Healthcare ranks second in private credit deals as domestic funds dominate in H1 2026: EY report
Indias private credit market deployed $3.5 billion across more than 100 deals in H1 2026, broadly unchanged from $3.4 billion in H2 2025, according to EY.
Iran's supreme leader calls for Muslim unity against US, Israel
Dubai, Aug 31: Iran's supreme leader called on Muslim countries to stand together against Israel and the United States. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei urged rulers of Muslim nations to know your real enemy, understand its plans and confront it, and called the US and Israel enemies of all Islamic nations, the official IRNA news agency reported. Six months after the US and Israel attacked Iran, killing Khamenei's father and other senior leaders, Khamenei still has not been seen publicly. His comments came in a letter to religious leaders attending a conference in Tehran. The war has exposed divisions in the Muslim world after Iran struck targets in neighbouring Gulf Arab countries and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has opposed the US military presence in the region. (AP)
A floating wind turbine off Spain became an underwater farm for four species
US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks
A return to open conflict would be dangerous for the region, where Iran has targeted US military bases and infrastructure in Gulf countries since the war began on February 28
J&K Bank signs 3 CSP MoUs in Kashmir, extends benefits to 887 employees
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relationships with prominent educational and business institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, J&K Bank has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under its Corporate Salary Package (CSP) with Delhi Public School (DPS) Budgam, HK Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. (HK Hyundai) and Himalayan Motors. The agreements will collectively extend customised banking benefits and enhanced service features to 887 employees of the three institutions. The MoU with DPS Budgam, covering 341 employees of the school, was signed by Zonal Head (Budgam) Layek Ahmad Jan on behalf of the Bank and Mrs Soz on behalf of the institution. Cluster Head (Budgam) Wasim Ahmad Qadri, Branch Head (Humhama) Sheikh Nazima Asad and other senior officials were present on the occasion. The Bank also formalised its CSP arrangement with HK Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., extending its benefits to 141 employees of the group. Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar and Director HK Automobiles Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din signed the agreement on behalf of the respective organisations in the presence of Directors HK Automobiles Mohammad Sultan Mir and Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (Pantha Chowk) Sabba Rafiq and other senior officials from both sides. In another agreement, the Bank signed an MoU with Himalayan Motors to bring its 405 employees under the Corporate Salary Package. The agreement was signed by Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar on behalf of the Bank and Managing Partners Himalayan Motors Ghulam Mohammad Beigh and Bashir Ahmad Beigh. Cluster Head Subuhi Yaseen, Branch Head (BP Batmaloo) Muzaffar Hussain and other senior officials from both organisations attended the signing ceremony. Speaking on the agreements, the respective Zonal Heads termed the partnerships as part of the Banks continued endeavour to nurture longstanding institutional relationships with prominent institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated that by extending Corporate Salary Package to the employees of these institutions, the Bank aims to provide customised financial solutions, enhanced banking features and seamless services while creating greater value for its institutional partners. During the respective events, the Banks Cluster Heads familiarised the participating institutions with the comprehensive features and benefits available under the Corporate Salary Package.
Rs 1667 crore Srinagar airport expansion project to be completed by 2031
Srinagar, Aug 30:The proposed expansion of Srinagar International Airport Civil Enclave, involving an estimated investment of Rs 1667 crore, is expected to substantially increase the passenger-handling capacity of the Valleys main airport, while a separate proposal to examine the feasibility of an airport or an alternative aviation facility in Katra has also been put forward. The details were submitted by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and placed before the concerned panel for consideration. According to sources and officials familiar with the matter, the information forms part of the assessment of civil aviation infrastructure and future connectivity requirements in Jammu and Kashmir. As per the details submitted by the J&K administration, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the proposal for development of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar on February 24, 2026, at an estimated cost of Rs 1667 crore. The project envisages construction of a new Integrated Terminal Building with a total built-up area of 71,500 square metres. The terminal has been planned to handle 2900 passengers during peak hours and an annual passenger capacity of one crore passengers per annum. The project has an estimated implementation period of 48 months and is presently under the tendering process. It is expected to be completed by 2031, according to the information furnished by the administration. The proposed expansion is significant for Srinagar as passenger traffic at the airport has increased considerably over the years, particularly during the peak tourist season. Officials said the expanded terminal is intended to provide additional capacity and modern passenger facilities to meet the expected growth in air traffic. The larger terminal is also expected to improve passenger movement, reduce congestion and strengthen Srinagars position as the principal aviation gateway to Kashmir. The development is particularly important for the tourism sector, given the dependence of Kashmirs tourism industry on reliable air connectivity. Improved airport infrastructure can also facilitate the movement of business travellers and support sectors linked to tourism, hospitality, transport, trade, and horticulture. Officials said the project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to the broader socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. The modernisation of aviation infrastructure is also expected to improve passenger convenience and provide greater capacity to deal with future increases in tourist and local passenger traffic. The administration has also emphasised that the project should be completed on time while maintaining quality, aviation safety, and sustainability. Katra Airport Proposal Alongside the Srinagar expansion, the issue of developing an airport or suitable aviation facility in the Katra region has also gained attention. According to the information submitted by the J&K government, the feasibility of establishing such a facility needs to be examined in view of the steadily increasing number of yatris travelling to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine as well as the growing tourist inflow into the Jammu region. Katra is the principal base for pilgrims travelling to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and has developed into one of the most important yatra and tourism centres in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said the proposed feasibility exercise would have to determine whether an airport at Katra would be technically, economically and environmentally viable. The assessment would also have to take into account terrain, availability of land, aviation safety requirements, environmental impact, passenger projections and connectivity with the existing road and railway network. The proposal does not mean that construction of a Katra airport has already been approved. Rather, a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental feasibility study has been recommended as the first step before any decision on construction can be taken. Officials said an aviation facility closer to Katra could potentially reduce travel time for pilgrims and tourists, improve accessibility to the Jammu region and ease pressure on existing surface transportation networks. It could also provide a direct boost to pilgrimage tourism and generate economic activity in areas surrounding Katra by improving connectivity for visitors, businesses and service providers.
J&K medical interns to withdraw services from today
Srinagar, Aug 30:After years of waiting and scores of representations, and despite a government committee recommending an increase, medical interns have been pushed to wall to start a strike from August 31. MBBS and BDS interns across J&K are set to begin an indefinite strike from Monday, August 31, withdrawing their services from all hospitals. They are demanding revision of their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. The strike is the latest escalation in an unmet demand that has dragged on for nearly seven years. The stipend has remained virtually frozen while they say their workload and living costs have continued to rise. A committee constituted by the government had recommended an increase in the internship stipend to Rs 26,350 per month. However, despite the recommendation, a formal order implementing the hike has not materialised. The file and the issue was shuttled between the concerned departments. The interns have alleged prolonged administrative inaction. The young doctors performing duties in government hospitals continue to receive Rs 12,300 a month. The amount. interns and doctors' associations say is grossly inadequate to meet their most basic expenses like travel for work and food. Interns are routinely posted in emergency departments, wards, operation theatres and other clinical areas. They assist in patient care and work long and night shifts. The resident doctors' associations have also backed the demand and pointing to the role interns play in emergency units, inpatient wards, intensive-care facilities. They are also a crucial part of OPDs. The gap becomes starker when J&K's stipend is compared with several other states and institutions. Recent comparisons cited by doctors put internship stipends at around Rs 30,000 in Karnataka and central institutions and AIIMS, around Rs 28,892 in West Bengal and around Rs 31,500 in Assam. Uttar Pradesh has recently approved an increase to Rs 25,000 for MBBS and BDS interns. Now the interns in J&K have announced that they are left with no option but to stop work. A senior faculty at GMC Srinagar said its always desirable to enhance stipend annually based on incremental rise of 5 to 6 percent. This is similar to DA to permanent employees, and towards equitable norms. In June, the J&K Medical Students Association urged the government to revise the stipend and bring it closer to central government norms. J&K Medical Students Association had also highlighted how interns at Government Medical College Anantnag allegedly faced disciplinary action while raising concerns over stipend. The Resident Doctors' Association at GMC Srinagar and associated hospitals has extended solidarity to the interns. They have called the demand for Rs 30,000 stipend legitimate and urged the authorities to take immediate steps towards a settlement. Many other doctors' bodies have also voiced their support.
J&K businesses seek SBI-style OTS to break legacy debt cycle
Srinagar, Aug 30:Businesses and businessmen in Jammu and Kashmir are seeking a comprehensive one-time settlement (OTS) scheme on the lines of the State Bank of Indias 2020 framework, arguing that more than three decades of disruption have left enterprises struggling with legacy debt despite repeated restructuring and relief measures. Business chambers across Kashmir have called for authorities to facilitate a broader settlement mechanism with J&K Bank, saying borrowers have operated under extraordinary conditions since 1989 and should be provided an opportunity for financial closure. The business community has cited recurring curfews, shutdowns, violence, communication restrictions, the 2014 floods, the 2016 unrest, the constitutional changes of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic as major disruptions to economic activity. They contend that while businesses were unable to operate normally for prolonged periods, interest on outstanding loans continued to accumulate, leaving many businessmen with liabilities far beyond their original repayment capacity. The demand, however, is not for a blanket loan waiver. Business chambers are seeking a transparent, non-discretionary and formula-based settlement mechanism under which eligible borrowers would pay a predetermined amount, have their accounts closed after settlement and exit prolonged litigation and recovery proceedings. The proposal comes against the backdrop of J&K Banks central role in financing the regional economy. The bank has historically supported tourism, horticulture, trade, transport, manufacturing, handicrafts and small businesses, particularly in areas where other financial institutions maintained a relatively limited presence. Business organisations argue that this created a close relationship between the bank and the regional economy, with J&K Banks deposit base and lending activity substantially linked to J&K. Some businessmen have also alleged that borrowers in J&K were charged higher interest rates than comparable businesses elsewhere and were required to provide substantial collateral and personal guarantees. The exact differential in lending rates would require verification from bank records, but business organisations say the issue warrants greater transparency. The 2014 floods brought the scale of business distress into sharp focus. Several enterprises lost shops, machinery, inventories and other assets, while their loan liabilities continued to remain outstanding. Subsequent relief measures largely included moratoriums, restructuring, funded-interest arrangements and interest assistance rather than outright settlement. Similar restructuring measures followed the 2016 unrest and disruptions after August 2019. Businessmen argue that restructuring cannot be treated as equivalent to settlement. When unpaid interest is converted into a funded-interest term loan, they say, the liability is postponed rather than extinguished. For enterprises repeatedly affected by circumstances beyond their control, restructuring can therefore result in a prolonged cycle of accumulated debt. The business community has pointed to SBIs history of OTS schemes as a possible model. SBI introduced structured settlement schemes in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016-17, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Its OTS-2020, launched on October 12, 2020, covered eligible non-performing and recovery accounts with dues above Rs 20 lakh and up to Rs 50 crore as of March 31, 2020. The scheme prescribed objective eligibility criteria, a predetermined settlement formula, upfront payment requirements and incentives for early settlement. It also provided for resolution of eligible litigated accounts through consent orders. The SBI framework was formulated within the regulatory framework governing stressed-asset resolution. The Reserve Bank of Indias Prudential Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets, issued on June 7, 2019, recognised compromise settlements as a possible mechanism for resolution, subject to board-approved policies of banks. The RBI subsequently issued its Framework for Compromise Settlements and Technical Write-offs on June 8, 2023, aimed at providing further impetus to the resolution of stressed assets and harmonising practices across regulated entities. J&K Bank has also introduced OTS initiatives, including the Karz Mukti scheme in 2022 and subsequent schemes with expanded categories and limits. Business representatives acknowledge these measures but argue that they have not provided a sufficiently broad mechanism for resolving older legacy accounts. The business chambers are therefore seeking a wider settlement window based on objective eligibility, a defined formula, specified upfront payment, incentives for early settlement, inclusion of appropriate litigated accounts and fixed timelines for disposal. They have also called for a temporary pause on coercive recovery measures against borrowers who are prima facie eligible and have formally applied for settlement. Such a pause, they argue, need not provide permanent immunity, with lawful recovery able to resume if borrowers fail to comply with settlement conditions. The ownership structure of the two banks has also figured in the debate. The Government of India holds around 55 percent of SBI, while the J&K government holds around 59 percent of J&K Banks equity. Business representatives argue that the government, as a major shareholder in J&K Bank and an important stakeholder in the regions economic revival, can facilitate a broader discussion on the issue, although it cannot direct the bank to settle individual loan accounts. The business community has called for consultations involving J&K Bank, business chambers, representatives of tourism, horticulture, transport and other affected sectors, economists and stressed borrowers. They have also sought an assessment of the regions legacy business debt. The broader argument is that J&K businesses are not seeking exemption from financial discipline but a mechanism to achieve finality. Businessmen say repeated restructuring has provided temporary relief in several cases without resolving the underlying debt burden. They argue that an SBI-style OTS could provide a structured route to close old accounts, reduce prolonged litigation and recovery proceedings, revive potentially viable enterprises and restore their access to institutional credit. For the business community, the demand is therefore being framed not simply as a concession but as a financial-resolution mechanism aimed at giving enterprises that survived decades of disruption an opportunity to start again without the weight of accumulated legacy debt.
HC quashes J&K Bank officers dismissal
Srinagar, Aug 30:Underscoring that there is a clear distinction between President or the Governors power under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution and J&K Banks Managing Director (MD) and CEOs power under Clause 12.29 of the Officers Service Manual (OSM), the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has quashed the dismissal of a J&K Banks Officer. In response to a plea which it allowed, a bench of Justice Sanjay Dhar, held that the bank could not invoke Clause 12.29 of OSM to terminate an employee without a departmental inquiry unless all mandatory preconditions prescribed under the provision were fulfilled. Saadut Hussain Pampori was terminated as Deputy General Manager on July 15, 2024, following which he petitioned through his counsel Shariq J Reyaiz to assail the dismissal. Pamporis contention was that his dismissal was illegal and arbitrary, in as much as the conditions prescribed in Clause 12.29 of the OSM for invoking the drastic powers given to the MD and CEO of the bank under the clause were not fulfilled in his case. He pleaded that neither any FIR had been registered against him nor any investigation was conducted by any state, UT, or central investigating agency into the allegations regarding his involvement in errorist or anti national activities. Adjudicating upon the issue, the court ruled that four conditions must be satisfied before the MD and CEO of the bank can exercise powers under Clause 12.29. These include an investigation by a state, UT, or central investigating agency; a finding that the employee was directly or indirectly involved in terrorist or anti-national activities or posed a threat to national security and the sovereignty and integrity of the country; advice for removal or dismissal by a competent government authority not below the rank of Principal Secretary or Director General of Police; and dismissal on the basis of such advice without departmental proceedings. The court made it clear that unless these conditions were fulfilled, an employee of the bank could not be removed or dismissed without holding a departmental inquiry. It rejected the contention that the powers available to the Bank's MD and CEO under Clause 12.29 were on the same lines as those exercised by the President or Governor under Article 311(2)(c) of the constitution. The court held that unlike Article 311(2)(c), which does not require a prior investigation or advice from another authority, Clause 12.29 specifically incorporates these safeguards as preconditions for dispensing with a regular inquiry. Moreover, the court observed that while the President and Governor, as high constitutional functionaries, are vested with the power to dispense with an inquiry in appropriate cases, the same level of discretion cannot be extended to an officer such as the Managing Director and CEO of a bank. The specific preconditions in Clause 12.29 were deliberately incorporated to regulate the exercise of this drastic power, it noted. Regarding the case at hand, the court noted that it was an admitted position that no FIR had been registered against the petitioner. While the petitioner argued that an investigation could not exist without registration of an FIR, the respondents contended that the term investigation under Clause 12.29 should be interpreted more broadly and could include collection of material even without an FIR. The court underscored that although an FIR was not an essential prerequisite, the discreet verification and information gathered from confidential sources in the present case did not amount to an investigation as required under Clause 12.29. Eventually, the court quashed the dismissal of the aggrieved bank officer and restored him to the status he held immediately before his termination, while leaving it open to the respondents to proceed afresh in accordance with the prescribed procedure or conduct a regular departmental inquiry.
Violence plummeted, security improved in J&K: NITI Aayog
Srinagar, Aug 30:Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp decline in several key indicators of terrorism and violence, with stone-pelting incidents dropping by 98.6 percent and youth recruitment into terrorism has also declined by 99 percent between 2018 and 2025. The NITI Aayog figures produced on significant improvement in Law and Order compares compares key security indicators between 2018 and 2025 and points to a substantial reduction in violence-related incidents across J&K. As per the figures, stone-pelting incidents have declined from 1767 reported in 2018 to only 25 in 2025 which shows a 98.6 percent reduction in such incidents. Similarly, youth recruitment in terrorism has also witnessed a sharp decline from 199 cases reported in 2018 to only two in 2025 which is around 99 percent reduction. Also, the number of terrorist-initiated incidents have also declined sharply from 228 in 2018 to 12 in 2025 which is almost a 95 percent decline in such incidents. The NITI Aayog data further shows that counter-terror operations and encounters have also come down from 189 in 2018 to 33 in 2025 which is an 82.5 percent decline. As per the figures, the number of terrorists killed has declined from 257 to 34 from 2018 to 2025 which is around 87 percent reduction in such incidents. The number of security forces personnel martyred in terrorist incidents and encounters has also dropped from 91 in 2018 to 16 in 2025 showing a decline of 82.4 percent in such violence related incidents. As per the NITI Aayog figures, civilian casualties have also witnessed a substantial decline as the number of civilians killed in terrorist incidents or encounters has declined from 55 in 2018 to 28 in 2025. The reduction is around 49.1 percent. However the number of terrorist associates or suspects arrested have shown an increase from 105 in 2018 to 143 in 2025. The action has witnessed an increase of 36.2 percent, showcasing intensified action against the support network associated with terrorism. As per the official figures, there has been a decline in ceasefire violations from 382 in 2018 to 193 in 2025 which is a reduction by 49.5 percent. Referring to Operation Sindoor, the NITI Aayog figures have pointed out administrative and relief response during the Operation Sindoor in May 2025, following LoC shelling between May 7 and 10 of 2025. As per the official figures, Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla, and Kupwara were identified as severely affected districts. In wake of this authorities took proactive administrative measures during the operation. As part of the coordinated response to the LoC shelling, 3.26 lakh persons were evacuated while 397 relief centres were established and 15,293 persons were lodged in these centres, read the NITI Aayog figures. As per the figures, health services were activated and 394 ambulances were mobilised besides activating 2818 Civil Defence volunteers to assist the response. The authorities also activated 9,701 bunkers besides taking measures to protect infrastructure, ensure supplies and prevent hoarding, the document reads. As per the figures, 19 deaths and 127 injuries were reported following which the government distributed Rs 3.59 crore in relief to victims and provided 15 compassionate appointments to the next of kin. The shelling also caused extensive damage to residential properties as 2,069 residential structures suffered major losses. An amount of Rs 3.17 crore was distributed as relief for the damaged structures, it reads. In addition, an amount of Rs 20.86 crore was disbursed as additional compensation for damaged residential houses.
Glacier-rock collapse poses flood threat beyond GLOFs
Srinagar, Aug 30:The deadly August 26 flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have drawn attention to a high-altitude hazard that can unleash destructive floods without a glacial lake - the sudden failure of glacier ice, rock and debris on an unstable slope. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said satellite analysis showed a high-magnitude glacier-rock collapse, or ice-rock avalanche, entering Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi river, before turning into a debris flood. The event was initially linked to a possible Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Subsequent satellite analysis and expert assessments pointed to an ice-rock avalanche associated with glacier and bedrock failure. Experts Seek Geological Mapping of Unstable Slopes Riyaz Ahmad Mir, a scientist at the National Institute of Hydrology's Western Himalayan Regional Centre (WHRC) in Jammu, said the source area had warm permafrost and fractured bedrock. The failure entrained large volumes of glacier ice, snow and loose debris. It rapidly moved downstream and transformed into a highly destructive debris flood, Mir said. Recent and prolonged warming, snow and glacier-ice melt, and increased water infiltration into bedrock fractures could have further weakened the slope. However, the direct contribution of climate change remains uncertain, he said. These features now require identification and vulnerability assessment. Mir said Himachal Pradesh, the Chenab Valley in Jammu - Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban - and Ladakh should be priorities for detailed geological assessment followed by Kashmir. Prof Ghulam Jeelani, Dean of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kashmir, said parts of Ladakh, including Zanskar, Shyok, and Nubra share similar high-altitude terrain. Jeelani explained glacier-rock collapses and GLOFs are separate processes. Landslide or glacier collapse cannot create flash floods unless some surface water body, mountain river or water channel is there, he said. The collapse itself does not require a glacial lake. He said an ice-rock avalanche can enter a river channel, pick up water, sediment and boulders and develop into a destructive debris flood. It can also strike a glacial lake, damage its natural dam and trigger a GLOF. Thawing permafrost can weaken high-altitude slopes. Earthquakes, to which the Himalayan region is already at risk can trigger rockfalls, landslides and avalanches or damage natural dams, Jeelani said. Western Himalaya Warming A June 9 study published in the Journal of Earth System Science by researchers from BIT Mesra, IITM Pune and Ashoka University identified the Western Himalaya - J&K, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh - as the most climate-sensitive of the three Himalayan sectors examined. The study, Vulnerability of the Himalayan region under climate change, found the Western Himalaya has warmed by about 1 degree Celsius since the early 20th century. Under a high-emissions pathway, winter temperatures during 2081-2100 could rise by 7.18 degrees Celsius above early-20th-century levels. The study also warned that GLOF risk could shift westward as glaciers retreat and new glacial lakes form. A separate Department of Geoinformatics, University of Kashmir, study published in the Journal of Glaciology examined 155 glacial lakes in Kashmir using satellite data from 1992 to 2024. It identified Bramsar, Chirsar, Nundkol, Gangbal, and Bhagsar as having very high GLOF susceptibility. A preliminary assessment placed 2704 buildings and about 15 major bridges within potential impact zones. Roads and a hydropower project were also identified as exposed. The findings do not mean the lakes are on the verge of an outburst. They indicate higher susceptibility under specific triggering conditions. The study, however, does not cover unstable glacier-rock slopes that can fail independently of a glacial lake. Need for real-time alerts Mir said risk assessments must go beyond glacial-lake inventories. The vulnerability assessment has to consider the entire system -the glacier, rock slope, permafrost, water, river channel and the downstream area, he said. Experts called for detailed geological mapping of high-altitude slopes, fractured bedrock and permafrost zones. They also sought assessment of glacier stability, potential ice-rock avalanche paths and downstream debris-flood corridors. Vulnerable sites should be monitored through satellite imagery and ground-based systems, Mir said. Real-time monitoring and early-warning systems are important in areas where sudden slope failures can threaten downstream settlements and infrastructure, he said. For Jammu and Kashmir, Mir said Kishtwar is the main hotspot in the Chenab valley and faces high risk from both glacier-related hazards and GLOFs. Doda and Ramban also require assessment. Ladakh has the highest exposure to glacier-rock collapses and GLOFs, while Kashmir has lower GLOF exposure but remains vulnerable to glacier-rock collapses.
Amarnath Yatra's sanitation, waste management gets national recognition in 'Mann Ki Baat'
Srinagar, Aug 30: The comprehensive sanitation and waste management system implemented during this year's Amarnath Yatra has received national recognition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the arrangements and scientific waste management model in his Mann Ki Baat address. The prime minister's mention in the latest edition of his monthly radio address comes shortly after the conclusion of the annual yatra on August 28. It appreciably recognises the coordinated efforts undertaken to manage sanitation and waste across the challenging Himalayan terrain, an official spokesperson said here. The Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir implemented a comprehensive sanitation and waste management framework across the Baltal and Pahalgam axes, base camps and key yatra locations, the spokesperson said. He said the system was designed to cater to the requirements of lakhs of pilgrims while ensuring that cleanliness and environmental protection remained central to the management of the pilgrimage. As part of the extensive sanitation arrangements, more than 8,000 sanitation facilities and supporting infrastructure were deployed across the yatra ecosystem, the spokesperson said. These included prefabricated sanitation structures, toilets, bathing facilities and pucca bases, providing pilgrims with clean, safe and dignified sanitation facilities during the pilgrimage, he added. The infrastructure was backed by dedicated sanitation personnel deployed across the yatra routes, camps and high-footfall areas. Their responsibilities extended beyond routine cleaning and included the continuous upkeep of sanitation facilities, cleanliness of public spaces, prevention of litter accumulation and maintenance of hygienic conditions along the pilgrimage routes, he said. A robust scientific solid waste management system was simultaneously operationalised to manage the substantial quantum of waste generated during the yatra, the spokesperson said. The system ensured end-to-end waste management, covering segregation at source, collection, transportation, processing and scientific disposal. Also, waste generated at base camps and along the yatra routes was systematically channelled for appropriate processing, he said. Under the Zero Waste to Landfill approach, a total of 414.46 metric tonnes of waste was collected and processed during the pilgrimage, he said. The intervention assumed particular significance given the fragile ecological character of the Himalayan terrain through which the yatra passes. Integrating sanitation infrastructure with scientific waste management helped minimise the environmental footprint of the large-scale pilgrimage while maintaining essential public health and hygiene standards, he added. He said the prime minister's mention of the sanitation and waste management efforts in the latest edition of his monthly radio address provides national recognition to the concerted efforts undertaken by the administration and sanitation teams to establish a sustainable framework for managing the waste and sanitation during one of the country's major annual pilgrimages. With over 8,000 sanitation facilities deployed and 414.46 MT of waste collected and processed, the yatra demonstrated how infrastructure, manpower, technology and behavioural change can work together to create a cleaner and more environmentally responsible pilgrimage experience, Director General Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra said.
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India, Uzbekistan upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership; set USD 5 bn trade target
Tashkent, Aug 30: India and Uzbekistan on Sunday decided to elevate their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and set a target of USD 5 billion in annual trade by 2030 following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The two sides inked 11 agreements for boosting engagement in several key sectors, including mining and tourism and agreed to establish a framework for long-term supply of Uranium from Uzbekistan to India in line with cooperation in the civil-nuclear energy sector. The Modi-Mirziyoyev talks focused on expanding cooperation in areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, critical minerals, mining, defence and security, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, health, information technology, digital public infrastructure, including UPI and education. The two sides also set a target of USD 5 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, Modi said in his press statement. The current volume of bilateral trade between the two nations is over USD 1 billion. Both the leaders announced elevating the India-Uzbekistan strategic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing depth and expanding scope of cooperation. Modi and Mirziyoyev witnessed the exchange of agreements covering a wide range of areas such as mining, culture, education, tourism, ayurveda, among others. Uzbekistan is at the heart of Central Asia and is at the heart of Indias engagement in the region, Modi said. The prime minister added: A stronger India-Uzbekistan partnership will be a powerful force for peace, progress and prosperity in Central Asia. Delving into the ambitious agenda of future cooperation between the two sides, Modi said India and Uzbekistan will encourage their defence industries to look at co-development and co-production of military hardware. On trade and investment, he said issues relating to market access, banking, payment systems and connectivity will be addressed in a structured way. The close defence and security cooperation between our two countries reflects our deep mutual trust. In the future, we will promote direct linkages, co-production, and co-development between our defence industries, Modi said. We believe that terrorism, extremism, and separatism pose serious challenges to the entire region. Maintaining a policy of zero tolerance against these threats has been, and will continue to be, our shared resolve, he added. A Letter of Intent for the restoration and conservation of the Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in Uzbekistan was also agreed upon. These ancient Buddhist monasteries in southern Uzbekistan highlight how Buddhism spread along the Silk Road and flourished in Central Asia. The two sides announced that a commercial pact was firmed up between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Uzbekistans National Interbank Processing Centre JSC to enable UPI apps of India to scan national QR - UZQR for making merchant payments in the Central Asian nation. The announcements made at the end of the talks between Modi and Mirziyoyev included a grant of USD 1 million for afforestation in the Aral Sea region. Modi landed in Tashkent on Saturday on a two-day visit to bolster ties with Uzbekistan in a range of areas, including trade, investment, defence and clean energy. We are celebrating the 15th anniversary of our strategic partnership. I am delighted that, on this special occasion, we are elevating our ties to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Modi said in his opening remarks at the bilateral talks. We will move forward by setting concrete goals within this framework, he said in Hindi. The prime minister also made a mention of the productive talks he had with the Uzbek president over dinner last night. We had a productive discussion over dinner last night and took several important decisions. We will establish a Coordination Council at the level of foreign ministers to provide direction to all aspects of our cooperation through close coordination, Modi said. The prime minister said both sides will also elevate their existing joint commission from the level of secretaries to that of ministerial level. Both sides will jointly organise a business summit featuring business leaders from both nations. We will also establish a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium, he said without elaborating. A joint statement said the prime minister and the Uzbek president agreed to explore cooperation in the fields of geology, mining, nuclear energy, industrial cooperation, and critical and strategic minerals, including projects for the processing of mineral resources, production of value- added products and recycling initiatives. They also expressed interest in encouraging Indian companies to participate in the development of prospective mineral deposits in Uzbekistan and Uzbek enterprises for joint collaboration in India. The leaders expressed interest in extended cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, it said. The statement said Modi and Mirziyoyev agreed to expand cooperation in the field of critical minerals through the implementation of joint projects in geological exploration, mining, mineral processing, and the development of integrated value chains. The Uzbek president said his country is determined to boost ties with India in diverse sectors. We are aiming to advance cooperation in sectors such as energy, culture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, jewellery, and agriculture. We will prepare roadmaps for each of these sectors; specific teams from India will visit here, and our teams will travel to India, enabling us to clearly define our objectives in these fields, he said. The joint statement said the two leaders welcomed the close alignment of their positions and the growing importance of Central Asia. Amid a complex geopolitical situation, they stressed the need for a free, open and rules-based international order. Building on their multilateral cooperation, it said. The leaders highly appreciated the progress achieved in regional cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening engagement within Central AsiaIndia format at the level of Heads of States and other levels, it said.
Srinagar, Aug 30: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday urged the people of Srinagars Shehr-e-Khaas not to fall prey to the decades-long exploitation by traditional political parties like the National Conference. He called upon them to become aware of their political and democratic rights and assert them to bring about a change in their present difficult situation. He was addressing a workers convention in Habba Kadal, Srinagar, which was attended by a large gathering of local residents and party workers. Addressing the gathering, Bukhari expressed serious concern over the continued poor condition of Srinagar city and the hardships faced by its residents. He said that to change this situation, people must take responsibility and stop falling prey to the exploitative politics of the National Conference and its leadership. He said, Marhoom Sheikh Sahib successfully earned the unconditional loyalty of the people of the city and built a political empire for generations of his family. However, this blind following by the people paved the way for a prolonged lack of development and prosperity in the city. Even today, decades later, people continue to blindly follow the party, often at the cost of their own future and that of the coming generations. He went on to say, There are around nine lakh people living in this historic city, yet a large number of them are struggling even for basic amenities. Look at the plight of our youth. They are educated but remain jobless, with many forced to take up petty jobs, like working as street vendors. How long can this situation continue? Unfortunately, the existing reservation policy has also adversely affected the people of the city by further reducing employment opportunities for local youth. The residents of the city do not fall under any reserved category, except the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), whose reservation has also been reduced from 10 percent to 3 percent, he added. He went on to say, This beautiful and historic city still lacks even basic amenities, like drinking water. There is a serious shortage of housing, and livelihood opportunities. Many of our daughters in the city, despite having crossed marriageable age, are unable to get married because of the severe financial difficulties faced by their families. We must seriously think about how to change this pathetic situation. The first step is for the people to distance themselves from the political forces that have kept them in this condition despite receiving their support for decades, he added. Apni Party president said that by continuing to support the NC, the people of the city are, in fact, compromising their own interests and development. He said, Why dont you understand this simple fact? Despite remaining in power for decades, this party allowed the city to remain in such a pathetic condition and, even worse, damaged its natural infrastructure. Take Nallah Mar, for instance. It was an ancient waterway that connected Dal Lake and the Brari Nambal lagoon with the River Jhelum and Anchar Lake. Filling up this historic canal was one of the greatest acts of damage inflicted on this city and its people. It not only destroyed an important part of Srinagars natural drainage and waterway system but also robbed the city of a vital part of its historical heritage, he said. Remembering the days when Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims lived together in harmony in the city, Bukhari said, I vividly remember the days when, as children, we used to attend tuition classes taught by some of the finest Pandit teachers. I also fondly remember the time when Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits lived together happily and prosperously, sharing a bond of mutual respect, trust, and brotherhood. Making a heartfelt appeal to the Kashmiri Pandit community, he said, I urge my Kashmiri Pandit brethren to return so that, together, we can rediscover the past glory of our beautiful shared culture and work towards restoring peace, prosperity, and harmony. Apni Party President urged the people of the city to remain vigilant and ensure that, whenever the ULB polls are held, they vote wisely and choose their representatives thoughtfully, so that their developmental issues are addressed effectively. He also urged the people to support Apni Party to enable it to implement its pro-people manifesto in the city and ensure sustained prosperity and development in this historic and beautiful city. Speaking on the occasion, former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir said that the people of Srinagar city are facing severe hardships due to inadequate housing, limited livelihood opportunities, and a lack of developmental infrastructure. He said that even the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) does not allow people to construct houses or commercial establishments on their own land, causing them further hardship and inconvenience. He said, It is painful to see our youth struggling today. They do not have enough job opportunities, and many of them also face problems in getting passports and completing verification processes for jobs and passports. Lashing out at the government Mir said, These people have placed their trust in you, given you their mandate, and voted you to power. How can a government refuse to address the issues and concerns of the very people who elected it? Partys Provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir addressed the occasion and urged the people of the city to support Apni Party. He said, Unlike the traditional parties, this party does not belong to any family or any individual. This party belongs to people and its primary agenda is to serve the people. I urge you to make this party strengthen so that it will be able to implement its agenda for peace, prosperity and development of Jammu and Kashmir and its people. Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Ghulam Hassan Mir, the prominent party leaders who spoke in the convention or who were present on the occasion included partys Vice President Haji Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, District President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Malik Aftab, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Peer Wajahat, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir & Constituency In-charge Habba Kadal Jeelani Hamid Kumar, Provincial Joint Secretary Aamir Ashraf Bhat, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Aijaz Rather, Organiser Central Kashmir Mohammad Shafi Mir, Vice President Srinagar Mohsin Zaffar Shah, Provincial Youth President Kashmir Jibran Dar, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Khursheed Ahmad Makhdoomi, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Sameer Ahmad Lone, Constituency In-charge Khanyar Amir Bhat, and others.
Maharashtra Food Body Lifts Suspension On Food Licences Of 5 BKC Restaurants
The decision comes after a fresh inspection and intervention by the Bombay High Court.
Property acquired through proceeds of narcotics trade attached in Shopian: Police
Srinagar, Aug 30: As part of its continued crackdown on narcotics-related activities, police in Shopian have attached a residential house valued at 16,77,448/- belonging to Hilal Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar resident of Vehil Shopian. Officials said the property was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics. Accordingly, the said property has been attached in connection with FIR No. 80/2024 of Police Station Shopian. The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal procedures and maintaining transparency. Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs by targeting both offenders and the financial assets generated through illicit activities. They urged general public to come forward with any information regarding drug trafficking or related activities.
NEET-PG 2026 successfully conducted nationwide with robust security and real-time monitoring
Srinagar, Aug 30: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) successfully conducted the NEET-PG 2026 examination today, 30 August 2026, across the country with comprehensive logistical, technological, security and manpower arrangements to ensure a fair, secure and seamless examination process. The examination was scheduled for 2,73,096 candidates at 1,111 examination centres across 339 cities, covering all 36 States and Union Territories. A total of 2,65,980 candidates appeared for the examination, with the examination successfully completed for approximately 2,63,535 candidates. The nationwide examination was supported by extensive real-time monitoring and stringent security measures. A total of 2,527 faculty members were appointed as Independent Appraisers to oversee the conduct of the examination. In addition, more than 700 senior faculty members, including Deans, Directors, Medical Superintendents and senior professors, were deployed as Flying Squad members. To strengthen coordination and monitoring, 16 NBEMS Regional Command Centres were made operational across the country. The examination centres were also placed under live CCTV surveillance, which was continuously monitored from the NBEMS Command Centre at its Headquarters in Dwarka. A dedicated team of 190 personnel from NBEMS and TCS was deployed for real-time surveillance and monitoring. At the dedicated Command Centre at NBEMS Headquarters, officials from NBEMS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, BEL, ECIL and TCS maintained close and continuous oversight of the examination process throughout the day. As part of measures to further strengthen examination security and prevent impersonation, Aadhaar-based authentication of candidates was successfully undertaken at examination centres. Government agencies extended their full support towards the secure and orderly conduct of the examination. While the examination was successfully completed for the overwhelming majority of candidates nationwide, an unforeseen technical disruption occurred at iON Digital Zone iDZ Sitapura Centres, Jaipur, Rajasthan (TC Nos. 41682 and 41683), where the examination could not be completed for 2,445 candidates due to internal power supply issues at the test centres, attributable to M/s TCS Ltd., the examination conducting agency. NBEMS has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the affected candidates. To ensure that all affected candidates are provided a fair and equitable opportunity to appear in NEET-PG 2026, examination for these 2,445 candidates will be conducted on 05 September 2026 (Saturday) at 03:00 PM in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The successful conduct of the examination across 1,111 centres in 339 cities reflects the extensive coordination among examination authorities, medical institutions, faculty, security agencies, technology teams and other stakeholders involved in the nationwide exercise. NBEMS appreciates the cooperation, patience and trust of the candidates and acknowledges the dedicated efforts of all personnel and institutions associated with the conduct of NEET-PG 2026.
Amul, GirOrganic Ranked Among World's Best And Most Iconic Butters
The ranking spotlights butter and ghee products known for their craftsmanship and enduring popularity, with two Indian entries making an appearance.
Make India drug-free: PM Modi appeals to citizens
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, August 30, appealed to citizens to unite against drug abuse and build a stronger future for the youth, noting that addiction engulfs not just an individual but impacts the entire society. In his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, he noted that the Drug-Free Youth for a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Statehood will return, Article 370 will not: JK BJP to Mirwaiz
Srinagar, Aug 30: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Sunday hit out at Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for urging political parties to unite for the restoration of Article 370, claiming that such statements are attempts to provoke the public and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere that has emerged in the valley after years of violence. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said Parliament took a historic constitutional decision on August 5, 2019, and the Supreme Court subsequently upheld the abrogation of Article 370. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should understand that Article 370 is not coming back. Parliament has buried Article 370 forever, and no political party, leader or pressure group can reverse that constitutional reality, Thakur said. He said such calls risked dragging Kashmir back into the politics of the past. Statements of this nature are meant to provoke people and vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the Valley once again. This will never be allowed. The nation has paid a very heavy price for the return of peace to Kashmir. The sacrifices of our brave security forces and civilians, including political workers who laid down their lives for peace and democracy, cannot be allowed to be undermined or challenged through politically motivated statements, Thakur said. He noted that Kashmir has experienced enough bloodshed, shutdowns, stone-pelting, and disruption, and that the people should not be pushed into another cycle of instability. Those who attempt to revive old fault lines must understand that Kashmir has moved ahead. Our youth want education, employment, entrepreneurship, investment, tourism and opportunities. They do not want to return to an era when shutdown calendars dictated their lives and violence dictated the future, he said. Thakur mentioned that political parties were free to express their views within the constitutional framework, but attempts to create agitation around an issue that had already been constitutionally settled would serve no purpose. Democracy gives everyone the right to speak and participate, but democracy cannot be reduced to repeatedly demanding the reversal of a constitutional decision that has already been upheld by the highest court of the country, he said. On the issue of statehood, Thakur said the BJP has made its position clear that it would be restored at an appropriate time. There is a clear distinction between statehood and Article 370. Statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, as has been stated by the Government. But there is absolutely no question of bringing back Article 370, he said. Those spreading confusion on this issue should stop misleading the people, he said.
Altaf Bukhari asks Mirwaiz to come forward, guide people on what needs to be done
Farmers commence harvesting walnuts in J-K's Kathua; find PM's Mann Ki Baat inspiring
Kathua, Aug 30: Farmers have commenced harvesting walnuts in the hilly regions of Bani in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Terming it the fruit of their hard work, farmers said they eagerly await the season to arrive, according to The News Mill. Farmers and their families are actively gathering ripe walnuts from traditional orchards, As the harvesting season starts in the hilly regions. The farmers in the regions use through natural farming methodsopf cultivation, cleaning and sun-drying harvested walnuts for five to six days before being sold in the market. Local farmers regard walnut cultivation as not only an agricultural activity but also a vital source of income and the culmination of year-long efforts. Madan Lal, a longtime horticulturist who owns around 100 walnut trees mainly of the Hamdan and Suleman varieties, reported an annual yield reaching up to 50,000 walnuts. He stated that walnut farming has been a crucial livelihood for nearly 30 years. Madan Lal added, I draw great inspiration whenever Prime Minister Modi speaks about farmers and horticulture; the Prime Ministers words regarding farmers and horticulture, shared through the Mann Ki Baat program, have encouraged me to move forward. Another cultivator, Adil, described his anticipation for the harvest each year, saying, They eagerly await the time when the walnuts ripen on the trees, and harvesting can begin. He said the post-harvest process, including thorough cleaning and sun-drying for about five to six days prior to market sale. Adil expressed pride in walnut cultivation, calling it the fruit of a years hard work and a reflection of my deep connection to the land. As per District Horticulture Officer Mohammad Shakeel, approximately 3,000 families in the Bani area of Kathua rely significantly on walnut production for their livelihoods. He noted that a single walnut sells for around 3 in the market, but it takes considerable time for a sapling to mature and bear fruit. Once a tree reaches full productivity, it can generate an income of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 per season, Shakeel said. He further emphasised the considerable potential for walnut farming in the region and stated that the Horticulture Department is actively encouraging farmers and promoting the sector. For the past two years, the department has focused on the Chandler walnut variety, which Shakeel described as a premium-quality type offering promising prospects for the areas farmers.
Department of Consumer Affairs notifies Legal Metrology Rules, 2026
Srinagar, Aug 30: The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 on 27 August 2026. The Rules will come into force 180 days from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The Rules provide for Indian Standard Time (IST) as the common time reference across the country for legal, administrative, commercial and other official purposes. The 180-day period will allow Government departments, businesses, institutions and other organisations to make the required changes to their systems before the Rules come into force. The need for a common time reference has increased with the growing use of digital and technology-based systems. Banking and digital payments, telecommunications, railways, power systems, computer networks and government records depend on accurate time and time stamps. Differences between time sources can affect the coordination and recording of such activities. The Rules are aimed at ensuring that important systems across the country use accurate and consistent Indian Standard Time. The common time reference will support: Accurate time-stamping of banking and digital payment transactions;coordination of railways, airports and other transport systems;reliable operation of telecommunication and internet networks;accurate time-keeping in power systems;maintenance of government and legal records; andcoordination of emergency and other time-sensitive services. Use of Indian Timing Sources The Government is developing infrastructure to disseminate accurate Indian Standard Time across the country through Indian institutions and Legal Metrology laboratories. The Rules also provide for the use of NavIC, India's satellite navigation system, and other approved Indian timing sources for reliable and secure time dissemination. At present, several systems use foreign satellite-based time sources. The development of an Indian time dissemination infrastructure will provide additional options for critical systems and reduce dependence on external time sources. White Rabbit Technology Demonstration As part of the One Nation, One Time initiative, a White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time Dissemination Demonstration Network was commissioned at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory (RRSL), Bengaluru, in July 2026. The system has demonstrated the dissemination of Indian Standard Time for sectors including banking, telecommunications, power, transportation and digital governance. The Department has also demonstrated secure dissemination of IST between RRSL Bengaluru and NSE Chennai, in collaboration with CSIR-NPL, ISRO, SEBI, NSE, BSNL and other stakeholders. The 180-day period before commencement of the Rules will provide stakeholders time to review their existing systems, undertake necessary technical changes and prepare for implementation.The Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 will provide a common Indian Standard Time reference for time-dependent systems and official purposes across the country.
Park Medi World to expand hospital network across north India, add 1,450 beds by FY28
Park Medi World plans to add 1,450 beds by FY28, expanding its northern India network. The hospital chain focuses on Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities for efficient scaling. Acquisitions will target hospitals with 200-250 beds, expandable to 350. The company reported record net profit and revenue in FY26. Park Medi World is also adopting cleaner energy systems across its facilities.
A new food label could soon make it easier for Indian consumers to spot packaged foods high in nutrients that can harm health when consumed in excess. Know what the proposed red hexagon could mean for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Amrutanjan Health plans to set up 1 lakh direct chemist outlets in FY27
Amrutanjan Health Care plans to establish one lakh direct chemist outlets this fiscal year. The company achieved strong growth in pain management and women's hygiene categories during FY26. This expansion aims to increase brand availability beyond its traditional strongholds in the south and east. Amrutanjan also intends to relaunch its congestion-relief brand, Relief, in the current year. The company remains confident about demand in FY27, supported by its product portfolio.
How To Keep Your Iron And Zinc Levels Stable During A Fasting Month
Fasting changes eating patterns, making nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens and millets vital for iron and zinc intake.
If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu: Bhagwat
New York, Aug 29: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain a Hindu. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said this while addressing the One World: One Humanity Faith Leaders Summit here. Bhagwat said that in Bharat, people of all denominations live. By tradition, Bharat has given shelter to everybody. Those who could not find a safe place in the world came to Bharat, where they found their place, he said. We as RSS think, because we have this knowledge that world humanity is one, it is our duty to go all over the world and tell everybody that, in spite of diversities, we are one, he said. Muslim brothers asked me a question: You are a Hindu organisation, you see Hindu Rashtra, what about us Muslims? Would you drive us out? I said, no, that is not Hindutva. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu, he said. Where there is me and mine, there is no solution. We and ours is the solution, he added. We (RSS) are serving. While serving, we dont see discrimination. Whoever is in need, we are serving. One lakh thirty thousand service projects are being run by our Swayamsevaks with the help of society. They served everywhere and served equally, Bhagwat said. Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS centenary-year global outreach programme. His outreach tour also includes Canada and the UK. In the US, he is scheduled to address a gathering of around 5,000 people at the iconic Madison Square Garden. In the US, Bhagwat has held meetings and discussions with members of the diaspora, Indian-American business executives and community leaders. The RSS chief also visited the Bhakti Centre in New York and also paid tributes to Indian spiritual leader Srila A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Why Do We Hiccup? The Science Behind That Sudden Hic
Everyone gets hiccups; some get them often, while others get them occasionally. But have you ever thought about why we get them? If not, read this article as we cover everything, including what causes hiccups, why they sometimes last longer, and when they may need medical attention.
Is longevity the new flex? Why the new wellness status game is all about health data
Wellness has shifted from luxury retreats to daily personal management and longevity. Wearable technology now tracks health markers, encouraging consistent self-care habits. Fitness goals are increasingly performance-driven, moving beyond aesthetics and appearance. Nervous system regulation through breathwork and sound baths is gaining prominence. This new focus emphasizes consistent, unglamorous daily habits for long-term health.
Nepal flash floods highlight need for planned settlement, scientific assessments: Experts
New Delhi, Aug 30: The devastating flash floods in Nepal have driven home important lessons of undertaking systematic scientific assessments of glaciers in order to understand and mitigate hazards and to develop a land use policy in the Himalayan region, experts said. Over 460 people from Nepal and Tibet have been killed, and thousands, including Indian tourists, are missing after massive flash floods hit parts of Nepal on Wednesday, wreaking havoc across several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects. Initial speculation after a sudden surge near the Nepal-Tibet border crossing in Rasuwagadhi included a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and an avalanche. However, researchers from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based near Kathmandu, are investigating whether an ice-rock avalanche originating from a high-altitude location may have triggered the floods. A large volume of ice and rock debris may have entered the Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, which could have generated a sudden surge carrying water, sediment and large boulders downstream, they said, based on a preliminary assessment of video footage and information from affected areas. It is related to climate change because the snow covers are reducing, the glaciers are receding, more rocky or barren areas are exposed -- they absorb more heat, which makes the slopes more vulnerable, Mohd Farooq Azam, senior cryosphere specialist at ICIMOD and associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, told PTI. Even though the exact cause is yet to be ascertained, he added, it may be a result of less snow cover, receding glaciers, and some permafrost degradation in the area. Extreme precipitation events, especially heavy snowfall, in the Himalayas only temporarily increase snow accumulation, a study published in Global and Planetary Change has found. Climate change has also contributed to an increase in glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh, with a recent study, published in the Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, showing an increase of 525 per cent in the lakes between 1990 and 2024, with a doubling in area. Smaller lakes have increased from nine in number to 487. There are different mechanisms through which glacial lakes can form. They may be dammed by moraines, glacier ice, bedrock depressions, or other geomorphological features, author Reet Kamal Tiwari, associate professor and head, department of civil engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, told PTI. However, the mere presence of a glacial lake does not necessarily mean that it poses an immediate threat to nearby communities, he said. We first need to assess the vulnerability and stability of the lake and identify the possible external triggers that could lead to a sudden release of water. The concern is not simply the increasing number of glacial lakes; it is the combination of increasing hazard potential and increasing downstream exposure, Tiwari said. Triggers may include landslides, intense rainfall, snow or ice avalanches, rockfalls, or the collapse of a hanging glacier, he said. Soniya Rijal, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney in Australia, said that a lack of a warning system built only around rain-related events also contributed to the disaster. What this event shows is that our warning systems, formal and informal, are built around rain. I have heard that people in the affected valleys were alerting their neighbours before the water arrived, but because there had been no heavy rainfall, many did not take the warnings seriously, she said. Rijal is from Kathmandu. Azam said, We have very limited data. We need to improve data, the basic understanding on the ground, and develop specific models for the Himalayan region and early warning systems, especially low-cost ones, so that we can install it many places wherever we have hot spots. The flash floods are similar to those in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, when a massive ice and rock avalanche from the Ronti peak triggered a sudden surge of water, impacting the Rishi Ganga, Dhauliganga, and Alaknanda rivers in February 2021. Hydropower projects were severely damaged and about 300 people, mostly workers at the dam sites, were reported killed or missing. Every disaster is unique. First, we need to understand the processes, and then we need to design some mitigation measures accordingly, Azam said. Tiwari said, The first requirement is proper scientific assessment of potentially hazardous glacial lakes and their downstream areas. A proper assessment should examine the lake, its dam and surrounding terrain, possible triggering mechanisms, downstream flow paths, and the settlements and infrastructure that could be affected, he said. Authorities should involve experts with appropriate experience in glaciology, geomorphology, hydrology, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, and disaster management, Tiwari added. Further, the flash floods drive the urgency of developing land use policies, Azam said. The problem is we are settling very close to the river and sometimes on the river. The urgency is to develop a land use policy, he said. There should be proper planning for the settlement infrastructure development, because these events will happen and we understand that over the last couple of decades, the frequency as well as magnitude of such events have increased, he added. Azam also pointed to how there needs to be an assessment of how the environment can impact infrastructure. When we develop an infrastructure, we have to do environment impact assessment. But now is the time when we need to do environment's impact assessment on the infrastructure, he said. If there is some heavy rainfall, some cloud burst, some glacial lake outburst flood, or something like what happened yesterday, what would be the impact on the settlement and infrastructure? So we don't have this kind of assessment anywhere, Azam said.
Govt taking steps to modernise schools, bridge teacher gaps: MLA Ehsan Pardesi
Srinagar, Aug 29:Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Lal Chowk constituency Ehsan Pardesi Saturday said the government has initiated measures to upgrade elementary level schools with a focus on improving infrastructure and creating a better learning environment for students. Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of the Annual Day function of Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Srinagar, MLA Ehsan Pardesi said that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have already been prepared for several schools housed in old buildings, while the government was planning to construct modern school buildings at various locations in Lal Chowk constituency. The government has already taken initiatives to improve our elementary level schools. Modern infrastructure would provide students with a better ambience and environment for learning, he said. On the disproportionate pupil-teacher ratio in elementary level schools of Lal Chowk constituency, MLA Pardesi said that the government was already working on the serious issue. I hope that the staff gaps would be addressed in the future, he said. Pardesi, however, said that choosing between government and private schools remains the prerogative of parents. He referred to his recent visit to KothiBagh School and said he was informed by the principal that several parents whose kids were earlier enrolled in private schools have enrolled them in the government school. Earlier in his address at the occasion, MLA Ehsan Pardesi stressed the need to have dedicated funds to maintain the existing school infrastructure. He said every school should have a provision for regular maintenance so that existing facilities do not deteriorate. Our Director School Education is here. I would request that some funds should be kept available with the school for the maintenance of the existing infrastructure, he said. He said the government usually constructs buildings without any provision for its maintenance. A school should look like a school. It is important that any new infrastructure which comes up remains properly maintained, he added. He congratulated the faculty, management and students of GGHSS Amira Kadal, Srinagar for their performance and wished them success in the future.
Melting glacier returns Austrian climbers backpack after 63 years
An 86-year-old Austrian man has been reunited with climbing equipment he lost in a glacier crevasse more than six decades ago, after melting ice brought the belongings back to the surface, CNN reported. A hiker discovered the backpack last month on the Sulztalferner glacier in Austrias western Tyrol region, at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres. Austrian police found an ice axe, camera, whistle and a weathered document folder inside. Police initially investigated whether the backpack could be linked to an old mountaineering accident. Documents inside eventually revealed the owners name, allowing officers to trace him. Investigators found that the man had lost the equipment during a climbing expedition in August 1963. He had fallen into a crevasse while roped to several companions. Although his companions managed to pull him out, he abandoned the backpack to reduce his weight. The equipment remained buried in the glacier for 63 years before emerging as the ice melted. The man, whose name has not been released, could not collect the belongings himself because of ill health. Police instead handed them over to his son, who expressed gratitude for their return, according to Tirol police. The unusual discovery comes as glaciers in the Alps and elsewhere continue to shrink because of rising global temperatures. Melting ice has increasingly exposed objects and human remains that had remained preserved for decades or even thousands of years. In 1991, hikers in the Italian Alps discovered the remarkably preserved body of tzi the Iceman, who died around 5,300 years ago.
Online platforms can aid education, but ethics gap must be bridged by teachers, students: DSEK
Srinagar, Aug 29:Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Amira Kadal celebrated its annual day on Saturday with a blend of cultural performances, academic recognition and a tribute to the role of parents in shaping students achievements. The annual function also witnessed the release of the school magazine Uqaab, which showcased the creative and academic contributions of the students. Adding colour to the celebrations, students presented a series of cultural performances centredaround the theme of inclusiveness and social harmony. The programme featured Ladakhi dance, Punjabi performance and the traditional Kashmiri Rouf which highlighted the diversity of Indias cultural landscape. However, the most poignant moment of the function came when mothers of students who had excelled in the previous years JK Board of School Education (JKBOE) examinations were felicitated on behalf of their children. The mothers of a few meritorious students attended the annual day function of the school and were felicitated on behalf of their kids, who were not present at the felicitation ceremony of their school As the mothers walked onto the stage with pride to receive the honours, the ceremony turned into an emotional acknowledgement of the families behind the students success. The moment made the gesture a special recognition of the mothers contribution and support. In his address, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lal Chowk Constituency Ehsan Pardesi hailed the school administration, particularly the principal, for carrying forward the legacy of the institution. Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, in his address stressed the need for strengthening ethical and social values among students. He said that while technology has made access to education easier, values such as respect and responsibility cannot be acquired from online platforms alone. Students today have access to a wide range of educational resources through YouTube and other online platforms, but the responsibility of imparting ethics and social values rests with students themselves and their teachers, he added. Respect for our colleagues, respect for our teachers and respect for our parents is very important, he added. He further urged the students to remain conscious of their responsibility towards society. DSEK said the message emerging from the traditional Ladi Shah performance by a school student was the one that everyone should follow in their daily lives. Education should not remain confined to academic achievement but character-building and ethical conduct must form an integral part of a students development, he added. He congratulated the students who were felicitated during the function and appreciated their efforts across academics, sports and cultural activities. He also lauded students for pursuing diverse career paths, including medicine, humanities and sports. He said the Annual Day function is a special function as students look forward to the occasion throughout the year and work during the academic session to improve their performance, showcase creativity and earn recognition. He also appreciated students who participated in academic, sporting and cultural events and congratulated the school management for organising the felicitation ceremony, release of the school magazine and cultural performances with coordination. Chief Education Officer Srinagar Ghulam Mohiudin Bhat and Principal GGHSS Amira KadalNusratManzoor also spoke at the occasion.
Rajnath Singh urges students to follow Ambedkars path of constitutional change
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged students to follow Dr BR Ambedkars mantra of Educate, Agitate and Organise by acquiring knowledge, questioning injustice through constitutional means and uniting for democratic change. Addressing the convocation ceremony of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh said Ambedkar had made it clear that social and economic objectives must be pursued through constitutional methods. He warned against violence, anarchy and unconstitutional means, describing them as the grammar of anarchy. Rajnath Singh said universities must develop young minds grounded in justice, equality, liberty and fraternity, while education should equip students not only with knowledge and practical skills but also with values and sensitivity towards society. He urged the youth to become job creators, problem-solvers and agents of change, stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptability amid rapid technological advances. Calling for collective efforts under Team India, Rajnath Singh urged students to contribute to the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He highlighted Indias progress in areas including semiconductors, digital infrastructure, start-ups, manufacturing and space technology. Rajnath Singh also said Indias development should not be measured only by economic growth, but also by its cultural confidence and civilisational heritage. He said the spirit of Believe in India was behind the success of Make in India.
Budgam-Katra train services resume, Sundays to remain off
Ramban, Aug 29:Train services between Budgam and Katra resumed on Saturday, August 29, providing relief to passengers travelling between the Kashmir Valley and Katra, official sources said. According to officials, Train No. 04688 (BudgamKatra) and Train No. 04687 (KatraBudgam) have been restored and will operate as per the revised schedule. However, the services will remain suspended every Sunday. The resumption is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, particularly for passengers travelling between Budgam, other parts of the Valley and Katra. The services are also likely to benefit commuters, students, employees, visitors and pilgrims by providing an additional mode of transportation between the two regions. The development assumes significance as rail connectivity has emerged as an important link between Kashmir and the Jammu region, facilitating passenger movement and reducing dependence on road transport. Officials advised passengers to check the latest railway timetable and operational status before planning their journeys, particularly when travelling on Sundays, when the services will remain suspended. The restoration of the BudgamKatra services is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passengers between the Valley and Katra and further strengthen rail connectivity between the two regions.
3 days after floods, 1st Chinese rescue team reaches devastated Gyirong Port
Three days after devastating floods swept through areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, Chinas first major rescue team reached the worst-hit Gyirong Port on Friday, with rescuers forced to trek through dense forests and steep canyons after roads were destroyed, BBC reported. Six personnel from the Tibet fire and rescue service, along with 15 rescuers and a search dog from the Sichuan fire and rescue service, reached the area at around 4.30 pm local time, Chinas state broadcaster CCTV reported. The deployment came as the official death toll in Tibet rose to seven, with 554 people still missing, according to Chinese state media. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue teams gain access to areas cut off by the floods. There was no road... it was all virgin forest and sheer cliffs, rescue worker Zou Mingqi told Reuters. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but ruins. CCTV said the rescue teams had to cross dense forest and canyons to reach the affected area near Gyirong Port, a key crossing on the Nepal-Tibet border that was badly damaged by the flooding. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel over the disaster, saying he was confident that the people of China and Nepal would join hands to overcome this disaster as soon as possible and rebuild their homes. Chinese authorities have warned that continued heavy rain over the weekend could further hamper rescue operations and trigger mudslides in some areas.
Closer specialised care can ensure timely treatment, reduce patient travel: SakeenaItoo
Srinagar, Aug 29: Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, SakeenaItoo, today inaugurated the Department of Radiology, including CT Scan, along with the Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology and Medical Oncology at Imam Hussain Multispecialty Hospital, Hamdania Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. The newly operationalised services mark a significant step towards expanding access to specialised and affordable healthcare facilities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the Imam Hussain Hospital Foundation for its sustained contribution to the healthcare sector and for providing medical services on a no-profit, no-loss basis. The hospital, which has been functioning since 1990, has progressively expanded from its initial healthcare initiatives, including a Blood Bank, into a multispecialty healthcare institution offering a range of specialised medical and surgical services. The Minister said that strengthening diagnostic and specialised treatment facilities closer to the people is essential for ensuring timely intervention and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for advanced healthcare. The hospital authorities informed that during 2025-26, the institution provided OPD services to approximately 20,000 patients. Around 700 surgical procedures, including major oncology surgeries, were also performed during the last 14 months. The hospital further conducted approximately 2,500 dialysis sessions, while around 500 dialysis sessions were provided free of cost to patients before the hospital was linked with the Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (PMJAY). The hospital is presently providing services through multiple speciality departments at affordable and subsidised rates, with particular focus on patients from economically weaker sections. A number of surgical procedures have also been undertaken free of cost for underprivileged patients. The Minister underscored the importance of partnerships between the public and non-profit healthcare sectors in strengthening the overall health ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the availability of modern diagnostic, cardiac and oncology services under one roof would provide greater convenience and timely care to patients. She expressed hope that the newly inaugurated facilities would further enhance the hospitals capacity to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people.
Srinagar, Aug 29:Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday asserted that political parties from Jammu and Kashmir should make efforts for restoration of statehood and Article 370, saying it is their moral responsibility to raise their voice for the rights of people. Our rights were snatched away by force. Our statehood was abolished, we were made a Union territory. The government should uphold the promises made to people prior to the elections, Farooq told reporters here. The preacher also termed alleged threats to Kashmiri Pandits residing in the Valley deeply unfortunate. We have consistently reiterated that Kashmiri Pandits are an integral part of our society, history, culture, and our future. They are not outsiders, they belong here. We have always advocated for their return and will continue our efforts, as should the government, he asserted. Lashing out at the NC-led government, the Mirwaiz accused it of losing sight of its priorities. They have been unable to instill confidence in people regarding their snatched rights, the splitting of Jammu and Kashmir, and the complete disregard for constitutional commitments, he added. He said the Centre had essentially revoked all the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. They revoked all constitutional guarantees. So, it is the moral responsibility of mainstream political parties to stand up for these issues. They must raise their voice for restoration of rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and present a unified voice in this regard, he added. On Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdis decision to quit the Lok Sabha and the National Conference (NC), the Mirwaiz hailed the parliamentarian as a staunch voice committed to raising peoples issues, and urged all organisations and parties of Jammu and Kashmir to follow suit. They must stand by these constitutional guarantees, the commitments they made to people, their manifesto, and their election plank, he said. He also criticised the government over hike in electricity tariff. The government must recognise that Jammu and Kashmirs economy is already going through a very fragile phase. Common, low-income citizens are in no position to endure escalating power tariffs. The administration should have deferred this increase, he said. The Mirwaiz expressed solidarity with the victims of the Nepal tragedy and their families, asserting that the flash flood disaster should serve as a warning for Jammu and Kashmir. We also reside in this Himalayan region. Over the past couple of years, we have seen changing weather patterns and climatic shifts driven by global warming. God has blessed Kashmir with immense natural beauty. Protecting this is our foremost responsibility, he said. He said while people want development, tourism and infrastructure, it cannot come at the cost of our ecology and environment. Farooq said human interference with the ecosystem is largely responsible for weather vagaries and natural disasters. While we will hold the administration accountable, we must also introspect. Unplanned and unregulated construction continues unchecked across tourist destinations and fragile hilly terrains like Pahalgam. If this persists, we are heading toward an ecological disaster. Authorities and policy experts must formulate a well-structured roadmap to safeguard this Himalayan belt, he said.
CAIT Kashmir expands leadership structure to strengthen traders voice across J&K
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Kashmir Chapter has expanded and strengthened its organisational structure with the constitution of a new core team and an advisory and coordination mechanism aimed at ensuring wider representation of the trading community across J&K. The move is intended to take CAITs trader-focused initiatives to the grassroots and establish a structured platform through which issues, suggestions and concerns of traders from different districts and markets can be represented before the concerned authorities. The chapter will be headed by Farhan Kitab as President, while Peer Imtiyaz Ul Hassan has been appointed Secretary General. The executive committee comprises Omer Bhat as Senior Vice President, Parvez Ahmad Bhat as Additional General Secretary, Farooq Ahmad Rangrez as Treasurer and Mohammad Altaf Dar as Publicity Head. To strengthen regional representation, Tariq Ahmad Magaloo has been appointed Vice President for North Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Vice President for South Kashmir and Wasim Afrooz Vice President for Central Kashmir. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie has been appointed Chief Coordinator, while Fayaz Ahmad Wani will serve as District President, Pulwama, and Spokesperson. Speaking about the organisational expansion, CAIT Kashmir Chapter President Farhan Kitab said the objective was to build a stronger, more inclusive and responsive organisation that remained connected with traders at every level. Our strength lies in our unity. Every trader, whether from a major market or a small town, must have a voice and a platform. Through this expanded structure, we want to ensure that the concerns of traders reach the right forums systematically and effectively. We will work collectively to find solutions and create new opportunities for the business community of J&K, Kitab said. He said the new team would focus on strengthening district-level coordination, empowering market associations, addressing issues faced by traders, improving the ease of doing business, facilitating dialogue with government authorities and creating opportunities for the growth of trade and commerce in Jammu & Kashmir. Kitab also highlighted the potential of Jammu & Kashmir in sectors including handicrafts, handloom, horticulture, saffron, dry fruits and tourism. He said greater efforts were needed to provide local businesses with improved market access, branding, technology and opportunities in national and international markets. He reiterated that the CAIT Kashmir Chapter remained committed to the vision of Vocal for Local, Local to Global, with a focus on empowering MSMEs, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, artisans and traditional businesses and helping them become more competitive in the national and global marketplace. We want to transform the trading community from being merely a stakeholder into an active partner in Jammu & Kashmirs economic development. CAIT Kashmir will continue to work as a bridge between traders, industry and the government, while ensuring that no trader or market is left behind, Kitab added.
Livguard expands retail presence in Kashmir
Livguard, an energy storage solutions company, has expanded its presence in Jammu and Kashmir with the opening of its first Exclusive Business Outlet (EBO) in Anantnag, in partnership with its new distributor, Malik Solar Agency. The new outlet is aimed at bringing Livguards portfolio closer to consumers in Kashmir and providing a dedicated space where customers can explore the companys energy and power backup solutions. The outlet offers a range of products, including energy storage solutions, smart lithium solutions, solar solutions, home power backup systems and batteries for various applications. The expansion marks Livguards entry into the Kashmir market and is expected to strengthen its ability to cater to the power requirements of households, businesses and other consumers in Anantnag and adjoining areas. The company said the outlet will provide consumers with greater access to its products and enable them to select solutions based on their specific energy storage and backup requirements. The move comes as Jammu and Kashmirs electricity consumer base continues to expand. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Survey 2025-26, the number of electricity consumers in the Union Territory reached 24.59 lakh by November 2025. The growing consumer base represents an expanding market for energy storage and power backup solutions. For Livguard, the Anantnag outlet is also intended to strengthen engagement with local consumers and channel partners and provide the company with a better understanding of the regions evolving energy needs. Speaking on the expansion, Alankar Mittal, President, Livguard, said the companys priority was to make dependable and future-ready energy solutions more accessible to consumers in new markets. Jammu & Kashmir presents an important opportunity for Livguard, and the launch of our first Exclusive Business Outlet in Anantnag marks an important step in strengthening our presence in the region, Mittal said. Through this outlet, we aim to offer consumers greater choice, easier access and solutions tailored to their evolving power needs, while building stronger relationships with our local partners, he said. The company said the Anantnag outlet is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its retail network in high-potential markets. Livguard plans to explore opportunities in other key markets across Kashmir as it seeks to expand its reach and channel network in the region.
Poor cellular service irks Nagranar villagers in Kupwara
Handwara, Aug, 29: Residents of Nagranar village in Rajwar area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district have accused private telecom operators Jio and Airtel of providing poor mobile connectivity, saying the problem has persisted for years. We can barely make a phone call from our village, a resident told Greater Kashmir . The network remains weak most of the time. Residents said the situation becomes worse during emergencies. We have to walk outside the village just to get a signal and make a call, another villager said. They demanded that a mobile tower be installed in the locality to improve voice and internet services. Students said poor internet connectivity has affected their education. We are unable to attend online classes because the internet hardly works, a student said. The villagers urged Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb and other concerned officials to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest.
17 private Hajj operators from J&K found eligible for Hajj 2027
Seventeen firms from Jammu and Kashmir have been found eligible to operate as private-sector Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) for Hajj 2027, according to the eligibility list published by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The list was issued pursuant to Notice No. HAJ-15/2/2026-HAJ-MoMA (e-151636), dated July 3, 2026, inviting online applications for registration of HGOs for Haj 2027. The applications received through the HGO Portal were scrutinised and evaluated against the eligibility conditions prescribed under the HGO Policy for Haj 2027, including submission of prescribed documents, financial eligibility, experience and compliance with the provisions of the policy. Of the 17 eligible firms from J&K, three have been placed in Category-I, 10 in Category-II (Experienced Applicants), and four in Category-II (New Applicants). The Category-I firms are Labaika Haj & Umrah Service, Alkhuddam Hajj & Umrah Services and Al Hayat Hajj and Umrah Travel Services. The Category-II Experienced Applicants are Raj Baba Tour and Travels, Al Gazali Tours & Travels, Gazi Tours & Travels, Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Services, M/S Universe Travel Corporation, Al Safeer Tour and Travels, Al Ansar Tours & Travels, Fly High Tours and Travels, Sahar Tours & Travels and Al Haram Tours Hajj & Umrah Services. The Category-II New Applicants are Khadim Al Mecca Tour & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Anabia Holidays and Tourism, M.G Tours & Travels and Leena Travels. Under Clause 4.4 of the HGO Policy for Hajj 2027, selected Lead HGO applicants have been directed to constitute Combined HGO Groups (CHGOs) by inviting eligible HGOs from different categories. Each CHGO is required to have a total quota as close as possible to 2,000 pilgrims and must include at least one Category-I Lead HGO, at least one Category-I Non-Lead HGO and at least one new Category-II HGO. The Lead HGO is required to submit details of the constitution of the CHGO to the Ministry within three days. However, the eligibility of these 17 firms does not mean that Haj quota has already been allotted to them. The distribution and allotment of quota among private HGOs is yet to take place. The actual number of pilgrims that each eligible HGO will be permitted to serve will be known only after the formal quota allocation process is completed. Bookings for Hajj 2027 cannot commence merely based on the eligibility list. The operators can begin bookings after the CHGOs are formally constituted and quota allotment letters are issued by the Ministry. The quota allotted to the respective HGOs will be notified to the public after completion of the required formalities.
High Court dismisses daily-rated workers plea over regularisation
Srinagar, Aug 29:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has dismissed daily rated workers pleas seeking inclusion of their names in the list of Permanent Daily Labourers (PDLs) and Temporary Daily Labourers (TDLs) for their regularisation under SRO 520 of 2017. A division bench of Chief Justice (Acting) Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani while dismissing two intra-court appeals by aggrieved daily-rated workers, upheld the October 31, 2025 judgment of its single bench. The appellants had failed to establish that they were engaged before the March 17, 2015 cut-off date, the bench said. The claim of the appellants was that they were engaged between 2012 and 2015 and that their names had appeared in earlier departmental lists but were subsequently excluded from the list of 472 PDLs and TDLs considered for regularisation. Moreover, they had called in question the inclusion of 37 other persons in the list. In response to the contention, the court noted that an Inquiry Committee, after examining departmental records, found that the appellants were not borne on the relevant muster rolls or regular wage lists and that their CVs had been prepared after the ban on fresh engagement of daily wagers came into effect on March 17, 2015. Mere inclusion in an earlier or preliminary departmental list could not, by itself, establish engagement prior to the cut-off date or create an enforceable right to regularisation, the court said. While the bench found no merit in the contention of the appellants that their earlier inclusion created any right in their favour, it said a preliminary or provisional inclusion in a departmental list, by itself, cannot confer any right to regularisation when the requirement of engagement prior to the cut-off date remains un-established. The contention regarding the inclusion of 37 other persons also does not advance the case of the appellants. The Court observed that in order to claim parity, the appellants must first establish that they were similarly situated to the persons who were ultimately included in the final list. The respondents have explained that, upon verification, the persons included in the final list are found to have been engaged prior to the imposition of ban on fresh engagement of daily wagers with effect from 17.03.2015, the court said, after hearing appellants counsel and AAG Shahbaz Sikander. Dismissing the appeals, the division bench upheld the single judges decision.
Seamless coordination, upgraded facilities make Amarnath Yatra safer, smoother
Srinagar, Aug 29:Walking the high-altitude, rugged mountain trails toward the holy Amarnath Cave in the Himalayas has long been regarded as one of the country's most physically demanding pilgrimages. This year, however, hundreds of thousands of devotees recounted a markedly different experience, one defined by improved comfort, synchronised administration and robust safety measures. Driven by multi-departmental cooperation led by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the Jammu and Kashmir administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Indian Army and disaster response teams, this year's Yatra stands out as a benchmark for high-altitude pilgrimage management. The annual 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra concluded on Friday, with officials, devotees and stakeholders hailing this year's pilgrimage as one of the most organised, comfortable and secure in recent memory. Nearly 4.80 lakh devotees paid obeisance at the high-altitude cave shrine, benefiting from a major overhaul in ground-level infrastructure, inter-agency coordination and digital management. Through a coordinated approach involving the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, SASB, the Indian Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, disaster management teams and local service providers, the standard of facilities saw significant upgrades. Prior to the launch of the pilgrimage, authorities widened and reinforced the tracks along both the traditional Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes. Railings were installed along hazardous cliff sides, and track lighting was upgraded to allow safe transit during early morning and late evening hours. To address high-altitude weather challenges, base camps at Baltal and Chandanwari were outfitted with weatherproof, temperature-controlled tents. In a move to enforce safety and prevent overcharging, officials mandated fire extinguishers across all tented accommodations and implemented a 100% prepaid rate structure for services like ponies, palanquins and porters. Healthcare saw substantial investments, with full-fledged base hospitals operational at major transit points. Equipped with oxygen booths, critical-care beds and high-altitude sickness specialists, these centres handled thousands of outpatient visits daily and offered immediate relief to pilgrims experiencing acute mountain sickness. Digital coordination played a pivotal role this season. Mandatory RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags for all pilgrims and transport vehicles enabled authorities to track crowd movement in real time and initiate quick responses during sudden weather shifts. Concurrently, a zero-waste sanitation drive ensured continuous cleanliness along the trekking routes, supported by dedicated municipal teams and green volunteers operating round the clock. Addressing reporters during a camp inspection earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had emphasised that the upgraded management not only enhanced pilgrim safety but also injected vitality into the local economy. Thousands of locals, ranging from handicraft artisans to pony operators and tent owners, saw steady livelihoods thanks to the disciplined and highly accessible pilgrimage framework. Devotees departing from base camps expressed high satisfaction with reduced waiting times, transparent service pricing and overall cleanliness. Many Yatris who spoke to Greater Kashmir during the Yatra said they were satisfied with the arrangements and management. They said the better facilities had made the pilgrimage more comfortable and smooth. Pilgrims from across the country flocked to Jammu and Kashmir for the revered Amarnathji Yatra, expressing their appreciation for the enhanced infrastructure and amenities. They said the annual pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of devotees each year, had seen significant improvements in its facilities, making the spiritual journey more comfortable and memorable for all participants. One of the key enhancements has been the widening of tracks leading to the holy cave. The broader paths have eased the movement of pilgrims, reduced congestion and ensured a safer trek. Improved signage along the route has also been noted, helping pilgrims navigate the journey with greater ease. Sanitation facilities have seen considerable upgrades, with more restrooms and better waste-management systems in place. Cleanliness and hygiene, crucial for the health and well-being of pilgrims, have been given top priority. Many devotees have praised these efforts, highlighting the availability of clean drinking water and well-maintained washrooms as major improvements. The provision of nutritious food has also added to the pilgrims' satisfaction. In addition to these, other essential services such as medical aid and resting shelters have also been enhanced. Medical camps equipped with necessary supplies and staffed by trained professionals were stationed along the route, ready to assist pilgrims with any health concerns. Temporary shelters provided much-needed rest for weary pilgrims, while improved transportation options made access to the base camps more convenient. The government had appointed two IAS officers as nodal officers for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage and better coordination. Rahul Yadav, Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC), was posted as Nodal Officer for the Baltal axis, while Shahid Chaudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, was posted as Nodal Officer for the Pahalgam axis. Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha was personally monitoring the Yatra. Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, SASB, the Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were regularly updating the LG on the arrangements and developments along the two axes. The civil and police administration worked day and night to ensure a hassle-free and incident-free Yatra. Security personnel drawn from the Army, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police were deployed this year. Adequate security arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. CRPF contingents, the Army, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal, besides Jammu and Kashmir Police, were also deployed for the Yatra. State and national disaster response forces were deployed as well. Notably, during the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, the holy cave is approached by pilgrims either through the 46-km-long traditional Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panchtarni trek or through the 14-km-long Baltal-Dumail trek.
FDA conducts 140 inspections; 55 food samples lifted across J&K
The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, conducted food safety enforcement activities across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. During the drive, 140 inspections were conducted and 55 food samples were lifted for testing of quality and safety parameters. The samples included Milk and Milk Products, Edible Oils and Spices, besides other food commodities. As part of the enforcement action, 17 Improvement Notices were issued to various Food Business Operators under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and 11 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, involving a total penalty of 11,000. Further, 97 food labels were scrutinized for compliance with the prescribed labelling requirements, out of which two labels were found non-compliant with the applicable labelling provisions. Besides, one food business registration was cancelled in Reasi district for contravention of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The enforcement activities covered food business establishments, e-commerce establishments dealing with food items, milk and milk products, edible oils, spices and imported food items. Food supplied through PDS, MDM and ICDS channels was also covered during the exercise. The activities were carried out in the districts of Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Srinagar, Anantnag, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Budgam. The concerned Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been instructed to continue inspections, sampling, label scrutiny and enforcement activities and to take action against violations in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made there under. Consumers have been requested to remain vigilant and report any suspected case of unsafe, adulterated or sub-standard food through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
JKUM protests in Ganderbal against 6.83% power tariff hike
Ganderbal, Aug 29:Members and workers of the Jammu & Kashmir United Movement (JKUM), led by party chairman Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, staged a protest in Ganderbal on Saturday against the 6.83% electricity tariff hike approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protesters demanded an immediate rollback of the hike, saying the revised charges would put an additional financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the gathering, Jabbar termed the decision an unjustified burden on lower- and middle-income families already grappling with inflation and unemployment. At a time when the public expects economic relief and basic amenities at affordable rates, imposing higher power charges is completely anti-people, Jabbar said. He urged the government to fulfil its electoral commitments on electricity relief, including the promise of providing free baseline power units. Instead of increasing power charges, the government should provide relief to consumers and fulfil its electoral promises, Jabbar said. The protesters called for immediate intervention by the authorities and withdrawal of the revised tariff. The 6.83% tariff increase approved by the JERC is scheduled to take effect from Sept. 1. The demonstration was part of political opposition to the tariff revision across Jammu and Kashmir.
Family alleges negligence after newborn dies at DH Bandipora; Hospital says baby was stillborn
Bandipora, Aug 29:District Hospital Bandipora has denied allegations of medical negligence in the death of a newborn, saying the baby was stillborn, while the bereaved family has accused doctors of negligence and delayed referral during delivery. The family staged a protest inside the hospital premises on Saturday, demanding action against the doctors on duty. Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malla told Greater Kashmir that the case was under investigation and maintained that it was not a case of medical negligence. It was a stillbirth, and the family knows it, he said. Irfan Aham Sheikh, the baby's father, said he brought his wife Parveena to the hospital around 10 a.m. on Wednesday. He alleged that doctors shifted her between the ward and labour room three times, saying she still had time before delivery. Sheikh said doctors repeatedly told the family that the baby was healthy and moving normally until shortly before the delivery late that night. According to him, his wife was taken to the labour room around midnight and the family was informed that she had delivered a baby boy. Everyone from the staff congratulated us, but less than an hour later we were told the baby had died, Sheikh said. Family members alleged that doctors failed to take a timely decision and did not refer the woman to a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar despite the delivery becoming complicated. They also claimed they received conflicting explanations about the baby's death, including that the newborn had been given oxygen, that no heartbeat could be detected and that the baby had swallowed meconium. Sheikh said ultrasound examinations conducted before delivery had shown no abnormalities. The radiologist assured us everything was okay with the baby. The reports also say so, he said. He further alleged that his wife suffered bruises on her chest and torso during delivery after multiple staff members pressed hard on her body to assist childbirth. There were at least four people restraining her or forcing the delivery, he alleged. The medical superintendent said preliminary findings suggested the baby had swallowed meconium and that other abnormalities were also observed. The baby was oversized and his head was also too large, Dr Malla said. He said that the findings were preliminary and that an inquiry committee had been constituted to collect reports from the doctors involved, examine the allegations and determine the final cause and circumstances of the baby's death.
Green corridor demand on NH-44 for fruit-laden trucks gets centres attention: AIP
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday said that the demand raised by AIP President and Lok Sabha Member Er. Rashid for a dedicated Green Corridor for fruit-laden trucks on NH-44 has received the attention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Inam Un Nabi while speaking to horticultural growers in Kupwara, as per a statement, said Er. Rashid had taken up the matter through Letter No. MPLS/Hqsgr/1431 dated 02.08.2026, seeking a dedicated Green Corridor at Qazigund, Banihal and vulnerable stretches of NH-44 to ensure uninterrupted movement of perishable horticultural produce from Kashmir. Inam Un Nabi said the Ministry, through its communication No. 266023/M (RT&H)/VIP/2026 dated 19.08.2026, has conveyed that the matter is being looked into for action. Welcoming the response, Inam Un Nabi said, This is an important issue for Kashmirs horticultural economy. Thousands of growers depend on timely transportation of their fruit to markets outside the Valley. Any prolonged halt or disruption on NH-44 can result in huge losses to growers. Inam Un Nabi said the proposed Green Corridor, if implemented effectively, will bring much-needed relief to the entire community of fruit growers across Kashmir by ensuring priority and uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks during the peak horticulture season.
J&K BJP holds workshop on Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Jammu and Kashmir BJP held a one-day workshop at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to chalk out a comprehensive roadmap for the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and 25 years of his uninterrupted public service, while taking the development achievements and welfare initiatives of the Modi Government to the grassroots. As per a statement, J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, former BJP state President and former Minister in the Haryana Government and former National Secretary, BJP, O.P. Dhankar, the main speaker in the workshop, and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul chiefly addressed the workshop. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Er Ghulam Ali Khatana, General Secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan(J&K in-charge of the Abhiyan) also addressed the workshop. BJP office bearers, Morcha Presidents, District Presidents and members of the Abhiyan teams from across Jammu and Kashmir participated in the workshop. Sat Sharma, addressing the workshop, said that the Narendra Modi era has rewritten Indias development story, transforming the nation from a country struggling with policy paralysis into a confident, self-reliant and rapidly developing global power. Sat Sharma said that 2026 marks 25 years since Narendra Modi entered the highest levels of public service as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and subsequently took the responsibility of leading the nation as Prime Minister. For 25 years, Narendra Modi has devoted himself to the service of the nation and its people. His politics is defined not by power, but by performance, service and the empowerment of the last person in society, he said.
Kishtwar Minors Death:JKSA delegation meets bereaved family
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday met the bereaved family of the minor girl in Kishtwar and expressed solidarity with them following the deeply tragic circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual assault, pregnancy and subsequent death of the minor. The delegation, as per a statement issued on Saturday, was led by National Secretary of Association Adv. Mubashir Ahmed. During the meeting, the delegation listened to the familys concerns and reiterated that the matter must be investigated with the utmost seriousness, sensitivity and impartiality. The Association has demanded that the investigation be transferred to the Crime Branch, or entrusted to a senior-level Special Investigation Team (SIT), to ensure greater independence, credibility and public confidence in the process. Mubashir said that the Association has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking his immediate intervention and appropriate oversight of the investigation. He said that the circumstances leading to the minors death must be examined in their entirety and that the investigation should not be restricted only to those who have already been arrested.
Multi-level Marketing: Opportunity or Risk?
Most of us are conversant with the term 'Multi-level Marketing'. You come across an office colleague, an old schoolmate, a distant cousin who is a part of MLM Chain and chances are that he or she has extended the invite to you as well. MLM has evolved over time with multiple avatars. Although the concept started as an innovative marketing strategy, it has morphed into various isotopes, some of them flouting the corporate norms. In India, Direct selling sector generates an annual revenue of Rs 23000 Crore, having 6.5% growth rate, with approx. 93 lakh direct sellers across the country. Multi-level Marketing started as an innovative approach utilising informal workforce created through a network of marketers wherein a marketer engages several others under him to sell the product. The seller replaces traditional marketing channels, thus eliminating the margin of distributors, resellers and retailers as well as advertisement cost. The organisation reaps the benefits as the workforce is reimbursed by way of sales commissions rather than salary, thereby passing on an additional benefit to the marketers, which would result in a win-win situation for both the seller and the marketer. The origin of MLM can be traced to Direct Selling or Mail-order retailing. This was a competitive strategy for deviation from conventional marketing practices aimed at eliminating the cost of sales force. In case of mail-order, the company would generate sales based on advertisement responses and ship the product directly to the buyer with zero marketing cost, whereas direct selling involved a salesperson, who would promote and sell the products (sometimes door-to-door) for a fixed commission proportional to the sales volume. In essence, Multi-level Marketing is a legitimate business model recognised in many countries wherein products are sold through a tiered network of independent representatives who are compensated not only for their own sales but also for enrolling fresh representatives under them to generate further sales, thereby creating an ever expanding network of marketers. Organisations following MLM model have multiple methods for payouts to their members or representatives. There are Tiered Commissions where a member earns a percentage of the sales made by him and his downline members across the network. The percentages may vary across the network tiers, reducing proportionately with the increasing tier distance from the downline member. In addition, sizeable incentives are offered for recruiting new members. Legitimate MLMs focus primarily on tangible products which are priced reasonably. They compensate the members by way of sales commissions as a part of enhanced sales volumes achieved through expanding network and increased customer base. This model is followed by a known Kitchenware company which has majority of housewives as its representatives. Another Group of MLM schemes focus on tangible products which are overpriced, with very high profit margins. The high profits are shared across the marketing chain, compensating individual members for their aggressive selling. Since the products are heavily priced and it is difficult to seek buyers, at times some schemes make it mandatory for fresh recruits to purchase the product themselves at the time of enrolment, thereby generating sales. The model is being followed by a Global company selling beauty products and cosmetics. It is also practiced by a renowned health supplement enterprise. The Third Group involves notional products or concepts, with its revenue getting generated mostly from new recruitments. A new recruit pays a heavy amount for enrolment with promises of high returns when he enrolls fresh members under him. This is a typical Ponzi scheme where funds are generated solely through enrolments, and the originators or the top members of the chain may exit after having milked substantial profits, with a majority of people in the lower strata of the network incurring losses by way of the amounts paid by them at joining time. The model is commonly followed in case of plantation projects, luxury gifts and some timeshare concepts. A typical example of a hybrid across these models pertains to an Insurance company which recruits representatives to sell life insurance products. The initial sales target is the recruited member himself, his friends and family, post which he is asked to recruit further representatives under him. End result - the company sells products, increases its customer base and collects hefty premiums irrespective of the marginal commission payouts to the representatives. Conceptually, Multi-level Marketing has several advantages. It enables a huge reduction in Sales and Marketing cost with an increased customer base for the Organisation. Concurrently, it allows the members flexible working hours, earning potential, exposure to entrepreneurship, collaborative work culture, mentoring and social networking. However, the approach of MLM includes its own shortcomings. It has been observed that only the people at top of the chain make good profits, while the majority earn very little. Promotional material showcases only top earners, while it becomes increasingly difficult for the later entrants to induct fresh recruits due to a diminishing pool. As a result of incentive linkages, there is constant recruitment pressure, which pushes members to propagate false claims regarding the products and the schemes. Any MLM where recruitment incentive is high in comparison to sales commission should raise a red flag, as it could point to an element of unfair trade practices or money circulation schemes. Before joining a Multi-level Marketing chain, one needs to think through a few aspects. Is there a tangible product, properly priced? Is the product in demand, and is it worth approaching your acquaintances for promoting the same? A notional product, concept, highly over-priced one would indicate trouble. MLM offers opportunities for a small number of people while leaving behind the majority of members who may even lose out financially. Given that there are recurrent issues of misleading claims and pressures, participants need to do a thorough deep dive before becoming a part of any Multi Level Marketing scheme. The author is a technocrat with expertise in Data Analytics, Cyber Law and Digital Forensics. He is currently acting as consulting advisor/ mentor to several startups and an ardent supporter of causes pertaining to Environment and Sustainability.
Public welfare Govts top priority: Sakeena Itoo
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday visited Check-e-Samad in Kulgam district, where she held a public outreach camp and laid the foundation stone for a road project. Itoo, as per an official statement, interacted with residents of Check-e-Samad and adjoining villages and listened to their developmental concerns and demands. She assured them that all genuine issues would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner. The Minister said public welfare remained the Governments top priority and stressed the importance of direct interaction with people for responsive and accountable governance She also laid the foundation stone for a 1.2-km Check-e-Samad road project, estimated to cost Rs 86.27 lakh. Itoo announced several other developmental projects for Check-e-Samad and neighbouring villages and directed concerned departments to ensure timely completion of ongoing works. She was accompanied by senior district officers and officials.
A pro-active leader on solo march and an inertia-ridden organisation refusing to shrug-off its lethargy; it is an interesting-phenomena, dichotomous, that has landed Congress in a bind. Not the political rivals but the partys top leadership should take the blame for this confusion, showing no hurry to extricate themselves out of this situation. There is no doubt that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is a man on the march. From a reluctant player, during his first two terms as Lok Sabha MP and in between becoming Congress president, he has come a long way to become proactive, daringly raising issues, political and societal. And above all managing to establish a connect with younger generation or the Gen Z who have steadfastly stood behind Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi during the last one decade. Squatting on a dharna outside Parliament Street Police station in support of pellet-injury hit youth, is the latest in the series of steps in this direction. The contrast between Mr Gandhi's high-profile individual outreach and the perception of a sluggish Congress party stems from deep structural decay, heavy reliance on a top-down (mostly defunct) leadership model, and disconnected regional hierarchies. When high-visibility campaigns fail to translate into organized local momentum, it exposes a disconnect between national optics and ground-level execution. This has repeatedly happened but there is no attempt to learn lessons and set the house in order. Despite his sensible interventions and thoughtful suggestions on vital national and international issues, Mr Gandhi gives an impression of still being a loner in the GOPs vast spread all over the country. That is strange enough. But why so? Does he himself need to reflect or change his approach towards the organisation by shrugging off indecisiveness? Shouldnt he adopt a proactive approach to set the party and its leaders right, as he has been doing in his solo efforts? Firstly, he must follow the dictum suggested by none other than Mr Gandhi himself. Pick up the right person for the right job with a strong rider of accountability. He needs to do this in the light of his observation that the party has been putting up the racing horse on the job to pull a cart and vice versa. Even before that while on a visit to Gujarat he had spoken about the BJP sleeper cells active in the state Congress (that scenario prevails in many states and Union Territories) and the need for heads to roll. It has been months now but the follow up action is still to come. The BJP and regional parties sleeper cells are thriving all over in the Congress network. An immediate follow up action on such counts would have given Mr Gandhi a decisive edge and created deterrence thereby making it easier for him to tone-up the organisation. if indecisiveness has portrayed his weakness, this attitude has emboldened those becoming roadblocks for the party to act more vigorously in internal sabotage. Reluctance to take hard decisions and tendency to protect even the failed horses under the garb of being favourites of someone, have become the Congresss bane. It is hard to believe that Mr Gandhi and other leaders are not aware of this malady. What is intriguing is that they are knowingly allowing such a situation to prevail at a greater cost not only to the party but the nation as well, as it weakens the position of countrys main premier opposition party in the overall democratic context. A strong reason behind Mr Gandhis loner status is that leaders around him in the AICC and PCCs have found a convenient way to shrug off their responsibilities and justify inaction by seeking refuge under the leaders umbrella. Rahul Gandhi naraz ho jayen ge (Rahul Gandhi will get annoyed) is their usual refrain to justify not taking decision in any particular situation. For instance, how could it be justified that it takes months, sometimes years to make organisational changes at the AICC or the PCCs level. It is a criminal negligence, firstly a non-performing leader is allowed to continue and secondly give him/her the organisational set up at a time when a change should have been affected, as a reward for non-performance. A case in point is the sensitive and strategic Jammu and Kashmir where Congress being a national party, other than the ruling BJP, has an important role to play but is being prevented to do so by organisational shortcomings which the high command refuses to remove. On the occasion of PCC president Mr Tariq Hamid Karra completing two-years in office, despite all the controversies he has courted due to his style of functioning and total lack of connect with the rank and file, the AICC in charge Syed Naseer Hussain rushed to Kashmir to work on providing a new organisational set-up to him as a reward. This happened in the backdrop of a controversy germinating from Mr Karras alleged no-appearance in Independence Day function held at the party office. Shouldnt completion of two-years in office be a stock taking time with Mr Karra asked to present his report card, for that reason any AICC or state/UTs functionaries? Appointment or Continuation in office shall be directly related to the performance of the incumbent which should be the thumb rule from AICC down to PCCs. Such scenario prevails in many other states and UTs with no sense of accountability attached anywhere. Apart from the states/UTs, another weak link is the non serious attitude of the some top AICC office-bearers particularly those made in charges of the states and UTs. In the absence of accountability, they are mostly living in comfort zones, at times becoming Mr Gandhis cheering brigade. How best to use the services of aging and well entrenched regional and national-level leaders, is a daunting challenge for Mr Gandhi as these leaders are making generational transition difficult. To tackle this situation, he needs to have a set of well-versed and trusted advisors rather than acting solo, which will also help in lessening over-reliance on brand-Gandhi. A classic case of this syndrome is at play in yet another sensitive border state of Punjab. The old-guard in the state is feverishly working unitedly to thwart generational change which has come in the form of Rahul Gandhi-loyalist PCC chief Mr Amrinder Singh, who like Mr Karra has also completed two years in office. Serious factionalism has risen ahead of 2027 assembly elections. No doubt the old-guard is taking undue advantage of the situation, but it is also a reflection on Mr Warrings functioning and ineffective handling by the central leadership. Such situations can only be tackled through quick and tough decisions. No matter if it involves removing a so-called loyalist in the overall interest of the party as is the case in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
Attempts to weaken National Conference have never succeeded: Sagar
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar Saturday said that attempts to weaken the National Conference have never succeeded because of the deep trust and emotional bond the party shares with the people. Addressing a meeting at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar, as per a party statement, said the National Conference is not merely a political party but a movement born out of the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who have tried to weaken the National Conference have failed time and again. By the grace of Almighty Allah and with the support of our people, every such conspiracy has been defeated, he said. He said the partys history is closely intertwined with the political awakening and democratic struggle of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference has always stood with the people, raised their voice and made sacrifices for their rights. That bond cannot be broken by propaganda or conspiracies, Sagar said. Sagar maintained that the partys strength comes from its people and its commitment to its principles. He said the National Conference has never treated power as an end in itself, but as an opportunity to serve the people. The National Conference is a movement, an ideology and a sentiment. It lives in the hearts of the people, he said. Referring to Articles 370 and 35A, Sagar reiterated that their restoration remains an important priority for the party. He said the National Conference would continue its democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of the political and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the Central Government to respect the aspirations of the people and restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. An elected government must have the powers and resources necessary to serve its people effectively. Democracy cannot function meaningfully when an elected government is denied the requisite space to govern, he said. Sagar said the National Conference would continue to work for the empowerment of the people and remain committed to protecting their democratic, political and constitutional rights. Meanwhile, several public delegations from different areas met Sagar and apprised him of issues concerning their respective areas. He took up the matters with the concerned authorities and directed prompt action for their redressal.
Bus conductor dies in mishap at Munwarabad Srinagar
A 60-year-old bus conductor died after falling from a moving bus when an auto-rickshaw hit the bus in Muniwarabad area of Srinagar, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer that the conductor was standing at the door of the bus when an auto-rickshaw suddenly hit it, causing him to lose his balance and fall outside. He sustained serious head injuries in the incident. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, the official said. The deceased was identified as Abdul Majeed Teli (60), son of Ghulam Mohammad Teli, a resident of Nawabazar, Srinagar. Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated and a probe is underway.
The state of healthcare in Srinagar
Srinagar City has always been a hub of tertiary health care, for the people living in rural districts. The British doctors who visited Kashmir during Dogra rule established some health centres and missionary hospitals at various places including Rainawari, Drugjan, Tangmarg, Anantnag, Baramulla, and provided a dedicated healthcare service to the people of Valley. With the passage of time the Dogra rulers also took many measures for the improvement of health care in J&K. They laid the foundation of two major hospitals namely SMHS and SMGS hospitals in Srinagar and Jammu. This was a great leap in the health sector of J&K state. After 1947, G.M.Bakshi established first medical college known as GMC in Srinagar. He also opened chain of dispensaries, primary health centres and hospitals in towns and rural districts. The medical education received a big boost by opening 2nd govt medical college at Jammu. During the 2nd term, as C.M. Sheikh M Abdullah paid special attention towards health sector, laying foundation of premier super specialty hospital in the shape of SKIMS at Soura, besides establishing Lal Ded Hospital, exclusively for women in Srinagar. However, the health sector got a big setback with the onset of militancy in valley after 1990. But we must, appreciate the brave heart doctors who served during those trying times when the militancy was at its peak. When peace returned and situation improved in the coming years, Ghulam Nabi Azad as Union Health Minister during Manmohan Singhs tenure as P.M. gave further boost to medical education, by opening a number of medical colleges in almost all the districts of the J&K state. By granting sanction to two AIIMS in J&K, the union government made a great contribution to the expansion of medical education and specialised health care for the people of state. It was during the 2nd and 3rd decade of 2000, that there has been an increasing trend of investment of money in hospitals and health centres in private sector by businessmen and doctors in valley. But despite this fast expansion and growth in health sector, there has been a serious concern about quality medical care not being available in government as well as in private hospitals. Though there are sporadic cases of medical negligence reported in some hospitals, there is general complaint of public that the health care is not of quality standard as per the norms laid down. The unplanned expansion of medical colleges without having required infrastructure, sufficient teaching staff and medical equipment the load of patients visiting SMHS hospital Srinagar remains unchanged. The decision of the then Union health minister for opening of these medical colleges in one go could not prove as prudent. It looks as if it was made just to gain political mileage. There is a huge crowd of patients and their attendants, seen standing and waiting outside the counter to obtain tickets for admission in the outdoors of SMHS hospital. No secrecy of investigation of outdoor patient is maintained as it is done in presence of other patients waiting for their turn in the same consultancy room. The blood collection centre of this hospital is in a very bad shape and overcrowded with staff. Instead of one they could arrange 3 or 4 more counters for collection of blood to ease the rush for convenience of the patients. Furnishing of online test reports to patients could further ease the rush. Paying of occasional visits to outdoor/casualty by the concerned administrative heads will make a difference and can help in improving the efficiency in working system. No doubt there has been a mushroom growth of hospitals and health care centres in Srinagar City in private sector but the public who visit these facilities are not satisfied with the pre and post operative procedures; other hygienic concerns in these institutions also cause trouble. Firstly, there is hardly any supervisory or monitoring role played by the concerned authority of Health Department to assess the functioning of these private hospitals. It is only when something untoward happens with the patient the health department gets alert and institutes an enquiry into the incident. The general complaint of people is that tests not required for particular ailment or procedure, the patients are compulsorily asked to undergo these tests. The health department never bothers to cross check if the credentials of lab assistants, technicians and other technical staff working in these private hospitals are genuine to find out whether they are well trained and qualified from government recognized training institutions to ensure safe health care and satisfactory service to the patients. And what level of monitoring and emergency care is set up to ensure safeguard of lives during surgery. The health department also needs to scrutinize and confirm, whether the essentials required for conduct of safe surgeries in the private hospitals are available and in case any shortcomings are found, such institutions need not to be allowed to function till such deficiencies are made good. There is a general complaint about poor hygiene in these hospitals. Examples can be cited of such healthcare institutes where we find unhygienic toilet and washroom facilities. The patients, attendants, doctors, and paramedical staff also deserve to have a clean, safe and hygienic environment. To improve the working system and accountability, government needs to ban private practice of doctors working in health department. This will definitely help in reducing the waiting time of various surgeries that the patients have to undergo in government hospitals and could provide a satisfactory healthcare service. Secondly, the Health Department may appoint a committee to assess and examine if the facilities in private hospitals are available as per the standard laid down norms to ensure quality health care. The SMC and Health department also need to follow strictly the building and other laid down rules, required for establishing a private hospital while granting permission and NOC. Abdul Rashid Khan IPS (retd), Rawalpora, Srinagar
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday said that the people of Srinagar city have endured decades of neglect and political exploitation, particularly since 1990. He accused the ruling NC of deceiving the people with false promises during the 2024 Assembly elections. He made these remarks today while addressing an event at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to welcome new members into the party fold. Peoples Conference District President Srinagar Nighat Gul and former Corporator from Nawaz Bazar, Srinagar, Inayat Hussain Mir, along with their associates, formally joined the Apni Party on the occasion. Giving a warm welcome to the new entrants, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, I wholeheartedly welcome you all to the Apni Party. I assure you that you will never regret your decision to join this party, because Apni Party is, at its core, a party of the people and is committed to serve the people. This party belongs neither to any individual nor to any particular family. It belongs to the people. Here, we are all equals, and each one of us is committed to serving the people with sincerity, honesty, and dedication. He further said, The continuous joining of new members in the Apni Party reflects a growing realisation among the people that the party has always been genuine in its commitment to public issues and the interests of the people. It also shows that those who spread misleading propaganda against the party during the 2024 elections were deceiving people and deliberately creating misunderstandings and confusion among the masses about the Apni Party. Expressing his grave concern over the pathetic condition of Srinagar city and chronic neglect to its development and growth, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, Traditional political parties have always neglected Srinagar despite repeatedly receiving the mandate of its people. The residents of the city have suffered from a serious developmental deficit, particularly since 1990. Despite making tall promises and securing the peoples mandate time and again, these parties have failed to deliver meaningful development and basic amenities to the people of Srinagar. They have been denied the development, infrastructure, and civic facilities that should have been their rightful share. He further said, Although people had voted for change and helped the PDP establish itself by giving it their mandate, hoping that it would emerge as an alternative to the dynastic politics of the NC. But unfortunately, the PDP too eventually turned into a family-based party. We had hoped that, in the 2024 elections, people would not once again be deceived by these parties that are controlled or imposed from Delhi. Unfortunately, they once again fell prey to the propaganda of one such party and gave it a huge mandate. However, the ruling party now stands exposed before the people for its failures. The promises made to the people have not been fulfilled, and the ground reality is there for everyone to see. The people are now beginning to realise the difference between political rhetoric and genuine commitment to their welfare. Reiterating his demand for the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the people, particularly the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said: What do our youth ask for? They simply want the right to live a dignified life and have sufficient livelihood opportunities here. This place does not have much scope for large-scale industries or a developed private sector. Secondly, we are geographically located in a region surrounded by countries that are hostile to us. It is the responsibility of the Centre to understand the ground realities. Talk to the people, listen to their genuine issues and concerns, and then take concrete steps to address them. Our youth have chosen the path of peace. Now, the Centre must step forward and create opportunities and resources to secure a bright and prosperous future for them, he added. After the event, while responding to questions from reporters, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari declined to comment on MP Aga Ruhullahs reported possibility of resigning from the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership, saying that it would be premature to comment on the matter at this stage. However, he said, Apparently, Aga Sahib has realised that the ruling NC has failed to provide effective governance and fulfil the promises it made to the people while seeking their mandate in the 2024 elections. Perhaps, like everyone else, he too has realised that the NC secured peoples votes through deception and false promises. He said, Aga Sahib is a respected religious leader who has spoken well in Parliament and raised the issues and concerns of the people. Responding to a question, he said, The ruling NCs biggest failure has been its inability to fulfil the promises it made during the elections and implement its election manifesto. Apni Party leaders welcomed Abdul Hameed Bhat, a prominent political activist from the Bagh-i-Mehtab area of Chanapora constituency, into the party fold. Bhat, who was earlier associated with the National Conference (NC), formally joined the Apni Party during an event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. On the occasion, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders warmly welcomed him into the party. Besides party president, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion and who gave a warm welcome to the new members into the party fold included partys General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Spokesperson Ishrat Bhat, District President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, District President Ganderbal Javaid Mir, Provincial Coordinator Kashmir & Former DDC Hazartbal Shabir Ahmad Reshi, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Shiraza Malik, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Aamir Ashraf Bhat, Organiser Central Kashmir Mohammad Shafi Mir, Vice President District Srinagar Mohsin Zaffar Shah, Vice President District Srinagar Lateef Ahmad Thoker, Constituency In-charge Habba Kadal Jeelani Hamid Kumar, Constituency In-charge Zadibal Tehseen Farooq, Constituency In-charge Khanyar Amir Bhat, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Sumaira Hameed, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Khursheed Makhdoomi, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Sameer Ahmad Lone, Publicity Secretary District Srinagar Abdul Rahsid Alie, Youth Wing Joint Secretary Srinagar Mudasir Wali, Zonal President Shaltang Aamir Mir, Senior Leader Peer Wajahat, Rafiqa Jee, Mateena Rajuput, Suhail Wani, Indumit Singh, Nazir Ahmad, and others.
Ambassadors visit to the valley
Many South Asian watchers look at US ambassador Segio Gors recent visit to Kashmir as vindication of US acceptance of changing realities in Kashmir. They refer to long US involvement in the region and its role in acting openly or behind the curtain in conflict management process. As students of political Science, we were always taught that in international politics there are no permanent friends nor permanent enemies. There are always permanent interests. The US role in Kashmir has always been guided by prevalent considerations and more importantly by internal power dynamics in Washington. The visit of the ambassador is first after 2019 constitutional changes in J&K and it is not clear whether his visit reflects the US state departments position. It is pertinent to examine the context and issues surrounding US ambassadors visit. Local Reactions Segio Gor, 38-year ambassador and special envoy of president Donald Triumph for South and central Asia visited Kashmir on August 19 and had a meeting with Chief minister Omer Abdullah. He visited Kashmir within days of a meeting with national security advisor Ajit Doval. Mr Gor described J&K as an important part of India and added that security has incredibly improved and Americans could enjoy visiting Kashmir. He added that his meeting with Chief Minister also focussed on economic cooperation. On his part the Chief Minister Omer Abdullah stated that during our meeting the two sides had discussed India-USA relations with specific focus on what Washington could do for Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief minister hastened to add that solution to our problems will not come from Washington. Our problems have to be resolved by our central government. Mr Abdullah added that there are obviously some legacy issues that over time we will be working to resolve and we look forward to take the conversation further. The high-profile visit by an American officer after 2019 constitutional changes did invite reactions from different quarters. The former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti reacted that foreign visits are now curated and criticised Chief Minister for remaining silent on peoples issues. The congress party state president Mr Tariq Karra said that J&K is an integral part of India and any third-party intervention is a failure of the central government. These are reactions of leaders who work and act on the local political turf. The reactions were along expected lines and in keeping with party considerations. Some former diplomats also shared their impressions of the visit. Former diplomat MK Bhadrakumar observed: it is up to Gor to explain why he uttered the explosive word Kashmir at all so very publicly in Srinagar with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by his side and thereby raising the dust in India-Pakistan relations. In other words, why the ambassador referred to Kashmir as an important part of India. In all probability US Ambassador Sergio Gor did not meet Dalai Lama in Ladakh and proposed meeting was called off following a late-night schedule revision. Some analysts hold the view that this was done to avoid any additional strain in India-China relations. Diplomat Vivek Katju stated that Pakistan reactions to Gors visit were largely due its oversensitivity on protests in Pak-administered Kashmir. Washington Envoys of 1990s In 1990s Kashmir became a hotspot due to rising levels of violence and complete rupture in India-Pakistan relations. Late PM P V Narasimha Rao in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 1993 reacted to growing and expanding militancy in Kashmir and sated that Pakistan was fuelling Muslim militancy and a guerrilla warfare in an integral and inalienable part of India. There were as usual reactions from Pak side. The then foreign minister of Pakistan Abdul Sattar reacted by saying that assertions on Kashmir by the Indian Prime Minister amounted to claiming ownership of robbed goods. The region became international hotspot more so for the Americans. The US president Bill Clinton referred to Kashmir in his UN address in September as trouble spot where bloody ethnic religious war rages. In October the US assistant secretary of state, Robin Raphel, made a statement that: we view Kashmir as a disputed territory and that means we do not recognise the instrument of accession as meaning that Kashmir is for evermore an integral part of India. Her visit was followed by that of Deputy Assistant secretary of state John Mallot who described Kashmir on either side of the line of control as disputed territory. The international actors got involved due to war-like situation in the region and also due to grim human rights situation and direct central rule in J&K. When internal situation stabilised and democratic institutions became functional, international cry started diminishing. The composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan brought a new dtente resulting in positive changes in bilateral relations with J&K specific confidence building measures. In recent times due to unilateral, 2019 constitutional changes and direct central rule with no powers with elected government ambassadors comments are interpreted and over interpreted by policy experts. Michael Kugelman of Atlantic Council cautions that there is no reason to interpret Gors comments as a policy shift. He used the term important as opposed to integral which is more favourable in India. The term is not as closely associated with contexts linked to territoriality. He further states that it is a case of unconventional administration in Washington doing unconventional things. However, some media reports suggest that Sergio Gore as special envoy for South Asia has ample policy authority over India and Pakistan related issues. There are broadly two points that need to factor in any deeper analysis of the visit of US ambassador. First, we live in post-American world with its unique features. The states have to learn to live and exercise power in a world without order. Late Henry Kissinger wrote that world order rests on two pillars: the balance of power and rules-based order. Both are under attack. The US is still the pre-eminent world power but couldnt open the Strait of Harmouz or defeat Iran in its ongoing war. Earlier it had to withdraw from Afghanistan in distressing conditions. The missiles and drones have undermined US power. The Ukraine produces four million drones every year and USA is acquiring only 50,000. Some scholars have described present order as Un-order. China, Iran, North Korea and Russia dont have any alliance but are supporting one another. In 2024 North Korea dispatched 12,000 troops to Russia. The US reputation has suffered terrible dent in different regions of the globe. George Bush led 41 country coalition to push Iraq out of Kuwait in 1991. George Bush Junior led 51 country coalition to remove Taliban in 2001. The former president Barak Obama led 85 countries to defeat ISIS in 2014. Today Iran has become a thorn in US neck and coalition partners have distanced themselves from the US. The celebrated comedian Jon Stewart in mid -march 2026 quipped war is Gods way of teaching Americans geography. The disorder in international system has given rise to new set of concerns. Second, there is a growing realisation among policy experts that Indian strategy to isolate Pakistan and force it into strategic submission has failed. The geography of Pakistan is significant, positioned as the country is at the crossroads of South, Central and West Asia. It has strategic depth to engage multiple actors as seen in recent times. The Operation Sindhoor in wider public perception has led to Pak narrative of success. After Sindhoor Pakistan has acquired significant geopolitical recovery due to Donald Trump, Iran and Mecca Accords. The terror concerns of Indian state dont register with international community the same way as these were at one point of time. Hence it makes better strategic sense if India-Pakistan relationship is recalibrated. The issues arising out of Indus waters treaty have added more complexity to this relationship. To conclude, much water has flown through rivers of the sub-continent when late PM Narsimha Rao delivered the Independence Day speech to which reference has already been made. In the 2026 Independence Day speech (13th by PM Modi) there was no mention of Pakistan, nor any invocations of terrorism; no reference to China was made and the USA was not named either. No talk of muscular nationalism and more pointedly there was no allusion to Hindu-Muslim binary. This can provide a new template for better regional understanding between countries in South Asia. The student uprisings in South Asia can give rise to new solidarities across borders. The South Asian state cannot afford to be only a charitable state. The author is Kashmir based political Scientist
BHSS Nowpora cluster celebrates National Sports Day with traditional games, felicitation
BHSS Nowpora Cluster celebrated National Sports Day with great enthusiasm and sporting spirit, marking the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The Programme, as per a statement, brought together students, athletes, teachers and sports enthusiasts to celebrate the importance of sports, fitness, discipline and teamwork. The event also witnessed the felicitation of winners and outstanding participants of various sporting activities conducted at the cluster level. As part of the celebration, students enthusiastically participated in a variety of traditional games, providing a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Indias rich sporting heritage while promoting physical activity, teamwork and healthy competition. The winners and runners-up were presented with trophies, medals and certificates in recognition of their hard work, dedication and sporting excellence. Speaking on the occasion, Principal BHSS Nowpora, Dr Syed Masrat, emphasised that sports are not only about winning medals but also about building confidence, discipline, leadership and a healthy lifestyle among young people.
Tyndale-Biscoe, SRM Welkins advance to final of CE Tyndale-Biscoe Tournament
The 5th Canon C.E. Tyndale-Biscoe Invitational Football Tournament witnessed an exciting day of semi-final action, with teams displaying remarkable skill, determination and true sporting spirit. In the first semi-final, Tyndale-Biscoe School, as per a statement, produced a sensational attacking performance against Iqbal Memorial Institute, registering a commanding 100 victory. The goal scorers were Adeeb (3', 25'), Baris (8', 15', 18', 20', 39', 40'), Fahad (76'), and Muheet (78'). Baris was declared the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. The second semi-final between SRM Welkins Sopore and DPS Srinagar was a closely contested encounter. SRM Welkins Sopore emerged victorious with a 10-win, courtesy of a goal by Miran Mir in the 69th minute. Miran Mir was deservedly adjudged the Man of the Match. With these results, the tournament has reached an exciting stage. Tyndale-Biscoe School (Biscoe) will now play SRM Welkins Sopore on Monday in the much-awaited next clash, as both teams look forward to continuing their impressive journey in the tournament. The tournament continues to promote the values of Unity, Fitness, Discipline, Sportsmanship and Service, while providing young footballers an excellent platform to showcase their talent and competitive spirit.
Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy: J&K bounce back with win over Gujarat
The Jammu and Kashmir Junior Boys football team bounced back from its opening defeat to register a 1-0 victory over Gujarat in the ongoing Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy Junior Boys National Football Championship at Narainpur, Chhattisgarh. J&K junior football team, as per a statement began their campaign on 26 August with a narrow 01 defeat against Madhya Pradesh. The team showed a strong response in their second match, securing three valuable points against Gujarat with a disciplined performance. With one win and one defeat from two matches, J&K currently have 3 points in the group. The J&K team will now face Sports Authority of India (SAI) on 30 August 2026 in their third and final group-stage match. The team will look to continue its positive momentum and finish the group stage on a strong note. The team's transportation, food, lodging, uniforms, and refreshments are all provided by the J&K Sports Council.
Burn Hall School lifts U-17 football trophy after 3-1 final win
Burn Hall School clinched the title in the Under-17 Football Tournament organised at Army Public School, BB Cantt, Srinagar, after registering an impressive 31 victory over Army Public School in the final. The tournament, as per a statement, brought together ten schools from across the region, providing a highly competitive platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and sporting talent. Burn Hall School displayed outstanding form throughout the competition, combining disciplined defending with attacking flair. In the final, the team produced a confident performance to overcome the hosts and secure the championship trophy. Principal Father Stalin Raja congratulated the players, coach He commended the team for their hard work, determination, and commitment, noting that the victory reflects the schools emphasis on excellence, teamwork, and character-building through sports. The triumph marks another significant milestone in Burn Hall Schools sporting journey and highlights the institutions continued commitment to encouraging students to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Champions are forged through sweat, discipline, community support: LG Manoj Sinha
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday paid solemn tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, on the occasion of National Sports Day. Recalling his legendary performance, the Lieutenant Governor described Major Dhyan Chand as one of Indias deepest and most enduring symbols, whose brilliance compelled the world to pause and acknowledge Indias immense sporting talent. In his address on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, observed that every stroke of Major Dhyan Chands hockey stick symbolised discipline, dedication, and willpower. He emphasised that sports are not merely about medals but about cultivating resilience, unity, and the spirit of nation-building. Sport is lifes most honest teacher. The playing field never lies; rather, it tells you precisely where you stand today and what you must do to become better tomorrow. There are no shortcuts in sports. Even on the hockey turf, there is no place for excuses. There is only hard work, opportunity, and a test of your character. Sports cultivate the fundamental strength of nation-building that society needs. Sports produce young people who know how to fall and then rise again to hoist the flag of victory. Sports nurture the spirit and sentiment that teach us to believe in shared triumph, he said. Highlighting the role of youth, the Lieutenant Governor said that sports give wings to dreams. He expressed confidence in the young athletes of Jammu Kashmir, noting that they represent the bright future of India. He envisioned a future where every Gram Panchayat harnesses the power of sports, where academies in small towns nurture talent, and where farmers daughters receive the same scientific training as athletes in Centres of Excellence in big cities. The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of sports science, management, and technical expertise in universities and institutions, which would produce trainers, physiotherapists, and managers for the future. He expressed hope that Jammu Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but also host them, showcasing its talent to the world. It is a resolve filled with infinite possibilities. Our achievements in sports over the past six years prove that if young people are prepared for sports with dedication, the region will create an entire era of champions, the Lieutenant Governor said. Calling upon youth to contribute to building Viksit Bharat of 2047, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that champions are forged through discipline and effort, not shortcuts. He urged corporate houses to support athletes at the stage of talent recognition, rather than only after they win medals. He emphasised the collective responsibility of society, coaches, support staff, and parents in shaping champions. The Lieutenant Governor outlined three duties for youth, calling them to lead by example, compete with dignity, accept defeat gracefully, and inspire future generations. He asked the youth to use the unity of sports to transcend differences of language and faith. The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth to give Back to Society by guiding and mentoring the next generation, repaying the community that supports every athlete. He commended the youth for their participation in the Drug-Free Campaign, setting an example for the nation. He reiterated that development is not measured by GDP alone but by the health, energy, and confidence of citizens. A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India. Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, gave the entire world one message to find your goal. That must be our message today as well. Whatever field we stand in, whether it is the field of sports, science, or public service we must identify our goal, move towards it, and achieve it together, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated the top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games. MoUs were also exchanged between the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation and Common Services Centres, for promotion of sports in J&K.
Improved roads in challenging hilly J&K terrains to bolster anti-terror operations: Jitendra Singh
Jammu, Aug 29:Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh on Saturday, while asserting that better road connectivity in remote, challenging hilly terrains had a crucial security dimension, invited the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to meet the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to sort out issues related to Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for road construction in Jammu and Kashmir. The connectivity in the difficult hilly areas also carries an important security dimension. Some of the remote and challenging terrains have in the past posed difficulties from the security perspective and have also been vulnerable to movement by terrorists. Improved road connectivity will facilitate easier and faster movement of security forces into such areas and strengthen the implementation of anti-militancy and counter-terror operations, while simultaneously bringing development closer to the people living there, he stated. Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences besides being MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was addressing the media after laying the foundation stone of 110 road projects under PMGSY-IV, batch-I of 2026-27, covering different parts of the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda-Kishtwar sub-region. J&K Deputy Chief Minister accompanied him during the function and the media interaction. Deputy Chief Minister said that he, habitually, did not mince words in sharing grouses or complaints. But let me tell him that their complaints are always welcome as the act (complaint) is an endorsement of their belief in our capability. Grievances are addressed to only those who, the persons believe, can redress them. It simply means only that they are convinced - we are performing and were able to deliver hence I look forward to listen to all their (J&K governments) complaints, he said, reciting a couplet of Ghalib. He also invited the Deputy Chief Minister, who smilingly appreciated the assertion of Singh to come to the union capital to meet the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari to discuss issues related to Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for road construction in Jammu and Kashmir. Come to Delhi, we will together meet Gadkariji, who has always been forthcoming to address our issues. This central government is responsive to our problems. We will talk about our grievances and seek redress, he addressed the Deputy Chief Minister, who gleefully accepted the suggestion. Singh, while narrating an incident about ex MLA Dina Nath, also asserted that all (PMGSY) roads were being approved on the recommendations of concerned MLAs and not the MP. We have started this process and we will continue it in future as well in best of democratic spirits, he said. The Union Minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the highest priority to the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Parliamentary constituency over the last 12 years, resulting in sustained expansion of road connectivity across some of the most remote and difficult hilly areas of the region. He said that Udhampur consistently figured among the countrys top three districts in terms of PMGSY road projects, reflecting the continued priority accorded to rural connectivity in the constituency. As per the project statement, the 110 roads together cover 598.455 km and carry a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,503.53 crore. The projects are spread across Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts and are expected to benefit 46,972 people. The Union Minister said that the scale of the latest PMGSY intervention demonstrates the continued commitment of the government to taking all-weather road connectivity to the last mile and to villages and habitations located in difficult and remote hilly terrain. He said that the new roads would further transform rural mobility and contribute significantly to ease of living and ease of travel for people living in far-flung areas. Singh said that the sustained expansion of PMGSY road connectivity was changing the landscape of rural mobility in the hilly areas, taking all-weather connectivity to villages and habitations that were earlier difficult to access. He said that the road network being created under PMGSY was directly contributing to ease of living and ease of travel, while opening up new opportunities for people living in the remotest parts of the constituency. The Union Minister said that senior citizens and school-going children were among those who faced the greatest difficulties earlier, particularly during the rainy season when poor road conditions often made travel difficult and, at times, prevented people from reaching their workplaces, schools and other essential destinations. The expansion of the road network is now helping remove this long-standing difficulty and bringing essential services and opportunities closer to rural communities, he said. Singh said that women in the remotest villages were also experiencing the benefits of the new road connectivity as better roads provided easier access to schools, healthcare, markets, workplaces and other essential facilities. The expansion of the road network into previously difficult-to-reach villages, he said, was creating a new mobility network for women and families living in the hilly terrain, with direct benefits for their everyday lives. Giving the district-wise breakup of the projects, Singh said that Kathua accounted for 24 road projects covering 128.925 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 307.12 crore. Udhampur accounts for 44 projects covering 235.040 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 554.90 crore. Ramban has 13 projects covering 60.360 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 154.97 crore, while Doda accounts for 13 projects covering 90.180 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 260.66 crore. Kishtwar has 16 projects covering 83.950 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 224.88 crore. A notable feature of the projects is the incorporation of waste plastics in road construction in a large number of the works. The project statement specifically records the use of waste plastics across several road packages, combining the objective of strengthening rural connectivity with more sustainable road construction practices. Singh said that the sustained expansion of PMGSY road connectivity in the constituency reflected the governments continued focus on ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last mile and the remotest habitation. He said that the latest package of projects would further strengthen the road network across the Parliamentary constituency and adjoining hilly areas. In May this year, he had also thanked Prime Minister Modi for according the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency around 43 percent of the total PMGSY allocation for Jammu and Kashmir, with Rs 1524 crore earmarked against J&Ks Rs 3566 crore allocation. He said that the sustained focus on rural roads had become particularly meaningful in a constituency where a large number of villages were located across steep, remote and geographically difficult terrain. Better roads were not only reducing travel time and difficulties but were also strengthening access to education, healthcare, markets, employment and other essential services. The Union Minister said that the transformation in connectivity over the past decade demonstrated how infrastructure could become an instrument of social and economic empowerment, particularly for communities living in far-flung areas. With every new road reaching another remote habitation, the distance between these communities and the mainstream of development was being reduced. Singh said that the governments focus would continue to be on strengthening last-mile connectivity, ensuring that difficult geography did not become a barrier to development, mobility or access to opportunities. He said that the expanding PMGSY network would continue to serve both the developmental needs of the people and the strategic requirements of the region. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, in his address, said that J&K was firmly on the path of development and described it as a privilege to be part of the ongoing transformation. He said that the concerns and issues raised by the people would be addressed sufficiently and assured that the government remained committed to ensuring that development reaches every part of the Union Territory. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the contractors engaged in the execution of the road projects were required to perform their work as per prescribed standards and made it clear that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction. He said that the bidding and tendering processes were being undertaken in accordance with high standards and that strict action would be taken against any shortcomings in the execution of works. Among the MLAs present on the occasion were Rajiv Jasrotia, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Sajad Shaheen, Sunil Bharadwaj, Arjun Singh Raju, Pyare Lal Sharma, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Darshan Kumar, and Satish Kumar Sharma. The legislators raised various issues and concerns relating to their respective areas, particularly those concerning road connectivity and development. Singh and the Deputy Chief Minister assured the legislators that the issues and concerns raised by them would be taken up for swift addressal and that necessary steps would be taken to expedite development works and improve connectivity in the concerned areas.
Srinagar, Aug 29: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience generally hot and humid weather over the coming days, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected at several places, the Meteorological Centre here said on Saturday. A local news gathering agency, KNO, reported that scattered rain and thundershowers are likely during the early morning and afternoon hours on August 30. On August 31 and September 1, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places, with brief intense or heavy showers likely in a few districts of the Jammu division. The weather is expected to remain generally dry from September 2 to 10, although brief spells of rain or thundershowers may occur at scattered places during the early morning and afternoon hours. The weather department has cautioned that brief intense showers in localised areas could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides during August 31 and September 1-2. Farmers have been advised that they may continue harvesting and other agricultural operations. Meanwhile, temperatures remained above normal across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius, which was 4.6 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was 19.6 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees above normal. Jammu recorded a maximum of 34.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.2 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara registered a high of 34.2 degrees Celsius. Qazigund recorded a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius, followed by 31.2 degrees Celsius at Kukernag and 30.4 degrees Celsius at Banihal. In the tourist destinations, Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 16.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered a maximum of 24 degrees Celsius and the lowest minimum temperature in the valley at 12.2 degrees Celsius. Katra recorded a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and received 84.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8:30 am on Saturday, the highest rainfall among the stations listed by the department. The MeT Centre advised people to remain cautious in areas vulnerable to flash floods, mudslides and landslides during intense showers.
Kashmirs Rs 5.63-crore H1N1 lab shut since 2022
Srinagar, Aug 29:While influenza and other respiratory infections are rising again, a specialised high-end laboratory established at Chest Diseases Hospital, Srinagar, for testing dangerous respiratory viruses has remained shut since 2022. This raises questions over the J&K's preparedness to detect and respond to outbreaks, and the wastage of public funds on healthcare infrastructure that fails to run even for a decade. The lab was announced in 2015, and established after successive waves of H1N1 infections. It was intended to strengthen Kashmirs capacity to diagnose influenza locally, and reduce dependence on surveillance labs nationally. In 2018, the then Health Minister told the Assembly that a full-fledged H1N1 testing laboratory had been constructed at Chest Diseases Hospital at a cost of Rs 9.88 crore, and had been made functional. This included a a separate ward for highly infectious respiratory viruses. However, the facility has remained non-functional since 2022, Greater Kashmir has learnt. An official at this hospital said that no human resource from Department of Microbiology had been allocated to operate the laboratory. This, after it was shut for necessary repairs. For four years, no repairs and allocations have taken place. This is sheer wastage of public money. A lab set up for crores lies defunct for want of attention, the official said. He asked what the point of having specialised infrastructure for an infectious disease emergency is if it cannot be used when respiratory infections are rising. Medical Superintendent CD Hospital, Dr Sameena Saba said detailed estimation and drawing formation had been completed for the lab. Tendering process will commence shortly, she said. The issue is particularly significant as surveillance for influenza is not just about confirming individual patients. Laboratory testing, as per WHO, is crucial for identifying circulating strains, detecting unusual patterns and establishing whether an apparent increase in respiratory illness can be attributed to a different respiratory pathogen. An influenza laboratory at SKIMS had been established in 2010 through collaboration involving the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ICMR. It has evolved into an important centre for influenza surveillance and outbreak investigations. Research from this facility documented influenza circulation in Kashmir, and aided in evidence-based vaccination strategies for Northern Hemisphere. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining laboratory capacity beyond individual outbreaks. The case of the lab raises questions on the amount the government has spent on the laboratory since its establishment, and what equipment is currently defunct. There is another question that has current importance: how quickly can Kashmir identify the virus responsible for unusual rise in respiratory illnesses.
Ujh multipurpose project revival raises hopes of economic transformation
Srinagar, Aug 29:The revival of the long-delayed Ujh Multipurpose Project in Kathua district has raised hopes of an economic transformation in the region, with the ambitious project expected to expand irrigation, generate hydropower, and strengthen water availability for households and industry. The project, located on the Ujh river, a major tributary of the Ravi, envisages a 380-feet-high concrete-faced rockfill dam and a power house expected to generate between 186 MW and 212 MW of electricity. Declared a national project in 2008, the scheme remained stalled for years. Its revival has now brought renewed attention to its potential to benefit communities in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pathankot and Gurdaspur in neighbouring Punjab. It has been discussed for years, and people here have been waiting to see the project move forward. If completed as planned, it could bring major changes to the area, said Akshay Kumar, a resident of Kathua. The project is designed to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land across Kathua and Samba in J&K and Pathankot and Gurdaspur in Punjab. For farmers in the region, the availability of irrigation water could reduce dependence on rainfall and support more reliable agricultural production. The project was revived due to the efforts of Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Earlier, water was not reaching the tail-end areas, but with the completion of this project, many villages in the tail-end areas of Kathua and Samba districts will receive irrigation water, MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia told Greater Kashmir. He said the project would prove to be a major milestone for the farming community in the two districts, as improved irrigation would help bring more land under cultivation, strengthen agricultural productivity and provide greater relief to farmers in the tail-end villages. The project will also supply drinking water to Kathua district and make water available for industrial use, potentially supporting new investments and employment in the region. Work on the project is being taken up in phases, with construction-related activities and land acquisition progressing simultaneously, according to officials. Locals say the projects impact could extend beyond agriculture and power generation, with the reservoir and associated infrastructure potentially creating opportunities in tourism, transport, hospitality and other sectors. The project also has a significant strategic dimension because of its location near the international border. Backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the project is expected to help regulate water flows more effectively and strengthen surveillance and management along vulnerable stretches of the riverbed that could otherwise be used as infiltration routes. The project is also expected to enhance Indias utilisation of the waters of the eastern rivers allocated to it under the Indus Waters Treaty. At present, part of the Ujhs flow crosses the international border without being fully utilised on the Indian side. The project aims to harness a greater share of this water for irrigation, drinking water, industry, and power generation.
Banks asked to give more loans in J&K as credit trails deposits
Srinagar, Aug 29:Jammu and Kashmirs banking sector recorded 9.85 percent year-on-year growth in total banking business during the financial year ended March 2026, with deposits and advances both growing by nearly 10 percent. However, J&Ks credit-deposit (CD) ratio remained almost unchanged during the year, increasing by just 0.01 percentage point from 61.14 percent as on March 31, 2025, to 61.15 percent as on March 31, 2026. During a review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, concern was raised about the low CD ratio. Banks were asked to work together to raise it from the current level of around 61 percent to the national average of approximately 81 percent, officials said. The sources said banks have also been directed to prepare a clear roadmap with well-defined strategies and interventions for progressively improving the CD ratio. According to the figures presented during the review, aggregate deposits with banks operating in J&K increased by 9.84 percent, from Rs 1,96,968 crore as on March 31, 2025, to Rs 2,16,352 crore as on March 31, 2026. Advances grew by 9.86 percent during the same period, rising from Rs 1,20,424 crore to Rs 1,32,296 crore. The sources said the review also examined the banking infrastructure in J&K, with the General Manager, J&K UTLBC, informing participants that 37 banks were currently operating through 11,703 banking touchpoints. These include 2222 brick-and-mortar branches and 9481 banking correspondents. The banking network has expanded significantly in terms of population coverage. As of March 2026, one banking outlet, including a branch or banking correspondent, was available for every 1048 people, compared with 2546 persons per banking outlet as of March 2021. The review also noted that the geographical area covered by each banking delivery point has been declining year after year. As of March 2026, one banking outlet was available for every 3.61 sq km. According to sources, RBI Regional Director encouraged banks to open more brick-and-mortar branches, particularly in rural areas, to provide greater confidence and accessibility to customers. The Chief Secretary, sources said, emphasised the need to strengthen banking outreach in rural and far-flung areas by expanding the branch network and directed banks to prepare a time-bound plan for establishing new branches over the next one year. The review also assessed credit disbursement under the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) for 2025-26. Sources said banks in J&K provided aggregate credit of Rs 84,384.12 crore to 19.37 lakh beneficiaries in priority as well as non-priority sectors during the financial year ended March 2026. Against the ACP target of Rs 77,974.29 crore for 19.90 lakh beneficiaries, banks achieved 108 percent of the target in financial terms and 97 percent in physical terms.
MHA panel flags shortage of doctors in J&Ks border, remote areas
Srinagar, Aug 29:A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has recommended expediting regular recruitment of doctors and specialists in Jammu and Kashmir, while calling for expansion of postgraduate medical education and specialist training to improve healthcare delivery in remote, border and difficult areas. The recommendations form part of the committees assessment of the healthcare sector in J&K, in which it acknowledged the substantial investments made since 2019 and commended the efforts of the Government of India and the J&K administration in expanding medical infrastructure. The committee noted the establishment of AIIMS, new Government Medical Colleges, specialised healthcare institutions, nursing colleges, and critical-care facilities, saying these initiatives, along with investments under various central and J&K government schemes, had strengthened tertiary healthcare, medical education, emergency preparedness, and access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. It also noted the implementation of digital health initiatives, including the JK-SEHAT platform, telemedicine and tele-radiology services, which it said were helping bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialist healthcare. However, the committee flagged the availability of qualified doctors and specialists in remote, border and difficult areas as a continuing concern. The committee is of the considered view that availability of qualified doctors and specialists in remote, border and difficult areas continues to be critical for ensuring equitable healthcare delivery, it said. The panel recommended that the administration further expedite regular recruitment, expand postgraduate medical education and specialist training, strengthen the District Residency Programme and continue providing suitable financial and career incentives for medical professionals serving in difficult areas. It also recommended further strengthening of digital health infrastructure, telemedicine networks and emergency medical services through robust internet connectivity, periodic capacity building and continuous monitoring to ensure quality healthcare reaches citizens irrespective of geographical constraints. The committee also noted improvements in maternal and reproductive health indicators in J&K, particularly the achievement of a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5. It said the TFR was below the national average and reflected sustained progress in public health. The panel commended the administration for strengthening maternal and child healthcare services, achieving near-universal institutional deliveries, expanding access to family-planning services, promoting female literacy and empowering frontline health workers, particularly ASHAs and ANMs. The committee recommended that these gains be sustained through continued emphasis on adolescent health, womens education and empowerment, maternal nutrition and reproductive health awareness. It also called for universal access to quality maternal healthcare and family-planning services, particularly in tribal, border and other underserved regions. On the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT Scheme, the committee noted that its implementation had substantially reduced the financial burden of healthcare by providing cashless treatment to millions of beneficiaries. The committee noted with satisfaction the extensive coverage achieved through the issuance of Golden Cards, empanelment of hospitals and strengthening of emergency medical services. It recommended sustained efforts to enhance awareness about the scheme, expand the network of empanelled hospitals and specialised treatment facilities in underserved districts, and periodically review service quality and beneficiary satisfaction. The objective, it said, should be to ensure that the benefits of universal health coverage are equitably accessible across J&K.
Zehanpora excavation enters Phase II as archaeologists probe 2000-year-old site
Srinagar/ Baramulla, Aug 29:The second phase of excavation at the Zehanpora archaeological site in north Kashmirs Baramulla district began on Saturday, with archaeologists seeking further evidence of its Buddhist past and working to establish the extent and historical significance of the ancient settlement. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo formally inaugurated the new phase by carrying out the first dig at the site and later visited the excavation area to review the ongoing work. The excavation is being co nducted jointly by the Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir, and the J&K Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums (DAAM), also referred to as the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K. Prof Muhammad Ajmal Shah of the Department of Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir, who is directing the excavation, briefed Dulloo and other dignitaries on the findings of the first phase and plans for the new excavation season. The second phase is scheduled to continue for around three months and will focus on areas identified through drone imagery, mapping and ground surveys. The team will seek to establish the extent of the site and investigate areas beyond those excavated earlier. Prof Shah said the evidence recovered so far suggests that the site dates back nearly 2,000 years. Dulloo said the findings suggested that Zehanpora was a 2000-year-old Buddhist archaeological site. Speaking during his visit, Dulloo said excavation of the site had begun last year after the necessary permission was granted to the archaeological team. He said the findings during the first phase were surprising and interesting, prompting authorities to grant permission for the second phase. Dulloo said the excavation had provided important clues about the structures, tools and materials used by people associated with the ancient settlement. He said the material recovered during the excavation would be scientifically examined, including through carbon dating, to establish its age and provide a clearer understanding of the sites historical significance. Dulloo said the ongoing excavation could eventually emerge as one of the largest archaeological and cultural excavations in the region and contribute significantly to the understanding of Kashmirs ancient history. He also expressed hope that the site could become a major tourist attraction in the coming years once excavation and conservation work is completed. The first phase of excavation, which began in November last year, exposed a wall, a hall complex and an apsidal stupa. Archaeologists also uncovered the remains of several structures, including a hall believed to be an apsidal stupa, besides recovering iron and copper artefacts, needles, decorated and ornamental objects and other fragments. Prof Shah said drone imagery had helped the team identify wall alignments and carry out excavation precisely at those points. We identified these wall alignments through drone imagery and carried out the excavation precisely at those points, he said. Prof Shah said there was a strong possibility that many structures and artefacts still lay preserved beneath the ground. However, the archaeological site has also been affected by later development. A canal constructed in the 1970s divided the site into two parts, while walls between the stupas were removed during its construction. Zehanpora came into prominence after Prof Shah, while on a fellowship in France in October 2023, came across nearly 100 old photographs at the Guimet Museum, including images of three Buddhist stupa domes in Baramulla. He said he immediately recognised the site after seeing the photographs. I immediately realised that I had visited that site in Baramulla. What struck me was that the domes in the photograph looked much larger than what we see today, Prof Shah said. The century-old photographs depicted three Buddhist stupa domes that appeared to be far larger than the remnants surviving at the site today. The photographs helped the team link the Zehanpora mounds with the stupas shown in them. Prof Shah later approached the International Buddhist Confederation in New Delhi and the J&K archaeology department for support. The discovery has opened a wider inquiry into Kashmirs Buddhist past. Prof Shah said the findings could provide further insight into Kashmirs Buddhist history and its connections with the wider network of ancient Buddhist centres. Kashmir was a major centre of Buddhism in ancient times. It was here that Hinayana Buddhism evolved into Mahayana Buddhism, giving the religion a new philosophical and cultural form, he said. The excavation team will also examine a possible link between the Zehanpora site and the Fourth Buddhist Council, traditionally associated with Kashmir. Prof Shah has suggested a possible connection with the council, believed to have been held in Kashmir during the first century CE. He also referred to Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)'s account of his visit to Kashmir from 631 CE to 633 CE. According to Shah, Xuanzang entered Kashmir through Baramulla, visited several monasteries, and spent a night at Uskur, an ancient Buddhist site near the town. This suggests that Xuanzang must have visited the monastery at Zehanpora as well, Prof Shah said. The old road to Kashmir from Muzaffarabad also passed through Zehanpora, he said. Archaeologists say further excavation could offer new insights into Kashmirs Buddhist heritage and its links with the wider network of ancient Buddhist centres. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also mentioned the site during the 129th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on December 28 last year, highlighting the old French photograph that helped archaeologists connect the Zehanpora mounds with the Buddhist stupas. Following the inauguration, Dulloo and other dignitaries toured the site and viewed the antiquities and archaeological remains recovered during the first phase. Dulloo described the site as very rich and congratulated the University of Kashmirs Vice Chancellor, scholars and students of the archaeology department for their work. He assured government support for its protection and said efforts would be made to notify it as a monument of national importance. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla Syed Fakhruddin Hamid assured the district administrations cooperation for the successful completion of the project. Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan reiterated the universitys continued support for the excavation. She congratulated Shah and other faculty members for initiating and completing the first phase and expressed hope that the second phase would yield more discoveries. Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums K K Sidha, and SSP Baramulla Gurinder Pal Singh were also present at the inauguration.
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Death toll reaches 675 in Nepal flash floods
Kathmandu, Aug 29: The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal rose to 675 on Saturday, with more bodies being recovered on Saturday even as more than 2,400 people still remained missing following the disaster. Bodies were recovered from all eight affected districts as search and rescue operations continued on war footing, Nepal police said. An ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream wiping out towns and villages, damaging crucial infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations through central Nepal on Wednesday. So far, 675 bodies of the Bhote Koshi flood victims have been recovered from eight districts, according to a statement by Nepal Police. The rescuers have recovered 246 bodies from Chitawan, 165 from Nawalparasi East, 63 from Nawalparasi West and 57 from Gorkha, it said. Similarly, 45 bodies were recovered from Dhading district, 51 from Nuwakot, 35 from Tanahu and 13 from Rasuwa district. More than 2,400 people remained missing as of Saturday. Nearly 2,500 people, including 163 foreigners, were evacuated as rescue teams led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) raced against time amid on-and-off rainfall in the flood-affected regions. More than 11,000 security personnel, including over 5,000 Nepal Army personnel, have been mobilised for search and rescue operations. The NDRRMA, in a statement, urged people not to fly drones in the flood affected area, where search and rescue operations are being carried out. Our attention has been drawn that there are reports about flying drone by some individuals and organisations without the permission from the local administration at a time when rescue and relief works are in progress, it said. The Authority warned of legal action if the law is breached.
Former J&K minister Ghulam Hassan Khan dies after prolonged illness
Shopian, Aug 29: Former minister Ghulam Hassan Khan died after a prolonged illness in south Kashmirs Shopian district on Saturday evening, a family member said. Khan, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2002. He later served as Minister of State for Social Welfare. Khan later parted ways with the PDP and fought 2008 elections independently. He will be laid to rest in his ancestral garveyard in Shopian.
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Jitendra Singh lays foundation of Rs 1,503 cr PMGSY roads in Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency
New Delhi, Aug 29: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the highest priority to the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Parliamentary constituency over the last 12 years, resulting in sustained expansion of road connectivity across some of the most remote and difficult hilly areas of the region. He said that Udhampur has consistently figured among the countrys top three districts in terms of PMGSY road projects, reflecting the continued priority accorded to rural connectivity in the constituency. Dr. Jitendra Singh was speaking after laying the foundation stone of 110 road projects under PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 2026-27, covering different parts of the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda-Kishtwar region. As per the project statement, the 110 roads together cover 598.455 km and carry a sanctioned cost of 1,503.53 crore. The projects are spread across Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts and are expected to benefit 46,972 people. The Union Minister said that the scale of the latest PMGSY intervention demonstrates the continued commitment of the Government to taking all-weather road connectivity to the last mile and to villages and habitations located in difficult and remote hilly terrain. He said that the new roads would further transform rural mobility and contribute significantly to ease of living and ease of travel for people living in far-flung areas. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the sustained expansion of PMGSY road connectivity is changing the landscape of rural mobility in the hilly areas, taking all-weather connectivity to villages and habitations that were earlier difficult to access. He said that the road network being created under PMGSY is directly contributing to ease of living and ease of travel, while opening up new opportunities for people living in the remotest parts of the constituency. The Minister said that senior citizens and school-going children were among those who faced the greatest difficulties earlier, particularly during the rainy season when poor road conditions often made travel difficult and, at times, prevented people from reaching their workplaces, schools and other essential destinations. The expansion of the road network is now helping remove this long-standing difficulty and bringing essential services and opportunities closer to rural communities. Dr Jitendra Singh said that women in the remotest villages are also experiencing the benefits of the new road connectivity, as better roads provide easier access to schools, healthcare, markets, workplaces and other essential facilities. The expansion of the road network into previously difficult-to-reach villages, he said, is creating a new mobility network for women and families living in the hilly terrain, with direct benefits for their everyday lives. The Minister said that connectivity in these difficult hilly areas also carries an important security dimension. Some of the remote and challenging terrains have in the past posed difficulties from the security perspective and have also been vulnerable to movement by militants and terrorists. Improved road connectivity will facilitate easier and faster movement of security forces into such areas and strengthen the implementation of anti-militancy and counter-terror operations, while simultaneously bringing development closer to the people living there. Giving the district-wise breakup of the projects, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Kathua accounts for 24 road projects covering 128.925 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately 307.12 crore. Udhampur accounts for 44 projects covering 235.040 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately 554.90 crore. Ramban has 13 projects covering 60.360 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately 154.97 crore, while Doda accounts for 13 projects covering 90.180 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately 260.66 crore. Kishtwar has 16 projects covering 83.950 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately 224.88 crore. A notable feature of the projects is the incorporation of waste plastics in road construction in a large number of the works. The project statement specifically records the use of waste plastics across several road packages, combining the objective of strengthening rural connectivity with more sustainable road construction practices. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the sustained expansion of PMGSY road connectivity in the constituency reflects the Governments continued focus on ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last mile and the remotest habitation. He said that the latest package of projects would further strengthen the road network across the Parliamentary constituency and adjoining hilly areas. In May this year, he had also thanked Prime Minister Modi for according the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency around 43 per cent of the total PMGSY allocation for Jammu & Kashmir, with 1,524 crore earmarked against the Union Territorys 3,566 crore allocation. He said that the sustained focus on rural roads has become particularly meaningful in a constituency where a large number of villages are located across steep, remote and geographically difficult terrain. Better roads are not only reducing travel time and difficulties but are also strengthening access to education, healthcare, markets, employment and other essential services. The Minister said that the transformation in connectivity over the past decade has demonstrated how infrastructure can become an instrument of social and economic empowerment, particularly for communities living in far-flung areas. With every new road reaching another remote habitation, the distance between these communities and the mainstream of development is being reduced. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Governments focus would continue to be on strengthening last-mile connectivity, ensuring that difficult geography does not become a barrier to development, mobility or access to opportunities. He said that the expanding PMGSY network would continue to serve both the developmental needs of the people and the strategic requirements of the region. Deputy Chief Minister J&K, Sh. Surinder Choudhary, in his address, said that Jammu & Kashmir is firmly on the path of development and expressed satisfaction for contributing to the ongoing transformation. He said that the concerns and issues raised by the people would be addressed sufficiently and assured that the Government of J&K remains committed to ensuring that development reaches every part of the Union Territory. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the contractors engaged in the execution of the road projects are required to perform their work as per prescribed standards and made it clear that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction. He said that the bidding and tendering processes are being undertaken in accordance with high standards and that strict action would be taken against any shortcomings in the execution of works. Among the MLAs present on the occasion were Pawan Kumar Gupta, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Rajiv Jasrotia, Sajad Shaheen, Dr. Sunil Bharadwaj, Arjun Singh Raju, Pyare Lal Sharma, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Darshan Kumar and Satish Kumar Sharma. MLA Shakti Parihar joined the event virtually while LoP Sunil Sharma addressed the audience through a video message sent by him. The legislators raised various issues and concerns relating to their respective areas, particularly those concerning forest clearances and defaults by contractors. Dr. Jitendra Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary assured the legislators that the issues and concerns raised by them would be taken up for swift addressal and that necessary steps would be taken to expedite development works and improve connectivity in the concerned areas.
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Probe into Kishtwar girl's rape, death transferred to Crime Branch
Jammu, Aug 29: Probe into the rape and subsequent death of a 15-year-old girl in Kishtwar district has been handed over to the Crime Branch, officials said on Saturday. The teenager had been allegedly raped by her school teacher over several months. She died on August 20 during a pregnancy termination procedure. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police has so far arrested six persons in connection with the case, including the alleged rapist teacher and a nurse. The case transfer to the Crime Branch comes amid demands for a prompt and comprehensive investigation and strict action against the guilty. Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, Sarah Rizvi, confirmed that the agency had received communication from the Police Headquarters regarding the transfer of the case. We are in the process of taking over the case, she told PTI.
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324-million-year-old insect still had swimming paddles
