Translate Higher Education Council initiatives into tangible results: LG
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for a result-oriented transformation of Jammu and Kashmirs higher education sector, stressing the need to translate Higher Education Council initiatives into tangible outcomes, ensure effective utilisation of resources and build a comprehensive, holistic and student-centric education system. Chairing a high-level meeting of J&K Higher Education Council (JKHEC) at Lok Bhavan here, the Lt Governor set a six-month deadline for Universities in the Union Territory to roll out the Design Your Degree program. The meeting was among others attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister Shamim Firdous, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, Prof Dinesh Singh, Acting Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar and vice chancellors of various universities and heads of IIT, IIM and NIT, Srinagar, an official spokesperson said. He said the Council was convened to chart a forward-looking roadmap for higher education. Discussions focussed on advancing academic excellence, fostering a culture of research and innovation, and strategically aligning institutions to meet future challenges and leverage emerging opportunities. The key agendas included sharing of academic credit and resources and recasting UG and PG programmes in the light of Design Your Degree and National Education Policy 2020, the spokesperson said, adding that the meeting further discussed the modalities to set up a Task Force for integrating AI (Machine Learning, Deep Learning) and Data science into UG and PG programmes. To drive academic reform, the Lt Governor emphasised a spirit of collaboration and urged institutions to share academic credits, research laboratories, and resources. Transforming higher education in Jammu Kashmir into a comprehensive, holistic, and visionary system is a shared responsibility. The time has now come to translate Higher Education Council initiatives into tangible achievements, while ensuring that every student benefits from outcome-oriented asset utilisation, Sinha said. Stressing the need for stronger intra-university collaboration, he said successful implementation relies on deep-rooted institutional reform and a solid long-term strategy. The Lt Governor emphasised the integration of artificial intelligence and modern technology into learning programmes, stressing the need to pioneer frontier technologies. He also highlighted that these programmes must incorporate local languages and cultures. The Council also reviewed the progress of ongoing Higher Education initiatives, Engineering Kitchens and Entrepreneurship programmes, and Budgetary outlay and Reform of the Fund Allocation Mechanism, the spokesperson said.
Nimbadi Kashaya (2) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Nimbadi Kashaya is a polyherbal Ayurvedic decoction described ... Read more The post Nimbadi Kashaya (2) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
NC dissidents to meet again today ahead of crucial talks with party leadership
Srinagar, Nov 05: Ahead of their meeting with the National Conference leadership scheduled for Friday morning, party legislators, upset over recent cabinet-reshuffle-cum expansion, are expected to meet on Thursday evening to finalise their strategy for the talks, sources said. Sources said that the legislators are likely to discuss their future course of action and prepare a common stand ahead of their meeting with the party leadership. The meeting is likely to be held at the residence of NC MLA Mubarak Gul today, sources disclosed. This would be the fourth meeting of the group, whose deliberations since October 30 have raised questions about the stability of the government. In their memorandum submitted to the NC leadership, the group has demanded a restructuring of the Cabinet, including an assessment of the performance of ministers who have completed two years in office, and the removal of non-performers. The legislators have also sought the withdrawal of the Roads & Buildings Department portfolio from Surinder Choudhary, who retained the department despite facing criticism from more than 20 legislators during the June 3 Dachigam meeting. The group has also demanded the removal of the Chief Minister's Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani. As exclusively reported by KNO earlier, the dissident group is expected to meet the NC leadership on Friday morning to discuss its grievances(KNO)
How to store and care for gold jewellery at home
A favourite chain, a pair of earrings or a ring worn on repeat all pick up traces of daily life. Skin oils, perfume and the odd knock against a desk leave their mark. The good news is that a few small habits make a real difference. Looking after gold jewellery at home needs no special equipment, only a soft cloth, mild soap and a simple routine. This guide covers why care matters, which habits help, how to clean different designs, and where to keep each piece. Why Proper Care Extends the Life of Gold Jewellery Gold is a soft metal, so everyday wear shows up over time. Caring for gold jewellery is mostly about limiting friction, chemicals, and moisture. What can Happen Common Cause How Care Helps Dull Surface Skin oils, lotions, and dust Regular gentle cleaning brings back the shine Scratches Pieces rubbing against each other or hard surfaces Separate storage reduces contact Loose Stones Knocks and snagging Routine checks catch problems early Tangled Chains Loose storage in a drawer or pouch Fastened or hung chains stay neat Residue in Detailed Patterns Soap, creams, and perfume build up in grooves Soft brushing keeps engraved and textured areas clear Daily Habits That Prevent Damage These habits take seconds and protect gold jewellery from the most common causes of wear. Put it on Last, Take it Off First : Apply perfume, hairspray, and body lotion before wearing your pieces. Remove it Before Swimming : Chlorine and salt water can affect gold alloys. Take it off for Workouts and Housework : Cleaning products and sudden knocks are hard on both metal and settings. Avoid Wearing Delicate Pieces to Bed : Fine chains can snag, and clasps can loosen. Wipe After Wearing: Use a soft, dry cloth on each piece of jewellery to remove oils and moisture before it goes away. Check Clasps and Settings: A quick look every few weeks helps you notice anything loose. Wash your Hands First: Handling pieces with clean hands keeps fingerprints and residue off the surface. Safe Cleaning Methods for Different Pieces Most gold jewellery responds well to a gentle home clean, but the method should suit the design. Type of Piece Suggested Method Take Care Plain Chains and Bands Soak briefly in warm water with a drop of mild soap, brush lightly with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry Avoid scrubbing hard along thin links Diamond-set Pieces Soak in soapy water, then brush gently around the stones and behind the setting Use light pressure so prongs are not disturbed Textured or Patterned Designs Use a soft brush or cotton bud to reach grooves, curves, and engraved lines Dry thoroughly so no moisture stays in the detail Pieces with Pearls or Soft Gemstones Wipe with a damp, soft cloth Avoid soaking, as some stones react to water and soap Older or Heirloom Pieces Wipe gently with a soft cloth Ask a jeweller before using any cleaning method Smart Storage Ideas at Home Where you keep gold jewellery matters as much as how you clean it. Aim for a space that is dry, padded and organised. Use Separate Compartments: A lined box with slots or soft pouches stops pieces from scratching one another. Fasten Chains and Necklaces: Closed clasps reduce tangling. Hanging hooks or flat trays work well for longer designs. Pair Earrings and Keep Rings in Slots : This avoids misplaced pieces and bent posts. Keep the Space Dry: Choose a drawer or cupboard away from the bathroom, and consider adding a small silica gel sachet. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat : Warm windowsills and radiators are best avoided. Use a Travel Pouch : Small padded cases keep pieces protected while you are away from home. Store Paperwork Alongside : Keep certificates and invoices in one folder so details are easy to find. Keep Your Gold Jewellery Beautiful with the Right Care Trusted jewellery brands like Indriya offer a range of gold jewellery designs and guidance on caring for different patterns, finishes, and gemstone settings. While regular cleaning with a soft cloth and proper storage help maintain your jewellery, professional checks can help identify loose stones, worn clasps, or other issues that need attention. Visit an Indriya store to explore jewellery designs in person and speak with the team about suitable cleaning methods, storage practices, and care requirements for specific pieces. This guidance can help you maintain your gold jewellerys appearance and enjoy wearing it for years to come.
Fake cybercrime officials dupe Batmaloo man of Rs 50,000, four booked
Srinagar, Nov 05: Police have registered a case against four persons for impersonating Cyber Crime officials and cheating a man of rupees 50,000 in Batmaloo area of Srinagar, officials said. An official said that a complaint was received from a man alleging that four persons had cheated him by posing as officers of the Cyber Crime Department. He said the accused fraudulently took rupees 50,000 from the complainant. The official said an FIR (No. 139/2026) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station Batmaloo and further investigation is underway.(KNO)
20-Year-Old Ghee Found In Grandfather's House Goes Viral. Can It Really Last For Decades?
An unusual discovery has taken social media by surprise, with a viral video showing what is claimed to be a two-decade-old jar of ghee found in a man's grandfather's house.
Gary Mehigan Says Makhana Is Better Than Popcorn. His Latest Recipe Proves Why
Chef Gary Mehigan shares a unique Makhana Toffee Crunch recipe using roasted makhana, nuts, seeds, jaggery, and spices for a sweet snack.
Trump Admits War In Iran, Oil Prices Led to Poll Loss; But Says Would 'Do It Again'
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it was largely true that the war in Iran cost the Republicans heavy losses in the midterm election, but struck a defiant note, saying he would do it again as it was the only
EAM Jaishankar urges Commonwealth partners to 'de-risk and diversify'
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has urged Commonwealth partners to de-risk and diversify, emphasising the need to enhance local distribution among member nations. Jaishankar arrived in St. John's on Tuesday to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Commonwealth partners also need to de-risk and diversify. This requires shorter and trusted supply chains, Jaishankar posted on social media after attending the Commonwealth heads of government and business leaders' breakfast meeting on Wednesday. Jaishankar said Commonwealth partners need to make more efforts to enhance local distribution, adding that more connectivity corridors are good for business. Promote training and capacity building as it gives more options for partners, he said. EAM said that the Indian business community spread across the world is an asset for the Commonwealth. Speaking about the significance of digital public infrastructure for good governance, Jaishankar said, Digital is
Kathua, Nov 05: A 50-year-old man from Bihar was found dead at Hattli Morh in Kathua district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that the man was found lying unconscious near a mulberry tree at Hattli Morh. He said locals spotted him and informed the police, following which he was shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased was identified as Samiullah (50), a native of Bihar. The official said an investigation is underway, while medico-legal formalities are being completed. The body will be handed over to the family after completion of formalities.(KNO)
Iranians celebrate setback for Trump in US election, and other Mideast news
Dubai, Nov 05: Iranian officials were emboldened by a stinging election setback for US President Donald Trump, and world leaders waited to see whether Washington would end the war with Iran. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed they fired strikes on an airport in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The Israeli military said it struck two suspects in Lebanon, killing one person. Here is the latest news from the Middle East on Wednesday. Read our full coverage here. Irans leaders say election shows US voters rejected Trumps war Iranians celebrated on Wednesday after US voters, concerned about the war and frustrated over rising prices for fuel, gave Democrats control of Congress in Tuesdays vote a major blow for Trump and his Republican Party. Irans chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, wrote Wednesday on X that Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message. He warned that if the US government ignores the vote for change, it will learn our NO comes with a Nightmare. But Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, dismissed thoughts that the US will change its approach to the Islamic Republic. The broader region has been on edge for weeks over whether the US will resume full-scale military operations against Iran. Talks are ongoing aimed at preventing renewed fighting. Underscoring the mutual hostility, thousands marched through Tehran on Wednesday at a government-organized demonstration commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy. Pro-government demonstrators burned American and Israeli flags and chanted Death to America and Death to Israel. UN peacekeeping chief says Lebanon needs UN presence and urges a Security Council decision Jean-Pierre Lacroix said Wednesday that Lebanese officials fear a security vacuum between Israeli forces and the Lebanese army when the UN peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL ends December 31. Lacroix, who recently returned from the Middle East, warned of the risks of leaving the two armies sort of face-to-face without a third-party presence. He questioned who would monitor the U.N.-drawn Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, prevent unintended clashes and support communities in southern Lebanon. The border region patrolled by UNIFIL has experienced decades of violence, including a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah militants in 2024. Israel has long accused UNIFIL of failing to prevent Hezbollah from building up its military presence along the border. Lacroix said efforts to disarm Hezbollah had failed because there was no political will. The United States, Israels closest ally, successfully pushed the U.N. Security Council to end the mission after nearly five decades. U.N. Secretary-General Antnio Guterres proposed three options in June to maintain U.N. monitoring along the border. Lacroix said unarmed UN military observers would still be authorized to operate in southern Lebanon but questioned how they could do so without protection or support. He said a Security Council resolution adopted in 2000 remains in effect. The council is scheduled to discuss it Nov. 19. Houthis claim strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia In Yemen, the Iran-backed Houthis on Wednesday claimed without providing evidence that they targeted King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh as well as several areas in southern parts of the country. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said rebels fired a ballistic missile toward the airport, causing what he described as major damages to the airport. He also claimed that the group fired a drone at a radar installation and a ballistic missile at a command and control center in the Jazan province. The Associated Press couldnt independently verify these claims. The Saudi information ministry didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The Saudi civil defense issued an alert in Riyadh overnight and other warning alerts of potential danger in Jazan and Najran early Wednesday. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted oil and logistic facilities as well as airports in Saudi Arabia as part of their plan to fight what they describe as the kingdoms blockade on Yemen. 7 killed in airstrike in Yemen, Houthis say At least seven people, including two children, were killed in an airstrike Wednesday in Yemens southwestern province of Taiz, Houthi health authorities said. The Houthi-run health ministry said in a statement the strike hit a house in the district of Maqbanah and also wounded six other children. The Houthi media aired footage it said was of the struck building. The footage showed a heavily damaged concrete building, with large sections of the roof and walls collapsing. The ministry blamed Saudi Arabia, which didnt immediately comment on the accusations. It was the latest deadly strike in Yemen since the countrys civil war was revived more than three months ago. The fighting pits the Iranian-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia and its ally, Yemen's internationally recognized government. Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon In Lebanon, the Health Ministry said the strike on a motorcycle in the village of Qabrikha killed one person and wounded another. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had struck two suspects who were observing IDF soldiers without providing further details. The attack was the first in nearly a month as such drone strikes have been rare since a US-brokered ceasefire in late June ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.
Why Gifting Dry Fruits Has Become More Expensive This Diwali
Consumers may have to spend more than they did last year on their usual Diwali dry fruit purchases.
Indian-Americans win in US midterm polls
New Delhi, Nov 4:Several Indian-American candidates won key contests in the US midterm elections, securing victories in the House of Representatives and state-level offices, while Republican Vivek Ramaswamy lost the Ohio governors race to Democrat Amy Acton, according to The Indian Express. Democrats Suhas Subramanyam, Pia Dandiya, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal won their respective House races. Aruna Miller was re-elected Maryland lieutenant governor. Other Indian-American winners included Josh Kaul, who won the Wisconsin attorney generals race; Aparna Raj, elected to the Washington, DC Council from Ward 1; and Jyot Singh, who won Georgias House District 97. Dandiya won Floridas 22nd congressional district, while Subramanyam retained Virginias 10th district. Khanna won Californias 17th district and Jayapal retained Washingtons 7th district. Among those who lost were Republican candidates Saritha Komatireddy in the New York attorney generals race, Ritesh Tandon in Californias 17th congressional district, Nirav Sheth in Washingtons 7th district and Mahesh Ganorkar in North Carolinas 4th district. Independent candidate Anil Kumar also lost in Michigans 11th district. Several contests involving Indian-American candidates were still awaiting final results.
Democrats win both Houses of US Congress in major setback to Donald Trump
New Delhi, Nov 4:The Democratic Party has scored a sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, winning control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in a major setback to US President Donald Trump, according to final results/projections reported by the international media and BBC. The result will give the Democrats control of both chambers of Congress from January 2027, allowing them to block or delay key parts of Trumps legislative agenda and intensify scrutiny of his administration for the remainder of his presidency. The scale of the defeat has surprised even many Democrats, who had not expected such a strong performance. The party secured a series of victories in states that had supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election, including Texas, Ohio, Kansas and South Carolina. The results point to growing voter dissatisfaction with the Republican administration, particularly over the rising cost of living, higher fuel prices and the war with Iran. In his initial reaction, US President, Donald Trump sought to distance himself from the outcome, writing on his Truth Social platform: I wasnt on the ballot and if I was, we would have won in a landslide! He later acknowledged the Democrats performance, saying they did a good job, and admitted that the Iran war and rising fuel prices had contributed to the Republican defeat, the BBC reported. The election has also triggered criticism within the Republican Party, with some party members blaming Trump for the losses. Republican lobbyist Bill Miller told the BBC that the result was a total, complete rejection of President Trump. Republican strategists also pointed to the Presidents low approval ratings, unpopular policies and failure to address voters concerns about rising household expenses. Cost of living emerges as key issue The economy and the cost of living emerged as major concerns for voters. According to a voter survey cited by the BBC, economic worries and political corruption featured prominently in public opinion. The election results suggest that many Americans are holding the President and his party responsible for the pressure on household budgets. Higher fuel prices, in particular, have added to public frustration amid the conflict with Iran. The Democrats gains could therefore have implications beyond Congress, serving as a warning to the Republican Party ahead of the next presidential election. Texas delivers major surprise One of the most striking outcomes came from Texas, a state that has traditionally voted Republican in national and statewide elections. Democrats celebrated victories in both the Senate and governors races. Gina Hinojosa was projected to become the states first Latina governor, marking a major political shift in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold. The Democrats also won Senate races in Kansas and South Carolina, while making significant gains in Ohio and Iowa. In North Carolina, the party secured a Senate victory for the first time since 2008. These results underline the extent of the Republican setback and suggest that dissatisfaction with Trump has spread beyond traditionally Democratic areas. Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigans Senate race, becoming the first Muslim to be elected to the US Senate. The 42-year-old defeated Republican former representative Mike Rogers in a closely fought contest and will take office in January 2027. An outspoken critic of Israel, El-Sayed was described as a jihadist lunatic by President Donald Trump during the campaign, The Indian Express reported. What the result means for Trump The United States Congress consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both play a central role in passing legislation, approving government spending and overseeing the executive branch. With Democrats controlling both chambers, Trump will find it harder to secure congressional approval for his domestic priorities. The opposition will also have greater scope to investigate administration policies and summon officials for hearings. However, the election result does not remove Trump from office or automatically reverse his policies. He will remain President, and the extent to which Democrats can change legislation will depend on the issue and the votes required in Congress. The defeat nevertheless weakens Trumps political position and raises questions about his ability to maintain party unity and deliver on his promises. The international media analysts see it as a historic rout for the Republicans, with the Democrats achieving a level of success that had appeared unlikely only a few months earlier. The results also put pressure on Republican leaders to reassess their approach to economic concerns and the Iran conflict. For Trump, the challenge now will be to work with a Congress controlled by his political opponents or risk prolonged confrontation over legislation, spending and investigations. For the Democrats, the victory brings an opportunity to challenge his agenda, but also the responsibility of demonstrating that they can respond to voters economic concerns.
Ranji Trophy 2026-27:Qamran, Shubham smash centuries, J&K take 106-run lead against Pondicherry
Srinagar, Nov 4:J&K produced a sensational batting performance on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group match against Pondicherry, with openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria smashing magnificent centuries to put the hosts in a commanding position at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday. Resuming their first innings at 149 without loss, J&K rode on a monumental 344-run opening partnership between Qamran and Shubham to reach 491 for five at stumps, taking a crucial 106-run lead over Pondicherry. Qamran, who had remained unbeaten on 68 overnight, went on to score a brilliant 160 off 292 deliveries, while Shubham converted his overnight 80 into a magnificent 190 off 330 balls. Both batters displayed remarkable patience and composure, disappointing the Pondicherry bowlers throughout the first two sessions and putting J&K in a commanding position. The opening stand was eventually broken when Shubham was dismissed by Sagar Udeshi for 190, narrowly missing out on a double century. Qamran followed shortly after, falling to Ankit Sharma for 160. Their departure, however, did little to derail J&Ks momentum as the middle order continued to contribute valuable runs. Kawalpreet Singh remained unbeaten on 53, while Abdul Samad scored 37 and Sahil Lotra contributed a quick 30 off 26 deliveries. At stumps, Kawalpreet was batting on 53 and wicketkeeper Rydham Sharma was unbeaten on two. Pondicherrys bowlers struggled to contain the hosts, with Sagar Udeshi claiming two wickets, while Gaurav Yadav, Sagar Trivedi and Ankit Sharma picked up one wicket each. The days play marked a significant turnaround for J&K, who had struggled with the bat in their previous matches and were under pressure after managing just two points from their first three outings. The unbeaten opening stand provided the foundation for a strong first-innings total and gave the hosts a genuine opportunity to push for an outright victory. With five wickets remaining and a 106-run lead, J&K will look to extend their advantage further on the final day before declaring their innings and giving their bowlers enough time to dismiss Pondicherry. The hosts will be hoping that their bowlers can build on Sunil Kumars six-wicket haul from the first innings and complete a much-needed victory in their fourth match of the season.
Police football team wins Titans Gold Cup night football tournament in Anantnag
Anantnag, Nov 4:The final match of the Titans Gold Cup Edition-2 was played on Wednesday at the Sports Stadium, Anantnag, between Jammu and Kashmir Police Football Team and Siddiqui FC Anantnag amid great enthusiasm and sporting fervour. A total of 35 leading football teams participated in the tournament, making it an exciting sporting event marked by enthusiastic participation and competitive performances. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, as per an official statement, witnessed the final match and later felicitated the winning and runners-up team by presenting the trophy. Awards among the players, in recognition of their outstanding performances were also distributed. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that sports play a vital role in the overall development of personality by promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline, teamwork and a spirit of healthy competition. He urged the youth to actively engage in sports and other physical activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle and channel their energy towards constructive pursuits. The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted various measures taken under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan across District and stated that a slew of initiatives have been rolled out across the district to combat the drug menace and generate awareness among the masses, particularly the youth. He further added that IPD services at the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) are now fully functional, strengthening addiction treatment and rehabilitation facilities in the district. The Deputy Commissioner stated that individuals affected by drug addiction should not be stigmatized but instead supported and encouraged to overcome addiction and reintegrate into society. However, he made it clear that a strict approach is adopted against those involved in drug peddling, with no leniency towards drug traffickers. The Deputy Commissioner also urged sportspersons to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign and play an active role in spreading awareness against drug abuse, while calling upon the youth to stay away from drugs and embrace sports and other positive activities. He also appreciated all stakeholders for successfully conducting the tournament, stating that such sporting events provide an excellent platform for young and aspiring players to showcase their talent and enhance their skills. The Deputy Commissioner expressed hope that more tournaments of this nature would be organised in the future to further promote a sporting culture in the district. A large number of sports enthusiasts and football lovers were present at the stadium to witness the thrilling final match and cheer for the participating teams. The Deputy Commissioner also appreciated all stakeholders for successfully organising the tournament.
Rahul Sahai calls on LG Manoj Sinha, discusses trade, industry
Jammu, Nov 4:Rahul Sahai, Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu Chapter, on Wednesday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the third day of the Darbar Move to Jammu. During the meeting, Sahai discussed key issues concerning trade and industry in Jammu, including the impact of geopolitical developments on supply chains, input costs and business sentiment. He also briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the ICCs activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening industry engagement and promoting entrepreneurship in the region. As a mark of respect, Sahai presented an idol of Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji to the Lieutenant Governor, conveying his wishes for strength, wisdom and success in public service. He also extended advance Diwali and festive greetings to the Lieutenant Governor and his family, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity.
Kashmirs IVF sector eyes global best practices at ASRM annual meeting
Srinagar, Nov 4:Kashmir-based fertility specialist Dr Syed Sajjad Hussain represented India at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2026 Annual Meeting held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Dr Hussain, Managing Director of MED AGE IVF Centre, Srinagar, and National Convenor of the Indian Fertility Societys (IFS) Special Interest Group, participated in the international conference as part of the Indian medical delegation. The annual meeting brought together fertility specialists, researchers and medical professionals from across the world to discuss emerging developments in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), reproductive medicine, infertility treatment and advanced fertility technologies. During the conference, Dr Hussain interacted with international experts, including Professor Alexander Quass, besides members of the global and Indian medical fraternity. His participation provided an opportunity to exchange scientific knowledge, explore emerging technologies and gain insights into advances that could contribute to improving fertility treatment and services in J&K. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Hussain said international scientific platforms such as ASRM offered valuable opportunities for learning, professional collaboration and the exchange of ideas. It is a matter of pride to participate in such a prestigious global event as part of the Indian medical delegation. My aim is to bring the benefits of the latest developments in reproductive medicine to the people of Kashmir, he said. Dr Hussain has been associated with reproductive medicine through his clinical practice, academic engagement and role in the Indian Fertility Society. His participation at ASRM 2026 also highlights the presence of medical professionals from Jammu and Kashmir at international scientific forums. He is the Managing Director of MED AGE IVF Centre, Srinagar, and National Convenor of the IFS Special Interest Group, with experience in IVF, clinical embryology and reproductive medicine.
SKTMCCF seeks special OTS policy for J&Ks stressed business accounts
Srinagar, Nov 4:The Shahre Khass Traders, Manufacturers Coordination Committee and Federation (SKTMCCF) has urged the J&K Bank to introduce a special and inclusive One-Time Settlement (OTS) policy for Non-Performing Asset (NPA) accounts in Jammu and Kashmir, saying a fair settlement framework is essential for reviving struggling businesses and protecting livelihoods. In a statement, SKTMCCF President Imtiyaz Ahmad Malik said the proposed policy should follow the State Bank of India (SBI) settlement model to ensure uniformity and uphold the principle of One India, One Formula. He said businesses in Jammu and Kashmir had faced prolonged economic hardships over the past several decades and deserved special revival measures to help them recover from financial distress. The committee called for special consideration for genuine business borrowers whose accounts had remained operational for years and who had regularly serviced interest obligations but eventually turned into NPAs due to circumstances beyond their control. It also sought flexible repayment timelines based on the outstanding loan amount, particularly for accounts involving dues of up to Rs 50 crore, arguing that borrowers should be given realistic opportunities to settle their liabilities. The SKTMCCF further demanded priority consideration for accounts that have remained classified as NPAs for more than seven years, saying long-pending cases required a practical settlement mechanism. The committee also listed failed OTS cases among the issues requiring attention, although it did not specify the relief or settlement terms proposed for such accounts. Malik said a fair, practical and compassionate OTS framework would help distressed traders and manufacturers settle outstanding liabilities, restart economic activity and safeguard employment. He said the revival of struggling business units would also contribute to strengthening Jammu and Kashmirs overall economy.
SKUAST-K drafts guidelines to curb antibiotic misuse in dairy cattle
Shuhama, Nov 4:The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday released a draft framework titled Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines for Dairy Cattle in Kashmir, aimed at promoting the responsible use of antibiotics and strengthening veterinary healthcare practices in the region. The 28-page document was released as part of the universitys observance of World One Health Day 2026 at the Faculty Outreach Centre, Shuhama. Prepared by the Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, the draft has been circulated among stakeholders for feedback and suggestions. The programme was organised under the global theme, Act Together for One Health, and the event theme, One Health in Action: Honouring the Frontline Workers. The proposed guidelines seek to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in dairy farming by encouraging responsible use of antimicrobial medicines in cattle. The initiative assumes significance amid growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance, which poses risks to animal health, human health and the environment. The observance also recognised the contribution of frontline workers to veterinary healthcare and public health. Veterinary hospital workers were felicitated, while Worker Health, Hygiene and Safety Kits were distributed. Winners of the One Health Student Quiz Competition were also honoured. A theme lecture on Hospital Waste Management was delivered by Dr Amatul Muhee, who highlighted the importance of appropriate waste disposal practices in ensuring safe and hygienic healthcare environments. The programme was attended by Dr Akram Hussain, Dr Sabiya Qureshi, Dr Amatul Muhee, Dr Afzal Akhand, Shabir Hamdani, Dr Malik Hussain, besides students, veterinary hospital workers and teaching and non-teaching staff.
A new employment economy: Why J&K needs to bet on GCCs
Srinagar, Nov 4:With thousands of educated young people in Jammu and Kashmir struggling to find suitable employment, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) could open a new avenue for jobs, investment and economic growth in the Union Territory. The possibility of attracting multinational companies to establish their business operations in J&K came into focus during the two-day J&K GCC Summit held at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, on October 9 and 10. The summit brought together government officials, industry leaders, investors and academic experts to explore how Jammu and Kashmir could become a destination for companies looking to establish their global operations outside major cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The government has also constituted an apex committee, headed by NIIT Chairman Rajendra Singh Pawar, to work towards attracting GCC investments to the Union Territory. But what exactly are GCCs, how do they work, and why does J&K need a separate policy to attract them? What are Global Capability Centres? Simply put, a Global Capability Centre is an office established by a multinational company in another country to manage some of its important business operations. For example, a bank headquartered in London may establish a centre in India to handle its accounting, technology, customer services and financial operations. Similarly, a technology company may establish a centre to develop software, manage data, work on artificial intelligence or provide technical support to its international operations. Unlike ordinary outsourcing, where a company hires another firm to perform a particular job, a GCC is owned and controlled by the multinational company itself. Employees working in the centre are part of the companys wider global workforce. Over the years, these centres have moved beyond routine office work. They now undertake specialised activities, including software development, financial management, cybersecurity, research, data analysis and technology innovation. How can they benefit J&K? For J&K, the biggest attraction is employment. The Union Territory has thousands of educated graduates in engineering, commerce, management, science and other disciplines. However, opportunities in specialised private-sector jobs remain limited, forcing many young people to move outside the region. GCCs could provide these graduates with opportunities to work for international companies while remaining in Jammu and Kashmir. The centres could employ software engineers, accountants, financial analysts, customer support executives, data specialists and other professionals. They could also create jobs for people with different educational backgrounds through administrative, human resource and business support functions. Their presence would also benefit other businesses. More offices and employees would generate demand for rented accommodation, transport, restaurants, hotels, commercial buildings and other services. Indias growing GCC industry India has become one of the worlds leading destinations for GCCs because of its educated workforce, technology infrastructure and comparatively lower operating costs. According to industry estimates cited in the Nasscom-Zinnov India GCC Landscape FY26 report, the country has 2,117 GCCs employing around 2.36 million people and generating approximately $98.4 billion in revenue. Bengaluru and Hyderabad have emerged as major centres. Bengaluru hosts around 1,080 GCCs employing more than six lakh people, while Hyderabad has approximately 515 centres employing over three lakh people. Their success has also encouraged other states to introduce dedicated policies offering incentives, office infrastructure and support for companies willing to establish operations. J&K is yet to have a dedicated GCC policy. Industry believes Kashmir has the talent Faizan Kanth, Managing Director and CEO of SSGSERV, a global GCC and managed-services company operating in Bengaluru, Birmingham, Dubai and Manila, believes Kashmir has the talent required to become part of the global industry. The company already has an operational centre in Srinagar and has signed an MoU to create 500 jobs by mid-2028, with plans to expand employment to 1,500 across GCC and managed-services operations. In eleven years of building GCCs for global enterprises, one lesson holds: talent decides where the work goes. The talent we have assessed in Kashmir stands with the best we have hired anywhere. What it lacks is not ability. It is access, Kanth said. He believes government policy will determine whether more companies are willing to establish operations in the region. Global companies do not choose a city; they choose a policy. Bengaluru and Hyderabad won because their governments made it easy to say yes. J&K can do the same, and industry is ready to move the day it does, he said. The challenge now is to translate the interest generated by the GCC summit into a practical policy that provides companies with ready office space, reliable internet connectivity, incentives for employing local youth and faster government approvals. For J&K, the objective should be to create an environment where multinational companies can establish operations, expand their businesses and provide meaningful employment to local graduates. The recent summit and the constitution of the apex committee have provided a beginning. The real test will be whether these initiatives lead to actual investments and jobs on the ground.
J&K Govt notifies modified feeding departments for 6 ministers
Jammu, Nov 4:J&K government on Wednesday notified the feeding departments for six ministers, partially modifying its earlier order number 1810-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated October 22, 2024. As per the order, for Ali Mohammad Sagar, who has been assigned the charge of the Revenue Department, Power Development Department, Department of Law, Justice & PA, Department of DMRRR and Election Department, the feeding department will be Power Development Department. For Sakeena Masood (Itoo), the Minister incharge of Health & Medical Education Department and Social Welfare Department, the feeding department will be Health & Medical Education Department. For Javed Ahmad Rana, who has been assigned the charge of Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumers Affairs, Tribal Affairs Department and Transport Department, the feeding department will be Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumers Affairs. For Mir Saifullah, the Minister in charge of the Planning Development and Monitoring Department, Culture Department, Youth Services & Sports Department and ARI & Training Department, the feeding department will be the Planning Development and Monitoring Department. For Shamim Firdous, who has been assigned the charge of School Education Department, Higher Education Department and Jal Shakti Department, the feeding department will be Jal Shakti Department. For Altaf Ahmad Wani, the minister in-charge Forest, Ecology and Environment Department and Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, the feeding department will be Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj.
Srinagar Jammu highway open for 2-way traffic
Ramban, Nov 4:The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way traffic of light, medium and heavy vehicles on Wednesday, although vehicular movement continued to be slow at several locations between Udhampur and Banihal due to ongoing road construction, widening work and other traffic-related constraints. Traffic authorities have advised that the highway will remain open for two-way traffic on Thursday as well, subject to favourable weather and road conditions. Officials monitoring traffic regulation said hundreds of vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels during the day. However, traffic movement remained sluggish at several stretches due to narrow road sections, ongoing construction work and occasional vehicle breakdowns. The major bottlenecks included a 3040-metre single-lane, uneven road stretch at Dewal in Udhampur district and another narrow stretch between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district. Breakdowns of vehicles between Nachlana and Ramsoo also affected the smooth movement of traffic. The movement of nomadic livestock herds along narrow highway stretches, particularly between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather, was also likely to cause traffic disruptions. Commuters have been advised to maintain lane discipline and strictly avoid overtaking. Meanwhile, in view of ongoing highway widening work on the Digdol-Khooni nullah stretch, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted during daytime hours from 7 am to 7 pm. As vehicles carrying inflammable materials are not permitted to pass through the highway tunnels, Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will be allowed to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Transporters carrying fresh perishable goods and livestock have also been directed to ensure that their vehicles are loaded strictly in accordance with the advisories issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters. Passengers and light motor vehicle operators have been advised to undertake their journeys during daylight hours and avoid night travel in view of the possibility of shooting stones and landslides, movement of nomadic herds and ongoing construction work along the Ramban-Banihal highway stretch. Heavy vehicle operators have been directed to avoid overloading, ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel before commencing their journeys. Commuters have also been advised to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide- and shooting-stone-prone locations.
NCs own MP, MLAs exposing Omar govts incompetence: Tarun Chugh
Jammu, Nov 4: BJP national headquarters in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh on Wednesday, while reacting to National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdis resignation, said that even MPs and MLAs from Omar Abdullahs own party were currently questioning his governments competence and experience. This growing dissent within the National Conference is a clear reflection of the failure of Omar Abdullahs leadership, Chugh said, in a statement issued to press from New Delhi. He said the BJP consistently maintained that the Omar Abdullah government failed to deliver on its promises, particularly on providing employment opportunities to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The commitments made to the people during the elections remain unfulfilled, with the government failing to take concrete steps towards implementing its manifesto, Chugh alleged. He stated, The most telling aspect of the situation is that the governments failures are now being exposed not merely by the opposition but by leaders from within the National Conference itself. When a partys own MPs and MLAs begin questioning the competence and functioning of their government, it reflects the deepening crisis of leadership within the party. Chugh further said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had voted for the National Conference with expectations of change, employment and development. However, the Omar Abdullah government failed to live up to those expectations, he said. The people deserve answers on when the promises made in the partys election manifesto will finally be fulfilled, Chugh said.
As Ruhullah walks out, NC cries 'Operation Lotus
Srinagar, Nov 4:The National Conference on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of having succeeded in executing its Operation Lotus in Kashmir by pushing Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi out of the party, a day after he announced his resignation from the NC and the Lok Sabha. At a press conference at the party headquarters, NC MLA and party leader Salman Sagar, accompanied by Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen, launched a sharp attack on Ruhullah, questioning his decision to quit and alleging that his departure had served the BJPs political interests. Sagar said the development was unfortunate as Ruhullah had been elected to Parliament on the NC ticket. With a heavy heart, not with joy, because he was an MP elected on our National Conference ticket, I say that the BJP has succeeded in pushing Aga Ruhullah out, Sagar said. He alleged that Ruhullah had aligned himself with forces that had attempted to weaken the National Conference over several decades. Referring to the political developments since 2018, Sagar said the partys leadership had faced arrests and detention, including under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Particularly over the last five to eight years, since 2018, our leadership was jailed; senior leaders were detained under PSA, including former chief ministers and ministers. Those imprisoned were punished simply for representing the people, he said. Drawing a parallel with the departure of former NC leaders Devender Singh Rana and Surjit Singh Slathia, who later joined the BJP, Sagar alleged that the BJP had earlier succeeded in weakening the NCs political base in Jammu and had now managed to do so in Kashmir. Rana is no longer in this world, and Slathia is a BJP MLA. They succeeded there, and now they have succeeded in pulling Aga Sahib out. Operation Lotus, which targets MPs across the country to break parties, has now been executed in Kashmir, he said. Today, with Aga Sahibs assistance, the BJPs agenda has been fulfilled. It is deeply unfortunate for the National Conference and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he added. Sagar questioned the circumstances behind Ruhullahs resignation, suggesting that there were undisclosed reasons behind his decision. I dont know; Aga Sahib can answer that himself in the future, and we will certainly ask. There is definitely something behind the curtain, he said, adding that Ruhullah had picked up an excuse to distance himself from the party. 50-MLA mandate should have been used Questioning why Ruhullah chose to leave instead of taking up his grievances within the organisation, Sagar said the strength of the elected government and the partys legislators offered a stronger platform to fight political battles. He said the NC had secured a mandate of 50 MLAs and argued that such collective strength should have been used to address the issues raised by Ruhullah. People keep talking about the mandate. The National Conference has a mandate of 50 MLAs. That mandate should have been used to fight these battles. We should have fought together. Is one MP or former MP a stronger force, or is the strength of 50 MLAs greater? Is an elected government not a stronger force? Whatever difficulties there were, they should have been confronted from within, Sagar said. He questioned how many times Ruhullah had approached party legislators to seek their support or urged them to stand together on the issues he had raised. How many times did you ask the honourable MLAs not to leave and to stand with you? Did you ever approach the leadership? How many times did you speak against the leadership? Was any show-cause notice issued to you? Was any explanation sought from you? Our only concern was that you should not leave the party, he said. Sagar also referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs support for Ruhullah during the 2024 parliamentary elections, saying the party had provided him a safe constituency to contest from despite the availability of other potential candidates. He questioned why Ruhullah had not mobilised party legislators or sought their participation in protests and political campaigns on the issues he was now raising publicly. The NC MLA said the party was not dependent on any individual and maintained that neither the arrival nor departure of one leader could destabilise it. Omar Abdullah and the National Conference are not so fragile that the arrival or departure of one person will shake us. Delhi has been trying to weaken us since 1947, not just 1953, he said. Questions Ruhullahs stand on BJP, PDP Sagar also questioned Ruhullahs criticism of the NC leadership while, according to him, avoiding direct criticism of the BJP and the PDP. Asked about Ruhullahs assertion that he would not allow Delhis agenda to operate in Jammu and Kashmir, Sagar said the PDP had facilitated the BJPs entry into the government when the two parties formed a coalition in the erstwhile state. Curiously, he never mentions the PDP or the BJP. Yesterdays resignation was part of a planned script. When the appropriate time comes, the reasons behind it will be laid bare before the public, he said. Sagar said the people of Kashmir had a clear position against any political alliance with the BJP and warned that anyone aligning with the party would eventually face public rejection. Whether it is an MLA, an MP, or myself, anyone who aligns with the BJP will meet the same fate as those who spent 50 years in politics, served as chief ministers, and yet couldnt win a single seat later, he said. The people of Kashmir have a crystal-clear stance: no alliance with the BJP. Our MLAs know the pulse of the people. While some may have temporary compulsions, the truth will emerge in due time, he added. Raises issue of recorded conversations Asked about Ruhullahs claim that he had recorded conversations with NC president Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah after the abrogation of Article 370, Sagar questioned the propriety of secretly recording private conversations with party leadership. If an MP is secretly recording private conversations with his party president and vice-president, that speaks volumes about his mindset. I dont need to say more, he said. Sagar also defended the partys political conduct, saying the NC leadership had instructed its workers and leaders not to resort to personal attacks or unparliamentary language despite the criticism directed at it. Politics requires decency. We could also unleash trolls or use unparliamentary language, but our leadership has strictly instructed us not to stoop to that level. That is not our political culture, he said. Shaheen accuses Ruhullah of betraying voters Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen accused Ruhullah of betraying not only the National Conference but also the electorate that had voted for him. He has betrayed us. I do not hesitate to say candidly: Ruhullah Sahib has not only betrayed the party, he has also betrayed his electors and the people of his constituency, Shaheen said. Shaheen also condemned the language used by Ruhullah during his Budgam address and questioned his political performance, alleging that he had failed to deliver as an MLA, minister and now as a Member of Parliament. He described Ruhullahs performance in Parliament as dismal and questioned his record in raising issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the Tufail Mattoo case, Shaheen questioned Ruhullahs decision to invoke the issue after 16 years, asking why it was being raised at this juncture. The two NC legislators also questioned the emergence of multiple political parties in Kashmir, alleging that the proliferation of political outfits could be part of an organised attempt to divide people in Jammu and Kashmir. Why is it that in Kashmir, a new party sprouts at every corner? Shaheen asked. NC plays down resentment over Cabinet expansion The press conference also saw questions about resentment among several NC legislators following the recent expansion of the Council of Ministers. Sagar said the party was monitoring the developments but maintained that the legislators remained united and that any differences would be resolved through internal discussions. They are our brothers and colleagues. Within a day or two, you will see all minor differences sorted out through the normal process. A few people who tried to cause disruption will not succeed, he said. He specifically named Mubarak Gul, Majeed Sahib, Peerzada Sahib and Farooq Shah, asserting that they would not leave the National Conference. Yes, agencies are working, but it wont impact our government, Sagar said, while reiterating that Ruhullahs exit had aided what he described as the BJPs Operation Lotus. Ruhullah announced his decision to quit the NC and resign from the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat at a public gathering in Budgam on Tuesday, ending his nearly 24-year association with the party. He accused the NC leadership of betraying the public mandate and failing to honour commitments on the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, reservation and the release of prisoners. He maintained that his decision was based on principles rather than personal grievances and indicated that he wanted to bring together young people to build a new political platform. The BJPs alleged role in Ruhullahs exit, as claimed by the NC, remains an allegation. BJP leader Ram Madhav had earlier described the Budgam gathering as being held with the blessings of our people, while also saying the NC was visibly divided.
Power paradox: Imports rise, unscheduled cuts persist
Srinagar, Nov 4:Kashmir is heading into the peak winter season amid rising electricity demand, declining hydropower generation and complaints of unscheduled power cuts, with residents questioning the implementation of the officially announced curtailment schedule. A senior official of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) told Greater Kashmir that the valley's peak electricity demand during this period is around 1,500 megawatts (MW), putting considerable pressure on the distribution network as hydropower generation declines with falling water levels in rivers. Official power-sector data accessed by Greater Kashmir shows that the total electricity load of Jammu and Kashmir stood at 2,318 MW on November 3, with Kashmir accounting for 1,426 MW and Jammu 893 MW. Power imports were recorded at approximately 1,950 MW. The data recorded total state-sector generation at 373 MW, while central-sector generation was shown at 226 MW in the aggregate generation summary. The state-sector generation represents electricity produced by J&K-owned projects across the Union Territory, including major hydropower stations in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Among the major contributors to state-sector generation was Baglihar-I, which was generating 298 MW at the time of the recorded data. Other contributions came from projects across the two divisions and independent power producers. The central-sector generation includes output from major NHPC-operated projects such as Uri-I, Uri-II, Salal, Dulhasti, Kishanganga and Sewa-II. The figures underline Jammu and Kashmir's substantial dependence on electricity procured from outside to meet its growing requirements, particularly during winter. The seasonal decline in hydropower generation has emerged as a major concern ahead of the peak winter months. A senior official said generation from J&K-owned hydropower projects had been fluctuating between 250 MW and 280 MW during the past week, significantly lower than the output recorded during periods of higher water availability. During the past week, the average power generation from the local generation projects was fluctuating from 250-280 or 270-300 MW, an official said. The official attributed the decline primarily to reduced water levels in rivers during winter, which affect the generation capacity of hydroelectric projects. Jammu and Kashmir has an installed hydropower capacity of approximately 3,540 MW across 31 operational projects. Of this, around 1,197 MW belongs to the state sector, 2,250 MW to the central sector and 92.75 MW is operated by independent power producers. Despite this installed capacity, actual generation varies considerably depending on water availability and seasonal conditions. The Union Territory continues to depend on power procured through central allocations and other arrangements to bridge the gap between demand and local generation. To address the expected winter demand, the Ministry of Power is allocating an additional 330 MW from the central pool to Jammu and Kashmir from December 1, 2026, to February 2027. An official said the additional allocation would help compensate for the seasonal decline in hydropower generation and provide some relief during the peak winter period. However, the additional allocation is unlikely to eliminate the pressure on the distribution network, particularly during morning and evening peak hours when household consumption increases. Meanwhile, KPDCL has implemented a revised Load Curtailment Plan (LCP) across Kashmir from October 17, with the duration of scheduled outages linked to the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses of individual feeders. Under the revised arrangement, areas falling in the highest-loss category, with AT&C losses above 65 percent, are scheduled to face eight hours of power cuts daily. Feeders with losses between 40.5 and 65 percent have been assigned six hours of daily curtailment, while areas with losses between 15 and 40.5 percent will face three hours of scheduled cuts. Areas with AT&C losses between zero and 15 percent have been assigned only 30 minutes of daily curtailment. The revised arrangement also provides for expanded round-the-clock electricity supply. Eighty-five additional feeders have been brought under the 24-hour supply category, taking the total number of such feeders to 214. The feeder-wise schedule covers Srinagar and other districts of Kashmir, with individual timings prescribed for different receiving stations and distribution areas. According to the published schedule, metered, cabled and designated round-the-clock feeders in Srinagar city are scheduled to face between 30 minutes and three hours of daily curtailment. Non-cabled and non-metered feeders in several rural areas have been assigned six to eight hours of daily cuts. Essential feeders supplying hospitals, medical institutions and water supply installations have been provided separate arrangements, while certain industrial feeders have been exempted from scheduled curtailment. Despite the announced schedule, residents across Kashmir continue to complain of frequent and prolonged unscheduled power cuts, alleging that electricity is being snapped beyond the prescribed timings. Residents say the erratic supply has disrupted household activities, affected students preparing for examinations and created difficulties for businesses and other establishments. In Srinagar and Ganderbal, residents recently complained of eight to ten hours of daily power outages across several areas, including Lar, Wayil, Kangan and Gund. Meanwhile, KPDCL officials have attributed load-shedding and grid curtailments to the widening gap between electricity demand and available supply, besides the need to prevent overloading at key receiving stations during peak hours. The complaints, however, have raised questions about the implementation of the published schedule and the accountability of distribution authorities. Only 23.81 percent of identified hydropower potential harnessed The power situation also brings into focus the untapped hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the Union Territory has an estimated hydropower potential of 14,867 MW. However, only 3,540.15 MW, or 23.81 per cent, has been harnessed so far.
MD NHM reviews operational status of online single window system
Srinagar, Nov 4:In a major push toward streamlining regulatory processes and reducing compliance burdens for the healthcare sector, a review meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Athar Amir UlShafi Khan, Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, at the Old Secretariat, Srinagar. The meeting, as per an official statement, featured a comprehensive operational review and live demonstration of the Single Window Clearance (SWC) Portal. The meeting was attended by the Nodal Officer, Single Window System and Director, Industries & Commerce Department, Jammu, along with their technical team; Officers from the Health and Medical Education Department, J&K; Director Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, Senior Director (IT) from NIC, J&K; Chief Medical Officers from Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, and Rajouri, State M&E Officer, NHM, J&K, with outstation officers joining via virtual mode.
Srinagar, Nov 4: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson InamUnNabi on Wednesday said that Er Rashid, Member of Parliament from Baramulla, has sought urgent intervention from External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar for the repatriation of Adnan Altaf, an MBBS student who died in a drowning incident in Bangladesh. In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, MP BaramullaEr Rashid, as per a statement, highlighted the plight of Adnans grieving mother, Nighat, who is stranded in Bangladesh and urged the Ministry to direct the Indian Embassy to expedite the necessary formalities and arrangements for bringing the mortal remains home. Inam Un Nabi urged the Ministry of External Affairs to act swiftly and ensure all possible assistance to the bereaved mother during this difficult time. Inam Un Nabi said the family must not be left to face such a tragedy without institutional support and that every effort should be made to ensure Adnans mortal remains reach home at the earliest for his last rites with dignity. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength for them to bear the irreparable loss.
Apni Party expresses condolences over demise of former MLC Ghulam Qadir Pardesi
Srinagar, Nov 4: Apni Party leaders have expressed their condolences over the demise of senior National Conference leader and former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Sheikh GhulamQadirPardesi, who was also the father of LalChowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi. In their condolence messages issued, the senior party leaders, as per a party statement issued, expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Besides Party President Syed Mohammad AltafBukhari, other prominent party leaders who expressed their condolences over the demise of Sheikh GhulamQadirPardesi include Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman PAC Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, Chief Coordinator & District President Kulgam Abdul MajeedPadder, Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Media Advisor & Media Panelist Farooq Andrabi, State Spokesperson & State Youth President YawarDilawar Mir, Spokesperson IshratBhat, Womens Wing President DilshadShaheen, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor Khan, District President Srinagar Mohammad Shafi Mir, District President BaramullaShabir Ahmad Shah, District President BandiporaShafatKazmi, District President Anantnag Mufti Sarwar, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, District President Pulwama Dr Samiullah, District President Shopian Advocate GowherWani, District President GanderbalJavaid Mir, Provincial Secretary and former Chairman DDC Srinagar Malik Aftab, and others.
LoP Sunil Sharma should explain Ram Madhav's statement on Ruhullah: DyCM
Jammu, Nov 4:Deputy Chief Minister SurinderChoudhary on Wednesday asked the BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) and the leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, in particular, to explain the statement of their national vice president Ram Madhav regarding NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullahs rally. After the resignation of NC MP on November 3, it was BJP leader Ram Madhav who had stated that those attending Ruhullahs rally were their (BJP) people. It was BJP itself - their leader Ram Madhav hinted that Ruhullah was their man. Im not saying it. So now you should ask BJP and LOP Sunil Sharma to explain what they actually meant, Choudhary said, while responding to media queries on the sidelines of a government event, regarding dissent within the National Conference and Ruhullahs resignation. To us, Aga Ruhullah Sahib is a respectable person. But he has been misled by BJP. BJP, itself, has hinted vis-a-vis its links with him (Ruhullah), Deputy Chief Minister said. On November 3, Ram Madhav, in a presser in Jammu, had dropped mixed signals with his observation on Ruhullah's rally in Budgam. I will not comment on their (NCs) internal matter, but the National Conference has disintegrated itself today in front of everyone. Unqualified and heartfelt blessings of our people have always been there. That's why (Age Syed) Ruhullah Sahib is holding another rally (in Srinagar). However, I reiterate that we have no role in NCs internal affairs, BJP national vice president had said. Earlier on November 3, the Deputy Chief Minister had described NC MPs resignation as his personal decision. Aga Syed Ruhullah is a tall leader. I cannot comment on what he does. He has made his decision; now it will be for people to make their choice, he had said. As far as the National Conference was concerned, it always believed in consultations to resolve differences, Choudhary asserted, in response to a query about open rebellion within NC post cabinet expansion.
2 killed as fire reduces 80 makeshift shelters to ashes at Bemina
Srinagar, Nov 4:Two persons were killed and dozens of families were left homeless after a massive overnight fire engulfed a cluster of makeshift shelters at Durbal in Bemina reducing around 80 temporary structures to ashes. According to officials, fire broke out around 12:23 am and rapidly spread through the tarpaulin-and-wood shelters, most of which were occupied by non-local labourers engaged in scrap collection and other menial jobs. An empty poultry farm and a tipper also came under the impact of the fire. Residents said towering flames and thick plumes of smoke were visible from a distance as people ran for safety, carrying children to safer places while trying desperately to salvage whatever they could. They said by the time firefighters reached the spot, the entire settlement had already been engulfed in flames. An official of the Fire and Emergency Services said fire tenders from JVC and Rawalpora, along with additional reinforcements from the F&ES Headquarters Batamaloo, were rushed to the spot to contain the blaze. The fire involved around 80 temporary shelters made of tarpaulin and wood. After the blaze was brought under control, two bodies were recovered from the debris, the official said. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Noor Alam (27) and Al Ameen (16), both working as scrap collectors. Officials said the bodies were handed over to police after completion of forensic procedures, while the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The fire reduced the settlement to rubble, leaving many families with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. We have lost everything. Our savings, clothes for the children, household items, everything has turned to ashes. This makeshift shelter was our home and now nothing is left, said one survivor. Another grieving family member said one of the deceased was the sole breadwinner of the family. He was the only earning member. We have lost him and we have lost everything else too. We don't know how we will survive now, the family member said. Several affected families appealed to the district administration to provide immediate relief, including temporary shelter, food, clothing, and financial assistance, saying they had nowhere to go after the devastating fire. Officials said the exact cause of the blaze would be known only after completion of the investigation.
Sopore Bypass-bridge reopens after repair work, commuters heave a sigh of relief
Sopore, Nov 4:Bringing much-needed relief to thousands of commuters, the vital Sopore Bypass Bridge was reopened to vehicular traffic on Wednesday following the completion of major repair work undertaken by the concerned authorities. The reopening of the bridge has ended the inconvenience faced by commuters, transporters and fruit growers during the temporary closure, which had disrupted the usual traffic movement and forced vehicles to take alternative routes through the main town, resulting in increased traffic pressure. The repair work was initiated after the bridge developed significant potholes and suffered damage, prompting the District Administration Baramulla to order its temporary closure from October 22 to facilitate necessary repairs and ensure the safety of commuters. The reopening was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Civil Administration, Sopore Police, Traffic Police and Municipal Council Sopore, which remained actively involved in managing traffic diversions and regulating vehicular movement throughout the repair period. The concerned departments deserve appreciation for their effective coordination, timely arrangements and commitment to public convenience. Despite the challenges posed by the closure, the authorities worked collectively to minimise inconvenience and maintain traffic discipline across the town. Following the reopening of the Bypass Bridge, the one-way traffic system has been reintroduced within the town to ensure smooth traffic movement and prevent congestion. The reopening of the bridge is expected to restore smoother connectivity between Sopore and several adjoining areas, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Zaingair, Rafiabad and Bandipora. It will also provide significant relief to transporters, daily commuters, traders and apple growers who depend heavily on this important road link. Meanwhile, the authorities have urged commuters and transporters to strictly follow traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic personnel to ensure smooth and hassle-free movement. People have also been advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid unnecessary congestion near the bridge and adjoining roads. With the reopening of the bypass, normal traffic movement is expected to gradually resume, bringing relief to the people of Sopore and neighbouring areas.
Animal Rescue Kashmir flags functioning of Animal Welfare Board
Srinagar, Nov 4: Animal Rescue Kashmir has sought the intervention of the Animal Husbandry Department over the non-functioning of the Animal Welfare Board, Kashmir, in addition to a series of concerns regarding facilities and services at the Central Veterinary Hospital (CVH), Maisuma. In a letter submitted to the Director, Animal Welfare, on November 3, the NGO has sought urgent action on a number of issues affecting the treatment and care of animals at the hospital. The issues range from the absence of meetings of the Animal Welfare Board to gaps in hospital facilities. Alarm has also been sounded over the lack of emergency services at Kashmirs only Central Veterinary Hospital. The NGO said that despite the constitution of the Animal Welfare Board a few months ago, ot a single meeting has been convened so far. It is no wonder that no substantial work has commenced to date. Being a member of the Board and State Representative of the Animal Welfare Society, I sincerely seek your intervention and support in ensuring that the Board becomes functional, the letter states. Flagging the need for the Board to take up pressing animal welfare concerns, the NGO said these include animal cruelty, unregulated sale of animals by breeders, and abandonment of pets. It has requested that egular meetings be convened at the earliest so that these matters can be addressed through the statutory body. The NGO has also highlighted several concerns at CVH Maisuma, including the non-provision of diagnostic reports to animal owners. Patients are presently not provided copies of their X-rays or USG reports. We request that copies be provided to animal owners or, at the very least, they be permitted to photograph the reports and images for future reference and continuity of treatment, the letter states. Raising concerns over the safety of cats brought to the hospital, the NGO said, Over the years, hundreds of cats have reportedly escaped from the hospital, particularly due to fear and anxiety. It sought enclosed examination cabins or closed-door facilities in the OPD to prevent such incidents. The letter also points out that cats are often shaved in an open area outside the USG section before examinations. Seeking a separate enclosed facility for the procedure, it states that this would minimise the risk of animals escaping. Another concern raised is the prolonged vacancy of the Medical Superintendent's post at CVH Maisuma. The post of Medical Superintendent at CVH Maisuma has remained vacant for a considerable period. We request that the position be filled at the earliest, the letter states. The NGO also sought better arrangements for emergency and holiday services, pointing out that a doctor should be available on call during late and odd hours, while doctors and paramedical staff should be available on Sundays and public holidays to attend to emergencies. It further flagged the hospital's lunch-hour arrangements, stating that patients currently wait from 1 pm to 2 pm while staff takes lunch. This causes considerable distress to animals, particularly those that are critically ill. We request that lunch breaks be staggered so that hospital services continue uninterrupted, the letter states. Animal Rescue Kashmir said the letter had been submitted to the Director, Animal Welfare, and that the Joint Director (JD), Animal Welfare, had assured immediate redressal of the issues raised. The NGO said it remained committed to working alongside the department to strengthen animal welfare services and improve veterinary care across Kashmir.
PHC Sheeri without ambulance for months, patients face hardship
Baramulla, Nov 4:Residents of Sheeri, Narwav and adjoining areas have expressed concern over the prolonged absence of an ambulance at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sheeri, saying that the shortage is causing considerable hardship to patients, particularly those requiring emergency medical attention. The locals said the health centre has been without an ambulance for the past several months, leaving patients and their attendants to make their own arrangements for transportation, even in critical situations. They said the absence of an emergency vehicle has become a major concern, given the PHC's importance as a primary healthcare facility for a large population spread across more than a dozen villages in the Narwav area. The health centre caters to thousands of patients and frequently receives emergency cases, including road accident victims with serious injuries. In several instances, patients suffering from severe trauma, including head injuries, require immediate referral to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for specialised treatment. However, residents said the lack of an ambulance forces attendants to arrange private vehicles to shift patients to the district hospital, often resulting in unnecessary delays and an additional financial burden. According to locals, arranging transportation during emergencies becomes particularly difficult at night and in cases where patients require urgent medical attention. The situation, they added, has left people dependent on private transport despite the presence of a government health facility in the area. The PHC serves a large population, but the absence of an ambulance has left patients in a difficult situation. An ambulance is a basic requirement, especially when emergency cases need to be shifted to GMC Baramulla, said Mishtaq Ahmad, a local resident. The locals have appealed to the Health Department to restore ambulance services at the facility without further delay. They have also urged local MLA Javid Hassan Baig to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and ensure that a fresh ambulance is made available at PHC Sheeri at the earliest.
Sopore, Nov 4: In a tragic incident, a young medical student from Sopore in north Kashmir was found dead in Bangladesh on Wednesday, leaving his family devastated and triggering an urgent appeal to the Government of India for immediate intervention to bring his mortal remains back home. The deceased, identified as Adnan Altaf Rather, son of Mohammad Altaf Rather and a resident of Bunapora Dangerpora, Sopore, was pursuing his MBBS degree at Eastern Medical College in Cumilla, Bangladesh, and was reportedly in the final semester of his medical studies. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through his family and the wider community in Sopore, where the news has been received with profound grief. According to reports, Adnan's body was recovered from a waterbody in BurichangUpazila of Bangladesh on Wednesday morning, nearly two days after he was reported missing. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death remain unclear, and the exact cause of death is yet to be established. As per the account shared by his family, Adnan had returned to Bangladesh around 15 days ago after spending some time with his family in Kashmir. His mother had also accompanied him during the return journey. The family said they lost contact with Adnan two days ago, following which they became increasingly concerned and approached his friends in Bangladesh to ascertain his whereabouts. His friends subsequently informed them that he had gone missing. The family was later informed about the recovery of his body, turning their concerns into an unbearable tragedy. Adding to the family's distress, Adnan's mother, who is presently in Bangladesh, has reportedly been hospitalised following the tragic incident and is said to be in an unstable condition. The family is facing an extremely difficult situation as they struggle to cope with the loss while simultaneously seeking assistance to bring the deceased student back to his native place. A family member, while speaking to the media, said that they had approached the authorities and sought immediate government intervention for the early repatriation of Adnan's mortal remains. The family has also contacted the Chief Minister's Office, seeking assistance and coordination with the concerned authorities to expedite the necessary formalities. Meanwhile, the bereaved family has made an earnest appeal to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to extend all possible assistance, complete the required documentation and facilitate the transportation of Adnan's body to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. The tragic death of the young student, who was reportedly close to completing his medical education, has left his family shattered, with relatives and well-wishers hoping for swift diplomatic and administrative intervention during this difficult hour. The circumstances surrounding Adnan Altaf's death remain unknown, and further details are awaited from the concerned authorities in Bangladesh.
SNA-SPARSH hurdles delay Mid-Day Meal payments
Srinagar, Nov 4: The transition to the SNA SPARSH payment system for Centrally Sponsored Schemes has reportedly created difficulties for schools in processing Mid-Day Meal (MDM) payments. Scores of teachers have complained to Greater Kashmir about the issue and sought relaxation in the prescribed procedures, particularly for educational institutions located in far-flung areas. Teachers have expressed concerns over the shift from the earlier Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to the SNA SPARSH mechanism, saying that the new payment requirements have complicated the procurement process and increased the administrative burden on school authorities. Under the earlier PFMS arrangement, funds were released by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) to the Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), who subsequently allocated the money to the concerned school heads through the portal. Schools could then make payments directly to vendors through the same system. However, following the transition of Centrally Sponsored Schemes to SNA SPARSH, operated through the JKPAYSYS portal, ZEOs are now required to process payments through SNA SPARSH bills routed through the Treasury. Payments have also been linked to procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the submission of GST bills. General Secretary of the J&K Teachers Association (JKTA), HatimQayoom, said the revised mechanism has created practical difficulties, particularly in remote and far-flung areas where access to GST-registered vendors and GeM procurement facilities remains limited. The prescribed procedures do not adequately take into account the ground realities of schools operating in geographically inaccessible areas, making it difficult for them to manage MDM-related expenditure and clear pending liabilities, Qayoom said. Another teacher from North Kashmir said the MDM liability was creating immense pressure on the teaching community, as teachers were increasingly required to manage cooking arrangements, procurement, bills, GST compliance, GeM portal transactions and financial records. This is badly affecting academic activities. Teachers should be allowed to teach rather than being burdened with responsibilities of cooks, accountants and storekeepers, the teacher said. He said that the School Education Department (SED) should consider assigning the MDM programme to an NGO or a separate agency and formulate a proper roadmap to ensure its smooth implementation. Other teachers said the new payment mechanism had made it difficult for schools, particularly those in far-flung areas, to meet the mandatory procurement and documentation requirements. The teachers also pointed out that several in-charge heads and teachers had already spent money from their own pockets to keep schools functioning, adding to their financial burden. The government must review the decision and provide relaxation in mandatory GST billing and GeM procurement for schools in remote areas, a group of teachers managing MDM in schools told Greater Kashmir . They also sought an end to the practice of placing MDM financial liability on teachers and in-charge heads, arguing that schools should not be held responsible for procedural requirements that are difficult to fulfil due to the absence of a proper supply mechanism. The teachers urged the higher authorities in the SED to frame practical and workable guidelines for far-flung schools, keeping their geographical and logistical constraints in consideration, and take an early decision to address the difficulties. Talking to Greater Kashmir , Minister for Education ShamimFirdous said the matter would be looked into. I will take up the matter with the concerned official and ascertain how the issue can be resolved, she told Greater Kashmir .
Srinagar, Nov 4:Amid the commencement of the new academic session in schools across Kashmir, the authorities at the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) have decided to start the free distribution of textbooks to all education zones from mid-November 2026. An official told Greater Kashmir that they had decided to start the distribution in the first week of November, but the delay in receiving the supply of textbooks of revised editions has halted the process. Last year we supplied free textbooks to schools from the last week of November and this year we had planned to start it much earlier. But we didn't receive the textbooks for a few classes whose syllabus has been revised this year, the official told Greater Kashmir . He, however, said the supply of JKBOSE textbooks was available with booksellers, except for Class 3, as the syllabus for the said class has been revised. The basic reason for the delay is that people are busy with preparations for the upcoming Diwali festival, which has caused a delay in receiving the supply of textbooks for two to three classes, the official said. He, however, said the supply of textbooks for other classes was already available, but they wanted to distribute the textbooks for all classes in one go. He said JKBOSE had printed the textbooks for both government and private schools as per the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus data. UDISE is an educational management information system under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. As already reported by this newspaper, this year JKBOSE has revised the syllabus of textbooks for four classes, which include Classes 1, 2 and 3, besides Class 6. We have done it as per the NEP-2020, the official added. He said that textbooks for only two classes were pending, while the rest of the supply had already been received. Also, the syllabus of other classes will be revised in the near future and implemented from the academic session 2027-2028. As already reported by this newspaper, the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has made it mandatory for private schools to adopt its textbooks for students from primary to higher classes. The orders have been issued by JKBOSE using the powers vested in it under the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Act, 1975. Under the Act, JKBOSE holds the authority to prescribe courses of instruction, curricula, syllabi, and textbooks for various academic levels, including pre-primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary school examinations, reads a circular issued by JKBOSE in previous years. However, complaints are pouring in against private schools that are recommending costly textbooks from private publishers and putting an unnecessary burden on parents. This newspaper carried a series of stories regarding the issue, but the government is yet to wake up to it.
Questioning Democratic Institutions
The Congress party's relentless campaign against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls exposes a familiar pattern in its political conduct: questioning democratic institutions whenever their functioning does not suit its political narrative. A party that has spent years questioning electoral transparency and accusing others of undermining democracy now finds itself uncomfortable with an exercise designed to strengthen the very foundation of free and fair elections. For Congress, electoral reforms appear welcome only when they serve its political interests. When duplicate entries, deceased voters and questionable registrations are discussed by opposition leaders, they become legitimate concerns. But when the Election Commission undertakes a nationwide exercise to identify and correct such discrepancies, the same party raises the alarm and turns an administrative process into a political controversy. The Special Intensive Revision is not an exercise designed to benefit the BJP or any other political formation. Its fundamental objective is to ensure that electoral rolls reflect genuine voters, remove erroneous entries and protect the integrity of the democratic process. A clean electoral roll is the starting point of a credible election, and no responsible political party should oppose that objective. SIR is about cleaning electoral rolls, not deleting democracy The figures emerging from the exercise underline its scale and administrative effort. Across the states where SIR was undertaken, voters were provided between 100 and 158 days, or approximately four to five months, to complete the enumeration process. Of the country's approximately 95 crore voters, nearly 82 crore, accounting for around 88 per cent, submitted their Enumeration Forms. Approximately 13 crore entries were placed under the ASDD classification Absent, Shifted, Dead and Duplicate during the preparation of revised electoral rolls. The reported figures included approximately 2.89 crore deceased voters and 1.01 crore duplicate entries. The remaining cases involved voters who were absent, had shifted or could not be traced during the verification exercise. These numbers demand serious attention. Electoral rolls cannot remain static documents carrying the names of people who have died, permanently shifted or registered at multiple locations. Such discrepancies undermine the credibility of elections and create avoidable complications in the voting process. The exercise involved extensive field-level verification. Booth Level Officers (BLOs), along with political party functionaries, reportedly made three visits to voters' residences to collect enumeration forms and verify entries. This was not simply an administrative exercise conducted behind closed doors; it involved extensive ground-level participation. Importantly, exclusion from a draft roll does not mean that a genuine voter has permanently lost the right to vote. Eligible individuals can seek inclusion through Form 6, subject to the prescribed verification process. The Election Commission has also provided opportunities for claims and objections to ensure that eligible citizens are not unfairly excluded. Congress has particularly questioned Form 7, the statutory mechanism for seeking deletion of names from electoral rolls. However, the figures cited in the BJP's compilation indicate that approximately 29 lakh names were deleted through Form 7 across a voter population of 95 crore. These applications included submissions by political parties such as the BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, RJD and BSP, besides individual voters. If Form 7 is a statutory procedure, its use cannot automatically be portrayed as electoral manipulation. Political parties across the spectrum have the right to flag duplicate, deceased or otherwise ineligible entries. What matters is whether every application is examined according to law and whether affected voters receive an opportunity to respond. At the same time, more than two crore voters reportedly registered their names through Form 6, demonstrating that the exercise also facilitated the inclusion of eligible citizens. The scale of participation is equally significant. More than nine lakh polling booths were covered, with over 11 lakh government officials, including IAS and PCS officers and teachers, involved in supervising and conducting the exercise. More than 35 lakh authorised political party representatives participated, including over nine lakh BJP Booth Level Agents (BLA-2s). The total number of people involved was approximately 46 lakh. This raises an important question for Congress: when representatives of different political parties, including Congress itself, participated in the exercise, is the party indirectly questioning the integrity of millions of its own functionaries by suggesting that the entire process facilitated vote theft? If Congress has specific evidence of wrongdoing, it should place it before the Election Commission and pursue the remedies available under electoral law. Political allegations cannot substitute for evidence. Congress's double standards exposed by its own leaders The contradiction in Congress's position becomes even more apparent when one examines the statements made by its own leaders on electoral revision. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had described SIR as useful in Kerala, referring to concerns about fake voting allegedly facilitated by the CPI(M). Congress MLA Matthew Kuzhalnadan also spoke about the removal of allegedly fake entries associated with the CPI(M), suggesting that the exercise could benefit electoral integrity. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor acknowledged the problems of duplicate registrations, deceased voters and multiple entries. He supported SIR provided it was conducted transparently and with the use of digital technology to improve electoral rolls. Similarly, Congress General Secretary Sachin Pilot has maintained that people residing illegally in the country should be removed in accordance with the law. Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, who has repeatedly questioned electoral rolls, had himself claimed in 2015 that Delhi had approximately 11 lakh duplicate voters. These statements establish an important point: the need to identify duplicate and ineligible entries is not a BJP-created argument. It has been acknowledged by leaders across the political spectrum. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, leaders associated with Congress-allied political formations have also described electoral revision as important for strengthening the democratic process. Why, then, does Congress change its position when the exercise is conducted on a larger scale? The party cannot demand clean electoral rolls in states where it sees political advantage and oppose the same principle elsewhere. Electoral transparency cannot be selective. A duplicate entry does not become legitimate because it benefits a particular political party, and a deceased voter's name cannot be retained merely to avoid political controversy. This selective outrage reflects a deeper political problem within Congress: its inability to distinguish between institutional reform and political competition. From the Emergency to Kashmir's 1987 elections, Congress's democratic credentials remain under scrutiny Congress's repeated attacks on the Election Commission must also be viewed against the party's own historical record. Its leadership frequently lectures the country on democratic values, but history contains several episodes that continue to raise uncomfortable questions about its commitment to democratic institutions. The 1975 Allahabad High Court judgment against then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi remains a defining moment in India's electoral history. The court invalidated her election over electoral malpractices. Instead of accepting the political consequences, the country witnessed the imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975. During the Emergency, democratic freedoms were curtailed, opposition leaders were jailed, press freedom was restricted and constitutional institutions came under extraordinary pressure. The episode remains one of the darkest chapters in independent India's democratic journey. Congress cannot selectively invoke democratic principles while ignoring this legacy. Jammu and Kashmir has its own painful chapter. The 1987 Assembly election, conducted under the Congress-National Conference alliance, remains associated with serious allegations of electoral malpractice and large-scale rigging. The controversy damaged public confidence in democratic institutions and left a lasting impression on generations of Kashmiris. For a region that has experienced prolonged political uncertainty and conflict, electoral credibility is not an abstract issue. People must have faith that their votes matter and that political participation can bring genuine change. The 1987 controversy remains a reminder of what happens when electoral institutions lose public trust. Congress should therefore exercise caution before assuming the role of an unquestionable guardian of democratic values. The party's history also includes confrontations over electoral institutions. In 1993, Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan challenged the appointment of two additional Election Commissioners and the provision for majority-based decisions. The Supreme Court upheld the three-member structure in 1995. In 2009, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami recommended the removal of Election Commissioner Navin Chawla, alleging bias. The recommendation was not accepted by the then government, and Chawla subsequently became Chief Election Commissioner. These episodes demonstrate that institutional disagreements and questions of independence are not new to India's electoral history. However, they must be resolved through constitutional and legal processes, not through political campaigns designed to discredit institutions. A declining Congress cannot blame institutions for its political failures Congress's national electoral decline deserves serious introspection. Its vote share, which stood at approximately 45 per cent in the 1952 general election, fell to 21.4 per cent in 2024. This decline reflects changing voter preferences, organisational weaknesses, leadership challenges and the emergence of strong regional and national political alternatives. Instead of addressing these shortcomings, Congress appears increasingly dependent on allegations against institutions and political opponents. Since the BJP-led NDA government came to power in 2014, opposition parties have repeatedly questioned major policy decisions and institutional processes. Rafale, EVMs and now 'vote theft' have become recurring political themes. The opposition has every right to question the government and seek accountability. That is the essence of democracy. But there is a difference between constructive criticism and repeatedly creating suspicion around institutions without establishing wrongdoing. The Election Commission of India has, over the decades, overseen hundreds of Assembly elections and more than 20 general elections. It has evolved through successive reforms, from indelible ink and election observers to electronic voting machines and more comprehensive electoral-roll management. No institution should be above scrutiny, including the Election Commission. Transparency, accountability and institutional independence must remain non-negotiable. But criticism must be evidence-based, and genuine concerns must be addressed through established procedures. Strengthening electoral democracy must rise above party politics The BJP believes that electoral reforms must be continuous, transparent and free from political interference. A voter list containing the names of deceased persons, duplicate registrations and people who have permanently shifted cannot be considered a perfect electoral roll. At the same time, no eligible citizen should be deprived of voting rights because of administrative errors, migration, documentation difficulties or procedural shortcomings. Both objectives must go hand in hand. The Election Commission must ensure that every genuine voter gets an opportunity to establish eligibility, seek inclusion and challenge an incorrect deletion. Political parties must also participate constructively instead of turning every administrative exercise into a confrontation. The real measure of SIR will be the accuracy and inclusiveness of the final electoral rolls. The process must eliminate ineligible entries while protecting every eligible citizen's constitutional right to vote. Congress should stop treating every institutional reform as a political conspiracy. If it has evidence of wrongdoing, it must present it through appropriate legal and constitutional channels. Democracy is strengthened by accountability, not by manufactured suspicion. India's democracy belongs to its people, not to Congress, the BJP or any other political formation. Every genuine voter must have a place in the electoral roll, and every vote must carry equal value. The question Congress must answer is simple: if it believes in clean elections, why does it oppose a process whose stated objective is to make electoral rolls cleaner and more credible? Democracy cannot be held hostage to the political convenience of one party. Electoral reforms must serve the voter, not the vested interests of political organisations. Altaf Thakur, BJP J&K Spokesman
Beyond the Maternity Hospital Question
Anantnag has long been one of Kashmirs most important historical, administrative and commercial centres. Its institutions serve not only the district itself but also people from across South Kashmir and Chenab area who depend on them for essential public services. Yet, when it comes to healthcare infrastructure, the region continues to face serious questions about the adequacy of specialised facilities and the pace at which essential projects are delivered. The recent statement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the land identified at Janglat Mandi is insufficient for the proposed 250 bedded Maternity and Child Care Hospital has brought these concerns into sharp focus. The Chief Minister has said that funds are available and an alternative site will be identified. While this assurance offers hope, it also raises a fundamental question about project planning. If the land is inadequate, why was this not established before the project reached this stage? A hospital of this scale requires careful assessment of land, building design, emergency access, utilities and future expansion before implementation begins. If the selected site cannot accommodate the proposed facility, the administration must explain when this constraint was identified, what assessment was conducted and why the issue was not resolved earlier. Technical difficulties can arise in public projects, but uncertainty over such a basic requirement demands a clear explanation. The public deserves a transparent account of the decisions taken so far. The chronology of the project makes the latest development particularly concerning. While the present proposal for a 250 bedded maternity facility took shape in 2024 and 2025, the broader issue of relocating Anantnags maternity hospital dates back more than a decade. The existing Sher Bagh facility was declared unsafe in 2014, yet it continues to serve patients, raising a fundamental question that what kind of engineering and administrative judgement allows a healthcare facility declared unsafe to remain operational for over a decade? Concerns about its condition, limited space and overcrowding have persisted for years. A proposal for a 200 bedded hospital at Janglat Mandi was submitted in December 2025, with the proposed capacity subsequently increased to 250 beds. The project then encountered difficulties concerning its proposed funding mechanism and the preparation of the Detailed Project Report. In March 2026, an allocation of approximately `86 crore was announced. Yet, by October 2026, the suitability of the site remained unresolved. The concern, therefore, is not merely about a delay in a recently proposed project, but about the persistence of a critical healthcare infrastructure gap for more than a decade, while the safety of mothers, newborns and healthcare workers demands urgent attention. Further delay could also substantially increase the projects eventual cost. Rising construction costs, revised estimates and prolonged administrative processes can place additional pressure on public funds. The possibility of the cost doubling before construction begins deserves serious attention, although the actual escalation must be established through updated project estimates. This sequence demands a thorough review of the planning and decision-making process. The administration must establish whether the land was assessed against the hospitals actual requirements, whether alternative sites were considered and whether the increase in capacity necessitated a fresh assessment. Essential healthcare projects cannot be allowed to move from one unresolved obstacle to another while patients continue to wait. The people of Anantnag deserve clear answers, defined timelines and visible progress towards construction. Maternity care cannot wait indefinitely for administrative decisions. Complicated pregnancies may require emergency surgery, blood transfusion and intensive monitoring, while newborns may need specialised neonatal care and immediate intervention. Such services require safe buildings, adequately equipped labour rooms, functional operation theatres and trained personnel. The government must expedite the new hospital while taking immediate measures to ensure safe and adequate services at the existing facility. Anantnags healthcare challenge extends far beyond maternity services. Beyond the long-pending demand for a Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH), which remains a pressing necessity given the inadequacy and reported safety concerns surrounding the existing facility, serious concerns also persist regarding the availability of specialised and critical care services across South Kashmir. Patients often have to travel to Srinagar for advanced treatment, adding to their financial burden and compounding the difficulties faced by families during medical emergencies. The proposal for a 500 bedded multispeciality medical college hospital at Dialgam deserves serious consideration by the Health and Medical Education Department. This is a broader vision for healthcare development in South Kashmir that has been advocated for more than a decade. Rather than limiting investment to a standalone maternity facility, the regions long-term needs should be assessed through the proposed development of a comprehensive hospital bringing maternity and child healthcare, general medicine, general surgery and allied specialities under one roof. Srinagars tertiary hospitals remain indispensable to Jammu and Kashmir. However, Anantnags healthcare institutions serve not only South Kashmir but also patients from neighbouring districts and adjoining areas of the Jammu division, including Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar. This wider catchment area places additional demands on its healthcare infrastructure and specialised services. The objective is not to diminish the importance of Srinagars hospitals but to strengthen healthcare facilities in South Kashmir so that patients can receive appropriate treatment closer to home. A balanced healthcare system requires strong regional institutions alongside well-equipped referral centres. The available land at GMC Anantnag Dialgam warrants a formal feasibility assessment for the proposed multispeciality hospital. If found suitable, it could accommodate future expansion and reduce referrals to Srinagar. The proposal to transfer MCCH at Sher Bagh and MMAMB Hospital at Janglat Mandi to the Health Services Department should also be examined to ensure continuity of care and efficient use of existing infrastructure. The earlier proposal to shift maternity services to the Rehmat Alam building at Sarnal also deserves attention. Published reports indicate that the relocation did not proceed after a technical assessment found the structure unsuitable in its existing condition. This episode raises questions about the assessment of existing infrastructure, the use of public funds and the lessons incorporated into subsequent planning. The wider issue is regional equity. Anantnag is a major centre whose healthcare institutions serve communities across South Kashmir. Its needs must be assessed against the population served, patient loads, specialist availability and referral patterns. Equity does not mean favouring one region over another. It means allocating public resources according to demonstrable need. For the maternity hospital, the immediate priorities are clear. The administration must identify a suitable site, disclose the reasons for its selection, clarify the funding status and publish a realistic timeline for approvals, tendering, construction and commissioning. Responsibility for each stage should be clearly assigned. The existing maternity facility must also receive urgent attention while the new hospital is being developed. The measure of governance is not the number of projects announced or reviewed but whether they become functional facilities that improve peoples lives. For a pregnant woman requiring emergency care, a hospital is not an abstract development promise. It is where timely treatment can protect her life and that of her child. Anantnag does not need another assurance that its healthcare problems will eventually be resolved. It needs sound planning, transparent decisions and a credible timeline. If the land was inadequate, the government must explain why this was not established earlier. If the funds are available, it must explain what is preventing construction. Above all, the people of South Kashmir deserve healthcare infrastructure that reflects their needs and allows them to access essential treatment without avoidable delays. Dr Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad is a former Professor of Neonatology, SKIMS and HOD Paediatrics GMC Anantnag. Peerzada Mohsin Shafi hails from Anantnag and write on issues related to infrastructure development.
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme also Known as PM Poshan is undoubtedly one of the important initiatives of the Government for the welfare of children studying in government schools. For many children, particularly those belonging to economically weaker families, the meal served at school is more than just food. It provides nourishment, helps them concentrate in the classroom and encourages parents to send their children to school regularly. The scheme has played a significant role in addressing classroom hunger and promoting social equality among children. Its importance, therefore, cannot be undermined. Rather, every effort should be made to strengthen its implementation so that the intended benefits reach every eligible child. However, a serious concern has emerged regarding the manner in which the scheme is being managed in government schools across Jammu and Kashmir. Teachers, who are already burdened with academic work, official documentation, surveys and other departmental assignments, are often left to manage the financial and administrative responsibilities associated with the scheme. In several instances, teachers have to purchase essential items on credit from local shopkeepers or pay from their own pockets to ensure that the meals are served without interruption. The situation becomes difficult when payments are delayed for months. Shopkeepers naturally demand their money, but teachers have to wait for the Department to release the funds. This creates unnecessary financial pressure and sometimes affects their personal and family budgets. The question is simple: Why should a teacher, appointed to educate children, be compelled to arrange money for a government scheme? Teachers have never opposed the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Their concern is not about the scheme itself but about the system through which it is implemented. A teachers primary responsibility is to teach, guide students and improve learning outcomes. Making teachers responsible for arranging funds, dealing with suppliers and pursuing pending bills takes away valuable time and attention from their actual duties. In these circumstances, the Government should seriously consider handing over the operational management of the scheme to capable and registered NGOs or other authorised agencies, wherever feasible. Such organisations could be made responsible for procuring food items, arranging supplies, maintaining accounts and ensuring timely delivery of meals, under proper departmental supervision. Of course, any such arrangement must be transparent and accountable. The quality of food, nutritional standards, hygiene and timely service should never be compromised. The Government must retain effective monitoring and ensure that every child receives the meal to which they are entitled. A pilot project in selected zones could help assess whether this model is practical and beneficial. Where handing over the scheme to an NGO is not feasible, the Department should at least introduce a system of advance fund release, timely payments to suppliers and a clear mechanism that does not require teachers to spend their personal money. It is also necessary to recognise that the responsibility of running a government welfare scheme cannot be shifted onto teachers without providing the necessary financial and administrative support. Expecting them to manage expenses while waiting months for reimbursement is neither practical nor fair. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is meant to support children, strengthen school attendance and promote better nutrition. Its implementation should reflect the same spirit of welfare and responsibility. The Government must ensure that the scheme continues smoothly, but not at the cost of teachers financial peace and professional responsibilities. Children need nutritious meals, schools need an efficient system, and teachers need the freedom to teach. It is time to find a practical solution that serves all three purposes.
The ruling National Conference has received a mandate in Jammu and Kashmir that few had anticipated. Power brings its own arithmetic, and the arithmetic in the government is now uncomfortable. The Chief Minister has a Cabinet-rank advisor, yet the number of ministers is capped at ten. Beyond those ten berths, the party must find ways to keep a large number of its elected members busy, relevant and content. For the party leadership, this has become a genuine headache. It is also a question of governance that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be asking. Politics is a profession, and like every profession, its ladder is climbed slowly. Every Member of the Legislative Assembly enters the House with the ambition of becoming a minister, and in a democracy that ambition is legitimate. Every MLA is, in his own mind, a prospective Chief Minister. There is nothing wrong with this. A young graduate who joins a bank hopes to become its chairman one day, and a civil servant dreams of becoming a secretary to the government. Why should an elected representative be denied the same aspiration? The problem lies in how our political parties are structured. Many of them function much like private limited companies. The promoter, or party chief, holds the right to decide who rises and who does not. Top slots go to the family or to trusted nominees, and the rest of the members are expected to wait for their turn, often indefinitely. This is not unique to one party, but the Abdullah familys political journey across generations shows how the same model has been carried forward. Each generation has inherited not just the party but the expectation that leadership will remain within the family circle. Those who have served the party for years now ask a simple question: why not me? The cabinet reshuffle has become the ritual answer to that question. Yet a reshuffle is more often a tool to accommodate MLAs than an instrument of better development. Ministers are appointed to keep coalitions and factions stable, not necessarily to deliver results in their departments. When a Cabinet of ten is the only path to real power and visible authority, the remaining members are left with very little. The consequences are felt well beyond the Assembly. Consider the numbers. In a House of 93 members, 83 are, in effect, unemployed. They do not hold ministerial office, and many do not have an office in any meaningful sense. What they do have is a car, a constituency full of expectations, and a list of demands from people who see them as the first point of contact with government. Some are given a secretary who heads a department, but that secretary answers to the minister, not to the MLA. The MLA is therefore accountable to voters for outcomes he cannot control. He is like the father of a bridegroom, burdened with obligations at the wedding yet feeling that the resources are in someone elses hands. If a legislator who is meant to represent the people finds himself without a defined role, imagine the fate of the civil society he is supposed to serve. So what is the solution? I propose a simple project management programme that gives every MLA a defined, measurable and honourable role in development. The starting point is to recognise that the constituency is the natural unit of governance. Every MLA should have a clearly identified share of the budget for his constituency. This share should cover central schemes implemented locally, infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and schools, state government development initiatives, revenue works, water supply, upgrades of electricity and electric distribution, the removal of illegal encroachments on roads, and the improvement of the central market in the town or city. The MLA and the District Administration should jointly prepare an Annual Plan for the constituency. The plan should list priorities, projects, timelines, responsible officers and expected outcomes. Once approved, it becomes a contract of sorts between the elected representative, the administration and the people. Progress should be reviewed every quarter, and the results should be made public. In this model, the MLA is no longer a supplicant begging favours from the bureaucracy. He becomes a partner in planning and a monitor of execution. The MLA does need a party fund, and it should be provided, but only on one condition: the work must be done. Party funds have often become a means of rewarding loyalty rather than purchasing outcomes. If a fund is released, it should be linked to verifiable deliverables. Money that is not converted into roads, water connections or working transformers serves no purpose and erodes public trust in every politician. The second and equally important responsibility of the MLA is to ensure that work is executed to very high standards. As the political head of the constituency, he must be accountable for quality. He should have the authority to act against officials who fail to perform, whether through recommendations for disciplinary proceedings or formal reporting to higher authorities. A legislator who sees a poorly built drain or a stalled water scheme, yet has no power to act, is merely a spectator. An MLA with a defined mandate becomes an effective check on the administration. This will require a change of mindset. Too many MLAs measure their success by the postings they secure, the transfers they arrange, or the temporary jobs they provide to those they consider sympathetic. This patronage culture weakens institutions and rewards proximity to power rather than merit. A legislator who spends his time on such favours is not doing his job. The new measure of an MLA should be how many projects were completed on time, how much public money was saved, and how many citizens were served fairly. Transparency must be built into the system from the beginning. A committee of MLAs drawn from all parties should conduct an external audit of constituency works, and it should include respected members of civil society: retired professionals, academics, engineers, chartered accountants and representatives of local bodies. When ruling and opposition legislators examine the same records together, the work becomes credible and the exercise becomes a bridge rather than a battlefield. Civil society participation also ensures that the audit cannot be captured by any single political interest. Such a framework would give meaningful work to MLAs, reduce the pressure for cabinet berths that cannot be given, and direct political energy towards delivery. It would also address the public frustration with a system in which elected representatives are seen as either powerless or, worse, as beneficiaries of every contract. Members would have a reason to stay within their parties and contribute, because their performance would be visible and rewarded with recognition rather than mere proximity to power. The alternative is not pleasant. Where legislators feel sidelined, the political market becomes unstable. Trading of MLAs, floor crossings and horse-trading are not inevitable, but they become common when members have no stake in governance beyond their next ministerial aspiration. A party that gives its MLAs a purpose is far less likely to lose them to rival camps. Stability in government depends not only on numbers but on the sense of responsibility each member carries. Jammu and Kashmir has waited long for a government that delivers. The people have voted with hope. The challenge for elected representatives is to convert that hope into roads that last, water that flows and institutions that serve. The 83 members who are not ministers need not be a headache. With the right framework, they can become the most powerful force for change in their constituencies. The question is whether the leadership is ready to share power, and whether the MLAs are ready to earn it. Lt Gen R. S. Reen is a former DGQA
Kashmirs springs are drying up, and the consequences could reach far beyond the villages that depend on them. What was once a dependable source of drinking water, irrigation and livelihood is gradually becoming unreliable. This should be a matter of serious public concern, not another environmental warning that attracts attention briefly before being forgotten. For generations, springs have sustained mountain communities across Kashmir. In many remote settlements, they remain among the most accessible sources of freshwater. Their decline, therefore, is not simply an ecological problem. It directly affects peoples lives, livelihoods and water security. Studies in the Sindh Basin have linked declining spring discharge to climate variability, rising temperatures, earlier snowmelt and changes in land use. More recent research has identified an elevation band of approximately 1,750 to 2,875 metres as an important zone for replenishing many of these springs. This finding carries an important message: protecting a spring cannot begin and end at its outlet. The water emerging from the ground may have travelled from considerably higher elevations, where rainwater and melting snow seep into the soil and replenish underground reserves. If these landscapes are damaged, the springs below will eventually suffer. Yet, conservation efforts often concentrate on cleaning spring outlets, building protective structures or improving their immediate surroundings. While such interventions have their place, they cannot address the underlying problem if the areas supplying groundwater remain neglected. Unregulated construction, deforestation, road development, land-use changes and the destruction of natural drainage systems can interfere with the movement of water into the ground. Climate change adds another layer of pressure by altering snowfall, temperatures and the timing of snowmelt. The Jammu and Kashmir administration must treat spring conservation as a water-security priority. Kashmir cannot afford to wait until its springs disappear to recognise their importance. Rivers may dominate discussions about water, but for thousands of mountain residents, a spring is the closest and most immediate source of life.
Govt designates Executive Committee as single nodal agency for all business approvals
Srinagar, Nov 4:In a major step towards streamlining the investment approval mechanism, the government has designated its Executive Committee as the Single Nodal Agency for all pre-establishment, construction, connection and operational-stage approvals required by enterprises across Jammu and Kashmir. The decision, notified by the General Administration Department (GAD) on November 4, is aimed at addressing the difficulties faced by investors in obtaining clearances from multiple government departments and agencies before starting their businesses. The notification, issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, makes the Executive Committee the single point of contact for investors seeking various regulatory approvals, including those setting up units in notified industrial areas, industrial parks and clusters. Acknowledging the existing challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the government has noted in the notification that an enterprise, particularly one setting up in an industrial area or cluster, presently has to obtain approvals from multiple departments and agencies. These relate to land, building plans, fire safety, power, water, effluent disposal, environment, factory licensing and municipal matters, the notification states. It further points out that each department and agency operates with its own checklists, timelines, portals and documentation requirements. No single authority is accountable for taking the enterprise from project conception to commencement of production, the notification observes. Invoking the One State Principle under Section 3(b) of the Act, the government has reiterated that it shall function as a single entity for regulatory compliance. The notification states that under Section 8(a) of the Act, the Executive Committee shall function as a single point of contact for investors of eligible enterprises, in coordination with the District Empowered Committees. It also mandates the committee to ensure that all necessary approvals are granted in a time-bound manner. The District Empowered Committees will be responsible for receiving Declarations of Intent and issuing Certificates of In-Principle Approval under the supervision of the Executive Committee. Now therefore, it is hereby notified that, after coming into force of the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, the Executive Committee shall function as the Single Nodal Agency for all pre-establishment, construction, connection and operation-stage approvals required by enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir, the notification reads. It further clarifies that the arrangement will cover enterprises operating within notified industrial areas, industrial parks and clusters. The notification was issued by CommissionerbSecretary to the Government, General Administration Department, M Raju, by order of the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
EOW files chargesheet in Rs 35 lakh cheque fraud case
Srinagar, Nov 4: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a Pulwama resident in an alleged Rs 35 lakh cheque fraud case before a court in Pulwama. The chargesheet in FIR No 44/2026, registered under Sections 318(2), 336(3), and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), has been filed before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Pulwama, against Mushtaq Ahmad Yatoo, son of Ali Mohammad Yatoo, of Chanpora, Rajpora, Pulwama. According to the EOW, the case was registered following a written complaint alleging that the complainant and the accused were partners in a business venture. During the settlement of their business accounts, an amount of Rs 35 lakh was allegedly found outstanding against the accused. The complainant alleged that the accused issued a cheque to clear the liability. However, the cheque was dishonoured by the bank after it was found to have been issued in the name of the accused's father, who had died two years earlier. The accused had allegedly affixed his own signatures on the cheque, the EOW said. During the investigation, the allegations were substantiated and the charges against the accused were found to be established, according to the agency. The investigation was concluded by Sub-Inspector Farooq Ahmad, following which the chargesheet was submitted before the competent court for judicial determination. Meanwhile, SSP EOW Kashmir has advised people to maintain proper documentation of business transactions, verify financial instruments and remain vigilant against fraudulent practices to protect their money.
Sagar calls for time-bound relief, rehabilitation measures
Jammu, Nov 4:Minister for Revenue, Power Development Department (PDD), Law, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), and Elections, Ali Mohammad Sagar, on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department (DMRRR), directing officers to ensure effective implementation of all welfare, relief and rehabilitation measures through a result-oriented and time-bound approach. Taking a detailed assessment of the functioning of the department, the Minister underscored the need for greater administrative responsiveness, inter-departmental coordination and accountability, particularly in addressing issues concerning migrant families, disaster-affected households and other vulnerable sections of society. Reviewing matters pertaining to migrant properties, Sagar directed the officers to intensify efforts for retrieval and restoration of migrant properties, ensure payment of compensation wherever admissible and take stringent action against encroachments and illegal occupation. He stressed that all pending cases should be examined on priority and resolved in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures. With regard to migrant employees, the Minister called for expeditious resolution of service-related issues, assured career progression and timely release of admissible benefits. He also reviewed the implementation of migrant employment packages, noting that nearly 98 per cent of the positions had been covered, and directed the concerned officers to address the remaining cases without unnecessary delay. Emphasising the need to improve the living conditions of migrant families, Sagar called for the establishment of community halls at every migrant location in Jammu and Srinagar. He also directed a comprehensive review of completed and ongoing community infrastructure projects, including the establishment of digital libraries to facilitate educational and social activities. The minister expressed concern over the condition of certain migrant residential colonies and directed the concerned authorities to undertake urgent repair and renovation works. He stressed that essential civic amenities, including healthcare facilities, safe drinking water, sanitation and other basic services, must be ensured in all such colonies. On the issue of ration and relief assistance, Sagar directed the department to ensure uninterrupted supply of ration to migrant families and expedite the settlement of pending relief claims. He emphasised that no eligible family should face hardship due to administrative delays or procedural bottlenecks. Reviewing disaster management preparedness and relief measures, the Minister called for expeditious assessment of damages and timely disbursement of admissible relief and compensation to all eligible disaster-affected families. He stressed the need to strengthen disaster mitigation mechanisms through adequate financial provisioning and effective utilisation of available funds, with particular emphasis on preparedness, vulnerability reduction and institutional response capacity. The minister also stressed the need to ensure adequate coverage of the Bakerwal and other nomadic communities under disaster preparedness, relief, rehabilitation and assistance programmes, keeping in view their geographical mobility and vulnerability to natural calamities. Sagar underscored that disaster management must be approached as a continuous process encompassing preparedness, mitigation, timely response, relief and long-term rehabilitation. He called for close coordination among all concerned departments and field agencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected families without delay. The meeting also appreciated the proactive intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who personally visited families affected by the Kishtwar disaster and other affected areas. The minister observed that the Chief Minister's personal outreach reflected the Government's commitment to standing with affected families and ensuring prompt relief, assistance and rehabilitation. Sagar directed the officers to translate the decisions taken during the meeting into concrete outcomes, establish clear timelines for pending works and ensure regular monitoring of progress. He stressed that accountability must be fixed at every level and that the department must function with sensitivity, transparency and a strong commitment to public welfare. Our priority must be to ensure that every deserving family receives timely assistance, every genuine grievance is addressed and every rehabilitation commitment is fulfilled. There should be no delay in extending relief to those in need, the minister emphasised. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, DMRRR, M Raju; Special Secretary, DMRRR, Ashish Gupta; Relief Commissioner, Arvind Karvani; and other senior officers of the department.
HC puts on hold reopening of Siraj-ul-Uloom Shopian
Srinagar, Nov 4: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Monday stayed the operation of an order passed by the Principal and Sessions Judge Shopian allowing the reopening of Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, which had been declared an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) earlier this year. A Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani, while hearing a petition filed by the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and another, however, made it clear that students enrolled in the institution on the date of issuance of the impugned order shall not be disturbed. The bench issued notice to the seminary, which was accepted by its counsel. The counsel was granted four weeks time to file objections. In the meanwhile, subject to objections and till next date of hearing, the operation of the impugned order is stayed, the court said and listed the matter on February 1 next year. In September this year, Principal and Sessions Judge Shopian had ordered the reopening of the institution pending final adjudication of the matter, observing that the material placed by the government at the prima facie stage was insufficient to justify keeping the entire institution shut. The local court had also directed the government to constitute a three-member supervisory committee to oversee the institution's functioning. The institution's counsel had submitted that its prolonged closure was adversely affecting around 1200 students, including nearly 400 residential boarders. The institution was ordered to be closed in April by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, following allegations of sustained and covert links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.
Finally, AIIMS Awantipora to be inaugurated today
Srinagar, Nov 4:After years of delay, the much-awaited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora in Pulwama is set to begin functioning. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda will inaugurate the OPD block of the premier tertiary-care facility, and review progress of Phase-2 and Phase-3 work. The OPD services will start soon, with support of a fully-functional diagnostic block. The Health Minister is scheduled to visit J&K on Thursday. He will visit AIIMS Awantipora to hold a review meeting on the progress of the Institute. The OPD block will be inaugurated and dedicated to people of J&K, the sources said. The Health Minister is also scheduled to visit ARSH Institute of Health Sciences and Technology and interact with students there. Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Executive Director AIIMS Kashmir Dr Sachidananda Mohanty said the institute was being made fully functional for the public on a fast track. For the beginning, OPD services will be started in December this year, he said. Dr Mohanty said the retrofitted hospital structure will be available for being utilized for patient services by the end of this month. The start of services marks a significant milestone for a project that has witnessed repeated delays since its conception. While it had raised expectations of improved access to specialised healthcare in Kashmir, its never-ending journey to completion had bred resentment among local population, particularly patients from south Kashmir who currently have to travel to Srinagar for tertiary-level treatment. AIIMS Awantipora has been developed at a revised estimated cost of over Rs 2160 crore, was sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The institute is envisaged as a 750-bed tertiary-care facility that will have specialised medical services. It is also being looked upto for augmenting medical education and research infrastructure in Kashmir In September last year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said that the institute was in progress and stated that it will become fully functional by the end of 2026. He had indicated that OPD services and MBBS classes would start earlier. However, no MBBS seats were allocated to the Institute this year. While inpatient services, the CM had hoped, would become operational by November-December 2026, now the OPDs are to be started over this time frame. More recently, a review by the Pulwama district administration had stressed the need to operationalise the OPD and essential services in a phased manner, rather than awaiting full completion of the project for making a start. Officials at AIIMS Awantipora said the institute comprises 57 buildings, of which several structures were still undergoing construction. Phase-II works, including academic and allied infrastructure, were targeted for completion by November-end. Other major components under Phase-III are scheduled for completion by June 2027. The administration had also emphasised that laboratory and diagnostic services should become functional alongside the OPD. This will ensure that patients have access to essential investigations from the outset.
LG Sinha sets 6-month clock ticking for university reforms
Jammu, Nov 4:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday set a six-month deadline for Jammu and Kashmir universities to roll out the Design Your Degree (DYD) programme. Chairing a high-level meeting of Jammu Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC), at Lok Bhavan, LG Sinha, to drive academic reform, set a six-month deadline for universities in J&K to roll out the DYD programme. The council met under the leadership of LG Sinha to chart a forward-looking roadmap for higher education. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Minister for School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Jal Shakti Department, Shamim Firdous; Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, Prof Dinesh Singh; Acting Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Govind Jaiswal; Commissioner Secretary; Higher Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma; Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Umesh Rai; VC University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan; VC, IUST, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo; VC SMVDU, Prof Pragati Kumar; VC SKUAST Kashmir, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai; VC SKUAST Jammu, Prof B N Tripathi; VC Central University of Kashmir, Prof A Ravinder Nath; VC Central University of Jammu, Prof Sanjeev Jain; VC BGSBU, Prof Jawaid Iqbal; VC Cluster University Jammu, K S Chandrasekar; VC Cluster University Srinagar, Prof Mohammad Mobin; Director IIT Jammu, Prof Manoj Singh Gaur; Director IIM Jammu, Prof B S Sahay; Director NIT Srinagar, Prof Anurag Misra; Prof Kavi Arya from IIT Bombay; Director, Cluster Innovation Centre Delhi University, Shobha Bagai, and other members. Discussions focussed on advancing academic excellence, fostering a culture of research and innovation, and strategically aligning institutions to meet future challenges and leverage emerging opportunities. The key agendas included sharing of academic credit and resources and recasting UG and PG programmes in the light of DYD and National Education Policy 2020. The meeting further discussed the modalities to set up a Task Force for integrating AI (Machine Learning, Deep Learning) and Data Science into UG and PG programmes. Emphasising a spirit of collaboration, LG Sinha urged institutions to share academic credits, research laboratories, and resources. Transforming higher education in J&K into a comprehensive, holistic, and visionary system is a shared responsibility. The time has now come to translate Higher Education Council initiatives into tangible achievements, while ensuring that every student benefits from outcome-oriented asset utilisation, he said. Stressing the need for stronger intra-university collaboration, the LG said that successful implementation relies on deep-rooted institutional reform and a solid long-term strategy. He emphasised the integration of Artificial Intelligence and modern technology into learning programmes, stressing the need to pioneer frontier technologies. LG Sinha also highlighted that these programs must incorporate local languages and cultures. Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, JKHEC called for policy directives to align undergraduate and postgraduate curricula with the DYD framework. Vice Chancellors and members of the Council shared their inputs for advancing the DYD programme and NEP 2020 interventions. The council also reviewed the progress of ongoing higher education initiatives, engineering kitchens and entrepreneurship programmes, and budgetary outlay and reform of the fund allocation mechanism.
Govt plans instant ban on manufacturing of drugs failing key quality tests
Pharma companies could have their drug licenses suspended immediately if quality tests indicate failure. The health ministry's proposed changes aim to protect public health by enforcing swift action on substandard medications. Regulators would take action upon receiving a government analyst's report declaring a drug not of standard quality. Manufacturers would need to perform a root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to lift the suspension.
Two soldiers killed as army vehicle plunges into gorge in Ladakh
Two Army personnel were killed after their vehicle plunged into a 600-foot-deep gorge at Namika La Pass on the Kargil-Leh national highway on Wednesday. The accident occurred around 1.30 pm when the vehicle veered off the road. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the driver and co-driver and shifted them to a nearby hospital for postmortem examination.
Div Com Kashmir reviews progress of Jhelum Water Transport Project
Srinagar, Nov 4: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress made in resolving various issues and bottlenecks affecting the progress of water transport facilities along River Jhelum. The meeting was convened to assess the status of issues faced by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) project and to ensure coordinated efforts among the concerned departments for facilitating the smooth execution and timely advancement of the Jhelum Water Transport Project. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Bandipora, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, representatives of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and officers from the Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) and other concerned departments. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner undertook a detailed review of the progress on several critical issues requiring inter-departmental coordination and timely intervention. The matters discussed included road widening and removal of trees at Gund Parang, disposal of treated wastewater, and installation of electricity connections and provision of water supply at eight identified locations to facilitate the development of essential infrastructure for water transport operations. He also reviewed the status of shifting electrical utilities at Maharaj Gunj and Pantha Chowk, emphasising the need for expediting the process to avoid any further delays in the execution of project-related works. The meeting further deliberated on the development and improvement of approach roads at Sumbal and Sangam, removal of barricading at Amira Kadal, and shifting of houseboats wherever required to facilitate the smooth movement and operation of water transport facilities along the river. Other important issues reviewed during the meeting included renovation of the Chattabal Navigational Lock, besides relocation of stone-chiselling units and dress vendors operating at Pantha Chowk to ensure that these activities do not impede the progress of the project. Taking stock of the progress achieved so far, the Divisional Commissioner issued a series of directions to the concerned departments, asking them to take necessary measures and resolve the pending issues on priority. He stressed the importance of close coordination among all stakeholder departments and called for a result-oriented approach to address the identified bottlenecks within the shortest possible time. The Divisional Commissioner underscored that the Jhelum Water Transport Project is being closely monitored by the Government of India and, therefore, all concerned departments must demonstrate urgency and ommitment in completing the requisite preparatory works. He impressed upon the officers to accelerate the pace of work, expedite the shifting of utilities and ensure timely resolution of all pending issues so that the project can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Tonsil Removal in Kids: 7 Side Effects Parents Should Know About
Parents, if your doctor has suggested removing tonsils of your kid, you should be aware of and prepared for certain common side effects. If you want to know what they are, read this complete article.
Iran exempts ships from India and 3 other nations from transit restrictions in Strait of Hormuz
Dubai, Nov 4 (PTI) Iran has exempted commercial ships from four countries, including India and China, from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a top Iranian official has said, amid continued attacks on vessels attempting to cross the strategic waterway. Amir Hayat Moghadam, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, made the announcement in an interview with the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) on Tuesday. We have currently exempted four countries India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships from these countries pass freely, and the
Unreserved special Srinagar-Katra express train to run on Nov 5, 6
Jammu, Nov 4: In view of the extra rush of passengers during the festive season-2026, Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway has decided to run unreserved special express trains between Srinagar- Katra-Srinagar on November 5 and 6, 2026. According to the Public Relations Inspector (PRI), Jammu Railway Division Raghvender Singh, Srinagar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra unreserved Special Express (train number 04690), will depart from Srinagar at 11.45 am on November 5 and 6, 2026. This train will arrive at Anantnag at 12.55 pm. At its next halt, Banihal, it will arrive at 1.30 pm and will reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at 3.30 pm on the same day. Similarly, in the return direction, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar unreserved festival Special Express (train number 04689), will depart from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at 4 pm on November 5 and 6, 2026. En route, this train will halt at Banihal at 6.25 pm. Its next halt will be Anantnag at 7 pm and will reach Srinagar at 7.45 pm on the same day. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division, Uchit Singhal said, On the auspicious occasion of upcoming festivals, a considerable increase is being seen in the number of passengers and devotees between Kashmir valley and Katra. Railways is fully committed to providing a comfortable and smooth journey to passengers. With this objective, this special unreserved train is being operated so that passengers travelling at the last moment can get a convenient travel experience and can reach their destination without any inconvenience. Passengers have been requested to contact Railway Helpline number 139, NTES App and official website for more information. According to officials, this train will be fully unreserved. Passengers must take their unreserved ticket before travelling.
The Last-Minute Diwali Glow-Up: Skin Treatments Worth Trying and Those You Should Avoid
Professional commitments, approaching deadlines, and unending tasks might make you skip your salon appointments. But you can still make your skin glow with some last-minute treatments, as suggested by a dermatologist. To learn more, read this article.
Omar Abdullahs own MPs, MLAs exposing his govts incompetence: Tarun Chugh
Jammu, Nov 4: BJP National Headquarters In-Charge and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh, reacting to National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdis resignation, said that even MPs and MLAs from Omar Abdullahs own party are now questioning his governments competence and experience. This growing dissent within the National Conference is a clear reflection of the failure of Omar Abdullahs leadership. Chugh said that the BJP has consistently maintained that the Omar Abdullah government has failed to deliver on its promises, particularly on providing employment opportunities to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The commitments made to the people during the elections remain unfulfilled, with the government failing to take concrete steps towards implementing its manifesto. He stated that the most telling aspect of the situation is that the governments failures are now being exposed not merely by the Opposition but by leaders from within the National Conference itself. When a partys own MPs and MLAs begin questioning the competence and functioning of their government, it reflects the deepening crisis of leadership within the party. Chugh further said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had voted for the National Conference with expectations of change, employment and development. However, the Omar Abdullah government has failed to live up to those expectations. The people deserve answers on when the promises made in the partys election manifesto will finally be fulfilled.
New Delhi, Nov 4: India is aiming to achieve global competitiveness in ocean research and exploration through indigenous capabilities, international cooperation and global co-creation, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026, organised by the National Maritime Foundation under the Ministry of Defence. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India's approach to scientific missions in recent years has increasingly been based on a mission-mode framework, bringing together multiple departments and institutions rather than confining research to individual ministries. He highlighted the growing convergence of ocean sciences, space technology, nuclear science, geology, electronics and robotics in advancing India's maritime and deep-ocean capabilities. Highlighting India's indigenous capabilities in deep-ocean exploration, the Minister said that the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, has developed the capability to conduct trials at depths of 5,000 to 6,000 metres in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. He also referred to the Ocean Mineral Explorer, which enables high-resolution exploration of hydrothermal sulphide deposits, several of which have already been identified.He noted that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reference to the Deep Ocean Mission twice in his Independence Day addresses reflects the priority accorded to ocean resources at the highest level and their strategic importance for India's future. Referring to the Samudrayaan Mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Matsya submersible is designed to carry three aquanauts to depths of 5,0006,000 metres. He said that India is progressing towards sending its first human deep-sea mission to a depth of up to 6,000 metres by 2028, marking an important milestone in the country's indigenous deep-ocean exploration programme. Drawing a parallel with India's human spaceflight programme, the Minister said that the country is working towards a remarkable convergence of deep-sea and space exploration. He expressed the vision of having an Indian human being undertake a deep-sea journey to nearly 6,000 metres while almost simultaneously another Indian travels into space, reflecting the country's growing scientific and technological capabilities. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India's ocean research is increasingly supported by space-based capabilities. He referred to dedicated satellites contributing to ocean-related research through observations of ocean colour, sea-surface temperature and wind vectors. These capabilities, he said, are expanding the scope of ocean observation and could also support future exploration of renewable energy resources from the oceans, including wind and solar energy. Emphasising the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-science approach, the Minister highlighted the contribution of different scientific institutions and departments to India's ocean-related missions. He referred to the role of nuclear technology in seawater desalination, including the desalination plant at Kalpakkam established with the support of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the low-temperature desalination facility in Lakshadweep developed through the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The Minister said these initiatives demonstrate how different scientific disciplines and technologies can work together to address national requirements, including access to potable water in coastal and island regions. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that international cooperation would be equally important in advancing ocean research, as oceans do not follow political boundaries drawn by countries. Issues such as marine pollution and changes in ocean temperature have consequences extending across national jurisdictions, making collective scientific efforts essential. The Minister called for global strategies and partnerships based on joint scientific missions, reciprocal access to research facilities and data sharing. He said India's approach should be guided by the principle of One Ocean, Shared Knowledge and Equitable Prosperity, with the diversity of histories, cultures and geographies across the Indo-Pacific serving as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation. The Minister outlined key priorities for strengthening regional cooperation, including closing observational gaps and improving the forecasting of extreme events; establishing regional climate services partnerships for coasts and islands; promoting responsible and accessible ocean technologies; advancing deep-ocean research; and strengthening conservation and equitable use of ocean resources. Highlighting the role of research and innovation funding, Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the announcement of the 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to accelerate private-sector participation in research and development. Dr Jitendra Singh said the RDI Fund provides for a 50:50 equity-based approach, encouraging private-sector stakeholders and investors to participate alongside the government in emerging areas of research and technology. He emphasised that government departments, scientific institutions, private-sector stakeholders and investors must work together to develop new sectors and strengthen India's technological capabilities. Connecting ocean exploration with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Minister said that achieving the country's development goals would require identifying new sources of economic value addition. He observed that a significant part of this potential lies in resources that remain unexplored or underexplored, with the deep ocean representing one of the major opportunities. During the interaction with participants, Dr. Jitendra Singh also addressed a question on the potential of nuclear-powered vessels and the future of clean energy in maritime transport. He referred to the recent opening of the nuclear sector to private participation under the SHANTI Act and India's target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. He said that the Deep Ocean Mission is also exploring different possibilities for generating renewable energy from the oceans, including through solar panels, ocean winds and temperature or energy gradients. Responding to a suggestion on extending the Swachh Bharat initiative to the oceans, the Minister said that the government had already initiated an annual ocean-cleanliness campaign. Recalling its beginning during the commemoration of 75 years of Independence, he said the initiative had since developed into an annual effort involving coastal district administrations, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, NGOs and other stakeholders. He emphasised that marine pollution cannot remain confined to one country and that efforts towards cleaner oceans would benefit the wider Indo-Pacific region. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India's growing indigenous capabilities, combined with international partnerships and responsible sharing of scientific knowledge, would be crucial to strengthening its role in global ocean research and exploration. He called upon stakeholders to work collectively towards the peaceful, sustainable and equitable use of ocean resources, contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
LG Manoj Sinha chairs J&K Higher Education Council meeting
New Delhi, Nov 4: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to Schedule M of the Drugs Rules, 1945, vide G.S.R. No. 953(E) dated 28 October, 2026, to revise the prescribed limits for microbial contamination in Grade A clean areas in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Report Series (TRS) No. 1044, Annexure 2, on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Sterile Pharmaceutical Products. Grade A areas are critical zones in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing, where exposed products, containers and sterilised components are handled. Maintaining stringent microbial control in these areas is essential to ensuring the quality and safety of sterile pharmaceutical products. The proposed revision will harmonise the Revised Schedule M with WHO guidelines and further strengthen the regulatory framework governing sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing in the country. It also provides for treating any microbial growth detected in Grade A areas as a trigger for investigation, in accordance with WHO guidance. The proposed amendment reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening quality standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing, aligning domestic regulatory requirements with international benchmarks and ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to submit their objections and suggestions, if any, on the proposed amendment to the Under Secretary (Drugs Regulation), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, U-6, Work Hall, C Wing, First Floor, Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi110001, or via email at drugsdiv-mohfw[at]gov[dot]in. The Official Gazette can be accessed through this link: https://egazette.gov.in/(S(vgjbg1v51kl1b3qx5voh12qg))/ViewPDF.aspx.
Cyberattack hits French blood bank site but no blood products were compromised
French authorities have reported a cyberattack on several blood banks that attempted to raise temperatures to dangerous levels
Inside Park Hospitals' regional playbook: Why North India depth matters more than national reach
Park Hospitals is on an ambitious expansion journey, targeting around 6,600 beds by December 2028 across North India. Their strategy focuses on building hospitals in close proximity for better operational efficiency. The new Prayagraj initiative underscores a successful public-private partnership and illustrates their commitment to enhance healthcare capacity, ultimately improving patient care and resource management in the region.
At Hari Parbat, a rock steeped in 1,400 years of faith
An ancient natural rock worshipped as Lord Ganesha for over 14 centuries, Mahaganesh Temple at the foot of Hari Parbat is steeped in legend and faith, and remains an important stop on Srinagars traditional pilgrimage circuit. Report: Sarosh Kafeel Edit: Afnan Habib
Union Health Minister J P Nadda to inaugurate AIIMS Awantipora tomorrow
Srinagar, Nov 4: Union Health Minister J P Nadda will inaugurate the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday at 10 am, top sources told Kashmir News Service. Sources said preparations for the inauguration ceremony have been made, with the Union Health Minister scheduled to formally inaugurate the healthcare institution on November 5. The AIIMS Awantipora project, sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), has been developed at a revised estimated cost of over Rs 2,160 crore. The institute, planned as a 750-bed tertiary healthcare facility, is expected to strengthen specialised medical services, medical education and research infrastructure in Kashmir. The project has faced repeated delays since its approval, with construction and infrastructure development being reviewed at different levels by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Once fully operational, the institute is expected to reduce the burden on existing tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar and provide advanced healthcare facilities to patients from south Kashmir and other parts of the Valley. Sources said the inauguration would mark a significant step towards making the institution functional, while the commissioning of individual departments and specialised services would depend on their operational readiness. The detailed programme and the range of medical services to be made available immediately after the inauguration were not officially specified.
Imran Farooq posted as SP, CBI Anti-Corruption Branch Jammu
Srinagar, Nov 4: Jammu and Kashmir Police Service officer Imran Farooq has been posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) Anti-Corruption Branch, Jammu, with immediate effect. According to an official posting order issued on November 3 with the approval of the Director, CBI, Farooq will serve in the agency's Anti-Corruption Branch in Jammu. A 2008-batch JKPS officer, Farooq was inducted into the CBI in March 2025 following approval by the competent authority under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). His induction was approved for a tenure of four years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Before his induction into the central investigating agency, Farooq was serving as Additional Superintendent of Police in the Special Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Kashmir. His latest posting places him in the CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch in Jammu, which deals with investigations into corruption and related offences falling within the agency's jurisdiction. The November 3 order specifies his posting to the Jammu branch, following his earlier induction into the CBI on deputation.
CPI(M) condemns govts move to make biometrics, voter ID compulsory for welfare
New Delhi, Nov 4: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) unequivocally condemned the Union governments announcement, made by Minister of Panchayat Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, to replace Aadhaar with biometrics and voter ID (EPIC) as the basis for welfare payments. The party termed the move further assault on the rural poor. It has been repeatedly exposed how biometric authentication denies access to agricultural workers in rural employment schemes. Many elderly women workers have been denied benefits because the machines failed to capture their iris (eyes). Manual labourers are also being excluded because their worn-out thumbprints cannot be matched by the biometric system. E-KYC requires smartphones that most rural households do not own, party in a statement said. It said the government assured the Supreme Court earlier that Aadhaar would not be compulsory, only to surreptitiously impose it across welfare schemes. Now, having touted Aadhaar as foolproof, the government itself is discarding it. This must be seen alongside the exclusionary Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which is a surgical strike on voting rights and a systematic exercise in mass disenfranchisement. It is estimated that more than 13.4 crore voters have been excluded, with marginalised communities, Muslims, women, and the economically vulnerable disproportionately impacted. Now, demanding Voter ID for welfare will make these schemes even more exclusive. Already, certain state governments are denying ration and other benefits on the pretext that names have been deleted through SIR, a clear violation of the Supreme Court's ruling that electoral roll exclusion cannot affect social welfare entitlements. All these designs point to a concerted effort to deny benefits to a vast majority of the people. The CPI(M) demanded the immediate withdrawal of this exclusionary decision and insists that welfare entitlements be delivered universally, without conditioning them on technology or documents that the rural poor cannot access.
6 Cool Bars In Bengaluru That Are Redefining The City's Nightlife
From check-ins that double as cocktail bars to boundary-pushing drink programs. Bengaluru's fiercely original nightlife is completely rewriting the city's social script.
After T20I Victory, Gautam Gambhir Enjoys An Indian Meal At Saravanaa Bhavan In New Zealand
Team Indias head coach Gautam Gambhir took some time off to enjoy a meal at a Indian restaurant in Auckland.
He Took A Chance On His Wife's Biryani. Decades Later, It's Worth Rs 1,000 Crore
The restaurant started off as Anandha Vilas Biriyani Hotel but soon began to be called Thalappakatti because of the white turban the founder wore.
The Lettermen Singer Tony Butala Dies At 87: What We Know About His Death
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Video: Passenger Surprised To See Golgappa Cart Next To Baggage Belt At This Airport
The passenger remarked that only a city of true food lovers could have a golgappa cart at such an unexpected spot inside an airport.
A 3,800-year-old woman once wrote a frustrated letter to her husband complaining about a debtor
No question of withdrawing support to Omar-led govt: MLA Akram
Srinagar, Nov 04: Independent MLA from Surankote, Chowdhary Mohammed Akram, on Wednesday categorically dismissed reports suggesting differences with the Omar Abdullah-led government, asserting that he remains firmly committed to supporting the ruling dispensation. Akram said reports linking him to alleged political disagreements were baseless and that he had neither withdrawn his support nor reconsidered his position. I stand firmly with the government, and there is no question of going back on my promises. It is very unfortunate that some media houses are unnecessarily dragging my name into matters with which I have absolutely no connection, Akram said. The Surankote legislator said his political position remained unchanged and that attempts to portray him as being at odds with the government were misleading. He maintained that there was no disagreement or disassociation on his part with the Omar Abdullah-led government. Akram reiterated that he would continue to stand by his commitments, making it clear that reports suggesting otherwise did not reflect his position. (KNS)
Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, will become first Muslim senator
Washington, Nov 04: Progressive favourite Abdul El-Sayed has defeated Republican Mike Rogers in a bitter campaign for Michigan's open Senate seat, giving the Democratic Party's left wing a breakthrough victory in one of the nation's most important swing states. El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, will become the nation's first Muslim senator. A former public health official who has never held elected office, he rose from a double-digit defeat in Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial primary eight years ago to win a seat in the US Senate. El-Sayed overcame massive outside spending in both the Democratic primary and general election with a grassroots campaign built around universal health care, removing outside money from elections and sharp criticism of Israel. Backed by progressive leaders including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his victory will bolster the movement ahead of the 2028 presidential election, offering evidence that candidates embracing its agenda can win in critical battleground states. Republicans had cleared the field for Rogers, a former congressman who narrowly lost a Senate race to then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin two years ago. But Rogers struggled to balance his loyalty to President Donald Trump with concerns over rising prices tied to the war in Iran and economic turmoil from the president's tariffs. The campaign also featured bitter attacks over El-Sayed's criticism of Israel. Trump and other Republicans repeatedly sought to link him to terrorist organisations, despite no evidence of such ties, and questioned his loyalty to the United States. El-Sayed faced questions about whether he could unite Democrats after a contentious primary, particularly among Black voters in Detroit and Jewish voters in its suburbs. El-Sayed's primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, shocked Democrats by endorsing Rogers on Nov. 1, saying the Democratic candidate hadn't done enough to address her and the Jewish community's concerns. El-Sayed overcame concerns about a divided Democratic coalition The race became a focal point in the national battle for Senate control after two-term Democratic Sen. Gary Peters decided not to seek reelection. El-Sayed emerged from a bruising August primary against the establishment-backed Stevens that drew nearly USD 60 million in outside spending. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, spent nearly USD 30 million opposing El-Sayed, its largest investment in a single race. El-Sayed has been a staunch critic of Israel. The contentious primary exposed divisions within the Democratic coalition. El-Sayed faced criticism from some in Michigan's Jewish community over his rhetoric, including his statement that hurt people hurt people following an attack on a Michigan synagogue earlier this year. He later apologised, saying he was sorry to anyone who feels like my comments might have been hurtful. His campaign appearances with Hasan Piker, a popular political streamer who has made inflammatory comments about Israel, Jews and the Sept. 11 attacks, also became a target of criticism. Some Democrats worried about Black voter turnout in Detroit after Stevens carried Wayne County in the primary. Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris were among the high-profile Democrats who campaigned with El-Sayed in the city to help mobilise voters. Progressive agenda breaks through in Michigan El-Sayed campaigned on an unapologetically progressive platform that made some moderate Democrats uneasy. Central to his campaign was Medicare for All, which would replace the current mix of private and public health insurance with a government-run, single-payer system. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders helped build momentum for El-Sayed early in the campaign, while Ocasio-Cortez joined him for a final campaign swing through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the Detroit area. The victory will give progressives a powerful argument heading into the 2028 presidential election that their agenda can win, even in the nation's most competitive battleground states. Republicans opted to run it back with Rogers after his razor-thin 2024 loss, when Slotkin prevailed even as Trump won Michigan by more than a percentage point. Once a CNN contributor who criticised Trump, Rogers has aligned himself more closely with the president in recent years. Rogers tried to expand his support among Democrats and independents, particularly Black and Jewish voters. But the political environment raised a fresh challenge for the Republican nominee. Rogers, who chaired the House Intelligence Committee and built much of his career around national security, had to navigate high fuel prices and an unpopular war with Iran while remaining aligned with Trump. The war with Iran needs to end, and end quickly, Rogers wrote on social media in September.
BJP has succeeded in getting you out of NC: Salman Sagar targets Aga Ruhullah
Srinagar, Nov 4: National Conference MLA Salman Sagar on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on party MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, questioning his decision to distance himself from the party and accusing the BJP of succeeding in its efforts to weaken the National Conference. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Sagar said Ruhullah should have used the strength of the party's electoral mandate to fight political battles from within rather than distancing himself from the organisation. With great sadness, I must say that the BJP has succeeded in getting you out of the National Conference. If they have succeeded in pushing Omar Abdullah out, that would be another matter. But if Aga Ruhullah has joined a force that has repeatedly attempted to weaken Jammu and Kashmir's political leadership over the past 80 to 90 years, then the BJP has succeeded, Sagar said. Questioning Ruhullah's decision, Sagar said the mandate of 50 MLAs represented a much stronger political force than that of an individual MP or former MP. People keep talking about the mandate. The National Conference has a mandate of 50 MLAs. That mandate should have been used to fight these battles. We should have fought together. Is one MP or former MP a stronger force, or is the strength of 50 MLAs greater? Is an elected government not a stronger force? Whatever difficulties there were, they should have been confronted from within, he said. Sagar also questioned whether Ruhullah had made any serious effort to persuade party legislators to remain united or raised his grievances directly with the leadership. How many times did you ask the honourable MLAs not to leave and to stand with you? Did you ever approach the leadership? How many times did you speak against the leadership? Was any show-cause notice issued to you? Was any explanation sought from you? Our only concern was that you should not leave the party, he said. He argued that political differences and difficulties should have been addressed through dialogue and internal resistance rather than by walking away from the organisation. Sagar also referred to Omar Abdullah's support for Ruhullah, saying he had been given a safe constituency to contest from, and questioned his subsequent political distance from the party. Referring to developments since 2018, Sagar said several political leaders had faced restrictions and detention while attempting to represent the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also cited former NC leaders Devender Singh Rana and Surjit Singh Slathia joining the BJP, alleging that the party had succeeded in drawing prominent leaders away from the National Conference. Sagar maintained that attempts to weaken Jammu and Kashmir's political leadership had been made repeatedly over the past several decades, adding that the party needed to remain united to confront such challenges. Meanwhile, National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen accused MP Aga Ruhullah of betraying the party and his voters, questioning his political record and performance in Parliament. Shaheen said Ruhullah had failed to fulfil his responsibilities as an MLA, minister and now as a Member of Parliament, alleging that his performance in Parliament had been dismal. Referring to the Tufail Mattoo case, Shaheen questioned Ruhullah's decision to invoke the issue after 16 years, asking why it was being raised now. He also questioned the proliferation of political parties in Kashmir, asking why new political outfits were being floated at every nook and corner and whether there was a larger political strategy behind such developments.
Sopore MBBS student found dead in Bangladesh, family seeks repatriation
Sopore, Nov 04: A medical student from Dangerpora area of Sopore in north Kashmirs Baramulla district was found dead in Bangladesh, leaving his family in shock. The family said that Adnan had travelled to Bangladesh around 15 days ago along with his mother and was scheduled to appear in his first examination of the final semester. The family said they lost contact with him two days ago and were subsequently informed that he was missing. We were informed on Tuesday evening that our beloved family member had been found dead near a water body, a family member said. The deceased was identified as Adnan Ahmed Rather, son of Mohammad Altaf Rather, who was pursuing MBBS in Bangladesh and was in the final semester of his course. The family appealed to the Government of India to intervene, coordinate with the authorities in Bangladesh and ensure that Adnans mortal remains are brought back home at the earliest.(KNO)
Why Is Shubman Gill Wearing a Sticker on His Forehead? Here Is What It Tracks
What is the device on Shubman Gills forehead? It is a wearable sensor that aims to track brain-related blood flow. Here is how it works and everything you need to know about it.
CM Omar Abdullah announces RS 2 lakh ex-gratia for families of Bemina fire victims
Srinagar, Nov 4: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed profound grief over the tragic fire incident at Durbal, Bemina, Srinagar, which claimed two lives and gutted scores of temporary shelters during the intervening night of November 3 and 4. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and announced ex-gratia relief of 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. The Chief Minister also directed the concerned authorities to ensure immediate relief and all necessary assistance to the affected families. He stressed the need for prompt intervention to address their immediate needs and provide support in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
BJP trying to weaken National Conference, says Deputy CM after Ruhullah's resignation
New Abhinandan School building to be ready by March 2027: Srinagar DC
SC upholds states power to levy additional sales tax, says case has become academic
New Delhi, Nov 04: The Supreme Court on Wednesday held that a 1974 Constitution Bench ruling upholding states power to impose additional sales tax or surcharge calculated as a percentage of the existing sales tax continues to hold the field, saying a reference on the issue had become academic. A seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant unanimously held that the legal question referred to it nearly 27 years ago no longer required adjudication, as the statutory provisions under challenge had since been replaced or amended and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law had come into force. The question referred to is of no practical significance and now academic. Consequently, the question referred to does not survive for adjudication by a seven-judge Bench, and the reference has to be answered accordingly, the CJI, who wrote the judgment on behalf of himself and five other judges, said. The bench also comprised Justices K V Viswanathan, S V N Bhatti, Joymalya Bagchi, N V Anjaria, Arun Palli and V Mohana. Justice Viswanathan wrote a separate concurring verdict. While declining to undertake a fresh adjudication on the reference, the court clarified that the five-judge Constitution Bench ruling in S Kodar vs State of Kerala (1974) continued to hold the field. The earlier judgment had upheld additional sales tax, rejecting the argument that such a levy amounted to a tax on the income of dealers. We have clarified that the case clearly held that an additional tax or surcharge computed as a percentage of the sales tax payable is an enhancement of the rate of sales tax and a tax on the sale or purchase of goods within Entry 54 of List II, as it then stood. That decision continues to hold the field, the CJI said. The court further held that the question of the legislative competence of state legislatures to impose the surcharge would be governed by the law laid down in S Kodar. The detailed judgment is awaited. The reference arose from a challenge to Section 5A of the Orissa Sales Tax Act, 1947, which provided for additional tax at the rate of 10 per cent on dealers with an annual turnover between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore, and 15 per cent on dealers whose turnover exceeded Rs 1 crore. The appellants questioned whether the state legislature was competent to impose such a levy under Entry 54 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, which empowered states to tax the sale or purchase of goods, or whether it effectively amounted to a tax on income, a subject falling within Parliaments domain under Entry 82 of List I. The controversy stemmed from differing interpretations in earlier Supreme Court decisions. In S Kodar vs State of Kerala, a five-judge bench had upheld additional sales tax, ruling that a levy calculated with reference to the sales tax payable was an enhancement of the sales tax rate and not a tax on the dealers income. During the hearing on September 22, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the controversy had largely become academic following the introduction of the GST regime in 2017, with relatively few disputes remaining pending.
J&K High Court empowers civil judges (junior division) to exercise limited magistrate powers
Srinagar, Nov 04: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has conferred limited powers of Judicial Magistrates First Class upon Civil Judges (Junior Division) appointed recently by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. According to an order issued by Registrar General M K Sharma, the powers will take effect from the date the judges are positioned in their respective districts. The order authorises the Civil Judges to exercise these powers for three specific purposes, subject to applicable statutory provisions and rules. These include recording confessions and statements under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; supervising the drawing, packing and sealing of representative samples of seized narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled substances under Section 52A of the NDPS Act, 1985; and administering oaths and affirmations for affidavits under the Oaths Act, 1969. The High Court clarified that Civil Judges (Junior Division) presently attached to the J&K Judicial Academy will exercise these powers from the date their positioning orders in courts are issued. The judges were appointed vide Government Order No. 13833-JK(LD) of 2026, dated October 27, 2026. The order has been circulated to the Principal District and Sessions Judges in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, among other concerned authorities, for information and necessary action.
Body of 74-year-old man fished out from nallah in Pulwama
Pulwama, Nov 04: The body of a 74-year-old man was fished out from a nallah in Tamlihall area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Wednesday. An official said that locals spotted the body and informed the police, who subsequently took it into their custody. He said the deceased was later identified as Abdullah Rahim Najar (74). Meanwhile, the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the incident are being verified, while further investigation has been taken up.(KNO)
Nimbamritadi Kashaya (2) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Nimbamritadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction prepared ... Read more The post Nimbamritadi Kashaya (2) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
CM Omar Abdullah condoles demise of former legislator Ghulam Qadir Pardesi
Jammu, Nov 04: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed heartfelt condolences to MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi on the demise of his father, Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, a respected former Member of the Legislative Council and senior leader. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, remembering his contributions as a former legislator and his distinguished service as a bureaucrat. The Chief Minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and the highest place in Jannat, while seeking strength and patience for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
I will not disclose anything today: Mubarak Gul postpones press conference
Srinagar, Nov 04: National Conference leader Mubarak Gul on Wednesday postponed his scheduled press conference, saying he did not wish to make any disclosure at this stage and would speak at an appropriate time. Explaining his decision, Gul said he wanted to respect the sentiments of his colleagues, some of whom, he said, had been associated with him for nearly 51 years. Given the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, it is important to maintain the atmosphere, consult my colleagues and respect the feelings and sentiments of those who have worked with me, he said. Keeping their feelings and sentiments in mind, I announce that I am postponing today's press conference. I will not disclose anything today, Gul said. He added that he had decided against making any statement after taking into consideration the sentiments of his colleagues and two friends. At this moment, considering the sentiments of my colleagues and two friends, I will not say anything on this matter. Nor do I wish to say anything, he said. Gul indicated that he would speak when the time was appropriate, adding that he had also received personal guidance from some of his colleagues. God willing, everything will happen at its appropriate time, he said. Some of my colleagues have personally guided me over the telephone, and I will follow their advice and continue on that path. Reiterating his resolve, Gul said: I am a fighter. I will continue to fight.
Nimbamritadi Kashaya (1) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Nimbamritadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction formulated ... Read more The post Nimbamritadi Kashaya (1) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
Steve Ellis, Everlasting Love Singer, Dies At 76: What Was His Cause Of Death?
Everlasting Love singer Steve Ellis passes away at 76 following complications from a chronic illness. Here is what we know about his health, and his serious accident.
Nirgundyerandadi Kashaya (2) Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages Introduction Nirgundyerandadi Kashaya is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction described ... Read more The post Nirgundyerandadi Kashaya (2) appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
Mubarak Gul defers press conference, says he will continue to fight
They did a good job: Trump on Democrats' midterm victory
Washington, Nov 04: US President Donald Trump congratulated Democrats for doing a good job after the party clinched victory in the midterm elections. Trump, in a call with CBS News, said that his message is congratulations to the Democrats, and I look forward to working with you for the good of our country. He said that he wasnt on the ballot, and there was nothing that could be done about that. If I was, we would have won, he added. The president said he plans to work with the opposing party, saying, I know a lot of Democrats. I have total veto power, and I'm sure we'll be able to work things out. President Donald Trump shared an image of a red MAGA-style baseball cap with the word VETO written across it on Truth Social. I think they're gonna want to work with me, he said. Otherwise I'd just veto everything, and they're not gonna want that. Democrats had wrested the US Senate races in Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio states where Trump campaigned hard, urging voters to pretend that he was on the ballot. Trump told Fox News that voters just didnt like the candidates. He said the Democrats did a good job. They fought hard. Theyve been fighting for a long time. He also said he could work with Democrats on many things. Earlier on Tuesday, on his Truth Social, Trump said Republicans lost because he was not on the ballot. And if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. In an interview with The New York Times on Tuesday night as results trickled in, Trump said,I am absolutely willing to accept those results. Trump told the New York Times that he was prepared to work with Democrats.
