Health & Fitness

Shares fall in Asia, with Kospi down 5.2%; oil prices jump

Bangkok, Aug 19: Shares slipped Wednesday in Asia after Wall Street pulled further from its all-time high as artificial-intelligence stocks resumed their decline. South Korea's Kospi led the regional retreat, dropping 5.2 per cent to 6,515.97. The two biggest companies benefiting from the AI boom tracked losses for their US rivals. Samsung Electronics shed 6.9 per cent, while memory chipmaker SK Hynix tumbled 7.9 per cent. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 sank 2.6 per cent to 65,703.78. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.4 per cent to 25,382.66, while the Shanghai Composite index shed 1.5 per cent to 3,927.70. Taiwan's Taiex fell 1.4 per cent, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.4 per cent to 9,083.70. Apart from renewed jitters over criticism that AI-related stocks have shot too high, rising oil prices also were clouding market sentiment. Crude prices have been swinging sharply due to uncertainty about when and whether the United States and Iran can reach a deal to allow oil tankers to exit the Persian Gulf freely again. Brent was going for USD 72.87 per barrel just before the start of the war. Brent crude, the international standard, surged 0.9 per cent to USD 91.83 per barrel. US benchmark crude oil gained 1 per cent to USD 84.88 per barrel On Tuesday, Wall Street pulled further from its all-time high. The S&P 500 fell 0.7 per cent for a third straight modest loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.2 per cent, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.3 per cent. Stocks that have been big winners in the boom around AI technology led the decline. They've been veering up and down this summer on worries that their prices have shot too high and that the strong demand for memory, processors and other building blocks of data centres may fizzle if AI proves less profitable than promised. Micron Technology dropped 7 per cent, and the seller of computer memory was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500. So were chip companies Nvidia, which fell 2.3 per cent, and Broadcom, which sank 3.2 per cent. Even with their recent swings, such stocks remain big winners, and Micron has more than tripled this year. Bond yields have been another concern. They have jumped since the war began because high oil prices are pushing inflation higher. That adds to worries over huge debt loads for governments, while surging borrowing keeps yields high. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury edged down to 4.70 per cent from 4.72 per cent late Monday but remains well above its 3.97 per cent level from just before the war with Iran began. The 30-year Treasury yield also ticked lower but is still near its highest level since 2007. When bond yields are high, investors are less willing to pay high prices for stocks and other kinds of investments, particularly those seen as the most expensive. High yields have already sent the average long-term US mortgage rate near its highest level in a year, which has hurt the housing industry. A report on Tuesday said homebuilders broke ground on fewer new houses last month than economists expected. High yields could also slow borrowing by Big Tech companies to pay for data centres, threatening a big source of growth for the US economy. In other dealings early Wednesday, the US dollar fell to 159.37 Japanese yen from 159.59 yen. The euro rose to USD 1.1582 from USD 1.1574.

Omar inspects development projects in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday conducted an early morning tour of the city to inspect development projects and review the progress of key civic works. In a post on X, the chief minister's office said the extensive tour of Srinagar city was conducted to assess public facilities and review the progress of key civic works aimed at improving urban infrastructure and public services. During the tour, the chief minister inspected various sites, including the proposed bridge at Barbar Shah, it said. Once completed, the bridge will play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion for commuters heading into Shehar-e-Khaas, ensuring smoother transit and improved urban mobility, the CM's office said. The chief minister also inspected the new building of the Maharaj Gunj Urban Primary Health Centre. The upgraded facility blends modern healthcare infrastructure with the area's rich historical character and will significantly strengthen patient care and healthcare delivery in the heart of 'Shehar-e-Khaas' (interior areas of the city), the CM's office added. Deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers, MLAs, CM's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and senior officials accompanied the chief minister.

How Mumbaikars are helping their home cooks to learn how to make Asian fare

Mumbaikars are enrolling their maharajs and home cooks for special cookery classes where they learn to ace sushi, som tam, truffle, and other inspired global fare

Meet Zainab Nathani, the Illinois student who designed a solar water-harvesting material

At least nine dead in massive Kolkata hotel fire

Kolkata, Aug 19: At least nine people died, and six were injured in a fire at a hotel on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early on Wednesday night, police said. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze that erupted around 1.45 am. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel reached the spot for the rescue operation. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital. The dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared, a police officer told PTI. Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, and the cooling process is underway, he added. West Bengal Fire Department headquarters is located close to the hotel building.

IRCTC Flags What Passengers Are Buying On Trains, Seizes 8,000+ Unapproved Water Bottles

IRCTC has launched surprise inspections nationwide to seize unapproved packaged drinking water and food products on trains and stations.

J-K CM Omar Abdullah conducts early morning city tour

PHDCCI urges FSSAI to prioritise training, awareness before punitive action

Chairman PHDCCI Kashmir Vicky Shaw and Executive Committee member Shahejehan Khan participated in an interactive meeting with Rajit Punhani, Secretary to the Government of India and Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The meeting was organised by Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, Jammu & Kashmir, and was also attended by Devesh Kumar Mahla, IPS, Director, FSSAI Northern Region. During the interaction, Shaw said PHDCCI supports both consumer safety and ease of doing business. While welcoming regulatory reforms, he stressed the need to first equip the business community with adequate knowledge of food safety standards through scientific awareness, training and capacity building rather than relying primarily on punitive measures. Supporting the views expressed by Commissioner Khalid Jahangir, Shaw strongly advocated bringing restaurants and eateries in Jammu & Kashmir in line with global food safety and service standards. He called for clear, accurate and trustworthy declarations on menus, including whether food is fresh or frozen and the specific type of meat being served, such as lamb or beef, in accordance with FSSAI norms. Shaw said greater transparency in food declarations would help strengthen consumer confidence and could also contribute to increased footfall at restaurants and eateries among both tourists and local residents. Reaffirming PHDCCIs commitment to responsible business practices, Shaw said there could be no compromise on food safety, hygiene, consumer trust and transparent declaration of products served to the public.

Ecotourism Association flags rising ecological stress, seeks LGs intervention

President of the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir, Sameer Baktoo, has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to accord sustained attention to Kashmirs growing environmental challenges, particularly climate change, protection of fragile ecosystems and conservation of its iconic hill stations. During a meeting, Baktoo said Kashmirs natural environment was not merely a tourism attraction but the foundation of its tourism economy and the livelihoods of thousands of people. He stressed that protecting mountains, forests, water bodies and fragile landscapes must remain a long-term priority. A key concern raised during the meeting was the effective implementation of No-Polythene Zone provisions in hill stations and other environmentally sensitive destinations. Baktoo called for strict enforcement, regular monitoring and effective measures to prevent violations in areas already notified as No-Polythene Zones. The discussion also focused on strengthening environmental safeguards, promoting responsible tourism, regulating activities in ecologically sensitive areas and creating greater awareness among tourists, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Baktoo said increasing tourism pressure, plastic pollution, unplanned development and the growing impact of climate change were placing additional stress on Kashmirs fragile ecological balance. He called for a coordinated approach under the Lieutenant Governors leadership to ensure that tourism development and environmental protection move together. The association reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism that protects nature, respects local communities and supports livelihoods. The future of Kashmir tourism is inseparable from the future of Kashmirs environment. If we protect our environment, we protect our tourism, our livelihoods and the future of generations to come, Baktoo said.

JKEDI Baramulla concludes RAMP programmes, trains 310 candidates in entrepreneurship

Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Baramulla, successfully concluded two programmes, MDP XIII and MDP XIV, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, with 50 candidates successfully completing the training. During these programmes, participants were provided comprehensive, domain-specific knowledge aimed at strengthening their entrepreneurial capabilities. The training was facilitated by Mohammad Rafiq Mir and Sheikh Nowsheen as Trainers. The designated reviewer, Waseem Ahad, Project Manager, evaluated both programmes and interacted with the participants. He encouraged them to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired during the training and translate their learnings into sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. With the successful completion of the two programmes, a total of 310 candidates have now been imparted training under RAMP at Baramulla, contributing towards entrepreneurship promotion and strengthening the MSME ecosystem in the district. While concluding the programmes, District Nodal Officer Imtiyaz Ahmad Malla informed the candidates that JKEDI Baramulla will shortly commence the next batch and assured that suitable references from the current batch would be considered for inclusion in the upcoming programme. The initiative reflects JKEDIs continued efforts towards fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing skills and creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the district.

J&K Bank expands corporate salary portfolio with 2 new MoUs in Srinagar, Udhampur

Further strengthening its institutional partnerships through customised employee-banking solutions, J&K Bank signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under its Corporate Salary Package with FIL Industries Private Limited in Srinagar and Brahmrishi Bawra Shanti Vidya Peeth Higher Secondary School in Udhampur. In Srinagar, Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar signed the agreement on behalf of J&K Bank, while Managing Director FIL Industries Junaid Altaf Bukhari represented the company. The agreement was signed in the presence of Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (SSI) Ubaid Ashraf and other senior officials from both organisations. The MoU will bring nearly 600 employees of FIL Industries - one of the leading business groups in the Union Territory - within the ambit of the Banks Corporate Salary Package. Speaking on the occasion, Zonal Head Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar said, This MoU reflects our continued endeavour to deepen the Banks longstanding institutional relationship with FIL Industries while extending a comprehensive suite of customised banking benefits to its employees. Through preferential products, enhanced digital convenience and need-based financial solutions, we aim to add value to their overall banking experience. Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni briefed the participants about the salient features and benefits available under the package, including specialised salary-account variants, preferential loan facilities, insurance coverage, and digital banking services. Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, the Bank entered a similar arrangement with Brahmrishi Bawra Shanti Vidya Peeth Higher Secondary School, Udhampur, which has a staff strength of more than 165 employees. During a ceremony held in Udhampur, Zonal Head (Udhampur) Arjun Singh Rathore signed the MoU on behalf of J&K Bank, while Chairperson Chinmay Jyoti (Didi Ji) signed it on behalf of the school. On the occasion, Zonal Head Arjun Singh Rathore said, The partnership represents our commitment to building meaningful institutional relationships through customer-centric banking solutions. By combining preferential financial benefits with convenient, technology-driven services, the Corporate Salary Package seeks to provide the schools employees with a seamless and rewarding banking experience aligned with their evolving professional and personal needs. Present at the signing ceremony were the Banks Cluster Head (Udhampur) Ritesh Sharma, Branch Head (Shakti Nagar) Nikhil Grover, Chief Manager Sanjeev Gupta, Admin Officer Brahmrishi Bawra School Jeetender Kumar, Principal Ashwani Kumar and Bank officials Sunil Mansotra and Asmita Malgotra. Through these partnerships, the Bank aims to broaden access to customised salary accounts, attractive retail-credit facilities, insurance benefits and enhanced digital services while further consolidating its relationships with prominent institutions across J&K.

GenTechPro annual day highlights job creation, environmental responsibility

Former minister for Law, Justice, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, on Tuesday lauded Kashmirs entrepreneurs for creating employment opportunities and enabling local youth to build professional careers. Bukhari was speaking at the annual day function of GenTechPro, a technology, proposal development and staffing firm with offshore operations in Srinagar and clients in the United States. He appreciated the contribution of local entrepreneurs towards generating jobs and providing talented youth with opportunities to develop professional skills. Speaking at the event, Raja Muzaffar Bhat, head of the J&K RTI Movement and J&K Climate Action Group, stressed the need for proper waste management and responsible waste disposal to prevent environmental degradation in Kashmir. He called for collective efforts to protect the regions fragile environment. Bukhari and Bhat were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. GenTechPro employees were also presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of their work and contribution to the companys growth. GenTechPro CEO and Co-founder Syed Hidayat Bukhari said the company had started operations with three employees and had since grown to a workforce of 18. He said the company aims to increase its workforce to 50 employees by the end of 2027, with a broader objective of creating employment opportunities for talented youth. Co-founder and Director of Operations Syed Jehangir Nazir said GenTechPro provides customised technology, proposal development and staffing solutions to government and enterprise clients. The company specialises in proposal development, IT solutions and workforce support, he said. He added that the parent company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., while its offshore offices are located in Srinagar, Chennai and Noida, enabling it to serve clients across multiple markets. Dr Tariq Ahmad Masoodi, a biotechnology and cancer-genomics scientist, also attended the event. He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, genomics and precision diagnostics in healthcare, particularly in enabling earlier cancer detection and more personalised treatment decisions. Masoodi stressed the need for increasingly targeted, data-driven therapies based on the molecular and genetic characteristics of individual patients. He has more than 100 research publications and thousands of citations, with his work spanning genomics, cancer biology and AI-driven precision oncology. Sheikh Owais, an international learning and development expert and founder of Aurelian Academy, underlined the importance of English-language proficiency and accurate pronunciation in professional communication. He noted that GenTechPros clients include native English speakers, making effective communication an important aspect of professional engagement.

Protect growers, ensure hassle-free trade: Sopore Fruit Association to Govt

The Fruit Growers and Dealers Association of Sopore has sought implementation of the Minimum Support/Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and an effective crop insurance mechanism as the new fruit marketing season gets underway at the Fruit Mandi Sopore. Association president Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kaka Ji, addressing a press conference at the fruit mandi on Tuesday, said the season had begun smoothly and expressed optimism that growers and traders would witness better market conditions this year. He stressed that continued government support was necessary to safeguard the horticulture sector, which provides livelihoods to thousands of people directly and indirectly. Malik identified MIS and crop insurance as two of the major demands of fruit growers. He said an effective market intervention mechanism could provide growers protection against sharp fluctuations in fruit prices, while crop insurance would help compensate them for losses arising from adverse weather and other crop-related risks. Speaking about transportation, Malik said concerns relating to the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway had already been taken up with the government. He said the situation had improved and fruit-laden trucks were now reaching different parts of the country smoothly. The improvement, he said, had provided relief to growers, dealers and transporters, particularly ahead of the peak marketing period when the movement of fruit consignments increases substantially. Malik also highlighted the organisational structure of the fruit mandi, stating that there is only one registered association representing fruit growers and dealers in the mandithe Fruit Growers and Dealers Association. He said the association was registered in 1979. Urging all stakeholders to maintain peace, discipline and cooperation, Malik cautioned against attempts by individuals to disrupt the peaceful marketing process at the mandi. He said any disruption to fruit trade could have a direct impact on the livelihoods of thousands of people associated with the horticulture economy, including growers, dealers, commission agents, transporters and other workers. Malik appealed to SSP Sopore to take strict legal action against individuals allegedly involved in creating disturbances or attempting to disrupt the smooth functioning of the mandi. He specifically urged that FIRs be registered against those found involved in such activities. He also called upon the administration to take concrete and effective preventive measures to ensure that no elements are allowed to disturb the peaceful conduct of fruit trade during the marketing season. Fruit mandi is the backbone of the local economy and thousands of families depend on its smooth functioning, Malik said, appealing to growers, dealers, commission agents, transporters and other stakeholders to work together in the larger interest of the horticulture sector. He further urged the government and administration to ensure adequate arrangements throughout the ongoing fruit season so that marketing activities remain uninterrupted and growers are able to secure better returns for their produce. The association president said smooth transportation, orderly functioning of the mandi, effective government support and protection against market and crop-related risks would be crucial for ensuring a stable and successful fruit marketing season.

IGC Lassipora struggles with pothole-ridden roads, drainage failures

Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora, one of Kashmirs largest industrial hubs, is grappling with deteriorating internal roads, a dysfunctional drainage system and the absence of a dedicated transport yard, posing growing challenges for industrial units. Spread over around 8,000 kanals, the industrial estate houses more than 900 units. However, industrialists say its supporting infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the expansion of the estate and the rising volume of commercial traffic. Several internal roads are dotted with potholes, making the movement of heavy vehicles difficult, particularly during the rainy season. Industrialists said the roads were last fully macadamised nearly a decade ago and have since largely received only patchwork repairs. The roads are dotted with potholes which turn into cesspools during the rainy season, said Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, president of the Industrial Association Lassipora. He said the poor condition of the roads was hampering the movement of vehicles carrying raw materials and finished products. Khan said the drainage system had also failed, worsening the situation during rainfall. Due to the failed drainage system, water submerges roads and enters industrial units during rainfall, he said. The problem assumes greater significance given the volume of commercial traffic handled by the estate, including trucks transporting horticultural produce. Khan said the estate has more than 100 controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, each with a capacity of around 5,000 metric tonnes, making Lassipora an important destination for apple growers and traders during the harvest season. Thousands of apple trucks stop outside these CA stores to ferry apples for storage, Khan said. However, the absence of a dedicated transport yard forces heavy vehicles to park along roads and near industrial units, resulting in congestion inside and around the estate. In the absence of a transport yard, there is a huge rush of thousands of trucks during the fruit season, Khan said. Industrialists said the situation becomes particularly acute during the peak apple harvesting season, when trucks carrying fruit from different parts of Kashmir converge on the estate. They have sought comprehensive macadamisation of the internal road network, restoration of the drainage system and creation of a dedicated transport yard to regulate the movement and parking of heavy vehicles. The industrialists also urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the estates road and drainage infrastructure and prepare a time-bound plan for its upgradation. They said improving the basic infrastructure at IGC Lassipora was essential not only for the smooth functioning of existing industrial units but also for supporting the estates growing role in Kashmirs manufacturing, storage and horticulture-related economy.

Kukroosa residents demand better healthcare

The residents of Kukroosa in Ramhal area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district have expressed resentment against the authorities for failing to ensure better healthcare facilities at New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Kukroosa. The residents said that due to lack of proper staff, they are subjected to sufferings but authorities were doing nothing to augment the staff here. They said only one doctor was performing duties at NTPHC Kukroosa which according to them was not substantial for over thirty thousand population. They demanded that the vacant posts be filled at the earliest. The residents said that the hospital caters to a huge chunk of population but still lacks basic amenities, much to the disappointment of locals of over two dozen villages including Kukroosa, Lilam, Zafarkhani, Waisa Kawnar, Khanbal, Sunmulla, Kalipora, Chirpawa, Sirajpora and others. The residents said that the hospital was working without a dental surgeon. A special ward with dental chair and required things are of no use without a dental doctor, Aijaz Ahmad a local told Greater Kashmir . Residents said that due to lack of a lab technician diagnostic facilities were not being carried at the health centre, forcing patients to look for other alternatives. Pregnancy care has also been hit due to non-availability of a gynaecologist and expecting women are forced to look for other alternatives, they added. The residents have sought immediate intervention of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb in this regard so that the hardships being faced by the people may end.

Report on illegal mining submitted in NGT

A report submitted by the Joint Committee (JC) comprising top officials from Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change -MoEFCC, Central Pollution Control Board -CPCB & J&K Pollution Control Committee -JKPCC along with Deputy Commissioners of Budgam and Pulwama have confirmed that large-scale illegal earth mining in the karewas of Pulwama and Budgam in last 5 years. The report mentioned that more than 18 lakh metric tons of clay ,sand , gravel has been illegally looted in Zadoora , Gowherpora and Rangeen Kultreh villages of Pulwama and Budgam districts. Out of 18 lakh MTs , 13 lakh MTs of material has been excavated from Gowherpora and Rangeen Kultreh villages of Chadoora Budgam and around 5 lakhs MTs from Zadoora village of Pulwama in Hastikhud area. These reports were placed on record before National Green Tribunal-NGT on Monday 17th August 2026 in the case of Raja Muzaffar Bhat v/s J&K Government and others case. The counsel for the Government as well as petitioner Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat sought time to file their responses and the case is now listed for hearing on November 4. The reports signed and submitted by Member Secretary J&K Pollution Control Committee , Director CPCB, MoEF & DCs of Pulwama and Budgam has clearly mentioned that large scale illegal excavation has taken place between 2019-2024 in Zadoora and Gowherpora villages of Pulwama and Budgam District. The report quoting Mining Department J&K Govt mentions that illegal excavation work took place due to law and order situation post article 370 abrogation and COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. On page 4 of the report dated 12.6.2026 the Member Secretary J&K Pollution Control Committee -JKPCC Dr R Gopinath makes some glaring revelations with regard to Gowherpora site where NKC Projects Pvt Ltd has been excavating clay, sand and bajri from 2021 to 2024 . The relevant para reads: It was observed that Environmental Clearance has not been obtained prior to commencement of mining activities. The earth mining was carried out without approved mining plan, consent from Pollution Control Committee and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Clearance-EC. In Zadoora Hastikhud area loot and plunder has taken place and this has been reported by the joint committee in its report. The report filed by Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing also confirms large scale mining as they have placed on record satellite imagery between 2014 to 2026. The said report submitted before National Green Tribunal -NGT reads: Government is trying to take benefit of article 370 abrogation and COVID 19 pandemic and it is a known fact that there was complete curfew and lockdown during these times and no movement of traffic was allowed. There were security forces on every major road in villages and towns and how come the Mining Department or other Government authorities claim loot and plunder took place during that time? 18 lakh MTs is a very small amount. This is 100 times more, I am sure. I will take up this case with NGT as well as anti corruption agencies like CBI or ACB. The Govt officials who allowed this loot will be identified said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat. Pertinently a joint inspection team was constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), J&K Pollution Control Committee- JKPCC , DCs of Pulwama and Budgam early this year. This team had visited Zadoora in Pulwama and Gowherpora, Rangeen Kultreh in Chadoora, Budgam in April this year to assess allegations of illegal earth mining. The report was submitted in NGT recently. The case is now crystal clear, the reports of NGTs joint committee , JK Pollution Control Committee have clearly exposed the illegal mining done in karewas of Budgam and Pulwama. The company called NKC Projects Pvt Ltd has looted our streams and rivers and has been imposed with Environmental Compensation -EC in Shaliganga case. In the Sukhnag case also they will be penalised and now I urge upon Chairman JKPCC to impose EC on them in this case as well and make sure the company is blacklisted as well. This company has not done any development but they caused disaster and looted sand , clay , gravel , boulders worth hundreds of crores which needs a high level probe Dr Raja Muzaffar added.

Baramulla contractors announce boycott of tendering amidst royalty dispute

The Baramulla Contractors Association has decided to boycott the tendering process until essential construction material, including sand, bajri and gravel, is made available, a move that could delay several development projects sanctioned for the district. The decision comes against the backdrop of an ongoing standoff between authorities and quarry and tipper owners over the payment of royalty on minor minerals. The impasse has disrupted the supply chain, leaving contractors without the material required to execute government works. The contractors' decision follows protests by quarry owners and tipper operators, who have been demanding the restoration of royalty payments, alleging that the issue has brought their operations to a halt. With the extraction and transportation of construction material affected, contractors say they are unable to even bid for projects, despite the limited time available for completing works during the current working season. Chairman of the Baramulla Contractors Association, Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, said contractors were facing a severe shortage of essential material at a time when only around two months remained for completing several development works. Without material, how is it possible to start work on projects? Tomorrow, if something goes wrong with the work, we will be blacklisted, he said. He said, Unless material is made available, we cannot participate in any tendering process, Sheikh said. The issue has also drawn concern from Baramulla MLA Javed Hassan Baig, who questioned how development works could be executed when quarry owners were allegedly being deprived of royalty and tipper operators were unable to transport mining material. The disruption has had consequences beyond government projects. Quarry owners, tipper operators, labourers and others dependent on the mineral supply chain have been left without work, with thousands of families facing financial hardship. For the contractors, the shortage has created a difficult choice: participate in tenders without any assurance of material supply or stay away from the process to avoid taking responsibility for delays and incomplete works. The continuing logjam could therefore have a cascading impact on Baramulla's development programme, potentially delaying projects, affecting public works and deepening the economic distress among people dependent on quarrying, transportation and construction-related activities. Contractors and material suppliers have urged authorities to resolve the royalty dispute at the earliest, stressing that uninterrupted access to construction material is crucial to keeping development projects on schedule.

J&K challenged by specific circumstances, inherited history: Prof Indu Agnihotri

Former director and professor at the Centre for Womens Development Studies, ICSSR New Delhi, Prof Indu Agnihotri on Tuesday said that Gender equality was a major challenge globally as well as in India and Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed the need for stronger data, equal opportunities and greater recognition of womens economic contribution. Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of a National Conference on Gender Equality in the 21st Century organised by the Government College for Women (GCW), M A Road, Srinagar, Agnihotri said equality for women was a universal goal but its implementation continued to face region-specific challenges. Gender equality is a challenge all across the world. It is a challenge in India and it is a challenge in J&K. Jammu and Kashmir also faces challenges shaped by its specific circumstances and inherited history, she told Greater Kashmir . She said the South Asian region shares several common challenges, while one of the major hurdles in India was the lack of adequate and reliable data required for precise analysis and effective policymaking. Agnihotri said India was committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women. She said gender equality must be examined across multiple domains, including education, access to resources, political participation, representation and equal opportunities. Do women get work? When they get work, do they get equal pay? Do they have equal access to resources in terms of property or financial resources to start entrepreneurs and new enterprises? she asked. She also highlighted the structural barriers that continue to affect women. She also spoke about the contribution of women to Jammu and Kashmirs economy and society, saying their role has historically extended across different sectors. From traditional Shah Toosh-related work to the Pashmina industry and home-based employment, women have remained an important part of economic production, she added. Agnihotri said the respective governments need to recognise and adequately account for womens contribution to the economy, particularly in agriculture sector. Even in J&K, women have contributed in a big way to agriculture, she said. She further called for greater attention to their often-unrecognised economic role. Conferences on gender equality could help shape public discourse and policy by bringing together data, research and diverse perspectives, she added. She said such platforms enable researchers and stakeholders to study available evidence, deliberate on challenges and formulate recommendations that governments can incorporate into policymaking. She however stressed that recommendations emerging from such discussions must be followed up by governments to translate deliberations into meaningful change. There should be wider debate on employment and unemployment among women besides the differences in perspectives on how these challenges should be addressed need to be part of the policy discourse, Prof. Agnihotri told Greater Kashmir . She said there was a need to have policies that respond to the realities and challenges faced by women.

National Conference on Gender Equality |Persistent barriers confronting women in every sphere

The speakers at the inaugural session of a two-day national conference said that Gender equality cannot be reduced to institutional promises or access to education alone and must translate into equal opportunities, decision-making power, economic independence and leadership for women. The speakers were addressing a gathering during the inaugural session of a two-day national conference on Gender Equality in 21st century at Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar on Tuesday. The National Conference was organised to examine the persistent barriers confronting women and deliberate on pathways towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5. In her address, Principal GCW M.A. Road, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, said the theme had a particular significance for an institution that has been at the centre of women's education in Jammu and Kashmir for more than seven decades. Established in 1950, the college has witnessed generations of women pass through its portals and contribute to education, administration, healthcare, research, literature, public service and several other fields, she said. Therefore, when we speak of gender equality and women's empowerment, we are not discussing an abstract idea. It is closely connected with the history, purpose and identity of this institution, she added. She however cautioned that the progress achieved over the years must not lead to complacency saying that women continue to face barriers in access to opportunities, economic participation, representation in decision-making, technology, leadership and several social and cultural spaces. The challenge before us is no longer simply to ask whether women have access to education, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq said. She said that questions need to be answered whether education translates into agency, qualifications into opportunities, participation into leadership and equality guaranteed in principle into equality experienced in everyday life. She said achieving SDG-5 would require much more than institutional measures saying there was a need to address social attitudes, economic structures, cultural practices, technology, education and systems of decision-making. She said that academic institutions have a crucial role in this transformation as colleges and universities are not merely centres for transmitting knowledge but spaces where social assumptions can be questioned and young minds encouraged to examine society critically. For an institution dedicated to women's education, the responsibility extends beyond awarding degrees. Education should ultimately enlarge choices, she added. She said there was a need to equip young women with confidence, critical thinking, skills and the ability to make independent choices. She said women must also be encouraged to enter areas where they remain under-represented and be prepared for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, artificial intelligence and changing patterns of work. If an educated young woman is able to choose her profession, articulate her views, participate in decisions affecting her life, become economically independent and contribute confidently to society, education has fulfilled a much larger purpose, she said. Conference coordinator Dr. Jaleel Ahsan in his address said that women constitute nearly half of the world's population, yet have historically faced systematic marginalisation, discrimination and unequal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making. He said biological differences between men and women had often been converted by social institutions, cultural practices and historical traditions into hierarchies used to justify inequality. The roots of gender inequality can be traced to the family, where gender roles, expectations and power relations are introduced, learned and normalised before extending into educational institutions, workplaces, political systems and economic structures, he said. He said that gender equality was not simply a question concerning women but a question of justice, dignity, human rights, social development and the future of society itself. A society cannot claim to be genuinely progressive if opportunities and rights are determined by gender, he said. Referring to SDG-5, he said the global commitment to gender equality requires societies not merely to address discrimination after it occurs but to examine and transform the structures, institutions, attitudes and practices that reproduce inequality. He called for collective engagement by families, educational institutions, workplaces, communities, government offices and civil society to advance women's empowerment. The two-day conference has been organised as an interdisciplinary platform to examine the social, psychological, historical, environmental, philosophical, political, economic, cultural, educational and institutional dimensions of gender equality. Dr. Ahsan said the objective was not merely to hold an academic exercise but to create space for dialogue, reflection, critical inquiry and exchange of ideas that could contribute to a more just and inclusive society. The inaugural session was attended by noted scholar and former Director of the Centre for Womens Development Studies New Delhi Prof. Indu Agnihotri, J&K Bank Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, academicians Prof. Neerja Matoo, Prof. Naseem Shafaie and Prof. Masooda Yasin, besides principals of various colleges, senior faculty members, researchers, delegates and students.

VIT Chennai hosts its 14th Annual Convocation

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai celebrated its 14th annual convocation on Sunday (August 16, 2026). Dr. T. Ramasami, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India took part as Chief Guest, Mohit Jain, Chief Operating Officer (Publishing) and Board Member, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. was the guest of honour and Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, South India took part as special guest. VIT Founder and Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan presided over the convocation ceremony, VIT Vice Presidents Dr. Sankar Viswanathan and Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice chancellor Dr. V. S. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Dr.T.Thyagarajan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, VIT Chennai, Dr. Partha Sharathi Mallick, Pro - Vice Chancellor, VIT Vellore, Dr. K. Sathiyanarayanan, Director, VIT Chennai, Dr. Jayabarathi T, Registrar, VIT and Dr.P.K.Manoharan, Additional Registrar, VIT Chennai also took part in the convocation. Delivering his convocation address, Dr. T. Ramasami said that youth had an important role in building not only their own future, but also shaping their family, the country and humanity. He recalled that a few decades ago, only 740 engineering students graduated from engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu while today, several lakh of engineering students graduate from the State every year, and this would not have been possible without bringing together every available resource. Dr. Ramasami said that since 2000, Tamil Nadu had emerged as a leader in research and development (R&D), as measured by the number of research papers published in peer-reviewed journals. About 61 per cent of the research papers published in India are from Tamil Nadu, of which 35 per cent were contributed by private universities. Institutions like VIT had played a key role in this development. According to Dr. Ramasami, VIT has played a stellar role not only in transforming higher education but also in making significant contributions to the larger process of nation-building. Presiding over the convocation, Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of VIT, congratulated 4,518 (UG, PG, and PhD) who received their degrees in the 14th annual convocation of VIT Chennai. He said that only around 13 per cent of Indias population had attained graduate-level education and emphasised that graduating students represented the future of the nation. While India was witnessing rapid economic growth, he observed that the expansion of higher education had not kept pace with that of developed nations. By comparison, Canada had a graduate attainment rate of around 64 per cent among its eligible youth, while South Korea and Japan recorded rates of approximately 53 per cent, he noted. Speaking on the occasion, Mohit Jain, Chief Operating Officer (Publishing) and Board Member, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. urged the graduates to pursue happiness. You are graduating today with dreams and visions. Work hard, compete, and build teams. Build solutions to the problems that my generation could not solve. But don't be too obsessed with success. Because one of the greatest tracks is believing that the next achievement will make us happy, he remarked. In his address, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, said India and Sri Lanka were separated by a narrow stretch of water, but connected by thousands of years of history, culture, religion, language, trade and human relationships. Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka share an extraordinary depth of culture and historical connections.

Rose Enclave residents demand macadamisation

Srinagar, Aug 18:Residents of Rose Enclave Colony Sector B of Shivpora locality have sought repairs and macadamisation of dilapidated road stretch in the locality. A delegation from the area said the Shivpora road till Masjid Muhammadiya has developed potholes and caved in at several places in absence of repairs. Despite passing of over a year since drainage construction, the road has neither been repaired, leveled or macadamised. Due to dilapidated road, locals especially women, children and the elderly face problems walking on uneven road surfaces and pose a risk of injuries to them. Due to deep potholes, several vehicles also suffered damages, they said. Our lives have become miserable due to dilapidated road, they added. Locals said during rains, the dilapidated turns into cesspool hampering their movement. We make a fervent appeal to our MLA Ahsan Pardesi to direct the concerned officials to expedite repairs and macadamisation of the road on priority for convenience to locals, they said.

BJP to hold Secretariat gherao on Aug 31 against 'misgovernance, corruption'

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced that it will hold a Secretariat Gherao outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on August 31, accusing the National Conference-led government of failing on governance and alleging irregularities in appointments and corruption. According to BJP J&K Media Incharge Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah, the party will mobilise its workers and supporters for the protest against what it described as the misgovernance of the NC government. The proposed protest is expected to focus on several issues, including alleged backdoor appointments, corruption and other governance-related concerns. The BJP is likely to use the protest to intensify its political campaign against the ruling National Conference government and highlight what it says are failures in administration and delivery of governance. The party said the Secretariat Gherao would be held on August 31 outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, with BJP leaders and workers expected to participate in the demonstration. The announcement comes after the BJP had earlier planned a Secretariat Gherao March at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on July 20. However, the party had postponed the programme in view of the devastating flood situation in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The BJP had said at the time that the decision to defer the protest was taken considering the prevailing situation in the affected areas and the need to prioritise relief and assistance amid the flood crisis. With the fresh announcement, the BJP has now decided to revive its protest programme and take its campaign directly to the seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government in Srinagar. The proposed mobilisation is also expected to bring renewed focus on the BJPs criticism of the NC government over appointments and alleged corruption. The party has repeatedly raised allegations of favouritism and irregularities in government functioning, while the ruling party has maintained that its government is committed to transparent and accountable governance. The August 31 programme is likely to provide the BJP with a platform to further sharpen its political attack on the Omar Abdullah-led administration, particularly over issues of employment, recruitment, governance and alleged corruption. The BJP leadership is expected to spell out its demands and allegations in greater detail during the protest and call upon the government to address what it describes as major concerns affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed Secretariat Gherao will also be closely watched in view of its potential to escalate the political confrontation between the BJP and the National Conference government in the Union Territory.

KU's Urdu Department begins intl conference on environmental literature

Srinagar, Aug 18:Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir (KU) began a two-day international conference on Environmental Literature and Criticism in Urdu at the Main Campus. The conference aims to bring together faculty members, researchers, students and literature enthusiasts from various across the globe to deliberate on the emerging field of environmental literature and its critical dimensions in Urdu. Presiding over the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan described the conference theme as one of the significant academic concerns of the contemporary era. Literary and research activities centred on environment and nature are important in the contemporary context. Such academic initiatives help broaden the scope of research and critical inquiry in Urdu literature, she said. Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the interrelationship between nature, environment and human life as reflected in Urdu literature. He emphasised the need for sustained academic and research engagement with environmental literature and criticism. Delivering the keynote address, former Head, Department of Urdu, University of Delhi, Prof. Irtiza Karim, noted the significance of environmental literature and criticism and drew attention to contemporary environmental challenges and their impact on human life and civilisation. Head, Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, Prof. Shahab Inayat Ahmad Malik, and former Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education KU, Prof Shafiqa Parveen, also shared their views on the theme. They described environmental literature and criticism as highly relevant to contemporary academic discourse and highlighted various dimensions of the subject and its importance for the advancement of Urdu literary studies. Former Head, Department of Urdu, and Dean Faculty of Arts, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Malik, emphasised the importance of promoting environmental consciousness through Urdu literature.

DC Srinagar inaugurates ICT Labs in 5 Government Schools

Srinagar, Aug 18:Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Tuesday inaugurated state-of-the-art ICT Labs established in five Government Schools across the District under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative funded by NTT DATA and implemented by ELFA International, marking a significant step towards strengthening digital education and expanding equitable access to technology-enabled learning opportunities. The inauguration ceremony was held at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Nawakadal, where Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the ICT Labs established in five educational institutions including Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nawakadal, Government Boys High School, Dara, Government Boys High School, Panzinara, Government Boys High School, Bakshipora and Government Girls High School, Balhama. The initiative, supported by NTT DATA and ELFA International, under its CSR programme was aimed to foster stronger collaboration among the Administration, Corporate sector and Community, thereby contributing to the overall welfare and development of the society. Following the inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner interacted virtually with the faculty members and students of the other four beneficiary schools. He urged the students to make optimum use of the newly established ICT facilities and leverage digital resources to enhance their learning, skills and exposure to technology. Addressing the gathering, the DC said that access to digital tools can significantly enhance student motivation, strengthen foundational competencies and broaden learning opportunities, particularly for students studying in schools located in remote areas of the district. He appreciated NTT DATA for supporting the initiative through its CSR programme and ELFA International for effectively implementing the project, stating that such interventions demonstrate the positive impact that responsible corporate participation can have in strengthening public education infrastructure.

Open garbage dumping at Jawahar Nagar sparks health concerns

Srinagar, Aug 18:A massive heap of garbage lying on the main road in the heart of posh Jawahar Nagar locality has become a major health concern for residents, commuters and shopkeepers. Located close to the city centre and surrounded by government offices, commercial establishments and other institutions, the site witnesses heavy movement of pedestrians and vehicles throughout the day. Residents of Jawahar Nagar said the garbage has accumulated into what resembles a mini mountain, emitting a persistent foul smell and marring the appearance of the otherwise busy locality. They said the open dump has also become a feeding and prowling ground for stray dogs, with packs of dogs frequently seen rummaging through the waste in search of food. The biggest concern is that the garbage remains exposed in the open. Dogs gather here throughout the day, scatter the waste across the road and create a frightening situation for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, said Irfan Ahmad, a resident. Locals said the growing stray dog population in Srinagar has already become a matter of concern, and open garbage dumps such as the one in Jawahar Nagar are worsening the problem by providing a regular source of food. Residents alleged that besides creating an unpleasant atmosphere, the garbage heap could also become a breeding ground for diseases, particularly during warm weather. They said the stench often becomes unbearable for people passing through the area and for those working in nearby offices and establishments. Jawahar Nagar is one of the busiest parts of the city. Thousands of people pass through this area every day. Such a huge garbage dump sends the wrong message and also raises serious public health concerns, another local said. Residents urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to remove the accumulated waste without delay and replace open dumping points with covered containers to prevent stray animals from accessing the garbage. They also appealed to people to avoid dumping waste indiscriminately and instead use the designated waste collection system. Greater Kashmir has consistently highlighted the issue of open garbage dumping across Srinagar. Earlier reports documented similar concerns in Tailbal, Zakura, Habak, Batpora and other parts of the city, where exposed waste attracted stray dogs, leading to safety concerns for commuters, schoolchildren and morning walkers besides creating unhygienic surroundings. An SMC official said the corporation is making sustained efforts to improve solid waste management and ensure that garbage is lifted from collection points at the earliest. We are strengthening the waste collection mechanism and clearing garbage on priority. Covered containers have also been installed at several locations, and more such measures are being taken, the official said.

Sikh delegation meets Sat Sharma, raises compensation, industrial issues

A delegation from the Sikh community on Tuesday called on Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu and apprised him of several long-pending public issues affecting hundreds of families and local industries. The delegation sought Sharmas immediate intervention to resolve these matters, stating that prolonged administrative delays caused financial hardship and uncertainty among the affected people. J&K BJP general secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan were also present during the meeting. The delegation highlighted the issue of the pending compensation since 2021 to the land allottees of Khour camp, whose lands were occupied by various government agencies for defence, infrastructure and other development projects. They said that despite sacrificing their land in the larger national interest, many affected families were still awaiting their rightful compensation, causing severe financial distress.

Nora Fatehi's Recent Travel Post Is A Food Lover's Delight. What She Ate On Her Trips

From satisfying Korean meals to tempting breakfast spreads, Nora Fatehi's post showed that good food was very much an important part of her travels.

6 injured in road accident in Khawas Rajouri

At least six people were injured after an Ecco vehicle met with an accident at Gundha village in Khawas area of Rajouri district on Tuesday. According to reports, the accident occurred when an Ecco vehicle bearing registration number JK11J-4943 veered off the road and plunged into the roadside fields. Six occupants sustained injuries in the accident and were subsequently shifted to a hospital for treatment. The injured have been identified as Mohd Bashir (60), son of Salah Mohd, resident of Udhan; Said Mohd (41), son of Talab Hussain, resident of Gundha; Munni Devi (35), wife of Chain Singh, resident of Gundha; Shafait (46), son of Mir Hussain, resident of Gundha; Chain Singh (47), son of Ami Chand, resident of Gundha; and Mohd Shafi (60), son of Abdul Aziz, resident of Gundha. Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kalakote Dr. Iqbal Malik said that all the injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital and doctors are attending to them. Their condition was being monitored by the medical team, he added.

Budha Amarnath Yatra |Muslim community, civil society welcome pilgrims with flower garlands in Poonch

Mandi Poonch, Aug 18: The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra reached Mandi in Poonch district on Tuesday amid tight security arrangements, with members of the local Muslim community and civil society extending a warm welcome to the yatris. The pilgrims were received with flower garlands, in a gesture that reflected the strong tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood prevailing in the region. The occasion presented a striking picture of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Christian unity, with the people of Mandi conveying a message of peace, love and mutual respect to the rest of the country. The pilgrims, who arrived from different parts of the country, paid obeisance at the ancient Budha Amarnath Temple and offered prayers. Speaking to media persons, several yatris said they had certain apprehensions about visiting Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Poonch, but were pleasantly surprised to witness the peaceful atmosphere and the warmth and affection extended by the local people. The pilgrims appreciated the gesture of the Muslim community and civil society, saying that the welcome extended to them would remain a memorable part of their pilgrimage. They also appealed to people from across the country to visit Poonch and witness its rich tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Rs 427 crore cold-water fisheries cluster notified in Anantnag

Srinagar, Aug 18: The Centre has notified a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster Development Project in Anantnag, with Kulgam and Shopian as partnering districts. The Cold Water Cluster Development Project worth Rs 427 crore has been notified in Anantnag district, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently informed the Lok Sabha. A senior J&K Fisheries Department official said the cluster will primarily cover Anantnag, with Kulgam and Shopian as partnering districts. The Centre has already approved aRs 100 crore Trout Integrated Aqua Park near Dandipora-Kokernag under the Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY). However, the Atlantic trout fish farming project proposed by the Centre at Bidhar-Kokernag remains in the preliminary examination stage due to concerns over ecology, drinking-water availability and its impact on local fish units. The proposal, in collaboration with Fountainhead Agro-Farms Ltd., is undergoing feasibility and environmental assessments, the Fisheries Department said. No final decision has been taken on its establishment. Separately, according to the data tabled by the Ministry in the House, J&K has been sanctioned fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 154.57 crore under Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana( PMMSY). The projects have a central share of Rs 81.43 crore. Rs 79.61 crore has been released and Rs 63.44 crore utilised, it said. The package includes 751 trout raceways, five hatcheries, five fish feed mills, 70 fish kiosks, 66 live fish vending centres, 211 three-wheelers with ice boxes, 21 refrigerated vehicles, 64 biofloc units, eight RAS units and 18 value-added enterprises. The Ministry said 88,225 fishers in J&K have been covered under livelihood and nutritional support. Ladakh has been sanctioned projects worth Rs 33.49 crore. Rs 12.17 crore has been released and Rs 11.23 crore utilised. Its package includes 344 trout raceways, 13 hatcheries, two RAS units, four ornamental fish units, 23 fish kiosks, two ice plants/cold storages, two insulated and refrigerated vehicles and 130 scooters with ice boxes. A Cold Water Fisheries Cluster has also been notified in Kargil, the Ministry informed. J&K and Ladakh together account for Rs 188.06 crore in sanctioned projects. Across the UTs, the Centre has approved PMMSY projects worth Rs 1,032.66 crore. Of this, Rs 246.55 crore has been released and Rs 201.57 crore utilised. J&K accounts for nearly 32 per cent of funds released and 31.5 per cent of utilisation across the UTs. It has utilised about 80 per cent of funds released, against 82 per cent across the UTs. J&K has the third-highest sanctioned project cost among the UTs, after Puducherry (Rs 357.19 crore) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Rs 280.67 crore). The Ministry said PMMSY, launched in 2020-21, aims to increase fish production, improve fishermens incomes and livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure and value chains, and diversify income sources. Among other UTs, Lakshadweep has projects worth Rs 71.51 crore, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Rs 129.90 crore and Delhi Rs 5.33 crore. Chandigarh has taken up no fisheries development project under PMMSY.

Police DDRC Jammu to introduce new skilling cum training centre for inmates

Police Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation and Mental Health Care Centre (DDRC), Jammu will introduce a new skilling cum training centre for inmates to ensure their meaningful employment post recovery. Besides, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mission Yuva and Skill India for provision of loans to those patients who have remained off drugs for six months or so is also in offing. Superintendent of Police (SP) Headquarters Jammu Anna Sinha, while pointing out that the Centre has treated 18000 patients till date, has stated that the vision is to make the Police DDRC a hub for 360 degrees rehabilitation process for addicts. For this, we have developed a Skilling cum Training Centre for addicts which will give them vocational skills to get meaningfully employed, soon to be inaugurated. Drug De-addiction is as important as catching drug peddlers. Next in line is a Yoga cum Meditation Centre for building spiritual and mental resilience in patients. This will ensure Nasha Mukti reaches its rightful conclusion, she asserts. The Centre, SP Sinha- who is also in-charge DDRC Student Intern, informed also provided research internship for Post graduate students of Psychology and Criminology. 10 selected students from Delhi University and Jammu University undertook the internship. My visit to the De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre was insightful and educational. I learned about addiction, counselling, empathy, and rehabilitation. The experience improved my practical understanding of mental health and recovery, shares Ayushi Jasrotia, a student of Psychology Department, University of Jammu, who interned at the Centre as a part of her research. Another student of Psychology Department, University of Jammu, Mansha Mahajan, who too undertook research internship, described her experience at the Centre as truly insightful and enriching, adding that it (Centre) provided a safe, structured, and supportive environment that focused not only on overcoming substance dependence but also on the overall psychological and emotional well-being of the individuals. The staff were compassionate, approachable and dedicated towards helping the patients through their recovery journey. As a psychology student, the experience gave me an opportunity to understand addiction beyond textbooks and observe the importance of counselling, empathy, motivation, family support and relapse prevention in rehabilitation, Mansha Mahajan stated. She stated that interacting with the patients and learning from the professionals was a valuable experience that enhanced her practical understanding of addiction and strengthened her perspective towards mental health and rehabilitation. Overall, the experience was meaningful, educational, and personally enriching, she asserted. With regard to Centres current status in terms of facilities, SP Sinha shares that with 25 In-Patient Department (IPD) beds, it has a 12-hour OPD (Out-Patient Department) treating 500 persons per month. Centre is well-equipped with food and lodging facilities. With the objective of further strengthening the DDRC Jammu in terms of infrastructure and other facilities, according to her, a skilling cum training centre for short term vocational training of staff. It will introduce a new skilling cum training centre offering short term courses i.e., plumbing, electrician, mobile repairing, basic computer courses, solar technician and AC or refrigerator repairing. SP Sinha points out that the Centre has a digitisation record of 10500 patients admitted in it (DDRC) from time to time. Focus, according to her, is also on recreational and educational activities for inmates. Recently, Centre organised a debate competition between inmates, under the supervision of SP Headquarter Jammu and arranged motivational lectures on Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan at Jammu as well as Government Middle School Qasim Nagar during the anti-drug campaign. The doctors of DDRC also delivered a lecture during Principals conference 2026-27 on prevention of drug abuse.

Ex-Fauci adviser pleads guilty to plotting to conceal COVID-19 research records

A former senior adviser to infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has pleaded guilty to plotting to conceal federal records related to research on the origins of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic

13 years on, confirmation of in-charge lecturers still hangs in balance

Srinagar, Aug 18:Despite the passage of about 13 years, the confirmation of in-charge lecturers remains in limbo. A group of aggrieved lecturers complained to Greater Kashmir that the department has not regularised their services as confirmed lecturers despite the passage of more than a decade. The members of the working committee said a large number of teaching faculty were placed as lecturers in 2013 while another group was promoted in 2019, with the expectation that their services would subsequently be confirmed within the stipulated period. Unfortunately, the confirmation process has remained pending despite the passage of nearly 13 years. The prolonged delay has affected the lecturers, the aggrieved in-charge lecturers said. The in-charge lecturers said they were facing uncertainty over their professional status and career progression. The prolonged delay also had serious human consequences as the in-charge lecturers said some of the members from the group have retired during the intervening period while some have died without seeing their demand for confirmation fulfilled. The lecturers also raised questions over an alleged disparity in the payment of charge allowance. The committee claimed that teaching faculty promoted as in-charge lecturers in 2019 were performing their duties without charge allowance, while those promoted subsequently, including some promoted in 2026, are reportedly being granted the allowance. This disparity has caused a genuine sense of injustice and grievance, the in-charge lecturers said. They said that the lecturers who have been performing higher responsibilities for years have been deprived of corresponding benefits. The continued designation as in-charge has also become a cause of concern for us, they said. The in-charge lecturers said the prolonged uncertainty has adversely affected the morale and professional confidence of those serving in the posts. The lecturers urged authorities to take up the matter on priority and bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty by completing the process of confirmation. Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, was not available for her comments on the issue. However, an official said the file of these in-charge lecturers was in active consideration of the department. The file is in active consideration. These in-charge lecturers will get the service benefits with proper effect. Those who have retired or passed away will get the monetary benefits as well, the official told Greater Kashmir .

LG Manoj Sinha discusses issues concerning veterans, Veer Naris, widows, dependents

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired the 81st Meeting of Jammu Kashmir Rajya Sainik Board, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Maj Gen Paramvir Singh Dagar, Chief of Staff, HQ White Knight Corps; Maj Gen KS Dhadwal, Chief of Staff HQ Chinar Corps, Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Neena Mishra, Principal Director, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, GoI; Brig. Pankaj Chib (Retd.) Director Sainik Welfare Department, J&K; Brig Sandeep Kaushal, Cdr 21 Sub Area, Air Commodore VP Singh, Col Pradeep S Karki, Director, DRZ (North); Brig. Virender Singh Slathia (Retd) and other senior officials. The Board deliberated on key issues concerning veterans, Veer Naris, widows and dependents, covering welfare delivery, grievance redressal, healthcare and institutional strengthening. These include establishment of a ZSWO at Kishtwar and improved coordination on pension-related matters. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families, assuring that every step will be taken to honour their sacrifices and guarantee a life of dignity. The Board also discussed empanelment of government hospitals including AIIMS Jammu, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda and Government Hospital Kupwara with ECHS for enhanced healthcare access. The Lieutenant Governor also chaired the State Management Committee (SMC) meeting on the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The Committee considered welfare-oriented proposals covering medical and health support, infrastructure, outreach, education and skill development. The Committee also proposed several key initiatives including education and career incentives, psychological counsellors in identified areas, skill-development support and improved welfare infrastructure.

Srinagar Premier Division | SWFC Kashmir secures 31 victory over ARCO FC

SWFC Kashmir registered a convincing 31 victory over ARCO FC in the ongoing Srinagar Premier Division Football League at the TRC Synthetic Turf, Srinagar. SWFC Kashmir, as per a DFA statement, displayed a strong and composed performance throughout the match, scoring three goals to secure all three points. ARCO FC managed to find the net once, but SWFC Kashmir maintained control and completed the match with a well-deserved 31 win. The victory will further boost SWFC Kashmirs confidence as they continue their campaign in the league.

J&K Junior Swimmers compete at National Championships in Bhubaneswar

The Jammu and Kashmir Junior Swimming Team is representing the Union Territory at the 52nd Junior National Aquatic Championships 2026 (Swimming), being held at the Kalinga Stadium, competing against some of the countrys top young swimmers. The national-level championship, as per an official statement, is being conducted under the aegis of the Swimming Federation of India, bringing together young swimmers from across the country. The Jammu and Kashmir contingent secured its place in the national championship following selection trials conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. The selected swimmers are representing the Union Territory at the championship with the aim of showcasing their talent and competing against some of the country's best junior swimmers. The participation of the J&K team at the national event is expected to provide valuable exposure and experience to the young athletes while further strengthening swimming in the Union Territory.

Kashmir Super League Season 2 preparations gather pace

The franchise meeting of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, was held at the Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar, bringing together the league organisers and representatives of all six franchises for detailed deliberations ahead of the second season. The meeting, as per a statement, witnessed detailed discussions on the rules and regulations of the league, player selection and bidding process, team composition, match protocols, code of conduct, franchise responsibilities and operational guidelines to ensure the smooth and professional conduct of the tournament. Franchise owners actively participated in the discussions and shared their valuable suggestions and inputs. The upcoming season will feature six franchises United Elegant FC, Sanctorum United, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Swift Strikers Rainawari FC, Athwas India XI FC and New JK United FC competing for the prestigious Kashmir Super League title. Khyber Cement, the title sponsor of the league, continues to play a key role in supporting the tournament and its vision of strengthening the football ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. The league is powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai. Following the success of its inaugural season, the second edition aims to raise the bar further by providing a structured and competitive platform for local footballers, while giving emerging talent an opportunity to share the field with experienced players and attract wider attention from scouts and football stakeholders.

Shahid Iqbal Choudhary reviews sports infrastructure, sets district-wise roadmap

Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Tuesday, chaired a comprehensive review of the departments sports infrastructure, ongoing capital works, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) projects and programmes for strengthening sports and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir. The review, as per a DYSS statement, took stock of the work undertaken by the department over the past several months and set out a district-level roadmap for expansion, upgradation and better utilisation of sports facilities, with particular emphasis on equitable access, athlete development and time-bound completion of projects. The meeting was attended by Director General Youth Services & Sports J&K Anuradha Gupta, senior officers of the department, Planning, Financial Advisor and Sports Council representatives, Chief Planning Officers, District Statistical and Evaluation Officers and District Youth Services & Sports Officers from across the Union Territory. A detailed presentation was made on the portfolio of sports infrastructure projects taken up under CapEx, SASCI and CSS, along with the status of ongoing works, funding, execution and future requirements. The department has taken up 210 new sports projects under CapEx and 17 projects under SASCI, with a cumulative investment of over Rs 500 crore. Against these projects, around Rs 160 crore has already been released to the concerned Heads of Departments and executing agencies. Dr Shahid directed the concerned agencies to expedite tendering and execution while maintaining quality standards and ensuring that projects are completed within approved timelines. He stressed that the focus should not only be on creation of new assets but also on making existing infrastructure functional, accessible and suitable for regular sporting activity. The Commissioner/Secretary directed Chief Planning Officers, District Statistical and Evaluation Officers and District Youth Services & Sports Officers to undertake a comprehensive district-wise assessment of sports infrastructure, including playfields, stadiums, indoor facilities and other sporting assets. The assessment will identify infrastructure gaps, underserved areas and facilities requiring augmentation. Existing assets will be mapped and geotagged, and district plans will form the basis for prioritising new infrastructure as well as upgradation of existing facilities. He called for greater involvement of local youth and sporting communities at the planning stage so that facilities are designed around actual local requirements and receive sustained community utilisation.

National Sports Awards 2025 announced, 17 sportspersons to receive Arjuna Award

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports on Tuesday announced the National Sports Awards 2025. The National Sports Awards are given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports. Based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee chaired by a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, the Government, as per a PIB statement, has decided to confer awards on the following sportspersons, coaches and entities under various categories. Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2025 The Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Arjuna Awards: Tejaswin Shankar, Muhammed Ajmal V and Priyanka Goswami in athletics; Treesa Jolly and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand in badminton; Narender in boxing; Vidit Santosh Gujarathi and Divya Jitendra Deshmukh in chess; Dhanush Srikanth in deaf shooting; Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal in hockey; Surjeet and Pooja in kabaddi; Rudransh Khandelwal in para-shooting; Ekta Bhyan in para athletics; Arvind Singh in rowing; and Akhil Sheoran in shooting will receive the Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in sports and games. Arjuna Award (Lifetime): I. Arumainayagam in football has been selected for the lifetime award. Dronacharya Awards: In the regular category, Parveer Singh in athletics, Chhote Lal Yadav in boxing and Neha Nandkumar Chavan in shooting have been selected, while Dharmendra Singh Yadav in boxing and Virender Kumar in wrestling will receive the award in the lifetime category. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, has been selected for the award for its contribution to sports promotion and development. The applications for aforementioned awards were invited online and sportspersons/coaches/entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal. A large number of applications were received for these awards this year, which were considered by the Selection Committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Mishra, and consisting members from eminent sportspersons, persons having experience in sports journalism and sports administrators.

Moul Mouj Health Corner

Q: I am 72 years old and feel tired most of the time. A: Feeling tired is common, but persistent fatigue should not simply be blamed on age. Anaemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, heart disease, poor sleep, depression, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects can all cause weakness. If it persists, get yourself evaluated. Q: My father is 81 and has started forgetting small things. Should we worry about dementia? A: Occasional forgetfulness can occur with normal ageing, but repeatedly forgetting recent events, getting lost, missing medicines, struggling with familiar tasks, or showing changes in behaviour needs medical evaluation. Early assessment can identify treatable causes and help plan care. Q: I am 78 and wake up several times at night to pass urine. A: Getting up once may be common, but frequent nighttime urination can be related to prostate problems, diabetes, urinary infection, bladder issues, heart problems, excess evening fluids, or certain medicines. Do not simply accept it as a part of ageing. Q: My mother is 79 and has little appetite. She says she is not hungry. What should we do? A: Poor appetite is common in older adults but should not be ignored. Offer small, frequent, nutritious meals rather than large portions. Check for dental problems, constipation, medicines, depression, swallowing difficulties and underlying illness if poor appetite persists. Q: I am 76 and feel dizzy when I stand up from the bed or chair. Why? A: A sudden fall in blood pressure on standing, called postural hypotension, is common in older adults. It may be related to dehydration, medicines or other illnesses. Rise slowly, sit at the edge of the bed first, and discuss recurrent dizziness with your doctor. Q: My father is 84 and has fallen twice in the last six months. He says he is fine. Should we still take him to a doctor? A: Yes. A fall is not simply bad luck in an older person. Vision problems, weak muscles, poor balance, dizziness, unsuitable footwear, medicines and neurological conditions may contribute. Every recurrent fall deserves evaluation. Q: I am 70 and take eight different medicines every day. Is this too many? A: Not necessarily. Some older adults genuinely need several medicines. But every medicine should have a clear purpose and be reviewed periodically. Never stop medicines yourself; ask your doctor whether any can be safely reduced or stopped. Q: My mother is 82 and sleeps most of the day but remains awake at night. What can we do? A: Encourage morning sunlight, daytime activity and regular sleep and meal timings. Avoid excessive daytime naps and late-evening tea or coffee. New or sudden changes in sleep may also be caused by pain, medicines, depression, infection or other illness and should be assessed. Q: I am 74 and have constipation almost every week. Can I take a laxative regularly? A: First look for the cause. Inadequate fluids, low fibre, inactivity and certain medicines commonly cause constipation. Increase fibre, fluids and physical activity where appropriate. If constipation is persistent, severe, or associated with blood in stool, vomiting or weight loss, consult a doctor rather than regularly self-medicating. Q: My father is 80 and says he cannot hear properly, but he refuses to use a hearing aid. What should we do? A: Hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, frustration and communication problems. Get his hearing tested and explain that hearing aids are not a sign of weakness or old agethey can help him remain connected and independent. Speak face-to-face and reduce background noise while communicating. Q: I am 77 and my knees hurt, so I have stopped walking. Is rest the best treatment? A: Complete inactivity can actually make weakness and stiffness worse. Depending on the cause, gentle walking, stretching and strengthening exercises may help. Choose activities appropriate to your condition and seek medical advice if pain is severe or suddenly worsens. Q: My mother is 80 and often says, There is nothing left for me to do. Could this be depression? A: It could be. Loss of interest, persistent sadness, withdrawal, poor sleep, appetite changes, hopelessness or loss of confidence should not be dismissed as normal ageing. Depression in older adults is treatable, and early help can make a significant difference. Q: I am 68 and my blood pressure is normal when I check it at home, but sometimes it becomes very high at the clinic. Which reading should I trust? A: Both readings are useful. Anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure, but home readings can provide a better picture of your usual BP. Use a validated machine, check it correctly and maintain a record to discuss with your doctor rather than changing medicines based on one reading. Q: My father is 86 and sometimes becomes confused suddenly, although his memory is usually good. Is this dementia? A: Sudden confusion is not the same as dementia and should be taken seriously. In older adults it can be triggered by infections, dehydration, medicines, low blood sugar, constipation, urinary problems or other acute illnesses. Sudden confusion requires prompt medical assessment. Q: I am 75 and live alone. I am physically fine but feel lonely most of the time. Is loneliness really a health problem? A: Yes. Loneliness can affect sleep, mood, appetite, physical activity and overall wellbeing. Staying socially connected is part of healthy ageing. Regular contact with family, friends, neighbours, community groups or meaningful activities can be as important as many other aspects of elderly care. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness and do not replace professional medical advice. Older adults often have multiple illnesses and medicines, so individual medical advice should be taken from a qualified healthcare professional. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org

From PCOS to PMOS

A married woman in her 30s presented with difficulty conceiving and underwent a gynecological evaluation. An ultrasound revealed multiple ovarian cysts, suggesting polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Additional investigations found high cholesterol, fatty liver, and impaired glucose tolerance. However, this was only the apparent manifestation of a condition that had likely begun much earlier. During adolescence, she had been overweight, consumed a diet high in refined carbohydrates, ultraprocessed food, junk food and fast food, engaged in little physical activity, and spent prolonged periods sitting. This case illustrates that PCOS does not arise suddenly. Its origins often begin in childhood and adolescence, when unhealthy dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyle, and excess weight gradually contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. PCOS has long been perceived as a gynaecological disorder, mainly focused on ovarian cysts. The diagnosis of PCOS is based on at least two of the following three features (1) ovulatory dysfunction (irregular or absent menstrual cycles), (2) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (such as excess facial or body hair, acne, or elevated androgen levels), and (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. However, this term is misleading, as many women with the condition do not actually present with ovarian cysts and adolescents can have functional ovarian cysts as normal sonographic findings The newer term, PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), provides a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder. PMOS encompasses diverse endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, psychological, and dermatological conditions. It involves disturbances in insulin, androgen, neuroendocrine, and ovarian hormones. Women often present with irregular menstrual cycles, delayed cycles, or heavy bleeding. PMOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and worsens pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and gestational diabetes mellitus. Beyond reproductive health, PMOS has significant metabolic consequences, such as impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with PMOS frequently experience fatigue, anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, and reduced self-esteem, all of which affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Dermatological manifestations include acne, excess facial and body hair, hair loss, and hair thinning. The disorder arises from a complex interaction of genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, lifestyle factors, and hormonal dysregulation. Obesity, particularly central or abdominal obesity, is common in individuals with PMOS. Excess fat tissue increases insulin resistance, thereby worsening the condition. A higher Body Mass Index (BMI) contributes to its severity. The primary clinical features of PCOS in adolescence are overweight/ obesity, followed by excess facial hair, acne and menstrual irregularities. Overall, PMOS has multisystem health impacts and represents a growing health burden. There is an urgent need to highlight preventive measures to reduce the risk of PMOS before it develops. As the saying goes, Do not dig a well when you are already thirsty.Prevention should start in childhood and adolescence rather than waiting for complications to appear. We should therefore stop waiting for infertility to appear before taking action. The future burden of PMOS will not be reduced in infertility clinicsit will be reduced in homes, schools and communities where healthy lifestyles are established from childhood. Healthy lifestyle habits will play a crucial role in decreasing the burden of disease. Early counselling on a balanced and nutritious diet, limiting junk and fast food, regular physical activity, healthy weight maintenance, and routine monitoring of menstrual and metabolic health can significantly reduce the risk of development of pcom. Weight loss is associated with improvement in symptoms of PMOS. Parents, schools, healthcare professionals and society all share responsibility for creating healthier environments. Be mindful of what you feed your body and how your body is functioning. Nourishing the body with healthy food, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and recognising early warning signs can help prevent lifelong health problems. Dr. Bakira Majid, PG Resident Department of Community Medicine

My Experience with Dyspepsia & Recovery

Health is the biggest wealth. Sometimes even a small illness makes us anxious and we start imagining the worst. Yet good health is a precious gift from Allah, and every faith teaches us to value and protect it. Kashmir today faces many health problems, including diseases our forefathers could hardly have imagined. Our ancestors lived a simpler, healthier lifestyle. They ate simple food, remained physically active and believed that prevention was better than cure. They understood the value of avoiding unhealthy habits, exercising, maintaining hygiene and staying active. I am a living example of this. In January this year, I developed discomfort in the upper-left side of my abdomen. Initially, I ignored it, but when it persisted, my better-half insisted that I consult a doctor. I first visited SDH Sopore, where an ECG was done because of the proximity to the chest and the fear of a heart problem. The ECG was normal, and I was diagnosed with dyspepsia and prescribed medicines, along with advice to avoid oily foods. A week later, when there was no improvement, the prescription was adjusted. A month passed, but the discomfort continued. I then consulted a gastroenterologist privately and visited the doctor several times, yet there was little improvement. What troubled me most was the discomfort at night. At times, my left arm would also become numb, making me repeatedly return for ECGs, especially during winter when the fear of a heart attack is always greater. Finally, I consulted Dr Mubashir Hajini at ARCO, Sopore. After reviewing my previous prescriptions and investigations, he prescribed just one medicine along with a deworming tablet. Within a week, I began to improve. Shifa is, without doubt, in Allahs hands. But the real lesson for me was perheyzprevention. The doctor advised me to avoid fatty and acidic foods for some time, including Nun Chai, a favourite of almost every Kashmiri. I stopped taking it, and the change helped me considerably. My experience reinforced something I have always believed: prevention and lifestyle changes can sometimes do more than medicines. Walking regularly, exercising, eating simple home-cooked food, avoiding unhealthy habits and maintaining good hygiene can go a long way towards keeping us healthy. Stay healthy, stay active, and stay happy. Manzoor Akash is educator, author and regular columnist to GKs HW & SCL

African honeyguides recognise honey hunters' calls to help find hidden bee nests

Am I Becoming a Burden?

The Moul Mouj toll-free number received a call from an elderly woman asking if someone could come and see her at home. There was nothing dramatic in her voice. No emergency. No complaint of severe pain. Just a quiet request: I think I need to speak to a doctor. Can you come home? I went. She was a widow. A retired woman with her own pension. The house was hers. The property was in her name. She had two sons, both living under the same roof, but in separate portions of the house. She had everything that, on paper, should have given her security. Except, perhaps, the feeling that she belonged there. She spoke slowly. Not angrily. Not accusingly. Almost apologetically. Her medicines had not been reviewed for a long time. No one had taken her for a proper follow-up. She did not know which medicines she should continue and which needed review. When she needed medicines, she would telephone the local chemist, who would send them to her. Her sons were busy. That was the explanation. Busy with work. Busy with their own families. Busy with life. One son had not spoken to her properly for months. I listened. Sometimes, during a home visit, the most important thing you can do is not examine the patient immediately. You sit down. You allow silence. You let the person tell you what has been happening behind the closed doors. After some time, she looked at me and asked a question that was far more painful than any medical complaint: Doctor, am I becoming a burden? I did not have an immediate answer. Because she wasnt asking about her medicines. She was asking whether she still mattered. The illness that does not appear in a prescription Emotional abuse and neglect of older persons do not always look dramatic. There may be no shouting. No physical injury. No obvious violence. Sometimes it is simply the repeated ignoring of an elderly persons needs. Not taking them for follow-up. Not knowing what medicines they are taking. Not asking whether they have eaten. Not speaking to them. Making them feel that their needs are inconvenient. Leaving them alone because everyone is busy. Over time, this can become a form of emotional abuse and neglect. And its effects can be devastating. An older person who feels unwanted may stop asking for help. They may hide symptoms. They may become withdrawn, anxious or depressed. They may lose interest in food, medicines and activities. Existing illnesses can become poorly controlled. Sleep may suffer. So may mobility, confidence and even cognitive functioning. Perhaps the most damaging effect is something that cannot be measured with a blood pressure machine: the gradual loss of self-worth. But she has everything, doesnt she? This is where we often misunderstand elder neglect. We look at the house. We look at the pension. We look at the fact that the children are living with her. And we conclude that the elderly parent is being looked after. But material security is not the same as emotional security. A mother may have money in her account and still feel helpless. She may own the house and still feel like a unwanted person in it. She may have children living only a few rooms away and still feel completely alone. And there is another uncomfortable truth. Parents are not always easy. They can be stubborn. They can be demanding. They can interfere. They can have expectations that their children find unreasonable. They can make mistakes. They can sometimes be unfair. But none of this makes neglect acceptable. Even if she is not perfect, she is still a mother. And before she became old, dependent or difficult, she was a person who spent much of her life caring for others. What can families do? Care does not always require expensive arrangements. Sometimes it begins with simple things. Know the medicines your elderly parent is taking. Keep a current medication list. Ensure regular medical follow-up. Ask about appetite, sleep, pain, falls and memory. Spend some time talkingnot only when something needs to be done. Most importantly, make them feel that asking for help is not an inconvenience. And if the relationship is difficult, seek help rather than allowing silence to become the solution. Geriatric care is not only about treating diabetes, blood pressure, dementia or arthritis. It is also about asking a simple question: How is this person living? That day, I left her home thinking about her question. Am I becoming a burden? Perhaps the better question for all of us is: Have we made our ageing parents feel like one? Because there comes a time when our parents may need our medicines, our money and our physical help. But more than anything else, they need to know that they are still wanted. And sometimes, the most powerful medicine we can give them is simply to sit beside them and say: You are not a burden. You are my mother.

Rethinking the Smart City

The concept of Smart City entails improvement of Quality of life and Citizen services by way of Digital Infrastructure, Mobility, Sustainability and Governance. It aims to create sustainable and resilient urban ecosystems. Smart City Mission stipulates give a decent quality of life to their citizens and apply smart solutions to improve services and infrastructure. Srinagar Smart City lists its vision as transforming Srinagar into an eco-friendly, resilient and socio-economically vibrant city that celebrates its natural and cultural heritage creating harmony and opportunities for all. In case of Srinagar, the focus is to blend heritage and tourism into the concept, also including waterfront development. SSCL lists two major action areas among its features (i) Creating walk able localities reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion. (ii) Preserving and developing open spaces parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens. Srinagar has 161 projects valued at Rs 3,634 crore, with 157 projects (Rs 3,532 crore) completed and four projects (Rs 102 crore) still under implementation. Area-Based Development includes (Rs 2,869 crore) revamping specific parts of the city like Lal Chowk, Jhelum riverfront, and Shahr-e-Khaas (Old City). The prime focus was on redevelopment of Lal Chowk, riverfront project, Amira Kadal bridge, Poloview market makeover, upgradation of the old city and the Integrated Traffic. Srinagar Smart City Project has been going on for quite some time and the hard work of various teams is visible. The cobble-stoned pavements around polo view, the Clock Tower and resting benches at Lal Chowk, the heritage look of old zero bridge with its viewing galleries, and the walkways on the bund speak a lot about the intent and the drive behind the project. While the project has contributed its bit towards beautification and image upliftment, there has been a significant share of criticism. People are weary about inconveniences faced during the construction phase, especially with well known delays in infrastructure projects which have become an acceptable norm. The success of any smart city is evaluated by metrics like traffic management, public transport, waste recycling, digital citizen services, healthcare access, quality of education. If we look at our city, several metrics exhibit a discouraging figure, especially traffic and drainage. Traffic Management in Srinagar is a total chaos. We may blame it on the number of vehicles or carrying capacity of our roads, but what is needed is smart Traffic Management, rather than considering additional roads and flyovers as the only solution. There is an urgent need for a thorough study of traffic volumes, which could lead to optimal route planning, possible one-way diversions, restricted turns and creation of traffic islands. Proper traffic Management of the city would be a big relief to the commuters. Last month, Social media was abuzz with memes and pictures of flooded Lal Chowk after a rainy spell. Lal Chowk happened to be a showcase of this initiative, and its water-logging is a big setback for the Smart City Project, especially since there were no problems in this area prior to renovation. It may not just be a case of clogged drains, but could be an issue with planning, estimation of volumes, carrying capacity/ slope of storm water drains and the connections to disposal points. For a city abounding in water bodies, rain water disposal ought to be a cakewalk. Another issue with Smart City projects is the post-execution maintenance. Appealing projects implemented with hard work, cost and money need proper care and support. Some of these projects lack regular maintenance, it seems the authorities just forgot about existence of these beautifully crafted and created sites once the inaugural ribbons were cut. A case in point is the Restoration and Revitalization of old Habba Kadal in Shehr-e-Khaas, which entailed the renovation as a heritage structure to include canopies, balconies, resting benches and river viewing points. The project inaugurated barely two years back, is in a pathetic state today. It is dotted with graffiti, non-functional lights, dilapidated flooring with broken/ missing floorboards, indicating a total absence of any maintenance after its completion. Infrastructure projects need thorough evaluation, meticulous planning, careful execution and preventive maintenance. It is evident that Srinagar Smart City project was initiated with a positive approach and good intent. As a civil society, we need to respect public property and ensure that we uphold the aesthetics and cleanliness of these structures. It should be our endeavour to position Srinagar as a Smart Heritage Hill-city exhibiting convergence of heritage, tourism, tradition and technology. It is our moral duty to ensure that the smart city becomes smarter. The author is a technocrat with expertise in Data Analytics, Cyber Law and Digital Forensics. He is currently acting as consulting advisor/ mentor to several startups and an ardent supporter of causes pertaining to Environment and Sustainability.

Check Facts

Dear Editor, This is in reference to the news story about J&K Sainik School Manasbal by your correspondent Syed Rizwan Geelani. The report paints a sympathetic picture of administrative struggles at J&K Sainik School Manasbal. However, your premise regarding the current leadership relies on unverified claims. You state that the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Kupwara holds the additional charge of Principal at J&K Sainik School Manasbal, District Ganderbal. This claim directly contradicts official records and your reporting. Did you verify the physical existence of a government order before publishing that an additional charge arrangement exists?

Alternative Building Materials

For generations, we have built our houses with materials provided by nature and made available through traditional construction: wood for doors, windows and roofs; bricks made from soil; and cement, sand, stone and bajri for walls, foundations and concrete. These materials have served society well. But the circumstances are changing rapidly. Our population is increasing, the demand for houses is growing, and the natural resources required for construction are becoming increasingly limited and expensive. We cannot continue building the future by endlessly extracting the resources of the past. River sand cannot be taken out indefinitely, mountains cannot be quarried without consequences, forests cannot provide unlimited timber, and large quantities of soil cannot continuously be used for conventional bricks. At the same time, every family needs a safe, comfortable and affordable home. The answer lies in science, innovation and a change in the way we think about construction. The objective should not be to completely abandon traditional materials. Rather, we need to reduce unnecessary dependence on them and develop scientifically tested alternatives that are safe, durable, economical and suitable for local conditions One of the greatest opportunities is to turn waste into a resource. Agricultural residues such as rice husk, straw, bamboo fibre and other plant materials can be processed into boards, panels and composite products. Industrial by-products such as fly ash and certain types of slag can be used in bricks, blocks and other construction materials. Construction and demolition waste can also be crushed, processed and reused as aggregate in appropriate applications. Properly processed plastic waste can be incorporated into selected building products such as panels, paving blocks and composite materials. This approach can solve two problems at the same time: it reduces the pressure on natural resources and gives value to waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or the environment. Traditional fired bricks require soil and considerable energy. Scientific alternatives such as compressed earth blocks, fly-ash bricks, lightweight concrete blocks and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks can reduce dependence on conventional bricks. Similarly, research is producing blended and low-carbon cement systems that can reduce the amount of conventional cement required. Recycled aggregates can replace a portion of naturally quarried stone and bajri where engineering standards permit. The future should not be about simply using more materials. It should be about using better materials and using them more efficiently. Wood has traditionally been widely used for doors, windows, roofing and interiors. Sustainably produced timber will continue to have a place in construction, but excessive pressure on forests cannot continue indefinitely. Modern materials such as fibre-cement boards, engineered wood, bamboo-based panels, recycled-plastic composites and other fibre-reinforced products can provide alternatives for many applications. The objective is not to eliminate wood but to reduce unnecessary dependence on natural timber and protect forests for future generations. The development of alternative building materials should not be seen merely as an environmental necessity. It can become a new economic sector and a major source of employment. There will be increasing demand for recycled bricks, lightweight blocks, composite doors and windows, insulation materials, prefabricated panels, recycled aggregates and low-carbon construction products. This can create opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Agricultural waste, industrial residues and construction waste can become raw materials for new businesses. Young entrepreneurs can establish manufacturing units to produce these materials locally. Such an industry will require engineers, architects, technicians, machine operators, designers, quality-control specialists, skilled workers and entrepreneurs. It can therefore create an entirely new category of employment. Our youth should not be trained only to search for existing jobs. They should also be trained to create new industries and employment opportunities. For this transformation to succeed, our colleges and universities must also change. New certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses can be introduced in areas such as Alternative Building Materials, Sustainable Construction Technology, Recycling Technology, Composite Materials, Prefabrication and Green Building Technology. Students should receive practical training in material testing, product development, manufacturing, quality control and entrepreneurship. Universities and research institutions could establish laboratories and innovation centres where students, researchers and industry can jointly develop locally suitable construction products. This would help create a skilled workforce for an industry that does not yet fully exist but will become increasingly important in the future. Jammu and Kashmir has already taken an important step in this direction through the establishment of Building Centres under the Housing and Urban Development Department. These centres have an important role in demonstrating and promoting low-cost building technologies and alternative construction materials. However, their role can now be expanded significantly. They should become active centres for the demonstration, testing, training and popularisation of new building technologies and alternative materials. People are more likely to accept a new material when they can see and experience it. Building Centres can therefore construct demonstration houses, walls, doors, windows and roofing systems using approved alternative materials. They can show the public their cost, strength, durability, energy efficiency and suitability. These centres could also work closely with universities, engineering institutions, research organisations and private industry. They can provide training to masons, contractors, engineers, architects and young entrepreneurs. In fact, Building Centres could gradually become innovation, training and incubation centres for the emerging alternative building-material industry. Government support will be essential in creating a market for these products. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to establish manufacturing units based on scientifically tested technologies. Financial assistance, technical guidance, testing facilities, skill-development programmes and appropriate government schemes can help young people enter this field. At the same time, quality must never be compromised. An alternative material must not mean an inferior material. Every product should be scientifically tested for strength, durability, fire safety, weather resistance and other relevant standards before it is approved for construction. Government departments can also create awareness through exhibitions, demonstration projects and district-level programmes so that people become familiar with these new materials. The government could take this concept a step further by identifying a suitable piece of land and developing a model affordable housing township using scientifically tested low-cost and alternative building materials. The houses could have a few standard, attractive designs. Standardisation would reduce construction costs and time without making the houses unattractive. The township could include proper roads, footpaths, drainage, street lighting, parks, community facilities and public spaces. The surroundings should be environmentally rich, with trees, gardens, green spaces, children's play areas and walking paths. Rainwater management, waste segregation, recycling, energy efficiency and solar power, wherever feasible, could be incorporated into the design. The houses could be allotted to deserving families through transparent criteria and made affordable through soft-loan or suitable financing arrangements. The purpose would be to help families who genuinely need a home but cannot bear the rapidly increasing cost of conventional construction. Such a township could be developed as a New Smart Citynot merely because it uses modern technology, but because it demonstrates a smarter way of using land, water, energy and natural resources. This model city could also become a living laboratory. Universities, engineers and research institutions could monitor the performance of different building materials, energy consumption, maintenance costs, water use and environmental benefits. People would be able to see for themselves that low-cost housing does not have to mean poor-quality housing. At the same time, the project would create a market for locally manufactured alternative materials and generate employment in manufacturing, construction, landscaping, maintenance and related services. If successful, the model could be replicated in other districts according to their geographical and climatic conditions.The challenge before us is not simply how to construct more houses. It is how to provide affordable homes without destroying the natural resources on which future generations will depend. We have the scientific knowledge to begin this transition. What is required now is coordinated action by government, universities, research institutions, industry and entrepreneurs. The future house may look similar to today's house from the outside, but its walls, doors, windows, insulation, concrete and other components may be made from materials very different from those traditionally used. If we begin investing today in alternative building materials, education, entrepreneurship and demonstration projects, we can reduce pressure on forests, rivers, mountains and fertile soil. We can also convert waste into useful products, reduce construction costs and create new employment opportunities. The ultimate goal should be simple: a safe home for every family, affordable construction for the common person, sustainable use of natural resources and meaningful employment for our youth. The proposed model smart city could demonstrate that these objectives are not contradictory. With science and responsible planning, we can build homes that are economical for families, beneficial for the environment and productive for the economy. The house of tomorrow should not be built by exhausting the resources of today. It should be built by using science to create more from less. The architectural organisations of J&K, Building Centres at Srinagar and Jammu, Housing and Urban Development Department, universities, engineering institutions and private sector can jointly prepare a proposal for the government to develop a pilot affordable housing colony using scientifically tested alternative building materials and environmentally friendly technologies. The pilot can demonstrate low-cost construction, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management and attractive landscaping. Its cost, safety, durability and environmental benefits can then be evaluated. If successful, the model can be improved and replicated on a larger scale across Jammu and Kashmir, creating affordable homes, new businesses and employment opportunities for our youth. Reflections

Javid Dar seeks greater ICAR focus on J&K-specific agricultural research, innovation

New Delhi, Aug 18: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday participated in the 97th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi. Speaking at the meeting, Javid Dar called for greater focus on J&K-specific agricultural research and innovation, keeping in view the Union Territorys unique agro-climatic conditions, fragile ecosystems and potential in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors. He proposed establishment of a State Council for Agricultural Research in J&K to coordinate research priorities and strengthen convergence among ICAR institutions, agricultural universities, government departments, scientists, industry and farmers. Highlighting J&Ks research capabilities, the Minister noted that SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir have secured 143 patents over the past four years. He stressed the need to translate such scientific potential into field-level solutions. Javid Dar identified climate-resilient horticulture as a key research priority, with emphasis on disease-free and true-to-type planting material, corm multiplication, climate-resilient saffron, precision irrigation, mechanisation, quality testing, value addition, branding and export-oriented production. He also called for a dynamic, scientific and region-specific plant quarantine system, based on species- and host-specific Pest Risk Analysis, biological Post-Entry Quarantine, molecular indexing and process-based phytosanitary certification. The Minister further sought stronger research and innovation in animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries, post-harvest management, processing and value addition. He stressed that agricultural research should ultimately deliver higher productivity, lower input costs, climate resilience, better market access and increased farmers incomes. He called for stronger collaboration between ICAR, J&Ks agricultural universities, government departments, scientists, industry and farmers to ensure that research remains closely aligned with the specific needs of J&K.

Before FRA tribal communities were protected, faced no systematic harassment: Mian Altaf

Srinagar, Aug 18: Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, who served as Forest Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2014, on Tuesday said the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, was not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir before the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. Speaking to Greater Kashmir amid an ongoing debate over land and forest rights in the region, Altaf said the Forest Rights Act (FRA) became applicable to Jammu and Kashmir following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which extended central laws to the Union Territory from October 31, 2019. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is fully applicable in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir now. It became applicable following the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which extended central laws to the region starting October 31, 2019, he said. Altaf said that despite the absence of the FRA before 2019, tribal communities, including the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, had traditionally been protected and did not face systematic harassment or arbitrary evictions. The narrative being pushed around forest rights requires historical context, he said, adding that any legal framework extended to Jammu and Kashmir should prioritise genuine forest dwellers and protect vulnerable nomadic families rather than burdening them with bureaucracy or difficulties at the ground level. Recalling his tenure as Forest Minister, Altaf said the FRA was not in force in J&K at that time. I was Forest Minister in 2014 and no such FRA was applicable to J&K then, he said. His remarks come amid continuing discussions in Jammu and Kashmir over land rights, forest conservation and implementation of the Forest Rights Act, which provides a legal framework for recognising the rights of eligible forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. Altaf expressed concern over what he described as difficulties currently being faced by traditional forest dwellers. He said that instead of receiving recognition of their rights, some vulnerable families were facing eviction notices and administrative pressure. He said nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, along with other traditional forest dwellers, had protected forest resources for generations and maintained a longstanding relationship with the forest ecosystem. Before August 5, 2019, the Central Forest Rights Act was not applicable here, yet nobody harassed these vulnerable communities or rendered them homeless, he said. Altaf urged the administration to ensure that implementation and assessment of claims under the Forest Rights Act remained transparent and fair, with the focus on safeguarding the legitimate rights and livelihoods of traditional forest dwellers. He called for genuine implementation of the law on the ground so that the rights of tribal and forest-dwelling communities were protected and the process did not create unnecessary hardship for vulnerable families. The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday issued a fresh set of guidelines to streamline the processing of forest rights claims while simultaneously cracking down on unauthorised occupation of forest land, officials said. The circular, issued by the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, reiterates that all actions concerning forest land must strictly comply with the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

US diplomats call on Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 18:A day before the maiden visit of United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Jammu and Kashmir, a team of US diplomats from the US embassy in New Delhi called on National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah at his residence here on Tuesday. The visiting officials, who reached the Valley ahead of schedule as part of the advance preparations for the Ambassadors trip, included Ian Michael Dick, Gary Applegarth, Lisa Grace Alkins and Hemant Joshi. The meeting focused on the forthcoming engagement of Ambassador Gor with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, sources said. Ambassador Sergio Gor, who also holds the charge of Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, is scheduled to arrive in Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon. He is expected to hold separate meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his stay. The envoy will spend the night in Srinagar before travelling to Ladakh on Thursday. This will be Gors first visit to J&K since he assumed charge as the 27th US Ambassador to India in January this year. It also marks the first visit by a serving US Ambassador to J&K since the region was reorganised as a Union Territory in 2019. Officials confirmed that an advance team from the Ambassadors office had already reached Srinagar to finalise logistics and security arrangements. The visit comes against the backdrop of the deepening India-US strategic partnership and follows recent high-level interactions between Gor and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on issues including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. Kashmirs political leadership and civil society have taken note of the trip, with some voices calling for the envoy to engage with a wider cross-section of people during his brief stay. On Wednesday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor is set to meet CM Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, marking the first meeting between a serving US ambassador and a sitting J&K chief minister in more than 15 years. The last such meeting was in March 2011, when then US Ambassador Timothy Roemer met CM Omar when J&K was a state. As such, Gor's proposed meeting with CM Omar marks a return to direct engagement between the US envoy and J&K's elected government after the chief ministerial tenures that followed Omar's first term in office. The last US ambassador to visit J&K was Donald Blome in 2022, but he was then serving as ambassador to Pakistan and had visited PoK, prompting a strong protest from New Delhi. The last standalone visit to Kashmir by a US ambassador based in New Delhi was by Kenneth Juster in August 2018, shortly after the fall of the PDP-BJP government. Juster met then Governor Narinder Nath Vohra as well as Omar Abdullah, one of the former chief ministers present in Kashmir at the time. He also visited Ladakh a month earlier. Juster returned to Srinagar in January 2020 as part of a 15-member ambassadorial delegation organised by New Delhi following the August 2019 reorganisation of J&K. Gor's visit to Kashmir and Ladakh comes after engagements with political leadership in Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, giving the trip a broader diplomatic context. Any strategic significance of his Srinagar meeting with CM Omar, however, would depend on the statements issued by the two sides.

Eid-e-Milad holiday on Aug 26, Aug 25 to be non-sitting day for HC

Jammu, Aug 18:High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has notified August 26 as holiday, on account of Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), instead of August 25, as earlier announced and declared August 25 as non-sitting day for it (court). As per a notification issued by Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, M K Sharma, December 19, 2026, which was earlier declared as on-sitting day, will now be a working day for the court in lieu of August 25, 2026. It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that August 25, 2026 (Tuesday), which is shown as holiday on account of Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) for High Court of J&K and Ladakh is declared as Non-sitting day for the Court and in lieu thereof August 26, 2026 (Wednesday), is declared as holiday. Further, December 19, 2026 (Saturday) which was earlier declared as non-sitting day pursuant to High Court Order No 1313 of 2026/RG/NG-15(l) dated June 19, 2026, is now declared as Working day for the court in lieu of August 25, 2026, Registrar General ordered.

J&K notifies Land Pooling Policy 2026

Srinagar, Aug 18:The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Land Pooling Policy, 2026, laying down a framework for planned urban development through voluntary pooling of land by landowners and development entities. The policy was notified by the Housing and Urban Development Department through Government Order No 172-JK(HUD) of 2026 dated August 17, 2026. The policy document describes land pooling as an instrument aimed at facilitating planned urban development, infrastructure development, housing, and other urban facilities while enabling landowners to participate as partners in the development process. According to the policy, land pooling will be applicable to areas notified under the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act, 1970, by the development authority or any other organisation notified by the government. It covers land under unauthorised colonies which is yet to be regularised, land under litigation until the case is settled, forests, grazing areas, natural drains, water bodies, heritage sites, flood and irrigation departments and other government land specifically excluded from pooling. The policy provides that a contiguous area can become eligible for land pooling once a minimum of 70 percent of the land within that area has been pooled. Landowners are required to have clear and valid titles and their land should be free from encumbrances and disputes. A major feature of the policy is the role assigned to developer entities and consortia. A developer intending to undertake a land pooling scheme is required to obtain a licence from the concerned development authority and register with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The developer entity is also required to enter into an agreement with landowners and facilitate the formation of a consortium as prescribed under the policy. The policy envisages that 60 percent of the land in a contiguous area may be developed as per an integrated plan once the required conditions are fulfilled, while the remaining portion will be dealt with according to the provisions governing the reconstituted land parcels and development scheme. The development authority has been assigned a key supervisory role, including planning and zoning, notification of areas, fixing and notification of roads and other infrastructure, facilitating planning and development by landowners and developers, and providing a robust dispute-resolution mechanism. The policy also mandates the provision of essential infrastructure, including water supply, sewerage, drainage, power, transportation and other public utilities. External Development Charges will be applicable as prescribed under the policy, with the cost of external infrastructure to be recovered from the participating landowners and developer entity as per the approved scheme. The land pooling process will be undertaken through a consortium formed by the landowners, either directly or through the developer entity. The consortium is required to submit the proposed land pooling scheme, including the layout plan, proposed land use, location and area of land, ownership details, proposed built-up area, infrastructure facilities and implementation schedule. The policy provides for a two-stage grievance redressal mechanism to resolve disputes and anomalies arising during implementation. Complaints will initially be examined by a Grievance Redressal Committee constituted by the Development Authority, with an appeal mechanism available before a higher committee. It also introduces an online process for land pooling schemes, with the government intending to make the entire process efficient and transparent through online applications, tracking and monitoring. However, the policy provides that applications may initially be processed manually until the online system becomes fully functional. Strict timelines have been prescribed for implementation. Formation of the consortium is to be completed within 60 days, extendable by another 30 days. The land pooling scheme is to be submitted within six months of formation of the consortium, while possession of pooled land parcels is to be handed over within six months of approval of the scheme. Creation of infrastructure and development of the area is to be completed within three years from the date of handing over possession, with possession of the reconstituted plots to eligible landowners to follow within three months of completion of infrastructure development. The policy further states that operation and maintenance of infrastructure created under a land pooling scheme will remain the responsibility of the developer entity and maintenance of the common infrastructure will be the responsibility of the consortium, subject to the relevant provisions and directions of the development authority or Urban Local Body.

Surgical safety in J&Ks private sector under scanner

Srinagar, Aug 17:The inquiry ordered into the reported deaths of two patients at a private hospital in Srinagar has once again raised an uncomfortable question. Under what circumstances are these procedures carried out in the private sector, and what is the level of monitoring and emergency care set-up necessary to safeguard lives during surgery. Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar last week constituted a seven-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the cases at Moj Gobur (Medlyn) Hospital, Chanapora. Two women, as per reports, underwent procedures at this private facility, developed complications and following which, at least one of them lost life. The inquiry is to include patients medical records, treatment and operative notes, investigations, post-operative monitoring, availability of ICU and emergency support, and any possible delay. It must investigate whether there was any negligence or lapse in treatment. The panel has been asked to submit its report within five days. The case also raises many question that J&K's health administration has confronted before. Important one: are government doctors undertaking procedures in private hospitals during hours when they are supposed to be serving in government institutions?Documented evidence has made it clear that this is not just a matter of rumour. In July 2025, J&K government barred six doctors from private practice after an investigation under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY/SEHAT scheme. The SHA inquiry revealed that the doctors were involved in private practice during official duty hours and unethical referrals to private empanelled hospitals.In one peculiar case, the SHA's assessment found that a government surgeon had performed 1807 surgeries in private hospitals, while no surgeries were recorded for him at the government institution where he was drawing salary from. He was subsequently barred from private practice. In March 2025, the Health Department had directed government doctors to remain available at their designated hospitals during working hours. It had instructed heads of institutions to monitor attendance and investigate complaints of private practice during duty hours. If a government specialist is performing procedures in a private facility during official hours, he or she is naturally rushed to report back for biometric sign-out.More important, will there be adequate follow-up of the case, and addressing to emergency if it arises. CMO Srinagar, Dr Tahir Sajjad said the Directorate carries out inspections of the CCTV footage of hospitals to check if a Government doctors is present at the facility during official government working hours. This claim of safeguard, even if true, is not an efficient one given the number of hospitals and private clinics operational in Srinagar and other districts. Kashmir has seen growing private-sector activity around fertility treatment, hysteroscopy, hysterectomy and other gynaecological procedures over the recent past. Whenever a woman dies following one of these interventions, it is blamed on individual medical complications.Hysteroscopy or hysterectomy are not inherently unsafe, but established medical procedures. Complications can occur even when appropriate and adequate care is provided. The question is whether protocols designed to recognise, prevent and respond to complications are consistently being followed in private facilities. In addition, unethical medical practices and ruling out business-driven procedures is a growing concern.Moreover, the redress mechanism for complaints is unchartered, and unclear. In some cases, inquiries are ordered, however, the it is unclear whether any action is taken if the inquiry finds lapses in treatment and care delivered, is unclear. Dr Sajjad, CMO Srinagar said that many punitive steps and deterrents have been set in past for established cases of negligence. The Harkar IVF Center is still sealed, he said, while recalling the recent case.Experts believe, that a procedure may itself be routine, and yet be risky. Anaesthesia-related complications, bleeding, infection and thromboembolic events can end a life, and undo a successful procedure. These emergencies require rapid recognition and specialist intervention. These also require critical care at times. However, whether these essentials are available in places where surgeries are carried out needs to be scrutinised by the health department, a senior medico said.

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In Pics: Harvest Season Brings Ganderbals Grape Village to Life

Srinagar, Aug 18: Located in the foothills of central Kashmir, around 30 kilometres north of Srinagar, Repora has developed an agricultural identity distinct from the Valleys traditional dependence on apple orchards and saffron fields. During late summer, the village transforms into a canopy of lush vines carrying heavy clusters of green and red grapes. (Photography by Mubashir Khan, for Greater Kashmir)

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Jammu: NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against Pak-based LeT commander

A special NIA court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant for Mohammad Yaqoob. He is an operational commander for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Yaqoob is a designated terrorist involved in terror activities in Kashmir. He coordinated financial and logistical support for other LeT cadres. The warrant is in connection with an ongoing investigation into a terror network.

Income Tax Dept undertakes verification of suspicious foreign remittances

New Delhi, Aug 18: The Income Tax Department has launched a nationwide verification exercise into suspicious foreign remittances. The exercise follows data analysis and ground intelligence indicating significant overseas remittances by entities with little or no reported business activity. An official said that based on ground intelligence and analysis of data on outward foreign remittances, the Income Tax Department has identified several suspicious entities that remitted large amounts of foreign exchange over the last three years. He said a nationwide network of entities engaged in remitting funds abroad was uncovered during a search operation conducted on a group of fictitious charitable trusts involved in providing accommodation entries against bogus donations/contributions. Preliminary ground verification revealed that the entities making these remittances were either non-filers or were filling income-tax returns showing very small turnovers. The turnovers had no apparent correlation with the large amounts of money being remitted abroad. They also did not appear to match the stated purpose of the remittances, such as payment for freight, import of software, or import of consulting services. Further ground-level intelligence revealed that these entities were not actually operating from the addresses declared by them, the official said. They said the further analysis of the data also revealed that a large number of Form 15CB certificates were issued by a relatively small group of professionals. The remitted funds were also received by a clustered group of entities. Form 15CB, read with Rule 37BB of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 (corresponding to Form 146 read with Rule 220 of the Income- tax Rules, 2026), requires the Accountant certifying a foreign remittance to verify its taxability with reference to the books of account and other relevant documents. However, the findings raise concerns about whether adequate due diligence was carried out by the Accountants before issuing these certificates. On 18.08.2026, the Department launched a nationwide detailed verification exercise to verify these foreign remittances, focussing on shell entities, the persons behind them, and the professionals who have issued Form 15CB certificates. Entities located in districts along the country's land borders and remitting significant amounts of money abroad have also been covered in the exercise. The exercise has covered approximately 394 entities (including 117 entities located in land-border States), and 36 professionals. The Department emphasised that Accountants issuing certificates in Form 15CB/Form 146 are expected to exercise due care, diligence and professional judgment. They should properly examine the underlying transactions and relevant facts before certifying the remittances, as these certifications play an important role in maintaining trust in the system. Further investigations are currently underway, the official added.

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Gold surges Rs 2,000 to Rs 1.58 lakh/10g; silver rises Rs 730 in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 18: Gold price climbed Rs 2,000 to Rs 1.58 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, extending gains for a second straight session as retailers and stockists stepped up buying. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity appreciated by Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,58,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Monday's closing level of Rs 1,56,800 per 10 grams. Silver also advanced Rs 730 to Rs 2,40,730 per kilogram(inclusive of all taxes), after remaining flat at Rs 2,40,000 per kg for two sessions, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Globally, spot gold traded 0.5 per cent lower to USD 4,394.57 per ounce, and silver dropped a little over 1 per cent to USD 65.08 per ounce. Gold was hovering around USD 4,392 per ounce as crude oil rebounded on supply concerns emanating from West Asia, Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said. Oil prices gained after the 60-day US-Iran ceasefire expired on Monday. While the period can be extended, neither side is willing to do so, he said. US President Donald Trump said Washington had an edge over Tehran as the naval blockade continued, while Iran had asked its military to remain steady. The global investment story, however, continues to provide a cushion. Total known gold-backed exchange-traded fund holdings rose again on Monday to 97.39 million ounces, Singh added. Kaynat Chainwala, AVP Commodity Research, Kotak Securities, said spot silver eased towards USD 65 per ounce, weighed down by a firm US Treasury yields and some profit-taking. Despite the pullback, Chainwala said the broader backdrop remained constructive for bullion, supported by softer Fed rate expectations, sustained central bank buying led by China and steady investment demand. The focus shifts to the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee's July meeting for fresh insights on the US monetary policy outlook. With the Fed's policy path yet to be clarified at Jackson Hole Symposium, gold and silver may see continued two-way volatility in the near term, Chainwala added.

CM Omar reviews preparations for maiden International Film Festival of J&K

Srinagar, Aug 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held here from September 7 to 10. Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, scheduled from September 7 to 10, read a post from his official X handle. The festival will feature film screenings, masterclasses for emerging filmmakers and cultural performances, he said. Abdullah directed officials to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir's rich heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, art forms and iconic tourist destinations are prominently showcased during the festival. He also called for meticulous planning and seamless inter-departmental coordination to establish IFFJK as an annual event on the global film calendar. The first edition of the festival has received an overwhelming response from filmmakers with more than 1,100 entries for the event.

Manipal Health Enterprises to acquire Kinder Women's Hospital in Bengaluru

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Grenade attack near school in Afghan capital wounds numerous children, authorities say

Kabul, Aug 18: A hand grenade attack near a school in the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday afternoon wounded multiple children, authorities said. Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said late Monday that a number of children had been wounded, and said an investigation was underway. He did not provide further details. Richard Bennett, the United Nations' special rapporteur for Afghanistan, on Tuesday condemned the heinous attack harming numerous children near a school the previous day. Afghan media said around 50 children were hurt in the blast, which occurred in a part of the capital populated mainly by the Hazara ethnic minority. Hazaras, who make up around nine per cent of the Afghan population, have long suffered attacks and persecution in Afghanistan. Most are Shiite Muslims, and they have been targeted repeatedly in the past by Sunni Muslim radicals like the Islamic State group, while they have also faced discrimination in the Sunni majority country. In May 2021, a few months before the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in the wake of a chaotic withdrawal of US-led troops, three bombings at a school in Kabul killed dozens of people, all of them from the Hazara community and most of them young girls leaving class. That school, like the one where the explosion occurred Monday, was in Kabul's Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood, the main Hazara district in the Afghan capital. In a social media post on X, Bennett said an independent investigation to bring those responsible to justice was essential. Once again this mainly Hazara part of Kabul has been targeted. Deplorable! he wrote. (AP)

India calls for people-centric, implementation-oriented approach to environmental action at 12th BRICS Environment Ministers meeting

New Delhi, Aug 18: Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Bhupender Yadav, today welcomed Ministers and Heads of Delegations from BRICS Member Countries to the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting under Indias BRICS Chairship 2026, held in New Delhi. Delivering his keynote address, Yadav stated that Indias Chairship is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda and redefining BRICS as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability, with a people-centric approach and the spirit of Humanity First. Yadav highlighted the growing global environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, particularly for developing countries where environmental vulnerability is often closely intertwined with broader development priorities. He called for stronger BRICS cooperation on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and post-fire recovery, while stressing the importance of climate finance, adaptation and empowering local communities. Emphasising Indias approach, the Minister said ecological restoration and human development can advance together, citing Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam as examples of combining ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership. He also called for bringing traditional knowledge and modern science together to ensure solutions are scientifically robust, locally relevant and socially inclusive. The Minister talked about how Indias new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035 further reflects the ambitious commitment to advancing climate action while supporting inclusive development and energy security. The Minister outlined four priorities of Indias BRICS Chairship: Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles; Afforestation, Forest Fire Management and Disaster Resilience; Circular Economy; and Adaptation. He said together, these four priorities reflect a simple yet powerful conviction - environmental action must remain people-centric and sustainable, implementation or action-oriented and responsive to the realities of developing countries. Yadav said the progress achieved during Indias Chairship reflects months of dialogue, negotiation and collaboration. The Minister called for building resilience without leaving communities behind, pursuing innovation with responsibility and placing sustainability at the centre of development. He further stressed that BRICS can convert cooperation into collective and co-operative capability through knowledge networks, technical exchanges, training, technology cooperation and stronger institutional partnerships. The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting concluded with the consensual adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement (JMS) and the launch of four Knowledge Compendiums. The JMS comprises four Outcome Documents, which are as given below: Terms of Reference (ToR) - Network of BRICS Institutions to Advance Knowledge Sharing, Research and Innovation in Sustainable Lifestyles BRICS Principles for Integrated Landscape Management For Combating Desertification, Sustainable Land Management and Ecosystem Resilience Common Understanding for Forest Fire Preparedness and Response across BRICS BRICS Principles for Advancing Climate Resilience Through People-centric and Community-based Adaptation built on Traditional Knowledge The Environment Ministers Meeting also witnessed engaging panel discussions and side events: BRICS High-level Dialogue on Climate Change - People-Centric, Community-Based Adaptation: Advance climate adaptation by promoting the integration of traditional knowledge and local practices with modern science, technology, and innovation through a people-centric, resilient, and sustainable framework. Integrated Landscape-Based Greening - Sharing BRICS Experiences for Resilient Landscapes and Sustainable Development: To Showcase successful integrated landscape restoration initiatives and knowledge-sharing among Member Countries. During the event, the MoEFCC had set up a digital and interactive Mission LiFE Pavillion showcasing Indias flagship initiative through immersive gaming and interactive technologies. It offered a 360-degree experience of Indias efforts to promote sustainable lifestyles. Further, to coincide the 2-day meetings, the delegates witnessed a culturally aesthetic and mesmerizing performance by Indian artists. The captivating performance offered a vivid and vibrant glimpse of Indian culture.

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Delhi HC denies default bail to 2025 Red Fort car bomb blast accused

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EPG seeks judicial scrutiny of proposed Rs 104.02-crore Nowgam Industrial Park, cites Master Plan flood-basin protection

Srinagar, Aug18: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has called for immediate judicial and statutory scrutiny of the proposed Rs 104.02-crore Plug-and-Play Industrial Park at Nowgam, stating that the project raises a fundamental question of conformity with the approved Srinagar Master Plan2035 and a specific restriction imposed by the State Administrative Council (SAC) to protect a flood-absorption basin. The proposed industrial park, spread over approximately 50 acres, envisages industrial plots, roads, utilities, warehouses, factory sheds, worker facilities and associated infrastructure. EPG said such intensive development could potentially convert permeable and low-lying land into a built-up environment and alter the flood-storage, flood-conveyance and drainage functions of the wider Pantha ChowkNowgam landscape. Flood basins are not vacant land. They are natural public infrastructure, and their storage capacity cannot be treated as surplus land available for urbanisation, the group said. EPG said the issue assumes particular significance because the restriction on development along the Pantha ChowkNowgam NH Bypass corridor is not a new environmental objection but forms part of the approved statutory planning framework. The Draft Master Plan Srinagar, along with the recommendations of the committee constituted for its examination, was placed before the SAC for approval under Section 9 of the J&K Development Act, 1970. The Master Plan2035 was approved by the SAC along with the committees recommendations vide Decision No. 40/5/2019 at its meeting held on February 13, 2019, at Raj Bhavan, Jammu, except for the committees recommendation concerning development along the NH Bypass from Pantha Chowk to Nowgam. EPG said the SAC approved the departmental proposal with a specific modification that: NO DEVELOPMENT/CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY BE PERMITTED ALONG THE NH BYPASS FROM PANTHA CHOWK TO NOWGAM WHICH FORMS A PART OF FLOOD ABSORPTION BASIN. According to EPG, this makes the immediate question not whether engineering mitigation can be designed for the industrial park, but whether the proposed site falls within the area to which the SAC-imposed restriction applies and, if so, under what lawful authority development can now be contemplated. The group said the matter cannot be approached merely as a question of obtaining a subsequent hydrological or drainage clearance. The statutory land-use status and hydrological function of the site must first be established, followed by a determination of whether development is legally and technically permissible. EPG has called for the complete project footprint, cadastral boundaries and coordinates to be overlaid on a single GIS platform with Master Plan2035 zoning, the SAC-protected Pantha ChowkNowgam corridor, September 2014 inundation data, notified or proposed flood-basin areas, Nowgam Jheel, the Jhelum floodplain, natural drainage channels and wetland areas. An independent hydrological and hydraulic assessment should, EPG said, establish the sites historical inundation, existing flood-storage volume, natural overland flow paths, relationship with Nowgam Jheel and adjoining wetlands, connection with the Jhelum and flood-spill system, existing drainage channels, pre- and post-development runoff, potential loss of flood-storage capacity and obstruction or diversion of flood flows. The assessment should also examine cumulative impacts of surrounding development and extreme rainfall and climate-change scenarios. EPG said the guiding principle should be No Net Loss of Flood Storage. No development should be permitted if it results in a net reduction in flood-storage or flood-conveyance capacity. Where an intervention is otherwise legally permissible, compensatory storage should be demonstrated on the basis of hydraulic equivalence rather than merely equivalent area. The group has called for status quo at the proposed site until its conformity with Master Plan2035 and the SAC decision is established. It has also sought disclosure of the statutory basis, if any, under which development is being proposed within an area subject to the SAC-approved restriction. If the site is confirmed to fall within the protected flood-absorption area, EPG said the Government should examine an alternative, hydrologically safer location for the industrial park rather than attempting to engineer away the areas natural flood function. EPG said the Nowgam case should also lead to broader measures for the Jhelum basin, including statutory floodplain zoning, protection of critical flood-storage areas from filling and permanent development, mandatory flood-risk assessment for major projects, and integrated storm-water and drainage planning before urban expansion or major infrastructure is sanctioned. Floodplain, wetland and drainage layers should also be incorporated into Master Plans, zoning regulations, building byelaws and online building-permission systems, it said. EPG further stated that it had prevailed upon the then Governor, Satya Pal Malik, at the final stage of the Master Plan2035 process to ensure that the specific flood-absorption restriction was incorporated. Development must follow hydrologynot hydrology be engineered to accommodate development, EPG said, stressing that floodplains and wetlands must be treated as essential public infrastructure rather than vacant land available for development. Faiz Bakshi Convenor- Environmental Policy Group( EPG)