Daniela Felix turns avocado peels into biodegradable shoes using natural materials
Kashmirs air pollution debate: How serious is the threat?
As winter approaches fast, air pollution and ailments related to it become a matter of concern in Kashmir. The varying Air Quality Index (AQI) data, has of late, become a debatable issue. GKTV delves deep into how serious is the problem of air pollution and which set of AQI data is more reliable. Besides, leading pulmonologist Dr Naveed Nazir highlights do's and don'ts in view of approaching winter and higher pollution levels.
LAHDC polls to deepen democracy in Ladakh: Chief Secretary Kundra
Leh, Nov 10: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Tuesday defended the decision to hold the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections on December 4, asserting that the polls mark an important step towards deepening democracy and strengthening democratic institutions in the Union Territory. Appealing to people of Ladakh, including youth and religious organisations, to participate enthusiastically in the electoral process, Kundra said the upcoming elections would mark a significant step towards strengthening grassroots democracy and revitalising democratic governance across the region. Before the LAHDC elections, panchayat and municipal polls will be held in Ladakh on November 21. The Ladakh administration on Tuesday announced the schedule for elections to the eight LAHDCs. The election schedule was announced amid opposition from various groups in Ladakh, with Kargil observing a complete shutdown against holding the LAHDC elections during winter. Several groups, including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, have demanded postponement of the polls until after the winter season. Addressing concerns over holding elections during the winter season, the chief secretary said schools in Ladakh have traditionally remained functional until December 15 or 16, and there should be no particular difficulty for adults in exercising their right to vote on December 4. He, however, assured voters that the administration had instructed all deputy commissioners to make adequate arrangements at polling stations, including heating facilities and separate queues for senior citizens, to ensure that voters do not face inconvenience. Emphasising the importance of the election schedule, Kundra said the timely constitution of the elected councils would give them the months of January, February and March to prepare the budget for the next financial year. If the councils are constituted after that, the entire budget preparation cycle could be missed, potentially delaying the process by a full year, Kundra said addressing a press conference here, underlining that the budget had to be prepared before March. He also rejected what he described as misleading perceptions that the incoming elected LAHDCs would not enjoy their full powers. The chief secretary clarified that the powers already vested in the councils under the existing law would remain intact. He explained that the elected councils would exercise not only the powers provided under the relevant Act but also those envisaged for the District Panchayat under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Referring to the broader democratic aspirations of Ladakh, the chief secretary said the absence of adequately functioning democratic institutions had been a recurring concern raised during discussions with the Apex Body and other stakeholders. Government of India is committed to strengthening democratic institutions in Ladakh and ensuring their constitution at the earliest, he said. Recalling that panchayat elections had not been held for the past three years, Kundra described the upcoming electoral exercise as an important opportunity to strengthen democratic participation and governance at the grassroots level. He urged people to come out in large numbers and make the elections a success, saying Ladakh should be remembered for having witnessed a significant deepening of democracy before the end of 2026. On the issue of Nautor land regulations, Kundra said the draft regulations had been prepared with the objective of resolving a decades-old complex problem faced by people who possess such land but lack valid ownership titles, making it difficult for them to monetise their holdings. He said the administration had received various suggestions from the public and the final regulations would be framed after consultations with the newly elected LAHDCs, as recently indicated by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Police arrest three drug peddlers in Anantnag and Kulgam
Srinagar, Nov 10: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested three drug peddlers in multiple operations in Kulgam and Anantnag and recovered contraband substances from their possession. In Kulgam, Police apprehended two drug peddlers during a naka checking operation at Khudwani Bypass, near SKUAST and recovered 747 grams of cannabis-like substance, including flowering tops. They have been identified as Murtaza Ashraf, resident of Chansar, Kulgam and Mohd Amir Kuttay, resident of Badi Jalan, DH Pora, Kulgam. In Anantnag, a police party during naka checking at Semthan apprehended a person identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Rather son of Mohd Yousuf Rather, resident of Semthan. During his search, 15 grams of charas were recovered from his possession. Accordingly, cases under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act have been registered at respective police stations, and further investigation have been taken up to ascertain the source and forward linkages of the recovered contraband. Police reiterated its commitment to eradicate the drug menace and urged the public to cooperate with police in the fight against drug trafficking.
8 women and children among 19 report dog bite cases in J&K town
Mendhar, Nov 10: At least 19 people, including eight women and children, reported dog bite cases at a sub-district hospital in Mendhar in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday. According to an official report, the dog-bite victims belonged to different areas of Mendhar and also included people from outside the region who were currently staying there. Among the patients, 11 had suffered category 2 bites, involving minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, while the rest had Category 3 bites, characterised by deep cuts, puncture wounds, tears or any bite that penetrates the skin and causes bleeding. The victims' ages ranged from 14 to 65 years. The affected persons were reported from Sagra, Ari Kasab, Dabraj, Sakhi Majdan, Dharana, Jara Wali Gali, Topa, BG, Chajjla, Basooni, Gohlad, Thera Topa and Mankote, among other areas. Two of the patients were from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and were presently residing in Mendhar, the report said.
Fire Damages 2 Residential And 1 Commercial Structures At Indra Nagar Srinagar
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Major Gen Mukesh Sharma takes charge as ADG NCC for J&K, Ladakh
Jammu, Nov 10: Major General Mukesh Sharma, who on Tuesday took over as the Additional Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate for the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, outlined a vision to expand the organisation's outreach, empower youth and modernise its training programmes. Under the theme Envision and Evolve: Empowering Youth, Strengthening NCC, Building the Nation, Sharma said he would focus on expanding NCC's presence in schools and colleges, particularly in remote, rural and border areas; empowering young cadets, especially girls; and making training more contemporary and relevant. Emphasising the NCC's guiding principles of Unity and Discipline, he said the organisation aimed to develop confident, disciplined and responsible young citizens equipped with leadership qualities and a spirit of service. Highlighting the achievements of 20 girl cadets who successfully crossed the 5,578-metre-high Parang La Pass during the Aparajita Expedition, Sharma described it as a shining example of their courage, determination and leadership. Efforts would be made to create more such opportunities for girl cadets and ensure that geographical challenges did not restrict young people from joining the NCC, he told reporters after taking over as the new chief of NCC in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh region. Stressing the need to modernise the organisation, he said training would be made more engaging and relevant to changing times, while teamwork and partnerships with educational institutions, civil administration and other stakeholders would be strengthened. Sharma urged the young cadets to dream big, embrace challenges, become physically fit, keep off drugs and continuously develop their skills. NCC is not merely about uniforms, drills and parades; it is about building character, leadership and responsible citizens, he said. He also appreciated the contribution of NCC officers and staff at the grassroots level in shaping young cadets into disciplined and responsible citizens, and sought continued support from the Jammu and Kashmir government, Ladakh administration, educational institutions, parents and media. Describing media as an important partner in highlighting the achievements and contributions of cadets, he said the aim was to reach more youths, create greater opportunities and build a stronger NCC for a stronger nation.
Crime Branch chargesheets man in bank loan fraud case in J-K's Samba
Jammu, Nov 10: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against a man accused of forgery and cheating in connection with procuring a vehicular term loan from a bank in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said. The chargesheet against Rahul Sudan, a resident of Dhyansar village of Bari Brahmana, was filed in the Munsiff Court Samba, said a spokesperson of the Crime Branch, Jammu. He said the investigation originated from a written complaint lodged in 2022 by Nikhil Singh Jamwal, the then branch manager of Canara Bank, Bari Brahmana. The case pertains to a term loan of Rs 7.92 lakh sanctioned to the accused on June 14, 2016, for the purchase of a car, against which an outstanding amount of Rs 5.64 lakh remains unpaid. According to the probe, Sudan allegedly fraudulently managed and submitted a fake and forged a No Due Certificate (NDC) to the ARTO Office, Samba, the spokesperson said. The fake document enabled the unauthorised transfer of a vehicle to a third party without clearing the banks active financial liabilities or securing a legitimate bank NOC. During the investigation, it also came to light that he is a habitual offender with prior similar fraud cases registered against him, the spokesperson said.
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India reaffirms commitment to climate multilateralism at UNFCCC COP31 in Turkiye
India has reaffirmed its commitment to climate multilateralism and the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), calling for a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), being held in Antalya, Trkiye. Delivering India's Opening Statement at the COP31, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Narendra Bhooshan expressed gratitude to Trkiye and Australia for their leadership of COP31. He commended all Parties and negotiating groups for their efforts towards strengthening climate multilateralism and stated that India aligns itself with the statements made by G77 and China, LMDC, and BASIC, as per a statement, issued by the PIB. Emphasising the importance of multilateralism, India underlined that the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement remain the most inclusive platforms where every country has a voice. India reaffirmed its faith in this process, rooted in equity and the principle of CBDR-RC. Welcoming the Presidency's vision of a COP of Implementation, guided by Dialogue, Consensus and Action, India noted that dialogue builds trust, consensus ensures collective ownership of outcomes, and action translates commitments into progress on the ground. Highlighting the growing challenges posed by the prospect of crossing 1.5C warming, India stressed that equity has become particularly urgent to ensure that no one is left behind in the collective effort to address climate change. India reiterated its commitment to contributing its fair share to global climate action while pursuing the development and well-being of its people. It also underscored that just transition and meeting adaptation needs remain significant challenges, particularly for the Global South, where these are closely intertwined with the challenge of development itself. On climate finance, India emphasised that public finance from developed countries remains central to catalysing climate action in developing countries and strengthening adaptation finance flows to address their vulnerabilities. It underscored the fundamental importance of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes the obligation of developed countries to provide financial resources to developing countries. Reaffirming its constructive engagement at COP31, India stated that it would work with all Parties towards achieving a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome.
Review approach of booking youths under anti-terror laws: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
Srinagar, Nov 10: Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday said authorities in the Union territory should review the approach of booking the youth under anti-terror laws. In a statement, the Mirwaiz cited a case in which two young men from Baramulla spent six years in jail under stringent anti-terror laws before being acquitted, after the court found the evidence against them unreliable. The case highlights the serious human cost of prolonged detention when evidence is ultimately found insufficient to sustain a conviction, he said. The years lost by the two young men cannot be returned, he said, adding that their case also raises wider concerns about the arrests and continued detention of Kashmiri youth, the Mirwaiz said. In a post on X, he said the authorities should review this approach and elook and do justice to the thousands of youth under prolonged detention.
Kargil observes complete shutdown against proposed LAHDC elections in winter
Ladakh admin announces Hill Council elections despite winter concerns
The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has officially announced the election schedule for the newly restructured Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) across all eight districts. As per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission following the issuance of a formal notification by the UT Administration under Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, candidates can file their nomination papers till November 17, 2026. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on November 18, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as November 20. Polling will be held on December 4, 2026, and the entire election process will be completed by December 8. The announcement marks a landmark moment as the region prepares for decentralized local elections under the expanded 8-district administrative setup. However, the election notification comes against the backdrop of growing resistance from political and socio-religious bodies across the high-altitude region. The decision to conduct high-altitude elections in early December has triggered sharp reactions from local political groups, civil society organizations, and elected representatives. Opposing bodies have raised serious concerns regarding harsh winter conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and heavy snowfall, which frequently sever road links and cause significant seasonal migration to warmer regions down south. Local leaders in Leh and Kargil have argued that holding local council elections in winter could severely hinder voter turnout and logistically complicate poll management in remote passes. Despite shutdowns and calls for deferment from regional groups, election authorities maintain that necessary administrative and logistical arrangements will be in place to ensure a smooth and fair voting process across all polling locations.
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NMC cautions students against fake medical colleges, fraudulent admission offers
New Delhi, Nov 10: The National Medical Commission has cautioned students and parents against taking admission or making payments to medical colleges without verifying their authenticity and regulatory approval, amid instances of institutions offering medical courses without statutory permission. The advisory comes in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court in an ongoing case -- Ayesha Jain v Amity University, Noida and Others -- in which the court directed regulatory bodies, including the commission, to caution students and parents against dealing with educational institutions without first verifying their authenticity. The direction was issued in the context of a reported instance of a purported fake medical college operating from a farmhouse and claiming to offer various courses. The commission said students and parents should exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity and regulatory status of any institution before seeking admission, enrolling in or making any payment towards a medical course. It advised students seeking admission to MBBS courses to verify whether the college is included in the official list of medical colleges published by the commission and whether the requisite permission has been granted for the relevant academic year. The commission cautioned that the presence of a college in an official list or its operation in an earlier year shall not, by itself, be treated as confirmation of permission to admit students for every subsequent academic year or beyond the approved intake. Students have been advised to independently verify the permission status, course and number of approved seats through official NMC and Medical Assessment and Rating Board records. The NMC also warned students not to rely solely on brochures, websites, advertisements, social media posts or purported permission and approval letters circulated by institutions or their representatives. For admissions covered by counselling procedures, candidates have been advised to use official channels, including the Medical Counselling Committee or the competent state or Union Territory counselling authority. The commission also cautioned against making admission-related payments to unauthorised agents, personal bank accounts or unverified intermediaries. Approval, affiliation, registration or recognition granted by one authority for a particular purpose should not be construed as permission from the National Medical Commission to conduct an MBBS course, the advisory said. It urged students and parents to report suspected fake medical colleges, unauthorised MBBS courses, forged permission letters, fraudulent admission offers or misleading representations to the NMC and other competent authorities. The NMC further clarified that courses such as pharmacy, nursing, Ayurveda, and allied and healthcare programmes fall under different statutory or competent regulatory authorities and their regulatory status should be verified with the authority concerned. Timely verification and reporting of suspected fraudulent activities are essential to protect students from financial loss, prevent misuse of the name of statutory authorities and safeguard the standards and integrity of medical education, it said.
Theres deemed suspension if public servant is kept in judicial custody for over 48 hours: SC
New Delhi, Nov 10: If a public servant is arrested and kept in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension, the Supreme Court has said. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manmohan made the observation while restoring the bail granted to Vishwajeet Singh, the administrator of Sadar Hospital at Samastipur in Bihar. Singh was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 4,000 for clearing a contractual worker's pending wages of Rs 36,421. The top court set aside a Patna High Court order cancelling his bail nearly a year after it was granted. The bench said that although the amount of bribe demanded was not a relevant consideration for deciding a bail plea, the high court could have made that observation without cancelling the bail. While restoring the bail, the apex court also flagged a disturbing feature concerning the accused's service status and subsequent posting. However, there is one disturbing feature which we should not ignore. It appears that upon arrest, the appellant accused was in judicial custody for almost a period of 15 days. Once a public servant is arrested and remains in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension. Being a public servant, he could be said to have been placed under deemed suspension. No specific order is required to be passed in this regard, Justice Pardiwala said in the order dated November 6. The bench noted the information that Singh was placed under suspension but later, the suspension order came to be revoked. And, shockingly, he has been once again posted in the very same hospital and that too on the very same post. This aspect shall be looked into by the state at the earliest We expect the state to do the needful in the matter in accordance with law, the bench said. Singh challenged a July 1, 2026, order of the Patna High Court, which allowed a plea filed by the complainant and directed that the accused be taken into custody after cancelling the regular bail granted to him by the sessions court. According to the case records, an FIR was registered at the Vigilance police station in 2025 under Section 7(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The accused was serving as the administrator at the government-run Sadar Hospital in Samastipur when he allegedly demanded Rs 4,000 as illegal gratification for clearing the complainant's outstanding wages amounting to Rs 36,421. Following his arrest, the accused was granted bail by the sessions court. The complainant subsequently challenged the bail order before the high court, which set it aside. The top court took note of the fact that the high court had interfered with the bail order almost a year after the accused was released. It observed that the tenor of the high court's order indicated that the sessions court's reference to the bribe amount being paltry had weighed with it while deciding to cancel the bail. Ordinarily, in cases of this type, having regard to the maximum punishment that the trial court would impose, ultimately, if the accused is held to be guilty, bail is to be granted, the bench said. It added that bail may be declined in cases involving criminal antecedents or where the facts are particularly grave, it added.
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Farooq Abdullah stops at Peerah, enjoys Rajma-Chawal during Jammu Journey
Banihal, Nov 10: National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday travelled from Srinagar to Jammu via the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and stopped at Peerah in Ramban district, where he enjoyed a traditional meal of rajma and rice at Khajuria Dhaba. He was accompanied by Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen. When asked about Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's book A Journey of Love, Farooq Abdullah said he had not read it yet and would share his views after going through it. Commenting on the highway journey, he said the road and weather conditions were good and added that travel time would further reduce once some more tunnels were completed.
Hundreds join funeral procession of Adnan Rather in Sopore
Sopore, Nov 10: Thousands of people on Tuesday attended the Nimaz-e-Janaza of 26-year-old Adnan Altaf Rather, a Sopore-based MBBS student who died in Bangladesh, as he was laid to rest at his native village of Dangerpora amid tears and profound grief. The mortal remains of Rather reached his native village after arriving in Srinagar from Bangladesh, drawing a large gathering of relatives, friends, locals and people from adjoining areas who assembled to pay their last respects. Emotional scenes were witnessed as mourners gathered around the mortal remains, while grieving family members struggled to come to terms with the loss of their young son. Rather was pursuing his MBBS degree in Bangladesh. His untimely demise has plunged his family and the entire locality into mourning. Residents expressed condolences to the bereaved family, saying the death of the young medical student was a profound loss for the community. He was laid to rest at his native village following the funeral prayers attended by thousands of mourners.(KNS)
Scooty rider succumbs to injuries after being hit by vehicle in Srinagar's Soura
Srinagar, Nov 10: A 27-year-old scooty rider succumbed to his injuries after being hit by a vehicle near Ahmad Nagar in Soura on Monday late evening, officials said. An official said that at least three persons travelling on a scooty were injured after a vehicle hit them at Umarhair, Soura, on Monday. He said the injured were shifted to a hospital in Srinagar, where one of them succumbed to his injuries this morning, while the other two are undergoing treatment. The deceased was identified as Bashir Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Nabi Khan, a resident of Khaitengan, Baramulla. The two injured were identified as Manzoor Ahmad Khan and Mehraj-ud-Din Wani, both residents of Sheeri, Baramulla. Meanwhile, cognisance of the incident has been taken and a probe has been initiated. (KNO)
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Bandipora, Nov 10: Tourists currently visiting Gurez Valley have been advised to leave the area by Tuesday, November 10, in view of a forecast of heavy snowfall from November 11 and the possibility of road blockages that could leave visitors stranded. Bandipora Police issued a general travel advisory, urging tourists to plan their departure immediately and avoid undertaking fresh journeys to Gurez in anticipation of adverse weather conditions. The advisory also cautions that snowfall could disrupt road connectivity, making travel difficult and potentially cutting off the valley from other areas. Police have specifically urged examination candidates, patients requiring regular medical care or consultations, guests travelling for scheduled weddings and other urgent events, and individuals having time-bound official duties outside the Sub-Division to take the warning seriously and plan their movements accordingly. Tourists have been advised to plan their journeys well in advance, preferably travel during daylight hours, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official weather and road advisories issued by the concerned authorities. They have also been asked to remain in coordination with local police and the administration for updates on road conditions. [KNT]
US-brokered talks are set to start in Abu Dhabi to discuss Ukraine-Russia peace deal
Abu Dhabi, Nov 10: The three-way talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States start Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates, renewing a push for peace after several rounds of negotiations earlier this year. The two-day session in Abu Dhabi, the first such meeting since February, will focus on security guarantees. US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner said on X that he and fellow envoy Steve Witkoff were working on a egotiated solution that can deliver lasting peace and create the conditions for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Ukraine within a more stable European security environment. Russia and Ukraine hold to their divergent demands Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on key elements of any prospective deal to end the full-scale war, now nearing its five-year mark. Russian President Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to pull its troops back from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson the four regions that Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured. He also demands that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO, accept strict limits on its military and drop restrictions on the Russian language and the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Putin wants a comprehensive peace deal on those conditions and won't agree to a general halt in hostilities, arguing that would only allow Ukrainian troops to rest and replenish their weapons stockpiles. He has warned that Russia will achieve its goals by force if Kyiv refuses to meet its conditions for peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects Putin's demands to voluntarily cede territory that Russia has not been able to take on the battlefield. Zelenskyy also rejects any limits on Ukraine's military or its arrangements with Western partners, which Kyiv sees as essential security guarantees to stop Moscow from invading again. Ukraine argues that an immediate ceasefire is the necessary first step toward negotiating a wider settlement and says a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is the only way territorial issues can be settled. Russia and Ukraine send experienced negotiators The Russian and Ukrainian delegations include senior officials who have attended previous rounds of talks. Russia's chief negotiator is Putin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who has led Moscow's team since the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, in March 2022. The Russian delegation also includes deputy foreign ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and deputy chief of the General Staff's operational department Yuri Zhigarlovsky. Ukraine's delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, head of the country's Foreign Intelligence Service, who also attended earlier talks. It also reportedly includes Zelenskyy's chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, his deputy Sergiy Kyslytsya and Davyd Arakhamia, the parliamentary faction leader of Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party. The US says a broader European security deal is in the works Last week, Trump declared that some kind of grand deal about European security was in the works, describing it as a big agreement that is going to involve more than Ukraine. Kushner said Monday on X that a comprehensive and lasting settlement will also require direct engagement between Russia and our European partners on the broader security arrangements that affect them. The discussions in Abu Dhabi will set the stage for that engagement to begin in the near future, as part of a broader multilateral process, he added. Moscow has praised the broad approach. We can only welcome the (US) negotiators on President Donald Trump's request proposing to put the issue of collective security on top of the agenda of the talks on a Ukrainian settlement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Just before Moscow launched the all-out invasion in 2022, it demanded that NATO roll back its deployments in the alliance's member countries in Central and Eastern Europe, seeing their presence as a security threat. Similar demands will likely be part of any comprehensive peace deal proposed by Russia. Kushner said that before the start of the three-way talks, he and Witkoff will meet separately with envoys from Ukraine, the European Union, NATO, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy to continue the close consultation and coordination we have undertaken on European security and Ukraine's postwar future over the past several weeks. Some in the EU see Washington's proposals as too accommodating to Moscow. Moscow has objected to the Europeans' involvement in the three-way talks but said EU representatives could join at a later stage. Russia and Ukraine have escalated aerial attacks While the ground battles have morphed into a war of attrition along the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line, Russia and Ukraine have ramped up their long-range strikes with drones and missiles. Russia has intensified its air campaign against Ukraine's power grid, seeking to weaken the country's resolve as winter sets in. Moscow has relied on ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, taking advantage of Ukraine's shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors. Ukraine, meanwhile, has escalated its drone strikes on Russian oil refineries.
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EOW Kashmir chargesheets man for posing as CID officer, cheating people with fake govt job promises
Srinagar, Nov 10: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against Ghulam Hassan Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, a resident of Dhobi Ghat, Hazratbal, for posing as a CID officer and cheating people of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of promising government jobs, officials said. The officials said the chargesheet has been files in case FIR No. 24/2023 under Sections 420 and 468 IPC before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar. In an official statement, an EOW Spokesperson said that the case was registered on the basis of a written complaint alleging that the accused impersonated a CID officer posted at Delhi and fraudulently induced people by promising government favours. The accused individual assured the transfer of an employee of the Railway Department from Uttarakhand to Srinagar. The accused also promised to secure an appointment as a Nursing Orderly in the Health Department and provided fake appointment orders and a forged deputation letter to the victim. In the process, the accused cheated and duped lakhs of sums, the spokesperson said. During the course of investigation, he said, the allegations were substantiated. Accordingly, the investigation was concluded as proved, and the chargesheet has been filed before the Court of Law in absentia under Section 512 CrPC, as the accused is absconding, for judicial determination. SSP EOW Kashmir advised the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming official connections and never pay money for government jobs or transfers through unauthorized channels. Report any such fraudulent activity to EOW Kashmir.
Body of Sopore MBBS student who died in Bangladesh reaches Srinagar, Nimaz-e-Janaza at 11:30 am
Srinagar, Nov 10: The mortal remains of a 26-year-old MBBS student from north Kashmir's Sopore, who was found dead in Bangladesh under mysterious circumstances, reached Srinagar on Tuesday are being taken to his native village, family members said. The Nimaz-e-Janaza of Adnan Altaf Rather, a resident of Dangerpora in Sopore, will be offered at 11:30 am, following which he will be laid to rest, the family said. Rather, son of Mohammad Altaf Rather, was pursuing his MBBS at Eastern Medical College in Cumilla, Bangladesh. He had reportedly gone missing on the night of November 2 after leaving his college premises. His body was recovered from a pond in Monipur village of Cumilla's Burichang upazila on November 4. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and Bangladeshi authorities are investigating the case. The student's death had triggered concern among his family members and the Kashmiri community, with several political representatives and student organisations seeking expeditious repatriation of his mortal remains. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, while Health Minister Sakina Itoo approached Union Health Minister J P Nadda, seeking intervention to facilitate the return of the body. Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had also taken up the matter with the concerned authorities. The repatriation process involved coordination between Indian diplomatic officials and authorities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Kashmiri students in Bangladesh had also offered Nimaz-e-Janaza in absentia for the deceased. The news of his death has plunged his native village and adjoining areas into mourning, with relatives and residents gathering to receive his mortal remains. (KNS)
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Trump says deportation policy 'very strong', rejects 'amnesty'
Maryland, Nov 10: After suggesting he was open to negotiating a deal with Democrats on an immigration policy that he described as too tough, President Donald Trump on Monday defended his administration's deportation policy and said he was opposed to any immigration deal that would include amnesty for immigrants living in the US illegally. The comments from Trump came after Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin earlier Monday also said while he has been fielding calls from Democrats interested in working on immigration policy, he was adamantly opposed to any deal that would include amnesty. The midterm elections highlighted voters' disaffection toward the administration's hard-line immigration enforcement activities. But the comments from both Trump and Mullin reflected the mixed messaging from the administration in the aftermath of the election and emphasised how complicated it will be for a new Congress controlled by Democrats to find any common ground when it comes to the issue of immigration. Immigration has long been one of the most intractable issues facing Congress, with any deal that gives people in the country illegally a pathway to resolve their status often characterised by anti-immigration critics as amnesty. But advocates have said that longtime immigrants who've lived in the US for years and worked and raised families here deserve a way to come out of the shadows and legalise their status. There won't be amnesty, Trump told reporters at the White House. Somebody suggested, will there be amnesty? No, but they came in. They knew the law. Trump defended his administration's deportation policy as very strong. Asked if he had spoken with Stephen Miller, his newly promoted chief of staff who was the architect of his immigration crackdown, about immigration changes, Trump said no. My policy hasn't changed, he said, adding that the focus will be on removing the worst of the worst. In comparison, during an interview that aired Sunday with 60 Minutes, Trump said killers and drug dealers in the country illegally should be deported, but suggested he was open to the idea of a deal that would let others stay if they're good people working in a landscaping company, or working in a hotel, or doing something, right? And in some cases, paying taxes. Trump rode back into power with a promise to crack down on immigration. During the first two years of his second term, arrests of immigrants surged, including through high-profile operations in large US cities that sometimes turned violent. And voters appeared to disapprove of the tactics. Nationally, about six in 10 voters said the Trump administration's actions on immigration enforcement had gone too far, according to The AP Voter Poll, a survey of more than 100,000 midterm voters. A similar share disapproved of how Immigration and Customs Enforcement was doing its job. Mullin earlier Monday reiterated Trump's willingness to work with Democrats on the issue, although he said that he and the president haven't yet discussed any concrete immigration policy changes in the aftermath of the midterm elections. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference near Washington DC, Mullin also said he is strongly opposed to any amnesty for people living in the US illegally. Mullin, who was a senator and House representative before becoming Trump's Homeland Security secretary earlier this year, said after the election he's been fielding calls from Democrats that he worked with in Congress on bipartisan issues. I've let the president know that those calls are coming in. And the president has said, you know, let's start working with them and then let's meet at some point. So that's the extent of the conversation, Mullin said. We haven't had any conversation just on policy. Trump since the election has elevated Miller, raising questions about how cooperation with Democrats might look so long as enforcement remains strict. Mullin called Miller in a post on social media last week an excellent choice. Mullin, who said he worked with Democrats while he was in Congress including on immigration reform, said he thought a bipartisan approach was the only way to get anything done. But the secretary also pushed back decisively against any type of agreement that would include amnesty for people living illegally in the US. I was working on immigration reform when I was in the House and when I was in the Senate. I think the only way you can actually get it is by a bipartisan approach. But amnesty's never going to be a solution. We're never gonna allow amnesty to happen. So that's a full stop, said Mullin. The Homeland Security secretary raised the issue of DACA a form of protection from deportation for children brought to the country illegally by their parents. He said figuring out a way to legalise their status would be up to Congress. Now, if we want to have an immigration reform to where we can look at DACA and figure out a way that these individuals can become maybe legal permanent citizens or something like this, that'll be up to Congress to do that, Mullin said.
2026 likely to be worlds hottest year on record, scientists warn
New Delhi, Nov 10: The world is on course to record its hottest year ever in 2026, with a combination of human-driven climate change and the El Nio weather phenomenon pushing global temperatures higher, scientists have warned, the BBC reported on Monday. US-based independent research group Berkeley Earth said it was 95 per cent confident that 2026 would surpass the previous temperature record set in 2024, despite two months still remaining in the year. The warning comes as world leaders and climate negotiators gather in the Turkish city of Antalya for the opening of the UN climate summit, COP31, reports BBC. Dr Robert Rohde of Berkeley Earth said the recent run of record-breaking temperatures was consistent with global warming, with glaciers collapsing, heatwaves intensifying and droughts becoming more severe, reports BBC. The European Unions Copernicus climate service has also confirmed that October 2026 was the hottest October on record. The UNs World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its latest assessment, has forecast that 2026 will be among the four warmest years on record. It warned that an unusually powerful El Nio could continue into 2027, further raising temperatures. The main driver of global warming remains the rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. Addressing delegates at COP31, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said no single conference could bridge the gap between scientific warnings and the reality of climate change, but stressed that the urgency of the situation must drive countries to act. The summit is expected to focus not only on cutting greenhouse gas emissions but also on helping countries adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.
Rubio asserts that Trump's foreign policy won't change after Republicans' midterm losses
Paris, Nov 10: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Republican losses in the midterm elections will not affect the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, with clear differences on global crises emerging among top diplomats from Group of 7 allies who gathered Monday in Paris. Rubio, who spoke to reporters after talks with his counterparts from the G7 industrialised democracies, said President Donald Trump will decide US policies as he sees fit, regardless of his Republican Party's wipeout in the midterms. He said Trump is intent on ending conflicts with Iran and between Russia and Ukraine but that the United States will maintain an America First approach on the world stage. Congress has a role to play in our foreign policy, particularly on what it funds and in its oversight function, but the No. 1 factor in determining foreign policy has always been and will remain the president, Rubio said. The Paris meeting is Rubio's first overseas trip since Democrats seized control of Congress, partly because of deeply unpopular administration policies such as the Iran war. Allies have raised questions this week about whether the Trump administration would shift its positions. Uncertainty about consensus even among allies Whether on the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran or the International Criminal Court, the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan appeared far apart as two days of talks got underway, although all agreed on the need to end the conflicts as quickly as possible. Rubio said the US would not back down on its opposition to the international war crimes court, which the other G7 members belong to but the Trump administration wants to dismantle. On the Russia-Ukraine war, Rubio declined to offer a prediction about the prospects for talks that begin Tuesday in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. But he said the Trump administration would keep trying to mediate a deal. Your chances of success are zero if you're not trying, so we're going to continue to try, he said. On the question of artificial intelligence, Rubio said the US opposed efforts to rein in the technology promoted by some G7 members, while acknowledging the need to balance mitigating the dangers the rapidly developing technology poses. We're very concerned about these global institutions trying to regulate something that would stifle innovation, he said. We don't think that's the right approach from our perspective. US politics surface at G7 meeting Although Rubio said the US political situation was not raised in the meetings, several of his colleagues made clear that it was a question that needs to be addressed. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, whose country has faced withering criticism and insults from Trump, said how Washington will proceed is an open question. In terms of the US and its approach, I will say that the president has executive powers, she told reporters in Paris. The House and the Senate have changed leadership, so it's very much a question of what the approach will be. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe also wanted to see how the midterms would affect US policy. The midterm elections showed the will of American people and the elections always bring results also in terms of policy changes, she told reporters. We are willing to work with whatever Congress or Senate or administration there is to really focus on the issues that we do together and focus on the issues where we can have maximum impact together. Yet there has been little sign that the Democrats' gains will affect Trump's strategy, and his first major personnel decision has been to install Stephen Miller, a hard-line supporter who has advocated extreme positions on both domestic and foreign policy, as chief of staff. Rubio is seen by many as presenting a gentler side to Trump's often brusque approach to both friends and foes, but there has been speculation which he has denied that he might choose to leave the administration early to prepare for a 2028 presidential run. He declined again Monday to talk about the 2028 race. Wars in Iran, Ukraine major topics Trump has floated the idea of a partnership with Europe to end Russia's war in Ukraine as the US brokers talks between the sides this week. Rubio said postwar security guarantees for Ukraine and the rest of Europe have been a top concern for allies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot said the Europeans are, of course, ready to take part in discussions about the future of security across the continent. But the first step is to end the war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who met separately with Rubio, said Europe must be part of any resolution. I am still very grateful to the United States of America for making every effort to get the parties to the conflict to the table, Wadephul said. But I made clear again here that Europe belongs at this table. There can be no solution without Europe, only with Europe. Rubio also has said he expects questions from allies about the Iran war. Qatari and other mediators have proposed an interim solution to end the deadlock over a conflict that has sent fuel prices soaring because of instability in key shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Rubio said Sunday the sides were not on the verge of a breakthrough, while reiterating that Trump prefers a diplomatic solution. But he noted of diplomacy that right now, it hasn't been very productive because the Iranian demands are simply not just unacceptable but, in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic. ICC becomes sticking point The Trump administration has unsettled G7 partners as it pushes to dismantle the International Criminal Court. It has imposed severe sanctions on the court and several of its employees, saying the ICC is trying to investigate Americans. Bottom line is we're not going to have some American servicemen or American military commander standing trial in some illegitimate court that we're not a member of, Rubio said. The Trump administration is worried about the EU invoking a statute that would immunise European governments, companies and individuals from secondary US sanctions targeting those who support the ICC. Kallas, the top EU diplomat, defended the ICC and said the bloc was trying to show our American partners that their worries about the ICC regarding countries are actually not based on the Rome Statute or the regulations. The Rome Statute is the treaty that created the court. In this moment, where we see more war crimes across the world committed, we need more accountability, not less, she said.
Amit Shah inaugurates, launches projects worth Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad
New Delhi, Nov 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. Of the total projects, around Rs 1,024 crore are being undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, while works worth approximately Rs 400 crore are being implemented through the Gujarat Governments Roads and Buildings Department and the Centre. Addressing a gathering, Amit Shah said the redevelopment of Ramapir No Tekro would provide permanent homes and improved facilities to residents. Once completed, the project would benefit more than 55,000 people by providing access to healthcare, education, recreation and social security facilities. He also referred to the commencement of work on the four-km ISKCON overbridge, a rainwater drainage pump house in Bopal-Ghuma and the inauguration of the Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant. Shah said development works worth Rs 25,000 crore had been completed in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency over the past seven years. On the drug menace, the Home Minister urged citizens, teachers and parents to join the campaign against drug abuse. He said the Centre had set a target of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029, while Gujarat should achieve the goal by December 31, 2028. He announced that a control room would become operational from December 1, with a mechanism to ensure action within three hours of receiving information about drug-related activities. Amit Shah said people could report drug sales or consumption through helpline 1033, assuring that callers identities would remain confidential. He also urged families not to hesitate in seeking treatment for youngsters battling addiction.
Firm apple prices revive market activity across south Kashmir
Shopian, Nov 9: Firm apple prices during the ongoing harvesting season have improved market sentiment across south Kashmir, with traders reporting increased customer footfall and a pickup in sales after months of subdued business activity. Markets in Shopian, Pulwama and other apple-producing districts had remained relatively quiet for over a year, as traders struggled with low customer turnout and sluggish sales. Shopkeepers attributed the slowdown largely to poor returns from the apple industry, which remains a major pillar of the regions economy. Damage to the crop, partly caused by disruptions and closures of the national highway and erratic weather conditions, had affected growers earnings and, consequently, their spending capacity. However, firm prices this season have brought some relief to orchardists, with the improvement gradually reflecting in commercial activity across the region. The good apple prices have had a positive impact on the overall market, said Tariq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Batapora, Shopian. He said customers had started returning to shops, while restaurants, eateries, ready-made garment stores and other commercial establishments were witnessing better business. Markets are bustling with customers again. There is a noticeable difference in the number of people visiting shops compared to the previous season, he said. Traders dealing in different goods said the improvement was visible across several market segments and was not confined to any particular category of business. Mushtaq Ahmad, who deals in ready-made garments and woollens in Pulwama, said business had picked up in recent weeks. People are spending more freely than they were earlier. When growers receive better returns for their produce, it has a positive effect on other businesses as well, he said. He said the improvement in purchasing activity was particularly encouraging for small shopkeepers, who had endured prolonged periods of sluggish sales. Traders said the apple economy directly influences the purchasing power of households across south Kashmir, where a large section of the population depends on horticulture and related activities for its livelihood. Despite crop damage caused by multiple spells of hailstorms during the season, apple prices have remained firm, providing some relief to growers. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit MandiShopian, said A-grade apples were selling at Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,500 per box. Despite the damage caused by hailstorms, the prices have remained encouraging. This has provided some relief to growers and helped sustain activity in the fruit trade, he said. He said better prices benefited not only orchardists but also thousands of people engaged in transportation, packaging, grading, loading and other activities linked to the horticulture sector. Shopkeepers said the business improvement was a welcome development after a prolonged period of uncertainty. For small traders, the return of customers to markets is an encouraging sign that better returns from the apple sector are gradually translating into economic activity beyond orchards and fruit mandis.
AGs appointment will be within a month: Govt tells High Court
Srinagar, Nov 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government has assured the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that the J&K Advocate Generals post will be filled within one month. Senior Additional Advocate General, Monika Kohli on November 5 informed the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal that the necessary process for the appointment of the J&Ks top law officer is underway and will be concluded within one month. The Sr AAG made the submission to the Bench in keeping with the instructions from the government during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Harsh Dubey, seeking judicial intervention for filling up the AGs post which has been lying vacant for nearly two years. In response to the statement given on the instructions before the court, the bench listed the matter for further consideration on December 8. On September 14, the Court had issued notice to the government for its response to the PIL through Chief Secretary and Law Secretary and the same was required to be filed by October 21. 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. Duby, a practicing advocate through the PIL is 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. He submits 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 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. It 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 High Court on June 4 last year while dealing with a petition concerning public charitable and religious trusts, 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.
Costly textbooks: Government promises action, parents say it is too late
Srinagar, Nov 9: Minister for Education ShamimFirdous on Monday said the government would take action against private schools prescribing expensive textbooks published by private publishers in violation of prescribed rules. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a textbook distribution event in Srinagar, Firdous said some private schools were recommending book sets costing between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000. We will issue an order in this regard very soon. I will convene a meeting with the Director, School Education Kashmir. We will look into the educational system here. Everything should be done under discipline, she said. The Minister alleged that some private schools were functioning according to their own rules and causing difficulties for parents. They dont give admission to poor children and trouble the parents a lot, she said, adding that parents were also being burdened by the cost of textbooks and uniforms. Now that I have taken charge, I will take drastic steps to reduce the problems faced by parents, she said. However, parents have questioned the timing of the governments assurance, saying the intervention has come after many families have already purchased the prescribed textbooks for the new academic session. It has been more than a week since the issue of textbooks was highlighted, but the government did not take cognisance of it in time, said Muhammad Aamir, a parent. It is merely an eyewash now because almost all parents have purchased the textbooks and children have already joined their new classes, he said. The parents alleged that the government had failed to act against private schools despite complaints about the cost of textbooks, giving institutions a free hand to burden families at the beginning of the academic session. Bureaucrats and ministers also have children studying in private schools. That is why they remain mute spectators when it is time to act and issue instructions only after the issue has lost momentum, said Suhail Ahmad Khan, another parent from Srinagar. Greater Kashmir had earlier carried a series of reports highlighting the concerns of parents over the cost of textbooks prescribed by private schools. The J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) had made it mandatory for private schools to adopt its prescribed textbooks across classes, from primary to higher secondary levels, under the J&K Board of School Education Act, 1975. Over the past two weeks, parents have raised concerns over private schools prescribing expensive books from private publishers. They have also alleged that some schools prescribe additional books to earn commissions from publishers. Parents said some schools affiliated with JKBOSE, while claiming to follow the Cambridge curriculum, prescribe book sets costing between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000, making them unaffordable for many families. Describing the governments response as locking the stable after the horse has bolted, parents said action at this stage would do little to ease the financial burden already borne by families. If the government is serious about the issue, it should inspect school campuses and ensure that the money spent on these expensive books is reimbursed to parents, they said. The damage has already been done. It is a waste of time to expect action now. Had the government been serious, it would have acted earlier. Now they are making fun of the suffering of parents, said Parvez Ahmad, another parent.
Food Safety Deptt fines eateries Rs 12,000 during inspection drive in Sonamarg
Ganderbal, Nov 9:The Food Safety Department, Ganderbal, conducted a surprise late-evening inspection drive across markets and roadside eateries in Sonamarg to check compliance with food safety and hygiene standards. During the drive, an enforcement team inspected several food establishments, including restaurants, dhabas and street vendors, to assess compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules framed thereunder. Several establishments were found violating prescribed sanitary requirements and operational guidelines. Taking cognisance of the violations, the team imposed a collective fine of Rs 12,000 on the defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs). Officials said the inspection was conducted under the directions of Commissioner Food Safety Khalid Jahangir to ensure that food establishments maintain prescribed hygiene standards, particularly during peak dinner hours when tourist footfall is high. During the drive, food samples were also lifted from selected outlets and sent for laboratory analysis to assess their quality and safety. The department has directed all food business operators in the district to strictly comply with prescribed hygiene protocols, maintain valid FSSAI registration or licences, ensure hygienic conditions in kitchens and refrain from using substandard ingredients. Officials warned that unannounced inspection drives would continue across Ganderbal district and that violations, particularly by repeat offenders, would invite stringent action, including registration of formal cases and suspension of operating licences.
City Gate FC beat AG's Office XI 3-2 in Srinagar Premier Division League
Srinagar, Nov 9: City Gate FC registered an impressive victory over AGs Office XI, defeating them by a narrow margin of 32 in an exciting encounter of the Srinagar Premier Division Football League 202627. As per a DFA statement issued on Monday, both teams displayed great determination and attacking football, but City Gate FC held their nerve to secure all three points in a closely contested match. DFA Srinagar congratulated City Gate FC on their victory and appreciates the competitive spirit displayed by both teams.
J&K Govt begins exercise for 2027-28 Budget; departmental discussions from November 16
Srinagar, Nov 9:The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department will begin departmental budget discussions from November 16 as the administration prepares for the 2027-28 financial year, with expenditure patterns, revenue generation, staffing requirements, and liabilities of ongoing projects set to come under scrutiny. The exercise is significant given the financial commitments reflected in the 2026-27 Budget, which has an overall outlay of Rs 1,13,767 crore, including Rs 80,640 crore under revenue expenditure and Rs 33,127 crore under capital expenditure. Of the estimated expenditure, Rs 24,683 crore has been earmarked for salaries, Rs 15,777 crore for pensions and Rs 12,283 crore for interest payments. Together, these three components account for Rs 52,743 crore, highlighting the substantial recurring financial obligations that the government has to meet. The Finance Department has scheduled discussions on the Revised Estimates for 2026-27 and Budget Estimates for 2027-28 under both revenue and capital components, including Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP) and loan components. According to an official communication issued by the Budget Division on October 31, administrative departments have been asked to furnish Action Taken Reports on previous Budget announcements, wherever applicable, along with complete details of their establishment budgets and information required under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management framework. Departments have also been directed to submit detailed presentations covering sanctioned staff strength, employees in position and contractual manpower, besides scheme-wise trends in revenue and capital expenditure. The Finance Department has specifically sought details of revenue receipts during the last five years and the scope for enhancing collections. Departments have also been asked to provide details of major projects and initiatives, including the total liabilities of ongoing projects. The presentations will have to indicate the key features of proposed allocations for the ensuing financial year, along with corresponding outputs, outcomes and targets. Departments have also been asked to demonstrate the alignment of their budget proposals with relevant Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026-27 Budget estimates revenue receipts at Rs 90,018 crore. Of this, Rs 58,218 crore is expected through grants-in-aid from the Centre, while the Union Territorys own tax and non-tax resources have been projected at Rs 31,800 crore. The figures indicate continued dependence on central assistance, which accounts for around 65 percent of the estimated revenue receipts. Own tax revenue has been projected at Rs 20,700 crore, while non-tax revenue is estimated at Rs 11,100 crore. Among the major sources of tax revenue, State GST is expected to contribute Rs 13,000 crore, followed by State Excise at Rs 3,000 crore, Sales Tax/VAT at Rs 2,100 crore and stamp duty and registration fees at Rs 1,100 crore. The power sector remains a significant component of the Union Territorys non-tax revenue estimates. The government has projected Rs 7,100 crore in non-tax revenue from the sector, against an estimated Rs 9,300 crore expenditure on power purchases during the current financial year. The capital expenditure position will also be an important part of the forthcoming discussions. While the 2026-27 Budget provides Rs 33,127 crore under the broader capital expenditure head, capital outlay at Rs 25,236 crore. Capital outlay represents expenditure on the creation of assets and is a narrower component of the broader capital expenditure classification. Official data show that capital outlay for 2025-26, initially budgeted at Rs 26,909 crore, was revised downwards to Rs 24,308 crore. The reduction highlights the importance of examining actual expenditure and the pace of project implementation alongside fresh financial requirements. The Finance Departments decision to seek details of liabilities attached to ongoing projects is expected to help assess existing commitments before new proposals are considered. The requirement to provide expenditure trends and corresponding outcomes will also enable scrutiny of whether departmental allocations are translating into completed projects and improved public services. The 2026-27 Budget has projected a fiscal deficit of Rs 14,685 crore, equivalent to 4.6 per cent of the projected Gross State Domestic Product, while the revenue surplus has been estimated at Rs 9,378 crore. It has also reported outstanding off-budget borrowings of Rs 23,133 crore at the end of March 2025. The department-wise discussions will begin on November 16 with the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, followed by Industries and Commerce and Mining. Tribal Affairs, Information and Revenue departments are scheduled for November 17, while School Education, Law and Justice/Election and Parliamentary Affairs will be taken up on November 18. Jal Shakti (PHE), Transport and Cooperative departments will be examined on November 19. Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Agriculture Production and Horticulture departments are scheduled for November 20. The discussions will continue with Hospitality, Protocol and Toshkhana/Estates, Youth Services and Sports, Technical Education and Science and Technology on November 23. Public Works, Housing and Urban Development and Jal Shakti (I&FC) are scheduled for November 25. Rural Development and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will be taken up on November 26, followed by Tourism and Culture on November 27. Health and Medical Education, Finance, Fisheries and Planning, and Development and Monitoring departments are scheduled for November 30. The General Administration, Forest and Social Welfare departments will be examined on December 1, while Higher Education, Power Development and Finance are scheduled for December 2. The Finance Department has asked departments to submit their presentations and supporting information well in advance of the scheduled discussions. Only officers considered essential for the exercise will participate, while Heads of Departments based in Jammu and Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners will join through video conferencing.
Nabi, Gurnoor, Arshdeep to stay back: Kotak
Hamilton, Nov 9:The white-ball pace trio of Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, and Arshdeep Singh will stay back to help the Indian Test squad prepare for the crucial World Test Championship series against New Zealand starting on November 19, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday. The three are currently a part of the squad that is engaged in a five-ODI series against the Black Caps. The third game of the assignment will be held here on Tuesday. I think three bowlers are going to stay back anyway. Gurnoor, maybe Nabi, and I think Arsh is also staying back, Kotak said in a pre-match press conference on Monday. The former Saurashtra batter also said that the Test specialists will start their preparations from November 11 with skipper Shubman Gill, senior opener KL Rahul, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacer Anshul Kamboj leaving for Wellington after the third ODI game here on Tuesday. All in all, I think the preparation has been very good. On top of that, the Test players will go for a camp from the 11th, where we will get five or six sessions. Fingers crossed, we should be ready for the Test series as well. The coaching team will also split with head coach Gautam Gambhir staying back for the fourth and fifth ODIs scheduled on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. As far as I understand, Gautam will obviously have to be here because of the upcoming World Cup. So, he will stay here. Probably, Sairaj (Bahutule) will also stay here, Kotak said. Morne (Morkel) and some other members of the staff will go to Wellington. These are the current plans, but as I said, the final decision is up to Gautam. So, things can change. We will just try to ensure that the players get the required workload, fitness and practice. They should get enough preparation, depending on the conditions available to us, he added.
30 students per class, Rs 40000 starting salary!
Srinagar, Nov 9:Drawing on his decades-long experience in the education sector, Iqbal Ahmad Beg has established a new girls-only school at Hyderpora, with a model that seeks to prioritise smaller class sizes, individual attention, better teacher remuneration and modern infrastructure over large student enrolments. The school- 'New Convent Global Girls School' will accommodate only 30 students in each class, with a single section from nursery to Class 3rd primary in the initial phase. To begin with, we will start classes with fresh admissions up to 3rd primary. In the coming years we will commit ourselves to have only 390 students up to class 10th in the whole campus, Beg told Greater Kashmir . Beg said the decision to introduce a limited-enrolment model was based on his experience of running educational institutions over several decades, during which he felt that large class sizes and inadequate salaries for teaching staff remained major shortcomings in the private education sector. The building that I have can accommodate almost 4000 students if we reduce the size of classrooms. However, we have decided to do it differently. We will have a minimum number of students and ensure better salaries for teachers, he told Greater Kashmir . He said the school would initially offer a starting salary of Rs 40000 to teachers. It is an attempt to address one of the biggest weaknesses in private school education, he added. Beg said he had earlier operated a school with an enrolment of around 900 students alongside a B.Ed college with 560 students. However, the financial arrangements required to sustain the institutions meant that increasing student enrolment became necessary, while teachers continued to receive comparatively meagre salaries. This worried me. We needed more and more students to meet the financial requirements, while the salaries being paid to staff were not satisfactory. We eventually decided to close those institutions and begin a new journey with a different model, he said. About the rationale behind restricting class strength to 30, Beg said teachers in classrooms with 50 to 60 students often struggle to devote adequate time to individual children. He said the new model was intended to ensure that every student receives sufficient attention and allow teachers to identify individual learning requirements and help children perform better academically. My observations of girls' education at the Gogji Bagh branch influenced my decision to establish an exclusive school for girls in Srinagar. The quality of girl students is tremendous. Their discipline, handwriting and commitment towards studies are remarkable. I wanted to create an environment where girls receive uninterrupted attention and opportunities to excel, he added. The school has also adopted an open-office concept, under which students and parents will have easy access to the chairman, principal, vice-principal and other staff members. Beg said he did not believe in restricting parents from entering school premises or creating unnecessary barriers between the management, teachers, students and parents. The child should not have to think twice about whether he or she can approach the principal or any other staff member. There should be no barriers between teachers, management, students and parents, he said. The institution has been affiliated with the JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE). The choice of Board should not be the sole determinant of educational quality. The manner in which subjects are taught matters more than the name of the Board, he said. What you teach is largely the same across Boards. Whether it is Cambridge or JKBOSE, important question is how you teach. The teaching methodology makes the difference, he added. On concerns that the school's infrastructure and limited enrolment could make education expensive and restrict access to economically weaker families, Beg acknowledged that maintaining smaller classes and offering better salaries would increase operational costs. He said the fee structure would necessarily have to reflect the cost of providing such facilities and maintaining a limited student strength. If you have 30 students in a class and charge Rs 2,000 per student, the financial equation is different from having twice that number. People have to pay if they want this kind of individual attention and facilities, he said. Beg however said he did not want to make exaggerated promises about learning outcomes, saying that quality education required equal commitment from the school, parents and students. Merely reducing the number of students in a classroom would not automatically guarantee better academic performance unless all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities, he said. He said the biggest flaw in private education was the salary paid to the teaching staff. I want to change that. My wish is to pay Rs 1 lakh to teachers. But if I am charging Rs 2000 from a student, I cannot afford to pay that salary. The two are directly proportional, he said. He said establishing new institution with the state-of-the-art facilities was an attempt to put his years of experience into practice through a model that gives priority to the quality of education, teachers' professional dignity and individual attention rather than the size of enrolment.
Shubham Khajuria to lead J&K in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy
Srinagar, Nov 9:Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, scheduled to be held in Indore from November 14 to 26. As per the JKCA, Shubham Khajuria has been named captain of the side, which features several prominent players, including Qamran Iqbal, Abdul Samad, Umran Malik and Yudhvir Singh. The squad also includes Yawer Hassan, Kawalpreet Singh, wicketkeepers Dikshant Kundal and Rydham Sharma, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar, Brijesh Sharma and Lone Nasir Muzaffar. The team was finalised following recommendations from the JKCA Senior Men's Selection Committee and approval by the competent authority.
Sanctorum Public Institute inaugurates Astro Turf Ground at Lalad Sopore
Sopore Nov 9:Sanctorum Public Institute, Lalad Sopore, inaugurated its Astro Turf Ground, marking a significant milestone in the field of sports and educational infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was held with great enthusiasm and grandeur, with MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar attending as the Chief Guest, while Joint Director Education North Kashmir, Hakim Tanveer, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by several prominent dignitaries and officials, including ASP Sopore, SDPO Sopore, SHO Tarzoo, Tehsildar Sopore Sheikh Tariq, representatives of the Police and Army, and heads of various private educational institutions from Sopore town, besides other distinguished guests. The inauguration of the Astro Turf ground reflects the institution's commitment to promoting sports, physical fitness and extracurricular activities among students. The newly established facility is expected to provide students with better opportunities to develop their sporting skills, nurture their talents and participate in various sports activities in a modern sporting environment. Students of the institution presented colourful performances, while the school band added charm and vibrancy to the ceremony, making the occasion more memorable and impressive. The enthusiastic participation of students showcased their talent, discipline and dedication, drawing appreciation from the guests and attendees. Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated the initiative taken by the management of Sanctorum Public Institute, describing the establishment of such a facility as an encouraging step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and providing students with opportunities beyond academics. MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, lauded the management of Sanctorum Public Institute for taking the initiative to establish an Astro Turf ground, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. He said that such initiatives play a vital role in promoting sports culture among youngsters and providing students with better opportunities to explore and develop their sporting talents. He emphasised that sports are an essential part of students' overall development, helping them build discipline, confidence, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. Kar further appreciated the institution's efforts in creating modern sporting facilities and encouraged other educational institutions to come forward with similar initiatives to nurture young talent and strengthen the sports ecosystem across North Kashmir.
Experts call for urgent actionas Kashmirs autumn smogspikes breathing problems
Srinagar, Nov 9:With air pollution worsening across Kashmir during autumn and winter, experts have warned of its growing impact on public health, linking seasonal smog to respiratory stress and lung problems, particularly among the vulnerable children and the elderly. The warning came during a webinar organised by the Peoples Environmental Council (PEC). Environmental scientists and medical professional called for urgent and coordinated action to reduce the autumn pollution spike risks. Speaking at the online event, titled Breathe Easy This Harud, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Patron of PEC, said industrial activity accounts for only around 1% of emissions in the Valley. Residential heating, biomass burning, brick kilns and vehicular transport are the major sources of pollution, he said. Prof. Romshoo pointed out that the open burning of horticultural pruning waste significantly increases black carbon levels. During autumn and winter, temperature inversions and a low atmospheric boundary layer trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality across the Valley. Horticulture pruning burnings amplify black carbon-induced respiratory stress. He said particulate pollution frequently exceeds both national and World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. The need for seasonal biomass management was emphasised by Prof. Romshoo, encouraging disposal or controlled burning during summer when atmospheric conditions are relatively favourable. Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul, pulmonologist and former Director of SKIMS, said air pollution has emerged as the second leading global risk factor for death, contributing to 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021. He highlighted the burden of respiratory disease in Kashmir, citing studies showing that 16-19% of adults above 40 years in Bandipora suffer from chronic airflow limitation, largely due to exposure to biomass smoke in poorly ventilated homes. Lung cancer is Kashmirs leading cancer, the statement quoted the expert as saying, adding that children exposed to polluted air are also at greater risk of severe pneumonia. Prof. Parvaiz Koul advised people to monitor daily Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, use masks and HEPA filters where possible, and switch to vented chulas to reduce indoor pollution. He also recommended that children with breathing difficulties avoid morning assemblies on days when pollution levels are high. Dr Sabeena Sultan of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) said 34 air quality monitoring stations have been established across Kashmir. She also highlighted measures taken to reduce emissions, including the adoption of cleaner zigzag technology by brick kilns and a moratorium on cement plants until they adopt cleaner processes. Prof. Gazala Habib of IIT Delhi stressed the need for advanced super site monitoring facilities to better track organic aerosols. Experts also proposed establishing 300-metre clean air zones around schools and hospitals. Highlighting alternatives to open burning, speakers said the Valley generates around eight lakh units of pruned orchard wood annually, nearly 90% of which is burnt in the open. They suggested converting the waste into wood chips, biochar or using it for medicinal mushroom cultivation. PEC Convener Sakib Qadri announced the launch of a Youth Peoples Environmental Council to involve students and young researchers in environmental initiatives. The goal is to bring the youth of Kashmir together to champion environmental awareness and sustainable practices. To drive positive changes in Kashmir, PEC is encouraging the Youth, who are the future of the valley to step up for environmental initiatives. The council said it would advocate for a government policy on scientific disposal of orchard pruning waste, and prepare a policy brief to strengthen collaboration between academia, government and industry. PEC Chairman Dr. Khurshid A. Salman called for translating the discussions into coordinated and impactful action, and council will be an active partner in this effort. He thanked the lead speakers, panelists and the PEC Team who made this Webinar a reality. The webinar was the councils second on air pollution, following its first in July 2020.
Wrong parking, encroachment block way to SMHS hospital emergency
Srinagar, Nov 9:Wrong parking and encroachment of roads by vendors on the road leading to emergency wing of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital is causing immense problems to patients, attendants and commuters. The stretch from the emergency entrance towards Karan Nagar and Nawab Bazar remains blocked for most of the day as private vehicles, auto-rickshaws and other vehicles are parked wrongly on roadside, leaving little space for smooth movement of patients and ambulances. Spot assessment revealed that footpaths outside the hospital have been completely occupied by tea stalls, snack vendors, fruit sellers and other makeshift vendors, forcing pedestrians to walk on the busy road alongside moving traffic. The footpath is of no use because it is occupied everywhere. We have no option but to walk on the road amid traffic. It becomes even more difficult for elderly people and those accompanying patients, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a pedestrian. The situation inside the emergency parking area was also found to be chaotic. The parking space, which was earlier regulated, has now become largely unregulated, with vehicles parked haphazardly around the emergency entrance and exit. Attendants said they often struggle to bring patients to the emergency department because vehicles remain stranded inside the parking area while wrongly parked vehicles outside further block movement. I brought my wife here for surgery. It took us a long time just to reach the emergency gate. Vehicles were parked everywhere inside the parking area, and outside there was another line of wrongly parked vehicles. A hospital should not have such conditions where every minute matters, said an attendant. The disorder has also raised security concerns. Another attendant alleged that vehicles parked around the hospital premises remain vulnerable. I had parked my bicycle here and later found that someone had slashed its tyre. There is hardly any proper monitoring in the parking area, he said. Commuters using the road said the congestion affects far more than hospital visitors. This road connects several important areas. Because of the wrong parking outside the hospital, traffic from Nawabazar towards Karan Nagar and vehicles coming from the Safa Kadal side remain stuck for long periods. It has become a daily bottleneck, said Irfan Ahmad, a commuter. Locals and hospital visitors urged the authorities to immediately remove wrong parking from the roadside, regulate parking inside the hospital premises, clear encroachments from pedestrian pathways and ensure the presence of traffic personnel at the spot to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles, particularly those carrying emergency patients. Earlier, Traffic Police officials had said that drives against wrong parking are being carried out regularly across Srinagar, including around SMHS Hospital, to ensure smoother traffic movement. Such enforcement would continue and we appeal to motorists to avoid illegal parking and cooperate with traffic personnel in keeping hospital access roads free from congestion, an official said.
Female Sambar deer sighting raises hopes of range expansion into Kashmir
Srinagar, Nov 9:A female Sambar deer sighted near Sinthan Top in south Kashmirs Anantnag district has raised hopes that the species is extending its range into the Valley. The animal was spotted by passengers near Daksum on the Kashmir side of Sinthan Top, a wildlife official said. The sighting follows reports of a male Sambar near Achabal in April 2024 and another in the Sinthan Top-Daksum area last year. The species is historically found in the Kishtwar-Bhaderwah-Doda belt and Udhampur region of Jammu division. Wildlife researcher and Warden North Kashmir Range Intesar Suhail said sightings of a male and a female at different times could indicate an expansion of the species' home range. Since we have sighted two different individuals, one male and another female, at two different times, it does not appear to be a one-off stray incident. It points towards a possible expansion of the species' home range, Suhail said. He said extensive camera trapping and evidence of herds were needed to establish whether the species was expanding its range. Before arriving at a conclusion, we need to look for more evidence, particularly whether there are herds in the area. It requires a scientific study and extensive camera trapping to establish the expansion, he said. The presence of both sexes also raises the possibility of breeding, although an established population has not been confirmed. Wildlife Warden Anantnag-Kulgam range Sajad Bhat said the Sinthan Top forest belt was connected to Kishtwar, providing a possible route for the animal to enter the area. The animal may have either migrated from that side or moved to lower elevations in search of habitat, he said. Bhat said it was too early to confirm a range expansion, adding that female Sambar deer sightings in Kashmir were uncommon and the species is more frequently recorded in the Jammu division. The Sambar (Rusa unicolor), the largest deer species in the Indian subcontinent, has been listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List since 2008 due to population declines caused by hunting and habitat loss. Jammu and Kashmir is also home to other rare wildlife species, including the Hangul, Kashmir musk deer, Markhor and Asiatic ibex.
NGT orders fresh wetland assessment by JKPCC
Srinagar, Nov 9:The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to carry out a fresh assessment of wetlands, amid mounting evidence of shrinking lakes, disappearing water bodies and deteriorating water quality across J&K. Official figures show that J&K lost 120 hectares of recorded wetland area over 11 years, while hundreds of lakes have either vanished or shrunk. The tribunal has asked the JKPCC to match the wetland area recorded in revenue documents with the actual extent on the ground and submit a revised report before its next hearing on February 26, 2027. The direction followed the tribunal's finding that the committee's earlier report had failed to establish the actual extent of wetlands against the area recorded in revenue records. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with expert members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, directed the committee to file the report at least a day before the next hearing. In its report dated October 1, 2026, the JKPCC identified 27 wetlands spread over more than one hectare outside forest areas. It said details from the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Kupwara were still awaited. The scale of water-body loss is reflected in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit, which found that 518 of the 697 lakes recorded in 1967 had either disappeared or shrunk. Of these, 315 lakes had vanished completely, while 203 had reduced in size. The total loss in water spread was estimated at 2851.26 hectares, including 1537.07 hectares from lakes that disappeared and 1314.19 hectares from those that shrank. As many as 63 lakes had lost more than half of their water spread. The EnviStats India 2022, Volume II: Environment Accounts, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), recorded a decline of 120 hectares, or around 2372 kanals, in Jammu and Kashmir's wetland area between 2006-07 and 2017-18. The recorded wetland area fell from 1,64,230 hectares to 1,64,110 hectares during the period, even as the number of listed wetlands increased marginally from 403 to 404. The CAG audit also found that conservation efforts were largely concentrated on major water bodies, including Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hokersar, Manasbal, Surinsar and Mansar, while no comprehensive conservation plans had been prepared for the remaining 691 lakes. It pointed to fragmented institutional responsibilities and weak monitoring. At Dal Lake, delays in land acquisition and malfunctioning sewage treatment plants affected conservation work. Wular lacked a functional oversight body, while Hokersar faced altered water flows, biodiversity loss and encroachment spread over more than 2500 kanal. Several wetlands fail water-quality tests The deterioration is not limited to shrinking water spread. Water-quality tests conducted by the JKPCC found that several wetlands failed the prescribed standards for Class B water, meant for outdoor bathing. In Jammu district, none of the three wetlands sampled met the standards. In Samba, only two of the nine wetlands tested complied, while the sample from Kathua met the prescribed criteria. In Kashmir, four of the six wetlands tested in Kupwara failed the standards, mainly because of high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Rakh-e-Daslipora wetland in Baramulla also failed the BOD and dissolved oxygen parameters. BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms while breaking down organic matter in water. High BOD indicates greater organic pollution, while low dissolved oxygen can threaten aquatic life. The JKPCC report also found that Rakh-i-Daslipora wetland could not be located at its mapped site, where paddy cultivation was being carried out. Domestic effluent was also found entering Mawasar wetland in Samba. The committee has sought details of the persons, agencies and departments responsible for taking corrective or punitive action in these cases. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified eight polluted water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, including stretches of the Jhelum. Chuntkol in Srinagar recorded a BOD level of 11.2 mg per litre, while a stretch of the Jhelum recorded 7.8 mg per litre. In 2025, the NGT was informed that Srinagar generates around 163 million litres of sewage daily, against an available treatment capacity of 60 MLD, leaving nearly 103 MLD untreated. The untreated wastewater enters the Jhelum and Dal Lake through drains. The government has also acknowledged that untreated wastewater from drains in parts of south Kashmir flows into streams feeding the Jhelum. Wetland management plan proposes Rs 46.70 crore The Draft Integrated Management Action Plan for Kashmir wetlands for 2022-27 proposed an outlay of Rs 46.70 crore for biodiversity protection, public awareness, eco-tourism, sustainable use of resources, livelihood development and institutional strengthening. However, the proposal does not establish how much of the amount has been spent or how many of the proposed interventions have been completed. According to MOSPI, Jammu and Kashmir has five Ramsar sites- Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Wular, Hygam, Shallabugh and Hokersar. Together, they account for 14.08 percent of J&K's recorded wetland area. The NGT will take up the matter again on February 26, 2027, after the JKPCC submits its updated assessment.
Free textbook distribution begins in schools
Srinagar, Nov 9:The government Monday commenced free textbook distribution for the students in government schools from class 1st primary to 8th. The distribution process was started by minister for education who personally visited several schools and distributed the textbooks and uniforms among the school children of the district. As already reported, Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has notified a schedule for the distribution of free textbooks to government schools across Kashmir from November 9, 2026. The free textbook distribution commenced eight days after the commencement of the academic session 2026-27. As per the JKBOSE schedule, the education zones of Baramulla district are scheduled to receive the books in the last week of November. As per the distribution schedule issued by the Textbook Section of JKBOSE on November 7, 2026, the process will begin from Srinagar district on November 9 (Monday), followed by Bandipora on November 10, Kulgam on November 11, and Kupwara on November 12 and 13. The phased distribution will continue across districts as the education zones of Anantnag are scheduled to receive textbooks on November 14 and 16, Budgam zones on November 17 and 18, and Pulwama on November 19 and 20. The education zones in Ganderbal will receive the free textbooks on November 20, while the distribution in Shopian is scheduled for November 21, placing both districts in the third week of November. Baramulla, however, figures among the last districts in the distribution calendar. The education zones of the district will receive textbooks in three phases, commencing from November 23 and will conclude on November 26. According to the JKBOSE schedule, education zone Pattan, Kunzer, Rohama, Sopore, Singpora (K) and Singpora (P) will receive the textbooks on November 23. Uri, Jhulla, Boniyar, Chandanwari, Baramulla and Chandoosa zones are scheduled for November 25, while Dangiwacha, Wagoora, Tangmarg, Fatehgarh, Nihalpora and Dangerpora will receive the books on November 26. As per the schedule, the free supply of textbooks will be provided to education zones for students from Class 1 to Class 8. The Deputy Secretary (textbook section) of JKBOSE, has asked the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to depute representatives from the concerned Zonal Education Officers' (ZEO) offices, along with authority letters, to lift the textbooks from the JKBOSE textbook store at New Campus, Bemina, Srinagar, on the designated dates. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the book distribution function Chairman JKBOSE Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said the Central Government provides free textbooks to children in government schools which normally takes time for them to print the books. This is the first time in many years that we have started distributing books along with the sessions. Our distribution work will be completed in 8-10 days, he said. Sheikh said they distribute the books to the Zonal Education Officers following which they distribute the books to all the government schools in their jurisdiction. The work is done by the Directorate of School Education of Kashmir. Our job is to distribute the books to the ZEOs. We have asked the CEOs to supervise the distribution of the books. We hope that by distributing the books to the children on time, we will be able to improve the quality of education, he said. Sheikh said the total number of children in the government schools across J&K for which textbooks are printed was 8,20,000. We are distributing the same number of books. The total number of children in Kashmir is over three lakhs and in Jammu its more than four lakhs, he said. While the JKBOSE has notified the schedule for textbook distribution, the school teachers have expressed concern over the delayed process. This is not for the first time that textbook distribution has started late but it has become a routine for the government, a school teacher complained to Greater Kashmir, wishing not to be named. He said the as per the notified dates, the textbooks will reach the respective education zones and later the textbooks will be distributed to schools which will consume another week. For Baramulla, the textbooks will reach concerned zones in the last week of this month and later the supply will reach the schools. By this process a month goes waste for the students, the teacher said. Over the years, the teachers have expressed their concern over the process in vogue saying that the books must reach the schools by October end of every year following which the students can use the new books with the commencement of the new academic session in schools. But it seems the government is not concerned about the issue and they delay the process every year which takes a toll on the students, he said.
300 arrested, 73 brought back in a year
New Delhi, Nov 9:As the first anniversary of the brazen Red Fort blast approaches, central security agencies have tightened vigilance nationwide, backed by a fortified counterterrorism architecture and a sweeping crackdown on cross-border terror syndicates over the past year, officials said on Monday. On the eve of the first anniversary of the Red Fort blast, central security agencies have intensified vigilance following a year-long crackdown that led to over 300 arrests and the deportation of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad, the officials said. The terror strike on November 10 last year had exposed a 'Doctor Module' operated by highly educated professionals. Security agencies cracked the case within 24 hours, subsequently filing a formal charge sheet against 13 accused, including absconding paediatrician Dr Muzzafar Rather, who is currently believed to be hiding in Afghanistan. Central investigation agencies and Jammu and Kashmir police, with the help of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), identified the principal conspirator and nabbed the key perpetrators. The Red Fort blast prompted central intelligence agencies to formulate a policy to prevent such attacks. This thought led to the unveiling of 'PRAHAAR: National CT Policy and Strategy' on February 23 this year, in which policy was formulated for zero tolerance towards terrorism. The comprehensive policy sets a unified agenda for central and state machinery and its operational impact was further cemented during a high-level conference of state DGPs and central agency chiefs in September 2026. The efficacy of the PRAHAAR framework was visibly demonstrated in a massive, coordinated nationwide clampdown against the Pakistan-based ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). The Red Fort case was unique because highly qualified professionals were involved. Now, many regulations are in place, including periodic surprise checks on the sale of ammonium nitrate and other materials, an official said on condition of anonymity. The network, which utilised domestic nodes and local foot soldiers, faced severe setbacks as agencies registered over 100 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested more than 300 operatives. Security forces recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades carrying Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and illicit firearms. Following these extensive operations, the SBN was formally designated as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on September 26 this year. Concurrently, multi-agency operations successfully dismantled several radical modules and dented the support frameworks of proscribed outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Action against pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs) has similarly blunted the network designs of outfits like Babbar Khalsa International and Khalistan Zindabad Force, disrupting cross-border arms smuggling and leading to key arrests. The security agencies also stepped up containment of Bangladesh-based terror threats, arresting 27 radical operatives inspired by the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) ideology across Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On the diplomatic and international front, counterterror cooperation with foreign governments has been significantly scaled up to cut off external sanctuaries and fast-track the deportation of fugitives. A dedicated extradition portal launched in September this year optimised inter-agency coordination. The officials confirmed that these sustained diplomatic efforts successfully secured the return of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad over the past year. As security forces maintain a high state of alert ahead of the anniversary, officials emphasise that the enhanced synergy between central intelligence and state police forces has substantially hardened the nation's defences against future threats. The emphasis has remained on preventing terror attacks, identifying the wider ecosystem, quick disruption, timely investigation including collection of clinching evidence - and successful prosecution to tackle the threats, the officials said. The investigation into the entire Red Fort terror network run by the 'Doctor Module' started after posters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit were pasted on the outskirts of Srinagar city during the intervening night of October 18-19 last year. The posters warned of attacks on police and security forces in the Valley. Srinagar police treated the matter as a serious issue, not just a one-off incident and Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) G V Sundeep Chakravarthy formed several teams to investigate the case thoroughly. Srinagar police registered a case and reviewed CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of three locals -- Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid -- all with prior stone-pelting cases. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam from Shopian, who allegedly supplied the posters and used his access to radicalise the doctors. Piecing together the interrogation of the arrested accused, the investigation led Srinagar police to Al Falah university in Faridabad. There, two doctors Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie alias Musaib, a resident of Koil in South Kashmir's Pulwama and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, a woman hailing from Lucknow - were arrested and a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, including 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur, was seized. Aware of the crackdown by the police and central agencies, Dr Umar-un Nabi, driving an explosive-laden car, started shifting his base to avoid arrest. Nabi, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, emerged as the most radicalised and key operative in the network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and officials believe he was planning a powerful Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast timed around the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on December 6 last year. However, his plan was to place a VBIED near a crowded place either in the national capital or at a site of religious importance, and then disappear, the officials said. Authorities are closely monitoring the radicalisation of youth and have been asked to flag any noticeable behavioural change in any individual immediately, said the official cited above. It may be recalled that Dr Rather and Dr Nabi reportedly held radical views even during their student days; however, both managed to stay under the radar at that time. According to the co-accused's interrogation, Nabi's transformation took a dangerous turn after a 2021 trip to Turkiye with co-accused Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, where they allegedly met JeM overground workers. Following the trip, Nabi and Ganaie, who taught at Faridabad's Al Falah University, began accumulating vast quantities of chemicals from the open market, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur. Much of this was stored near the university campus. That plot fell apart when a meticulous investigation resulted in the arrest of many from the 'Doctor Module' and seizure of explosives, causing panic to Nabi and ending in a premature blast outside the Red Fort, killing over a dozen people.
FDA adds rare vision-loss warning to popular GLP-1 drugs
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Missing Kupwara girl traced, recovered safely from Srinagar: Police
Kupwara, Nov 9: In a significant development, District Police Kupwara has successfully traced and recovered a minor girl who had been reported missing from her residence in Kalaroos area since 02.11.2026. As per the statement, the matter was brought to the notice of Police Post Kalaroos by the girls family, following which necessary legal proceedings were initiated and FIR under relevant sections of BNS was registered. Acting on available leads and through sustained efforts, a police team of PP Kalaroos successfully traced the minor girl at Karan Nagar, Srinagar, and recovered her safely. Further legal formalities, including necessary proceedings in accordance with law, are being undertaken. Investigation of the case is continuing. J&K Police reiterate its commitment towards the safety and protection of children and remain dedicated to ensuring prompt action in matters concerning missing persons, statement reads.
Can Air Pollution Trigger Acid Reflux? How Poor AQI May Make Your Acidity Feel Worse
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Deeply saddened: Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad on Jammu fire mishap
Jammu, Nov 9: Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday expressed deep sadness over the massive fire incident at Warehouse Jammu in which several business establishments have gutted. He urged the government to access the damage immediately and provide adequate compensation to the affected businessmen. Taking to micro-blogging site X, former chief minister Azad said: Deeply saddened by the massive fire at Warehouse Market near Bikram Chowk, Jammu which gutted several shops and godowns, causing losses worth crores to local traders. My sympathies are with all affected families and business owners. I urge the government to immediately assess the damage and provide adequate compensation to the affected traders so they can rebuild their livelihoods.
Video: Nagaland Minister Takes Internet Inside A Market Selling Snails, Frogs And Silkworm Larvae
Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along showcased local markets in Kohima, highlighting diverse ingredients including live snails, frogs, and silkworm larvae.
Full-Fat Dairy Back in the Spotlight: Does Whole Milk Deserve Its Bad Reputation?
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New Delhi, Nov 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday during which Modi conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia. PM Modi also reaffirmed India's human-centric approach and reiterated India's consistent position that the conflict must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The prime minister conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. During the telephonic conversation, President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on recent developments related to the ongoing conflict. The two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Glad to have had a productive telephone conversation with President Zelenskyy. We reviewed our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation and agreed to further strengthen India-Ukraine ties, PM Modi said on X. I thanked President Zelenskyy for sharing his perspectives on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects and various efforts to restore peace. Reiterated Indias firm commitment to contributing in every possible way towards a peaceful resolution, he said. In August, Zelenskyy said Kyiv was counting on India's contribution to ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy, in a social media post, said Ukraine appreciates India's dedication to peace and dialogue. Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on India's contribution, Zelenskyy said. In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said Modi has very good ideas on a mutual settlement of the Ukraine conflict and raises the issue at every meeting. As for Prime Minister Modi's position on ending wars, I can say that he is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly relations, including at the personal level, constantly raises the issue and asks questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also said that India has declared its readiness to make a feasible contribution to resolving the Ukraine conflict and Russia is grateful to New Delhi for such readiness and the ideas.
This Kolkata Stall Serves 17 Types Of Puchka. How Many Would You Try?
The content creator tried around 10 varieties and revealed the Pakodi puchka is a must-try.
Srinagar, Nov 9: In a major crackdown against illegal mining, unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals, and traffic violations, J&K Police intensified enforcement operations in Kulgam, Sopore, Baramulla, Awantipora and Anantnag districts. The coordinated operations resulted in the seizure of 26 vehicles and a JCB machine. Additionally, 13 heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), particularly tippers and dumpers, were challaned for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act. According to statement, in Kulgam, Police registered three FIRs after intercepting four tractors at Vessu Crossing and Palpora Crossing, which were allegedly transporting illegally extracted riverbed material, including sand and boulders, without valid authorization and royalty documents. The action was taken by Police Station Qazigund and Police Post Mirbazar. FIR Nos. 274/2026, 275/2026 and 276/2026 were registered and investigations were taken up. In separate enforcement actions, Police seized 10 vehicles, including heavy motor vehicles, motorcycles, a tractor and other two-wheelers, for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including non-compliance with High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) requirements. Furthermore, 13 heavy motor vehicles, including tippers and dumpers, were challaned by Police Stations Devsar, Qaimoh and Qazigund for traffic violations. In Sopore, Police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, conducted joint enforcement operations at various locations across Police District Sopore and seized five vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid permission. In Baramulla, Police seized a tipper bearing registration number JK05B-4113 at Chakloo after it was found transporting extracted minerals without valid permission. Necessary legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) were initiated through the District Mineral Officer, Baramulla, statement said. In Awantipora, Police seized a JCB machine at Sheikh-ul-Aalam, Tanchibagh, falling within the jurisdiction of Police Station Pampore, and apprehended its driver in connection with an alleged illegal mining activity. The accused was identified as Mohd Sakib Sheikh son of Mohd Asik Sheikh resident of Dusoo, Pulwama, presently residing at Doonnard, Pampore. Accordingly, FIR No. 102/2026 was registered at Police Station Pampore and further investigation was initiated. In another operation, Police Station Pampore seized two tipper vehicles bearing Registration Nos. JK01Q-0301 and JK01AT-2525 for their alleged involvement in illegal extraction and transportation of sand from River Jhelum at Bujibagh, Samboora. Subsequently, case FIR No. 104/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pampore. Meanwhile, in Anantnag, Police intensified night-time checking and area domination operations against illegal mining. During the operation, a police party from Police Station Achabal seized four tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining at Telwani Achabal. Cognizance has been taken, and further legal action is being initiated in accordance with law, statement added.
Notorious fraudster booked under PSA in Anantnag: Police
Srinagar, Nov 9: In a significant step towards maintaining public order and ensuring the safety and security of the general public, Police in Anantnag have booked a notorious fraudster, namely Raoof Ahmad Wani @ Dr. Fahim @ Raoof Kasab, resident of Khudhamam, Dooru, under the Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978. According to police statement, the individual has been repeatedly involved in criminal activities and is implicated in multiple criminal cases registered at Police Stations Dooru and Achabal, involving offences related to cheating, fraud, criminal intimidation and other unlawful activities. His continued involvement in such activities was found prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, necessitating preventive action under the provisions of the PSA. Accordingly, after completion of the requisite legal formalities, the individual has been detained under the PSA and lodged in jail. J&K Police reiterated their firm commitment to maintaining peace, public order and security across the district. They said that strict legal action shall continue against individuals involved in criminal activities or any conduct threatening public safety and the peaceful environment of society.
Video: How Kolkata's Famous Jaggery Rasgullas Are Made In An Automatic Machine
The video gave a step-by-step look at how the sweet is made using an automated production process in a factory.
Post Diwali, Start Having These 3 Things Daily For Quick Gut Reset
From adding fibre-rich foods to your meals to including buttermilk, these simple changes may help ease post-festive digestive discomfort.
Best Way To Eat White Rice For Stable Blood Sugar On Diabetes And Weight Loss Diet
The nutritionist shares that plain white rice has a high glycemic index, but cooking it alongside nutrient-dense pseudograins or vegetables lowers the glycemic load.
The Man Saving Kashmir's Dying Lakes | Manzoor Wangnoo - Green Ambassador of Kashmir
He was mentioned by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat. They call him the Green Ambassador of Kashmir. But today, he is fighting alone. This is Manzoor Wangnoo - a businessman turned conservationist. The man who took a pledge for zero polythene in Gilsar, Khushalsar, Nigeen and succeeded. Now he is on a new mission - to save Anchaar, a lake he calls an orphan. Once sprawling across nearly 20 square kilometres, Anchar Lake has shrunk to barely 4.5 square kilometres, with a substantial portion of its remaining area reduced to marshland. In this exclusive conversation with Sarosh Kafeel, Manzoor Wangnoo speaks openly about the land mafia encroaching Anchaar, the support from the administration, and how he approached the present government and the CM but got no response. He warns that if Anchaar is not cleaned, Kashmir will face a flood-like situation again. The damage is so big, it will take at least a decade to clean it. His message is clear - youngsters have to come out and save this orphan lake before it's too late. Host: Sarosh Kafeel
Warehouse fire: Jitendra Singh flags delayed fire services response, calls for SOP
Mysore Pak In A Croissant-Muffin? A Bakery's Fusion Dessert Is Turning Heads
According to the bakery, this unique dessert is one of their Dasara specials.
PDD Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar visits Bemina, Zainakote grid stations
Father-son duo killed, 3 injured as car hits wall on NH-44 in Banihal
Banihal, Nov 9: Two persons, a father-son duo, were killed and three others injured after the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside wall near Kharpora along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Banihal on Monday. The deceased were identified as Khalid Muzamil Wani, a teacher, and his father, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, a retired lecturer. Both were declared brought dead by doctors at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal. The family, all residents of Gund Adalkoot, Banihal, was reportedly travelling towards Banihal on a local outing when the accident occurred. Three other occupants of the vehicle, identified as Abdul Qayoom Wani, uncle of Khalid Muzamil; Toyba Nabi, daughter of Khalid Muzamil; and seven-year-old Mohammad Hussain, son of Mudasir Nazar and nephew of Khalid Muzamil, sustained injuries. Soon after the accident, police personnel and volunteers of NGO Banihal rushed to the spot and rescued the injured, shifting them to SDH Banihal for treatment. The three injured were later referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for further treatment. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident. Add this paragraph after the second paragraph: A pall of gloom descended over Banihal town following the tragic incident, as hundreds of people gathered at SDH Banihal to mourn the deaths and express solidarity with the bereaved family.
Tennessee solar farm moves panels to let cattle graze beneath them
Dr Jitendra Singh assures support to traders affected by Jammu Warehouse fire
Video: Baby Tries Indian Food For The First Time, Starts Clapping After One Bite
The man shared that his daughter Amara has already tried Lebanese, Italian and Irish cuisines.
Delhi records most polluted Diwali in five years; air quality 'very poor' the day after
New Delhi, Nov 09: Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years with average Air Quality Index at 376 and the morning after was only marginally better at 371 recorded at 10 am on Monday when a blanket of smog and fog blanketed the city. The overall AQI stood at 371 at 10 am on Monday, also the highest for a post-Diwali day since 2021. Of the 51 monitoring stations that recorded data, 14 were in the 'severe' category, four in the 'poor' category and the remaining 33 in the 'very poor' category. Delhi Technological University (DTU) recorded the worst reading of 439. Earlier in the morning, the overall AQI stood at 370 at 8 am. According to CPCB data, the Diwali-day AQI of 376 was the highest recorded on the day of the festival since 2021, when it was recorded at 382. It is worth noting that Diwali falls on different days in October or November every year. It was on November 8 this year, on October 20 in 2025, October 31 in 2024, November 12 in 2023, October 24 in 2022 and November 4 in 2021. The average AQI on Diwali stood at 345 in 2025, 328 in 2024, 218 in 2023 and 312 in 2022, compared with 382 in 2021 and 376 this year. The pollution levels remained high on the day after the festival as well. The full-day average AQI on the day after Diwali was 351 in 2025, 338 in 2024, 360 in 2023, 302 in 2022 and 462 in 2021. The city woke up to a thick layer of smog and fog on Monday, with visibility dropping sharply at both of Delhi's major weather stations during the early morning hours. At Safdarjung, visibility dropped to 50 metres at 6.30 am, placing it in the dense fog category, compared with 700 metres a day earlier. At Palam, visibility stood at 400 metres, indicating moderate fog, against 800 metres on Sunday. At 8.30 am, visibility improved to 100 metres at Safdarjung and 600 metres at Palam. It subsequently improved to 500 metres and 900 metres, respectively, by 9 am, with both stations reporting shallow fog, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. At Safdarjung, shallow fog was observed between 10.30 pm and 2.30 am before dense fog set in from 2.30 am to 9 am, lasting six hours and 30 minutes. Shallow fog was reported again from 9 am. At Palam, shallow fog was recorded between midnight and 5 am, followed by moderate fog from 5 am to 8.30 am, lasting three hours and 30 minutes. Shallow fog was subsequently reported from 8.30 am. It is smog along with fog, IMD officials said. The officials attributed the drop in AQI from last night and the hazy conditions to dry weather and calm winds. Winds remained calm over Safdarjung and Palam during the previous evening, they said. Meanwhile, Swiss air quality monitoring platform IQAir placed Delhi's air quality in the 'very unhealthy' category on Monday morning, recording an AQI of 245 at 8.30 am. According to IQAir, the concentration of PM2.5 stood at 170 micrograms per cubic metre, around 34 times the World Health Organisation's annual guideline value. The concentration of PM10 was recorded at 126 micrograms per cubic metre, while ozone levels stood at 31, nitrogen dioxide at 44.6 and sulphur dioxide at 32. Carbon monoxide concentration was recorded at 1,461.5 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, is among the major pollutants of concern due to its adverse health effects. IQAir's dashboard also showed a prominent air quality alert for Delhi, with data from 32 monitoring stations provided by 12 contributors. Meanwhile, real-time readings on AQI.in showed that Delhi's AQI had climbed to 2,283 after Diwali. Six other Indian cities also recorded AQI levels above 1,000 at 9 pm on Sunday, according to the platform. On Monday morning, AQI.in recorded Delhi's air quality at 637, classifying it as 'hazardous'. Several areas, including Bawana, Burari, Jahangirpuri, Sonia Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla and Rohini, continued to record severe air quality on Monday, with pollution levels remaining high since Sunday night. Despite restrictions on firecracker bursting, several parts of Delhi continued to witness fireworks on Sunday evening, with reports emerging from areas including Pitampura, Burari, Mayur Vihar and parts of Lutyens' Delhi. The District Magistrate (East), in an order, had permitted the bursting of green firecrackers only on November 7 and 8, between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm. However, residents reported that firecrackers continued to be burst beyond the permitted evening window. In outer Delhi's Pitampura and Burari, Mayur Vihar, the intensity of fireworks was particularly high. The DM's order also prohibited the bursting of firecrackers within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and other notified silence zones. Only CSIR-NEERI-certified green firecrackers were permitted for sale, exclusively at locations designated by the Delhi Police in coordination with the district administration, which had also announced joint patrolling and enforcement teams to check unauthorised sale and use of prohibited firecrackers. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the severe category over the subsequent few days. A ventilation index below 6,000 square metres per second, coupled with an average wind speed of less than 10 kilometres per hour, is unfavourable for the effective dispersion of pollutants, according to the EWS. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, vehicular emissions, Diwali celebrations and the ongoing peak stubble-burning season in neighbouring states are among the factors expected to contribute to the deterioration. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as good, 51 and 100 as satisfactory, 101 and 200 as moderate, 201 and 300 as poor, 301 and 400 as very poor, and 401 and 500 as severe.
Jamavar London's Samyukta Nair Was Left In Tears After Losing Michelin Star, Regained After 6 Years
Jamavar London lost its Michelin Star in 2018 and regained it in 2022.
Kashmiri students offer Nimaz-e-Janaza for Adnan Altaf in Bangladesh
Dr Jitendra Singh honours Dr Mir Shahnawaz for exemplary services in dermatology and aesthetics
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh felicitated Dr Mir Shahnawaz, Founder and Director of DERMIS Skin, Laser & Hair Transplant Clinic, Srinagar, for his exemplary services in dermatology and aesthetics at a ceremony held in Jammu. Dr Shahnawaz was recognised as one of the most trusted dermatologists and aesthetic physicians in Jammu and Kashmir, read a press release. Attended by dignitaries and members of the medical fraternity, the event honoured doctors from across Jammu and Kashmir who have made a notable contribution to various disciplines of medicine through their professional achievements and dedicated service to patients. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh described Dr Shahnawaz as a trailblazing dermatologist and appreciated his contribution to bringing recognition to Jammu and Kashmir on national and international platforms through his clinical and academic work. Dr Shahnawazs work spans clinical dermatology, laser treatments, aesthetic medicine and hair restoration. Alongside his clinical practice, he participates in national and international scientific conferences and educational forums, contributing to the exchange of knowledge in these fields. Accepting the honour, Dr Shahnawaz said, I am deeply grateful for this recognition and humbly dedicate it to all my patients who have placed their faith and trust in me over the years. Their trust is my greatest motivation to continue learning and serving with sincerity, dedication and compassion. Dr Shahnawaz emphasised that, as dermatology and aesthetic medicine continue to advance, his priority remains bringing scientific knowledge into everyday practice through thoughtful, personalised care. He described the recognition as a renewed responsibility to uphold the trust of his patients.
Free books, uniforms to encourage enrolment in government schools: Education Minister
JKBOSE results likely to be declared on January 10, 2027: Secretary
What does it mean to be fit, and is going to the gym essential to staying healthy? In this GKTV report, we speak to people across generations, fitness trainers, women and nutrition experts in Srinagar to explore different approaches to physical activity, womens participation in fitness, the role of balanced nutrition and common misconceptions surrounding gym supplements and steroids. The report aims to raise awareness about the importance of staying active and making informed choices about fitness and nutrition.
Srinagar, Nov 09: In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Kashmiri MBBS students in Bangladesh offered Nimaz-e-Janaza for Adnan Altaf, remembering their fellow student and praying for his departed soul. His mortal remains are scheduled to depart from Dhaka this evening for repatriation to Kashmir. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), said that the mortal remains were earlier expected to reach India on November 8. However, the process was delayed due to certain documentation formalities and due to Holiday on Friday He confirmed that arrangements have now been completed for the transportation of the mortal remains through BARLAW PACKERS AND SHIPPERS. AIMSA acknowledged the tremendous efforts made by the college administration, particularly Mr. Attaul Rajeev , Dr. Shah Mohammad Saleem and Tabasum Gazala along with Kashmiri medical students at Eastern Medical College, including Saqlain Farooq, Aslam and Shahid, for their continuous support and coordination throughout the process. The college administration also contributed 386,000 Bangladeshi Taka towards the cargo arrangements to facilitate the repatriation. AIMSA further expressed its sincere gratitude to the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh and the Ministry of External Affairs for their timely intervention, coordination and support in facilitating the repatriation of Adnan Altafs mortal remains. The association reiterated its commitment to supporting the bereaved family and seeking a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding the students tragic death
ED attaches properties worth Rs 10.63 crore in J&K Bank PMEGP loan fraud case
Srinagar, Nov 09: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it had provisionally attached 11 immovable properties worth Rs 10.63 crore in Srinagar and Bandipora districts in connection with the alleged misuse of the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). In a statement, a spokesperson said the ED's Srinagar Zonal Office had attached the properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. He said the Provisional Attachment Order was issued in respect of 11 assets comprising land and buildings in Srinagar and Bandipora districts, which are allegedly in the possession of suppliers-cum-brokers, bank officials of J&K Bank and other persons involved in the alleged misuse of the PMEGP scheme. ED investigation was initiated on the basis of two FIRs registered by ACB and CBI, Srinagar, alleging misappropriation of PMEGP scheme loan amounts through criminal conspiracy between PMEGP borrowers, bank officials of Sumbal Branch and Gamud Gadhkhud Branch of J&K Bank and other unknown persons, who allegedly cheated the bank and misappropriated bank funds, causing wrongful loss to the bank and corresponding wrongful gain to themselves. The spokesperson said the investigation revealed that PMEGP loans were availed by projecting dummy borrowers, using fake invoices of non-existent firms/companies and in criminal conspiracy with bank officials, including those of Sumbal and Gamud Gadhkhud branches of J&K Bank, and private persons-cum-brokers. The CBI and ACB had also registered separate FIRs in the matter in June 2026. He said a survey conducted at the Sumbal and Gamud Gadhkhud branches of J&K Bank under Section 16 of the PMLA revealed 270 term loan accounts and an equal number of working capital accounts pertaining to PMEGP scheme loans. The non-performing assets (NPA) amount was found to be Rs 32 crore. The investigation further revealed that proceeds derived from the scheduled offences were diverted through bank accounts in multiple transactions and utilised for construction, renovation of assets and personal enrichment. The investigation, carried out so far under the PMLA, revealed that Hilal Ahmad Wani and others played a major role in fraudulently availing PMEGP loans. Borrowers were allegedly induced to avail loans using KYC documents and other records, while fake invoices of non-existent firms registered in the names of suppliers-cum-brokers and/or their family members were used to secure loans in criminal conspiracy with J&K Bank officials. The investigation traced the generation of proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 11.37 crore. These proceeds were diverted through multiple bank accounts, and part of the amount was utilised for the construction and renovation of assets held in the names of family members. A substantial portion of the proceeds of crime was also siphoned off, establishing the accused persons' alleged involvement in their diversion, concealment, possession and use. Accordingly, 11 assets held under the control of suppliers-cum-brokers, bankers and one bank officer have been provisionally attached under Section 5(1) of the PMLA to safeguard the value of the proceeds of crime. Further investigation is underway.(KNO)
J&K bank recruitment: Age limit, maximum qualifications must be removed, says MLA Mehraj Malik
Srinagar, Nov 09: Member of the Legislative Assembly from Doda, Mehraj Malik, on Monday urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to remove the upper age limit of 30 years set for J&K Bank recruitment, questioning, Where will unemployed youth go who have crossed 30 years because they were not given enough employment opportunities? First, they set the 12th standard as the maximum qualification for MTS, excluding all graduates. Now, in J&K Bank, graduates are being excluded due to the age limit. Where is J&K heading? Malik asked. Criticising the government's recruitment policies, he said, What kind of policies are being made by the government? Finally, while tagging J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in a post on X, the MLA urged the government to remove age limits and maximum qualification criteria so that unemployed youth could get employment opportunities.
