes into account several variables, including actions taken to control pollution. It measures road dust management, vehicular and industrial emissions, and construction and demolition waste. More importantly, it is heavily dependent on the status of solid-waste and biomass burning in a city, making waste management a key factor in Srinagars environmental performance. Illegal encroachment and dumping around adjoining wetlands, including Anchar and Hokersar, have also been cited as contributors to environmental degradation. With solid waste emerging as a key challenge, officials said better management was possible and was already underway, with the cleaning operation at Achan expected to address a major part of the citys long-standing waste problem.

Plastic, polythene choke J&K despite years of bans

Srinagar, Sep 14:Plastic bottles lie along river and stream banks, polythene bags hang from bushes and food wrappers gather beside roads and open spaces across Jammu and Kashmir. The waste is visible in Srinagar and Jammu, J&Ks two major cities, as well as towns and villages across the Union Territory. In rural areas, collection under the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Rural Sanitation programmes remains poor or mostly absent. Some villages have solid-waste management sheds, but irregular collection leaves garbage piled around them. Many are located near water bodies, allowing waste to find its way into nearby streams and rivers. Kitchen waste is often mixed with polythene, plastic, diapers and other non-biodegradable material. Smaller and bigger towns face similar gaps, with limited segregation, processing and disposal facilities leaving garbage in open areas and near water bodies. Tourist and mountain areas are also bearing the burden. Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Doodhpathri see heavy visitor pressure, while destinations such as Yousmarg, Daksum, Kokernag, Chatapal, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Aharbal, Gurez, Keran, Warwan and Marwa valleys are also seeing plastic waste accumulate along roads, trails and water sources. Rain and runoff carry discarded bottles, polythene and food packaging into streams and rivers. Some eventually reaches the Jhelum and other water bodies. Studies have detected microplastics in Manasbal Lake, raising concerns over plastic pollution in Kashmirs freshwater ecosystems. Banned material still enters J&K J&Ks restrictions on polythene date back to 2006, when the High Court restricted its use and sale at tourist destinations and healthcare institutions. In June 2008, the government issued SRO-182 under the J&K Non-Biodegrad able Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, imposing a blanket ban on polythene carry bags. SRO-45, issued in 2017, expanded the restrictions to the manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and use of specified polythene and plastic products. In 2018, the High Court directed authorities to enforce the prohibitions and stop banned material at entry points and wholesale stockholding depots. The Centre imposed additional restrictions on identified single-use plastic items in 2022. Yet banned products continue to be in circulation in J&K markets. Assembly panel seeks tougher action The Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, headed by CPI(M) legislator Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami, has called for stronger action. In June, the committee recommended a comprehensive ban on plastic and stricter checks at entry points, tourist destinations, religious places and other environmentally sensitive areas. It also sought action against the illegal transportation, sale and use of prohibited products. The panel asked government departments and public institutions to discourage plastic use at offices, meetings and official functions. We have been submitting our recommendations to the government about the use of polythene and plastic and suggesting measures to curb it and protect the fragile environment of Jammu and Kashmir, Tarigami said. He said the committee would submit another report on the issue during the upcoming budget session. So far, implementation of the ban on usage of polythene and plastic is not seen on the ground, Tarigami said. The committee has also sought details on environmental impact, legacy waste, scientific processing and National Green Tribunal (NGT) compliance at major dumping sites in Srinagar and Jammu that includes Achan landfill and Bhagwati Nagar dumping site. Banned material still enters J&K Lakhanpur, J&Ks main entry point from Punjab, has an anti-polythene check post yet banned material continues to circulate in J&K markets. In 2025, the J&K Pollution Control Committee seized about 1100 kg of banned polythene from a vehicle there. For environmental campaigners, preventing prohibited material from entering J&K is only the first step. Enforcement must continue in wholesale markets, shops and tourist destinations. Waste piles up after use J&K generates more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic and polythene waste annually. More than 2.25 lakh tonnes of plastic waste were generated between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Poor segregation makes recovery and recycling difficult, with plastic frequently mixed with household waste. Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat said repeated bans would have little effect without sustained implementation. We need a government-led Waste-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign on the lines of the anti-drug drive. Plastic and polythene pollution requires sustained enforcement and public participation, Bhat said. He called for segregation at source and home composting. Nearly 80 percent of municipal solid waste is organic. It should be composted at source instead of being mixed with polythene and other non-biodegradable waste, he said. Bhat also pointed to Ladakh, where authorities have adopted stricter restrictions on identified single-use plastic, intensified checks at entry points and authorised field officials to impose penalties for violations. Regional Director, JKPCC Kashmir, Safeer Hussain Shah said enforcement teams were continuing action against illegal polythene. We recently seized 40 tonnes of polythene in Anantnag, and before those 29 tonnes in Rajbagh, Srinagar, Shah said.

Opposition arms for stormy J&K Assembly autumn session

Srinagar, Sept 14:The 10-day autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, beginning here on September 21, is expected to be stormy as opposition parties plan to corner Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government over issues like job outsourcing, rising unemployment, and the ruling party's failure to fulfil electoral promises. The BJP, the main opposition party in the J&K Legislative Assembly, said the CM Omar-led National Conference (NC) government has failed on all fronts. We will raise the issues about the public in the Assembly. There is an outsourcing scam, corruption is continuing unabated, and the Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies' polls are being delayed unnecessarily, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur told PTI. Thakur said his party MLAs will remind the government of its unfulfilled promises made during the 2024 assembly elections. People were promised 200 units of free electricity. Development works have come to a standstill after the elections, Thakur said. PDP MLA from Pulwama Waheed Para said his party will focus on unemployment, outsourcing, the lopsided reservation policy, and regularising daily wagers in government service. The Session's duration is short, and we will try to raise the maximum number of public issues, especially the electoral promises made by the National Conference on both the governance and political fronts, Para said. NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar said his party will present its progress report to the people. The issues of the people are of paramount importance to us. The government is doing its best to fulfil its electoral promises. We do not claim that we have done everything, but we certainly are on the way to fulfil them, Dar said. He said he expects the opposition party to play a responsible role in the Legislative Assembly and not create a sensation. Parliamentary democracy envisages that the opposition asks questions about public issues and the government is answerable. We will do our part with sincerity, Dar said. According to the provisional calendar issued by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, the session will begin with obituary references on September 21, followed by government business the next day. The House will discuss private members' bills on September 24, followed by private members' resolutions the next day. On September 28, the House will again discuss private members' bills, followed by government business on September 29 and 30.

Prioritise gaps, strengthen healthcare: CM Omar

Srinagar, Sep 14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for prioritising gaps and strengthening healthcare. Chairing a meeting to review the health sector reforms and the roadmap for further strengthening healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, CM Omar appreciated the Health Department for the steps taken over the last nearly two years to address manpower shortages as well as infrastructure and equipment deficiencies. I appreciate all the steps that the Health Department has taken over the last almost two years, both in terms of addressing infrastructure and equipment deficiencies, he said. The CM advised the department to focus on filling up critical gaps in the system as per the expected budgetary allocations and the report of the Advisory Committee would serve as the roadmap in this direction. He said that the elaborate and extensive reforms plan would require huge funding and the report on the reforms to be undertaken suggest what should our healthcare system look like in an ideal situation but the financial resources required may not be available in one go. CM Omar underlined the need to prioritize and plan which components need more immediate attention besides improving the basic facilities of primary and secondary health-care system. The Chief Minister, who is also holding the Finance portfolio, assured the Health Department of continued support for further strengthening the sector. As I am currently looking after the Finance Department as well, I reassure the department and particularly the Minister concerned that whatever we can do from the Finance Department to continue this improvement in the Health Department, we will do, he said. The meeting was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta and Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M Raju. Director SKIMS; Principals of all Government Medical Colleges of J&K; Principal SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Mission Director National Health Mission J&K; Managing Director J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited; Commissioner Food and Drug Administration and other concerned officers also attended the meeting. Officers stationed outside Srinagar participated through video conferencing. Detailed presentations were made by the respective heads of the Advisory Committee on various aspects of the health sector, including healthcare infrastructure, medical education, specialised healthcare services, digital health, public health, and human resource requirements. The meeting reviewed the progress made in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services across J&K and took stock of the requirements and priorities for further improvement in the sector. The meeting also reviewed the functioning and requirements of Government Medical Colleges, SKIMS, and other tertiary and district-level healthcare institutions, with particular focus on improving patient care, infrastructure, equipment, medical education and specialised services. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including cancer care, medical education and seat capacity, digital health services, oral healthcare, food safety, mental health and drug de-addiction, liver transplant services, nutritional support, and geriatric care.

J&K Bank proposes new director as Chhibbers term ends

Srinagar, Sep 14:Jammu and Kashmir Bank has amended the agenda for its 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM), proposing the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, as a non-executive, non-independent director while also placing the retirement of existing director R. K. Chhibber before shareholders. The bank issued an addendum to its AGM notice on September 14, adding two agenda items to the meeting scheduled for September 22 at 11 am at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Under the first resolution, shareholders will be asked to take note of Chhibbers retirement by rotation and approve a proposal not to fill the resulting vacancy at the ensuing AGM. The bank said the vacancy will subsequently be filled by the Board, subject to shareholders approval. The second resolution seeks shareholders approval for the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin as a director liable to retire by rotation. The bank said it received a written notice from the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh proposing Tharchins candidature for the directorship. Tharchin is currently serving as Commissioner/Secretary, Finance Department, UT of Ladakh. The banks disclosure said its Nomination and Remuneration Committee conducted due diligence on his candidature on August 29 and recommended his appointment. The Board subsequently appointed him as an Additional Director in the category of rotational directors on August 31 and recommended his appointment to shareholders. A 2007-batch officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), Tharchin joined the Ladakh Administration as Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department, on July 6, 2026. Before that, he served as Accountant General (Audit), J&K, from November 6, 2025. He had earlier served as Deputy Accountant General and Senior Deputy Accountant General in J&K and handled government accounts-related responsibilities in Punjab and Chandigarh. His professional experience also includes a stint as Financial Advisor at the National Company Law Tribunal in New Delhi from 2021 to 2024, followed by his role as Principal Director in the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. His CAG assignments included processing audit reports relating to J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, besides the Ministry of Defence. The bank has also highlighted his international audit experience, including a performance audit of the Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva on deputation to the United Nations. He was also part of UN-related audit assignments and led audits involving Indian diplomatic missions and public-sector entities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The proposed director holds a BA from Kashmir University and a Diploma in Management from IGNOU. He is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with experience spanning administration, finance, accountancy, information technology, human resources and business management. The bank said Tharchin will not receive sitting fees or other remuneration from J&K Bank as he is currently in full-time employment with the Government of Ladakh. His disclosed shareholding in the bank is nil. For shareholders, remote e-voting on the resolutions will begin on September 19 at 9 am and close on September 21 at 5 pm. The bank has clarified that all other items in the original AGM notice dated August 29 will remain unchanged. The addendum forms an integral part of the original AGM notice and has been issued to place the latest factual position before shareholders ahead of the September 22 meeting.

HC issues notice to Govt on PIL over AGs appointment

Srinagar, Sep 14:The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday issued notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking judicial intervention for filling up the post of Advocate General which has been lying vacant for nearly two years. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal sought the governments response to the PIL through Chief Secretary and Law Secretary to be filed by October 21, the next date of hearing. During the virtual hearing, the Court observed that the post of Advocate General should, ideally, be filled by the next date of hearing. Jammu and Kashmir Advocate General D C Raina submitted his resignation on October 18, 2024, after a National Conference-led government assumed office in the Union Territory. The PIL, filed by advocate Harsh Dubey through counsel Kannu Karan Prasher, seeking directions to the competent authority to initiate and complete, within a reasonable timeframe, the process for filling the constitutional post, which has remained vacant for a considerable period. Duby, a practicing advocate, has submitted that he approached the court in public interest, as the continued vacancy of the constitutional office was affecting the administration of justice and the discharge of statutory functions attached to the post. The matter involves an important constitutional office having significant responsibilities in relation to the administration of justice, conduct of Government litigation and discharge of statutory and legal functions, the PIL urges. The petition also refers to an earlier order passed by the High Court on June 4, 2025, in Shri Nav Durga Jhaleri Mata Trust versus UT of J&K and Others (WP(C) No 1433/2025), wherein the court had taken note of the prolonged vacancy and observed that it was rendering Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which contemplates a role for the Advocate General in matters concerning public charitable and religious trusts, practically inoperative. Moreover, the PIL highlighted that the vacancy has affected the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, as the Advocate General serves as its ex-officio Chairperson under the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001, and the notification constituting the committee, S O 466 of 2022. The petition seeks courts intervention to direct the authorities to undertake the process contemplated under Section 79 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for appointment of an Advocate General and complete it within a reasonable period fixed by the court. It also seeks appropriate directions for the smooth functioning of the Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee and asks the government to place on record an affidavit disclosing the reasons for the continued vacancy and the steps taken so far. According to the petitioner, he submitted a representation before the competent authorities, including the J&Ks Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary requesting immediate and effective steps for appointment of a regular Advocate General. As no effective institutional action has been taken to address the issue, he has approached the court by way of the present public interest Litigation under Article 226 of the Constitution of Linda, seeking appropriate directions for expeditious steps towards filling up the office of Advocate General in accordance with law, the PIL says.

The Sangarmal Project

Kashmiri businessmen are out to scale new heights and contribute towards Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of making Bharat Viksit by 2047. A consortium backed by a top-notch businessman of the Valley, Mushtaq Chaya recently won Sangarmal land auction for Rs 421.75 crore. One of the biggest bids won by a group backed by a local entrepreneur in the present times. The winning of Sangarmal bid was much more than a real-estate transaction. It represented a significant vote of confidence in Srinagars economic future. The property, located in one of the citys most prominent commercial areas, lies close to Polo View, Lal Chowk, the Kashmir Golf Course and Dal Lake. Its strategic location gives it enormous potential to become a major commercial, hospitality and entertainment destination. The project is something big for Kashmir as the consortium plans to build a hotel, shops, banquets, restaurants and exclusive retail spaces there. An international mall in Kashmir. The proposed project is expected to involve an overall investment of around Rs 1000 crore, including the Rs 421.75-crore bid and approximately Rs 650 crore in construction and development. Its expected to generate 10,000 jobs and would have the parking space for nearly 5000 vehicles, largest in the City Centre. Such an ambitious project would have a tremendous effect on the local economy. Large investments create opportunities far beyond the construction site. They generate employment for architects, engineers, contractors, skilled workers, transporters, suppliers, retailers, hospitality professionals and service providers. Once operational, a major integrated commercial destination can support thousands of direct and indirect livelihoods. This is precisely the kind of economic activity that Kashmir needs. Such a process is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. A developed India cannot be built by a few metropolitan centres alone. Every region, state and Union Territory must contribute to the national economic transformation. Jammu and Kashmir, with its tourism potential, human capital, handicrafts, horticulture, agriculture, renewable-energy possibilities and strategic location, has an important role to play. Kashmirs entrepreneurs can become important partners in that journey. The real measure of the new economic era, however, will not simply be the size of investments announced. It will be the number of jobs created, businesses established, young people empowered and families whose incomes rise as a consequence of economic expansion. The larger message is clear: Kashmir is entering an era in which its people are increasingly becoming stakeholders in its economic transformation. The new Kashmir is not only about roads, bridges, railways and public infrastructure. It is also about entrepreneurs taking risks, young people launching businesses, investors creating employment and local companies partnering with national players to build projects of scale. This is the Kashmir that can contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047a Kashmir that is peaceful, prosperous, entrepreneurial and confident about its future. The Sangarmal investment is not just Rs 421.75-crore bid, but it represents: the growing belief that Kashmirs greatest economic opportunities can be created in Kashmir itself, by people willing to invest in its future. For years, there was a perception that Kashmir offered limited opportunities for large-scale private enterprise. That perception is changing. The Valley is gradually seeing businesses expand into hospitality, tourism, real estate, technology, handicrafts, food processing, retail, transport, education and other sectors. Young entrepreneurs are increasingly looking beyond traditional occupations and exploring modern business models. This transformation is important because economic development cannot be sustained by government expenditure alone. Public investment creates infrastructure and an enabling environment, but private entrepreneurship creates enterprises, jobs, innovation and wealth. The participation of local entrepreneurs gives development a particularly important dimension because profits, skills and opportunities can circulate within the local economy. Sangarmal can therefore become a symbol of this new economic confidence. The project also comes at a time when Srinagarscommercial landscape is changing rapidly. The city is becoming increasingly connected to the rest of the country through major infrastructure projects, improved road connectivity and the expansion of tourism facilities. The operationalisation of major connectivity projects, including the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, has strengthened the perception of Kashmir as an increasingly accessible destination for tourists, investors and businesses. The growth of tourism provides another major opportunity. Kashmirs natural beauty has always attracted visitors, but the modern tourism economy requires much more than traditional sightseeing. Tourists increasingly seek quality hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, wellness, adventure activities and sophisticated leisure experiences. A project combining hospitality, retail and entertainment can therefore complement Kashmirs tourism potential. Sheikh Khalid Jehangir is Director of the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), former Vice Chairman of JKPCC, and the BJPs 2019 Lok Sabha candidate from Srinagar. He is a regular columnist for Greater Kashmir, has worked with national and international news organizations, and has authored books on Kashmir

Monsoons Festivals

In Indian culture, both Spring and Winter are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety; Spring almost all over the country and Winter in the warmer regions south of the Himalayas. However, there is another season, the advent of which is a harbinger of happiness and hope ... and that is the rainy season, or the Monsoon as it is also known. It brings happiness because it cools down the troublesome summer heat, and hope because water, especially cool water, on dry earth is always a symbol of hope. And yet, the effect of rains is felt quite differently in the hills and plains. In the hills even a light shower brings down the temperature considerably, adding a chill to the already cool air. In the plains it is an early sign of the onset of Monsoon - which is celebrated with the greatest fervour in the extremely hot and dry northern belt. After the baking temperatures of May and June followed by the itchy humidity of July, vibrant August brings the much-awaited, life-giving rains. In hot, dry, landlocked northern India, the Monsoon - coming after the terrible, relentless Summer heat - is even more welcome than Spring. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of people at the first showers the wonderful hydrating effect of the rain water on parched earth; the filling up of rivers, ponds and wells long dry; the flowering of bushes and shrubs; the sprouting of fresh new leaves; the joyful singing of birds, who have a difficult time looking for drinking water in the hot summer. And above all, the cool, refreshing breezes instead of the devastating loo winds that create desert-like conditions. The Monsoons give Nature a head-to-toe bath, as layers of dust are washed away and every tree gets a clean new look with glistening leaves. Old and young alike, long suffering under the merciless Sun, come out of their homes to meet and greet their neighbours and celebrate the rains together. The biggest Monsoon festival of North India - Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The villages of the plains of North India present a picture of health and cheer during Teej, with everyone dressed in bright clothes and brighter smiles! Teej becomes the perfect opportunity to socialise, as the pleasant weather breathes new life into the people. The lush greenery, fresh air and cool weather inspire the village folk to gather together in courtyards and community spaces, singing folk songs to welcome the rains. Groups of village children can be seen taking rain-baths, diving into ponds with gleeful shouts and splashing in out of puddles with abandon. The menfolk express their joy by dancing the energetic bhangra to the peppy beats of the dhol, in their colourful turbans and folk dresses. The festival becomes an occasion for women to travel to their parental homes (peka in Punjabi), reunite with family and childhood friends, and spend time with their parents and siblings. The first Teej of newly-wedded young women becomes even more special as they receive a gift hamper of new clothes and bangles from their maika or peehar (parental home). Both, married women and unmarried young girls put on their best and brightest clothes saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga. Pinks, blues and yellows mix with greens and reds, the traditional Teej colours. Women and girls come out in droves, shining in their attractive attires, chattering and laughing, the palms of their hands adorned with deep red mehndi designs. On the occasion of Teej, rope swings (peeng / jhoola) are hung from strong branches of sturdy trees like mango and peepal, where women and girls take turns swinging in singles or in pairs. What a lovely scene it is: ladies adorned in finery, swinging away merrily under large shady trees, their veils (chunni / odhni) fluttering in the breeze, bangles tinkling rhythmically with the to-and-fro motion ! The days come alive with womenfolk performing lively Giddha dances while reciting traditional boliyan (couplets on village life). Bangle-sellers displaying bright, colourful glass bangles walk through villages with their portable stalls, singing Vangaan chadhaalo kudiyonmerebaba de darbaar diyaan (O girls, put on these blessed bangles). Rajasthani women in their multi-coloured striped leheriya attires and traditional jewellery can be heard singing Aayo Aayo Teej Tyohar (Teej festival has arrived !) and Aayi Sawaniye Ri Teej (The Monsoon has come !). Could any Indian festival be complete without a fair ?! Local Teej fairs (Teeyan da Mela) feature artisans offering intricate henna applications, folk music competitions, and traditional village games. And then, can there be any celebration without sweets ? Families lovingly prepare and share traditional sweets Ghevar (delicately-flavoured sweet shaped like a large disc), Gujia (deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and coconut) and Malpua (small syrup-soaked pancakes sprinkled with dry fruits). To balance the sweet flavour, there is the savoury kachaudi (a thick poori with a spicy potato filling). Not only in the plains and foothills, the Monsoons are also celebrated in mountainous Himachal Pradesh, most notably through traditional harvest and cultural fairs. The most prominent of these is the week-long Minjar Fair in Chamba, which celebrates the ripening of maize crops. Local communities mark the season with folk songs, village rituals, traditional music, and colourful processions, with people dressed in attractive folk dresses. Regional delicacies are prepared and enjoyed daily during the season. Coming after the scorching heat of the torrid summer, the rains soak and soften the cracked earth turning it soft, moist and receptive. In this way, the Monsoon plays a vital role in preparing the hard, dry farmland for the Kharif crop. Rice and maize, sown just before the Monsoon, are heavily dependent on the rains as these crops need plenty of water, especially in areas where artificial irrigation is unreliable or simply unavailable. Thus, to small farmers, the Monsoon comes like Gods gift. Perhaps it would not be wrong to say that in Indian culture, vibrant Monsoon festivals are the most awaited, as these are not just religious or cultural events; but a celebration of the rejuvenating aspect of Nature and Natures gift of life in the form of rainwater. T he author is a free-lance writer, editor and translator.

The Poverty of Economic Thought in Kashmir

Kashmir has produced generations of professionals: doctors who now run hospitals across the country, engineers who have built exceptional architecture, civil servants who occupy some of the most consequential offices in the administration. What it has not produced, in any meaningful number, is economists. This is not a complaint about missing celebrities. It is a statement about the absence of a discipline, an entire way of thinking about scarcity, policy and human behaviour, from the intellectual life of a region that has spent three decades arguing, almost entirely without data, about its own economic condition. The scale of the gap becomes clearer against the regions own institutional record. The University of Kashmirs own doctoral award lists show that in some recent years, the entire university, across every subject combined, produced very few PhDs in economics annually. This number is dwarfed by subjects such as history or sociology. This says how little institutional weight economics has carried here, even within its own flagship university. A place that debates unemployment, horticulture distress, tourism collapse and fiscal dependence almost daily has trained almost no one to study any of it with rigour. Among the handful of names that do exist, one sits well above the rest. Dr Haseeb Drabu is, without any competition, the closest thing this region has produced to a public economist in the full sense of the term. He is a man who has treated economics as a way of reading the world rather than a credential to be filed away. His career moved through banking, journalism, and eventually the finance ministry of the erstwhile state, and at each stage he argued with the fluency of someone who thinks about fiscal architecture as naturally as others think about politics. As Finance Minister, and earlier as Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, he brought an economists vocabulary, built on data and structural reasoning, into rooms long governed by administrative habit. But Dr Drabu did not emerge from a tradition of Kashmiri economic scholarship. He became the tradition itself, and a discipline that depends on one mans trajectory to justify its existence has not yet become a discipline at all. It would be convenient to place the entire blame on the state, and there is genuine substance to that charge. Decades of shutdowns, curfews and communication blackouts have made the sustained, uninterrupted work that research careers require extraordinarily difficult to sustain here. No government since 1947 has established a functioning regional economic research institution in Jammu and Kashmir, nor built a reliable body of local economic data around which scholars could build careers. There has been little institutional appetite, at any level of government, for independent economic critique of its own policy. These are real failures of governance and deserve to be named without softening. But governance failure explains only part of the picture, and stopping there lets the rest of us off too easily. Our educational institutions have taught economics largely as definitions to be reproduced in an examination hall rather as a discipline of genuine inquiry. Kashmir University has economics departments, but failed to create the ecosystem that places like the Delhi School of Economics built decades ago; connecting students to grants and internships, a pipeline that produces people who think about the economy for a living. A student finishing post-graduation in economics from Kashmir today has few such avenues left. The honest advice for such a student is to leave, and hope the region eventually calls them back, as it did to Dr. Drabu. Families here have made their own choices too, and those choices deserve honest scrutiny. For at least two generations, a capable Kashmiri students path has run through medicine, engineering, or the civil services, professions that offered visible respectability and security in a place where instability has been constant. Economics, pursued as a serious vocation rather than a fallback subject, simply did not register as a legitimate ambition in most households. Parents were not being unreasonable; they were responding rationally to genuine insecurity. But the accumulated effect of thousands of such decisions was a generation of capable minds who might have shaped this regions economy, and instead administered or treated an economy they were never trained to understand. Society reinforced the same hierarchy. The doctor one visits and the officer whose signature one needs earn visible, immediate respect. The economists contribution is often unwelcome and rarely rewarded with the same standing, in a society preoccupied with more urgent concerns. That is understandable after decades of hardship, but not a costless response. A society that fails to train people to think seriously about its own economy ends up outsourcing that thinking. So the question this region owes an honest answer to itself is : three decades into our economic crisis that has worsened the economic landscape of our state almost beyond recovery and yet our state has miserably failed to raise a single institution capable of imparting training to its people in the field of economics. This unreasonable silence has exposed the vulnerabilities of our system, which alludes to the fact that the government appears to be complicit in the collapse of our economic structure. So in a run up to build an economic citadel, this state demands an institutional infrastructure of international repute which will likely pave way for our economic revival. Malik Daniyal is an economics honours (research) graduate from Delhi University.

The Battle of Optics and Substance

Diplomacy has a body language of its own, which is seen through two distinct lenses: instant optics that capture the mood of the day, and an enduring aspect debated in the days and weeks that follow. The latter is more profound because it offers a deeper understanding of the strategic alignment behind the clasping of hands or walking in lockstep during high-stakes global events watched closely by the world through multiple prisms. This paradox represents the new dynamic of the emerging world order. Of all the places in the country, Kashmir was watching this more closely than other states and Union Territories, where the focus was primarily on trade, export, and import. Jammu and Kashmir, apart from this focus, was particularly attuned to the course of India-China talks and the direction they would take. Kashmir views these relations in several contextsincluding border defense. Although Ladakh has been geographically and politically separated from it, the psychological and geopolitical impact remains. Many Kashmiri students are studying in China. People were equally focused on how Iran made its presence felt at the summit and the kind of reception it received. Iran stood out, of course, because of the ongoing conflicts in which it is engaged with America, Israel, and the Gulf states. Jhelum continues to define Kashmirs understanding of the world view. The BRICS summit in their own country was closer to their heart and it kept on watching from its tributaries Lidder in Pahalgam to the point it falls into Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in Uri. Third, people wondered whether the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, would figure in the declaration and in what form. They have suffered a lot and want the international community to realize and recognize their pain, and to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam and all other terror attacks accountable. They have made their position clear and want the global community to see and believe them as people standing firmly against terrorism and its backers. The 18th BRICS summit concluded on Sunday with powerful world leadersincluding the Chinese and Russian presidents, and more remarkably, the magnetic presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. It sent multiple messages to the West, particularly the US, showing that BRICS possesses the diplomatic prowess and appeal once wielded exclusively by the world superpower. Diplomacy is the art of guarding and driving national interests without succumbing to hubris. An as usual lengthy BRICS declaration gains meaning only when viewed through the bilateral and multilateral talks that world leaders held both before and behind the cameras. They suggested they were keen to foster a new world order and say goodbye to the disruptions that tampered with peace and security. Who can understand this better than the people of Jammu and Kashmir, whose territory was referenced in the declaration adopted unanimously at the summit? The declaration, read against the backdrop of summit events, has been interpreted in many ways. However, I believe there are four big takeaways. First, apart from what think tanks and diplomats have analyzed or will analyze in the days to come. One thing is clear: although the Western world watched the event very closely, its capitals and media deliberately chose not to acknowledge it as an important event of the Global South. This should spur the grouping and its member countries not to judge the success or failure of such events through a Western prism. It also calls for world-class, credible media organizations in member countries. Unfortunately, these nations have not been able to create that kind of influence and in-depth analysis. Through media and think tanks. The think tanks are weighed down by their self-drawn red lines. Second, it is paramount to understand how Indias futuristic visionagainst the backdrop of all that has been achieved in recent yearsfits into the overall growth and progress of the grouping. Prime Minister NarendraModis clarion call to the leaders was; Let us transform BRICS ambition into action and our collective strength into global solutions. This mantra is universal and represents the best way forward for a world seeking to emerge from the conflicts disrupting its geography and psychology. Third, let us be honest in acknowledging that the most star-studded meeting was between the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister NarendraModi. It had to be, given the status of the two countries and their leaders. They are not only the most populous nations, but also two Asian giants capable of reshaping the new world order. This leads to the premise that both countries must settle their differences to give real meaning to mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. PM Modis three mutuals mantra can form the basis for preventing differences from escalating into disputes. President Xis messaging was equally loud, clear, and reflective of the two countries roles as peace-builders in the service of humanity. He noted the growing bilateral cooperation and trade hitting new highs, while admitting: This situation has not come easily and needs to be cherished. We should draw on each others strengths, support each other, help each other succeed, and develop together. He also outlined tasks for Beijing and New Delhi, stating: In the face of the changing and turbulent international landscape, the worlds two most populous countries and important members of the Global South shoulder important responsibilities. Both sides should keep in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people, and work together to promote the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, so as to contribute more positive energy to promoting world peace, stability, development, and prosperity. All of this will be possible only when the boundary disputes between the two countries are resolved in a spirit of mutual sensitivity, as PM Modi emphasized: Peace and tranquility in the border areas remain an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations. He made it incumbent upon both sides to observe existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues. The MEA statement noted: The two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. Finally, Kashmiri leaders met with Iranian leaders, including the President and Foreign Minister. These optics offered a clear hint of what they likely discussed: a shared commitment to peace and opposition to aggression in all its forms and manifestations.

When the Mountains Speak

There was a time when a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir was spoken about as an extraordinary event,something sudden, localized and difficult to predict, but ultimately rare. Today, that description is becoming increasingly uncomfortable. The frequency with which we are witnessing flash floods, landslides, washed-away bridges and overflowing streams across the region should make us pause. Official figures indicate that J&K witnessed over 35 cloudburst incidents during the summer of 2026 alone. It resulted in tragic loss of life alongside severe damage to roads, homes and agricultural land. While historical data gaps make it difficult to label every event unprecedented, we cannot dismiss what we are witnessing as simply another bad weather season. Something is changing. For those of us who have spent decades studying Kashmirs ecology, water bodies and climate vulnerability, the warning signs are impossible to ignore. HAZARD MEETS VULNERABILITY The first mistake we can make is to view a cloudburst merely as a rainfall problem. A cloudburst is a meteorological event, but a disaster is born when atmospheric extremes collide with human decisions on the landscape. The same volume of rain produces vastly different outcomes depending on forest cover, stream room, slope stability and whether construction has been allowed in natural drainage paths. Hazard becomes disaster when exposure meets it. We cannot control where a storm cell forms.But we can decide where and how we build, how we manage watersheds, protect wetland and warn our people. That is where governance enters the climate conversation. Kashmirs cryosphere is altering rapidly. Snow patterns are erratic, glaciers are retreating. Warming atmosphere holds more moisture, thereby releasing it in intense and localized bursts. Combined with the complex interplay between the Indian summer monsoon and Western Disturbances, atmospheric dynamics are altering the background conditions under which extreme weather occurs. But land-use change remains the real multiplier. Development that ignores ecological carrying capacity is deferred disaster. When vegetation is stripped from fragile slopes and roads are cut without proper drainage, we convert mountain corridors into pathways for erosion. LESSONS FROM THE HIMALAYA Our high-altitude lakes and glacial systems are vital hydrological buffers. Under changing climate dynamics, they also present potential risks downstream. The catastrophic event of August 26, 2026, near the Nepal-Tibet border offered a sobering lesson for the entire Himalayan region. An estimated 1.2 million cubic meters of ice and rock collapsed into a glacial lake, releasing a peak surge roughly five times the normal peak monsoon flow. The resulting torrent swept 32 kilometers downstream in under 45 minutes, destroying 14 bridges and devastating settlements. While satellite sensors detected the initial collapse within 8 minutes, administrative transmission delays meant downstream warnings arrived 38 minutes later leaving a local survival window of less than 7 minutes. Where local communities acted immediately on informal upstream alerts, lives were saved. And where the system relied on top-down processing, tragedy followed. The lesson for Jammu and Kashmir is clear. An early warning system that ends on a departmental dashboard without last-mile community action is an incomplete safeguard. A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR KASHMIRS RESILIENCE To prevent future extreme weather events from turning into human catastrophes, Jammu and Kashmir must shift from post-disaster relief to proactive resilience across four core pillars: Integrated Governance: Establish a dedicated J&K Water & Climate Resilience Authority to break institutional silos, unifying climate science, disaster management, land-use planning and infrastructure design under a single regulatory umbrella. Surveillance & Early Warning: Deploy a Mountain Hazard Early Warning Network that integrates real-time sensors for glacial lake levels, rainfall and seismic activity with direct-to-community emergency alerts to achieve a 5-minute last-mile warning window. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Institute mandatory climate and geomorphological audits, ensuring that all future mountain highways, bridges and culverts are engineered to withstand flash surge discharges exceeding historical thresholds (designed for flows >2,000) Community & Ecosystem Defense: Invest in nature-based solutions to protect wetlands, alpine meadows and natural river corridors, while systematically building and training a corps of Community Resilience Volunteers across high-risk mountain districts. TEN IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES FOR ACTION Establish a Scientific Event Inventory: Systematically map and document every cloudburst and flash flood using spatial and hydrological data. Map Hazard Corridors: Delineate floodplains, debris-flow pathways and landslide-prone slopes, enforcing strict building restrictions within these zones. Monitor High-Altitude Lakes: Pair satellite surveillance with ground verification to continuously track expanding glacial lakes and unstable moraines. Strengthen Last-Mile Warnings: Ensure emergency alerts reach remote villages, schools, shepherds and tourist sites instantaneously in simple language. Mandate Climate Risk Screening: Subject all public works, mountain highways and tourism infrastructure projects to multi-decade climate vulnerability audits. Protect Natural Infrastructure: Formally classify forests, alpine meadows, wetlands and floodplains as essential protective defense assets. Institutionalize Local Preparedness: Train and equip village-level disaster response volunteers across all vulnerable mountain districts. Enforce Carrying Capacities: Set strict limits on vehicle traffic, construction, and waste generation in ecologically fragile high-altitude tourist zones. Build a Spatial Risk Database: Centralize environmental, geological and climate data into a dynamic spatial map accessible to local planners. Shift from Relief to Resilience: Reallocate public funds from repetitive post-disaster rebuilding toward proactive catchment restoration and slope stabilization. WE STILL HAVE A CHOICE We cannot prevent every cloudburst or stop every landslide, but we can control our exposure. The true cost of a disaster is never just the bill for repairing a road.But it is measured in lost lives, ruined crops, displaced families and compounding economic inequality. Relief asks how quickly we can respond after the damage is done. Resilience asks how intelligently we can build before the storm arrives. Kashmirs mountains have always spoken through their rivers, forests, glaciers, and lakes. The cloudbursts of 2026 are their clearest warning yet. The only remaining question is whether our governance systems are finally prepared to listen. Mutaharra A W Deva, Certified Independent Director from Indian institute of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Corporate affairs Government of India.

Srinagars falling air

Three years ago, Srinagar stood proudly among the top four cities in the countrys clean-air rankings: a city whose name was, quite literally, synonymous with mountain air and pristine lakes. Today, in the 2026 edition of the SwachhVayuSarvekshan, it sits at 26th place among cities with populations over ten lakh, trailing even Delhi: a city that has become a byword for toxic winter smog. That is not a small slide. It is a fall that demands honest introspection. To be fair, officials have a point when they say this survey is not a direct measurement of air quality itself, but an assessment of the efforts cities make to control pollution: how well they manage road dust, vehicular emissions, construction waste, and above all, solid waste. The ranking methodology changed since 2023 but this explanation should not become an excuse. If anything, it should worry us more. A city that once excelled specifically in reducing its pollution load is now failing to keep pace with rivals when judged on effort and implementation. What should trouble citizens most is the trajectory, not just the current position. Falling from 4th to 26th in three years is not a plateau, it is a downward slope. If solid waste management remains inconsistent, if road dust mitigation stays patchy, and if the civic machinery continues to treat these survey rankings as a public-relations exercise rather than a diagnostic tool, Srinagar risks sliding further still. The city does not need to wait for smog to choke its skyline before treating this as urgent. Scientific waste processing, stricter construction-site dust controls, better public transport to ease vehicular load, and transparent, verifiable reporting are the basics. Srinagar earned its reputation for clean air once by being deliberate about protecting it. That same deliberateness, not defensive statistics, is what will be needed to reclaim it.

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BRICS Summit a success, we forged consensus in midst of a polarised world: Jaishankar

New Delhi, Sep 14: The BRICS Summit took place in the backdrop of a very polarised world and we forged a consensus in the midst of it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, as he described the mega event hosted under India's chairship a success. Interacting with mediapersons here, he also spoke about what was definitely the toughest issue of the day, the West Asia conflict, saying, We were able to get out a statement to which everybody agreed. The BRICS members adopted a joint New Delhi Declaration on Saturday after overcoming sharp divisions between the UAE and Iran regarding the West Asia conflict while notably omitting direct mention of the US for its attacks on Iran. The negotiations on the text of the declaration went down to the wire as both Iran and the UAE hardened their positions initially. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration at the end of the opening day's deliberations in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other top leaders of the bloc. The BRICS Summit was taking place in a very polarised world there were two major conflicts, big divides and very strong opinions and interests. Even in the midst of this polarisation, we actually forged a consensus. If you look at it, the toughest issue of the day was the West Asia conflict. But we were able to get out a statement to which everybody agreed, Jaishankar said. A statement urging peace, security, stability, long-term understanding, smooth flow of global trade, of supply chains, of energy, and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, he added. Jaishankar said it wasn't just that we were able to negotiate an understanding in a polarised world, the entire atmosphere and ethos, and the mood of the summit which ended Sunday was such that there were very open and comfortable conversations. Leaders met, who perhaps in other circumstances may not have met. So they met in the course of this summit. And it actually ended up contributing a lot to the global conversation on important issues, Jaishankar said, without naming any country. Several bilateral meetings were held on the sidelines of the summit hosted at the Bharat Mandapam complex. Strategic affairs experts said the bilateral meeting between the Abu Dhabi crown prince and the Iranian president was also significant, pointing to the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Jaishankar said the whole nation and indeed the world saw the success of the BRICS India Summit yesterday. As many as 32 delegations had come for the summit 11 from BRICS member states, 10 partners, four regional bodies and seven international organisations, he added. Noting that it signified the strong convening power of Modi's India, as most of the delegations were represented at the head of state or the head of government level, Jaishankar cited the names of presidents of Russia, China, Iran, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, as well as the Abu Dhabi crown prince and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia. And all of them, as you also would have seen from the footage and coverage of the event, had very strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi, he said. The summit had its own agenda, which was focused on the economy, development and technology for the Global South, he underlined. Standing up for the Global South that was a very strong message which came out. And the two themes, the two sessions... The first session was on reform, the second was on resilience. And these were uniting themes, themes where countries tended to come together... That was part of the reason why we saw the consensus, Jaishankar said. He also acknowledged the grouping's stand on terrorism and the leaders condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. I also want to say that the consensus was very noteworthy on one issue terrorism. The BRICS was very clear that any act of terrorism is criminal, and it explicitly recognised the unacceptability of the Pahalgam attack of April 2025. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and emphasised the zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, and rejected double standards in countering it. Overall, I would say the prime ministers message of dialogue, diplomacy and development resonated around the world, Jaishankar said. In conclusion, he said, Many people said it (the summit) won't happen. It did happen. It happened in New Delhi, and it happened under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Army commander visits Akhnoor sector in Jammu, reviews operational readiness

Jammu, Sep 14: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, on Monday visited forward areas in the Akhnoor sector here to assess the existing security dynamics and review the operational readiness of the units, the Army said. The Army Commander commended the troops for their relentless resolve and formidable spirit in safeguarding the Nation, the Northern Command said in a post on X. Lt Gen Sharma encouraged all ranks to pursue excellence in operational capability, remain vigilant, responsive and combat-ready at all times, it said.

Salal Dam spillway gates to open from September 15 for silt flushing

Ramban, Sep 14: The Salal Power Station authorities have issued an advisory to the general public of Reasi district and villages located upstream and downstream of the Salal Dam, warning of a likely rise and fluctuation in the water level of the Chenab River due to the opening of the dams spillway gates for reservoir silt flushing. According to a public notice issued by the Office of the General Manager (Incharge), Salal Power Station, Jyotipuram, the spillway gates of Salal Dam will be opened from September 15, 2026, at 6 pm for silt flushing. The authorities said the discharge in the Chenab River is expected to remain high during the process, which may result in fluctuations in water levels both upstream and downstream of the dam. People living in villages upstream of the dam, including Dharan, Thanpal, Arnas, Sai, Lanjian, Narloo, Gari and Salmot, and downstream areas including Gujjar Kothi, Siyad Baba, Bidda, Kachhi Khera, Talwara, Nambla, Vijaypur, Bara Dari, Patta, Kashi Patta, Jedhi, Panasa, Babber, Chumndian, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur and Seri, have been advised to remain alert. The Salal Power Station has specifically advised the public not to enter or go near the Chenab River, and said that movement of people, vehicles and cattle or other animals into the river could be dangerous during the silt-flushing operation. The authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution and keep away from the riverbanks to avoid any untoward incident. The notice cautioned that anyone violating the advisory or entering the river area during the period would do so at their own risk and responsibility, and that the Salal Power Station management would not be responsible for any consequences. The advisory has also been circulated to the Deputy Commissioner Reasi, police authorities, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, CISF, Tehsildars, Fisheries Department, District Information Office and concerned police stations for necessary action and wider public awareness.

Cement moves by rail from Kathua to Anantnag in first for Jammu division

Jammu, Sep 14: In a first for Jammu railways division, cement has been loaded and transported from one station to another, marking a significant milestone in internal freight traffic in Jammu and Kashmir. The first consignment was dispatched on Monday from Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua railway station to Anantnag goods shed following sustained efforts by the business development unit (BDU) of Jammu division, officials said. Around 66 tonnes of cement, comprising approximately 1,320 bags, were loaded in one BCN wagon. The consignment was booked by Ganpati Cement in Kathua. Railway officials said this is the first instance of a new traffic like cement being moved internally within Jammu Division. Earlier, cement consignments meant for the Kashmir Valley were transported by road. The new origin-destination pair is expected to provide an economical, safe and faster mode of transporting construction material to the Kashmir Valley, besides boosting freight revenue of the Railways and promoting environment-friendly transportation. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the development marked a new milestone in rail freight transportation in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, cement was received only as inward traffic at major rail complexes like Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Station, Kathua and Anantnag. As a result of the continuous efforts and robust logistics of Jammu Division, for the first time, outward loading of cement has been successfully started from here, he said. Singhal said the development reflected growing confidence among the industrial fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir in the railway network and would give fresh impetus to economic activity in the region. He said the Jammu division would make efforts to connect more traders and organisations with the Railways so that it becomes a more economical, reliable and eco-friendly transportation option for the trading community.

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DRI busts Pakistan-origin imports, seizes over 362 MT dry dates in Nashik

New Delhi, Sep 14: In a significant crackdown on attempts to circumvent Indias prohibition on imports from Pakistan, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has seized more than 362 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted 13 containers of dry dates imported by a Mumbai-based firm at CFS Ambad, Nashik. The consignments had arrived from Jebel Ali, UAE, with import documents declaring the UAE as the country of origin. Preliminary investigation revealed a carefully orchestrated transshipment arrangement designed to conceal the Pakistan-origin of the goods. The dry dates were initially shipped from Karachi Port, Pakistan, to Jebel Ali Port, UAE, in one set of containers aboard one vessel. At Jebel Ali, the goods were merely transshipped and transferred to another set of containers and loaded onto a different vessel for onward shipment to India through entities operated by Pakistani nationals. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India, in the interest of national security, imposed a complete prohibition on the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, with effect from 2 May 2025, vide DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 2 May 2025. In response, DRI, under Operation Deep Manifest, has been consistently identifying, intercepting and seizing Pakistan-origin goods attempted to be imported into India through third-country routing. The seizure underscores DRIs sustained resolve to identify, disrupt and dismantle sophisticated networks seeking to circumvent trade prohibitions through misdeclaration, transshipment and manipulation of documentation, thereby safeguarding national security and straightening supply chain integrity.

NHM employees extend strike for another 72 hours across J&K

Jammu, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has extended its ongoing peaceful protest/strike for another 72 hours across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, beginning September 15. In a formal communication addressed to the Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, the Association said the decision had been taken due to the continued pendency of its long-standing demands and the absence of a concrete, time-bound resolution from the authorities. The Association said the extended protest would remain completely peaceful, democratic and constitutional, with participating employees directed to maintain discipline and uphold public order. The employees also reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government and expressed hope that meaningful and time-bound measures would be initiated to address their genuine grievances. The communication, issued by the Joint Coordination Committee of the J&K National Health Mission Employees Association, said the extension would remain effective for 72 hours from September 15. The Association has also forwarded the communication to senior authorities, including the Union Ministers for Health and Family Welfare and Labour and Employment, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, the Chief Minister, and the Ministers for Health and Medical Education and Labour and Employment in the Union Territory. The continued agitation is expected to further affect health services, particularly in rural and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where NHM employees form an important part of the healthcare workforce.

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