Health & Fitness

Newborn dies, woman on ventilator after alleged private-room delivery in Rajouri

Rajouri, Sept 7: A startling incident has come to fore in Rajouri where a newborn baby allegedly died during delivery while the mother is battling for life and has been put on ventilator support at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. The woman, whose identity has been withheld, is a resident of Mammankote in Chassana tehsil of Mahore sub-division of Reasi district. She had been brought to GMC Rajouri for delivery. According to the womans family, she was allegedly taken from the hospital to a private room outside the hospital premises by a female nursing staffer, an ASHA worker and another woman on the pretext of facilitating a normal delivery. We were waiting for delivery of baby when the nursing staff and others approached and lured us. they said. The family alleged that complications developed during the delivery in the private room, following which the newborn died, while the womans condition deteriorated due to excessive bleeding and she was subsequently shifted for critical care at GMC Rajouri. Speaking about the incident, the womans husband alleged that the nursing staffer, ASHA worker and another woman had persuaded them to shift to the private room for delivery. He alleged that complications arose during the process, resulting in the death of the baby, while his wife is now battling for her life. The husband has demanded strict punishment against those found responsible for the incident. Meanwhile, Rajouri Police, in an official statement, said it had taken cognisance of a written complaint received at Police Station Rajouri regarding the circumstances surrounding the stillbirth of the newborn. Police said the involvement of two individuals, including a woman employee of GMC Rajouri, had surfaced in the case. A case, FIR No. 465/2026, under Sections 106(1)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), has been registered at Police Station Rajouri, and investigation is underway. The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances leading to the newborns death and determine the role, if any, of the persons named in the complaint. Meanwhile, the Government Medical College and Associated Hospital Rajouri has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to conduct a detailed probe into the death of a newborn baby of a woman from Chassana, Reasi, amid allegations regarding the involvement of hospital staffers in the incident. The order, issued by Principal GMC Rajouri Prof. (Dr.) A.S. Bhatia on September 7, stated that the inquiry committee was constituted in view of a viral video circulating on social media regarding the death of the newborn of Sushma Devi, wife of Ragveer, resident of Chasana, Reasi, and allegations regarding the involvement of staffers from GMC & AH Rajouri. The committee has been tasked with enquiring into the matter in depth and recommending further action. It has been directed to submit its report to the Principals office within three days. The committee comprises Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Medical Superintendent, as Chairman; Dr. Chander Sheikhar, HoD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as Member; Dr. Vidushi Badyal, HoD ENT, as Member; and Hanan Shawl (JKAS), Administrative Officer, as Member Secretary. The development comes amid allegations by the family of the woman that she was taken to a private room outside the hospital for delivery, following which complications allegedly developed, resulting in the death of the newborn while the mothers condition remained critical. Meanwhile, Rajouri Police has already taken cognisance of a written complaint regarding the circumstances surrounding the newborns stillbirth and registered FIR No. 465/2026 under Sections 106(1)/3(5) of the BNS at Police Station Rajouri. The police investigation is underway. The hospital-level inquiry is expected to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and examine the alleged involvement of hospital staffers before recommending further action.

Kashmir is not just a location on a call sheet, it is a creative sanctuary: CM Omar at IFFJK

Best Facebook Video Downloader for Android and PC in 2026

Most people do not use one device. You see a video on your phone during the day and you want it on your laptop later, or you find something on your desktop and want it on your phone for the commute. Installing a separate tool on each, learning two interfaces, and remembering which one handles which content type is more effort than the task deserves. A browser-based downloader solves that by not caring what you are using. The same page, the same three steps, the same Facebook video download on an Android phone and on a Windows PC. The five tools below all work that way, apart from one that is worth knowing about for a specific reason. 1. FvidGo What Is FvidGo FvidGo is a free online Facebook downloader that runs entirely in the browser, with a Facebook Reels download page sitting next to the one for feed videos. There is nothing to install on either device, no account to create, and no daily limit. You paste a Facebook link, the page reads the post, and the download options appear with the HD version listed whenever the original upload has one. Because it is a website rather than software, it behaves identically on Chrome for Android, Chrome or Edge on Windows, Safari on a Mac or iPhone, and Firefox anywhere. There is no separate mobile version to fall behind the desktop one, because there is only one page. Key Features One browser page that works on Android, Windows, Mac, and iPhone alike Nothing to install and no account, so a new device needs no setup Covers feed videos, Reels, Stories, private videos, photos, and MP3 audio Resolution up to 1080p, taken from the original post SD and HD options shown side by side so you choose the file Unlimited free downloads, no registration, no daily cap Nothing stored on the server: no files kept, no download history logged How to Download a Facebook Video on Android or PC Copy the link. On Android, tap the three dots on the post in the Facebook app and choose Copy link. On a PC, right-click the video and copy the video URL, or copy the address of the post page. Open fvidgo.com in whatever browser you are already using and paste the link into the box. Pick SD or HD from the results and download. On Android the file goes to your gallery or Downloads; on Windows it goes to your Downloads folder. If you want the same video on both devices, either save it once on the PC and copy it across, or simply paste the same link again on the phone there is nothing to sync and no account tying the two together. Why FvidGo Works Best Across Devices Cross-device is exactly the situation a web tool is built for. There is no version drift, no per-platform feature gap, and no fifth app on your phone. Switching from your laptop to your phone means opening the same address, not learning a second interface. The rest of the reasons are the same ones that make it worth using on a single device. Downloads are unlimited and free with no account, so setting it up on a new machine takes zero minutes. The quality choice is visible in the results rather than hidden behind a menu, which is what stops you accidentally saving the small file. It covers every Facebook content type, from a Facebook Story download to private videos, so you are not swapping tools when the content type changes. And nothing is retained on its end, which is worth something when the same tool is being used from your work laptop and your personal phone. 2. Snaptube Snaptube is the exception on this list: it is an Android app, not a website, and there is no Windows or Mac version. That should be clear up front rather than glossed over. It is worth including because if the Android half of your setup is where most of your downloading happens, a native app gives you things a web page cannot. Snaptube covers more than 100 platforms, handles resolutions from 144p up to 8K depending on the source, and outputs MP4, MP3, and M4A. It has a built-in player for offline viewing, does batch and full-playlist downloads in the background, and remembers your format choice. You install it from the official site or from stores like Xiaomi GetApps, Huawei AppGallery, OPPO App Market, vivo V-Appstore, HONOR App Market, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Palm Store; it is not carried on Google Play. The app is around 20MB, asks only for storage permission, and is free with no subscription or hidden fees. 3. SnapSave SnapSave (snapsave.app) is a browser tool, so it works on Android and PC without any install. It covers public feed videos, Reels with the watermark removed, and Stories while they are still live, and it supports 1080p. Keep the name straight: snapsave.app and snapsave.io are separate sites with separate operators, and what you read about one does not apply to the other. This one does not handle private videos or closed-group content. The page also shows premium-style prompts worth ignoring, and there have been Reddit reports of small verification charges turning into recurring ones, so stay on the plain download path. 4. FDownloader FDownloader (fdownloader.net) is a web-based Facebook downloader covering public videos, a dedicated Reels page, MP3 conversion, and a private-video page. It supports 1080p, requires no install or registration, and works the same in a desktop or mobile browser. Its coverage is broad for a purely web tool, which is why several user communities rate it well among free Facebook Reels downloaders, and independent security scans came back clean in 2026. The drawbacks are routine: page ads, no batch downloading, and a fresh copy-paste for every video. Reviewers advise not entering account credentials on the private-video page. Note also that fdownloader.net and fdown.net are different sites with confusingly similar names. 5. Snapsave.io Snapsave.io is the other site in that naming family and a separate operation with its own pages. It handles public Facebook videos and Reels and has dedicated pages for saving a post as MP4 or extracting the MP3. It supports 1080p and works in a PC or phone browser with nothing installed. It has been gaining traffic steadily, which is a reasonable sign someone is actively maintaining it. On the other side, it does not support private videos or closed groups, there is no company information on the site, and its Trustpilot sample is too small to draw much from. As a plain paste-and-download option for public posts on either device, it works. Which One Should You Use? If you move between an Android phone and a PC, FvidGo is the straightforward answer: one page, no installs, full Facebook content coverage, and a visible quality choice on both devices. FDownloader is a good second browser option, particularly if you also want MP3. SnapSave and Snapsave.io both handle public videos and Reels fine. Add Snaptube on the Android side only if you download heavily from many platforms and want batch downloads and an offline player.

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'For me, it is homecoming': Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra at IFFJK

Maha FDA inspects 2,902 drug establishments, acts against 880 licensees

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Fatima Sana Shaikh says film festival can give J&K youth a platform to be heard

Cultural festivals bring people together: Actor Fatima Sana at IFFJK

Srinagar, Sep 7: Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, who played wrestler Geeta Phogat in the Bollywood biopic Dangal, on Monday said cultural festivals are important platforms that bring people together, provide opportunities to youth and promote regional cinema. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, Fatma, according to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said she is excited to attend the festival after a long time. It has been a long time since I attended a festival like this, so I am very excited. There are so many things happening. Cultural events like this are very important because they bring people together, she said. She said such platforms are particularly important for the youth, giving them opportunities to participate in cultural activities and showcase their talent. It is very important for the youth. People come from outside and they deserve these opportunities. People often look at things from the wrong perspective, but I am so proud that this is happening, that the youth are moving forward and participating in cultural activities. It makes me very happy to see people progressing, she said. On regional cinema, Fatima said cinema can help showcase the culture, poetry and artistry of different regions. Regional cinema is important. Through cinema, poetry, culture and artistry can be showcased. These things have existed for centuries. Spoken words, artistry and all of this are part of our heritage, she said. Fatima also said an international film festival could open doors for international filmmakers and create more opportunities for film shoots in Jammu and Kashmir. It will open doors for international filmmakers. Film shootings happened here earlier and they are happening now as well. It depends. With an international festival taking place, they will also understand what can be done here and what the people are like, she said. Asked about her Dangal co-star Zaira Wasim, Shaikh said they had not been in touch for several years, while recalling her experience of working with her. No, I haven't spoken to her for several years. I really enjoyed working with her. It is nice to see people find their own path, she said. Speaking about Kashmir, Shaikh also reflected on the region's natural beauty and water. There is water everywhere here. What is it about the water here that makes it different? she said.

Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway blocked for over 3 hours over assault on shopkeeper in Bhambla

Rajouri, Sept 7: The Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway remained blocked for over three-and-a-half hours on Monday afternoon as residents and traders of Bhambla market staged a protest against the alleged delay in arresting those accused of brutally assaulting a local shopkeeper. The protesters, mainly locals and traders from the Bhambla area along the Rajouri-Reasi border, blocked the highway, bringing traffic movement between Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch to a standstill. The protest was held over an incident reported four days ago in which local shopkeeper Sachin Puri was allegedly brutally assaulted by two youths inside his shop. Puri, who sustained serious injuries in the attack, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Jammu and is stated to be in critical condition. The protesters accused the police of failing to take prompt action against the accused, claiming that both the alleged assailants had been identified but were yet to be arrested. They said the matter had already been brought to the notice of senior police officers and assurances had been given, but no concrete action had been taken so far. The protesters also alleged that the accused were moving freely despite their alleged involvement in the assault. The highway blockade caused considerable inconvenience to commuters, with traffic remaining disrupted for several hours. Later, police officers reached the spot and pacified the protesters. The officers assured them that all possible efforts were being made to apprehend those involved in the incident and that the accused, once arrested, would be dealt with strictly as per law. Following the assurances, the protesters lifted the blockade and traffic movement was restored.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah reaches SKICC in Srinagar for international film festival

Ants In Your Sugar? Try These Easy Kitchen Remedies To Get Rid Of Them

Place bay leaves, cloves, or dry red chillies near sugar containers to repel ants naturally using their strong aromas.

Best Ways To Store Atta, Dal And Rice During Monsoon To Avoid Insects And Worms

Add salt, cloves, or garlic to flour stored in airtight containers to prevent insect infestations during the monsoon season.

hamita Shetty Has One Wish For Chocolate And It's Surprisingly Relatable

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As world faced turmoil, India forged partnerships to maintain its economic growth: Amit Shah

Panaji, Sep 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said India's reach in the diplomatic world was increasing and asserted that the country had maintained the momentum of its economic growth despite global geopolitical turmoil. He said India had concluded nine free trade agreements (FTAs) by 2026, noting wider economic engagement helped the country record GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent for the first quarter (April-June) of the financial year 2026-27. Addressing a function organised in Panaji to confer the President's Colour on the Goa Police, Shah noted the global diplomatic landscape had remained turbulent over the past few years due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and now the conflict involving the US, Iran and the Gulf countries. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to 22 countries over the past year, while heads of state from around 15 countries visited India during the same period. At a time when the whole world was grappling with uncertainty over its economic growth because of this (geopolitical) turmoil, we engaged with other countries, presented strategic partnerships and maintained the momentum of our economic growth, Shah said. India has entered into concrete agreements in areas such as defence, technology, energy, investment and trade, he stressed. Shah said India had concluded nine free trade agreements by 2026, while FTAs had been proposed with 38 countries as effective trade arrangements. He said India was pursuing FTAs with the UAE, Australia, the UK, Oman, New Zealand and the European Union with the objective of increasing trade. This is also one of the reasons why, in the first quarter of this (fiscal) year, our GDP recorded a robust growth of 7.8 per cent, Shah said. The Union minister said India had shared its achievements in different fields with the rest of the world and assisted several countries in disaster relief and capacity building. India has shared its achievements in Digital Public Infrastructure with the world and provided assistance to several countries in the areas of disaster relief and capacity building, he said. The BJP leader emphasised that it is because of PM Modi's consistent efforts and global outreach that India's diplomacy has been able to establish its place firmly in the world today. Whatever the issue facing the world, the entire world looks at what the Prime Minister of India has to say and what his perspective is on that issue. After a long time, it is our leader Narendra Modi who has earned this respect for India in the world, Shah commented. He said Modi envisaged India as a fully developed country by the 100th year of its independence. PM Modi has placed before all of us the vision of a developed India by 2047. He has envisioned a developed India that, when the country completes 100 years of independence, will be number one in the world in every field, Shah stated. The Union minister recalled that when this vision was put forward, there were many debates and arguments, but gradually, this vision has transformed into a resolve of 140 crore Indians. Today, every Indian believes that, yes, on August 15, 2047, our nation will be the best in the world and we will be number one in every field, he said. Speaking about the Goa police, Shah asserted it was a matter of great pride for him that the force has been honoured with the President's Colour. Today, after eight decades of glorious service, the Goa Police stand alongside police forces across the country with the insignia bestowed by the President. This is a matter of great pride for all of us, he told the gathering. The states whose police forces have received this honour have earned it because of their glorious history, professional excellence, courage, discipline and dedication. It is for these qualities that the Hon'ble President has honoured the Goa Police with the President's Colour, Shah added. Goa is a small but very important state. The Goa police received three responsibilities at the time of the creation of the state (in 1987): safe cities, safe communities and secure maritime borders. I have no hesitation in saying that after the formation of the state, the Goa police have successfully fulfilled all three responsibilities and made an important contribution to national security, he affirmed. Speaking further, the Union Home Minister emphasised that the first condition for a developed nation is that its internal security and security of its borders must be ensured. Goa has earned the distinction of safeguarding internal security and its borders. We all know that Goa has coastline, and its protection is also the responsibility of the Goa police. While carrying out this responsibility very effectively, Goa has done very good work in strengthening its economy and ensuring the safety of tourists, Shah maintained. Shah highlighted the threat posed by cyber frauds with the expansion of the digital economy. Today, when the Goa police are being honoured with the President's Colour, I want to tell the people of the state that as the digital economy continues to grow, the threat of cyber frauds is being felt across the world, and India is also experiencing this threat, he said. PM Modi has started direct dialogue with states to tackle the growing threat of cyber frauds, stressed the Union minister. The 1930 (national cybercrime helpline number) service is going to become a major protective shield against all forms of cyber fraud in the days to come, Shah noted.

Husband of Tanzania's president dies while undergoing hospital treatment

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Is Foamy Urine Normal, or Something Serious? A Urologist Explains

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In constant touch with home minister over pending issues between J&K and Centre: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Sep 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he is in constant touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah as there are several issues pending between the Union Territory and the Centre, including restoration of statehood. Talking to reporters here, Abdullah also lauded the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is hosting its first international film festival. I am in constant communication with the home minister. There are several issues between Jammu and Kashmir and the central government that are discussed, he said. The chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre have pending issues, such as restoration of statehood, approval of business rules, the appointment of the advocate general delayed for almost two years now and the reservation report that has not been forwarded to the Union government after the Union Territory cabinet answered the queries raised earlier. Discussions are held on all these issues, Abdullah said when asked about his recent meeting with Shah in New Delhi. On the demolition of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, the National Conference (NC) leader said it is unfortunate that Muslims are being treated as the other entity in the country. Their leaders make statements that Muslims are an inseparable part of the society but on the ground, these things happen. They do not listen to their own leaders, he said. On the international film festival that kicked off on Monday, the chief minister said it is a reminder to the country's filmmakers that Kashmir was the premier shooting destination before they started going to Switzerland and other foreign locations. It is a good initiative that the government is organising the first international film festival. There are several objectives behind it. First, it will provide exposure to international films to our mass-communication students and movie lovers. It will also be a learning experience for our local filmmakers. It is also an effort to remind the producers that before they went to Switzerland and other countries to shoot movies, it was done in Kashmir and we would like the process to be resumed, he added. On the hunger strike of medical interns, the chief minister said the issue should not have dragged on for so long. It is unfortunate that this has dragged on for so long. It is for the health department to take a decision and before that happens, no other department can act, he said. Abdullah said Health Minister Sakina Ittoo is in touch with the protesting interns and has given them some assurance. Beyond that, you will have to ask Sakina. We would like to see this issue resolved at the earliest. It is in no one's interest as work is suffering and so is the internship of these students, he added.

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Protesting interns' issue should be resolved at the earliest: CM Omar Abdullah

J&K Police bust inter-state narcotics smuggling network in Kathua, four arrested

Jammu, Sep 7: Police on Monday busted an inter-state narcotics smuggling network with the arrest of four persons and recovery of over 2.6 kg of opium in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said. Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of narcotics, a police team from Lakhanpur police station laid a check point on the bypass road near Shamshaan ghat and intercepted a truck, they said. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 1.026 kg of opium and the arrest of driver Gurvinder Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran district in Punjab, and his associate Sukhdev Singh, also from Tarn Taran, officials said. During interrogation, Sukhdev disclosed that the consignment had originated in Gujarat and was handed over to him in Rajasthan by an unidentified handler for delivery to a receiver in Punjab, they said. Acting on the disclosure, a police team raided a location in Nakki village in Pathankot, where the intended receiver, Rakesh Kumar, was traced. Police found that the illicit package had been concealed at the residence of Rakesh's neighbour, Ajay Kumar, officials said. A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of the remaining contraband, taking the total seizure to 2.672 kg of opium. Rakesh Kumar and Ajay Kumar were also arrested, they said. A case of the NDPS Act has been registered at Lakhanpur police station and further investigation is underway to establish the forward and backward linkages of the inter-state drug network, officials said. The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of Kathua SSP Mohita Sharma, with the police team led by the SHO Lakhanpur and supervised by senior officers, they added.

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Six held with pistol, sharp-edged weapons in Jammu

Jammu, Sep 07: Six alleged criminals were arrested, and a pistol and some sharp-edged weapons recovered from them in Arnia area on the outskirts of Jammu on Monday, officials said. The arrested individuals are residents of Bishnah and the alleged members of the Khouf Gang, accused of threatening a local of Kool Kalan, Ashwani Kumar, on September 3 by displaying a pistol and 'tokkas (sharp-edged weapons)', according to the officials. Acting on the complaint, police conducted an investigation and apprehended all six accused and recovered one pistol with a magazine, three live rounds and five 'tokkas' from their possession, the officials said. They said further investigation into the case is underway to ascertain their involvement in other criminal activities.

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Bharat Health Expo expected to be four times bigger in 2027, participation to rise six-fold: Piyush Goyal

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J&K Chief Secretary opens international film festival in Srinagar

Security forces launch CASO in Poonch villages

Rajouri, Sep 07: Security forces have launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in many villages of Poonch after reports of suspicious movement in the area. Officials stated that on the basis of some credible inputs of suspicious movement, security forces have launched an operation and multiple operational teams have been inducted in upper reaches falling in Surankote sub division of Poonch district. More details awaited.

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Kashmirs Walnut Growers Struggle With Falling Production, Poor Returns and Harvesting Risks

Salia village in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, located around 20 km from the town on the Anantnag-Pahalgam route, is known for its walnut production and is among nearly 22 walnut-growing villages in the area. For many families, walnut trees are their main source of income. Farmers say the cutting of walnut trees in recent years has reduced production. They also highlight the risks faced by labourers during harvesting, with some suffering serious injuries from falls. Farmers say that despite producing quality walnuts with hard work, they often fail to get fair returns in the market. They have urged authorities to protect walnut trees, improve harvesting safety and ensure better prices for growers. Report: Nadeem Gulzar

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Axis Bank inaugurates 67th branch in Jammu & Kashmir at Lal Bazar Srinagar

Novartis India to acquire Pfizer's 'Minipress' trademark for Rs 1,250 crore

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Traffic diversions in Srinagar on September 7 for film festival inauguration

522g heroin accused escapes NCB custody in Jammu, manhunt launched

Jammu, Sep 07: A man arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) with 522 grams of heroin in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir has escaped from the agencys custody in Jammu, triggering a manhunt and intensified checking across the region. The accused has been identified as Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama district. According to officials, Bashir escaped from NCB custody at Narwal during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. The NCB had arrested Bashir on September 3 after intercepting a passenger bus near the New Bus Stand in Samba, where 522 grams of heroin was recovered from him. The seizure formed part of a wider NCB investigation into heroin trafficking routes into Jammu and Kashmir. Following his escape, police and other security agencies have intensified frisking and vehicle checks at key entry and exit points across the region. Search teams have been deployed at various locations to trace and apprehend the accused. Reports citing officials said multiple teams have been constituted and searches are underway at different locations, while police have established nakas in and around Jammu. An inquiry is also expected into the circumstances that allowed the accused to escape and to determine responsibility for the security lapse. Bashirs arrest was part of a month-long NCB operation that uncovered two suspected heroin trafficking routes into J&Kone through Punjab and another through the Uri sector. In four interceptions in the Jammu division, along with a linked recovery in Punjab, the agency has seized 6.920 kg of heroin and arrested six accused persons. In the Samba case, the NCB had followed the backward trail of the 522-gram consignment to Ludhiana, where another 197 grams of heroin was recovered in a follow-up operation, taking the linked recovery to 719 grams. The escape now raises questions over the security arrangements at the NCB facility and the circumstances in which an accused in a major narcotics case managed to get out of custody. [KNT]

Demystifying Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide to Management, Medication, and Everyday Health

Demystifying Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide to Management, Medication, and Everyday Health Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions globally, and managing it effectively requires a clear understanding of how the body handles sugar. Whether you are newly diagnosed, adjusting to a new prescription like Glucobay 50, or simply looking out for a loved one, understanding how diabetes works is the first step toward long-term wellness. 1. The Mechanics of Blood Sugar: How Diabetes Works Diabetes fundamentally affects how the body converts food into energy. When you eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (sugar), which enters your bloodstream. Your body uses different mechanisms to manage this sugar [] Demystifying Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide to Management, Medication, and Everyday Health

SC seeks fresh status reports from states on old-age homes, facilities for senior citizens

New Delhi, Sep 07: The Supreme Court on Monday asked all states to submit fresh status reports on the establishment of old-age homes and the facilities available to senior citizens. The bench was hearing a long-pending PIL, filed in 2016, seeking effective implementation of measures for the welfare and protection of the elderly. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took up the PIL filed by Dr Ashwani Kumar, who has sought implementation of directions regarding the establishment of old-age homes in every district, adequate pensions and geriatric care for senior citizens. During the hearing, Kumar, appearing in person, urged the bench to list and consider the matter, submitting that the continuing mandamus in the case had remained unheard for years despite issues concerning the rights and welfare of crores of elderly persons. The CJI said that while the top court could lay down broad principles, the high courts could be asked to ensure their effective implementation. The Centre suggested the matter be transferred to the respective high courts. The bench, however, decided to first seek updated information from all states regarding the existing infrastructure and facilities for senior citizens. Let a communication be sent from Attorney General R Venkataramani to the Advocates General of all the States to submit a latest status report with respect to the establishment of old-age homes and the requisite facilities being provided therein, the bench said. The status reports shall be filed by all the states within four weeks from the date of receipt of the communication by their Advocates General, it said. The PIL has been pending before the apex court since 2016 and concerns the implementation of statutory and constitutional safeguards for elderly persons. In an earlier order passed on April 8, 2016, the top court issued notice to the Centre and sought the assistance of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and HelpAge India in evolving measures for the protection of the rights and welfare of elderly persons across the country. The court permitted Kumar to appear and argue the matter in person and agreed to associate HelpAge India with the proceedings, noting the organisation's role in the protection and welfare of elderly and infirm persons. HelpAge India was asked to assist the bench in evolving an acceptable scheme or solution to address the problems faced by elderly persons, as highlighted in the petition. The bench had also issued notice to the member-secretary of NALSA and asked the authority to place on record whether any scheme had been formulated to protect the rights of elderly persons. If such a scheme existed, NALSA was directed to place a copy before the court, it had said. In the absence of one, the authority was asked to indicate whether it could formulate a scheme to provide legal assistance and ensure protection of the legal rights of senior citizens in accordance with existing laws. The bench also sought details of other measures that could be taken by NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities to assist elderly persons in protecting their fundamental, statutory and legal rights.

Airport operations suspended in Punjab after drones spotted across Amritsar airfield

Srinagar, Sep 07: Airport operations at Amritsar Airport were suspended from around 9:50 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. after drones were spotted across the airfield, officials said on Monday morning. The officials said the suspension orders were issued after the Indian Air Force spotted drones across the airfield and conveyed the same to the concerned Air Traffic Control (ATC). Airport Director Anirudh Kumar Sharma said, At approximately 9:45 p.m., the Air Traffic Control (ATC) unit received a report from the Indian Air Force stating that drones had been spotted across the airfield. By that time, several aircraft scheduled to land in Amritsar were already circling overhead. Following our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for drone sightings, a Joint Action Committee was activated and assembled in the control tower. They determined that the drone activity could disrupt scheduled landings, so the decision was made to close the airfield for operations, he added. In the meantime, he said, seven aircraft that were holding overhead were diverted. Of the seven, two flights were diverted to Chandigarh and five to Delhi. Around 23:00 hours (11:00 p.m.), the Joint Action Committee assessed that the situation was under control and, since there was no further drone activity, decided to resume normal operations. We declared operations open starting at 23:15 hours. Subsequently, the flights began returning, the Director said. Subsequently, the flights began returning. Of the seven diverted flights, five returned; one Air India flight that had gone to Delhi was cancelled, while the Malaysia Airlines flight is expected to arrive today. Everything has returned to normal. As for the investigation, that matter is being handled by the police, Sharma said.

Raktapittakulkandan Rasa

Raktapittakulkandan Rasa Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Raktapitta Kulkandan Ras is a formidable herbo-mineral formulation within ... Read more The post Raktapittakulkandan Rasa appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .

This Delhi Japanese Restaurant Wants You To Look Beyond Sushi And Ramen

The tropical tres leches dessert and unchanged cocktail menu maintain the restaurant's familiar appeal while adding fresh, modern Japanese flavors.

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Delhi building collapse: Six dead, 11 rescued from debris; rescue ops enter day 2

New Delhi, Sep 07: The death toll in the building collapse in southwest Delhi's Satya Niketan area climbed to six, with rescue and search operations for survivors entering the second day on Monday. So far, 11 people have been rescued from the debris of the decades-old multi-storey building. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) issued a statement saying that 11 patients were received at the JPN Apex Trauma Centre (AIIMS) following the Satya Niketan building collapse. Out of the 11 patients, five were brought dead, while one patient who was in critical condition later succumbed to his injuries; three patients have been admitted and are being treated. One patient underwent limb surgery. One patient had sustained a minor injury and was discharged after observation, the statement read. The building, which housed a boys' paying guest accommodation near Delhi University's South Campus, collapsed around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was underway. Multiple agencies, including the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force and Delhi Disaster Management Authority, have been carrying out rescue operations through the night. One more person was rescued during the night but was brought dead, taking the toll to six, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said. He said that efforts are continuing to trace the persons allegedly connected with the incident. Police have registered a case against the building owner and others, while a magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.

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At least 5 dead after Amazon cargo plane barrelled off runway at Miami airport

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Iran says plans to announce new 'exclusion zone' near Strait of Hormuz

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Pankaj Tripathi Now Takes 30 Minutes To Eat A Meal. Here's Why

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NH-144A: Land acquisition issues resolved to facilitate speedy work

In a significant initiative to accelerate the ongoing construction of the AkhnoorPoonch National Highway (NH-144A), Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma undertook an extensive field inspection of the road stretch from Sanjiot to Poonch, falling within the jurisdiction of Poonch District. He was accompanied by the officers from the District Administration and representatives from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other concerned agencies. The comprehensive field visit, as per an official statement, covered various locations where land acquisition, compensation and other administrative issues were resolved. The functionaries from BRO briefed the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration regarding the construction status, site constraints and locations where progress was being affected due to pending land acquisition and compensation matters. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the issues at each site and interacted with the affected landowners and other stakeholders. A large number of pending land acquisition and compensation-related cases were resolved on the spot, providing much-needed relief to the concerned landowners and simultaneously facilitating the handing over of obstruction-free stretches to the executing agencies. The field visit was particularly effective as all concerned administrative officers and field staff came fully prepared with relevant land records, acquisition files, compensation documents and other supporting records. This enabled the officers to examine the cases at the site itself, verify the available records, address the concerns of stakeholders and take appropriate decisions without unnecessary delay. The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officers to maintain close coordination and adopt a proactive, time-bound approach towards resolving the remaining cases so that no avoidable administrative issue becomes a bottleneck in the construction of NH-144A.

Aryans law students get hands-on exposure to fingerprint analysis, forensic evidence

Bringing forensic science closer to the courtroom, Aryans College of Law, Rajpura, Near Chandigarh, organised an intensive hands-on workshop on Fingerprint Analysis: Evaluating Friction Ridge Evidence for Legal Purposes. The workshop gave LL.B., BA LL.B students practical insight into how fingerprints become crucial scientific evidence in criminal investigation and judicial proceedings. Jaswinder Singh, Assistant Professor, Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Amandeep Singh, Ballistics Division FSL, Mohali, Gurkirat Singh were the experts for the session. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, as per a statement, said that modern legal education must go beyond textbooks and court judgments. A strong lawyer should also understand the science behind evidence. Workshops like these help students connect law with forensic investigation, develop analytical thinking he said. Jaswinder Singh led the session as the special guest and resource person. He demonstrated the scientific basis of fingerprint identification, different friction ridge patterns, methods of developing and examining prints, comparison techniques and the evidentiary value of fingerprints. Students actively participated in discussions and practical exercises. Aryans College of Law has been consistently organizing legal aid camps, expert lectures, forensic workshops, moot activities and practical exposure programmes to prepare students for the evolving demands of the legal profession. The workshop concluded with an interactive question-answer session.

1,900 MT waste cleared in Poonch after NGT action

In a major development the Municipal Council Poonch has finally removed around 1900 Metric Tons-MTs of legacy waste dumped near Poonch river for the last 20 years. The action, as per a statement issued, was taken by district administration and MC Poonch after environmental activist and chairman J&K Climate Action Group -JKCAG Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat filed a case in the National Green Tribunal -NGT three years back. This was followed by the imposition of a huge penalty of Rs 2.71 crores under the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) last year. The municipal council had deposited Rs 25 lakhs in the account of the Deputy Commissioner Poonch and for recovery of the rest of the money the NGT had directed the auctioning of assets. It is believed that the Rs 25 lakh penalty amount would be used for restoration of the site and to set up an eco-park near the erstwhile garbage dumping site. The Deputy Commissioner of Poonch on NGTs orders this year in January had constituted an auction committee to sell municipal properties, including a community hall, to recover Rs 2.71 crore in environmental compensation imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The penalty was levied against the Poonch Municipal Council (MC) for persistent violations of environmental laws, including the unscientific dumping of solid waste near the Poonch River and failure to operationalize a waste management plant. Official records submitted to the NGT indicate that nearly 1900 metric tonnes of legacy waste remained untreated at the Shanti Nagar dumping site near Sher-e-Kashmir bridge and this waste was cleared in the last 2 months. Of the total fine, only Rs 25 lakh had been recovered until Jan 2026, leaving Rs 2.46 crore outstanding. The NGT had earlier imposed a personal cost of Rs 10,000 on the Deputy Commissioner in September 2024 for delays in recovering the amount. The waste has been cleared and dumped at some isolated location; now this waste should be properly remediated by a technical agency. The waste management plant should also be developed in the city plus municipality must collect waste in a segregated manner as per mandate of MSW Rules 2026. The govt must provide at least one dozen small load carriers , battery operated rickshaws to MC Poonch to make sure scientific waste management said Dr Raja Muzaffar the petitioner in the case Even after penalties were imposed on the MC Poonch and Deputy Commissioner, waste continued to be dumped near the sacred Poonch River, also known as Pulast Nadi. This was a clear violation of multiple environmental laws like EP Act 1986, MSW Rules 2026, Water Pollution Act 1974. It is great to know that MC Poonch has finally acted but we want NGT to continuously monitor the work until this issues is fully addressed said Advocate Shakir Parray, legal advisor of J&K Climate Action Group Members of J&K Climate Action Group who visited Poonch included Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Mir Mushtaq, Advocate Shakir Parray, Ajaz Sofi and Lokesh Sharma. The group visited the dumping site near the Poonch river and expressed satisfaction but wanted full implementation of MSW Rules 2016 in Poonch. They also visited the newly acquired site for the waste management plant along with the CEO of MC Poonch, Khaleel Banday. The chairman and members of JKCAG also expressed gratitude to their senior activist and district coordinator Poonch Lokesh Sharma for his steadfastness and commitment for clearing waste near Poonch river and providing all the technical inputs.

GST Council meeting postponed to October 7 from September 12 due to BRICS summit

New Delhi, Sep 6: The 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, scheduled for September 12, has been postponed to October 7 in view of the BRICS summit being hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, sources said. The meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising finance ministers of states, will now be preceded by meetings of officers on October 5 and 6. The GST Council is scheduled to meet after a gap of more than a year. Its 56th meeting was held on September 3 and 4, 2025, when the Centre and states approved a major restructuring of GST rates and slabs. The revised structure, effective from September 22, 2025, introduced a two-tier GST structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, along with a highest rate of 40 per cent for ultra-luxury and sin goods. It replaced the four slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent that had been in place since the rollout of GST on July 1, 2017. At its October 7 meeting, the Council is likely to consider simplifying GST registration for businesses that pass on tax credit of more than Rs 2.5 lakh a month. Currently, there is no uniformity in the procedure followed by Central GST formations and state authorities while granting GST registration to large businesses passing on credit above the Rs 2.5 lakh monthly threshold. The issue has created uncertainty among taxpayers, sources said. The Council is also expected to consider automation and other changes in the GST registration cancellation process. The September 2025 meeting had already approved a simplified GST registration scheme for small and low-risk businesses. The scheme was rolled out from November 1, 2025. Under the simplified mechanism, small and low-risk applicants identified by the GST system through data analysis, as well as applicants who self-assess that their output tax liability does not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh a monthincluding CGST, SGST/UTGST and IGSTcan opt for the scheme. There are currently around 1.68 crore businesses registered under GST. The BRICS summit, which India is hosting in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, is expected to deliberate on several pressing global challenges, including the economic consequences of the West Asia crisis. BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, while Indonesia joined the grouping in 2025.

Complete ban ordered on VPN use across Doda

District Magistrate Doda Krishan Lal has ordered a complete prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the district, citing concerns over their alleged misuse to bypass lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content. The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following reports that certain individuals and groups were allegedly using VPN services to circumvent restrictions imposed on digital platforms. According to the order, such activities could potentially be exploited for unlawful and anti-national purposes, including dissemination of inflammatory or prohibited content, incitement of unrest and coordination of activities that may adversely affect public order, tranquillity and national security. The prohibition covers all individuals, institutions, cyber cafs, business establishments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating within Doda district. However, exemptions may be granted in cases specifically authorised by the government through an official order. The District Magistrate warned that any violation of the order would invite legal action under the relevant provisions of law. Senior Superintendent of Police Doda has been directed to ensure strict implementation and enforcement of the order across the district. The move comes days after the administration in neighbouring Kishtwar district also imposed a ban on the use of VPNs, making Doda the latest district in the Chenab Valley to introduce such restrictions amid heightened concerns over the misuse of online platforms and digital services. Officials said the measures are aimed at preventing the circumvention of lawful restrictions and safeguarding public order and security.

Sadhotra dares LoP Sunil Sharma to face voters, prove BJPs standing in Jammu

National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra Sunday dared Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma to resign and seek a fresh mandate to gauge where the BJP stands in the Jammu region, which had given the party 29 seats in the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections. Sub-office of National Conference was inaugurated at opposite Hari Singh Park in Jammu City by Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Former Minister and Additional General Secretary National Conference and Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta. Interacting with media persons after inaugurating the National Conference Sub-office, Sadhotra, as per a statement, said the BJP had lost credibility and public confidence because of its anti-J&K and anti-people policies. To a question on the Leader of Oppositions unsolicited advice to the Chief Minister Omar to resign, Sadhotra questioned his credentials saying the BJPs contribution towards restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party had made commitments on the floor of Parliament and also given an assurance before the Supreme Court. What has the BJP done so far to fulfil its solemn commitment on statehood? he asked, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were waiting for the promise to be honoured. For this public cause, sitting Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah sat on Dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, he said adding this is first such protest signifying the issue involved. Sadhotra said that despite the BJP being in power at the Centre, the Business Rules for Jammu and Kashmir were yet to be cleared, which, he observed, was keeping the administration caught in a situation of uncertainty and dual control. The people are suffering because of dual governance. Democratic norms have been trampled upon and the elected government is being denied the space it requires to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively, he said. He said the situation had created a sense of disempowerment among different sections of society. The youth are looking for jobs and opportunities, women want security and economic empowerment, farmers need support and workers expect dignity and livelihood. Instead of addressing these concerns, the BJP is busy indulging in political rhetoric, he said. Sadhotra said the Leader of Opposition had no moral ground to question the performance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who, he said, was braving all odds to serve the people of both regions and all sub-regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It is easy to sit in opposition and make allegations. The real test is to seek the peoples mandate, he said, challenging Sharma to resign and contest an election to establish whether the BJP still enjoys the same support in Jammu that it claimed during the 2024 Assembly polls. Speaking to the reporters, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta said the National Conference had accepted the peoples mandate with humility and was committed to working for the restoration of the rights, dignity and democratic institutions of Jammu and Kashmir. Gupta said the National Conference government was working under difficult circumstances and facing challenges arising from the existing constitutional and administrative arrangement. Despite these constraints, he said, the Chief Minister had remained accessible to the people and continued to raise issues concerning every region and section of society. Sadhotra and Gupta appealed to the party cadre to remain united, disciplined and connected with the people. The challenges before Jammu and Kashmir are serious and require a strong, committed and grassroots-oriented National Conference, he said. They exhorted the cadre to strengthen the organizational base of the party at every level and intensify public outreach. They said the newly inaugurated sub-office would provide an additional platform for workers and people to remain connected with the party and facilitate regular interaction on issues concerning the public. National Conference has a historic responsibility towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have to meet the present challenges with unity, courage and commitment, Sadhotra said. Prominent among those present on the occasion include Ayub Malik, Provincial Secretary, Pardeep Bali, Surjeet Singh Manhas, Chander Mohan Sharma, Naresh Bittu, Raghubir Singh Manhas, Ashok Attri, Rakesh Pargotra, Nahar Singh, Ayesha Gupta, Priyanka Dogra, Anju Dogra, Rita Gupta, Dilshada, Shallu, Bharat, Bhushan, Veerji Bhat, Jatinder Singh Lucky, Gurmeet Singh Jimmy, Sewak Singh, Ayesha Bhan, Sewak Singh, Sandesh Shan, Tariq Bhat, Bahadur Lal, Parvinder Singh, Anil Sharma, Rajesh Gupta, Nitish Goswami, Hamid Choudhary, Jatinder, Nadeem Choudhary, Ashanand, Anup Sharma, Farman Ali, Ashraf Ali, Tejinder Singh, Anoop, Satpal Karlopia, Shabir Samyal, Somraj Taroch, Amit Kumar Jimmy, Shakeel Ahmed Tony, Sandeep Manhas, Paramjeet Singh, Vishavdev, Subash, Davinder Singh, Tarsem, Gaurav Bhagat, besides a number of other senior leaders, office bearers and party workers.

You can't write own report card: Sibal slams PM's SRCC address

New Delhi, Sep 6: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech at SRCC, saying he cannot write his own report card and it is the people who will do so. Sibal, who is also a senior advocate, criticised the prime minister for his remarks that he gave a dose of homoeopathy from the Red Fort, and said the truth is that the students have decided that nothing is going to be cured by this homoeopathy. You also made a strange statement. In a way, you referred to the poor students who were protesting at Jantar Mantar as 'Dimagi Naxals' and remarked that you gave them homoeopathic medicine, Sibal said at a press conference. This is not right... you are the prime minister of this country; is it correct that students are beaten by your police, and the young women and girls who were there are beaten and dragged... were you giving them homoeopathic medicine? the Independent Rajya Sabha MP said. Sitting on such a high post, using such words does not befit the prime minister, Sibal said. The illness plaguing this country can only be cured by surgery because homoeopathy has no cure for it. And after surgery, they need allopathy, he said. In his remarks at the centenary celebrations of Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on Saturday, Modi had said that today, compared to 2013, the country is far more secure economically and socially. But seeing this, some people's restlessness and frustration are increasing. You must have heard my speech on 15th August. For such people, I gave a dose of homoeopathy from the Red Fort, a small homoeopathy pill. And you know, they say the nature of homoeopathy is that when you start the medicine, at first the illness flares up even more. That is the nature of homoeopathy. So from the Red Fort I gave a homoeopathy pill, 'Dimagi Naxal', Modi said. As I said, first it flares up the illness for some time, and then begins the cure. In the same way, as soon as I gave the Dimagi Naxal pill, all the Dimagi Naxals started coming out. And those who are promoting this illness, now the public is seeing their true colours too, he said. Sibal said he did not understand how the prime minister presented his own report card among the students Now, my understanding is that if a student's report card is to be written, it is not written by the student themselves, but by the teacher. If I am the government and I write my own report card, that simply does not make sense. Prime minister, we will write your report card; you cannot write your own report card. It is quite a unique capability of yours that you write your own report card, Sibal said.

Thanamandi locals protest alleged healthcare deficiencies at sub-district hospital

Protests over alleged poor healthcare services at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Thanamandi continued for the third consecutive day, with civil society members and locals holding a candlelight march in the town on Saturday evening. The protesters raised slogans against the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Health and Medical Education Department, alleging that the vital healthcare facility in the remote subdivision has been functioning without adequate manpower and essential medical services. The protests were triggered following the death of Shokat Ahmed Shawl, a noted socio-political leader and civil society member from Thanamandi, who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. Locals have alleged that Shawl was not provided medical first aid after reaching SDH Thanamandi and was instead referred immediately, claiming that the delay in providing emergency care contributed to his death. The allegations, however, are yet to be independently established. During Saturday's candlelight march, protesters demanded immediate sanctioning of vacant and required posts of doctors and other healthcare staff at the hospital, besides strengthening its manpower and medical infrastructure. They alleged that despite the importance of SDH Thanamandi for a large and geographically difficult area, the hospital continues to face an acute shortage of doctors and other essential staff. SDH Thanamandi is merely running on papers while the lives of people are at stake, protesters alleged, demanding immediate intervention from the government and the Health Department. Protesters also raised slogans against Thanamandi MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, alleging that although the MLA visited the hospital, he did not meet the agitating locals to hear their grievances. The protesters warned that the agitation would continue until concrete measures are taken to improve healthcare services and strengthen the hospital's manpower and infrastructure.

NH-44 remains open for 2-way traffic

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Sunday, with vehicular movement continuing along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor despite slow movement at several vulnerable stretches. Traffic authorities said movement was particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur district, where a nearly 3040-metre stretch of the highway was damaged following recent rainfall. The affected portion has developed an uneven surface and undulations, prompting traffic regulation through a single lane. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery at the site and is carrying out restoration work to repair the damaged portion and restore smoother vehicular movement. Meanwhile, restoration work is also under way on the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal, where rainfall-induced erosion has affected the road at two to three locations. Traffic is being regulated through single-lane passages at these points to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of commuters. In Ramban district, traffic remained regulated along the MaroogKishtwari Pather stretch, where vehicles continued to negotiate restricted single-lane sections amid ongoing road construction, widening and improvement works. Intermittent slowdowns were reported at construction zones and other vulnerable locations. Officials at the Traffic Control Unit (TCU), Ramban, said the highway continued to remain open and traffic was being regulated through available carriageways. Traffic personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points to manage vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Authorities cautioned that the highway remains vulnerable to sudden disruptions in case of fresh rainfall, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones or further road damage. Motorists have therefore been advised to check the latest traffic status before embarking on their journey and strictly follow instructions issued by traffic authorities. Passenger and LMV operators travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been advised to prefer daylight travel and avoid unnecessary night journeys, particularly through vulnerable stretches where shooting stones, landslides and mudslides may pose risks. Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving and refrain from stopping unnecessarily at sensitive locations, as such violations can further aggravate congestion on already restricted sections. Meanwhile, in view of ongoing widening work on the DigdoleKhooni Nallah section, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers continues to remain restricted during daytime hours. Under the prevailing traffic advisory, such tankers are permitted to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) operators have been directed to strictly adhere to prescribed loading limits, avoid overloading and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy. Transporters have also been advised to carry sufficient fuel in view of possible delays caused by traffic regulation, construction activity, road repairs and adverse weather. Traffic authorities have urged commuters and transporters to remain updated through the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar and follow the latest advisories before undertaking journeys on NH-44. Officials reiterated that the highway remains operational but requires cautious driving and strict compliance with traffic regulations, particularly at vulnerable and construction-affected stretches, to ensure safe and smooth movement.

Iran claims strike on US ship in Strait of Hormuz, but US denies it

Cairo, Sep 6: Iran said Sunday it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that the US military dismissed as a total lie. The purported attack came a day after the US military said forces struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Navy warships being targeted with ballistic missiles. Experts called it a dangerous escalation after Iran's previous attacks at sea targeted commercial shipping. The war began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. But since a fragile ceasefire agreement was announced in June, on-and-off fighting has persisted, with both sides trying to inflict military and economic pain as negotiations have collapsed. Strikes came about a week after fighting resumed The United States and Iran resumed attacks last week, following a month of relative calm, with the Strait of Hormuz and areas along Iran's southern coast again being targeted. At least five people were killed earlier in the week during a US bombardment that returned attention to the area where a school was hit in the war's opening strikes. The Trump administration appears to have adopted a dual-prong approach to the conflict, responding militarily to attacks on the strait while going after foreign financial institutions that handle Iran's money. But Tehran's hard-line new senior leaders have signalled a willingness to dig in after weathering decades of sanctions. Iran has found ways over the years to circumvent sanctions, and now a US blockade of its ports, and get its oil to buyers to help ease growing economic pressures. That relies in part on a shadow fleet transporting its oil. US says million barrels of oil a day pass through the strait Tehran's new leverage focuses on the Strait of Hormuz that is crucial to global oil and natural gas shipments. It was seen as an international waterway before the war began.

1 in 3 J&K women overweight or obese; childhood obesity also rising

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a growing obesity burden, with more than one in three women aged 1549 now classified as overweight or obese, while obesity is also being reported among children and adolescents. According to the sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released by the Union Health Ministry in May this year, 36.7 percent of women and 27.1 percent of men aged 1549 in J&K are overweight or obese. At the national level, the corresponding figures are 30.7 percent for women and 27.3 percent for men. The survey also found that 3.5 percent of girls and 2.6 percent of boys aged 517 in J&K are obese, pointing to an emerging health concern that extends beyond adulthood. The findings were discussed at the recent JK Obesity Summit, held as part of MMFDIACON-2026 in Srinagar, where experts warned that obesity can no longer be viewed solely as a matter of individual lifestyle choices. Prof SM Saleem Khan, former Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, said the growing prevalence of obesity was being driven by an obesogenic environment in which unhealthy food choices have become increasingly accessible and affordable, while opportunities for physical activity have declined. He said the availability, affordability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed and calorie-dense foods, combined with sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, dependence on transport and changing urban environments, were influencing both food consumption and physical activity. The food choices have no longer remained confined to individual willpower or lifestyle choices, Khan said, pointing to the influence of food availability, affordability, marketing, urban design and screen time on consumption patterns. He said socioeconomic conditions were also contributing to the risk of overweight and obesity. In J&K, changing food habits are intersecting with rapid urbanisation and increasingly sedentary routines, creating an environment where people are encouraged to choose food that is readily available and requires little effort to consume, while spending more time sitting and using screens. Khan said obesity could not be addressed through clinical treatment alone. Obesity is a problem that clinics alone cant fix, he said, arguing that no healthcare system could treat its way out of an epidemic continuously reinforced by everyday environments. He said food systems in which energy-dense, ultra-processed foods are cheaper and more heavily marketed than fresh produce were creating a significant health hazard. Khan proposed a Preventive Health Clinic model based in primary care to identify obesity risks at an early stage through body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and basic metabolic screening. Such clinics, he said, could prescribe individualised interventions covering diet, physical activity, sleep and behavioural change, while also involving families and ensuring regular follow-up. A single consultation could not address a problem that had grown to a scale capable of affecting the wider healthcare delivery system, he said. Khan called for a policy roadmap that explicitly recognises obesity as a public-health priority. He said obesity screening should be incorporated into monitoring under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). He also called for preventive health clinics at primary health centres and medical colleges, routine BMI and waist measurements as part of health check-ups across the life course, and the integration of obesity prevention into school health programmes. Urban planning also needs to become part of the response, he said, calling for greater investment in walkable infrastructure and stronger regulation of the availability and marketing of unhealthy foods.

HED re-advertises IUST VC post after committee interacts with previously shortlisted candidates

In a latest development, the J&K Higher Education Department (HED) has re-advertised the post of Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, inviting applications from eligible candidates for the top academic and executive position of the university. The move comes weeks after the search committee constituted to draw a panel of candidates held an interaction with the shortlisted candidates for the post of VC IUST. As per the fresh notification, the HED has fixed the upper age limit of 65 years for the candidates at the time of applying for the post. In its previous notification, the upper age limit for the candidates was fixed at 67 years. As per the advertisement, the notification deadline for receipt of applications has been fixed as September 24 (5 pm), while the advertisement has laid down stringent academic and professional requirements for the post. The candidate must be a distinguished academician or eminent scholar holding a PhD with a consistently outstanding academic record and demonstrated academic and institutional leadership, the advertisement reads. The eligibility criteria further require a minimum of 10 years experience as a Professor in a University or 10 years experience in a reputed research or academic administrative organisation, coupled with demonstrable academic leadership. The candidate must also possess high academic standing, integrity, moral stature and institutional commitment besides having the ability to provide effective academic and administrative leadership to the university, it reads. It further reads that the selected Vice-Chancellor will serve for a three-year term, extendable up to five years, from the date of assumption of charge, or until attaining the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. The VC will also be tasked with enhancing IUSTs national and international standing through academic partnerships, rankings besides accreditations, promoting equity and access in higher education and strengthening industry-academia linkages and ensuring financial sustainability and efficient utilisation of resources, it reads. As per the fresh advertisement, the selection committee reserves the right to shortlist candidates and call only those deemed suitable for interaction or interview. The committee will have the power to withdraw, cancel or postpone the selection process at any stage. Canvassing or any attempt to bring influence will lead to disqualification of the candidates, it reads. As already reported by this newspaper, the J&K government in July 2021 appointed Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo as the new Vice Chancellor of IUST Awantipora, for a period of three years. Later in July 2024, Prof. Romshoo was granted a two-year extension in his term as Vice Chancellor by the government. Earlier in February this year, J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha approved the constitution of a four-member committee to recommend panel of candidates for appointment of Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).

Article 370 abrogation reduced separatism, terrorism in J&K: Amit Shah

Panaji, Sep 6:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday said terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has declined significantly and the region has progressed on the path of development following the abrogation of Article 370, while asserting that the fight against narcotics has now become a coordinated national-security campaign. Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Shah said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the country was facing three major internal-security challengesrising terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism and unrest caused by several armed organisations in the Northeast. The country was also grappling with bomb blasts and widespread concerns over women's safety. Looking back from 2019 to 2026, Shah said the situation had changed significantly. After the abrogation of Article 370, the feeling of separatism in Jammu and Kashmir had reduced considerably, while the figures of terrorism were gradually shrinking and moving towards zero. He said Jammu and Kashmir had also progressed on the path of development and efforts had been made to bridge the mental distance between the region and the rest of the country. Shah said the five-decade-old problem of Naxalism had almost become a thing of the past, with most people who had imagined the Red Corridor surrendering their arms and joining the mainstream. In the Northeast, around 11,000 youth have laid down arms and the government has signed more than 14 agreements with them, he said, adding that the region too was moving on the path of development. On action against fugitives, Shah said that from 2019 to July 2026, 274 fugitives had been extradited from 36 countries. They included people accused of serious economic offences, terrorism, narcotics-related crimes and gang wars, he said, adding that all had been brought before Indian courts. In the last three years, 401 Red Corner Notices have been issued, including 182 up to July this year alone. Shah credited the new BHARATPOL system for strengthening international coordination. More than 14 central agencies and police forces of all states are connected to the platform, he said. From 2019 to 2026, properties worth approximately Rs 17,874 crore belonging to fugitives had been sealed or confiscated, while the new criminal laws and justice codes had made legal action against fugitives easier, Shah said. He also said a systematic mechanism had been created to deal with cybercrime, with Prime Minister Modi personally monitoring the initiative. The 1930 helpline had become an effective mechanism for protection against cybercrime, he said. The Home Minister credited the Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments with taking the implementation of the three new criminal laws down to the police-station level. He also thanked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Goa Police for implementing the new Nyaya Sanhita and the three criminal laws in a short period. According to Shah, Goa's conviction rate had risen to 53.2 per cent, representing an increase of approximately 30 per cent in the rate of securing convictions in registered FIRs. Turning to narcotics, Shah said drugs posed a grave threat to future generations and that proceeds from narcotics were also being used to finance terrorism. He said narco-terror modules were active in several countries and the entire world was grappling with the problem. Since 2019, he said, the government had changed the system for tackling narcotics, targeted drug networks, broken their financial chains and provided support for the rehabilitation of people addicted to drugs. Shah said that before 2014, the fight against drugs had largely been conducted in a piecemeal manner, with agencies focusing on individual seizures and smaller accused persons. Since 2019, however, the Modi government had made narcotics a national-security priority. The anti-drug campaign had consequently moved beyond individual files and the actions of separate agencies to become a coordinated and continuous national campaign, he said. A four-tier NCORD mechanism was created in 2019, while a model for dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Forces was sent to all states and Union Territories and a Joint Coordination Committee was constituted. With coordination between central agencies, state governments and their departments, a scientific approach was adopted to tackle large drug networks, inter-state and international links and operational gaps, Shah said. The government also launched the 1933 MANAS helpline for rehabilitation of drug-addicted youth, restructured the cadre of the Narcotics Control Bureau and created a national database of narcotics offenders through the NIDAAN portal. Using CCTNS data and integrated data fusion, a data-based map of drug hotspots, modus operandi and seizures across the country was prepared, he said. A new investigation model involving both bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approaches had also been adopted. Even when a small packet of drugs was seized, investigators examined its source, while large consignments intercepted at the border were traced forward to determine how they were to reach young people in smaller quantities. This way, reverse investigation of the entire network has started, Shah said. He said special emphasis had been placed on financial investigation and PIT-NDPS, with a high-level dedicated task force constituted for the purpose. Technology-based investigations were initiated against the dark web, encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transactions and dead-drop deliveries. Work had also begun on creating a dedicated Dark Net-Crypto Cell within the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. An inter-ministerial mechanism was created to deal with precursors and synthetic drugs, Shah said. He compared the seizure figures of the two periods, saying that between 2004 and 2014, 26 lakh kg of drugs worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore were seized. Between 2014 and 2026, the quantity seized had risen to more than 1.19 crore kg, valued at approximately Rs 1.89 lakh crore. Similarly, while 3 lakh 36 thousand kg of drugs were destroyed between 2004 and 2014, 48 lakh 68 thousand kg had been destroyed between 2014 and 2026, he said. Shah said 10 apex-level, seven executive-level, 277 state-level and 16,798 district-level NCORD meetings had been held. India had signed agreements with 46 countries for international cooperation in combating narcotics. Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, 25 crore citizens had been contacted and administered the anti-drug pledge, while 5.70 lakh citizens had been made drug-free through treatment and rehabilitation, he said. In Goa, action against narcotics had increased approximately threefold during the same period, Shah said. The Home Minister said a three-year roadmap for the period from July 2026 to July 2029 had been prepared, with a decision to achieve all targets in a time-bound manner. He said the fight against drugs was being advanced as one of the country's biggest national battles, with Prime Minister Modi's goal being to ensure that drug-free youth power formed the foundation of a developed India by 2047. The period from 2026 to 2029 has been declared a mission mode phase, Shah said, with timelines fixed, different ministries made accountable, measurable outcomes defined and quarterly reviews and outcome-based accountability put in place. The roadmap is based on four pillars: intelligence and operation-based enforcement; control of precursors and synthetic drugs; demand and harm reduction; and capacity building and coordination. Under the framework, dossiers of drug kingpins will be prepared, backward and forward linkages investigated and financial investigations undertaken in every case involving commercial quantities, he said. The BSF, CISF, Indian Coast Guard, Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence will undertake risk-based profiling and install scanners at land borders, ports, airports and cargo facilities to strengthen surveillance. The CBI, Ministry of External Affairs and Interpol will work to bring fugitives back to India, while the Enforcement Directorate, Financial Intelligence Unit and banking system will trace the money trail, Shah said. Through the NCC, NSS and My Bharat, lakhs of Nashamukti Mitra volunteers will be prepared. The Ministries of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, along with educational institutions, will work towards making educational institutions drug-free. The Social Justice Ministry, Health Department and Jail Administration will work together to increase the number of de-addiction centres threefold to 1,751. Around 10,000 volunteers will participate in the campaign. For capacity building, seven per cent central assistance will be provided to establish fully equipped Anti-Narcotics Task Forces in every state by March 2027. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also make arrangements for forensic reports to be received within 30 days. Shah said 25 components and more than 200 action points had been fixed under the four pillars of the roadmap. Foreigners are welcome in India, but not with drugs, Shah said, asserting that the government was adopting a Quadrangular Approach to curb drug smuggling through the routes of the Death Triangle and Death Crescent. He said that just as Naxalism had been eliminated from the country, the problem of drugs would also be eliminated with the same resolve. The report keeps the J&K development and terrorism remarks near the top while giving the narcotics campaign a strong secondary news peg.

Winter closure of Mughal Road spurs fresh push for tunnel

Residents living on both sides of the Pir Panjal range have urged the government to expedite work on the proposed Mughal Road tunnel, saying the roads prolonged winter closure cuts off communities, disrupts trade and forces people to take a much longer route between south Kashmir and the Jammu region. The 84-km Shopian-Poonch Mughal Road, opened to vehicular traffic in 2009, remains vulnerable to heavy snowfall at the Pir Ki Gali pass. Residents said the road typically remains closed for around five months during winter, leaving people dependent on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for travel between the two regions. The road closure affects trade as well as the movement of people and goods from both sides of the Pir Panjal. The delay in taking the tunnel project forward is making people suffer, said Mitha Gatoo, a civil society member. Gatoo said students and residents from Rajouri and adjoining areas often have to travel via the much longer Jammu-Srinagar route during winter, increasing both travel time and costs. The proposed tunnel is expected to provide an all-weather alternative to the existing road and strengthen direct connectivity between south Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. The demand has gained urgency as the government works on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project. During the Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the government said tenders for the proposed Mughal Road Tunnel, also referred to as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, would be invited only after the DPR is approved and the required statutory clearances are obtained. The government said the alignment proposed by DPR consultant SMEC (India) Pvt. Ltd. was discussed with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on January 21, 2026. An official said the DPR is currently under preparation. Residents said the prolonged process was also affecting businesses dependent on traffic along the road. Javed Ahmad, a trader from Shopian, said shops in Heerpora, the last major habitation on the Kashmir side of the road, see little or no business during winter after the route closes. Once the road is shut, there is hardly any movement and many shopkeepers have to close their businesses during the winter months. The tunnel would allow people and goods to move throughout the year, Ahmad said. For residents of Rajouri, the closure means losing a relatively direct connection with south Kashmir for several months. Mohammad Aslam, a resident of Rajouri, said an all-weather tunnel would make travel between the two regions easier and reduce dependence on the longer Jammu route during winter. The proposed Mughal Road tunnel is estimated to cost around 3,830 crore. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had earlier entrusted the preparation of the DPR for upgrading the road to Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd. in association with Spain-based Getinsa-Euroestudios. Residents said completing the tunnel would have benefits beyond travel, including more reliable movement of agricultural produce, access to markets, education and essential services.

Human-wildlife conflict: 2 killed, over 40 injured in bear attacks across Kashmir since apple harvest began

More than 40 people have been injured and two killed in bear attacks across Kashmir since apple harvesting began in August, with animals increasingly straying into orchards, maize fields and nearby settlements. South Kashmir has recorded 12 injuries and one death in the Anantnag-Kulgam wildlife range, while the Pulwama-Shopian range has reported eight injuries so far, taking the total in the region to 20. Central Kashmir has recorded eight injuries, and north Kashmir has recorded 16 injuries and one death. In Kulgam, 45-year-old Latifa Banoo was mauled to death on Aug. 31 while working in an orchard at Tarigam village. Her family learned of the attack only after she was shifted to SDH Qaimoh by the villagers. We are devastated by her death. Authorities should step in to prevent such incidents and ensure that no more lives are lost, her family said. Days earlier, 68-year-old Abdul Salam Teeli of Ahmadabad village in the D.H. Pora area of the same district was seriously injured after going to the aid of another orchard worker, Bilal Ahmad Kohli, who had cried for help. When I heard the cries, I rushed to help him, along with my wife and daughter-in-law. I saw Kohli lying injured. The bear then turned towards me and attacked me as well, Teeli said. Such a time should never come again in my life. The moment was like a heart attack. This spike in attacks has been reported across Kashmir In the latest attacks, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was seriously injured at Mirmadan in Dooru, Anantnag, on Sep 3, while another man was injured at Lalwani Seer village of the same district today, on Sep 6. He was immediately shifted to GMC Anantnag, from where he has been referred to SKIMS, Srinagar. Wildlife Warden Anantnag-Kulgam Sajad Bhat said August and September are particularly sensitive because ripening apples and maize draw bears into areas where people are working. In Pulwama, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, 55, a flour-mill worker from Jawbehara, Awantipora was also grievously injured, at his workplace. Six more people were also injured in separate bear attacks in the Tral area. In Shopian, a minor girl was injured in a leopard attack in Dragad village on August 4. Earlier, towards the end of July, three people, including a woman were injured in a bear attack in Reshipora-Harmain in the same district. Central Kashmir saw three people mauled at Khonmoh, Srinagar, within 24 hours on Aug 16 and 17. In Budgams Rawatpora-Khag, a man, Abdul Qayoom Thokar was critically injured in a bear attack, while in Ganderbal Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was attacked by the animal at Watalbagh , leaving him grievously injured. In north Kashmirs Kupwara district, 6-year-old Subahat Jan was killed in a bear attack at Nichama village. In Bandipora, Javid Ahmad Pir was mauled at Kralgund-Hajin, while Farooq Ahmad Khan suffered severe facial injuries at Chrawan in Ajas. In Baramula, a man Firdous Ahmad Mir and a woman Zahida Begum were injured while cutting grass at Janwara in Sopore. Last year, also during the apple harvest season, we lived in constant fear of wildlife attacks, and this year is no different, said orchardist Mohammad Sultan of Kupwara. Wildlife Warden North Kashmir Suhail Intesar said August and September are the peak months for bear encounters. Once apples ripen, bears come down to orchards. This has become an annual phenomenon, Intesar said. Leopard sightings have also increased, with animals turning up closer to villages and homes. A child was injured in a leopard attack in Shopian. Wildlife Warden Pulwama-Shopian Suhail Wagay warned against leaving children alone in areas where leopards have been sighted. Children are mostly their prey, so they should not be left alone, particularly in areas where leopards have been sighted, Wagay said. Wildlife teams have tranquilised and captured many animals, while others were driven away before they could cause harm. In Pulwama and Shopian alone, 46 animals have been removed from human habitations since the harvest began - 22 black bears, 21 leopards and three others. These animals were actually present in human habitations. We responded immediately, rescued them and did not allow them to cause any damage due to the quick response, Wagay said. Control rooms have been activated across wildlife divisions. Orchard workers and residents have been advised to move in groups, avoid fields during evening and after-dark hours, carry torches and report sightings immediately. With the harvest continuing through November, officials have urged people living and working near forest fringes to remain vigilant.

AIIMS Jammu to become first Indian hospital with CISF Security

New Delhi, Sep 6: The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu could become the first hospital in the country to be guarded by an armed contingent of the CISF given its sensitive location close to the India-Pakistan international border, officials said. The 226.84-acre hospital and medical college is located in the Vijaypur area of Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district, along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway-44. The campus is located a few kilometres from the India-Pakistan International Border (IB). The hospital was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. Sources in the security establishment told PTI that given the sensitive nature of its location near the IB, the Centre has planned to provide an armed security cover to the facility. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is expected to be deployed at the AIIMS-Jammu campus, making it the first hospital to be brought under the security cover of the central paramilitary force, the sources said. They added that a security survey and a manpower-estimation exercise are currently underway. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has for long resisted deploying armed personnel at hospitals post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when health facilities were targeted by the terrorists. The officials said there have been demands from many hospitals to get a CISF security cover for their campuses after 2008, but such proposals were turned down after a broad security assessment of the potential threats to these institutions and the limited manpower of the force. There are many hospitals in the government and private domains that experience high footfall. Incidentally, CISF personnel have been temporarily deployed at the R G Kar Hospital premises in Kolkata following a Supreme Court directive in August 2024 in the backdrop of the rape and murder of a doctor there. The AIIMS-Jammu deployment is expected to be a permanent duty for the CISF, the officials said. The force, which guards vital installations in the space, nuclear and power-sector domains, is also expected to be deployed for the security of the Kolkata Metro. The 58 stations of the Kolkata Metro along 74 km are currently guarded by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Once sanctioned, it will be the second metro rail network in the country after the Delhi Metro to be brought under a CISF cover, the officials said. The paramilitary force is also expected to be deployed to guard the only civil airport in Arunachal Pradesh the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi in Papum Pare district. Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently mentioned about the move in a social media post.

Ganderbals Gund without permanent Tehsildar for months

Kangan, Sep 6: Residents of Tehsil Gund in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district have alleged they have faced prolonged administrative difficulties due to the absence of a permanent Tehsildar for the past several months. The tehsil office is currently managed by the Tehsildar of Kangan on an additional-charge basis, which residents say has delayed the delivery of essential public services. Located along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, Tehsil Gund serves dozens of rural and remote villages and handles a large volume of public work, including revenue and land-related services. Residents and community leaders said the visiting officer attends the office only periodically and argued that Gund requires a full-time, resident Tehsildar given its vast geographical area and administrative workload.

Residents seek replacement of ageing ambulances at Sub-District Hospital Kupwara

Kupwara, Sep 6:Residents of Kupwara and adjoining areas have urged authorities to replace ageing ambulances at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara, saying four of the hospitals five ambulances are in poor condition and frequently develop technical snags. Residents said only one ambulance was procured about a year ago, while the remaining four had nearly completed their service life and were on the verge of becoming unserviceable. Convenor Civil Society Kupwara Showkat Masoodi said the ambulances had broken down several times, including while carrying patients. These ambulances have developed technical snags several times, even with patients on board. In such situations, patients had to be shifted to private vehicles or another ambulance had to be arranged midway, he said. Masoodi said SDH Kupwara caters to a large population, including residents of border areas such as Karnah, Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Chowkibal, Kumkadi and Jumagund. When ambulances are not available at SDH Kupwara, patients are bound to suffer, he said. Local resident Shahid Ahmad said more than 2,000 patients visit the hospitals outpatient department on average each day, underscoring the need for reliable ambulance services. These outdated ambulances can turn out to be detrimental during a medical emergency. The Health Ministry and local representatives must take an immediate call on the issue, he said. However, Superintendent SDH Kupwara Dr Mohammad Amin Mir said all the ambulances were in good condition and there was no shortage of ambulances at the hospital. Reacting to a recent episode in which Kupwara MLA Mir Fayaz alleged that a patient was denied ambulance service despite ambulances being available, Mir said three ambulances had already been deployed to transport patients, while the remaining two were being used to transport costly medical equipment. He said the equipment could not be removed from the ambulances at the time.

CUTICON J&K 2026 concludes at SKUAST-K

The two-day CUTICON J&K 2026, the 7th Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), Jammu & Kashmir Branch, concluded at SKUAST-Kashmir on Saturday, bringing together leading dermatologists, academicians and postgraduate scholars from across the Union Territory and premier institutions of the country. Held under the theme Advancing Dermatology Innovation, Excellence and Impact, the conference provided a platform for exchange of contemporary knowledge, clinical expertise and emerging innovations in dermatology. The conference was attended by eminent dermatologists from premier institutes, including AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh, besides faculty and Heads of Departments from medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Vinay Singh, President IADVL, Prof Dr Sheetal Pujari, Honorary Secretary General, IADVL, Prof Dr Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Dr Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government, Prof Dr Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal/Dean SKIMS Medical College, and Prof Dr Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean Government Medical College Srinagar. Among other distinguished academic leaders present were Prof Dr Majid Jahangir, Principal, Government Medical College Baramulla; Prof Dr Khurshid Ahmed Wani, Principal, Government Medical College Handwara; and Prof Dr Devraj Dogra, Principal, Government Medical College Doda, besides Heads of Departments and senior faculty from various medical institutions across the Union Territory. The conference was organised under the leadership of Prof Dr Seema Qayoom, Organising Chairperson and President IADVL J&K, with Dr Peerzada Sajad as Organising Secretary, Dr Shazia Shah as Scientific Chairperson and Dr Khalid Abbas as Treasurer. A major highlight of the conference was its strong emphasis on practical, skill-oriented learning for postgraduate scholars. A dedicated hands-on workshop was conducted on dermal fillers, threads, botulinum toxin (Botox) and lasers, providing postgraduate trainees an opportunity to gain practical exposure to newer aesthetic and procedural techniques under expert guidance. The scientific programme covered a wide range of contemporary topics in dermatology, with discussions on advances in diagnosis, therapeutics, dermoscopy, procedural dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The participation of experts from leading national institutes added significant academic depth to the deliberations. The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for young dermatologists and postgraduate students to interact with nationally recognised experts, exchange ideas and strengthen professional and academic collaborations. The successful culmination of CUTICON J&K 2026 was widely appreciated by participants, with the conference emerging as an important academic platform for the dermatology fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir. The organising team said the conference reflected IADVL J&Ks commitment to bringing contemporary advances in dermatology to the region, strengthening postgraduate training and fostering a culture of innovation, excellence and meaningful impact in patient care. CUTICON J&K 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the advances of modern dermatology translate into better skills, better clinical practice and ultimately better outcomes for patients.

Essential medicine shortage cripples Ganderbals PHC Tulmulla

Ganderbal, Sep 6:Residents of Tulmulla in Ganderbal have alleged a severe shortage of essential medicines, syringes and other medical supplies at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Tulmulla, saying that patients are being denied even basic emergency care. Locals said the shortage has disrupted treatment for emergency and routine patients, while healthcare workers are struggling to provide timely care due to the lack of government-supplied medicines and consumables. The Civil Society Tulmulla has urged the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and the Director of Health Services, Kashmir, to immediately replenish essential medicines and medical supplies. Patients should not suffer because of delays in the supply chain, the civil society said, calling for urgent intervention to restore emergency healthcare services at the PHC.

Traffic diversions In Srinagar today for International Film Festival inauguration

In view of the International Film Festival beginning tomorrow at SKICC Srinagar, Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for September 7th. SSP Traffic Srinagar City, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said that preparations for the International Film Festival are in full swing and its inauguration is scheduled on September 7th evening at SKICC. He said a large number of participants, guests and invitees are expected to attend the event and a huge rush of vehicles is expected towards SKICC after 4 PM. To avoid inconvenience to the general public, an advisory has been issued. As per the advisory, on Gupkar Road, no general traffic will be allowed from 4 PM to 7 PM. Only invitees, participants, VVIPs and staff associated with the event will be allowed to ply on Gupkar Road during this period. At Badyari Chowk / Brein Chowk, traffic will not be allowed towards SKICC - Nehru Park except hotel guests and locals residing in the area. Rest of the traffic will be diverted towards Gupkar and Hazratbal for those heading to Nishat. Similarly, traffic coming from Nishat / Harwan side will also be diverted towards Hazratbal. The advisory will remain in force for three hours from 4 PM to 7 PM on September 7th till the inauguration function is completed. The officer added that the film festival will continue for four days and a similar traffic advisory will be issued for the closing ceremony on September 10th evening as well.(GNS)

SKIMS Bemina MBBS interns to begin hunger strike from today

Intern doctors of the MBBS Batch 2021 at the SKIMS Medical College have announced intensification of their ongoing protest demanding hike in stipend. They will begin a hunger strike from Monday after repeated assurances and discussions with the administration have allegedly failed to yield results. After no formal written order regarding revision of their internship stipend was issued even as the J&K-wide strike completed a week, the protesting intern doctors said they had decided to escalate their agitation. In a post on X, Mohammad Akib Javid, Joint Secretary AIMSA J&K Wing wrote that due to the continued failure of dialogue with the authorities to provide a written and formal order addressing their demands, this step was being taken. The doctors are seeking a monthly internship stipend of Rs 30,000. They have insisted that any assurance regarding the revision must be backed by an official written order. This step is being taken after repeated discussions and assurances failed to culminate in a formal written order regarding the revision of our internship stipend, the post read. They maintained that their stand was clear as No written order meant o end to the protest. The hunger strike, they said, would continue until an order addressing their demands is issued. They have also demanded that the process is expedited. The intern doctors have appealed to the SKIMS administration and other concerned authorities to immediately take cognisance of the issue. They have sought an end to impasse through an official written order. We seek dialogue. We seek justice. We seek a written order, the protesting doctors have said.

Lidder tributaries choke as garbage piles up on Anantnag outskirts

Anantnag, Sep 6:Lidder tributaries on the outskirts of Anantnag town are being choked by garbage after door-to-door waste collection by the Rural Development Department (RDD) remained stalled for more than three months. Rani Road, Panditpora and Chee are among the worst-affected areas under RDD Anantnag Block. Garbage has piled up along roadsides and vacant patches, with plastic, polythene, diapers and household waste finding their way into Lidder tributaries, water channels and drains. At the New Qazibagh-Chee bridge, large heaps of garbage have accumulated along a Lidder tributary, attracting stray dogs and creating a foul smell. You can yourself see how much waste has accumulated right on the Lidder tributary, said Riyaz Ahmad, a shopkeeper near the bridge. He said part of the area falls under the Municipal Council Anantnag (MCA), while the stretch toward Rani Road and Panditpora comes under the RDD. Across the bridge in Chee village, residents said streams linked to the Lidder have deteriorated sharply. Streams once used for bathing and drinking are now foul-smelling, while encroachments have narrowed their flow. Three decades ago, we would bathe in this stream and even drink its water. Today, it is stinking, said Muhammad Amin, 60, a Chee resident. Amin alleged that the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has failed to protect streams originating from the Lidder, including by constructing proper embankments. There is every likelihood of flooding if the water channels remain clogged. An RDD waste collection shed near the Lidder in Chee also remains unused, polluting it further residents said. Garbage has accumulated around the facility and along the riverbank in the absence of regular collection. Residents of Rani Road and Panditpora said the situation was a bit better when RDD vehicles collected household waste twice a week. Households paid Rs 50 a month for the service. We used to pay Rs 50 every month and the garbage was collected twice a week. The surroundings remained much cleaner at that time, said Farooq Ahmad of Rani-road. With the service disrupted, garbage has accumulated in water channels and drains. Garbage has blocked the water channels and the smell has become unbearable. There is every likelihood of diseases spreading if the situation continues, Ahmad said. Residents fear the blocked water channels and drains could restrict rainwater flow during heavy rainfall and cause localized waterlogging. In Panditpora village, resident Muhammad Usman questioned the gap between official cleanliness campaigns and conditions in rural areas. Authorities regularly speak about cleanliness and the Swachh Bharat Mission, but villages are being left without a proper waste collection system. A permanent solution is needed instead of leaving people to deal with the garbage themselves, he said. Nisar Ahmad, a Chee resident, said the waste was spreading toward the river. The waste is not confined to one place. It is spreading toward the river and is affecting the surroundings. This can cause serious pollution if it is not removed, he said. Officials said several RDD garbage collection vehicles remain idle because the department lacks an authorized site to unload and dispose of collected waste. The earlier dumping site at Donipawa was discontinued following objections from local residents, leaving the RDD without a designated alternative. The Municipal Council Anantnag (MCA) has a solid waste management facility at Uranhall village, made operational only a few months ago, intended to recycle plastic and polythene and serve Anantnag, Bijbehara and Mattan towns and adjoining areas. MCA Executive Officer (EO) Mirza Asif said the facility is not fully operational and cannot handle waste beyond its current capacity. It is not fully functional and can't afford waste beyond certain capacity, he said, adding that it could serve more areas once fully operational. MCA officials said the garbage near the New Qazibagh-Chee bridge was coming from adjoining rural areas and that the matter would be looked into. Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) AnantnagShafiqWani said the collection problem would soon be addressed. We are soon tendering out the garbage collection for the entire district, Wani said. The problem has also spread to other adjoining villages, including Batengoo, Dialgam, Wanihama and Donipawa, as well as other villages around the town, where water channels are clogged and the surroundings stink. Residents have urged the administration, RDD and Rural Sanitation Department to restore regular door-to-door collection and establish a permanent waste management system covering collection, transportation, segregation, recycling and scientific disposal. They also called for regular monitoring of streams, water channels and adjoining areas to prevent indiscriminate dumping and protect the watercourses from further pollution.

Dilapidated roads, defunct drainage at Suthra Shahi irks residents

Failure of authorities to repair dilapidated road leading to marriage hall at Suthra Shahi coupled with failure to restore defunct drainage system has evoked strong resentment among residents. The lack of basic amenities was highlighted by J&K Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari who posted the pictures of dilapidated road and defunct drainage system on his X handle. In his X post, Altaf Bukhari said he happened to visit the marriage hall while attending the wedding of his party colleague's sister and was utterly surprised by the condition of the road leading to the venue. I could hardly believe my eyes that an area which can be seen from the very window of the Chief Ministers room at the Civil Secretariat is in such a dilapidated condition. To my further surprise, upon reaching the marriage hall, I was informed that this supposedly well-established marriage hall does not have a proper drainage system to dispose of the sewage and other wastes. I would never have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes, Bukhari said. Witnessing such a glaring developmental deficit just a few paces away from Jammu and Kashmirs seat of power raises a fundamental question: How do the leaders of the ruling NC sleep at night, having been entrusted with the peoples mandate. This is a classic example of how a public policy disaster is unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir, and the situation demands serious introspection from those entrusted with the responsibility of governance and the peoples mandate, Bukhari added. However, residents and commuters said the problem has persisted for a long time, causing inconvenience to locals and visitors alike, particularly during the ongoing peak wedding season. Locals said the road leading to the marriage hall is riddled with potholes and uneven patches, while inadequate drainage often results in waterlogging during rains, making movement difficult for pedestrians and motorists. Residents said the poor civic infrastructure gives an unpleasant impression to guests attending wedding functions from different parts of Srinagar and outside Kashmir. It is embarrassing when relatives and guests travel from different parts of the city only to find broken roads and stagnant water outside a marriage hall. This is the heart of Srinagar and such conditions do not reflect well on the city, said a local resident. Ishfaq Ahmad, a commuter, said the area witnesses heavy vehicular movement because of frequent marriage functions, making the damaged road a serious concern. Vehicles slow down to negotiate potholes, resulting in congestion. During rains, pedestrians have no option but to walk through waterlogged patches. The road requires immediate macadamisation, he said. Residents also said that drainage around the marriage hall is inadequate for sewage and waste. There should be a proper drainage network around such a busy venue. During every spell of rain, it causes inconvenience to visitors as well as nearby residents, another local said. The issue has also revived concerns over civic infrastructure around marriage halls in Srinagar. Earlier, residents living near a marriage hall at Shah Faisalabad, Batamaloo had complained about inadequate smoke ventilation from its cooking area, alleging that emissions caused inconvenience to neighboring households, particularly elderly people and those suffering from respiratory ailments. Over the past few months, Greater Kashmir has carried a series of reports highlighting dilapidated roads and civic infrastructure across various localities, with residents repeatedly urging the authorities to complete road repairs before the onset of winter. Earlier, officials from the Roads and Buildings Department and the SMC said macadamization works are underway in different parts of the city on a priority basis. We are taking up road restoration and macadamization in phases. Recently, Ali Jan Road was macadamised, while several other stretches are also being covered, an official said. Residents said they hope the renewed attention on the issue results in timely repairs so that the road and drainage around the marriage hall are improved before winter sets in.

Promoting educationacross country

KVs And JNVs are the two bAt primary and the secondary stages Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are two well known names in the realm of education at central government level in India. Lakhs of students are studying in these central schools. Government of India approved the scheme of KVs in November, 1962 on the recommendations of the 2nd Central Pay Commission which suggested that Government should prepare a scheme to provide uninterrupted education to the wards of the transferrable Central Government employees. The scheme came into existence in 1963. The founder of JNV scheme is Late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, who established JNV in 1986. It is a network of Government of India run schools specifically crafted to offer quality education to the underprivileged rural talented students. Though both these centrally administered prominent educational institutions have a common objective of providing quality education to children regardless of their socio-economic background yet they vary in their approaches and focus to achieve the end result briefly described as follows. KVs:- It is one of the worlds largest chain of such schools and the largest one in India. KVs provide a common syllabus and methodology of imparting education and are meant to ensure that children of central government employees do not face educational disadvantages when their parents are transferred from one place to another place of posting. KVs make the education comparatively affordable as fee is generally much less than private schools. They focus more on the mainstream academics. They have stronger emphasis on military type discipline and training with career in defence requirements. Extracurricular activities are relatively vast. They adopt National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum and are affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). All the schools are co-educational and offer classes from 1st to 12th and emphasize a structured teaching role in urban areas . The medium of instruction is primarily Hindi and English. They offer a wide range of subjects like English, Hindi, Science, Sanskrit, Work Experience, Arts, Social Studies, Maths, Physical and Health Education etc. For opening a new KV school 2.5 acres of land are required. JNVs:- JNVs too adopt NCERT curriculum and are affiliated to CBSE. They provide residential quality education to the talented students from class 6th class to 12th class. They lay stress on grooming meritorious students from rural areas. Linked to merit based entrance test they are marked for academic brilliance and a peculiar atmosphere offered for otherwise disadvantaged children and that is further substantiated by their performance at Board examinations. Their extracurricular activities are comparatively limited. However, JNV has a more competitive environment due to availability of limited number of seats as compared to KVs. JNVs provide a common core curriculum and ensure comparability in standards to facilitate understand the common and composite culture & civilization of people. For getting admission in JNV a candidate must be between the age group of 13-15 years on 1st May of the year of admission. The selection test is conducted by CBSE which is called Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya Selection Test. Each JNV is a co-educational residential institution giving free boarding and lodging, text books, school uniforms, to and fro bus/rail fare and stationery to the inmates. Both KVs and JNVs under the aegis of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, hold recruitment examinations for teaching and non-teaching purposes across the country for various posts of trained graduate teachers, post graduate teachers, primary teachers and non-teaching posts thus creating employment for thousands of youth and livelihood for lakhs of people. On 6/12/2024 the Union Cabinet sanctioned 85 new KVs and 28 new JNVs at an approved outlay of Rs.8,231 crore for establishing these schools. Jammu and Kashmir will have the highest number of 13 new KVs while Arunachal Pradesh will receive the highest number of 18 new JNVs. These are in addition to the currently functional 1,256 KVs and 653 JNVs making a total of 1,341 and 681 respectively. Before these 50 new schools were approved by BJP Government in March 2019 and in February 2014 the UPA Government had sanctioned 54 schools just ahead of Lok Sabha elections. The 85 KVs will be established within a span of eight years commencing from 2025-26 while as 28 JNVs will be created during five years beginning from 2024-25. These schools are expected to create additional enrollment capacity for about 10,000 students with employment generation for nearly 6,600 new posts. The new KVs are spread across 19 States and Union Territories. The criterion behind the districts chosen for sanctioning new KVs has been clarified by a senior government official who said, New Kendriya Vidyalayas are created based on demand which means we usually establish a new school where there are at least 500 families of Central Government employees. For instance in Jammu & Kashmir a large number has been approved to cater to the families of the many CRPF personnel posted there. To give you another example, in Andhra Pradesh we have approved a KV in a district where the revenue department has started a new training institution. The official elaborated, As for the JNVs, a large number has been for three North-Eastern States-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur- a decision strategically aimed at opening more schools in border States of the region.Six JNVs were cleared for Assam and three for Manipur. These three States account for 17 of the new 28 JNVs. Although all these schools (54 of 2014 and 50 of 2019) have started functioning many are operating from temporary premises. So this time the Union Cabinet has decided that a new KV or new JNV shall not start functioning not even from temporary premises, unless the land for the permanent campus of the institutions has been transferred by the State Government or the Defence Ministry whichever is applicable in the case, the official said. This condition can be a barrier in achieving the ultimate goal of strengthening and spreading of education to the underprivileged youth within the targeted period and finance as acquisition or transfer of land takes time especially in case of JNVs where 30 acres of suitable land are required and which the State Government has to provide free of cost along with sufficient temporary accommodation to run the school till the completion of the Vidyalaya building. In view of paucity of land in places like Jammu & Kashmir, time required for construction of new buildings and economy in expenditure, it would be better to have vertical layers on the existing structures to achieve the targets within the stipulated time and at lesser expenditure. The author is a former Sr. Audit Officer and Consultant in the A.Gs Office Srinagar.

Referral Judges gatekeepers, must refer right case at right time: Justice Rajnesh Oswal

A one day training programme for the Referral Judges was conducted on Sunday at the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy, Srinagar, in hybrid mode under the aegis of the Mediation & Conciliation Committee (MCC), High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court in view of the Mediation for the Nation 3.0 Drive. In the inaugural address, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, as per an official statement, while addressing the participants described the programme as a focused Judicial Master Class aimed at equipping the Referral Judges with the practical tools for effective case referral. He emphasized that mediation is relevant across all spheres of life and highlighted the crucial role of Referral Judges as the primary gatekeepers of justice delivery system, responsible for identifying disputes that are better suited for mediation rather than formal adjudication. He stressed that mediation adopts an interest-based approach, offering parties faster, confidential and relationship-preserving solutions, particularly in complex human and commercial disputes.

Sangramal auction caused massive loss to exchequer: Sajad Lone

J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone has broken his silence on the much-discussed Rs 421.75 crore land auction adjacent to Sangramal, won by a consortium comprising a local corporate entity headed by Mushtaq Chaya and a non-local corporate partner. While the deal has drawn its share of critics, Lone, as per a statement issued on Sunday, used the occasion to offer a broader and more principled reflection on how the government ought to manage its assets and where it must draw a firm line. At the heart of Lone's position is a conviction that government has no business being in business. It is not the job of the government to make shops, run marriage halls or undertake any corporate activity, he said, adding that the state must not crowd out private players by occupying commercial space that rightly belongs to them. The government's role, he maintained, is to enable and regulate not to compete. Turning to the specifics of the auction, Lone acknowledged the model as a step forward but did not shy away from pointing out its limitations. I personally don't think there should have been a lock, stock and barrel auction, he remarked, arguing instead that the government ought to have insisted on retaining an equity stake in the consortium. He assessed the reserve price as being significantly on the lower side, stating plainly that he auction should have yielded a higher price in the region of 900 to 1,000 crores. That said, Lone was careful to contextualise his criticism. He noted that the current model broadly emulates the Leela-Centaur hotel deal and represents a meaningful improvement over the deeply flawed approaches of the past.

J&Ks 98.43% literacy rate fulfils Sheikh Abdullahs dream: Choudhary Ramzan

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and MP Rajya Sabha Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan Sunday congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on achieving a 98.43% literacy rate under ULLASNBSK and becoming a fully literate region, describing the achievement as historic and a matter of immense pride. He said that this achievement is not merely an increase in statistics, but the result of the tireless efforts, commitment and dedication of countless teachers, education officers, volunteers, social workers, students and learners who played their part in taking the light of education to every household and settlement, from the remote mountainous areas of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu. As per a party statement issued, he said that it is the collective responsibility of all of us to acknowledge and pay tribute to the services and sacrifices of everyone associated with this remarkable achievement, particularly the teaching community, as teachers play a fundamental role in building an aware and educated society. Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan said that Jammu and Kashmir becoming a fully literate region today is a fulfilment of the great dream of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, which he had envisioned and pursued decades ago. He said that when Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah launched his struggle to spread education in Jammu and Kashmir and make it accessible to every section of society, the literacy rate in the region was extremely low, at around 6 percent, while education remained largely confined to privileged and affluent families, with a major section of the Muslim population also deprived of this facility. He said that Sher-e-Kashmir sought to transform this situation by making education a fundamental means of social and political awakening. He emphasised that no nation can progress unless every child and every section of society is provided equal opportunities for education. He said that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah made the promotion of education one of their fundamental priorities. The establishment of schools, expansion of educational opportunities, free access to education for children from poor and disadvantaged sections, and initiatives aimed at creating educational awareness among the people laid the foundation of a society in which education became a right of the common people. He said that Sher-e-Kashmirs vision was not limited merely to literacy; rather, he aspired to build an empowered, enlightened and self-confident society in which knowledge, education and social justice would serve as the means of progress for every individual.