Health & Fitness

Health ministry asked to examine coronary stent safety concerns

Cabinet secretariat has directed the Union health ministry to investigate safety issues related to coronary stents. These concerns were raised by Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade regarding models withdrawn in Sri Lanka. Gopchade emphasized the need for strengthening India's regulatory framework for coronary stents. He called for improved clinical documentation and robust traceability for implanted stents. His representation highlighted the importance of patient follow-up and monitoring of device-related complications.

Scientists capture a molecular movie showing how penicillin forms, revealing hidden stages

Biocon clears path for cancer drug launch

Biocon has finalized a global settlement and license agreement with Genentech for its drug Pebrilzo. This agreement addresses all ongoing legal disputes between the two companies in jurisdictions such as the US and Canada. Under the terms, Biocon can launch Pebrilzo in the EU and UK by early 2027 and in the US by Q3 of 2028. Other global launches are planned between 2026 and 2028, depending on regulatory approvals.

Central team reviews measures to control Lumpy Skin Disease in J&K

Jammu, Oct 14: A central team on Wednesday visited Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)-affected areas of Samba, Kathua and Jammu districts to assess the livestock health situation and review measures being undertaken to contain the disease, an official spokesman said. Dr Sudam Bagh, Deputy Commissioner (Livestock Health), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Union Ministry of Fisheries, inspected several LSD-affected villages and assessed the ground situation including the challenges faced by livestock farmers, he said. Bagh was accompanied by Dr Sandeep Pandita, Technical Assistant, M S Institute of Animal Health and Biological Production, R S Pura, Jammu. As part of the outreach initiative, mineral mixture, wound-dressing materials and disinfectants were distributed among livestock farmers, the spokesman said. The team also held interactions with officials from the Animal Husbandry Department of Jammu and Kashmir and participated in awareness and sensitisation programmes to educate farmers about disease prevention, biosecurity measures, hygiene and appropriate livestock management practices. As part of the disease surveillance and diagnostic exercise, teams from Deputy Director, Research and Production (DDR&P), led by Dr Abhimanyu Chauhan, Lab Officer collected samples from LSD-affected cattle in Samba and Kathua districts. Similarly, a team from the District Investigation Office (DIO), Jammu, led by Dr Ravinder Singh Thakur, Lab Officer, collected samples from affected cattle in Jammu district, the spokesman said. He said these sample-collection activities were undertaken to facilitate laboratory investigation and support the assessment of the disease situation. Livestock Development Officer, R S Pura, Dr Muddassir Nazar also accompanied the visiting officer during the field tour of Jammu district. Later, the spokesman said a meeting with officers of Jammu district was convened at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, providing an opportunity to review the prevailing LSD situation, discuss field-level interventions and emphasise the importance of coordinated efforts, effective disease surveillance, and sustained farmer awareness to strengthen disease-control measures. The visit underscored the importance of close coordination between the Centre and the Animal Husbandry Department of Jammu and Kashmir in addressing the LSD outbreak and safeguarding livestock health and the livelihoods of livestock farmers, he said.

Pope Leo is eating and walking after cancer surgery, but Latin America trip is in question

Doctors say Pope Leo XIV is eating regularly and has begun walking and doing respiratory exercises, and his post-operative tests are normal following surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung

Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer called adenocarcinoma. Here's what that means

Pope Leo XIV had the lower section of his right lung removed as doctors diagnosed him with the most common form of lung cancer

J-K LG calls for comprehensive, science-based approach to sustainable mountain development

Srinagar, Oct 14: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in his message to the valedictory session of the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit underscored the critical importance of protecting the Himalayan ecosystem and called for a comprehensive, science-based and people-centric approach to sustainable mountain development. Congratulating the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) and SKUAST-Kashmir for jointly organising the Summit, the Lieutenant Governor said that building a resilient Himalayan landscape is no longer merely a subject of discussion but a matter of national importance. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the Summit had provided a platform for meaningful deliberations on issues concerning water resources, forests, land, biodiversity and climate change, while amplifying the concerns of millions of people dependent on the Himalayan ecosystem. The Lieutenant Governor in his message observed that the challenges posed by climate change, global warming, environmental degradation and unplanned development are becoming increasingly evident across the Himalayan region. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed numerous unprecedented challenges unfold before us. The natural disaster in various parts of the country and the world proves that the intensity of climate change impacts has increased, making these challenges even more serious, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the Himalayas is the source of rivers, protectors of biodiversity and vital regulators of climate and any disturbance to the Himalayan ecological balance would have far-reaching consequences. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the need to establish a balanced relationship between development and conservation, asserting that development achieved at the cost of environmental stability cannot be regarded as true development. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the vision of a developed India can be realised only when the Himalayas remain secure, healthy and vibrant. We must establish an extremely important balance between development and the conservation of natural resources, because I firmly believe that development achieved at the cost of natures stability is not truly development. Our dream of a developed India will be meaningful only when the Himalayas remain safe, strong, and vibrant, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also outlined four key pillars for future action. The first pillar focuses on determining science-based carrying capacity and zoning to ensure holistic planning and sustainable development. The second pillar emphasises climate-resilient infrastructure and enhanced disaster preparedness through environmentally sensitive construction and strengthened community-based early warning systems integrating modern technology with traditional local knowledge. The third pillar calls for promoting regenerative and inclusive livelihoods, including high-value horticulture, organic farming, modern sericulture, eco-tourism and other components of the green economy. The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to empower youth and women as entrepreneurs and job creators. The fourth pillar advocates a zero-waste and circular mountain economy through improved solid waste management, wastewater treatment and recycling systems across urban, rural and tourist destinations. The Lieutenant Governor commended the Summit for preparing a draft policy addressing ecological security, responsible tourism, disaster management and sustainable livelihoods. He expressed the hope that the document would evolve into a robust policy and implementation framework through extensive consultations and serve as the basis for a new social contract between society and nature. Emphasising India's civilisational ethos of environmental stewardship, the Lieutenant Governor in his message called for harmonising tradition with technology, local wisdom with modern science, and economic development with ecological sustainability. Today, as we build a developed India, we must strike a balance between tradition and technology, local knowledge and modern science, and economic and ecological development. I am fully confident that the right policies and the right decisions on the ground can carry all of these forward together, the Lieutenant Governor said.

'Totally unacceptable, must cease immediately': India on attacks on civilian infra in Saudi Arabia

New Delhi, Oct 14: India on Wednesday condemned the string of attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, saying the totally unacceptable acts need to cease immediately, even as it asserted that New Delhi remains committed to doing the best for the welfare and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. At his bi-weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said that according to the wishes of the family of an Indian national who died on October 11, a day after suffering injuries in the Riyadh airport attack, his last rites were performed in the Saudi capital, assisted by the Indian Embassy there. The attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport last Saturday was the latest of several strikes targeting the facility in the past week. Eleven Indians were among those injured in the attack that claimed 12 lives. Out of the 11 Indians injured, three have been discharged while eight continue to be in the hospital, including four in the ICU. Our embassy officials are regularly visiting the injured. They are also in touch with their families. We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad, the MEA spokesperson said. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in a social media post on Sunday that one Indian national injured in the Riyadh attack had lost his life. There have been a string of attacks in Saudi Arabia, which we have condemned. Yesterday, the Aramco headquarters was attacked. We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Such attacks need to cease immediately. They are totally unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty. We hope peace and normalcy return to the region soon, he said. Jaiswals comments in response to a query followed fresh escalation in attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities, by Iran-backed Houthis. Saudi airports, including the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the Abha airport, have been repeatedly targeted by Houthi attacks this month, disrupting flights and causing casualties. Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said a limited fire broke out in an administrative building at an Aramco facility in the kingdom's Eastern Province after it was targeted in an attack even though no injuries were reported. The incident came amid an exchange of attacks between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday night, marking a fresh escalation in the widening crisis in West Asia. Jaiswal was asked about the number of Indians impacted by the attacks in Saudi Arabia, and the efforts being made to assist them. We have a large diaspora there. Our embassy in Saudi Arabia has been in regular touch with our community members for their welfare. It has also issued advisories. A lot of Indians travel between Saudi Arabia and India, and some of them have been impacted by disruptions in flight schedules after the attacks on the airports there, Jaiswal said. He added that Indian carriers have also been impacted by the disruptions, even though several flights are now being operated by the Saudi airlines. The flights which have been disrupted include those originating or going to Riyadh, Dammam and Medina, and to one or two more airports, including Jeddah. The Indian Embassy is providing updated information to our travellers who are stuck there, Jaiswal said.

India advises its nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors in case of aerial attack

Dubai, Oct 14: India on Wednesday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors in case of an aerial attack and follow the instructions issued by local authorities. The new advisory comes amid tensions in the Gulf kingdom due to a series of deadly drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure by Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also asked Indian nationals to refrain from circulating videos or news related to ongoing events. In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals are advised to continue to follow local authorities instructions, stay indoors in case of aerial attack, and refrain from circulating videos or news related to ongoing events, the Indian embassy posted on X. Providing an update on the Indian nationals injured in an attack on Riyadh airport on October 10, it said two people continue to be in the ICU while one person has been shifted from the ICU to HDU (High Dependency Unit). Four other Indian nationals continue to receive medical care in a normal ward, and one person was discharged from the hospital, the embassy said. An Indian national was killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which also left several others injured, including 11 Indian nationals. India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended the funeral of Mohammed Yousef Ali on October 12 and offered condolences to his family. Flight operations continue to remain suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the embassy said. Flights continue to be operational at Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina with some disruptions, it added. Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo Airlines, have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. Saudia airlines continues to operate scheduled flights from Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina. Flynas is operating scheduled flights on the DammamLucknow sector, the embassy said in the advisory. The embassy on Tuesday advised Indian nationals to remain in regular contact with respective airlines and verify the latest status of their flights. Indian nationals in emergency who wish to depart Saudi Arabia may also avail flights available from airports in neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, it may be noted that this is subject to obtaining visa from the respective country as per their rules, it said. The Indian mission said that Saudi Authorities will not fine Indian nationals who have arrived in the kingdom on Visit/Tourist /Umrah/Business visas but were forced to overstay due to non-availability of flights. However, it is important that people whose visas have expired should exit the Kingdom at the earliest as soon as flights become available, it said. The embassy has opened 24x7 Control Room to provide necessary assistance to Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia. Telephone: +966-1 1-488469 8002471234 (Toll free; Calls from within KSA only), WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only) and Email: cw.rivadh@mea.gov.in.

Inside Kashmir's Traditional Bakeries Where Bread-Making Begins At 3 AM

In Kashmir, breakfast is incomplete without fresh bread. People often start their day by visiting a local bakery, known as a kandur, to buy freshly baked rotis.

170 Million Children Living With Obesity, WHO Issues First Global Guidelines To Tackle Crisis

Parents should consult a paediatrician if they are concerned about a child's growth pattern or weight trajectory, rather than relying on appearance alone.

Christina Koch named Nasa's acting deputy chief engineer

Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Day 4: J&K vs MP; Match ends in draw, MP take first-innings lead

Srinagar, Oct 14: Madhya Pradesh secured a first-innings victory over defending champions Jammu and Kashmir after their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 opener ended in a draw due to rain and bad light at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 326 runs, J&K were struggling with batting when persistent rain and bad light brought an early end to the fourth day's play. With the hosts facing a daunting task, the match was declared drawn, with Madhya Pradesh taking the points advantage on the basis of their first-innings lead. Resuming the day at 151 for five in their second innings, Madhya Pradesh skipper Shubham Sharma produced a captain's knock, scoring an unbeaten 106 off 200 deliveries to help the visitors declare at 249 for six. His century put Madhya Pradesh in a commanding position and left J&K with a target of 326 runs. At the end of the day 4, J&K were 88/7, when the match was declared as drawn with MP winning by the first-inning.

Video: How A Typical South Korean Wedding Dessert Buffet Looks Like

From different types of cakes to ice cream, colourful fruit bowls and much more, the spread offered a delightful mix of options to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Govt approves strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank Ltd.

New Delhi, Oct 14: IDBI Bank Ltd. is a scheduled commercial bank regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Due to its poor financial health, the Bank required repeated infusion of capital, initially provided by the Government of India and later by the LIC. On 5th May, 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) put the IDBI Bank under the Prompt Corrective Action Framework and imposed several restrictions in view of its non-performing assets and losses incurred by the Bank. After considering the improvement in the Banks financial health, the RBI later, vide its letter dated 10th March, 2021, lifted the restrictions imposed on the IDBI Bank subject to certain conditions and continuous monitoring. It was against this backdrop that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved strategic restructuring of the IDBI Bank Ltd., and in compliance thereof, it was decided that an aggregate 60.72% of the equity stake in the IDBI Bank Ltd be sold to a Strategic Buyer, of which, the GoI share would be 30.48% and the LIC share would be 30.24%, leaving a residual shareholding of 15% with the GoI and 19% with the LIC. The decision of the CCEA was implemented through a two-stage, competitive bidding process supported by a multi-layered, collective decision-making mechanism consisting of the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), the Core Group of Secretaries on Disinvestment (CGD) and the Alternative Mechanism (AM) consisting of an empowered Group of Cabinet Ministers. The Preliminary Information Memorandum (PIM) inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) from all interested parties was issued on 07.10.2022. Only the parties found Fit and Proper by the RBI and granted security clearance by the MHA could participate in the bidding stage, for which a Request for Proposal was issued for inviting technical and financial bids from the Qualified Interested Parties (QIPs). Of the five parties who initially submitted their expression of interest, four parties qualified as per the eligibility criteria and disqualification conditions prescribed therein, of which, two finally submitted their techno-financial bids and became Qualified Bidders (QBs) for this Transaction. After comprehensive evaluation by the CGD and after considering the recommendations of the Alternative Mechanism, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on 14/10/2026 approved M/s 10955230 Canada Inc. (parent entity M/s Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.) as the Strategic Buyer for this Transaction for a purchase consideration of Rs.52,878.0806181 Crores (in words Rupees Fifty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Eight Crore Eight Lakh Six Thousand and One Hundred Eighty-One only) for the acquisition of 60.72% stake in the IDBI Bank Ltd, comprising 30.48% equity shareholding held by the Gol and 30.24% equity shareholding held by the LIC. In such transactions, there is no a-priori benchmark for bidding. The bidders do their own valuation and submit their bids in sealed envelopes in a confidential manner. Independent agencies are hired to do a fair valuation of the enterprise contemporaneously, which is then used as a comparator to assess the reasonableness of the bids submitted. Under this transaction, the initial bids were invited in the financial year 2025-26. For comparison, a reserve price of Rs.94.42 per share was fixed at that time, which was directly and indirectly influenced by the impacted market price. The unimpacted counter-factual was not visible at that time, except that the unimpacted pre-EoI price of the IDBI stock was Rs.42.40 per share on the last trading day before the issue of the PIM/EoI on 07.10.2022. In contrast, the impacted price was Rs.108.12 per share on the last trading day before the invitation of initial bids on 08.01.2026. The initial bids fell short of the reserve price arrived at that time and were not approved. When it became known that the initial bids have not succeeded, the impacted stock market price itself corrected, and fell significantly below the discovered bid price of Rs.75 per share. Subsequently, in exercise of the powers delegated and conferred upon the collective decision-making mechanism, and to enhance the value of the transaction as far as possible, sealed bids reflecting their best offers were invited from the qualified bidders in the financial year 2026-27. The stock price of the IDBI Stock was Rs.70.38 per share on the trading day last before the invitation of best offer bids on 18.05.2026. The stock market price of the narrowly traded IDBI stock continued to be volatile and fluctuated both above and below the bid discovered price with a high-low range of Rs.118.38 to Rs.61.01 per share over the valuation period. The stock market price was consequently disregarded, as it tended to misalign valuation with the intrinsic value of the enterprise. Instead, Relative Valuation by the Market Multiple Method, which overcomes this problem, was used to determine the fair market value of the enterprise on the basis of 31st March, 2026 closing accounts of all public sector banks. Additionally, the Asset Valuation Method, which considers both tangible and intangible assets, including land and properties along with the liabilities, was used to determine the fair net asset value of the enterprise as per the 31st March, 2026 audited accounts of the IDBI Bank Ltd. Accordingly, the fair valuation of the enterprise was carried out by two professional valuation agencies using two independent methodologies as explained above. The average of these fair valuations was Rs.75.99 per share, which served as the benchmark price for the evaluation of the qualified bids. Since the winning best offer bid of Rs.81 per share was above the benchmark price, as well as fair value estimates of both the independent valuation agencies, it was adjudged to be reasonable and approved. The successful bidder will be required to present its credentials to the Reserve Bank of India in accordance with the Fit and Proper Assessment conducted at the EoI stage and submit its roadmap for the compliance of regulatory conditions prescribed therein. Once completed, this will be the largest FDI in the financial sector of our economy so far. The CCEA has also delegated powers to the Alternative Mechanism to undertake minority stake sales of the GoI residual shareholding (15% of the total shareholding of the IDBI Bank Ltd.) through the open market in accordance with the standard operating procedure. The LIC will be free to manage its residual shareholding in accordance with its internal procedures while ensuring compliance with the directions of its regulators.

Crime Branch Kashmir files chargesheet against 3 public servants in fraud, corruption case

Srinagar, Oct 14: Special Crime Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir, J&K presented a chargesheet in case FIR No. 02/2022, registered u/s 420, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, before the Honble Court of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, against three accused: Abdul Rashid Gojri, Helper in the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office, Beerwah; Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Section Officer in the office of the Chief Agriculture Officer, Budgam; and Peer Abdul Rashid, retired Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO). Officials said the case originated from a communication dated 15.02.2022 from the Deputy Director Agriculture, Central Kashmir, regarding alleged manipulation of service records by certain officials to obtain undue benefits. During verification, it surfaced that accused Abdul Rashid Gojri had allegedly submitted a forged date-of-birth certificate showing his date of birth as 27.02.1973 instead of his actual date of birth, 27.02.1975. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 02/2022 was registered at Police Station Crime Branch Kashmir, now Police Station SCW Kashmir. They said the investigation revealed that accused No. 1 was 17 years and 2 months old at the time of his initial engagement as a daily wager in the Agriculture Department. Accused Nos. 2 and 3 allegedly facilitated the incorporation of the incorrect date of birth into his service records by disregarding directions for document verification, thereby facilitating the regularisation of his services. During the investigation, offences as per the FIR were established against all three accused, officials said, and added that after obtaining the requisite approval and sanction in respect of the two serving government employees, the chargesheet has been presented before the Honble special judge anti-corruption court Srinagar. They urged general public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and report any such incidents to the Crime Branch.

Post-Monsoon Diarrhoea: Why Your Gut Can Still Be Vulnerable in October

While diarrhoea is most prevalent during the monsoon, it may linger till early winter. If you are prone to gastrointestinal issues, you must watch out for this infection during October and early November.

Global Handwashing Day: Is A Quick 5-Second Handwash Enough? What Actually Makes Hands Clean

This Global Handwashing Day, explore why a quick rinse may not be enough to clean your hands. An expert shares the recommended washing time, and common handwashing mistakes.

DRI busts illegal import of over 73,00,000 kg of Pakistan-origin rock salt; 4 arrested

New Delhi, Oct 14: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has once again unearthed a large-scale scheme to circumvent Indias prohibition on the import of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan under Operation Deep Manifest. DRI detected the import of 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin Industrial/Himalayan Rock Salt, with an estimated market value of around Rs. 30 crore. The consignments were routed through Colombo Port, Sri Lanka, and falsifying their origin by using fabricated certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI launched a coordinated, fortnight-long operation between 26 September and 11 October 2026, conducting searches at linked premises in Gandhidham, Adipur, Veraval, Panipat, Pune, Patiala, Delhi and Mumbai. Investigation revealed that nine importers had brought in the 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, in violation of the prohibition. Out of the total 295 containers detected, five containers carrying 140 MT of Industrial/Himalayan Rock Salt, valued at Rs. 24.41 lakh, have been seized at Kandla Port. In addition, sales proceeds amounting to Rs. 20.96 lakh held in the importers bank accounts have been seized. Preliminary investigation has uncovered a transnational network involving entities owned by Pakistani, UAE, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals. The network allegedly coordinated the shipments and supporting documentation to disguise the Pakistani origin of the goods. Fabricated invoices issued by Dubai-based firms were used to support the transactions. Significantly, Bills of Lading relating to the PakistanSri Lanka leg of the shipments and customs declarations filed with Sri Lanka Customs expressly mentioned Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination. The Certificates of Origin submitted by the importers were found to be fabricated. Four persons have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962: two proprietors/partners of importing firms, a Customs Brokers G-card holder, and the owner of a Dubai-based supplier who had also established and operated an importing firm in his fathers name. In a similar crackdown last month, DRI seized over 362,000 kg of Pakistan-origin dry dates packed in 13 containers imported by a Mumbai-based firm at CFS Ambad, Nashik. These cases highlight the evolving methods used by transnational networks to circumvent Indias import prohibition on Pakistani origin goods through third-country routing, false declarations of origin, fabricated trade documents and opaque financial arrangements. DRI remains committed to identifying and dismantling such networks and safeguarding Indias economic and national security interests. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the Government of India imposed a complete prohibition on the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, in the interest of national security and public policy, vide DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 02.05.2025.

Different Heart Conditions And Role of Lifestyle in Maintaining Optimal Heart Health | Doctor's Mic

Sakina announces change in school timings in Kashmir, beginning October 15

Nyoto In Udaipur Won Me Over With Food As Good As The Lake Pichola Views

A 30-seater restaurant, Nyoto takes a playful approach to Indian cuisine, drawing on childhood memories, familiar flavours and traditional cooking techniques

Having Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) During Navratri? Expert Shares Benefits, Risks And Myths

Sendha namak can add flavour to your Navratri meals, but it is not a miracle salt. Discover what Rock Salt can realistically do, and who should take extra care.

How To Stay Healthy And Energised During The Nine Days Of Navratri

Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most important parts of fasting. A lack of fluids can lead to dizziness, headaches and weakness.

BJP gaining ideological ground in Kashmir, says party in-charge Satish Punia

Jammu, Oct 14: The BJP on Wednesday said a favourable political atmosphere is emerging for it in Kashmir as it is gaining a comfortable ground on the ideological front and expressed confidence of contesting the next elections in Jammu and Kashmir with full strength. BJP national general secretary Satish Punia, who is here to chair a meeting of the party leadership in Jammu after being named in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, said the party was committed to strengthening its organisational base across the Union territory. Today, Kashmir is the same place where the tricolour is hoisted with great dignity and respect by lakhs of people. The people of Kashmir have ideologically adopted the BJP, he told reporters. Commenting on the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the functioning of the Omar Abdullah-led government was before the people. As far as the Omar Abdullah government is concerned, the way it is functioning is before the people of Kashmir. I am fully confident that in the coming period, the BJP will contest elections here with full strength, and the people will fully support the party, he said. Punia highlighted the development initiatives, including infrastructure projects and welfare schemes in Jammu and Kashmir, and said the BJP was committed to strengthening its organisational base across Jammu and Kashmir. Today, bridges, including the Chenab bridge, are being built in Kashmir. The people are receiving various facilities, from Ayushman Bharat and housing to Ujjwala and many other schemes. This is the same Kashmir where the tricolour is now hoisted at Lal Chowk with dignity and respect, he said. Punia also criticised the Congress and other opposition parties, alleging that their negative statements reflect their frustration over the work undertaken by the Modi government during the past 12 years. The way Modi ji has worked to bring about social and behavioural change during the past 12 years, his vision is not merely a slogan. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' has made a major contribution to the country's progress, development and self-respect, the Rajya Sabha member said. He added that the prime minister's vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' had strengthened the idea of national unity by bringing people together across regions. He further alleged that the Opposition, particularly the Congress, has been rejected by the people because of its policies and conduct. Speaking about his responsibilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punia said he would work in coordination with the local leadership to strengthen the party organisation and address public concerns. It is my good fortune that, ideologically and politically, I belong to the party, and for this reason, the party has assigned me responsibility for Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. I will try to work as a good colleague here and help strengthen the party organisation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said. He said the party would raise public issues both inside the Assembly and on the streets while implementing campaigns assigned by the national leadership. Today is my first day. I will get acquainted with everyone, seek their views and opinions, and work according to the directions of the local unit, Punia said.

Give Your Golgappas A Spicy Twist With This Easy Chaat Recipe

Unlike regular golgappas, this version combines the freshness of herbs with the hearty texture of potatoes and black chickpeas.

Seasonal Change Headaches: When Is It Just Weather and When Should You Worry?

Changing weather triggers headaches in a lot of people. But the problem arises when people dismiss them as normal instead of seeking a doctors opinion.

NASA Tests Venus Probe Model at 869F in Pennsylvania Furnace Six Times

Jammu: Dengue cases rise to 190 in Doda, ICMR-NIV team maps virus strains at hotspots

Bhaderwah/Jammu, Oct 13: Dengue cases continue to rise in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district, with over 190 laboratory-confirmed cases requiring hospitalisation reported at Government Medical College Doda. The surge in cases prompted authorities to seek assistance from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) to strengthen surveillance and identify dengue hotspots. A five-member team of scientists from ICMR-NIV, Pune, led by Dr Qaiser Farooq Dar, Officer-in-Charge, ICMR-NIV North Zone, Jammu and Kashmir, visited the microbiology laboratory at GMC Doda and several dengue hotspots across the town, the officials said. The team also examined admitted patients and reviewed their test reports. Dr Dar said the district has recorded over 190 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases requiring hospital admissions, a sharp increase compared to historical trends in this traditionally non-prone mountainous district. This situation prompted ICMR-NIV to step in for assistance. As of now, we have taken samples to examine them further. Besides, we also visited the hotspots from where maximum cases have been reported. Dr Dar said the district had witnessed a sharp rise in dengue cases compared to historical trends in the traditionally less-prone mountainous region. The situation prompted ICMR-NIV to step in and provide assistance. We have collected samples for further examination and visited hotspots reporting the maximum number of cases, he said. He added that the findings would be submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir health authorities, following which further action would be decided based on the teams assessment. Meanwhile, Doda Chief Medical Officer Dr Vinod Sharma said the health department, in coordination with civic bodies, was making concerted efforts to contain the spread of the virus. To further strengthen our efforts against dengue, we sought assistance from ICMR and NIV, Sharma said.

Beyond Earth: Scientists find worlds where life could thrive better

LAC must be stable for normalisation of ties with China: Jaishankar

New Delhi: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) has to be stable for normalising relations between India and China, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said, asserting that any disturbance along the border will have consequences. Jaishankar also linked expansion of trade and investment ties between the two countries to peace and tranquillity along the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Srinagar Deputy Commissioner says three water tankers procured to improve supply

From Kashmir To Fast Lane: Yousuf Nabis motorsport journey

Srinagar, Oct 14 : Kashmir-born Yousuf Nabi has taken an unconventional route from the Valley to the international racing circuit, building a profile as a professional Ferrari race car driver and entrepreneur. The Kashmiri-American, who was crowned the 2025 Maranello Cup champion, combines his passion for motorsports with business leadership as the founder and CEO of Gotham IP Inc. and owner-driver of Gotham Motorsports His professional background, as per a statement, spans motorsports, military service, law enforcement, and corporate franchising. Nabi gained attention in international GT racing through his participation in the International GT Series and his reported success as the 2025 Maranello Cup champion. Alongside his motorsports career, he leads Gotham IP, a company whose official website is available at Gotham IP. Yousuf Nabi was born on 5 October 1981 in Kashmir. He is described in published biographical material as Kashmiri-American. Publicly available information about his childhood, family, and formal education is limited. Before establishing his profile in business and competitive motorsports, Nabi pursued professional activities across several fields, including military service, law enforcement, and corporate franchising. These experiences form part of his broader professional background. Further independently verified information about his early life and educational qualifications may be added when reliable sources become available. Business career Yousuf Nabi is the founder, owner, and CEO of Gotham IP, Inc. The company is associated with his entrepreneurial career and professional leadership. Its official website provides a primary source for information about its services, business activities, and corporate background. GothamIP also has a presence in the Kashmir Valley, under the Gotham Outsourcing umbrella. Nabis professional experience extends beyond motorsports into business management and corporate franchising. His career reflects an interest in combining entrepreneurship with competitive racing. Additional details about Gotham IPs founding date, headquarters, services, corporate structure, and business milestones should be included when supported by reliable published sources. Motorsports Career Yousuf Nabi competes in professional racing and is associated with Ferrari racing and the Racing Americas InternationalGT Series and SROs GTAmerica Series. He has also raced in IMSAs Ferrari Challenge, TramsAM and SCCA Pro seriess. Nabi is also the team owner of Gotham Motorsports www.gotham-motorsports.com His participation in GT racing represents a significant part of his public professional profile. Through Gotham Motorsports, Nabi combines his responsibilities as a competitor with those of a team owner. GT racing features high-performance grand touring cars competing in circuit-based motorsports events. Drivers compete in organized championships governed by series-specific sporting and technical regulations. International GT Series In August 2025, a press release distributed through PR Newswire announced that Yousuf Nabi had joined the International GT Series for the remainder of the 2025 season. The announcement also described him as leading the Maranello Cup championship at that time. The announcement documented his participation in the series and his championship position during the season. His subsequent results and championship standing should be evaluated using official series records and independently published race reports. 2025 Maranello Cup championship Yousuf Nabi was reported as the 2025 Maranello Cup champion in a press release published by The National Law Review. The report highlighted his achievement in the International GT racing environment. The championship recognition represents a notable milestone in Nabis motorsports career. For a complete historical account, the achievement can be supplemented with official championship standings, race results, event dates, and details of the series in which he competed.

Lieutenant Governor Congratulates GMC Srinagar on Advancing Internal Medicine Conference

Srinagar, October 14, 2026: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today congratulated Government Medical College, Srinagar for organising a conference on Advancing Internal Medicine: From Evidence to Excellence in Clinical Practice. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the critical role of internal medicine in delivering holistic and patient-centric healthcare. The Lieutenant Governor said that [] The post Lieutenant Governor Congratulates GMC Srinagar on Advancing Internal Medicine Conference appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

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Jambuvamra Pallavadi Kashaya Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Jambuvamra Pallavadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic decoction described ... Read more The post Jambuvamra Pallavadi Kashaya appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

Jeff Bezos targets a lunar base after investing $28 billion since 2000

DSEK revises school timings across Kashmir from October 15

Srinagar, Oct 14: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has revised school timings across the Kashmir Division, with the new schedule coming into effect from Thursday, October 15. According to Order No. 410-DSEK of 2026, issued on October 14, all government and recognised private schools across the division will follow the revised timings. As per the order, schools falling within Srinagar Municipal limits will function from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Schools outside Srinagar Municipal limits and in other areas of the Kashmir Province will operate from 10:30 am to 4 pm. The Director of School Education Kashmir has directed all heads of institutions to ensure strict implementation of the revised schedule, warning against any deviation from the prescribed timings.

Amritarajanyadi Kashaya

Amritarajanyadi Kashaya Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Amritarajanyadi Kashaya is a classical Ayurvedic decoction indicated primarily ... Read more The post Amritarajanyadi Kashaya appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

Higher reaches of Kashmir witness fresh overnight snowfall

Srinagar, Oct 14: Several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir were draped in white on Wednesday morning after an active western disturbance brought fresh overnight snowfall, according to officials. The plains were lashed by overnight rains, the officials said. The meteorological department has forecast a wet spell over the next 24 hours, they said. Under the influence of an active western disturbance, several areas in the higher reaches received light to moderate snowfall overnight, they said. While there was fresh snowfall in many areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir, it continued in several other places for the second day. Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag district and its adjoining areas received overnight snowfall. Intermittent snowfall continued in Gulmarg and Sonamarg tourist resorts as well as the Zojilla Axis, Razdan Top and Tulail in north Kashmir's Gurez. The plains of the valley, including the summer capital Srinagar, were lashed by overnight rains, but clouds made way for sunshine in the morning. The meteorological department said there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, with light snow over the higher reaches, at many places along with thunder, gusty winds and hailstorm at isolated places till Thursday. The weather will generally remain dry with a brief spell of light rain at isolated places on October 16. Afterwards, the weather will remain generally dry till October 24, it said.

Religion must remain above politics: Dy CM on uniform sermon row

Ganderbal, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said political parties should not interfere in religious matters, asserting that faith must remain above political considerations. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal, Choudhary also defended the protests in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, calling for transparency and accountability in the countrys democratic institutions. Responding to recent controversies over religious directives, the Deputy Chief Minister said no political party had the right to dictate religious matters, irrespective of whether the faith was Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity. Condemning the alleged use of force and baton charges against protesters in the national capital, Choudhary said the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly. He said that if citizens and young people were demanding Kumars resignation over allegations concerning the functioning of democratic institutions, the issue called for accountability and transparency. To strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and across the nation, we must ensure a transparent, vibrant and impartial Election Commission. You cannot silence young people with force, Choudhary said. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by senior officials, reviewed various developmental projects in Ganderbal.

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HC calls for report from jail on non-appearance of Yasin Malik in terror case

New Delhi, Oct 14: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday called for a report from the jail authorities on non-appearance of separatist leader Yasin Malik from prison in a terror funding case. A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Arun Bhardwaj noted that Malik was to be produced before the court virtually. Respondent (Malik) had to be produced virtually before us. However, it is not done. Let a report in this regard be called from the jail superintendent concerned, the bench said. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief (JKLF) is lodged in Tihar jail where he is serving a life term in the case. The court listed the matter for further hearing on December 9 and directed that on that day, Malik be made to join the proceedings virtually. The court was hearing a plea by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking death penalty for Malik in the terror funding case. Malik had earlier said he wishes to argue in-person against the NIA's plea seeking enhancement of his punishment from life term to death penalty. On May 29, 2023, the high court issued notice to Malik on the NIA's plea and sought his presence before it on the next date. Subsequently, jail authorities filed an application seeking permission for his virtual appearance on grounds that he was a very high-risk prisoner and it was imperative to not physically produce him in court to maintain public order and safety. The request was allowed by the high court. In the present matter, on May 24, 2022, a trial court here sentenced Malik to life imprisonment after holding him guilty for offences under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code. Malik had pleaded guilty to the charges, including those under the UAPA, and was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Appealing against the sentence, the NIA emphasised that a terrorist cannot be sentenced life term only because he has pleaded guilty and chosen not to go through trial. While seeking enhancement of the sentence to death penalty, the NIA said if such dreaded terrorists are not given capital punishment on account of pleading guilty, there would be complete erosion of the sentencing policy and terrorists would have a way out to avoid capital punishment. In his reply filed to the NIA's appeal, Mailk has earlier said that he spent nearly three decades as a key figure in a state-sanctioned ack-channel mechanism, working with a succession of prime ministers, intelligence chiefs, and even business tycoons to foster peace in Jammu and Kashmir. In an 85-page affidavit, Malik shared details about his journey - from his school days to links with terrorists and meetings with political leaders. The NIA, in its rejoinder to Malik's reply to its plea, had said that taking the names of senior politicians and bureaucrats does not absolve the convict or negate his links with militants like Hafiz Saeed. It had asserted that Malik was well connected with multiple terrorist organisations and with supporters of the terrorist organisation LeT and that he dropped names of senior politicians, media personnel, foreign delegates and bureaucrats to gain popularity and draw public sympathy. The trial court, which had rejected the NIA's plea for death penalty, had said the crimes committed by Malik struck at the heart of the idea of India and were intended to forcefully secede Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India. It had, however, noted that the case was not the arest of rare, warranting death penalty.

Ghulam Hassan Mir hits out at NC govt over unfulfilled poll promises | GKTV Interviews

Senior Apni Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir hits out at the ruling National Conference government, accusing it of being 'unable to deliver' on its pre-poll promises. In an interview with GKTV, Mir said ever since its formation in 2020, Apni Party has made all possible efforts to safeguard rights of J&K's residents, with regard to their rights over land and jobs. The veteran politician said return of statehood was imminent, while he stressed that need of the hour was good governance. Mir said dual power structure, as witnessed in J&K is a tried and tested formula in places such as Delhi, where it never hampered developmental works. The senior leader recollected his association with PDP and pointed fingers on how the party, which came into formation as a political alternative, has succumbed to become 'yet another example of dynasty politics'. Host: Saqib Malik. Camera: Mubashir Khan Edit: Afnan Habib

Political parties shouldnt interfere in religious matters: Dy CM on uniform sermon row

Ullivettukadi Kashaya(Lashuna Kuberanayanadi Kashaya)

Ullivettukadi Kashaya (Lashuna Kuberanayanadi Kashaya) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Ullivettukadi Kashaya, also known as Lashuna ... Read more The post Ullivettukadi Kashaya(Lashuna Kuberanayanadi Kashaya) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence of Sri Lankan worker over anti-Islam Facebook comment

Saudi Arabias Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on a Sri Lankan migrant worker over a comment he posted on Facebook, Sri Lankas Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said, according to the BBC. Anojan Sivarasa, 27, was sentenced to death in September after a Saudi appellate court convicted him of blasphemy against Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over the comment. The case triggered widespread concern in Sri Lanka and prompted diplomatic efforts to secure clemency for the migrant worker. Hemachandra announced the latest development in a Facebook post on Wednesday, thanking the authorities and legal teams of both countries for their efforts. According to the BBC, the controversy began in late June after footage of a young Muslim man kicking a dog following Hindu pilgrims circulated widely on social media, triggering religious exchanges online. During the ensuing arguments, a user allegedly posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, prompting Sivarasa to respond in Tamil with an insulting comment about Prophet Muhammad. Although Sivarasa later deleted the comment and posted an apology video, a screenshot was reportedly brought to the attention of his employer and Saudi authorities. He was arrested in July. Before the death sentence was imposed, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court had sentenced him to five years in prison and fined him three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to around $800,000, the BBC reported. Faizer Mustafa, a Sri Lankan lawmaker involved in legal negotiations with Saudi Arabia over the case, also confirmed to BBC Sinhala that the death sentence had been overturned. He said they were reviewing the Supreme Courts latest ruling. However, it remains unclear whether further legal proceedings will follow, or whether Sivarasa will continue to be detained and for how long. His family had earlier said they had not been in direct contact with him since September 28. International human rights organisations had also called on Saudi Arabia to spare his life. Joey Shea, Human Rights Watchs senior Saudi Arabia researcher, urged Saudi authorities to end the use of what the organisation considers abusive laws to impose severe sentences for speech-related offences, particularly against migrant workers who may have limited protections. The Supreme Courts decision sets aside the death sentence, but the available information does not establish whether Sivarasa has been released or whether the remaining legal penalties have been cancelled.

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Anantadi Kashaya Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Anantadi Kashaya is a classical Ayurvedic decoction indicated primarily ... Read more The post Anantadi Kashaya appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

2 CJP leaders in judicial custody: Dipke slams govt, claims it is imposing 'unofficial emergency'

Waving the tricolour has become the worst sin in this country, Dipke said

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How Sweet Karam Coffee Grew From A Rs 2,000 Home Business To A Rs 580 Crore Brand

The company offers 100+ South Indian snacks and sweets made without palm oil or preservatives, shipping to 30+ countries.

Pregnant Gurez woman dies en route to Bandipora hospital, baby stillborn amid referral delay

Bandipora, 14 Oct: A pregnant woman from the remote Gurez valley died on her way to District Hospital Bandipora early Wednesday morning, while her baby was stillborn, following allegations by her family that heavy snowfall and official movement restrictions fatally delayed her medical referral. The deceased, identified as Haseen Begum, wife of Showket Hameed Lone from Mazgund village in Tulail, was initially taken to the primary health centre in Sheikhpora late Tuesday evening. According to the family, they found no medical staff available at the rural facility, forcing them to shift her to the sub-district hospital in Gurez. There, doctors diagnosed her with severely low haemoglobin levels and advised an immediate referral to Bandipora for emergency care. However, the family said they were initially barred from crossing the high-altitude Razdan pass due to heavy snowfall and nighttime movement restrictions imposed in the border area. We contacted Project Beacon officials who assured us they would clear the road ahead of the ambulance, but the sub-divisional magistrate in Gurez did not allow us to move, family members alleged. The family claimed Begum remained in severe pain throughout the night, and that her baby died in the womb at the Gurez hospital around midnight. The grieving relatives also questioned the lack of emergency blood supplies, pointing out that a blood bank had been inaugurated at the local health facility just months earlier. Addressing the allegations, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez told Greater Kashmir that movement had to be stopped overnight due to severe weather that posed an immediate threat to life. There was heavy snowfall and high winds until midnight, with around eight inches of snow accumulating on the road, the magistrate said. A fire services vehicle had already skidded earlier. Had an ambulance moved in those conditions with four or five passengers, it risked skidding as well. We had to consider their safety. The SDM clarified that he was officially alerted about the emergency by the Block Medical Officer only at 4:00 am on Wednesday. As soon as the BMO informed me, I contacted the Border Roads Organisation immediately, he said. The officer commanding did not answer my call, but I managed to reach the officer-in-charge and the concerned junior engineer. They mobilised their machinery to clear the pass. To avoid any further loss of time, I allowed the ambulance to leave while it was still dark, expecting the road to be cleared ahead of them as they proceeded. He added that while the ambulance made it through, the woman tragically passed away before reaching the hospital. The magistrate stated he had no details regarding the circumstances of the stillbirth at the Gurez facility, noting that only medical authorities could explain that aspect. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, medical superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, told Greater Kashmir that the woman was declared rought dead upon arrival in the early hours of Wednesday. The attendants informed us she may have passed away on the way near Razdan Top, Ahmad said. He confirmed she was referred from Gurez due to low haemoglobin levels, adding that the child had already died in the womb at the sub-district hospital. The health administration has since taken note of the allegations regarding staff absence and medical delays. Bandipora Chief Medical Officer Bhajan Kour told Greater Kashmir, We are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, despite several attempts to contact Block Medical Officer Gurez, Dr Feroz Iqbal, for his version of events, his phone remained switched off.

WHOs Obesity and Overweight Fact Sheet Highlights Over 1 Billion People Are Obese: The Hidden Drivers Behind the Global Surge

The World Health Organization has shared a report that talks about the burden of overweight and obesity across the globe. More importantly, it highlights that weight gain isnt the only parameter to measure obesity. Read this article for detailed insights.

Salmon returns as England restores lost mile of a river by centuries-old maps

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72% of students seeking mental healthcare report self-harm thoughts: Amaha

A study of 13,825 people found that 53 per cent had experienced mental health concerns for over a year before reaching the provider, highlighting barriers to timely care

Snowfall blankets Gurez, Razdan Top records 5 inches; machinery deployed to restore connectivity

PM Modi to virtually inaugurate key infrastructure, development projects in Ladakh tomorrow

Srinagar, Oct 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate and dedicate a series of infrastructure and developmental projects across the Union Territory of Ladakh on October 15. The projects aim to strengthen strategic connectivity, promote tourism and upgrade socio-economic infrastructure across the high-altitude region. Official sources told Greater Kashmir that the Prime Minister will virtually inaugurate the projects, including the newly expanded terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh. Constructed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at an estimated cost of over 600 crore, the state-of-the-art terminal spans more than 23,000 square metres. Designed with modern amenities suited to extreme weather conditions, the new three-level facility is expected to nearly triple the airport's flight-handling capacity, increasing daily operations from 18 to up to 54 flights. The inauguration package also includes road networks and strategic bridges executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other national agencies. These projects are expected to improve accessibility to border districts and strategically important areas. Special ceremonies and local gatherings are being organised at district headquarters across Ladakh to mark the occasion. The Prime Minister is also expected to address the public, outlining the government's vision for sustainable development and inclusive growth in the region. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, local leaders, administration officials and residents are expected to attend the functions at district headquarters.

Gurez-Bandipora road reopened after snowfall at Razdan Top

Bandipora, Oct 14: The Gurez-Bandipora road was cleared and reopened for traffic on Wednesday after moderate to heavy snowfall was reported in parts of Gurez, including Razdan Top, Kilshay Top and Kobal Gali. Razdan Top recorded nearly five inches of snow, leading to slippery road conditions and disruption to connectivity. Officials said snow-clearance machinery had been pressed into service to restore road connectivity. The road was subsequently cleared and reopened, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurez, said. The snowfall has brought fresh challenges for commuters travelling along the mountainous route, where road conditions can deteriorate rapidly during adverse weather.

Sip on delicious cocktails at this unique bar takeover in Mumbai's Lower Parel

A heady takeover by a popular Kolkata-based bar brings the vibe of addas, Gondhoraj limes, and the threads between the two former colonial cities to Lower Parel

Immerse in this two-day gaming convention in Mumbai this weekend

Try your hand at the best of homegrown tabletop board games, card games, and international classics at a two-day gaming convention in the city

Florida's alligators create ponds that help wildlife survive droughts

India urges UN human rights mechanisms to avoid politicisation, selectivity

India presented its statement at the UNGA Third Committee, emphasizing the need to respect cultural contexts in human rights. The country aims to advance human rights for all without selectivity and double standards. India's representative criticized unverified claims in a UN report regarding indigenous rights under the Forest Rights Act. India highlighted its achievements in lifting millions out of poverty while ensuring social protection.

Russian diesel not for us, but for world markets: Trump amid criticism

Facing criticism over the diesel deal with Russia, US President Donald Trump said the fuel from Moscow's refineries was meant to stabilise the global market, which has been hit by high prices. On October 9, Trump announced that Russia would supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons immediately thereafter. To facilitate the shipments, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on Russian diesel shipments to global markets until April 7, 2027. The move came ahead of November congressional midterms in the US, as diesel prices surged amid supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. That's a diesel deal. Not for us. That's being released into the world. That's not being released to us, Trump told reporters here on Tuesday, amid a growing chorus against the surprise deal he announced last week after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Republicans and Democrats hit out at the deal

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, undergoes successful surgery

New Delhi, Oct 14: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and has undergone successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said as reported by BBC, in a medical bulletin. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Romes Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday. Doctors confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, after examining a nodule detected during routine medical checks. The operation was successful and there were no complications, the Vatican said, adding that the Pope awoke normally after surgery and returned to his room following a brief period of observation. The Vatican said the entire lower lobe of his right lung was removed to ensure the procedure was complete. Further tests are being conducted to determine whether the cancer has spread. The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, and his schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow him to recover. Leo had announced his planned operation during his traditional Sunday Angelus blessing in St Peters Square, saying the growth had been detected at a very early stage and doctors had advised its removal. The news has caused concern among Catholics worldwide. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin described it as a bolt from the blue but said the cardinals had been reassured by the Popes calmness and remained confident about his recovery, reports BBC. Despite his diagnosis, the pontiff hopes to retain his planned visit to Latin America in early November, including Peru, where he served as a missionary and later as a bishop.

Akib Chaya organises Caddy Golf Tournament at KGC

Srinagar, Oct 13:In an initiative aimed at recognising the contribution of golf caddies, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting golf tourism in Kashmir, prominent hotelier and entrepreneur Akib Chaya, under the banner of Hilltop Hotels, organised the Swing in Autumn Caddy Golf Tournament at the Kashmir Golf Course (KGC), Srinagar. The tournament, as per a statement, brought together caddies, senior golfers, prominent personalities from the hospitality and tourism sectors, and distinguished guests in a celebration of sportsmanship, opportunity and community participation. Salman Sagar and Ehsan Pardesi graced the occasion as Guests of Honour, extending their encouragement and support to the participating caddies and the initiative. The event was also attended by several respected senior golfers, including Ashraf Bakshi, Javed Bakshi, Sohail Kirmani, Ghulam Rasool Guroo, Usman Fazil, Manzoor Abbas and Sameer Bhat, whose presence added significance to the occasion. Prominent dignitaries from various organisations included Mushtaq Chaya, President, Hoteliers Club; Tariq Ghani, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sheikh Feroz, President, J&K Hajj and Umrah Services; Sameer Baktoo, President, Eco Tourism; Nasir Hamid Khan, Honorary Secretary, Amar Singh Club; and Murad Kapra, Joint Secretary, Hoteliers Club. Speaking about the initiative, Akib Chaya emphasised that the tournament was not merely about competitive golf but about recognising the invaluable role played by caddies in sustaining and developing the sport. Golf has given me tremendous joy, and having learnt the game at Kashmir Golf Course myself, I feel a personal connection with this place and the people associated with it. Our caddies are an integral part of the golfing community, and they deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to grow. Chaya further highlighted the potential of golf as a meaningful avenue of employment for Kashmirs youth.

Inter-Collegiate TT tournament commences at JU

Jammu, Oct 13:The Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, Tuesday commenced the Inter-Collegiate Table Tennis (Men & Women) Tournament for the session 20262027 at the University Table Tennis Hall. The tournament, as per a statement, aims to provide a platform for players from affiliated colleges to showcase their skills, enhance their competitive abilities, and uphold the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and fair play. The event also seeks to encourage sporting excellence and strengthen the spirit of healthy competition among participating institutions. The tournament is being organised under the overall supervision of Dr Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, whose guidance and leadership continue to play a vital role in promoting sports culture and encouraging greater participation in sports among students of the affiliated colleges.

J&K Fencers Mayank Sharma, Shivaansh Kapoor to represent India at Asian U-23 Championships

Srinagar, Oct 13:The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council extended its warmest congratulations to local fencers Mayank Sharma and Shivaansh Kapoor on their selection to represent India at the prestigious Asian U-23 Fencing Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in Manama, Bahrain, from October 27 to November 2, 2026. As per a statement issued, Mayank Sharma has earned his selection in the Sabre event, while Shivaansh Kapoor will represent the country in Epee. This selection marks a significant milestone for fencing in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing immense pride to both the Union Territory and the nation. Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Tazayun Mukhtar, extended heartfelt felicitations to the two athletes, lauding their relentless dedication, rigorous training, and commitment to the sport. Expressing full confidence in their abilities, the Secretary wished them grand success at the continental championship, noting that their performances will inspire a new generation of aspiring fencers across J&K.

Hippos Add 0.4 Tonnes of Silicon to Kenyas Mara River Each Dry-Season Day

Sports powerful tool to keep youth away from drugs: ADGP Nitish Kumar

Srinagar, Oct 13:Emphasising the role of sports in steering young people away from drug abuse, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Armed J&K, Nitish Kumar, on Tuesday called upon the youth to embrace sporting activities as a means of maintaining physical fitness, building mental resilience and adopting a healthy, disciplined lifestyle. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day water sports festival Jashn-e-Dal 2026 at the back lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Nitish Kumar said sports provide young people with a constructive avenue for engagement and help promote discipline, teamwork, confidence and camaraderie. The festival, organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police under its Civic Action Programme (CAP), will continue until October 15 and features a diverse range of water sports and traditional competitions aimed at encouraging sporting talent and strengthening police-public relations. Urging the younger generation to stay away from drugs and actively participate in sports, the ADGP stressed the need for collective efforts to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. He said sporting activities could play an important role in channelising the energy of young people towards productive pursuits while encouraging them to develop healthy habits and a spirit of discipline. Sports are a powerful medium to keep youth away from drugs, Nitish Kumar said, highlighting the importance of physical activity in helping young people cope with stress and anxiety and remain physically and mentally fit. He also called upon participants to take part in the competitions with enthusiasm and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, irrespective of the outcome. The inaugural ceremony was marked by the formal flag-off of the event by ADGP, who attended as the chief guest. Tri-colour balloons were released to mark the commencement, while decorated Shikaras carrying cultural contingents added colour to the proceedings at Dal Lake. According to officials, the festival features 20 categories and 46 competitions, providing participants with a platform to showcase their sporting abilities, technical skills, teamwork and competitive spirit. The events include canoeing, kayaking, long- and short-distance swimming, rowing and sculling, traditional Donga boat races, flat-water canoe and kayak head-to-head races, dragon boat racing and Shikara racing. The three-day festival seeks to promote healthy competition, community participation and sporting excellence while bringing people together through recreational and competitive activities associated with Kashmirs iconic Dal Lake. The initiative also reflects J&K Polices efforts to engage young people through community-oriented programmes and encourage alternatives to drug abuse by promoting sports and other constructive activities. Several senior police officers attended the inaugural ceremony, including Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar, Deputy Inspector General of Police Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Omprakash Pandey, DIG Armed Kashmir Range Maqsood-ul-Zaman, DIG IR Kashmir Range Mubassir Latifi and Srinagar SSP G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, besides other officers and representatives of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association J&K. The concluding ceremony is scheduled for October 15, when winners and participating teams will be felicitated.

Dr Tasleem Arif among worlds top 2% scientists for third consecutive year

Srinagar, Oct 13: Dr Tasleem Arif, a dermatologist from Soura, Srinagar, has been recognised among the worlds top 2% of scientists in the list published by Stanford University for the third consecutive year (20242026). Reflecting on the honour, DrArif said, I am not glad because I have made it, but because I have represented the dermatological fraternity of my Union Territory, which is more important to me. Since I obtained my medical graduation (MBBS) from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and MD in Dermatology from Government Medical College, Srinagar, this is a proud moment for both the institutions. DrArif has been listed in the general category of clinical medicine, under the subfield of dermatology and venereal diseases. In his specialty, he is ranked 878 globally. In 2025, Dr Arif brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir when he was among 21 dermatologists from across India featured in the list of the worlds top 2% of scientists. DrArif has authored more than 155 research publications, including several book chapters. His primary research area is scleroderma, a complex autoimmune disease that hardens the skin and internal organs, with more than 25 publications dedicated to the subject. His expertise in scleroderma is reflected in his role as editor-in-chief of the book Morphea and Related Disorders, published by Bentham Science Publishers in 2024. He is credited with proposing a classification system for the linear morphea, En Coup de SabreParry-Romberg syndrome disease spectrum. Among his notable contributions, DrArifs research, conducted with co-authors, on Esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis and morphea received international attention. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reviewed the work in its NEJM Journal Watch, drawing on the studys findings. DrArifs name has also entered dermatological literature through Tasleems Water Jet Sign, a diagnostic sign named after him. He has developed a technique for measuring the graft area required in vitiligo surgeries and is credited with a novel method of administering botulinum toxin to patients with axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating. In October 2023, DrArif received the ImrichSarkany Non-European Memorial Scholarship, a prestigious award from the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). Earlier, he was named World Champion in Dermatology (Scleroderma) in 2019 by the International Agency for Standards and Ratings (IASR). Dr Arif is an international fellow of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the International Pachyonychia Congenita Consortium. He is also a life member of several professional bodies, including IADVL, ISPD, PDS, ACSI, CDSI, HRSI, IASSTD & AIDS, NSI and CODFI. Dr TasleemArif is currently working as a specialist in dermatology and heads the Department of Dermatology at Dar AsSihha Medical Complex, a multispecialty medical facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Khanpora residents fear structural damage to houses near under-construction bypass

Baramulla, Oct 13:Residents of Khanpora in Baramulla have raised concerns over the safety of their homes, claiming that construction work on the under-construction bypass road is threatening the stability of nearby residential structures. According to residents, several houses situated just a few yards below the bypass stretch are at risk of damage due to the ongoing construction activity. They fear that continued construction could further weaken the foundations of their houses and increase the risk of landslides in the area. The residents said uncertainty over the safety of their homes had left them anxious, with many struggling to sleep amid fears that their houses could sustain further damage. Some houses have already developed minor cracks, and the area has become vulnerable to landslides. We are living under constant fear that our residential houses could be damaged, said Dilshada, a local woman. The affected families have appealed to the authorities to relocate them to a safer place, saying any major damage to their houses would leave them financially devastated. The residents said they had shifted from densely populated areas of Khanpora and invested lakhs of rupees in constructing their houses, with several families borrowing money from banks to build their homes. They said the ongoing bypass construction had turned their houses into a source of constant anxiety rather than a place of security. Only a few residential houses are located just a few yards below the under-construction bypass road. The ongoing heavy work has shaken the foundations of our houses, and we fear they could suffer extensive damage, said Mohammad Ashraf, a resident. Ashraf said the affected families had submitted several representations to the Baramulla district administration, seeking intervention to address their concerns and ensure the safety of their homes. However, he alleged that their grievances had not been addressed so far. The residents have urged the district administration and the authorities concerned to assess the condition of the affected houses, take immediate preventive measures and explore relocation options to avert any potential tragedy.

Supreme Court to hear all Delhi protest pleas on Oct 15, examines allegations of police excesses

New Delhi, Oct 13:The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that it would take up on Thursday, October 15, a batch of petitions concerning protests in Delhi against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and police action against protesters, lawyers and journalists. A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana is hearing the matters, which raise concerns over restrictions on public transport and movement, alleged illegal detentions and claims that police personnel violated the courts directions. The protests followed a report by The Indian Express alleging that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had taken several decisions relating to the SIR exercise unilaterally, despite objections from two other Election Commissioners. Several protesters were detained by Delhi Police over the weekend as authorities sought to control the demonstrations. The detentions triggered multiple petitions before the Supreme Court, including allegations that lawyers and journalists were also detained and prevented from performing their professional duties. On October 11, the Supreme Court held a special sitting to consider some of these issues and directed the police not to detain peaceful protesters, lawyers and journalists. However, subsequent petitions alleged that detentions and obstruction of professional duties continued despite the courts directions. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and other petitioners have also approached the court over the alleged detention and assault of lawyers during the protests. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders filed a separate petition on Monday challenging the SIR exercise and alleging large-scale deletion of voters names. The petition seeks, among other reliefs, an independent audit of voter deletions and disclosure of records relating to the Election Commissions decisions. This plea was not listed for hearing on Tuesday. Several members of the Supreme Court Bar were also expected to mention related matters before the CJI-led Bench, including the entry of Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders into the Supreme Court premises on Monday amid a gathering of lawyers and supporters. The Bench indicated that the connected petitions concerning alleged non-compliance with its October 11 directions, police action against lawyers and journalists, and possible contempt proceedings could be taken up together on Thursday. The court also asked petitioners to rectify filing defects to facilitate the listing of their matters.

State TB Cell Kashmir hosts mega TB awareness programme

Srinagar, Oct 13: The State Tuberculosis Cell, Kashmir, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, organised an awareness programme under the #TBMuktBharatAbhiyan in collaboration with Amar Singh College, GogjiBagh, Srinagar, on Tuesday. The initiative aimed to educate students and faculty members about tuberculosis prevention, elimination strategies and the role of public participation in achieving a TB-free India. Around 200 people attended the event and were given T-shirts and caps featuring the TB Mukt Bharat logo. The programme commenced with a welcome and presentation of mementoes to the dignitaries, followed by an introductory address by Prof. (Dr.) TehminaYousuf, Principal of Amar Singh College. She said that although TB spreads easily, it is preventable and curable. She also noted that the college had implemented key infection-control measures on campus. Dr Basra Mir, State Tuberculosis Officer, Kashmir, thanked the college administration and recalled the momentum generated on December 7, 2024, when 23 line departments came together for TB eradication. She urged students to help identify suspected cases and spread awareness that diagnostic testing and shortened treatment modules are available free of cost. In his special address, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, Chairman of the State Task Force Committee under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), J&K, stressed that early diagnosis and tackling social stigma are essential to eradicating the disease. He highlighted modern medical advances that have reduced treatment durations and explained the use of Active Case Finding (ACF) and TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) to prevent transmission. He also highlighted the governments support system, which provides free treatment and a monthly nutritional allowance of Rs 1,000. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Saba Wani, Deputy Director Schemes, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, outlined progress in TB control in the Valley. She said five districts in Kashmir had achieved TB-free status, while the overall case incidence had declined to 44 per lakh, with around 3,000 active cases. She highlighted the use of handheld X-rays and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for sputum testing, and praised the Ni-KshayMitra initiative, under which community donors provide patients with food baskets for six to eight months. During the technical session, DrRubayaYousuf, State TB/HIV Coordinator, NTEP Kashmir, delivered a presentation on the biology of TB and the objectives and strategies of the national campaign. Naveed Mukhtar Zargar, State ACSM Officer, NTEP Kashmir, discussed the implementation of the Ni-KshayMitra initiative, highlighting community engagement through NCC and My Bharat volunteers. A TB-Free India pledge was administered to participants in both physical and digital modes, followed by a signature campaign to support the eradication of the disease. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sabina Rasool, Convenor of the Health and Wellness Committee at Amar Singh College, who thanked the dignitaries, organisers and student participants.

Rahul Gandhi hints at next move in CEC-SIR row, says protests will continue

New Delhi, Oct 13:Congress leader & Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday indicated that the INDIA bloc would continue its campaign against the government over the functioning of the Election Commission (EC), but declined to disclose the oppositions next move, saying he did not want to spoil the surprise. According to The Times of India, Gandhi made the remarks while addressing reporters at a joint briefing of opposition parties at his residence, where he hosted leaders for evening tea. He said the protests would continue until the opposition achieved its objective. Sooner or later, whether tomorrow, the day after, in three months, six months, a year, or two years, it (protests) will not stop. It will reach the end goal. I cannot tell you exactly how we will get there, because that would spoil the surprise, and we want to maintain the excitement and sense of surprise for you and the country, Rahul Gandhi said. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha asserted that the Congress-led INDIA bloc would sustain its campaign with the same energy, strength and unity with which it had mobilised against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Gandhi also expressed respect for the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while making it clear that the opposition would continue its political campaign irrespective of the outcome of judicial proceedings. Thank you to the Supreme Courtwe have immense respect for the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India, and the Indian judicial system. They have a role to play, and we hope they will play it. However, we are political people; no matter what happens, or which institution plays a role or doesnt, political resistance will continue, peoples resistance will continue, and it will triumph, he said. Rahul Gandhis remarks came a day after he and 10 other opposition leaders approached the Supreme Court in the matter. The petition names the Election Commission, CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi as respondents. Gyanesh Kumar, who became Chief Election Commissioner in 2025 after serving on the Election Commission, has repeatedly faced allegations from opposition parties of favouring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The allegations have been contested amid the wider political debate over the functioning and impartiality of the poll body. The latest developments have brought the Election Commissions decision-making process and the SIR exercise under renewed political and judicial scrutiny, with the opposition signalling that its campaign will continue alongside the proceedings in the Supreme Court.

Amit Shah 1st remarks on SIR, rejects SIR argument, asks Rahul Gandhi to introspect over electoral defeats

New Delhi, Oct 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to introspect over his partys electoral setbacks instead of blaming the Election Commission (EC) or the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to The Times of India, Amit Shah cited the BJPs victories in recent Assembly bypolls in West Bengal and the Lok Sabha by-election in Assam, along with the Congresss defeat in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation polls, to question the oppositions allegations against the poll body. I also wish to ask Rahul ji: is this the result of an SIR? You dismiss the popularity of the BJP and Modi ji by attributing it to an SIR. You need to introspect, Amit Shah said. Referring to Gujarat, where the BJP has been in power for several years, the Home Minister said the Congress had repeatedly failed to secure electoral victories in the state. In a major state (Gujarat) where you once held power, you have failed to win a single election in 41 years. This is a matter that demands serious introspection on their part, he said. Amit Shah also cited the results of recent by-elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, claiming that the Congress had failed to win a single seat. In Nagaon, the BJP candidate won by a margin of 1,42,000 votes, wresting the seat from the Congress. In Nandigram, the BJP candidate won with 76% of the vote, securing a massive lead of 1,22,000 votes. In Rejinagar, the BJP won by over 75,000 votes, snatching the seat from the Trinamool, while in Puducherry, the NDA candidate from ally AINRC won by 8,482 votes. The Congress secured only 22% of the votes, Amit Shah said. Amit Shahs remarks came shortly after leaders of the Congress-led INDIA bloc held a joint press conference at Rahul Gandhis residence in New Delhi and vowed to continue their campaign seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the invalidation of the SIR exercise over alleged irregularities. Rahul Gandhi had said the oppositions political resistance would continue, but declined to disclose its next course of action, saying he did not want to spoil the surprise.

Moul Mouj Foundation takes Alzheimers awareness to remote Baramulla

Baramulla, Oct 13: Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) organised a health camp in a remote area of Baramulla, combining medical consultations with an awareness programme on Alzheimers disease and dementia. The initiative was not just a medical camp but part of a wider campaign to take health awareness directly to communities with limited access to technology and specialised health information. Dr Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, and Rukhsana Murtaza, Counsellor at CHC Pattan, spoke during the awareness session, highlighting the early warning signs of dementia, the importance of timely medical consultation and the need to challenge the misconception that persistent memory loss is simply a normal part of ageing. Special emphasis was placed on guiding caregivers to support people living with dementia with patience, empathy and dignity. Families were encouraged to avoid arguing with or scolding patients for forgetfulness, maintain familiar routines, ensure their safety and seek medical advice when symptoms appear. The camp was supported by the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Pattan, with GK Communications serving as the media outreach partner. Through this initiative, MMF aims to bridge the awareness gap by reaching people beyond digital platforms and bringing reliable health information directly to underserved communities.

HED seeks detailed financial, admission records, recruitment details from universities following SC directions

Srinagar, Oct 13:The J&K Higher Education Department (HED) has sought details of audited accounts for the preceding five years, including funds generated and utilised and payments made to individuals not directly involved in the functioning of universities as educational institutions. The move comes in the wake of the Supreme Courts proceedings dated September 17, 2026, directing States and Union Territories to obtain specified information from universities and colleges under their jurisdiction and place it before the Court. The matter relates to Writ Petition (Civil) No. 531 of 2025, titled Ayesha Jain versus Amity University, Noida, and others, before the Supreme Court of India. The HED has also sought details of the benefits received from the Central and state governments, including land allotments, legal relaxations and other privileges. In this regard, the HED has issued an official communication to the Registrars of Kashmir University (KU), Jammu University (JU), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Central University of Jammu (CUJ), Cluster University Srinagar, Cluster University Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). As per the official communication, all universities have been asked to disclose their complete fee structures, including charges collected at admission, during the course and under other heads such as development funds and special-event funds. The universities have also been asked to provide details of the exact procedures adopted for admissions to every course, along with the names of those responsible for admissions, setting question papers, conducting examinations and evaluating answer scripts. The HED has also sought details of the persons handling university funds and the role of management in the admission process. The universities have been asked to submit details of teaching and non-teaching staff, along with their modes of recruitment. Following this, the Registrar of Kashmir University has issued a circular directing key administrative and academic offices to furnish comprehensive, authenticated records on the institutions finances, admissions, examinations, recruitment and student grievance-redressal mechanisms, in line with the Supreme Courts directions in the case concerning Amity University, Noida. In a circular issued on October 13, 2026, the KU Registrar asked the concerned departments to provide item-wise information sought by the HED in connection with Writ Petition (Civil) No. 531 of 2025, titled Ayesha Jain versus Amity University, Noida, and others. The universitys Finance, Accounts and Audit sections have been asked to submit audited reports, details of funds generated and utilised, payments made, fee collections, government benefits and concessions, surplus funds and investments. The Directorate of Admissions has been asked to provide the prescribed admission procedure for every course, along with details of the authorities and persons responsible for the admission process. The Controller of Examinations and the Examination Wing have been asked to furnish details regarding the setting of question papers, conduct of examinations and evaluation of answer scripts. The General Administration, Establishment and Recruitment sections have also been directed to provide information about personnel handling university funds, management and administrative responsibilities, recruitment, salaries and emoluments, payment mechanisms and service conditions of teaching and non-teaching staff. The university has further sought details from the Dean Academic Affairs, deans of schools and heads of departments regarding teaching staff, class allotments, classes actually conducted and alternative arrangements made where classes were not held, particularly from January 2025 onwards. The Grievance Cell, grievance-redressal committees and Dean Students Welfare have been asked to provide details about the constitution and functioning of grievance-redressal mechanisms, the nature and number of complaints received, their disposal and outcomes, and the time taken to resolve complaints during the last three years. The requisite information duly verified and authenticated by the competent authority and supported by relevant records and documents, wherever applicable, shall be furnished to this office positively without fail, to facilitate consolidation and timely onward submission to the HED within the stipulated timeframe, the KU circular reads. The matter may be treated as most urgent, being connected with time-bound directions of the Supreme Court of India. All concerned are requested to ensure strict adherence to the prescribed timeline, it reads.

LIC launches 3 new plans, including health, cancer covers

Mumbai, Oct 13:Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on Tuesday launched three new insurance plans, including a deferred annuity scheme and two health insurance products aimed at providing financial security during retirement, hospitalisation and cancer treatment. LIC Chairman and Managing Director R. Doraiswamy launched New Jeevan Dhara-II (Plan 892), Health Shield (Plan 907) and New Cancer Cover (Plan 908). The plans will be available for purchase from October 19, 2026, both online and through authorised intermediaries. New Jeevan Dhara-II is a non-linked, non-participating individual savings plan designed to provide guaranteed annuity income after a specified deferment period. Policyholders can choose between single and regular premium payments, as well as single-life and joint-life annuity options. The plan offers deferment periods of one to 15 years, depending on the premium option, and allows top-up annuity purchases during the deferment period. Health Shield is a non-linked, non-participating health insurance plan offering fixed benefits against specified health risks. It provides daily hospital cash benefits during hospitalisation and lump-sum payouts for major surgeries and critical illnesses. The plan has a policy and premium-paying term of 15 years, with premiums guaranteed throughout the term. Coverage is available for the principal insured aged 18 to 65 years, while eligible children aged 90 days to 20 years can also be covered. Additional benefits include a no-claim benefit that increases health cover and a premium-waiver provision, subject to policy conditions. New Cancer Cover provides fixed financial benefits upon diagnosis of specified early-stage and major-stage cancers, irrespective of the actual treatment expenses. It pays 25 percent of the applicable sum assured for specified early-stage cancer and 100 percent for specified major-stage cancer. The plan also provides a monthly income benefit equivalent to one percent of the applicable sum assured for 10 years following a major-stage cancer diagnosis. Policyholders can choose between level and increasing sum assured options. The cancer plan offers basic sum assured options ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 35 lakh, depending on age criteria, with a maximum sum assured of Rs 50 lakh, subject to the plans conditions. The products can be purchased through LICs website, http://www.licindia.in, and authorised agents and other licensed intermediaries. LIC has advised prospective policyholders to consult the respective sales brochures for detailed terms and conditions.

Ask the Doctor

Q: Why do I feel sleepy while watching TV but become wide awake when I go to bed? A: Your brain may associate the sofa and television with relaxation, while your bed triggers thoughts, worries or pressure to fall asleep. Screen habits, irregular sleep schedules and caffeine can also interfere with sleep. Try keeping a regular bedtime and avoiding the pressure to force yourself to sleep. Q: Is cracking my knuckles harmful? Will it cause arthritis? A: Knuckle cracking has not been shown to cause arthritis. The popping sound usually comes from changes in pressure within the joint fluid. However, if cracking causes pain, swelling or restricted movement, get it checked rather than repeatedly forcing the joint. Q: Why does my stomach make embarrassing noises when I am sitting quietly? A: Your intestines are constantly moving food, fluid and gas. These movements produce sounds called borborygmi. Hunger, swallowed air and certain foods can make them louder. Usually, these noises are harmless. Persistent pain, vomiting or significant abdominal swelling alongside them requires medical attention. Q: Can drinking less water cause constipation? A: Yes, inadequate fluid intake can contribute to constipation, particularly when combined with a low-fibre diet and inactivity. Drink enough fluids throughout the day, eat fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and stay physically active. If constipation persists or comes with blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or severe pain, consult a doctor. Q: Can I be unhealthy even if my weight is normal? A: Absolutely. A normal weight does not guarantee healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels or fitness. Some people have metabolic risk factors despite appearing slim. Your waist circumference, family history, diet, activity levels and appropriate health checks provide a more complete picture. Looking healthy and being healthy are not always the same thing. Q: Why do I sometimes get a sudden muscle cramp while sleeping? A: Night-time muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions that can cause considerable pain. Muscle fatigue, certain medicines and some medical conditions may contribute, although the cause is not always clear. Gently stretching the affected muscle may help. Frequent cramps, persistent weakness or significant swelling warrant medical evaluation. Q: Can stress cause hair fall? A: Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, in which more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase. Hair loss may become noticeable two to three months after the stressful event. It often improves as the trigger resolves, but persistent or patchy hair loss should be evaluated to identify other possible causes. Q: Why do I feel exhausted after spending an entire day doing nothing? A: Physical inactivity does not always mean mental rest. Worry, emotional strain, poor-quality sleep and prolonged screen use can leave you feeling drained. Irregular meals and inadequate physical activity may also contribute. If fatigue persists despite adequate rest, consider medical evaluation for causes such as anaemia, thyroid disorders or sleep problems. Q: Is it safe to take a friends antibiotic if we have exactly the same symptoms? A: Absolutely not. Similar symptoms can have different causes, and antibiotics are useful only against susceptible bacterial infections. The wrong medicine can cause side effects, delay appropriate treatment and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Never share prescription medicines, even with family members or close friends. Q: Why do I keep checking my phone even when I know there is nothing new? A: Notifications, unpredictable rewards and the fear of missing something can encourage repeated checking. Over time, this habit can interfere with concentration, sleep and face-to-face relationships. Try switching off non-essential notifications, keeping your phone away during meals and setting specific times to check social media. A Thought for Everyday Life: Your body often gives signals before it demands attention. The trick is knowing which signals are harmless, which need a routine consultation and which require emergency care. Do not panic over every symptom, but do not dismiss persistent or serious symptoms either. Note: These answers are for general health awareness and do not replace individual medical advice. Ask Your Question: WhatsApp: 6005463346 | Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org

Jitendra Singh backs science-led solutions for Himalayan challenges at SKUAST-K summit

Srinagar, Oct 13: Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday expressed support for translating scientific research into practical, scalable solutions for the Himalayan region on the second day of the J&K Agriculture Science Congress and the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar. Emphasising the need for outcomes beyond deliberations, Dr. Singh highlighted government programmes focused on the Himalayas and initiatives monitoring climate change, including glacier dynamics and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). He welcomed SKUAST-Ks collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) and other institutions in preparing a draft Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that stakeholder consultations could further strengthen the framework and indicated that the proposal could be considered by the Government of India. SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the universitys role in addressing regional challenges through research and innovation. He said the university had secured 146 patents and nurtured 115 startups. He added that the summit aimed to identify practical approaches to safeguarding mountain ecosystems and communities. Arushi Chopra, Director at SYSTEMIQ, stressed the need for a Himalayan Mountain Development Policy that balances ecological conservation with economic priorities, highlighting the role of sustainable infrastructure. Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Director General of IISD India, noted that Himalayan catchment systems support nearly 40 per cent of Indias population, underscoring the wider consequences of disasters in the region. In his welcome address, Dr. Rajan Kotru of IMI stressed the importance of institutional conviction, collaboration and commitment in addressing Himalayan challenges. He called for closer integration of policy, practice and scientific knowledge to ensure that the summits outcomes are widely supported and translated into policy action. Sushil Ramola, former President of IMI, emphasised the need to convert scientific knowledge into inclusive policies and strengthen the link between research and decision-making. Babila Rakhwal, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirmed the departments commitment to science- and technology-based initiatives for sustainable mountain development. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K.

NPCI defers levy of MDR on UPI transactions; no new date announced for implementation

New Delhi, Oct 13: In a major relief to UPI users, the decision to levy a Merchant Discount Rate of 0.4 per cent on transactions over Rs 2,000 has been deferred, with NPCI on Tuesday saying a new date for the implementation will be decided after Diwali. According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) circular issued last month, a 0.4 per cent MDR was to be levied on Person-to-Merchant UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15. UPI and Services Steering Committee today decided that, keeping in mind the festive season, Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions shall be implemented immediately post Diwali on a date to be notified separately, NPCI said in a statement. The MDR has to be paid by merchants, not consumers, and capped at Rs 300 for transactions of Rs 75,000 or more. The decision to defer has come amidst allegations by the Opposition, which termed it a tax, and said that the levy on specified UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 will burden consumers. As per the circular dated September 15, payments between individuals, as well as the vast majority of everyday merchant payments were to remain free. Essential services, such as railways, telecom, fuel, and insurance, were to attract a flat Rs 5 fee per transaction above Rs 2,000. Capital markets transactions (mutual funds, stockbroking) were to get a lower 0.02 per cent rate, also capped at Rs 300. The National Payments Corporation, which operates the UPI platform, decided to levy MDR on certain UPI transactions aimed at creating a sustainable revenue framework for the digital payments ecosystem. As per the NPCI, the amount collected will be shared among banks and other entities in the UPI ecosystem. Of the MDR collected, 40 per cent will go to customers banks, 30 per cent to payment gateways, 20 per cent to the UPI app and the remaining 10 per cent to the sponsoring bank of the UPI app. Welcoming the decision, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said the governments move to defer the proposed MDR charges on UPI transactions is timely and pragmatic, particularly during the crucial festive and wedding season, when millions of traders and MSMEs depend on higher business volumes. Additional transaction costs could have placed an avoidable burden on merchants operating on thin margins and discouraged the wider acceptance of digital payments, CAIT said. It shared that the decision follows the meeting held on September 30, 2026, when a delegation of around 20 trade leaders met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and highlighted the implications of the proposed 0.4 per cent MDR on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000.

Antibiotic That Works Today May Not Work Tomorrow

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives by treating bacterial infections. But these medicines may not always work as expected. When bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, infections that were once easy to treat can become difficult, expensive and sometimes life-threatening. This problem, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is a growing public health concern worldwide, including in Jammu and Kashmir. Antibiotic resistance does not mean that our body has become resistant to a medicine. It means that bacteria have changed in ways that allow them to survive medicines that would normally kill them or stop their growth. These resistant bacteria can multiply and spread, making infections harder to treat. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide in 2023 was resistant to antibiotic treatment. This is a global estimate, not a figure specific to Jammu and Kashmir, but it highlights the seriousness of the problem. What Is Happening in Kashmir? Research conducted at healthcare institutions in Kashmir has identified antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical samples. A study at Government Medical College, Srinagar, examined 4,378 wound samples collected during the first six months of 2023. Bacterial growth was found in 1,921 samples, or 43.9 per cent. This figure represents the proportion of samples showing bacterial growth, not the proportion with antibiotic resistance. Other studies have reported methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. Such findings remind us that doctors cannot assume every antibiotic will work against every bacterial infection. The concern extends beyond hospitals. Research examining bacterial samples from Dal Lake and Wular Lake has identified bacteria carrying antibiotic-resistance traits. These findings do not prove that people are acquiring infections directly from these lakes. However, they highlight the importance of safe wastewater management, sanitation, responsible disposal of medicines and environmental monitoring. Why Do Antibiotics Stop Working? Antibiotic resistance can develop naturally, but the unnecessary and inappropriate use of antibiotics accelerates the process. When these medicines are used without a proper medical indication, susceptible bacteria may be eliminated while resistant bacteria survive and multiply. One common mistake is taking antibiotics for illnesses such as the common cold, influenza and most other viral infections. Antibiotics kill or inhibit bacteria; they do not treat viruses. Taking them for a viral illness will not speed up recovery and may contribute to resistance. Another dangerous practice is self-medication. People sometimes use leftover tablets, borrow medicines from relatives or repeat an old prescription whenever similar symptoms return. However, similar symptoms do not necessarily mean the same illness. The medicine that was appropriate previously may be unsuitable for the present condition. Antibiotics should therefore be taken only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should follow the prescribed dose, timing and duration. If side effects occur, symptoms worsen or instructions are unclear, they should contact their doctor rather than independently stopping, extending or changing the treatment. Seven Simple Steps to Protect Antibiotics Everyone can contribute to reducing antibiotic resistance through a few practical measures: 1 Never self-prescribe antibiotics. Seek medical advice before using them. 2. Do not demand antibiotics for every fever, cough or cold. Ask your doctor whether the illness is likely to be bacterial. 3. Never share antibiotics or use leftover medicines. A prescription intended for one person may be harmful or ineffective for another. 4. Follow your doctors instructions. Do not change the dose or duration yourself; seek advice if problems arise. 5. Maintain good hygiene. Regular handwashing, safe food preparation, clean water and appropriate wound care help prevent infections. 6. Keep vaccinations up to date. Preventing infections also reduces the need for antibiotics. 7. Dispose of unused medicines safely. Follow the advice of pharmacies or local health authorities instead of discarding medicines carelessly. What Must Healthcare Institutions Do? The responsibility does not rest with the public alone. Hospitals need reliable microbiology laboratories to identify bacteria and determine which antibiotics are likely to work. These tests can help doctors select appropriate treatment and modify it when results become available. Healthcare institutions must also strengthen infection prevention, hand hygiene and antibiotic stewardship. This means ensuring that patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the appropriate duration, while avoiding unnecessary prescriptions. Regular surveillance across hospitals and districts is equally important. Resistance patterns can differ between facilities, bacterial species and types of infection. Better local data would help clinicians make informed decisions and enable health authorities to respond to emerging problems. A Shared Responsibility Antibiotic resistance is not simply a hospital problem. It connects human health, animal health and the environment. Responsible antibiotic use, safe sanitation, environmental monitoring and coordinated public health action must go hand in hand. The message is simple: antibiotics are precious medicines, not general-purpose remedies. They should be used when needed, under appropriate medical guidance. Every infection prevented reduces the need for treatment, and every unnecessary antibiotic prescription creates avoidable pressure for resistance. We must act today to preserve the effectiveness of these medicines for tomorrow. Otherwise, infections that are easily treatable today may become much harder to cure in the future. Author is MBBS Student, Srinagar

KSSIA rebuts GCCs apprehensions, hails Ease of Doing Business Act as long-awaited reform

Srinagar, Oct 13:The Kashmir Small Scale Industrial Association (KSSIA), Baghi Ali Mardan Khan, has contested the apprehensions expressed by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) over the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, describing the concerns as premature and warning against creating unwarranted suspicion about reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs. At a meeting of its Executive Council held at the Associations office under the chairmanship of president Syed Fazal Illahi, KSSIA unanimously welcomed the legislation enacted by the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, terming it a long-overdue step towards facilitating industrial activity, encouraging investment and generating employment. Recalling the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in securing approvals, consents and No Objection Certificates from multiple government departments, the Council said industrialists had often been forced to make repeated visits to offices despite investing their lifetime savings and years of hard work in establishing enterprises and creating livelihoods. The Association said entrepreneurs should be treated as partners in economic development rather than being subjected to cumbersome administrative procedures that delay projects, increase costs and discourage investment. The Council observed that Ease of Doing Business was part of a broader reform agenda being pursued across the country and argued that Jammu and Kashmir, having endured prolonged economic disruption and industrial stagnation, could not afford to remain tied to outdated administrative practices. Expressing disappointment over the GCCs observations, KSSIA members questioned the timing of the criticism, arguing that sweeping apprehensions had been raised before the government notified the rules and guidelines governing the implementation of the legislation. The Council maintained that the Act contained safeguards relating to environmental protection, public safety and other legitimate concerns, adding that the implementation framework would be crucial in ensuring that the reform achieved its intended objectives without compromising public interests. The Association stressed that removing unnecessary permissions and procedural bottlenecks should not be confused with eliminating environmental, planning or safety regulations. It said reducing bureaucratic harassment did not exempt businesses from complying with the law. KSSIA urged the GCC to examine the provisions of the legislation individually and distinguish between measures intended to simplify administrative procedures and those that could potentially affect regulatory oversight. The Association also emphasised that industrial development and environmental protection were not mutually exclusive objectives. Entrepreneurs, it said, were equally invested in protecting Kashmirs forests, water bodies, landscapes and cultural heritage, given that they were part of the same region whose ecological sustainability was under discussion. The Council, however, questioned what it described as the lack of comparable scrutiny of environmental degradation over the past three decades, particularly the unplanned development of tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg. It also flagged the increasing commercialisation of residential neighbourhoods, including Karan Nagar, Balgarden, Jawahar Nagar and Rajbagh, arguing that concerns over environmental protection and urban planning should extend to past administrative decisions as well as proposed legislative changes. Members questioned why these developments had not attracted similar scrutiny when several experienced administrators now associated with the GCC held responsible positions in the government. At the same time, acknowledging the experience and expertise of GCC members, KSSIA invited the group to identify specific provisions that, in its assessment, required modification or stronger safeguards. The Association said constructive engagement among the government, civil society and industrial representatives would help address legitimate concerns without undermining the central objective of simplifying the regulatory framework for businesses. The Executive Council expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government for addressing longstanding demands of the industrial sector and called for the early notification of clear and practical implementation rules. It said the rules should preserve the spirit of the legislation while ensuring adequate protection of the environment, public safety and other public interests. Jammu and Kashmir can afford neither reckless development nor endless bureaucratic obstruction. Our entrepreneurs deserve dignity, our educated youth deserve opportunities at home, and our environment deserves protection. Good governance must deliver all three, the Association said.

6 of 8 Kashmir DICs have recorded no outside investment: RTI

Srinagar, Oct 13:Of the eight District Industries Centres (DICs) in Kashmir that replied to Right to Information (RTI) queries filed by this correspondent, six have recorded no investment from outside Jammu and Kashmir in their industrial units between 2019 and December 2025. The six are Srinagar, Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian. Together, they reported 636 industrial units, none with outside investment on record. Srinagar, the Valleys principal commercial centre, accounts for 335 of them. Anantnag reported 105 units, Budgam 93, Ganderbal 41, Kulgam 36 and Shopian 26. In Ganderbal, the response says all 41 units were established by local investors. All the outside investment recorded in the replies is concentrated in two districts. Baramulla reported Rs 235 crore across 41 units, while Pulwama reported Rs 188 crore across 307 units. Together, the two districts account for Rs 423 crore. Baramullas response states that no individual unit in the district received outside investment exceeding Rs 100 crore. Taken together, the replies cite 984 units across the eight districts: 636 in the six districts with no outside investment and 348 in Baramulla and Pulwama. The findings come after the changes introduced in August 2019, following which efforts have been made to attract capital from outside the Union Territory. The RTI replies offer a district-level view of where the outside investment recorded by the DICs has gone during that period. The figures need to be read within the limits of the information provided. They cover only the industrial units included in the DICs replies. They do not capture investment in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, real estate or infrastructure, which may fall outside DIC records. Nor do they mean the units in the six districts received no investment at all. Local entrepreneurs may have financed their businesses through personal resources, bank loans or government-supported schemes. The replies also leave several questions unanswered. They do not specify the number of outside investors involved, the sectors in which the money was invested, the actual expenditure incurred by individual units, or the employment generated. These details would be necessary to assess the wider economic impact of the investment recorded in Baramulla and Pulwama. The district findings are in line with the wider pattern across the Union Territory. Official data accessed earlier by Greater Kashmir showed that local entrepreneurs established 2,056 of the 2,279 industrial units set up across J&K between 2019-20 and 2025-26. Non-local investors accounted for 223 units. Local investors thus set up approximately 90 percent of the units during the period. Those units collectively involved investment of Rs 16,598.97 crore and generated 75,848 jobs. The data, however, does not establish the respective shares of local and non-local investors in total investment or employment. The two datasets measure different aspects of industrial activity. The UT-wide figures classify units by the origin of investors, while the RTI replies provide district-level information on outside investment recorded by eight Kashmir DICs. They cannot be combined to calculate the total outside investment in J&K. An industrialist familiar with the sector said both local and outside investors have a role in the regions industrial growth. Outside investment is important, but the local entrepreneur is already here, has invested his capital and understands the market, he said. The new Industrial Policy should create conditions where both can grow.

Doctors Visit Should Not Begin with Illness

Think about why you vaccinate your child. Your child is healthy, not suffering from tuberculosis, measles, polio, diphtheria, or any other infectious disease. Yet you willingly take your child to a health facility, allow to receive a vaccine, and return for subsequent doses. Why? Because you understand one fundamental principle of healthcare, that prevention is better than waiting for disease to occur. Vaccination has become a normal and accepted part of responsible child care because we understand that protecting health before illness occurs is far better than treating disease after it develops. But if we understand this principle so well for infectious diseases, why do we often forget it when it comes to non-communicable diseases (NCDs)? Prevention Begins Early Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and several cancers do not usually appear suddenly. Their roots may develop silently over years, often beginning with habits formed during childhood and adolescence. We do not need to be overweight before we learn about healthy eating. We do not need to develop diabetes before we reduce excessive sugar consumption. More than 72% of children below five years of age in Jammu and Kashmir have been reported to be anemic, highlighting the importance of addressing preventable nutritional problems from the earliest years of life. Childhood anemia can affect growth, development, learning, and overall well-being. Instead of waiting for a young person to develop symptomatic anemia with tiredness, weakness, poor concentration, or reduced physical capacity, iron and folic acid supplementation can help prevent iron deficiency and anemia in the first place. Interventions such as proper nutrition, supplementation, deworming, infection prevention, growth monitoring, and timely healthcare can address preventable causes of anemia. The warning signs are already around us The latest National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), 202324, provides an important reason to rethink we must approach NCD prevention in Jammu and Kashmir. The survey reports a substantial burden of overweight and obesity among adults, along with raised blood sugar and hypertension. Among women aged 1549 years, 36.7% were overweight or obese, compared with 29.4% in NFHS-5. Among men in the same age group, 27.1% were overweight or obese. Urban women showed the highest burden, with almost one in two (48.7%) overweight or obese. High blood glucose was reported in 13% of women and 11.3% of men. Elevated blood pressure was reported in 25% of women and 20.9% of men. These are not merely numbers but warning signals. Detect risk before disease develops Many metabolic conditions can develop silently.High blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, abnormal lipid levels and fatty liver disease may exist without obvious symptoms for years. Feeling well is not always the same as being healthy. This does not mean that every healthy person needs extensive testing. Preventive screening should be appropriate to age, sex, symptoms, family history and individual risk factors. When a risk factor is identified early, there is an opportunity to act. Make the health check-up a norm, not a last resort We need to change the way we think about visiting a doctor. A health facility should not be a place we visit only when we are sick. Regular health check-ups should become a normal part of life just like vaccination has become a normal part of protecting a child. A routine check-up gives us an opportunity to understand our health, identify risk factors and detect diseases at an early stage, sometimes even before symptoms appear. Early detection means earlier treatment, timely lifestyle modification and a better chance of preventing complications. Similarly, identifying nutritional deficiencies, growth abnormalities, early metabolic risk, menstrual problems or other health concerns during childhood and adolescence allows us to intervene before they become long-term problems. A new mindset We need to replace the mindset of I will see a doctor when I become sick withI will take care of my health so that I can remain healthy. Because the purpose of a health check up is not to find out what is wrong with us but to make sure that what can be prevented is prevented, what can be detected early is detected early. Perhaps it is time to redefine what it means to visit a doctor. Dr Bakira Majid is PG Resident Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar

NMC cites 52 lakh annual patient injuries from medical errors, directs hospitals to strengthen safety measures

Srinagar, Oct 13: In a shocking revelation, around 52 lakh injuries to patients occur annually in India due to medical errors. The figures, cited by the National Medical Commission (NMC), draw attention to the lacunae in ensuring preventable causes of patient injury are addressed. The Commission has now directed medical colleges and healthcare institutions across the country, including those in J&K, to improve the patient safety measures. The healthcare establishments and medical colleges will need to establish patient safety committees and designate nodal officers to monitor and prevent avoidable harm to patients. The estimated 52 lakh injuries include medication errors and hospital-acquired infections. The move assumes particular significance for J&K, where earlier hospital-based studies have documented preventable adverse events and medication-related harms. However, a consolidated estimate of injuries attributable to medical errors across J&K remains unavailable in the public domain. The directive for instituting committees was issued through a public notice on October 8. It follows a May 8 communication from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that has asked medical colleges and hospitals to institutionalise patient safety mechanisms. The directions have also been issued to Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and their associated hospitals in J&K. The proposed committees would provide a framework for monitoring patient safety practices and reviewing protocols across clinical departments. The proposed committees are expected to oversee the implementation, monitoring and periodic review of patient safety practices. The objective is improving health outcomes, reducing avoidable treatment-related costs and strengthening public trust in healthcare services. Earlier research from Kashmir has also highlighted the problem of harm caused to patients in healthcare settings. A study based on incident reports from a tertiary-care hospital in 2016 examined 253 adverse events. It found that a significant proportion 39% of these were preventable. Another study involving 5,482 patients at a Srinagar tertiary-care hospital documented adverse drug reactions in 6.23 per cent of those studied. The researchers assessed that a whopping 81.57 per cent of the identified reactions as preventable. These findings are limited to individual hospital settings. The overall burden of medical errors across J&K is yet to be estimated, and the lacunae underlines the importance of systematic reporting, investigation and prevention of adverse events. Under the NMC directions, the patient safety committees must cover areas including medication safety, surgical safety, blood transfusion safety, medical device safety, laboratory and diagnostic safety. In addition they will also assess scope for infection prevention and control, healthcare-associated infections and the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance. Committees will also be constituted to monitor biomedical waste management, fire safety, structural safety and environmental safety. Each medical college and its associated hospital has been asked to designate a Patient Safety Nodal Officer with sufficient seniority. The committee is to be chaired by the Director, Head of Institution or Medical Superintendent. These must include representatives from the identified patient safety domains. The committees are also expected to facilitate the reporting and review of patient safety incidents and identify underlying causes. The committees must arrive at support corrective measures to ensure reduction in such cases.

Medical Emergency That Can Strike After Childbirth

Childbirth is often considered the end of pregnancy-related health risks. Once a baby is delivered, the mother and family naturally focus on recovery and caring for the newborn. But an important fact is often overlooked: some life-threatening complications can develop even after delivery, when the mother appears to be recovering normally. A recent case from Srinagar highlights why every family must understand the warning signs of a serious condition called postpartum pre-eclampsia. A young woman, just 14 days after a Caesarean delivery, was rushed to our emergency department with extreme breathlessness and a feeling of suffocation. She had a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension, meaning her blood pressure had become high during pregnancy. On arrival, her condition was critical. Her blood pressure was 230/120 mmHg, while her oxygen saturation was only 48 per cent, her heart rate was 142, and her respiratory rate was 30. She was coughing up pink, frothy sputum, a possible sign of fluid accumulating in the lungs. She was diagnosed with delayed postpartum pre-eclampsia complicated by pulmonary oedema and heart failure. She required emergency treatment, breathing support and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Fortunately, following timely intervention, she was taken off the ventilator after approximately eight hours and subsequently began walking without support. Her recovery is encouraging, but the circumstances offer an important lesson for every mother and family. What Is Pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a potentially dangerous pregnancy-related condition characterised by high blood pressure and, often, signs that organs such as the kidneys or liver are being affected. It can also affect the brain and other organs. When pre-eclampsia develops after childbirth, it is called postpartum pre-eclampsia. It most commonly develops within the first 48 hours after delivery but can occur later, including several weeks after birth. The first six weeks after delivery are particularly important. A mother may have no obvious symptoms during pregnancy or may have experienced high blood pressure that appeared to improve after delivery. Neither situation guarantees that she is safe from later complications. What Is Eclampsia? Eclampsia occurs when a woman with a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder develops seizures, or fits, that cannot be explained by another cause. These seizures can be life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment. Pre-eclampsia does not always progress to eclampsia, but it can cause serious complications even without seizures. Severe headache, visual disturbances, confusion and very high blood pressure must never be ignored. How Can High Blood Pressure Affect the Lungs? In the Srinagar case, the woman developed pulmonary oedema, which means fluid accumulated in the lungs. When this happens, the lungs cannot transfer oxygen into the bloodstream efficiently, causing severe breathlessness and sometimes a feeling of drowning. She also developed a form of heart failure called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In simple terms, the heart can still pump a relatively normal proportion of the blood inside it, but it does not relax or fill properly. Pressure can build up and force fluid into the lungs. This explains why heart failure does not always mean that the hearts pumping strength is weak. Warning Signs Every Family Should Recognise Seek emergency medical care if a woman develops any of the following during the weeks after childbirth: Severe or persistent headache, particularly if unusual or worsening. Blurred vision, flashing lights or seeing spots. Difficulty breathing, chest pain or chest tightness. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, or rapidly increasing swelling. Severe pain in the upper abdomen, especially below the ribs. Confusion, fainting or seizures. Very high blood pressure, if measured. Severe breathlessness, chest pain, seizures or altered consciousness require immediate emergency attention. Do not assume these symptoms are simply due to exhaustion, lack of sleep or the demands of caring for a newborn. Five Things Every New Mother Must Remember First, pregnancy-induced hypertension is an important warning sign and requires appropriate follow-up after delivery. Second, pre-eclampsia can develop after childbirth, even when pregnancy has ended and the mother initially appears well. Third, a normal blood pressure reading immediately after delivery does not guarantee that blood pressure will remain normal. Fourth, attend postnatal check-ups and follow the doctors advice about blood pressure monitoring and medicines. Women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy may need closer monitoring. Fifth, never delay seeking help because the mother has recently delivered or because the family believes that postpartum weakness is normal. It also reminds us that maternal care does not end in the delivery room. A healthy baby is not the only measure of a safe delivery. The mothers health matters just as much. The weeks following childbirth deserve attention, monitoring and care. Recognising a warning sign early, and reaching a hospital without delay, can make the difference between life and death. Dr Showkat Shah is a Critical Care Specialist at Khyber Hospital, Srinagar

CM Omar reviews arrangements for Darbar Move to Jammu

Srinagar, Oct 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed arrangements for the Darbar Move Session 202627 at a high-level meeting, directing all concerned departments to ensure a smooth, secure and well-coordinated transition of offices from Srinagar to Jammu, along with adequate facilities for employees. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Estates, Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwini Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police, Traffic, J&K, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Jammu, Director Information and other senior officers. Jammu based officers attended the meeting via video conferencing. At the outset, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M. Raju, gave a detailed presentation on transport and logistical arrangements for the Darbar Move convoy. The Chief Minister directed the Managing Director, JKRTC, and the Traffic Department to ensure adequate bus availability and organise the down convoy over two consecutive days, October 31 and November 1, 2026, for the safe and efficient movement of employees and equipment. He stressed close coordination among all concerned departments to ensure hassle-free transportation. Reviewing security arrangements, traffic management along the National Highway and residential accommodation for employees moving to Jammu, the Chief Minister directed the Police Department and other agencies to put in place comprehensive security measures, particularly in residential areas where the employees would be staying. The meeting was informed that medical assistance would be available along the convoy route, with doctors, paramedics and ambulances deployed in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

From a Global Vision to Kashmirs Local Reality

The modern world is interconnected to an extraordinary degree. A mobile phone may be designed in one country, from components manufactured in several other countries, and software developed in another place finally be sold to a consumer from anywhere and everywhere. International trade, aviation, telecommunications, banking, medicine, energy and digital technology all depend on different systems being able to work together. Standards make this possible. From smallest measure to the grandest plan, Standards bring order to the work of man. The spirit behind standards is not to merely seek more products, services or technologies; it seeks reliability, consistency, uniformity and excellence. Imagine a world in which every country uses completely different electrical specifications, measurement systems, safety requirements and communication protocols. A product manufactured in one country might not work in another. A medical device used at one place could become incompatible with hospital equipment at another place. Digital systems might fail to communicate. International trade would become slower, more expensive and less predictable. Standards therefore perform an invisible but vital function: they build trust between strangers. This is why World Standards Day which is observed every year today on October 14 is not merely a celebration of technical rules. It is a celebration of cooperation and quality together. The fact that quality is never an accident but the result of intelligent effort is the idea at the heart of World Standards Day. The day is celebrated by the three principal international organizations involved in global standardizationthe International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)as a tribute to the thousands of experts who work collectively to develop international standards. At first glance, the word standard may appear technical, bureaucratic or confined to laboratories and factories. In reality, standards are woven into almost every aspect of modern life. The safety of an electrical appliance, the dimensions of a construction component, the quality of food, the interoperability of digital technology, the accuracy of measurements and even the symbols used for emergency exits are influenced by standards. They create a common language through which people, industries and countries can understand, trust and work with one another. ISO has described standards as essential to safety, interoperability, international cooperation and sustainable development. International standards are developed through collaboration and consensus among experts from different countries and fields. In this sense, standardization represents an important lesson for humanity: progress does not always require everyone to be identical, but it does require people to agree on certain common principles. The importance of this cooperation has become even more evident in the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Standards can contribute to safer infrastructure, cleaner energy, sustainable production, efficient water management, resilient communities and better access to technology. The international World Standards Day campaign emphasizes the role of standards in turning broad sustainable-development ambitions into practical solutions. For 2026, the World Standards Day campaign places particular emphasis on affordable and Clean Energy, highlighting how standards can support safe, efficient and reliable energy systems and their integration with modern digital and communication technologies. The institution at the centre of Indias national standards system is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS is Indias National Standards Body and works in areas including formulation of Indian Standards, conformity assessment, product certification, hallmarking, laboratory testing and related quality activities. India contains enormous variations in geography, climate, economic conditions, industrial capacity and consumer needs. A product or service may originate in a large metropolitan industrial centre and eventually reach a remote village. Such a system requires common expectations regarding quality, safety, measurement and performance. The familiar ISI mark, for example, is one of the most recognizable manifestations of Indias standards system. Likewise, hallmarking plays an important role in communicating the purity of precious-metal jewellery to consumers. The importance of standards becomes clearer when we think about day-to-day life. For instance, when a family buys electrical equipment, safety matters. When people purchase packaged food, quality and hygiene matter. When a building is constructed, structural safety matters. When a consumer buys jewellery, purity matters. When a manufacturer produces machinery, dimensions and performance matter. When a farmer purchases agricultural inputs, quality and reliability matter. In each of these situations, standards can provide a common benchmark. Indias development story therefore cannot be separated from the story of quality. A growing economy does not merely require more production; it requires production that people can trust. There is also an important economic dimension. Standardization can help Indian manufacturers compete in domestic as well as international markets. When Indian products meet recognized requirements, businesses can communicate quality more effectively and participate in supply chains where technical specifications are essential. This is particularly important for Indias small and medium enterprises. Standardization can give such enterprises access to technical knowledge and a framework within which they can improve production and compete beyond their immediate geographical markets. One of the most important beneficiaries of standardization is the ordinary consumer. Consumers often cannot independently test the safety, purity, durability or technical performance of everything they purchase. A person buying an electrical appliance cannot normally dismantle it to examine its components. A consumer purchasing jewellery cannot determine purity simply by looking at it. A buyer of construction material cannot personally conduct sophisticated laboratory tests. This creates an information gap between producer and consumer. Standards and conformity assessment help reduce that gap. They do not mean that every certified product is automatically perfect, nor do they eliminate the need for consumer awareness. But they create systems through which quality requirements can be specified, assessed and communicated. In this sense, standards are closely connected with consumer dignity. A consumer has the right to know what he or she is purchasing. A producer who invests in quality should have a framework through which that quality can be demonstrated. A standard can specify measurable aspects such as purity, composition, dimensions, safety or performance, while leaving room for creativity and cultural expression. The purpose is not to make every product identical. It is to ensure that when a product carries a particular description or claim, the consumer can have reasonable confidence in what that claim means. As far as Jammu & Kashmir is concerned, BIS J & K branch caters to industries across the region and conducts awareness and training programmes related to standards and quality. In fact, BIS records show that during discussions with the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, questions were raised regarding standards and export possibilities for products including saffron, honey, walnut, pashmina, essential oils, Kashmiri handlooms and carpets. The world may admire Kashmir for its beauty, but Kashmirs economic future also depends upon the quality and credibility of what it produces. The regions mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and glaciers are not merely scenic assets; they are fundamental ecological and economic resources. Climate change, urban expansion, waste generation, pressure on water resources and changing patterns of energy use make sustainability increasingly important. Here too, standards can offer practical tools. Energy-efficiency standards can support more efficient appliances and systems. Construction standards can contribute to safer and more resource-efficient buildings. Standards related to waste management, water quality, environmental management and renewable-energy technologies can support broader sustainability objectives. Therefore, the culture of standards must reach engineers, architects, contractors, manufacturers, government departments and consumers alike. On the eve of International Standards Day, I am reminded, as a physicist, that science itself is built upon the quiet power of standards. A measurement means little without a common scale; a second, a metre, a kelvin, or a kilogram becomes meaningful only because we agree on what it represents. Standards transform observations into knowledge, experiments into discoveries, and individual efforts into a shared language understood across borders. They are the invisible framework that allows a satellite to find its orbit, a bridge to bear its designed load, a laboratory to reproduce a result, and technologies to work together with trust and precision. To me, standards are not merely rules written in documents but they are humanitys collective commitment to accuracy, consistency, safety, and progress. They remind us that while our perspectives may differ, we can still agree on the principles that make reliable knowledge possible. On International Standards Day, we celebrate this remarkable idea: that a common standard can turn countless individual measurements into one coherent understanding of the world. Dr. Qudsia Gani, Head Dept. of Physics, Govt. Degree College, Pattan

HC seeks physical inspection of Kashmir Medical College

Srinagar, Oct 13:The High Court of J&K and Ladak Tuesday directed the authorities to conduct a physical inspection of Kashmir Medical College and its attached 650-bedded teaching hospital and submit a compliance report by October 21. A bench Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani sought the report attesting to the physical inspection while hearing a plea that relates to a dispute over permission to admit 150 MBBS students for the 202627 academic session. The direction came after counsel for authorities sought a weeks time to file a formal compliance report, informing the court that steps were being taken to implement its earlier order dated October 5. On October 5, the court had directed the authorities to conduct a physical inspection of the college and its attached hospital, preferably during the week ending October 10, in the presence of an authorised representative of the institution. The court had also asked the authorities to reconsider their decision dated September 29 in light of the inspection report, the order of the Second Appellate Authority dated August 24 and the courts order dated September 16. The court on October 13 directed the authorities to make every endeavour to conduct the inspection during the early days of the current week and submit a compliance report by October 21, with an advance copy to the other side. The Court issued the directions in response to an application filed by the college seeking a physical inspection, reconsideration of the authorities decision and provisional inclusion of its 150 MBBS seats in the NEET-UG 2026 counselling seat matrix, subject to the outcome of the main petition. In its plea, the college had alleged that the authorities failed to comply with the Courts September 16 order, which directed them to implement the Second Appellate Authoritys decision of August 24 and pass appropriate orders, preferably within 10 days. The decision issued on September 29 reflected an unjustifiable and discriminatory approach and was contrary to the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, the college contended. Moreover, the college argued that any further delay in securing permission could cause irreparable loss, as the academic session was expected to commence in the last week of October. Kashmir Medical College, a unit of Milli Trust, had applied for permission to establish an MBBS programme with an annual intake of 150 students at Industrial Estate, Sempora, Srinagar, for the 202627 academic session. Its application was initially rejected by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board of the National Medical Commission, prompting the institution to pursue appellate remedies and approach the High Court.