Health & Fitness

Exam protesters set to march to Jharkhand Assembly even as govt says '98 pc demands fulfilled'

Ranchi, Aug 10: Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations refused to call off their stir and are set to march towards the Assembly on Monday, the 17th day of the agitation, even though the government said it has accepted 98 per cent of the demands. Even though the talks failed to make any headway, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), which is at the centre of the turmoil, saw a major shake-up on Sunday. All three JPSC members -- Ajeeta Bhattacharya, the wife of prominent JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharyya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad resigned on Sunday. The development came after the Jharkhand CID summoned the three for questioning over allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks. Bhattacharya is scheduled to be questioned on Monday, Ahmad on August 12 and Hansda on August 14. JPSC chairperson L Khiangte resigned on July 22. Various political and non-political outfits have extended support to the students' movement, which is among the biggest such agitations in Jharkhand in recent years. The support came after the sixth round of talks between the government and student representatives failed to break the deadlock on Sunday, with protesters insisting on a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including the JSSC-CGL exam. Sensing that the agitators' proposed march to the Assembly may spark law-and-order issues and even violence, massive security arrangements have been put in place. Most of the schools in Ranchi remained closed on Monday. Security personnel have been deployed in strength on the way leading to the Assembly, where prohibitory orders have been clamped within a 750-meter radius till August 12. The situation remains fraught as talks failed even though the government said that it has accepted 98 per cent of students' demands. However, the protesters said the government had agreed to cancel only three of the 13 exams they wanted scrapped. We will not compromise till our demand for a CBI probe is fulfilled, JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said after the talks and appealed to students to join Monday's Assembly march. The student leaders have appealed to political parties and the public to extend moral support to the agitation without giving it a political colour. They maintain that the march will be peaceful and democratic and warned against attempts by anti-social elements to disrupt it. The government has urged students to withdraw the agitation and return to dialogue, maintaining that it has accepted most of their demands. Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar, a member of the government panel entrusted with talking to the students, said it was unfortunate that students were continuing their agitation despite the government agreeing to 98 per cent of their demands. The state has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC examination, proposed an ED probe into financial irregularities in the JPSC examination and announced a fast-track court that would file charge sheets within 90 days. It has also proposed an expert panel involving representatives from IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIM Ranchi and XLRI Jamshedpur to suggest examination reforms and a separate panel headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the JSSC-CGL issue. The government has also launched a portal seeking students' suggestions on examination reforms and said it would frame a standard operating procedure to ensure transparency in future recruitment examinations. However, it refused to accept the demand for a CBI probe into the JSSC-CGL examination, stating that the conduct of the exam was monitored by the high court and the Supreme Court. Six protesters are still on their indefinite hunger strike. As the health of Devendra Nath Mahto deteriorated early on Sunday after his blood glucose level dropped, ministers spoke to him through a video call and urged him to end his fast. The talks on Sunday followed several rounds of meetings between the government and different student organisations, including the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, NSUI, Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha and Adivasi Chhatra Sangh, since Friday. The governments outreach has failed to convince the principal student group, which has described the fresh negotiations as political manoeuvring and continued to insist on an independent probe. Nineteen people have so far been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations. Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured protesting youths that those responsible for examination irregularities would face strict action and that justice would be delivered transparently. He urged students not to allow the agitation to be politicised and favoured dialogue over confrontation. Governor Gangwar also appealed to the students to resolve the issue through dialogue, saying the governments doors remained open and that the authorities did not want to compromise the future of students.

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Op Sindoor sent global message India will go to any extent to protect citizens: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of the Indian armed forces and sent a global message that India would go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens. Addressing the Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra blood donation camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Rajnath Singh said, Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women. He commended the armed forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences. Drawing a parallel between Operation Sindoor and the blood donation campaign, Rajnath Singh said while the military operation showcased courage, the mega blood donation camp represented compassion. Around 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra participated in the campaign, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the Defence Forces. Expressing gratitude to the donors, Rajnath Singh said the blood donated during the camp would serve as a reserve for soldiers and their families in times of need. He described blood donation as Jivandan and Mahadan, stressing that despite advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed. Since blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, Rajnath Singh said, blood donation remained one of the noblest forms of charity. The Defence Minister said every blood donor and recipient was, in their own way, serving the nation. He urged people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture. When we celebrate 100 years of our independence in 2047, our aim should not be limited to a developed economy; we must also envision a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and precious resources like blood are readily available in times of need, he said. Rajnath Singh also called upon the youth to prioritise fitness, saying a healthy and fit individual becomes a greater asset to society and is better equipped to undertake noble causes such as blood donation. He said initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were encouraging citizens, particularly the youth, to make fitness a way of life. Highlighting Maharashtras tradition of valour and compassion, Rajnath Singh said the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continued to inspire generations. The true purpose of physical strength lies in protecting others and safeguarding the nation, he said, adding that the contribution of athletes and wrestlers from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would be remembered as a noble service to the nation. The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Ravindra Samant, MP Dr Srikant Lata Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik and Commandant, Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Maj Gen Vishal Chaudhary, besides senior military and civil officials. For the Armed Forces Medical Services, maintaining adequate blood reserves is particularly important as military hospitals cater not only to routine healthcare needs but also to operational, trauma and emergency contingencies.

Amit Shah presents Presidents Colours to Puducherry Police

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday presented the Presidents Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the forces bravery, dedication and service. Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy were among those present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said Puducherry was a living symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India and described the conferment of the Presidents Colours as a recognition of the forces bravery, hard work and dedication. Today, the Puducherry Police has joined the ranks of police forces in the country that have been awarded the Presidents Colours, he said. Amit Shah said receiving the Presidents Colours was one of the most prestigious moments for any police force. The Puducherry Police is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting Puducherry, ensuring its internal security and safeguarding its honour, he said, adding that the force had received the prestigious honour in recognition of its hard work, valour, service and dedication. Referring to Puducherrys history, Amit Shah said that despite having remained under French rule for a long period, the Union Territory has preserved its Indian identity and spiritual vitality. He noted that the post of Director General of Police was created in Puducherry on October 1, 1963, and said that since then, the Puducherry Police had strengthened the internal security of this border region. On criminal justice reforms, Amit Shah said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had replaced the penal codes enacted by the British with three new criminal laws. These new laws are not merely punitive in nature; rather, their objective is to ensure justice for citizens in a technology-enabled and time-bound manner, he said. Amit Shah said the new criminal laws were built on three pillars: Technology, Timeline and Trust. The Home Minister also highlighted steps taken by the Centre to strengthen the Union Territories, saying Prime Minister Modi had taken several steps over the past 12 years to strengthen the Union Territories. He said the Central Government had undertaken several development projects for Puducherry, including the four-laning of National Highway 332-A at a cost of 2,200 crore. The Modi Government has constructed an extended runway here, approximately 3,400 metres long and 45 metres wide, Amit Shah said. He also compared the development assistance provided to Puducherry before and after 2014. From 1950 to 2014, the Government of India had provided only 3,500 crore to Puducherry for developmental works. From 2014 to 2026, the Modi Government has provided 13,762 crore for the development of Puducherry, which is nearly four times the amount provided earlier, he said. Amit Shah said that over the past nine years, the Centre had also facilitated industrial investments worth 39,000 crore in Puducherry. He said people of the Union Territory had benefited from several Central schemes, including Lakhpati Didi, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, construction of toilets, the free foodgrain scheme, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Direct Benefit Transfer.

Thousands gather at Sopores Tujar Sharief for Urs of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib(RA)

Thousands of devotees from different parts of Kashmir gathered at Peth Astaan, Tujar Sharief, in Sopore for the 548th Urs-e-Pak of Mehboob-ul-Aalam Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib (RA). The Urs began on 13 Safar-ul-Muzaffar and will continue till 25 Safar-ul-Muzaffar. Devotees have been visiting the revered Ziyarat Sharief during the 13-day observance to offer prayers, pay obeisance and seek blessings. Several sacred Tabarukaat were displayed before the devotees, including the Holy Quran, Kamar Band Sharief, Qulah-e-Mubarak (Topi), Tasbeeh Dana and Kanga Sharief. The display drew large numbers of devotees who observed the occasion with reverence and devotion. Moulvi Peer Gh. Nabi Shuloora of Kupwara participated in the religious proceedings and appreciated the arrangements made by the authorities and the Awqaaf Committee for devotees. SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib-JKPS, along with other police officials, visited the Ziyarat Sharief and reviewed arrangements for the congregation. Traffic management, crowd regulation and security arrangements around the shrine were also assessed. Police and civil administration personnel were deployed at key points to regulate traffic and manage the gathering. Volunteers associated with the Awqaaf Committee assisted in facilitating the movement of devotees and maintaining orderly arrangements. Speaking to the media, Peerzada Mohammad Sultan Makhdoomi, chairman of the Awqaaf Committee, Peth Astaan Tujar Sharief, thanked the Sopore Police, civil administration, volunteers and local community for their efforts. He appreciated the coordinated arrangements, saying they helped devotees participate in the religious observances without inconvenience. The congregation concluded peacefully, with coordinated efforts by the police, civil administration, Awqaaf Committee and local volunteers ensuring smooth traffic movement, crowd management and security throughout the event.

JKCAG welcomes home composting directive in Bandipora

The Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG) has welcomed the Bandipora district administrations decision to make home composting of biodegradable waste mandatory for households with sufficient space around their homes. JKCAG Chairman Raja Muzaffar Bhat termed the decision a landmark step, saying it would help reduce the load on the waste dumping site at Zalwan. I appreciate the decision taken by DC Bandipora Indu Kanwal by ordering home composting of food waste, kitchen waste and other biodegradable waste in Bandipora town, Bhat said. I hope this practice is followed across the district soon and deputy commissioners in other districts also issue similar orders, he said. Bhat said such measures were mandated under the Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016, and would promote segregation and treatment of biodegradable waste at source. He said the J&K Pollution Control Committee in 2021 had imposed a penalty of more than Rs 64 lakh on Municipal Council Bandipora for allegedly violating the Municipal Solid Waste Rules by dumping waste near Zalwan, which falls in the Wular catchment area. Bhat said the Municipal Council Bandipora challenged the JKPCC order before the National Green Tribunal, which upheld the penalty and directed the council to pay the amount. He said the municipal council subsequently approached the Supreme Court, which also upheld the order and criticised the Bandipora municipality over the waste dumping issue. Bhat said effective implementation of home composting, along with proper segregation and waste processing, could help address the districts waste management problems and reduce pressure on dumping sites.

Baramulla-Uri highway closure triggers hours-long traffic jam on Khadniyar road

The ongoing widening of the Baramulla-Uri highway on Sunday triggered fresh traffic woes as a temporary closure of the highway at Danakha Mode left hundreds of commuters stranded for hours on the alternate road from Khadniyar area. The Baramulla-Uri highway was closed near Danakha Mode from 7am to 5pm on Sunday to facilitate hill-cutting work at the site. The district administration Baramulla issued an order to temporary close the Baramulla-Uri highway at Danakha Mode in view of hill-cutting saying that there were apprehension of landslides during the execution of the work and the need to prevent any loss of life or property. An official said the restriction was necessary in view of previous incidents of minor landslides in the area, which had also prompted temporary restrictions on vehicular movement. However, the diversion of traffic through the Khadniyar road created chaos as the road remained heavily congested for several hours. Commuters said the alternate road, carrying traffic from both directions, has developed potholes and has not received adequate repairs. The commuters said the diversion made it difficult for motorists to reach their destinations on time. According to eyewitnesses, the traffic snarl stretched for hours as the vehicles were stuck from both sides of the road. They also complained of alleged inadequate traffic management, adding to the chaos. It was really chaotic as the traffic remained blocked on the road. There was no proper traffic management on the road, a passenger from Srinagar, who had come to attend a condolence meeting in Uri, told Greater Kashmir. The widening of the Baramulla-Uri highway is currently being executed at a brisk pace, with men and machinery deployed from dawn to dusk. While the project is aimed at improving connectivity along the strategic route, the ongoing construction has periodically resulted in traffic bottlenecks, particularly at stretches where heavy machinery occupies road space. Commuters said that whenever traffic is diverted from the main highway, the alternate routes should be kept motorable and adequate traffic regulation should be put in place to prevent prolonged congestion and inconvenience to the public. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) traffic (rural) Mujahid Nazir said traffic police were deployed at several spots to regulate movement. Our men were there at designated spots. We cannot deploy them at each spot. People must develop proper driving sense rather than blaming others, DySP traffic rural told Greater Kashmir. He said that drivers do not follow proper lane driving but are always in a hurry to reach their destination. This was the basic reason for today's traffic congestion, he added.

As Kashmir chokes on its own waste, Baramulla youth refuse to look away

A group of young volunteers in north Kashmir has decided to stop waiting for someone else to clean up the mess as plastic chokes waterways, waste piles up at tourist destinations and open dumping scars neighbourhood. The initiative has been taken by a group of youth as Kashmirs environmental crisis are no longer confined to polluted water bodies or overflowing garbage dumps but has become a crisis of public responsibility. Over 50 youth volunteers of the Youth Welfare Committee (YWC) of Nowpora village in Baramulla district have taken the charge for cleaning garbage from drains, public pathways and vacant plots that had turned into dumping grounds. The waste was segregated and handed over to municipal sanitation workers for disposal. But the exercise was intended to be more than another cleanliness drive. The government has its limitations. We cannot keep blaming authorities while we continue to litter our own surroundings. Every individual must own this responsibility for their own well-being, said Imtiyaz Khanday, a senior functionary of the committee. The intervention comes as J&K is facing a mounting solid-waste challenge. Urban areas generate more than 1,500 metric tonnes of waste every day, putting enormous pressure on collection, segregation and disposal systems. Drains remain clogged with plastic and household waste, vacant spaces have become informal dumping grounds and water bodies continue to bear the brunt of indiscriminate disposal. Destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg repeatedly face waste-management challenges during periods of heavy tourist footfall. Over the years the issue did not move ahead of the blame game as the residents blame authorities while the officials cite lack of public cooperation and departments point to inadequate infrastructure. In view of this volunteers of Nowpora village have made an attempt to break the pattern. The cleanup received support from local residents as several people have joined the volunteers in removing debris and segregating waste. This is what we need. People must take a lead instead of waiting for the municipality to act. If every locality does it, half our problems will be solved, said Ghulam Nabi, a local shopkeeper. The YWC has decided to make the initiative a regular exercise a sit has announced plans to conduct cleanliness drives every Sunday. The group is also preparing an awareness campaign in local schools with a hope to make waste management and environmental responsibility part of childrens everyday habits. Cleanliness is not a one-day event. It is a continuous process. Our goal is to make Nowpora a model for other localities to follow, said Lone Mehraj, another senior member of the group. Earlier this year, a community-led initiative in south Kashmirs Kulgam district helped restore the polluted Sandran rivulet. The move showed how sustained local participation can revive water bodies that were damaged by years of neglect and waste dumping.

Baramulla commuters hit by train delays, service suspension

Hundreds of commuters, including government employees, healthcare workers and students, are facing inconvenience as the morning train to Baramulla frequently runs late, while an afternoon service to Banihal remains suspended. Commuters said Train No. 74625, scheduled to reach Baramulla at 10:10 am, has been arriving 30 minutes to an hour late in recent weeks, affecting office attendance and daily schedules. The train is primarily used by employees working in government offices, colleges, hospitals and GMC Baramulla. The repeated delays have become a serious concern as many of us struggle to reach our offices on time, said Bilal Ahmad, a college employee from Budgam. Passengers said the delays had become frequent, causing inconvenience to those dependent on the railway for affordable and timely transport. Adding to their concerns is the suspension of Train No. 74632, which used to leave Baramulla for Banihal at 3:45 pm. The suspension of the 3:45 pm train is the biggest issue, especially for employees. Due to its suspension, employees and other commuters face enormous problems, said another commuter from south Kashmir. Commuters said the withdrawal of the service had left them with limited afternoon travel options, forcing many to rely on costly road transport or wait for the next available train. The suspension has created significant inconvenience, especially for office-goers and students returning home after work and classes, another commuter said, appealing to the authorities to restore the service. Public Relations Officer (PRO), Railways, Baramulla, Raghvinder Singh, said the 3:45 pm Baramulla-Banihal train had been temporarily suspended for maintenance work. The service will be resumed soon, Singh said. On complaints regarding the delayed morning train, Singh said the department would look into the matter and take appropriate steps.

In Shopian, a farmer turns his rooftop into a diverse organic garden

In a district better known for its sprawling apple orchards, 55-year-old farmer Haroon Rashid has turned the terrace of his home into a small but unusually diverse farm, growing around 100 varieties of herbs, vegetables and fruit. A resident of Vehil village in south Kashmirs Shopian district, Rashid cultivates both traditional and exotic varieties on the terrace of the second floor of his house. He relies on organic manure rather than chemical fertilisers for his crops. I cultivate both horticulture and agriculture crops, Rashid said. Spread over an area measuring about 40 feet by 42 feet, the terrace garden includes a variety of vegetables and herbs. Rashid also grows oranges, adding another crop to the diverse mix cultivated on his rooftop. He said he earns between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000 annually from the terrace garden, despite the limited space. The input cost is less because I use organic manure and grow the crops myself, Rashid said. Rashid said his decision to avoid chemical fertilisers was partly driven by concerns over their increasing use in conventional farming. Shopian is known for apples, but there has been a lot of use of chemical fertilisers. I believe this affects soil and health, he said. His rooftop garden is a small-scale experiment, but it also demonstrates how unused spaces can be converted into productive areas for food cultivation. Instead of relying on a single commercial crop, Rashid has diversified his terrace with vegetables, herbs and fruit. He said he grows around 100 varieties of herbs, along with vegetables and fruit, experimenting with crops that are both familiar to local consumers and less commonly cultivated in the area. Rashids approach reflects the diversity of farming traditionally practised in Kashmir, while adapting it to a space where conventional farming would otherwise be difficult. His terrace allows him to cultivate several crops simultaneously without requiring a large tract of agricultural land. For Rashid, the garden is not merely a source of additional income but also a way of demonstrating that food can be produced with fewer chemical inputs. The earnings, Rashid said, are an added incentive. With relatively low input costs, the terrace garden provides him with an additional annual income. For the 55-year-old farmer, the experiment is proof that farming need not always depend on large orchards or fields. Even a small space can be productive if it is properly utilised, Rashid said.

Parliamentary panel flags J&Ks growing drug menace; seeks tougher crackdown on trafficking

Drug abuse has emerged as a major social, public health and law-and-order challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, with the administration attributing its spread to cross-border trafficking, organised narcotics networks, psychological stress and socio-economic vulnerabilities, according to inputs provided to a Parliamentary panel. The issue came up during the field visit of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs to Jammu and Kashmir, where the panel sought to ascertain whether drug abuse had emerged as a major challenge in the Union Territory and the factors driving its spread. The scale of the problem is reflected in official data placed before Parliament. The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that 2,232 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in J&K in 2023. Of these, 1,640 cases related to possession for trafficking, while 592 involved possession for personal use or consumption. The administration told the committee that the Union Territorys geographical location and vulnerability to cross-border trafficking had contributed significantly to the availability of narcotics. Drugs entering through international borders and infiltration routes, coupled with organised trafficking networks and local peddlers, have increased the supply of narcotic and synthetic substances. Authorities also highlighted the security dimension of the problem, saying narcotics trafficking was being used as a source of illegal financing by organised criminal and anti-national elements. The nexus between drug trafficking and illicit financing has consequently made the drug menace not only a public health concern but also an internal security challenge. The administration identified stress, trauma, prolonged exposure to conflict, social uncertainty and emotional disturbances among the factors contributing to addiction tendencies, particularly among vulnerable sections of society. Other factors cited included unemployment and economic distress among youth, peer influence, changing social behaviour, exposure to social media, inadequate awareness, weakening family supervision and reluctance within society to identify and address substance abuse at an early stage. The authorities said the increased availability of narcotics had also produced wider social consequences, including deterioration in physical and mental health, criminal activity, family disintegration, social instability and economic distress. The scale of enforcement has also increased sharply this year. During the first month of the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, launched in April 2026, J&K Police registered 724 NDPS cases and arrested 806 persons. Police also seized 667.5 kg of narcotic substances, including 5.22 kg of heroin, and recovered more than 19,000 units of psychotropic drugs during the period from April 11 to May 12. Twenty-four habitual offenders were also booked under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act. The crackdown was subsequently expanded under the 100-day anti-drug campaign. By its completion in July, authorities had reported 2,581 arrests, seizure of nearly 1,431 kg of narcotics, including 23.29 kg of heroin, and confiscation of assets worth more than Rs 188.89 crore, aimed at disrupting the financial networks supporting the illicit trade. The administration told the Parliamentary committee that tackling the menace required a multi-dimensional strategy combining stringent law enforcement with intelligence-led operations, public awareness, rehabilitation, educational interventions and community participation. The committee expressed concern over the increasing incidence of drug abuse, particularly among youth, and recommended stronger intelligence-led action against cross-border narcotics trafficking and improved coordination among law-enforcement agencies, educational institutions, health departments and community organisations. It also recommended expanding de-addiction and counselling facilities at the district level and intensifying awareness programmes targeting students, parents and vulnerable communities. The panel stressed that equal emphasis should be placed on prevention, early intervention, de-addiction, rehabilitation and the social reintegration of affected persons, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. It further recommended periodic reviews of the anti-drug campaign to assess its effectiveness and ensure a sustained reduction in drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir.

J&Ks Drug Fight Widens: 1.03 lakh addicts treated, 7,730 traffickers arrested in 3 years

Jammu and Kashmir has intensified its fight against substance abuse, with 1,03,716 drug users treated and rehabilitated over the past three years, while law enforcement agencies arrested 7,730 drug traffickers during 2023-25, according to data furnished by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the Lok Sabha. The government data, based on interventions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), shows that the Union Territory has also undertaken an extensive awareness campaign, with more than 1.20 crore people sensitised about the dangers of substance abuse. The figures were provided in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1411 regarding drug de-addiction awareness camps in Jammu and Kashmir. The reply was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma on July 28, 2026. According to the government, 1,03,716 drug users were treated and rehabilitated during 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. The year-wise figures show that 35,639 drug users were treated and rehabilitated during 2023-24. The number increased to 39,711 in 2024-25 before standing at 28,366 during 2025-26. Over the same three-year period, 31,136 awareness programmes were conducted across Jammu and Kashmir, through which 1,01,27,675 people were sensitised. The year-wise data shows that 18,939 awareness programmes were conducted during 2023-24, reaching 10,02,860 people. In 2024-25, 5,851 programmes were held and 84,99,948 people were sensitised. During 2025-26, another 6,346 programmes were conducted, reaching 6,24,867 people. The broader NMBA outreach figures are even higher. The government said more than 1.20 crore people have been sensitised in Jammu and Kashmir under the campaign, including more than 69.14 lakh youth and 51.20 lakh women. As many as 8,565 Nasha Mukt Mitras have also joined the campaign in J&K, adding a community-based component to the governments anti-drug efforts. Alongside awareness and treatment, the government has reported a substantial enforcement response against drug trafficking. A total of 3,072 drug traffickers were arrested in 2023, followed by 2,158 arrests in 2024 and 2,500 arrests in 2025. Together, the three-year figure stands at 7,730 arrests. The governments response indicates that the anti-drug strategy in J&K is being pursued on multiple fronts, combining enforcement against trafficking with demand-reduction measures, awareness generation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. Under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building and programmes aimed at reducing drug demand. Financial assistance is also provided to NGOs and voluntary organisations for running Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Community based Peer Led Intervention (CPLI) programmes, Outreach and Drop In Centres (ODICs) and District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs). Government hospitals are supported through Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). In Jammu and Kashmir, the government has supported one IRCA, three ODICs, two CPLIs, six DDACs and 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities in government hospitals. The 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities have been established through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi. The government has provided a district-wise list of these 21 treatment facilities. They include Government Medical College, Anantnag; Government District Hospital, Bandipora; Government Medical College, Baramulla; District Hospital Budgam; Government Medical College and Hospital Doda; District Hospital Ganderbal; Government Medical College Jammu; Government Medical College Kathua; District Hospital Kishtwar; District Hospital Kulgam; District Hospital Kupwara; District Hospital Poonch; District Hospital Pulwama; District Hospital Ramban; Government Medical College and Hospital Rajouri; District Hospital Samba; District Hospital Shopian; the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Government Medical College Srinagar; SKIMS Srinagar; GMC&H Udhampur; and District Hospital Reasi. The NGO-supported network extends across several districts. The government has also highlighted the availability of a national de-addiction helpline, 14446, maintained by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The helpline provides primary counselling and immediate referral services to people seeking assistance for substance-use problems. More than 4.6 lakh calls have been received through the helpline so far, including more than 11,000 calls from Jammu and Kashmir. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was initially launched on August 15, 2020, covering 272 districts identified as vulnerable on the basis of inputs from the Narcotics Control Bureau and findings of the first National Survey. The campaign was subsequently extended to all districts of the country from August 2023. The campaign focuses on spreading awareness about substance use, with particular emphasis on higher educational institutions, universities, campuses and schools. Nationally, the campaign has reportedly sensitised more than 29.05 crore people, including over 11.05 crore youth and 7.81 crore women. More than 1.17 lakh Nasha Mukt Mitras have joined the campaign across the country. The government said implementation of the campaign is regularly reviewed with States and Union Territories through monthly review meetings, Chintan Shivirs and National-Level Conferences. States and UTs are followed up to establish State-, District- and Block-level NMBA committees and hold their meetings regularly.

J&K has over 4.1 lakh pending cases in Courts; 26,873 pending for more than 10 years

Jammu and Kashmir has more than 4.1 lakh cases pending before its courts, with a significant number of cases having remained unresolved for more than five and 10 years, according to the latest data furnished by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice in the Lok Sabha. The figures, based on data available on the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) as on July 30, 2026, were provided in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3371 on Cases Pendency and e-Courts Project. According to the data, 3,65,645 cases were pending before Jammu and Kashmirs District and Subordinate Courts as on July 30. Of these, 20,767 cases had been pending for more than 10 years, while 63,876 cases had been pending for more than five years. At the High Court level, the government has reported 44,557 pending cases before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The data shows that 6,106 of these cases had been pending for more than 10 years, while 7,328 had remained pending for more than five years. Taken together, the figures amount to 4,10,202 pending cases, or more than 4.1 lakh cases. However, the government has clubbed Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the High Court data, and therefore the 44,557 High Court cases cannot be separated into J&K and Ladakh on the basis of the parliamentary reply. For reporting purposes, the overall figure of over 4.1 lakh represents the combined figure obtained by adding the J&K District and Subordinate Courts pendency to the jointly reported High Court pendency. The long-pending cases constitute a substantial portion of the backlog. The District and Subordinate Courts in J&K alone have 20,767 cases pending for more than a decade and 63,876 pending for more than five years. At the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, 6,106 cases have crossed the 10-year mark and 7,328 have crossed the five-year mark. The figures show that the bulk of the pending cases are concentrated in the District and Subordinate Courts. Their 3,65,645 cases account for nearly 89 per cent of the 4,10,202 cases represented by the combined figures. The government has separately provided data for Ladakhs District and Subordinate Courts. These courts had 1,745 pending cases as on July 30, 2026, including 12 cases pending for more than 10 years and 98 cases pending for more than five years. The Centre has been pursuing digitisation and technology-based interventions as part of its efforts to address judicial pendency. The Government has approved Phase III of the e-Courts Project for 2023-27 with a budget outlay of Rs 7,210 crore. The third phase aims to transform courts into digital and paperless institutions, expand video-conferencing facilities to all courts, jails and hospitals, and integrate various stakeholders of the criminal justice system. It also envisages universal saturation of eSewa Kendras and creation of a cloud-based repository for storing digitised court records and applications. The project further provides for deployment of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Optical Character Recognition, for case analysis and forecasting. According to the government, more than 753 crore pages of court records have been digitised nationally so far, while 2,584 eSewa Kendras have been established. Courts across the country have conducted more than 4.18 crore hearings through video-conferencing facilities, while approximately 1.25 crore cases have been filed electronically through the eFiling platform. A Digital Courts platform has also been developed to provide judges with a paperless court ecosystem. The government has also disclosed the financial progress under Phase III of the e-Courts Project. During 2023-24, the budget allocation was Rs 825 crore, against which expenditure stood at Rs 768.25 crore. In 2024-25, Rs 1,200 crore was allocated and Rs 1,029.11 crore spent. For 2025-26, the allocation was Rs 1,200 crore, against expenditure of Rs 717.45 crore. For 2026-27, Rs 1,200 crore has been allocated, while expenditure reported in the reply stands at Rs 29 crore. The total allocation for the four years was Rs 3,225 crore, against cumulative expenditure of Rs 2,543.81 crore. The allocations for 2023-24 and 2024-25 were revised estimates. On judicial infrastructure, the Centre said the primary responsibility for developing infrastructure facilities for District and Subordinate Courts rests with State Governments and Union Territories. To supplement their resources, the Central Government has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary in the District and Subordinate Courts since 1993-94. The scheme covers five componentscourt halls, residential units for judicial officers, lawyers halls, toilet complexes and digital computer rooms. Since the inception of the scheme, Rs 12,858.25 crore has been provided to States and Union Territories up to June 30, 2026. As of June 30, 2026, the sanctioned strength of judicial officers nationally stood at 30,825 against a working strength of 21,411. The country had 22,639 court halls and 21,495 residential units for judicial officers, according to the government.

Former J&K DGP M.N Sabharwal passes away; tributes pour in

Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police M.N. Sabharwal, a 1964-batch IPS officer of the J&K cadre who played a pivotal role in building the states specialised counter-terrorism capability during the peak of terrorism, passed away on Friday night. He was one of the key figures in the history of the police response to terrorism in J&K. Sabharwal served as DGP from 1993 to 1997, among the most challenging years of the insurgency. In 1994, under his leadership, the J&K Police raised its first dedicated counter-terrorism formation the Special Task Force (STF) which later evolved into the Special Operations Group (SOG). Farooq Khan served as its initial operational head. The force became a crucial component of the counter-insurgency architecture and helped rebuild the capacity of the local police to confront militancy head-on. The creation of the STF/SOG marked an important institutional shift: from heavy reliance on conventional policing and central forces towards a specialised, intelligence-driven counter-terrorism capability developed within the J&K Police itself. Officers who served during that period have long described it as a landmark step that gave the force a local face in anti-terror operations at a time when state institutions were under severe strain. After his tenure in J&K, Sabharwal held several senior positions at the Centre, including Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, Director General of the CRPF and Secretary (Security). His first-hand account of those turbulent years, co-authored with his son Manish Sabharwal and published as Kashmir Under 370: A Personal History, offers a rare insider perspective on the intersection of policing, politics and security in the state. The book draws on his long service in the Valley, including earlier postings as district police chief in Anantnag and Srinagar, and covers critical episodes such as the handling of the Hazratbal sieges. Current Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat expressed deep grief over the demise of the former DGP, described as the seventh DGP of J&K, and prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family. The official J&K Police statement was widely shared, with tributes also coming from other former DGPs, IGPs and officers who had worked under him. The CRPF, recalling his tenure as its Director General, paid homage and presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour during the last rites in Kanpur. Veteran Kashmir journalists and colleagues remembered Sabharwal as an unassuming officer who maintained close contact with the people and the media even during the most dangerous phase of the militancy. He had served through critical periods under Governors G.C. Saxena and Gen. K.V. Krishna Rao, witnessing the transition from Presidents Rule to elected government in the mid-1990s.

EXPLAINER: MSME Development (Amendment) Bill 2026: What It Means for Small Businesses

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Development) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to strengthen the regulatory and institutional framework for Indias MSME sector, with a particular focus on delayed payments, faster dispute resolution, improved recovery of dues and greater flexibility for States. The amendments are significant for MSMEs because delayed payments from buyers can disrupt cash flows, affect working capital and make it difficult for smaller enterprises to maintain production and employment. Here are the key provisions and what they mean: 1. MSME classification gets a clearer statutory basis The amendments incorporate investment in plant and machinery and turnover as the two criteria for determining the classification of MSMEs. The Bill also provides for Udyam Registration as a digital, free and voluntary registration platform for enterprises. The move is aimed at simplifying the registration process and creating a more accessible formal framework for MSMEs. 2. Faster resolution of delayed-payment disputes Delayed payments are among the major challenges faced by small businesses. The amendments seek to provide MSMEs with quicker avenues for resolving disputes over unpaid dues. An Online Dispute Resolution mechanism has been provided to facilitate faster and cost-effective settlement of disputes. This could reduce the dependence on lengthy conventional proceedings and help enterprises recover money that is tied up in disputes. 3. Time-bound mediation and arbitration The amendments introduce specific timelines for adjudicating delayed-payment disputes through mediation and arbitration. The objective is to prevent cases involving relatively straightforward payment claims from remaining unresolved for prolonged periods. Faster settlement can help MSMEs restore their working capital and continue business operations without prolonged financial uncertainty. 4. Stronger mechanism to recover outstanding dues The amendments also strengthen the enforcement of settlements and awards. A mediated settlement agreement or arbitration award can be recovered as an arrear of land revenue through the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner or another notified authority in the jurisdiction where the buyers assets are located. This provision is intended to give greater enforceability to decisions in favour of MSMEs and improve the chances of recovering money from defaulting buyers. 5. Push for faster invoice payments through TReDS The Bill seeks to promote the use of the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) for MSME transactions. Central Public Sector Enterprises will be required to route the settlement of invoices through TReDS for goods and services procured from MSMEs. States are also empowered to encourage their public-sector enterprises to use the platform. TReDS allows eligible invoices raised by MSMEs to be discounted, enabling businesses to receive funds earlier instead of waiting for the buyers payment cycle to end. 6. More MSME Facilitation Councils The amendments provide States with greater flexibility to establish multiple Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils (MSEFCs). The move is aimed at improving the capacity of the dispute-resolution system. Instead of concentrating payment-related disputes in a limited number of forums, States can establish additional councils to facilitate faster disposal. The amendment also empowers State Governments to make rules for the functioning of these councils. Why the changes matter For a small enterprise, an unpaid invoice can have consequences far beyond a single transaction. Delayed payments can affect salaries, raw-material purchases, loan repayments and the ability to accept new orders. The amendments therefore focus on the payment cycle as an important part of the MSME ecosystem. Faster dispute resolution, stronger recovery mechanisms and wider use of digital platforms such as TReDS could help reduce the financial pressure caused by delayed payments. The changes also seek to make the MSME institutional framework more flexible by allowing States to establish multiple facilitation councils according to their requirements. With MSMEs playing a major role in employment, manufacturing, services and supply chains, the broader objective of the amendments is to create a more efficient business environment for smaller enterprises, improve their access to timely payments and strengthen their ability to grow.

Lithium exploration activities underway in Reasi for field season 2026-27

Mineral exploration activities for Lithium bearing laterite in north-west and south-east of the Salal-Haimna blocks are underway in Jangalgali and Panasa areas of Reasi district for the field season 2026-2027. Explored by Geological Survey of India (GSI), Salal-Haimna and Kotla mineral blocks of J&K will be among critical and strategic mineral blocks for which the Ministry of Mines of Government of India will launch the 8th tranche of the auction in financial year 2026-27. Salal-Haimna Lithium, Titanium and Aluminous Laterite block, spread in 4.18 sq km area, is proposed for Mining Lease (ML) while Kotla Lithium, Gallium, Titanium and Aluminous laterite block, spread in 1.5 sq km area, is proposed for Composite License (CL). J&K Mining Department revealed that the Geological Survey of India (GSI), after reconnaissance survey of 5 Sq km undertook only 3 Sq km area during field seasons 2020-2022 and carried out exploration at G3 level in Salal-Haimna area and estimated 5.9 million tonnes of inferred resource of lithium bearing aluminous laterite resources. The auction was conducted by the Ministry of Mines with poor response. Only two bidders qualified in 2024 when bids were opened and qualified, preferred bidders were announced. The department, in an information furnished to J&K Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment, chaired by CPI-M MLA M Y Tarigami, during its meeting on August 6, 2026, stated that G-2 stage of exploration was carried out in same Salal-Haimna block, during field season 2025-26 over 4.18 sq km mapped area, estimating 3.29 million tonnes of lithium bearing aluminous laterite resources. The report was handed over to the J&K government. The follow up action is being taken by the Department. In addition, the associated resources of aluminium and titanium have also been assessed in the laterite, it has been revealed. In this connection, the department has submitted the requisite information to the Ministry of Government of India. During its meeting on August 6, the Committee on Environment J&K Legislative Assembly had assessed the functioning of the Geology and Mining Department. Calling for zero tolerance against illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir, the chairperson of the panel said that natural resources belonged to the people and their indiscriminate exploitation would not be allowed. He stressed that the department must move from paper monitoring to ground and satellite monitoring to ensure scientific and transparent extraction of minerals. Technology, especially satellite surveillance, GPS tracking and digital monitoring has to become our first line of defence against illegal mining, he asserted. The panel also asked the officers to ensure strict enforcement of mining laws, curb illegal extraction, expedite technology-based monitoring including GPS tracking, e-permits, e-challans and the Unified Mining Portal. They stressed that inter-departmental coordination with Revenue, Police, Forest and district administrations must be strengthened to safeguard the environment and maximise revenue for the UT.

LIC Q1 profit rises 22.8% to Rs 13,492 Crore

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 22.81 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax (PAT) to ` 13,492 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared with ` 10,986 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The company's Value of New Business (VNB) recorded a sharper growth of 61.32 per cent, rising to ` 3,136 crore from ` 1,944 crore a year earlier. The net VNB margin also expanded by 750 basis points to 22.9 per cent from 15.4 per cent in Q1 FY26. The LIC Board of Directors approved and adopted the standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. LIC said it continued to maintain its leadership in the Indian life insurance market, with an overall market share of 60.10 per cent based on First Year Premium Income (FYPI), according to IRDAI data. Its market share stood at 38.89 per cent in the individual business and 70.90 per cent in the group business during the quarter. Total premium income increased 6.75 per cent to ` 1,27,250 crore in Q1 FY27 from ` 1,19,200 crore in the same period of the previous year. Individual business premium income rose 5.52 per cent to ` 75,416 crore from ` 71,474 crore, while total group business premium income increased 8.61 per cent to ` 51,834 crore from ` 47,726 crore. LIC sold 31,02,281 policies in the individual segment during the quarter, compared with 30,39,709 policies in Q1 FY26, registering a growth of 2.06 per cent. On an Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) basis, total premium stood at 13,692 crore, an increase of 8.22 per cent over 12,652 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Individual business accounted for 55.01 per cent of total APE at 7,532 crore, while group business contributed 44.99 per cent at 6,160 crore. Individual business APE increased 6.67 per cent from 7,061 crore, while group business APE rose 10.20 per cent from 5,590 crore. Within the individual business, the share of participating products stood at 67.51 per cent, or 5,085 crore, while non-participating products accounted for 32.49 per cent, or 2,447 crore. Non-par APE increased 14.24 per cent from 2,142 crore in Q1 FY26 to 2,447 crore in Q1 FY27. Consequently, the share of non-par products within individual business increased to 32.49 per cent from 30.34 per cent a year earlier. LIC's solvency ratio improved to 2.42 as on June 30, 2026, from 2.17 as on June 30, 2025. The company's Assets Under Management (AUM) increased 4.10 per cent year-on-year to 59,39,384 crore as on June 30, 2026, compared with 57,05,341 crore a year earlier. However, the overall expense ratio increased marginally to 10.63 per cent from 10.47 per cent, an increase of 16 basis points. The yield on investments on policyholders' funds, excluding unrealised gains, stood at 8.28 per cent during the quarter, compared with 8.45 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year. LIC's persistency ratios showed a mixed trend. On a premium basis, the 13th-month and 61st-month persistency ratios stood at 75.33 per cent and 61.12 per cent, respectively, compared with 75.63 per cent and 63.85 per cent a year earlier. On a number-of-policies basis, the 13th-month persistency ratio improved to 66.45 per cent from 64.35 per cent, while the 61st-month ratio declined to 48.74 per cent from 51.12 per cent. LIC CEO and Managing Director R Doraiswamy said the corporation had maintained its leadership in both individual and group business despite increasing competition in the life insurance industry. We are happy to maintain our leadership in both Individual and Group Business during the first quarter of this financial year, despite increasing competitive intensity in the life insurance industry, Doraiswamy said. He said LIC's overall market share based on First Year Premium Income stood at 60.10 per cent during the first quarter of FY2026-27, adding that the growth in VNB and expansion in VNB margin reflected the company's product diversification and distribution strategy. He welcomed the new shareholders and thanked existing shareholders who participated in the OFS for their continued confidence in LIC.

Aqsa Hafiz: Young entrepreneur with Kashmir at heart

Some stories of Kashmir are written in books, others are woven into fabric. For Aqsa Hafiz, an MBA graduate in her early twenties, the story of Kashmir is being told through threads, stitches, colours, and craftsmanship. With her apparel venture Girly Sherly, Aqsa is attempting to create a space where Kashmirs rich traditional artistry can meet the tastes of a new generation. What began as a young entrepreneurs venture has a larger idea at its heart that the Valleys traditional arts and crafts should not merely be preserved as memories of the past, but should continue to live, evolve, and find admirers among younger generations. Operating through its Instagram handle @Girly.sherly_, Girly Sherly describes itself as a premium Kashmiri clothing brand specialising in authentic Tilla and Aari craftsmanship. The brand offers handcrafted outfits made with quality fabrics, bringing together the intricate artistry associated with Kashmir and a contemporary sense of elegance. It also accepts customised orders, allowing customers to have outfits created according to their preferences, with particular emphasis on detail and craftsmanship. For Aqsa, however, clothing is only one part of the story. Behind every piece, she sees a cultural inheritance. Kashmir is not just a place; it is a feeling that lives in its colours, its craftsmanship and the stories passed from one generation to another, she says. That connection with Kashmir appears to be central to her entrepreneurial journey. At a time when fashion is changing rapidly and younger consumers are increasingly exposed to global trends, Aqsa believes there is a need to make traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship relevant to the same generation. I want our traditions to be something that the younger generation wears with pride, not something they only hear about as a part of history, she says. It is a philosophy that gives Girly Sherly an identity beyond a conventional clothing label. The brands focus on Tilla and Aari work places traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship at the centre of its offering. Both forms of embroidery represent painstaking skill and generations of artistic knowledge, with each stitch carrying the imprint of a craft tradition that has long been associated with Kashmirs cultural landscape. For Aqsa, keeping such traditions alive does not mean leaving them untouched in the past. Tradition stays alive when we carry it forward, she says. If we give our art a place in the lives of our children and in the fashion they choose, we give it another generation to live. It is this meeting of the old and the new that Aqsa hopes to build through Girly Sherly. Her MBA background gives her an understanding of business, marketing, and contemporary consumer preferences, while her appreciation of Kashmiri craftsmanship gives the venture a distinctly local character. The combination is perhaps what makes her journey noteworthy. Aqsa is not simply entering the apparel business; she is attempting to build a business around something deeply rooted in the place she calls home. Her Instagram presence, @Girly.sherly_, has become a window into that effort, allowing the brand to showcase its handcrafted apparel and reach customers who appreciate Kashmiri artistry while looking for contemporary expressions of it. The venture also embraces customisation, giving customers an opportunity to bring their own preferences into the design process while retaining the traditional craftsmanship that defines the brand. For Aqsa, the larger hope is that such efforts can help ensure that Kashmiri art remains part of everyday life. Kashmir has given us so much beauty, she says. I feel that every generation has a responsibility to carry a little of that beauty forward. That responsibility, she believes, can take many forms. For some, it may be through learning a craft. For others, through supporting artisans. For a young entrepreneur like Aqsa, it is through creating a platform where traditional craftsmanship can find a new audience. Girly.Sherly is now preparing to showcase its collection at Bazm-e-Kashmir at Nigeen Club, Srinagar, on August 12 and 13. The exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to explore the brands premium collection and experience its interpretation of authentic Kashmiri fashion. We are bringing our apparels to Nigeen Club from the 12th, Aqsa says. I look forward to welcoming people and sharing the beauty of Kashmiri craftsmanship with them. For her, the exhibition is not merely another business opportunity. It is another step in a much larger journey one that seeks to place Kashmirs traditional artistry in front of contemporary audiences and, particularly, younger people. There is something quietly significant about that ambition. Cultures survive not simply because they are remembered, but because they continue to be lived. And perhaps Aqsa Hafizs young venture is an attempt to do exactly that to ensure that Tilla and Aari are not merely names from Kashmirs artistic past, but living traditions that continue to adorn the present and inspire the future. In the end, Girly Sherly is about clothes. But it is also about memory. About identity. About a young entrepreneur looking at the craftsmanship of her homeland and believing that its story deserves another chapter.

Repora: Kashmirs grape village where 600-year-old tradition meets modern horticulture

More than 600 years ago, Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) is believed to have praised Repora in central Kashmir with the words, Dachi Repora, Nazar chay cxopoora reference to the villages famed grapes and their far-reaching reputation. Six centuries later, the quiet hamlet in Ganderbal district continues to live up to that legacy, producing unusually large, sweet and crisp grapes in its vineyards and earning Repora the distinction of Kashmirs Grape Village. Located in the foothills of central Kashmir, around 30 kilometres north of Srinagar, Repora has developed an agricultural identity distinct from the Valleys traditional dependence on apple orchards and saffron fields. During late summer, the village transforms into a canopy of lush vines carrying heavy clusters of green and red grapes. Ganderbal is among Jammu and Kashmirs principal grape-producing districts, with around 206 hectares under grape cultivation. According to official estimates, the district produces nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of grapes annually, with the produce supplied to local markets as well as markets outside J&K. Sahibi and Hussaini are the principal commercial grape varieties cultivated in the area. Thomson grapes are primarily used for raisin (kishmish) production, while Sahibi is regarded as one of the regions premium coloured grape varieties. One of the major advantages of Reporas grapes, growers say, is their harvesting window. The crop becomes ready at a time when fresh grapes are reportedly unavailable in most parts of the world, except Italy. According to farmers, grape cultivation has become the backbone of the local economy, with around 90 per cent of Reporas population associated with the crop. Abdul Rehman Bhat, a progressive farmer from Repora, told Greater Kashmir that almost every household in the village is involved in grape cultivation. Grape cultivation is the major contributor to the livelihood of people here. Grapes are cultivated on over 200 hectares of land in Repora-Lar, which helps hundreds of people earn their livelihood, Bhat said. He said the grape harvesting season generally begins in August and continues through September. Bhat said grape cultivation in the area dates back to the period of Maharaja Hari Singh. Maharaja Hari Singh used to grow grapes on his land in Repora, which is now with the Horticulture Department. Hundreds of kanals of land are utilised to cultivate different varieties of grapes, including Sahibi, Hussieni, Thomson and a few others, he said. However, growers are concerned that this years irregular rainfall could affect production despite expectations of a bumper crop. For local residents, the story of Reporas grapes is also deeply intertwined with its spiritual heritage. Locals attribute the flourishing of grape cultivation to the blessings of the Sufi saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar (RA), who they believe lived in the area. This golden blessing, planted by Saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar, is a priceless gem, Abdul Rahman said while delicately plucking grapes. Grape growers also point to the exceptional size of the berries produced in Repora. They claim the berries can reach around 1415 grams, significantly exceeding what they describe as the international benchmark for premium-quality grapes. The international standard for the best quality is a berry size of around 45 grams, while Repora grapes have a size of about 1415 grams, Bhat said. He recalled that a team of experts had visited the village a few years ago and weighed the grapes. They weighed the grapes and one grape weighed 15 grams, which is nowhere seen in any part of the world, he said. The grapes also command good prices in local markets. Farmers say the crops natural characteristics have allowed them to reduce their dependence on pesticides. One grower said pesticide applications had been reduced from seven sprays to three, with the long-term objective of moving towards completely organic cultivation. It is the blessing of Shah Sahab (RA), said Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Repora. Our Sufi saints have blessed this place with extraordinary grapes. They are not only tastier but also require fewer pesticides. The horticulture authorities are now looking to build on Reporas reputation and expand grape cultivation across the Valley. Chief Horticulture Officer, Ganderbal, Madan Lal Tak, highlighted the significance of grape production in Repora and its potential to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people. Repora is an exemplary site for high-quality grape cultivation, which provides employment opportunities for the youth. We plan to further promote grape cultivation and introduce new varieties to enhance production and employment, he told Greater Kashmir. As part of a broader effort to expand grape cultivation in Kashmir, the Horticulture Department has established a hi-tech grape propagation facility in Ganderbal under a Chief Ministers pilot project. The facility includes a 20-kanal mother block and a modern bower system aimed at producing superior-quality planting material for farmers. Officials said around 150 grape growers have been identified under the project and funds have already been released. The hi-tech facility has been developed on 20 kanals, where mother blocks have been established along with a modern bower system, Madan Lal, Chief Horticulture Officer, Ganderbal, said. It will enable the production of quality planting material that will be supplied to farmers, helping improve grape cultivation in the region, he said. Lal said the department had also introduced new grape varieties sourced from Pune and distributed them among growers. The objective is to diversify grape cultivation, improve productivity and provide growers with better-quality planting material, he said.

Heart attack, stroke signs should never be ignored: Dr Sushil

Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu, Dr Sushil Sharma, held a day-long cardiac awareness-cum-health check-up camp in collaboration with the Sikh Empathy & Welfare Association at Gurdwara Bala Pritam, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. The programme, as per a statement, was designed to sensitise the public about the growing burden of heart attacks and strokes and to encourage people to embrace preventive healthcare practices. Addressing the gathering, Dr Sushil stated that heart attacks and strokes are among the most serious medical emergencies and can often occur unexpectedly. He explained that warning signs of a heart attack may include chest pain or pressure, heaviness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness and discomfort extending towards the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back.

Make-shift shops demolished in Parade vegetable market of Jammu

Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Sunday demolished what it said were unsafe and dilapidated shops at Parade Sabzi Mandi under its major safety and clearance drive paving the way for the immediate commencement of its redevelopment and renovation works. However, the drive triggered protests from affected vendors and traders, who decried the move claiming that the demolition was conducted although negotiations were going on. Police and paramilitary forces' personnel accompanied JMC officials during the drive. No arrangements were made for relocating the affected traders before demolishing their kiosks, they alleged. They asserted that they were not opposing the redevelopment project, but it should not be done in an irrational manner. They alleged that they were not served prior notices and they could not remove their goods from the closed kiosks due to a sudden demolition drive conducted on Sunday. Few shopkeepers alleged that they had brought stay orders from the court, but they were not honoured by the JMC. The affected vendors and traders sought compensation from JMC for the losses they incurred due to the sudden drive. Meanwhile, the officials stated that the initiative was undertaken under the directions of JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav, with the objective of effectively redeveloping the vegetable market, improving its infrastructure and ensuring a safer and more organised environment for vendors, shoppers and the general public. The foundation stone for the Rs 5.88 Cr redevelopment project was laid on June 22, 2026, by the MLA, Jammu East, in the presence of senior officials of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) and the Jammu Municipal Corporation. Although active civil works were temporarily affected due to the ongoing monsoon season, the JMC accorded priority to the dismantling and removal of hazardous and structurally unsafe shops in the area. The step has been taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives and property of shopkeepers, visitors and the general public, particularly in view of the risks posed by heavy rainfall and potential structural collapses, the officials mentioned. With the unsafe structures now being cleared, the JMC has paved the way for the next phase of the project. Civil and redevelopment works at Parade Sabzi Mandi will commence immediately as weather conditions become conducive, they added.

BJYM takes out Tiranga bike rally in Jammu

As part of the nationwide celebrations of Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jammu and Kashmir, under the leadership of its Yuva Morcha and Mahila Morcha, organised a grand Tiranga bike rally from Balidan Stambh, Jammu on Sunday. The rally witnessed an overwhelming participation of party leaders, workers, youth, and women carrying the national flag and raising patriotic slogans that echoed throughout the city. The rally was led by BJP J&K president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma; general secretary (organisation) Ashok Koul; Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma; Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatana; general secretaries Sanjita Dogra and Gopal Mahajan, MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Yudhvir Sethi, BJYM president Arun Prabhat and Mahila Morcha president Neha Mahajan. The rally passed through various parts of Jammu amid enthusiastic participation, waving the tricolour and chanting patriotic slogans. Before the Tiranga bike rally commenced, BJP leaders and hundreds of enthusiastic party workers gathered at Balidan Stambh, Jammu, where they paid rich tributes to the brave martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. The leaders offered floral tributes and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India. Addressing the participants, Sat Sharma said that the Tiranga was not merely a flag but a symbol of India's pride, sacrifice, unity, and the aspirations of every citizen. He said the tricolour represented the courage of the armed forces, the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters and the resolve of every Indian to keep the nation united and strong. He urged every household to proudly hoist the national flag and actively participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, making it a people's movement that reflects the spirit of patriotism and national unity. Ashok Koul said that the BJP always placed the nation above politics and consistently worked to strengthen the feeling of nationalism across the country. He said the Tiranga rally was a tribute to the brave martyrs who dedicated their lives for India's freedom and security. He emphasised that every citizen, particularly the youth, must draw inspiration from their sacrifices and remain committed to protecting the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation. Jugal Kishore Sharma said that the enthusiasm witnessed in the rally reflected the deep patriotic spirit among the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Har Ghar Tiranga transformed the tricolour into a symbol of people's participation in nation-building and inspired every citizen to celebrate India's unity with pride. Gulam Ali Khatana said, The national flag rises above every religion, region, language and political difference, reminding every Indian that the nation comes first. He urged the youth to uphold the values of patriotism, discipline and national service while contributing towards building a strong, prosperous, and developed India.

Open manholes, potholes endanger commuters on Bikram Chowk-Jammu University stretch

Open manholes and pothole-ridden roads along the Bikram Chowk-Jammu University stretch have raised safety concerns among pedestrians and motorists, particularly students and elderly commuters who frequently use the busy 700-800 metre route. Adding to the problem, people travelling from the area said that fallen electric poles and other debris can be seen lying along parts of the route. Such hazards have also reportedly resulted in injuries to pedestrians. The condition of the road is concerning, dozens of potholes are visible at several points. Many of these potholes have remained unattended during the construction and drainage-related works, said a local resident. Since several potholes are difficult to spot, motorists often drive into them unexpectedly, causing damage to vehicles and discomfort to passengers. Two-wheeler riders are particularly at risk, with sudden encounters with potholes increasing the chances of skidding and accidents. Following recent rains, several portions of the footpath have also become waterlogged, making pedestrian movement even more difficult. Residents and commuters have urged the concerned authorities to urgently repair the footpaths, cover open manholes, remove fallen electric poles and debris, and fill the potholes to ensure safe and hassle-free movement along this important route.

JKP-BSF conduct joint CASO in Arnia

The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday, as part of their ongoing security measures and area domination efforts, jointly conducted Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), in Arnia area of Jammu district. Police in Jammu conducted a joint CASO along with B and F Company of 60th Battalion, BSF, in the area of Aik Nullah, Kool Kalan and adjoining areas under the jurisdiction of Police Station Arnia, Police stated. During the operation that lasted around two hours, around 1015 houses and kullas were thoroughly searched by the joint teams. The operation, officials said, was conducted as part of routine security and surveillance measures to maintain vigilance and ensure the safety and security of the area. The situation remained normal throughout the operation they added. Meanwhile, the joint teams of security forces also conducted a sanitisation and security checking operation at Jewel Chowk and other adjoining areas as part of bolstered security arrangements across Jammu city, ahead of Independence Day.

Govt approves Rs 10 crore for restoration of historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah

In a major initiative to preserve Jammu & Kashmirs historical heritage and promote local tourism, the government has approved Rs 10 crore for the repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda. The project, as per an official statement, is aimed at conserving the historic structure, improving its overall condition and developing it as an important heritage and tourism attraction in the Chenab Valley. The restoration will help safeguard the forts architectural and historical character while creating better facilities for visitors. The initiative forms part of the government's broader focus on the preservation of Jammu & Kashmirs rich cultural and architectural heritage and the development of heritage sites as destinations for tourism. Rattan Garh Fort is among the historic sites associated with the rich heritage of Bhaderwah, an area known for its distinctive cultural traditions, historic architecture and scenic landscape. Its restoration is expected to add a significant heritage dimension to Bhaderwahs tourism circuit and contribute to increased visitor footfall and local economic activity. The government has in recent months undertaken and approved several initiatives for the preservation and development of heritage assets across Jammu & Kashmir, with emphasis on restoring historically significant structures and integrating them with the broader tourism economy.

10 injured as tempo traveller overturns on NH-244

At least 10 passengers were injured, two of them seriously, after a passenger Tempo Traveller overturned at Karmail Morh near Baggar in the Assar area of Doda district on the Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244) on Sunday afternoon. According to police, the Tempo Traveller bearing registration number JK06B-9986 was travelling from Kashmir towards Doda when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at Karmail Morh, causing it to overturn on the highway. Soon after the accident, the injured were shifted to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Assar for initial treatment. Later, those requiring specialised care were referred to the Associated Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda. Hospital authorities at GMC Doda said two critically injured passengers were referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for specialised treatment. They were identified as Alaf Din (35), son of Nazir Ahmed, resident of Shiva, and Ayaz Ahmed (26), son of Akhter Hussain, resident of Korapani. Five other injured passengers admitted at Associated Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda, were identified as Mubeena (36), wife of Parvaiz Ahmed, Bhatyas; Parvaiz Ahmed (44), son of Faiz Mohammad, Bhatyas; Kewal Krishan (41), son of Swomi Raj, Joura Halran; Mohammad Irfan (36), son of Fayaz Mohammad, Bhatyas; and Muneeba Farooq (24), daughter of Farooq Ahmed, Doda. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further details regarding the circumstances leading to the accident are awaited. The condition of the remaining injured passengers was stated to be stable, while the overall situation at the accident site remained normal.

24 injured as matador overturns at Jammu flyover

At least 24 passengers were injured, including two critically, after a matador overturned at Shakuntla Flyover in Jammu on Sunday evening. An official as per the news agency KNO said that the matador was carrying 35 passengers when it overturned at the flyover, leaving 24 of them injured. He said locals and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. Among the injured, 18 suffered minor scratches, while two were stated to be in critical condition, he said. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation.

3 Kashmiri mountaineers find a new way up Brahma Sakli Peak

For years, Brahma Sakli Peak had remained a formidable challenge for Kashmiri mountaineers. This time, three climbers not only reached its 4,722-metre summit but opened a new route on its eastern face, adding a new chapter to the documented mountaineering history of Kashmir. Yasir Khan, Muzakir Khan and Saqib Shafi have successfully established the Baghiyar Route, graded IV, AD-, 5.3, G, on the eastern face of the peak, combining glacier travel, technical rock climbing and snow terrain. Based on the expedition team's review of available mountaineering journals, guidebooks and published expedition records, the climbers believe they are only the third documented team to reach the summit of Brahma Sakli and the first to do so via its eastern face. The expedition, however, was not simply a summit attempt. The team spent nearly 10 hours on the ascent, negotiated a glacier and an active bergschrund before reaching the most technical section of the route, a 70-metre granite headwall. Yasir Khan led the climb across the headwall's two pitches, using traditional protection, including nuts and cams. The team then negotiated the final scramble before reaching the summit at about 2:50 pm. The summit push had begun at 4:45 am, making it a long and demanding day in the mountains. The team remained on the summit for around an hour before beginning the descent through the south-eastern face. A 40-metre abseil over a cliff band was followed by a descent through an upper snow couloir and another glacier crossing. As darkness fell and visibility deteriorated, the climbers faced another challenge, navigating trackless moraine fields on their return to Base Camp. They eventually reached Base Camp at Bramsar Lake, at around 3,600 metres, close to 11 pm, completing an approximately 18-hour continuous mountain day. The expedition had begun at Zimastal, from where the team trekked nearly 14 kilometres through rugged terrain to establish the base camp. After the climb, the three mountaineers spent two days recovering at Bramsar Lake before beginning their return journey. Our objective was not just to reach the summit but to establish a new line on the eastern face. The Baghiyar Route demanded careful route-finding, technical rock climbing and glacier travel. Successfully opening this route is a proud moment for us, and we hope it contributes to Kashmir's growing mountaineering legacy, Muzakir, one of the climber said. Brahma Sakli, also known as Cathedral Dome, is regarded as one of the more technically demanding peaks in the Kashmir Valley. Muzakir Khan said the latest expedition was particularly significant because the mountain requires skills and equipment beyond those used on conventional trekking expeditions. Every mountain teaches you something. Since this was a different route, it required different technical skills. We had to use ropes and specialised equipment because this is a mountaineering peak, not a trekking peak, he said. For Muzakir Khan, the successful ascent also completed a personal journey. He had attempted Brahma Sakli two years ago but was unable to summit the mountain. The experience exposed the technical demands of the climb and prompted the mountaineers to improve their skills before returning. Khan said that the historical record of the peak stretches back several decades. He said according to the Himalayan Journal, Volume 46, the first documented exploration of Brahma Sakli was carried out in 1989 by a team led by veteran mountaineer Muhammad Amin. That expedition brought the peak into documented mountaineering literature and became an important reference for subsequent climbers. The expedition team said another documented route to the summit was established last year by Kashmiri climbers Inayat Bhat and Mudasir Laway, who climbed via the south-eastern face. The climbers said they remain open to historical records or expedition accounts that may point to an earlier ascent, saying such information would help build a more complete record of Brahma Sakli's climbing history. The achievement also reflects the growing ambitions of Kashmir's local mountaineers, who are increasingly moving beyond established trekking routes to explore and document technically challenging Himalayan peaks. Muzakir Khan, who entered adventure sports in 2017, has explored 97 alpine lakes and climbed several prominent peaks in Kashmir, including Kolahoi, Harmukh and Tatakooti. For the climbers, the Baghiyar Route is more than a line on a mountain. It is an attempt to expand Kashmir's mountaineering map, one difficult, technical ascent at a time.

J&K gymnast Ruddrakash Khanna finishes 7th at Asian championship

Gymnast Ruddrakash Khanna secured seventh place in the Junior Mens Individual category at the 10th Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in the Philippines, making an impressive international debut by reaching the Asian finals. The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, as per a statement, extended its heartiest congratulations to Ruddrakash Khanna of Jammu for his commendable performance at the 10th Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in the Philippines. Making his debut in the Junior Mens Individual category, Ruddrakash reached the Asian finals and secured 7th position overall, marking a significant milestone in his international sporting journey. The Council also appreciated the dedicated mentorship of former India Team Coach S. P. Singh and acknowledges the valuable sponsorship support extended by IREDA for his participation.

DYSS academies draw hundreds of young athletes in Nagrota

The 'Academies of Excellence' launched by the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS) are witnessing an overwhelming response from young sports enthusiasts, with hundreds of players coming forward to register across disciplines following the recent opening of enrollment. Led by Director General Anuradha Gupta, the flagship initiative, as per a DYSS statement, at the Nagrota Excellence Academies by Directorate of Youth Services and Sports which began operations last month with dedicated Football and Kabaddi Centers has sparked immense interest among aspiring athletes across the region. This transformative initiative marks a major leap in the DYSS mission to spot, nurture, and hone high potential athletic talent by offering professional coaching, scientific training methodologies, and state of the art infrastructure. The academies aim to build a robust talent pipeline capable of producing national and international champions from the Union Territory. The rapid influx of registrations reflects the booming sports culture and reinforces the commitment of DYSS to providing structured pathways for youth. Over 400 young boys and girls participated in the initial selection trials alone, and numbers continue to climb steadily as registration expands. The response to the Academies of Excellence demonstrates the deep passion and untapped talent among our youth. By pairing world class facilities with seasoned mentorship,, DYSS is ensuring these registered players receive the exact training, scientific approach, and platform required to compete at the highest levels, stated DG YSS. The operational centers at the Nagrota Excellence Academies by Directorate of Youth Services and Sports feature an international standard Football AstroTurf ground and a Multipurpose Indoor Hall. The Football Academy functions under the mentorship of former International Footballer and ex-AIFF Technical Committee Member Arun Malhotra, with hands-on training executed by coach Rohit Gupta. The Kabaddi Academy operations are guided under the supervision of Sanjeet Sharma, ensuring a transparent, performance-focused environment. To guarantee sustainable growth, DYSS has assigned elite coaches to lead athlete training while simultaneously running Train the Trainer programmes to upgrade the technical skill sets of local Physical Education Teachers (PETs), Physical Education Masters (PEMs), and UT based sports professionals.

Aryans College of Law organises Legal Aid Awareness Camp in collaboration with DLSA Patiala

Srinagar, Aug 9:Aryans College of Law, Rajpura, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Patiala, organised a Legal Aid Awareness Camp at the college campus to promote legal awareness among LL.B. and B.A. LL.B. students. Mahesh Kumar, Para Legal Volunteer (PLV), DLSA Patiala, delivered an informative session on free legal aid, the role of DLSA and the importance of legal awareness. He explained provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act and highlighted legal services available to women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and economically weaker sections. He also encouraged students to participate in legal aid and community outreach activities. The session concluded with an interactive discussion where students raised queries regarding legal aid services and the functioning of Legal Services Authorities. Dr. Pritika, HOD, Aryans College of Law, along with faculty members Chandni Bajaj, Kamna, Samriti, Khushi and others, were present on the occasion.

Grand Majlis-e-Aza, Alam Sharief procession held in Dargund Bemina

Srinagar, Aug 9:A grand Majlis-e-Aza and Alam Sharief procession was held today, 25th Safar al-Muzaffar, at Dargund Bemina with profound devotion and reverence under the auspices of the Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian and under the leadership of its President, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi. The gathering continued from morning till evening, with the organisations Zakireen reciting marsiyas and paying rich tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala. A large number of mourners participated in the gathering, expressing their deep devotion and attachment to the martyrs of Karbala and the teachings of Ahl-e-Bayt (AS). Addressing the Majlis, President Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi, said that the Holy Quran and the Ahl-e-Bayt (AS) constitute the two inseparable sources of guidance for the Muslim Ummah, as explicitly emphasised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He stressed that love and devotion towards the Ahl-e-Bayt (AS) should not remain confined to verbal claims or formal religious observances. Rather, he said, genuine love must be reflected through adherence to their teachings, exemplary character, commitment to truth, and practical dedication to justice and righteousness. Highlighting the timeless message of Karbala, Aga Syed Hassan said that the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) represented a decisive stand against oppression, falsehood and moral compromise. He said the purpose of Azadari is to keep this message alive while cultivating self-reform, truthfulness, steadfastness and religious consciousness among believers. He urged the faithful to further strengthen their bond with the Holy Quran and the Ahl-e-Bayt (AS), uphold the sanctity and dignity of Azadari, and translate the message of Karbala into practice in both their individual and collective lives.

NC-PDPs politics of deception stands exposed: BJP

Jammu, Aug 9: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday alleged that the politics of deception pursued by the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stood exposed before the people in the Union Territory. Senior party leaders also vowed to fight, what they claimed, misinformation, propaganda being spread by the NC and the PDP to serve their interests. They asserted it while reviewing the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting chaired by J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma; J&K BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Koul, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and J&K BJP general secretary Sanjita Dogra accompanied Sat Sharma during the meeting. They discussed the growing public resentment against the NC government's failure to fulfil its promises and finalised the party's strategy to strengthen grassroots outreach. Preparations for the forthcoming Har Ghar Tiranga campaign were also reviewed to ensure grand Tiranga rallies and patriotic programmes across the Union Territory. Sat Sharma maintained the BJP alone consistently strengthened nationalism and accelerated development in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the NC and the PDP continued to mislead the people through false narratives. He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign would become a mass movement with active participation of BJP MLAs, former legislators, DDCs, BDCs, councillors, sarpanchs, panchs, ex-servicemen, social organizations and intellectuals. He added that families of martyrs would be felicitated and important chowks, public places and statues of martyrs and national icons would be decorated with the tricolour to honour their supreme sacrifice. Reaffirming its commitment to nationalism, good governance and public welfare, the Sat Sharma maintained that the people of Jammu & Kashmir were increasingly rejecting the politics of deception, misinformation and dynastic interests pursued by the National Conference and the PDP, while placing their trust in the development-oriented governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sunil Sharma claimed the National Conference government failed to meet the aspirations of the people and public dissatisfaction was rising due to poor governance, unfulfilled promises and misplaced priorities. He said BJP legislators and workers would aggressively expose the misinformation spread by the NC and the PDP while taking the message of development, nationalism and public welfare to every household. Ashok Koul directed party leaders to ensure meticulous planning of every programme down to the booth level. He emphasised that every organisational unit must ensure maximum public participation in the patriotic programmes, strengthen grassroots contact and effectively counter anti-development and misleading propaganda through facts, discipline and continuous public outreach.

Apni Party leaders pay obeisance at Hazrat Nanga Baji Sahib shrine in Bandipora

Srinagar, Aug 9:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with several senior party leaders, today paid obeisance at the revered shrine of Syed Ghulam Rasool Shah, popularly known as Hazrat Nanga Baji Sahib, in the Malangam area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district. On the occasion, the Apni Party leaders prayed for lasting peace, prosperity, and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. During their visit, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and the accompanying party leaders were warmly received by the shrine management and local residents. It is pertinent to mention that the annual Urs is currently being observed at the Nanga Baji Sahib shrine, with devotees thronging the shrine to offer prayers and pay obeisance. The prominent party leaders who accompanied Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari during this visit included the party's Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmed Mir, Chief Coordinator & District President Kulgam Abdul Majeed Paddar, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, District President Bandipora Syed Shafat Kazmi, Constituency In-charge Sonawari Imtiyaz Paray, Nasir Ahmed Mir, Sameer Iqbal, Basharat Najar, Abdul Rashid Ashna, and others.

August 9, 1953 cast a long shadow over J&Ks democratic journey: Sagar

Srinagar, Aug 9:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar on Sunday described August 9, 1953 as one of the darkest chapters in the democratic history of the country saying the events of that day not only dismantled a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir but also inflicted a deep and enduring wound on the relationship between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi. In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said the illegal arrest of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, one of the tallest political figures in subcontinent, represented a grave assault on democratic values and the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 9 August is not merely a date on the calendar. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a painful reminder of a betrayal that shook their faith in democratic institutions. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was not an ordinary political leader. He was a towering voice of the people, a champion of secularism and democratic values, and a leader whose contribution to the countrys democratic and secular ethos was recognised even beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Former President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy had referred to him as Sher-e-Bharat. Yet, on this day, his democratically elected government was removed and he was arrested, Sagar said. He said the events of 1953 did not end with the dismissal and arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He was incarcerated for years and kept away from his people. An entire generation of Kashmiris grew up witnessing the consequences of that rupture. The political wound was never allowed to heal completely. Instead, successive developments continued to deepen the sense of alienation and hurt, he said. Sagar said the events of August 5, 2019 further aggravated those sentiments. The wounds of 1953 were still alive in the collective memory of our people when the unilateral decisions of 5 August 2019 were imposed upon Jammu and Kashmir. Whatever little trust remained was shaken further. It was as if salt was poured into a wound that had been festering for decades, he said. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir nevertheless demonstrated remarkable political maturity by choosing the democratic path and participating in elections despite their disappointments and grievances. Our people were repeatedly told that delimitation, parliamentary elections and legislative elections would pave the way for the restoration of Statehood. They believed those assurances. They participated in the democratic process. They voted. They elected their representatives. They fulfilled their responsibility. But nearly two years after the formation of the elected government, the promise of restoration of Statehood continues to remain unfulfilled, Sagar said. He questioned how long the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be expected to wait for a right that was promised to them. How many more elections must the people participate in? How many more assurances must they hear? How long must Jammu and Kashmir remain the only region where an elected government operates without the full constitutional status enjoyed by every other full-fledged state? he asked. Sagar said the continued denial of Statehood was not merely an administrative issue but a question of democratic dignity, political confidence and constitutional trust. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have done their part. They have demonstrated faith in democracy despite a painful history. Now New Delhi must do its part. Promises made to the people cannot be reduced to slogans or deferred indefinitely, he said. He said the continued delay had created the unfortunate impression that the Centre still viewed Jammu and Kashmir through the same political prism that had defined its approach in 1953. Nearly seven decades after 1953, it is deeply unfortunate that the people of Jammu and Kashmir still have to struggle to convince New Delhi that democracy cannot be selective, federalism cannot be conditional and dignity cannot be negotiable, Sagar said. He emphasised that restoration of full-fledged Statehood must be the first concrete step towards healing the political wounds of Jammu and Kashmir. An elected government cannot be expected to function indefinitely with its constitutional powers diminished and its people denied the status promised to them. Jammu and Kashmir deserves the same democratic dignity and constitutional standing as every other state of the country, Sagar said. Recalling the sacrifices and contribution of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the country, he said their commitment to democracy and the nation could not be questioned. Our people have stood by the democratic and secular ideals of this country through the most difficult periods. They have participated in elections, sent their representatives to Parliament and the Assembly, and repeatedly chosen the ballot over despair. The least they deserve in return is respect, dignity and the restoration of their constitutional rights, he said.

Free blood test camp to be held at Batamaloo on August 11

Srinagar, Aug 9: The Sheikh Dawood (RA) Medicare Center, Batamaloo, will organize a free blood test camp on August 11 to mark the sixth death anniversary of Peer Jalal Ud Din Sahib, founder chairman of the Hazrat Sheikh Dawood (RA) Khidmat Khalaq Foundation. According to the organisers, the camp will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Sheikh Dawood (RA) Medicare Center in Batamaloo. The initiative aims to encourage preventive healthcare while paying tribute to the late founder's legacy of public service. The camp will offer free baseline medical investigations, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood sugar, Kidney Function Test (KFT), Liver Function Test (LFT), and other essential tests. The organizers have made pre-registration mandatory for all participants. Registration were conducted on August 9 from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, and only pre-registered individuals will be eligible for testing. The foundation has appealed to people to participate in the health camp and avail themselves of the free medical screening facilities.

Mirwaiz inaugurates Funkara Adventure Park for Children at Nowgam

Srinagar, Aug 9: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq inaugurated the Funkara Adventure Park for children, at Nowgam, describing it as a welcome initiative to promote physical activity, creativity and a connection with nature among the younger generation. Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz said that in todays digital age, children are increasingly drawn to screens, online games and gadgets, making it important to create spaces that encourage them to step outdoors and engage in healthy physical and creative activities. He appreciated the parks close-to-nature environment, with rabbits and ducks, as well as activities such as pottery, archery and adventure sports, which provide children opportunities to learn new skills, exercise and engage creatively away from screens. Mirwaiz said that a strong and healthy body is important for a strong and healthy mind. While parents and children rightly focus on academics and education, physical well-being, exercise and outdoor activity should receive equal attention. He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage healthier and more balanced lifestyles among children and inspire more such child-friendly spaces in Kashmir.

Commuters decry inordinate delay in restoration of battered Dr Ali Jan Road

Srinagar, Aug 9:Named in honour of Kashmir's one of the most revered physicians whose life was dedicated to healing the sick, Dr Ali Jan Road leading to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) today presents a painful irony! The crucial approach road to SKIMS, that bears his name, remains battered by deep ditches from Noor Bagh to Aali Masjid stretch, making the journey difficult for the very patients it is meant to serve. Nearly a month after Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, inspected the ongoing upgradation works and directed officials to complete the project in a coordinated and time-bound manner, large stretches of Dr Ali Jan Road between Noor Bagh and Aali Masjid continue to remain in a deplorable condition. During his July 14 inspection, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of the road upgradation project, accompanied by senior officers of the Roads & Buildings Department, Urban Environmental Engineering Department and district administration. He directed the executing agencies to ensure close coordination among departments so that infrastructure works were completed without delays or repeated excavation. However, locals and particularly the people who travel to SKIMS for treatment of their loved ones say the situation on the ground has changed little. The damaged road, left dug up after drainage works and the wear and tear the road has suffered from Noor Bagh to Aali Masjid, continues to slow traffic and cause a lot of discomfort to patients traveling to and from SKIMS and commuters. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients to SKIMS are often forced to navigate deep craters and compete for space on the opposite carriageway because sections of the road have become virtually unusable. The significance of the issue extends beyond poor civic infrastructure. Dr Ali Jan Road is the principal gateway to SKIMS, Kashmir's premier tertiary care hospital, where patients from across north Kashmir, Budgam and parts of Srinagar city are referred for specialised treatment. Every day, ambulances transporting accident victims, cardiac patients and other medical emergencies use this corridor, as do patients returning home after surgery. It is difficult to reconcile the condition of this road with the legacy of the man after whom it is named, said a commuter. A road commemorating a doctor remembered for his service to patients should not become a source of suffering for them. Residents of Noor Bagh and Zoonimar said the drainage works have remained incomplete for months and urged the authorities to honour both the Deputy Commissioner's assurances and the legacy associated with the road by restoring it without further delay. A road named after one of Kashmir's greatest healers has become an obstacle to timely and dignified healthcare. Restoring Dr Ali Jan Road is not merely a matter of infrastructure, but of paying due respect to the values of compassion and public service that his name continues to represent, Abdul Hamid, a commuter said.

Structure, Functioning and Significance

The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) is a specialized statutory body constituted under Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017. It serves as the second appellate authority for disputes arising under the GST regime and in the GST dispute resolution hierarchy. The taxpayers or the department can file appeals before GSTAT against orders passed by the first Appellate Authority u/s 107 or the Revisional Authority u/s 108 of CGST/SGST Act.2017.It aims to reduce the burden on higher courts and deliver specialized justice in indirect tax matters. The GSTAT became operational in phases with procedural rules notified u/s 111 of the CGST Act. in 2025. Established to provide a dedicated, expert forum for resolving conflicts between taxpayers and tax authorities, the GSTAT hears appeals against orders passed by the Appellate Authority under Section 107 or the Revisional Authority under Section 108 of the CGST Act and the corresponding State GST (SGST) Acts. After years of delays caused by constitutional challenges to its composition, state-Centre disagreements, delayed appointment of technical members and the need for procedural clarity, the Tribunal has become finally operational. It functions through a one Principal Bench in New Delhi, Regional /Area Benchs at multiple locations and 31 State Benches across approximately 43 locations nationwide in various States & Union Tertiaries. Thus, a total of 32 GSTATs have been notified and operationalized so far.This decentralized structure ensures accessibility for taxpayers across India while promoting uniformity in the interpretation and application of GST law. Composition and Leadership The Principal Bench is headed by a President, who must be a sitting or former Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court. It also includes a Judicial Member and two Technical Membersone from the Centre and one from the State. State Benches typically comprise two Judicial Members and two Technical Members (Centre and State). The State Bench of GSTAT constituted at various locations vide notification dated 14-09.2023 as amended vide notification S.O. No. 503(E) dated 26-11-2024.Eligibility criteria ensure a balance of legal and technical expertise. Judicial Members are generally High Court judges or District & Session judges with at least ten years of experience. Technical Members from the Centre are usually senior officers from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Group A or All India Services with substantial GST administration experience. State Technical Members are senior state government officers not below the rank of additional commissioner with relevant taxation experience in VAT regime. This mixed composition allows the Tribunal to handle both complex legal questions and intricate technical issues of classification, valuation, place of supply, input tax credit, and anti-profiteering under Section 171. Powers and Jurisdiction The GSTAT is vested with powers akin to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for purposes such as summoning persons, examining witnesses on oath, requiring the production of documents, receiving evidence on affidavits, and issuing commissions. It is not strictly bound by the Code of Civil Procedure (section 129 & 130 of BSA 2023 & shall be read as reference to the BNS 2023 or the BNSS 2023 or the corresponding provisions of such newly enacted law shall be constructed accordingly) but is guided by the principles of natural justice and can regulate its own procedure. Its orders are enforceable as decrees of a civil court. The Principal Bench primarily deals with issues of place of supply (POS) having inter-State implications, while State Benches handle appeals arising within their territorial jurisdiction. Appeals lie to the High Court on substantial questions of law from State Bench orders and, in certain cases, further to the Supreme Court. All the proceedings before the GSTAT shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 229,233 & 267 of the BNS 2023 & Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be civil court for the purposes of section 215 of the BNSS 2023. Procedure for Filing and Hearing Appeals Appeals to the GSTAT are governed by Section 112 of the CGST Act and the GST Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2025. An aggrieved taxpayer must file an appeal within three months from the date of communication of the order of the first appellate authority. The Tribunal may condone a further delay of up to three months if sufficient cause is shown. The department has a longer period of six months. A mandatory pre-deposit is required & the appellant must pay the admitted tax, interest, fine, fee and penalty in full, plus an additional 10 per cent of the remaining disputed tax (subject to monetary caps that have been rationalized over time). Filing is primarily electronic through the official GSTAT e-filing portal using prescribed forms. The process is designed to be largely paperless, with hybrid (physical and virtual) hearings permitted to enhance accessibility. The Tribunal aims to dispose of appeals expeditiously, ideally within one year. Adjournments are limited to three, and the Tribunal can rectify apparent mistakes in its orders within a prescribed period of three months. In case of difference of opinion among members, the matter may be referred to a larger bench. Significance and Impact The operationalization of GSTAT marks a major reform in Indias indirect tax dispute resolution architecture. Prior to its functioning, GST litigants often approached High Courts & Supreme Court through writ petitions, leading to high pendency and inconsistent rulings across jurisdictions. A specialized national tribunal (GSTAT) reduces the burden on constitutional courts, fosters uniform jurisprudence, and provides taxpayers with a more accessible and expert forum within the GST dispute resolution hierarchy. Digital initiativesincluding an e-filing portal, online cause lists, case status tracking, and digital ordershave modernized the process. As of mid-2026, thousands of cases have already been filed, and timeline for filing of appeals was extended from 30 June till July 31st 2026 reflecting both the backlog of pending disputes and the confidence of stakeholders in the new institution. GSTAT appeal filing requires timely completion or token generation for legacy orders, while new appellate orders follows three month limitation. GSTAT second appeals concerning orders up to 30th April 2026 may use a token generated on or before 31 July 2026 where the appeal cannot be fully completed in time. A separate token is required for each appeal and requires the available appellate order reference and relevant tax period details. The token evidences an attempt to initiate filing, subject to applicable provisions and verification, but the appeal or application must be completed within 60 days of token generation. Cases commencing from 1st. May 2026 remain subject to the stated three month filing period. Taxpayers & users are advised to keep a record of the token generated and ensure that the appeal is completed within the stipulated period before GSTAT on official portal (gstat.gov.in). Challenges remain, including the need for adequate infrastructure, timely appointment of members across all benches, and capacity building. Nonetheless, the GSTAT represents a decisive step toward faster, fairer, transparent and more predictable resolution of GST disputes, strengthening the overall integrity and ease of doing business under Indias GST regime. However, many State benches of GSTAT are yet to be operationalized due to appointment of technical members (State). In summary, the GST Appellate Tribunal is not merely another appellate body in a two tier GST dispute resolution hierarchy, it is a cornerstone institution designed to deliver specialized justice in one of the most significant tax reforms in Indias history. Its effective functioning will continue to shape the contours of GST compliance and litigation for years to come. This will definitely reduce the burden on higher judiciary and also to reduce the litigation cost in indirect tax matters both for taxpayers & department. The author is designated as All India Master Trainer in GST.

Political Orphanhood

Describing themselves as political orphans and the ew untouchables, hundreds of displaced Kashmiri Pandits residing in Jagti township and surrounding camps have accused political parties of exploiting their plight solely for election manifestos and demanded steps for a dignified life as enshrined in the Constitution. Used by everyone, represented by none, this is the real tragedy, advocate Vishva Ranjan Pandita, a resident of the Jagti camp, said, adding, he hardest exile is the one imposed by our own country. He said almost all political parties, including the National Conference (NC), Congress, PDP and BJP, have repeatedly promised the safe, secure and dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley in their election manifestos. However, he alleged that these commitments largely disappear once elections are over and said the community wants a clear roadmap and political accountability. Trapped between virtually non-functional civic representation and deteriorating infrastructure, residents across camps for the displaced community that left Kashmir in the 1990s after the outbreak of militancy stated that being pushed to the margins of political discourse has led to their complete neglect, with many even threatening to take drastic measures to end their miseries. Tito Ganju, the chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organisation which has been highlighting the problems faced by migrants in the camps, emphasised the core grievance of the displaced community -- they are remembered by political parties only during election cycles. Kashmiri Pandits may have been made political orphans, but we are not destined to remain political orphans. We are the indigenous bearers of Kashmir's civilisational memory and one of the most enduring expressions of Indianness in the Valley, Ganju said. He alleged that the community is facing political disenfranchisement which has rendered it politically persona non grata in their current places of residence. Ganju raised legal and constitutional concerns on compelling displaced community members to vote in Kashmir despite being ordinarily resident elsewhere like Jammu, Delhi or other parts of the country. This strips them of an effective electoral voice in their present local constituencies, he contended. Ganju claimed that camp-dwelling displaced Pandits are arbitrarily treated differently from similarly situated community members living outside the camps. We did not abandon our constituencies; genocide drove us out, Ganju said, adding, The State cannot convert genocidal displacement into political erasure. Genocide cannot be allowed to win twice, first by expelling us from our homeland and then by denying us equal political citizenship where we now live. He said that while governments over the years may ignore them or attempt to speak about Kashmir without the community, history and geopolitics will not permit that fiction to last. According to election data, electoral rolls reflect shifting trends of Kashmiri Pandit voters over the decades. While the votes of many community members have gradually transferred to their current places of residence in Jammu, recent years have seen a resurgence in Valley-based voter registration among migrants. Electoral data shows that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a total of 1,13,873 Kashmiri migrant electors were registered across the three parliamentary constituencies of Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag-Rajouri. This voter count comprised 56,290 males, 57,582 females and one transgender voter, marking a significant increase from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the number of registered migrant voters stood at approximately 99,000. The figure stood around 92,000 votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Some community leaders claimed that representatives of a political party had been encouraging transfer of votes to their place of birth in Kashmir Valley and termed it yet another step in making them political orphans. Noted academician Dileep Kumar Kaul echoed these sentiments, terming the community as eal political orphans and citing a systemic lack of intent to anchor them in the political framework. This is the result of the thinning of their collective agency through seven centuries and seven waves of genocide unleashed on them, Kaul said, arguing that the political system finds it convenient to ignore the community's historical victimhood. Putting on a brave face, Ganju asserted that Kashmiri Pandits are not the discarded chapter of Kashmir's story. We are its unfinished chapter, and we intend to write the next one, and made it clear that no durable solution to Kashmir is possible without the community. Expressing frustration over repeated political rhetoric, Vishva Ranjan Pandita said, Every election brings promises, manifestos and speeches in our name. Every party claims to stand with our pain of forced displacement, but once the votes are counted, our issues disappear. He said the issue of Kashmiri Pandits has for decades been reduced to an electoral promise, with political parties invoking their return during campaigns but failing to demonstrate the same urgency or commitment after coming to power. The community deserves more than assurances and manifesto declarations - it needs a concrete, time-bound and comprehensive plan for its safe, secure and dignified return, rehabilitation, livelihood, property rights and long-term integration in the Valley, he said. Pandita maintained that the return of Kashmiri Pandits should not be treated merely as a political slogan or a seasonal election issue. He said the successive governments and political parties must be held accountable for the promises they make to the displaced community and should clearly explain what steps they have taken and what remains to be done to make their return a practical reality. ...the Kashmiri Pandit community cannot be expected to live indefinitely on promises. What is needed now is political will, accountability and a clear roadmap for their return and rehabilitation, he said. Social activist Bhushan Lal Bhat emphasised that the community must cease to be viewed merely as victims awaiting rehabilitation and added that any political process seeking to determine Kashmir's future without the community is inherently incomplete. Academician B L Kaul pointed out that the tragedy of Kashmiri Pandits lies not just in their displacement, but in being pushed to the margins of political discourse, stating that any settlement treating their return as charity remains unacceptable. Reiterating the call for political space and dignity, community leader Kuldeep Raina said that the displacement cannot be reduced to a simple humanitarian problem. It is a political rupture. Any serious attempt to resolve Kashmir must therefore restore the political space, security, and dignity of Kashmiri Pandits, Raina said. Decrying decades of administrative neglect, community members expressed deep frustration over crumbling infrastructure and unfulfilled rehabilitation promises. Activists also pointed to systemic delays in employment and relief measures to ensure daily livelihood. Lord Ram's 'Vanwas' ended after 14 years, but we have been away from our homes for the past 36 years, and there seems no end to our miseries, said activist Sunil Pandita. He noted that the government has failed to fill the 6,000 migrant posts announced in 2009, while housing for the Prime Minister's package employees in the Valley remains incomplete.

We need better governance

5th August 2019 will be remembered as a historical day when the article 370 was abrogated and &K State reduced to the status of Union Territory. The Article 370 of Indian constitution would grant a special status to the erstwhile state of J&K. After 1953, particularly after 1964, the article had lost its sheen and strength due to various amendments made in this article by the competent authority on the recommendations of the local rulers/SLA from time to time when the Indian National Congress was ruling at the centre. The former PM. Late Sh. Morar-ji Desai had once said that Article 370 giving special status and powers to J&K state has become an empty shell. Even SMA during his tenure as CM had said that article 370 is not a divine article that could not be abrogated. Yes, also the article was misused by the local rulers to fulfil their vested interests after keeping the intervention of the central government at bay. The people of the Union Territory have always been suffering due to the miss-governance of local rulers since 1947 even when the Article 370 was in place. The governments of all times would depend on the central aid and subsidies. The state has always been deficient in revenue and was not sufficient to even meet the salaries of their employees. Our local rulers have so far failed to lay a strong economic base to improve the financial position of erstwhile state. They have never tried to exploit our resources to gain the economic stability. We are deficient in state owned electricity production, our lakes are shrinking and some are on the verge of extinction. Our rich forests have already been damaged. Due to wrong urban development planning the wetlands are extinct. Even few hours of rain poses threat of floods in the Srinagar city. We are facing environmental problems. There is shortage of drinking water and some time we even fail to supply pure drinking water. There is every apprehension that the situation will further deteriorate in the future times due to global warming. Our agriculture land has also shrunk that has lead to decrease in agriculture production particularly rice. There has been a reckless conversion of agriculture land into residential and commercial use, despite of limits fixed by revenue act. We have become mostly dependent on outside labour in all types of economic activities. Our UT is second after Punjab in drug trafficking and drug addiction. However it is appreciable that the Present Governor is taking personal interest in controlling this menace on top priority. The article 370 had given special powers to rulers of erstwhile state to run the affairs of their government but they failed to utilise these privileges for maximum benefit and welfare of the people of the state. On 5th August 2026, the workers of different local political parties of UT organised programmes with mixed reactions, after the period of seven years of the abrogation of Article 370 and creation of Union Territory. Mostly they demanded the revival of statehood for J&K. It is also alleged that this was done with the pre-consultation of the important leaders of the local political parties. The meeting of the president of N.C along with its vice president and their legal adviser and then sitting M.P with the prime minister of India a few days before the abrogation of article 370, substantiates the allegations of consent given by some important local leaders who would matter in the day to day politics of the valley could not be brushed aside. The workers of BJP no doubt celebrated this day as a watershed in the political history of J&K and claim it as their partys victory for its total and complete merger with the union of India after abrogation of article 370. Yes the leaders of political parties are mostly demanding now the revival of statehood not with the intention to improve the welfare of common people but to gain more powers to exert their authority. Nobody is asking for protection of our cultural identity, heritage, land and employment for the locals as was envisaged in 35A. No result oriented plan for the return of Kashmiri pundits have been chalked out so far by any political government. This community is an important part of our society. Our society is incomplete without their permanent return to valley. It would be better if benefits of Article 371 is granted before restoring statehood to protect our cultural identity, environment, natural resources and secure employment for our local youth. We need a controlled and quality tourism in view of our fragile environment and not mushroom growth of hotels. We need maximum but safe utilisation of our resources to boost our economy. Self-sufficiency in electricity for domestic consumption. Revival and quality promotion of handicrafts. Pollution free environment and supply of clean drinking water. We need disciplined and smooth flow of traffic, safe public transport and restoration of right to way for pedestrians by having footpaths on both sides of roads. Instead laying stress on useless slogan mongering and criticising each other, all the political parties need to concentrate now on the real development of the UT, nepotism and corruption free governance.

Scrolling is the new smoking

There was a time when addiction had a face. You could smell it on a persons clothes. Today, addiction is different. It slips quietly into our hands every morning and rests beside our pillows every night. It arrives without smoke, without smell, and without suspicion. We call it a smartphone. More specifically, we call it scrolling. Most of us unlock our phones with a purpose. We want to check a message, read an email, or reply to a friend. But somewhere along the way, that purpose quietly disappears. A short visit turns into an endless journey through reels, videos, opinions, advertisements, and carefully crafted distractions. Before we realize it, half an hour has vanished. Nothing urgent happened. Nothing truly meaningful was accomplished. Yet our minds somehow feel exhausted. That is because modern social media is not simply a platform. It is an attention industry. Every second you spend online teaches the algorithm something about you. It observes what you watch, how long your eyes stay on a video, what makes you pause, what makes you laugh, what makes you angry, and what keeps you scrolling. The more it learns, the more accurately it predicts what will capture your attention next. In a strange way, we are not only watching our screens. Our screens are watching us. The greatest change brought by social media is that it has replaced searching with scrolling. Searching begins with intention. You know what you want, and you go looking for it. Scrolling asks for nothing except your time. It makes decisions on your behalf. You watch one video, and twenty more appear before you. You read one opinion, and suddenly you are surrounded by similar voices, louder and more emotional than the last. It is like sitting in a restaurant where invisible waiters keep placing new dishes on your table before you have even decided whether you are hungry. The problem is not only psychological. It is biological. Scientists have found that unpredictable rewardslikes, comments, notifications, and endless new contentactivate the same dopamine pathways involved in gambling and other addictive behaviours. That is why scrolling often feels relaxing in the beginning, irresistible after a while, and mentally draining in the end. Many teenagers today say they have hundreds of online friends but still feel lonely. Adults complain that they can no longer read a book for twenty uninterrupted minutes. Conversations become shorter. Attention spans shrink. Silence begins to feel uncomfortable. Ironically, we have never been more connected, yet many people have never felt more disconnected from themselves. This is why scrolling has become the new smoking. Not because the two are identical, but because both became socially acceptable long before society fully understood their consequences. One damaged the lungs. The other quietly consumes attention, patience, peace of mind, and precious hours that never return. Perhaps we should treat social media the way responsible people treat a casino. Go in with a purpose. Decide beforehand how much time you are willing to spend. And most importantly, know when to leave. Small habits can make a surprising difference. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Keep your phone away during meals. Switch the display to greyscale to reduce visual temptation. Leave the device in another room while working or spending time with family. One simple habit is especially powerful: if you want to use your phone, stand while using it. Standing breaks the comfort of endless scrolling and naturally shortens the time you spend online. These are not acts of rejection. They are acts of self-respect. In an age where billions of dollars are invested in capturing our attention, protecting that attention becomes an act of freedom. Our minds are not products. Our time is not an unlimited resource. Ikkz Ikbal holds Masters in Biotechnology and is Principal & Academic Head at Maryam Memorial Institute, Pandithpora Qaziabad. He Xs @IkkzIkbal.

A disastrous practice

Jammu and Kashmir has been battered with a series of cloudbursts and heavy rains for the last over a month causing extensive damage to property and death of 31 persons. We need to understand the importance of maintaining rivers and streams as these natural drainage systems are detrimental to reduce losses amid rising incidence of cloudbursts and heavy rains. When there are cloudbursts and intense rains in upper reaches, water gushes downstream into rivers and streams. Boulders in these streams play an important role to slow down speed of water saving downstream human habitations from flash floods. However due to unabated illegal mining, boulders and other riverbed material has been excavated in most of the stream in J&K. This has severely altered the natural water flow of these streams. A glaring example of illegal mining is Sukhnag river in central Kashmirs Budgam district. An official report has revealed how 15 lakh tonnes of riverbed material (RMB) comprising boulders, sand, nallah muck and gravel, were illegally extracted from the river, altering its natural course and extensively damaging flora and fauna. Last month we witnessed the devastation caused by flash floods in Sukhnag. Sukhnag originates from glaciers in Pir Panjal Range, passes through Tosa Maidan and flows through several villages in Budgam. Failure of authorities over the years to prevent illegal mining caused extensive damage to the rivers hydrology, flora, fauna and aquatic life. On a petition by noted environmental activist Dr Raja Muzzafar Bhat, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had constituted a high-level committee of experts. The committee found visible signs of indiscriminate and unscientific extraction of riverbed material within the active river channel as well as along the peripheral catchment areas. The panel after extensive scientific survey found that based on an average excavation depth of 5.22 metres derived from field measurements, the total quantity of extracted riverbed material is estimated to be around 15.3 lakh tonnes. Imagine how the natural course of the river has changed and it matters most during cloudbursts or high water flow. For example, If it used to take 6 hours for water to reach from higher reaches to downstream, after illegal mining of streams, it reaches within 2 hours causing flash floods. Amid rise in construction activities, there is massive demand for stones, sand, boulders, bajri and clay, This has put massive pressure on streams and illegal mining is rampant at immense ecological cost. In absence of regulation, illegal mining is rampant across J&K. Large-scale, unregulated, and potentially illegal extraction of riverbed material has resulted in significant alteration of morphology of streams and damage to underlying aquifer systems. In case of Sukhnag, the NGT expert committee has recommended an immediate halt to mining operations within a 5-km stretch upstream and downstream of Sail Bridge up to Beerwah town, falling within the designated trout zone, until the river system is adequately restored. The panel has called for strict implementation of the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016, and the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), to prevent further ecological degradation of the river ecosystem. J&K Environment Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA), which works under the Union Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, grants Environmental Clearance after the applicant fulfills requisite standard and specific conditions including prohibition of the use of heavy machinery in mining operations, a provision to excavated material from the riverbed locally at a discount of 50 percent and the use of CCTVs on the site. The guidelines of Minor Mineral Rules 2016 and State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority are clear that heavy machines JCBs and mechanised machines cannot be used during riverbed mining. In absence of monitoring, heavy machines like JCBs, L&T, and Kobelco cranes are destroying streams, particularly in Kashmir. Experts state that mining must be strictly based on EIA to avoid any damage to aquatic ecology and adversely affecting hydraulic parameters or rivers and streams.There has been massive damage to Doodh Ganga, Vaishav, Rambiara, Shali and Ganga falling in Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam districts in south Kashmir due to illegal mining over the years. Earlier this month, Chairman Committee on Environment J&K Legislative Assembly, M Y Tarigami, chaired a detailed review meeting of the Geology and Mining Department and called for zero tolerance against illegal mining across J&K. Tarigami minced no words to say that natural resources belong to the people and their indiscriminate exploitation would not be allowed. He stressed that the department must move from paper monitoring to ground and satellite monitoring to ensure scientific and transparent extraction of minerals. And given the vast streams across the Union Territory, he rightly suggested use of technology, especially satellite surveillance, GPS tracking and digital monitoring as the first line of defense against illegal mining. We need to protect our rivers and streams from illegal mining amid changing climatic patterns. More than 35 cloudbursts and several high-intensity rainfall events have been reported across J&K in the last 8 month alone. Last month, J&K recorded 35 per cent excess rainfall receiving 259.7 mm against a normal of 192.6 mm. This has increased the probability of flash floods. Rivers and streams have a stable hydraulic regime, which governs course and parameters such as bed slope, width, depth of flow. Any mining of minerals, boulders, gravel and sand has to be done in consideration of the entire regime of rivers and streams to maintain natural course. Lets join hands to save our natural assets as any damage done to the environment in any way is irreparable and detrimental to our existence! Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir

Protecting tourism

The parliamentary committees recommendation for an integrated security and surveillance system at key tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir is a welcome step. The proposal for proper CCTV coverage, centralised monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments, security audits and clearly defined inter-agency standard operating procedures is not merely a security measure. It is an investment in the confidence on which tourism ultimately depends. The recommendation assumes added significance in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack last year, when 25 tourists were killed. Such an attack does more than take innocent lives, it puts the entire tourism ecosystem in danger, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend directly or indirectly on tourism. That is why the committees emphasis on security at tourist destinations deserves to be welcomed. Kashmirs economy has few sectors with the ability to touch as many lives as tourism. A visitor arriving in the Valley does not spend only on a hotel room. The money benefits taxi drivers, restaurants to pony owners, guides, handicraft sellers, transporters, orchard owners and small shopkeepers. For many families, tourism is not an additional source of income; it is their principal livelihood. On a positive note, tourism has largely revived since Pahalgam attack. More than five lakh tourists visited Kashmir during the first four-and-a-half months of 2026, with April alone recording more than 1.3 lakh arrivals. Across Jammu and Kashmir, tourist numbers have remained remarkably strong despite the setbacks of the past year. But numbers should not create complacency. Tourism is an industry built on perception. A destination may have magnificent landscapes, welcoming people and world-class experiences, but if visitors do not feel safe, they will simply choose somewhere else. The committee has rightly noted that security management directly affects the perception of safety, the quality of the visitor experience and the continued growth of tourism. That observation should guide the implementation of its recommendations. Most importantly, these measures should be implemented before the peak tourist season, as the committee has suggested. Kashmir has spent years rebuilding its tourism economy. The confidence of visitors is precious and cannot be taken for granted. Stronger security at tourist destinations can help protect that confidenceand, in doing so, protect the livelihoods of countless Kashmiris.

Nepal PM to meet Indian, Chinese envoys today

Kathmandu, Aug 9: Prime Minister Balendra Shah 'Balen' is set to hold separate bilateral meetings focussing on bilateral relations with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors to Nepal on Monday, the first such one-on-one diplomatic engagements after more than 100 days in office. After meeting the Indian envoy first, followed by the Chinese counterpart, Shah will also meet with the US Embassy Charg dAffaires on Tuesday. In a departure from a long tradition of individual meetings, Shah, who was sworn-in on March 27 after a landslide win, held a joint courtesy meeting on April 8 with as many as 17 Kathmandu-based Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions, including those from India and China, at Singhadurbar, the prime minister's office.

BRICS competition authorities adopt joint statement on fair competition, renewable energy market

New Delhi, Aug 9:Heads and senior representatives of BRICS competition authorities held a meeting in Udaipur under Indias BRICS Chairship 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation on competition law and policy and promote fair and competitive markets. The meeting was organised by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on August 8 and focused on addressing emerging challenges in competition enforcement, particularly those arising from digital markets, new technologies and the global energy transition. In her inaugural address, CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur highlighted the shared responsibility of BRICS competition authorities to preserve and promote competitive markets that foster efficiency, consumer welfare, innovation, and opportunities for businesses to compete on merit. She said the increasingly cross-border nature of digital markets and emerging technologies made sustained cooperation and knowledge-sharing among BRICS competition authorities essential for developing informed, effective, and future-ready approaches to competition enforcement. Referring to the global shift towards renewable energy and sustainability, Kaur said continued collaboration among BRICS competition authorities would help foster fair and competitive renewable energy markets while advancing the shared objectives of sustainable growth and energy security. She also stressed that amid changing market dynamics and emerging enforcement challenges, competition law interventions must remain principled, evidence-based, and firmly anchored in the core objectives of competition law. During the meeting, the Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities exchanged views on recent developments in competition law and policy in their respective jurisdictions, including major enforcement initiatives, institutional developments and emerging challenges in domestic markets. As part of Indias BRICS Chairship, the CCI also led a collaborative study titled Emerging Competition Landscape in the Renewable Energy Sector in BRICS. The study sought to improve understanding of evolving competition dynamics in renewable energy markets across BRICS countries and identify areas for future cooperation. Its key findings were presented at the meeting. The meeting adopted a Joint Statement of Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities titled Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Fair Competition, including in Renewable Energy Markets. Brazils Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) also briefed participants on preparations for the 10th BRICS International Competition Conference, scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2027. The meeting concluded with the Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation, dialogue and knowledge-sharing to strengthen competition enforcement and address emerging challenges in increasingly interconnected markets.

Doda-Kishtwar stretch of NH-244 closed

Ramban, Aug 9: The Doda-Kishtwar stretch of National Highway-244 remained closed at Kandni on Sunday following road slippage and damage caused by heavy rainfall last week, with the authorities imposing temporary restrictions on vehicular movement to facilitate restoration and controlled blasting operations. The District Magistrate, Kishtwar, ordered restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles and Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) at Kandni (87.9 km) with immediate effect until further orders, citing public safety and the need to ensure safe and speedy execution of restoration works. In a separate direction, the administration suspended all vehicular movement, including heavy vehicles and LMVs, on the affected stretch from 11:30 am to 7 pm on Sunday in view of the scheduled controlled blasting operation. The restrictions were imposed following a communication from the General Manager (P), NHIDCL, PMU-Kishtwar, regarding road slippage at Kandni and the ongoing restoration work. A portion of the highway was washed away following heavy rainfall last week, disrupting traffic along the important Doda-Kishtwar corridor. NHIDCL has been directed to put in place all necessary safety measures and precautions during the restoration and blasting operations. The agency has also been asked to inform the district administration after completion of the works and certify that the affected stretch is safe for resumption of vehicular movement. The SSP Kishtwar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Doda-Kishtwar, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Kishtwar, and DTI Kishtwar have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order. Authorities said the restrictions are precautionary and aimed at preventing any untoward incident while restoration and controlled blasting activities are underway. Commuters and transporters have been advised to follow the directions of traffic and district authorities and avoid the affected stretch until further orders. However, traffic officials monitoring restoration work at Kandni said some passenger vehicles were allowed to cross the affected stretch on late Sunday evening.

Fresh spell of high-intensity rains in Jammu commences

Jammu, Aug 9:Fresh spell of isolated high-intensity rains and thunderstorms will commence on Sunday across Jammu region with spiralling surge in impact during the next five days. The spell beginning with fairly widespread light to moderate rains in Jammu division with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds on August 10 will swirl to isolated heavy to very heavy rain coupled with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds on August 11. High intensity rains may induce landslides, mudslides, flash floods and shooting stones at vulnerable places in Jammu division. Impact of similar weather activity will continue till August 15, 2026, the Met department forecast predicted, cautioning to keep vigil during heightened weather activity. Light to moderate rainfall will lash most of the parts of Jammu region with the possibility of intense spells at isolated places during the intervening night of August 9 and 10. Next two days will witness widespread intense spells across the division, stated DrMahender Singh, Chief Scientist and In-charge Agrometeorology, SKUAST-Jammu. He asserted that weakened weather activity due to widespread rains across North India in the past two days reduced intensity of rainfall as predicted for August 9 and 10 in Jammu division. Meanwhile, the two youth were feared to have drowned in Chenab river in Akhnoor area of Jammu district on Sunday, triggering intense search operations by the joint teams of Police, NDRF, SDRF and local divers. Police said that the youth, identified as Gajay Singh, 30, son of Vijay Singh and Rakesh Singh, 35, son of Balwan Singh, both residents of Khour in Akhnoor, had gone to take a bath in the river when the mishap occurred. The Police recovered their motorcycle, bearing the registration number JK02BP-1567, mobiles and clothes lying on the river banks. Fast currents of water were posing a major obstacle in the rescue operation, which was not called off, officials said.

AmarnathYatra footfall jumps from 4000 to 6.35 lakh in over 6 decades

Srinagar, Aug 9:The annual Amarnath Yatra has grown from an estimated 4000 yatris in 1963 to a peak of 6,35,611 in 2011, a more than 150-fold rise. The lowest footfall was 4824 in 1990.The data shared by Kashmir Weather on X was compiled from Ministry of Home Affairs records, Parliament reports, Department of Tourism documents, CRPF annual reports, and research papers. The yatra saw a sharp rise through the 1980s, but yatri numbers plunged in the 1990s amid the peak of armed violence.Footfall rose from 19,578 in 1980 to 96,055 in 1988 and 95,238 in 1989 before dropping to 4824 in 1990. It recovered to 15,589 in 1991, 54,638 in 1992, 56,000 in 1993, and 61,045 in 1995, crossing 1 lakh in 1996 with 1,20,432 pilgrims.The numbers rose to 1,49,920 in 1998 and 1,73,334 in 2000. The growth accelerated in the 2000s, with footfall crossing 4 lakhs in 2004 and reaching 5,33,368 in 2008.After falling to 3,92,653 in 2009, the number rose to 4,58,046 in 2010 and peaked at 6,35,611 in 2011. It remained above 6 lakhs in 2012 at 6,21,145 before falling to 2,20,490 in 2016 and recovering to 3,42,883 in 2019.The yatra was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed with 3,65,721yatris in 2022, rising to 4,45,338 in 2023 and 5,12,150 in 2024.The 2025 footfall stood at 4,14,311. About 4.8 lakh yatris had undertaken the yatra this year before it was suspended on both the Chandanwari and Baltal routes from August 9 following persistent heavy rain and damage to vulnerable stretches of the tracks. The yatra began July 3 and was scheduled to conclude August 28. Officials said it was unlikely to resume this year, citing safety concerns, adverse weather forecasts and the need for urgent track repairs. The Chadi Mubarak ritual will be conducted as scheduled, officials said, but the main yatra will not resume this year.

Warburg set to buy Seacod-maker Universal NutriScience for Rs 2800 crore

Will be 4th acquisition for the US private equity giant in Indias healthsector in four months. Kedaara to make 5x rupee returns on exit.

Not every flash flood is a cloudburst: Experts

Srinagar, Aug 9:Not every localised extreme weather event in Jammu and Kashmir is a cloudburst, experts said, cautioning against attributing every flash flood to the phenomenon. More than 35 cloudbursts and several high-intensity rainfall events have been reported across J&K this year. Experts, however, said the frequency of cloudbursts could not be established without detailed studies. The reported increase in the number of cloudbursts is incorrect without detailed studies. We can say that the number of flash-flood events in J&K and Ladakh due to extreme weather activity has increased over the years, climatologist Sonam Lotus said. Lotus said most flash floods followed brief, intense downpours. The majority of the flash floods occurred due to heavy downpour, which has a very short life of a maximum of 15 minutes, he said. This is reflected in weather datasets as 15pl0Min precipitation or rainfall, which means the amount of rain recorded in 15 minutes. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall of more than 100 mm in one hour over a small, localised area qualifies as a cloudburst. The definition does not specify a fixed radius. Riyaz Ahmad Mir, a hydrogeologist at the National Institute of Hydrology, Jammu, said lower rainfall could also cause flooding in steep terrain. Rainfall of 20-30 mm in one hour can cause localized flooding in very small and steep catchments, while 30-50 mm in one hour may trigger flash floods in vulnerable mountain catchments, Mir said. He said 50-100 mm over one to three hours could also generate flash floods in steep Himalayan valleys. A cloudburst should be identified only when rainfall intensity meets the established threshold and observations support it, Mir said. Independent weather forecaster FaizanArif said rainfall below the cloudburst threshold could also trigger flash floods. Even lower amounts of intense rainfall over a short period can trigger flash floods in mountainous terrain, Arif said. Several incidents during the wet spells appear to be linked to intense localized rainfall rather than cloudbursts, he said. Though multiple cloud bursts were also reported. Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad attributed the recent pattern to monsoon currents interacting with mostly feeble Western Disturbances. As the monsoon advances, such events - cloudbursts and heavy downpours-become more frequent, especially in mountainous districts, Ahmad said. He said rainfall remained uneven, with intense showers confined mostly to small pockets, while several areas, particularly the plains, continued to face deficits. For every one-degree Celsius rise in temperature, the atmosphere can hold nearly 7 percent more moisture. This increases the possibility of intense rainfall over a short period, Ahmad said. He said pinpointing such events remained difficult despite improved weather monitoring. Forecasting has improved with Doppler radars, satellite observations and automated weather stations, but pinpointing a cloudburst or downpour remains difficult as these systems develop over very small areas, Ahmad said. The latest weather activity follows a severe run of extreme weather across J&K from April to September 2025, including cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, rockfalls, shooting stones, hailstorms and gusty winds. Ministry of Home Affairs figures shared in the RajyaSabha show that floods and heavy rainfall killed 199 people in J&K last year. They also killed 11,693 livestock, damaged 8404 houses and affected 77,915 hectares of farmland. The deadliest incident was the August 14, 2025, cloudburst at Chisoti village along the Machail Mata Yatra route in Gulabgarh-Paddar, Kishtwar. Nearly 70 people died and several others, mostly yatris, went missing in flash floods. Landslides and shooting stones kept the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed for more than 50 days in separate spells, stranding apple-laden trucks and causing losses to growers and traders. Flash floods and landslides have battered J&K this year too. Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Kathua, Samba, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts have remained most affected while incidents have also been reported in the upper belt of north, central, and south Kashmir, resulting in over 30 deaths so far. On July 19, flash floods and landslides in Poonch and Rajouri left more than 25 people dead. This year also, multiple hailstorms, gusty winds, and intense rain damaged orchards, affecting blossoms and young fruit during key growth stages.

Health officials urge caution for Gulf Coast beachgoers during surge of deadly bacterial infections

25 students injured after mini-bus overturns in Jammu; CM Omar expresses anguish

Jammu, Aug 9: At least 25 students mostly girls were injured after a mini-bus overturned near the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) flyover in Jammu on Sunday. Official sources told news agency JKNS that the vehicle lost control and turned turtle, resulting in injuries to the students travelling onboard. All the injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for medical treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable and they are reported to be out of danger. Cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation has been initiated. Meanwhile the Office of Cheif Minister J&K, in a post on X, said that the Chief Minister expressed deep anguish over the road accident involving a matador carrying over 25 girls on the flyover near the Super Speciality Hospital, Jammu. The Chief Minister said the injured were promptly provided medical attention and were reported to be out of danger. He wished them a speedy recovery and directed the authorities concerned to ensure all necessary medical care and assistance.

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Ganderbal police crack backward linkage in NDPS case, supplier among 3 held

Ganderbal, Aug 09: Ganderbal Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in an NDPS case by establishing the backward linkage from street-level peddlers to their supplier, resulting in the arrest of 03 persons and recovery of 63 grams (approximately) of heroin-like substance and Rs.20,950 in suspected drug proceeds. A police spokesperson said that on 7th August 2026, during naka checking at Warpora Crossing, police apprehended two persons, identified as Javaid Ahmad Dar and Arbaz Ahmad Reshi, after they attempted to flee on noticing the naka party. During their personal searches, 11 grams (approximately) heroin-like substance was recovered from their possession. He said that during sustained investigation and backward-linkage verification, police traced the source of supply to Ajaz Ahmad Dar of Chowdribagh, Ganderbal. A search conducted at his premises led to the recovery of 52 grams (approximately) of heroin-like substance and Rs.20,950 cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking. He was subsequently arrested in accordance with law. Accordingly, 03 persons have been arrested and a total of 63 grams (approximately) heroin-like substance has been recovered in Case FIR No. 131/2026, under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act at Police Station Ganderbal. The seized substance has been secured as per due procedure and samples are being forwarded for Forensic Science Laboratory examination. Further investigation is underway to uncover additional linkages and identify other persons involved in the drug network, spokesperson said. Ganderbal Police reiterated its firm commitment to dismantle the entire drug supply chain and take stringent action against those involved in drug trafficking.

Thank You Kashmir: PARAS Health Srinagar launches gratitude campaign, celebrates trust of people

Srinagar, Aug 9: Recognising the trust and confidence placed by people in its doctors, healthcare professionals and services, PARAS Health Srinagar has launched a special gratitude campaign titled Thank You Kashmir, expressing appreciation to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for making the healthcare facility an integral part of their medical journey. The campaign is aimed at acknowledging the patients and families who have chosen PARAS Health Srinagar for their treatment and have reposed faith in its doctors, medical teams and management over the past three years. The initiative comes as PARAS Health Srinagar continues to expand its range of specialised and advanced healthcare services, with a focus on bringing sophisticated medical technology, specialised expertise and comprehensive treatment closer to patients in the region. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director, PARAS Health, said serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir had always been an important vision for the organisation. It was always a dream to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the best possible healthcare facilities. Our endeavour has been to ensure that sophisticated machines, advanced technology and specialised medical facilities are available to the people of Kashmir at their doorstep, so that they do not have to travel outside the region for quality treatment, Dr Nagar said. He said the Thank You Kashmir campaign was essentially a message of gratitude to the people who had trusted PARAS Health and its teams. Healthcare is ultimately about trust. The faith that patients and their families place in their doctors and healthcare institutions is our biggest responsibility. We are grateful to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for giving us the opportunity to serve them, he said. Seema Vig, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, PARAS Health, commended the Srinagar team for its efforts and commitment towards strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in the region. She said the campaign was not merely a celebration for the institution but a tribute to the people whose trust had enabled PARAS Health Srinagar to grow. Our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and the entire Srinagar team have worked with tremendous dedication. Their exemplary work has helped build confidence among patients and families, Vig said. She reiterated the organisations commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir. We want to be the first, and we want to provide everything up to standard. Our commitment is to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have access to the best possible healthcare facilities, technology and expertise, she said. Dr Murtuza Habib, Associate Vice President and Facility Director, PARAS Health Srinagar, said establishing a credible space in the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir was not an easy journey. Creating a space in healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir was not easy. It takes time to build an institution, but more importantly, it takes time to build trust, Dr Habib said. He attributed the growth of PARAS Health Srinagar largely to the people of the region, saying their confidence in the doctors, medical teams and the healthcare process had been the biggest strength of the institution. I would give the biggest credit to the people. They trusted our doctors, they trusted the process and they gave us the opportunity to serve them. That trust is what has brought us to where we are today, he said. Dr Habib said the Thank You Kashmir campaign was therefore a way of acknowledging that relationship. This campaign is our way of saying thank you to every patient, every family and every person who believed in us. For us, their trust is not just an achievement; it is a responsibility that motivates us to do better every day, he said. The campaign also seeks to highlight the larger transformation taking place in the regions healthcare sector, where patients increasingly seek access to advanced diagnostics, specialised procedures, multidisciplinary care and modern medical infrastructure closer to home. Over the past three years, PARAS Health Srinagar has expanded its clinical services across multiple specialties and has undertaken various community outreach initiatives, including medical camps and awareness programmes, aimed at taking healthcare beyond the hospital premises. The Thank You Kashmir campaign places patients and their families at the centre of this journey, celebrating the relationship between the institution and the community it serves. For PARAS Health Srinagar, the message behind the campaign is simple: every patient who walked through its doors, every family that placed its faith in its doctors, and every life touched by its services has contributed to the institutions journey in Kashmir. As the campaign unfolds, PARAS Health Srinagar says it intends to carry forward the same relationship of trust while continuing to invest in technology, medical expertise, infrastructure and patient-centric care. Thank You Kashmir is, ultimately, a thank-you from the healthcare institution to the people who made it possible for it to become a part of Kashmirs healthcare story.

Two drug peddlers held in separate cases of contraband trafficking in Shopian and Pulwama

Srinagar, Aug 09: Continuing its sustained efforts to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from society, police have arrested two drug peddlers in Shopian and Pulwama and recovered contraband substances from their possession. A police spokesperson said that during routine naka checking at Manihal Crossing, a police party from Police Station Imamsahib intercepted a suspicious person. During his personal search, approximately 44 grams of Charas sticks were recovered. The accused identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Dar son of Jalal-ud-din Dar resident of Tulkhan Bijbehara has been arrested and shifted to police station. Similarly in Pulwama, a Police party of Post Newa during naka checking at Checkpora Bypass Bridge intercepted a motorcycle bearing registration No. JK01BD-5904. During checking, 27 bottles of Wecan-D (Codeine) concealed beneath the seat of the motorcycle were recovered. The rider has been identified as Adil Bashir Ganie son of Bashir Ahmad Ganie resident of Dangerpora, Pulwama, and was arrested on the spot, spokesperson said. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been taken up to establish forward and backward linkages and dismantle the larger drug network involved. Police remain firmly committed to its mission of creating a drug-free society and appeal to the general public to extend their cooperation by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse in their localities. Citizens can report such activities to the nearest police station. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, police spokesperson added.

J-K Police secure property attachment order, arrest warrant against another accused in 2008 terror case in Baramulla

Srinagar, Aug 09: Continuing its sustained efforts against elements involved in unlawful and anti-national activities, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla secured an attachment order from the Honble NIA Court, Sopore, in connection with Case FIR No. 02/2008 registered at Police Station Chandoosa under Sections 2/3 EIMCO Act, 120-B & 121 RPC and 13 UAPA Act. The attachment order pertains to land measuring 12 Kanal 01 Marla and 73 Sq. Ft. belonging to accused Parvaiz Ahmad Famda, son of Yaar Mohammad Famda, resident of Kawhar Bala, Chandoosa. The property has been valued at Rs 69,82,550/- (Rupees Sixty-Nine Lakh Eighty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Fifty only), and the requisite valuation certificate has also been obtained. In a related development in the same case, Baramulla Police also obtained an arrest warrant from the Honble NIA Court, Sopore, against another accused, namely Abdul Rashid Bhat, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat, resident of Rajpora, Chandoosa. Police said the action reflects forces continued commitment to pursuing individuals involved in unlawful activities and ensuring that legal proceedings are taken to their logical conclusion in accordance with the law.

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Habitual fraudster arrested in Srinagar for cheating traders, duping shopkeepers

Srinagar, Aug 9: Srinagar Police have arrested a habitual fraudster for allegedly duping businessmen and shopkeepers through fraudulent means and impersonation. In a satement issued, the police identified the accused as Ubaid Maqbool Khawaja, son of Maqbool Ahmad Khawaja, resident of Gomal Chek, Tangdar, presently residing at Habib Colony, Alochi Bagh. He was arrested in connection with FIR No. 45/2026 registered at Police Station Maharaj Gunj under Sections 318(4) and 319 BNS. Police said the accused has cheated several traders across the Valley. Multiple complaints have been received against him from different areas, and he is already facing cases at various police stations. These include FIR No. 76/2022 under Section 430 IPC at Police Station Kothibagh and FIR No. 83/2023 under Sections 201, 379, 416 and 430 IPC at Police Station Pulwama. Authorities added that the accused was previously detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) due to his repeated involvement in criminal activities. Further investigation is underway to trace his wider network and ascertain his role in other fraud cases, reads the statement.

This insect makes a house of silk and leaves and then carries it everywhere on its back

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Op Sindoor showed India will go to any extent to ensure its citizens' safety: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of the country's armed forces, who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday. He was addressing an event held at the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. Singh commended the defence forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences. Indian armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor in May 2025 in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women, Singh said at the blood donation camp, titled 'Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra', at the Base Hospital here. Drawing a parallel with the mega blood donation camp, Singh asserted that it represents compassion while Operation Sindoor showcased courage. Approximately 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra were among the donors who participated in the camp, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the armed forces, the defence ministry said in a statement. Expressing gratitude to the donors, the Union minister expressed confidence that the blood donated today would serve as a credible reserve for needy soldiers and their families in the future. He described blood donation as 'jivandan' and 'mahadan', stressing that despite remarkable advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed. Since (human) blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, Singh said, blood donation remains one of the noblest forms of charity. He underlined that every blood donor and recipient is, in their own way, serving the nation, and urged the people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture. When we celebrate 100 years of our independence in 2047, our aim should not be limited to a developed economy; we must also envision a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and precious resources like blood are readily available in times of need, Singh said. The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Minister of Industries Uday Ravindra Samant, MP Srikant Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other senior military and civil dignitaries, the statement said. For AFMS, maintaining adequate blood reserves assumes particular significance as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies. The participation of nearly 500 voluntary donors reaffirmed the ethos of 'service before self' and underscored the role that every eligible citizen can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation, the ministry said.

Special funds for winter clothing, equipment of CRPF troops posted at heights post Pahalgam attack

New Delhi, Aug 9: A special winter clothing and equipment fund has been sanctioned by the Union home ministry for CRPF troops operating from the Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) created for fighting terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir post the 2025 Pahalgam attack. Official sources told PTI that an allocation of more than Rs 4.54 crore has been granted to the paramilitary few weeks ago to procure gaiters, sleeping bags, snow boots and goggles, extreme cold weather clothing developed by the DRDO (Himsuraksha brand), insulating mats, rucksacks, gloves, tents, thermal insoles, blankets and rescue bags for about 600 troops. While most of these items were already provided to the TOB troops since the last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July granted complete authorisation to a CRPF proposal for procuring these items so that the troops can be better equipped for long duration reconnaissance patrols, survival and combat against terrorists in the higher reaches, they said. The life expectancy of these items is about two years and the funds can be revised upwards for fresh procurement, the sources added. The TOBs, established above the height of 6,000 feet, house Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos for launching search and assault operations where terrorists are holed up in 'dhoks' (mud and stone huts). It has been found that terrorists used the snow-bound and arduous hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir to hide before or after perpetrating violence in the plains and, hence, the CRPF and Army troops are now stationed here. The first such rocks and mortar base was created by the CRPF in July 2025 and, as per latest data, the force has erected 55 TOBs in both Jammu and Kashmir regions of the Union Territory. The TOBs hold a team of about 15-25 armed troops with basic facilities of rest and recuperation. One such TOB of the CRPF was used as a base by the security forces to eliminate in July 2025 the three terrorists who were responsible for the Pahalgam attack. This mission was called 'Operation Mahadev'. 'Operation Mahadev' began on May 22, 2025 as part of a security plan that was drawn a day after the April 22 attack in the scenic Baisaran valley of Pahalgam where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by the terrorists who had taken shelter in the higher locations. While the proposal to create TOBs for CRPF commandos, like the Army, was being planned since 2022-23, they were made operational post the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, official sources said.

Eight injured as Tempo overturns on NH-244 in Dodas Assar

Banihal, Aug 09: Eight persons were injured when a tempo travelling from Srinagar towards Doda overturned near Trungal Assar on National Highway-244 in Doda district on Sunday afternoon, officials said. Block Medical Officer, Assar, Dr Syed Mohammad Ismail, said the accident occurred at around 12:06 p.m. He said a local resident informed the 108 ambulance service, following which three ambulances were rushed to the accident site from PHC Assar. Soon after the accident, locals, police personnel and volunteers launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Assar, where they received initial treatment. The BMO said all eight injured persons were subsequently referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for advanced treatment and further management. The injured were identified as Surjeet Kumar (27), Parveez Ahmed (44), Kewal Krishan (41), Mubeena Begum (36), Mohd Irfan (36), Altaf Hussain (35), Muneeba Farooq (24), and Ayaz Ahmed (36). Further details about their condition were awaited

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Dozens of PDP workers from Gool join National Conference in Banihal

Banihal, Aug 09: Dozens of prominent workers and activists associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Gool today joined the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) in Banihal, reaffirming their faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the people-centric development agenda being pursued by the NC-led government. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, senior National Conference leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, said that the growing influx of people into the National Conference was a clear endorsement of the partys politics of development, dignity, secularism and protection of the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Shaheen said the people were increasingly recognising the difference between those who stood with them during difficult times and those who compromised their political positions for short-term power. He said the PDPs 2014 alliance with the BJP had left a deep political and institutional legacy for which the people of Jammu & Kashmir were still paying a heavy price. Those who promised to safeguard the interests and special status of Jammu & Kashmir ultimately joined hands with the BJP. The PDPs politics of opportunism and its alliance with the BJP contributed to the political circumstances in which the special constitutional position of Jammu & Kashmir was subsequently downgraded and eroded. The people have neither forgotten nor forgiven this betrayal, Shaheen said. He accused the PDP leadership of practising a dual politics, claiming to champion the interests of Jammu & Kashmir while simultaneously enabling forces whose political agenda was contrary to the aspirations and constitutional rights of the people of the erstwhile state. The people of Jammu & Kashmir are today paying the price of the political misjudgements and compromises of those who betrayed the trust reposed in them. History will judge those who chose power over principles, he said. Shaheen asserted that the National Conference, in contrast, has consistently remained a guardian of the political, constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, irrespective of circumstances. From Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, the National Conference has never abandoned the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We have faced difficult periods, stood against injustice and continued to raise our voice for the dignity, identity, rights and democratic aspirations of our people, he said. He said the growing support for the National Conference was also a reflection of the people's appreciation of the development-oriented and people-friendly governance under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Shaheen highlighted what he described as a renewed and equitable development push across Jammu & Kashmir, saying that infrastructure, roads, education, health, power, water supply, tourism, sports and other sectors were receiving focused attention. He said the objective was not merely to develop urban centres but to ensure that remote, hilly and historically neglected areas also received their rightful share of development. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, development is being pursued on the principle of equity. From the plains to the mountains and from towns to remote villages, every region is being brought into the development process. Banihal-Gool is also witnessing this transformation, he said. Referring specifically to the Banihal-Gool constituency, Shaheen said several major development initiatives had either been sanctioned, approved or taken up during the present tenure. He said the ongoing development process was aimed at creating better connectivity, employment opportunities, educational facilities, healthcare infrastructure and economic avenues for the people, particularly those living in remote mountainous areas. Welcoming the former PDP workers, Shaheen said their decision to join the National Conference demonstrated that political workers were increasingly seeking a platform rooted in principles, public service and inclusive development. The doors of the National Conference remain open to all those who believe in democratic values, secularism, social justice, development and the political and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, he said. Shaheen said the latest political shift in Gool was not merely an organisational development for the National Conference but a reflection of a larger change in public sentiment, with people choosing performance, accessibility and principled politics over political opportunism. He called upon party workers to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and remain connected with the people, saying that the National Conference would continue to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a more equitable, peaceful and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir.

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After decades, Kupwaras Kawari-Awoora road project finally takes off

Kupwara, Aug 8:After decades of delay, work on the long-pending Kawari-Awoora road project in Kupwara district has finally begun under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV). The 1.6-km road has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 329.63 lakh. It will connect Kawari with Awoora and cover the stretch from RD 700 to Manwan Bala under Package No. JK08-4008. MLA Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz said the road had remained pending for years despite being a longstanding demand of residents. I took it as a challenge and ensured that the project was brought on the ground, Fayaz said. The road will have a sanctioned carriageway width of 3.75 metres and is scheduled to be completed within 548 days. Bhat Infrastructure has been entrusted with the construction work. Residents welcomed the start of the project, saying the road would ease their daily travel and improve access to essential services. We are thankful to the MLA for taking up the issue seriously, a local resident said. The road has been needed for a long time. Another resident said the project would improve connectivity with nearby markets and other facilities. It will make access to healthcare, education and markets easier, he said. The road is expected to provide better connectivity to residents of Kawari, Awoora and adjoining areas.

Former principal chief conservator of forests GH Kango passes away

Srinagar, Aug 09: Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) G.H. Kango passed away on Sunday at his residence in Rajbagh, Srinagar. G.H. Kango was widely regarded as a pioneer of modern forestry in Jammu & Kashmir. During his distinguished career, he introduced the concepts of soil and water conservation and integrated watershed management in the Forest Department and played a key role in establishing several watershed management projects in the region with the assistance of the World Bank. Kango has also contributed significantly to the stabilisation of degraded and denuded areas and addressed soil and water conservation challenges in the Kandi areas of Kashmir Valley and several parts of the Jammu region. Under his guidance, the Department of Soil Conservation was established in 1978, and Kango was appointed its first Director. He served in the department for eight years, from 1978 to 1986, before later serving as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and retiring from active service in 1993. Ghulam Hassan Kango was a scholar with a deep interest in forestry, ecology, nomadic studies and pasture development. Besides his distinguished career in the Forest Department, he authored several articles on nomadic communities and their traditional routes, with his work appearing in national and international publications, and participated in several conferences on forestry and environmental issues. He remained actively engaged with conservation and environmental awareness even after retirement, sharing his experience and knowledge with researchers, students and civil society groups.

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Iran makes new strait demands, UAE says ship was targeted and other Middle East news

Dubai, Aug 09: Iran issued dramatic new demands around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the United Arab Emirates said one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile. Yemen's military attacked the country's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. And Turkiye's Kurdish peace bill won approval in parliament. Here's a look at developments across the Middle East on Saturday. Full coverage can be found here. Iran says the strait won't open until the US corrects' its behaviour Iran's politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States corrects its behaviour, issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway and traffic on it. Iran's state broadcaster published the statement by the council's secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Revolutionary Guard. The United States must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It also must completely compensate Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and unconditionally release frozen assets. There was no immediate comment from the US, which has wanted an acceptable deal first on the strait before ending the blockade. According to the interim deal signed in June, a schedule to end sanctions and plan on compensation would be part of the final deal, and negotiations would address frozen assets. A 60-day period to negotiate a final deal will end in just over a week but could be extended. Iran has said it was close to reaching a separate deal with Oman to manage the strait, which runs between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier Saturday said they were close to reaching an agreement on navigation, specifically the determination of a transit route. But the waterway's reopening is contingent on other conditions, he said in remarks shared on social media, and blamed the situation on what he called the US violation of the interim deal. Oman, a mediator Gulf Arab country which has said relatively little on the talks, said in a statement Saturday that the discussions were ongoing in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and condemned attacks on ships on the strait. The strait, crucial to global supplies of oil and natural gas, had been considered an international waterway before the war. Ship transits remain low. Iran attacks a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE says A vessel owned by Abu Dhabi's state-owned ADNOC oil and gas company was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati authorities said earlier Saturday. The Foreign Ministry said Iran fired the missile as part of attacks on commercial shipping. ADNOC in a statement said there were no casualties following the attack early Saturday. The company said over a dozen of its vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones while transiting the strait since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in February. One crew member has been killed and 20 others wounded, it said. ADNOC didn't elaborate on the attack's location or any damage. Later, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said a vessel east of the town of Khasab, Oman, had been struck by a projectile that caused a fire that was put out, with the vessel and crew safe. It was not clear whether this was the ADNOC incident. A defence deal is not aimed at any third country, Turkiye says A defence agreement that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed on Friday is not aimed against any third country, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. It says an attack on one would be considered an attack on all three. Fidan told Turkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency on Saturday that the countries do not view any state as an adversary unless it takes hostile action against them: We don't have anything written down nothing we've signed that defines a common threat. Asked how the mutual defense mechanism would work, Fidan said a member would formally request help and the two countries' assistance could range from intelligence-sharing to logistics support or the deployment of military units. The mechanism would establish a secretariat to be based in Saudi Arabia, Fidan said. He said other nations, which he did not name, have expressed interest in joining the agreement, adding that he expects Egypt, which he described as a natural partner, to participate at the next stage. Yemen's military attacks Iran-backed Houthis The attacks were in response to the Houthis' recent strikes in central and eastern Yemen. Col. Majed al-Nazili, spokesperson for Yemen's military, said the attacks targeted the rebels' sites and capabilities on multiple front lines, without elaborating. The escalation between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government and its backer, a Saudi-supported coalition, threatens to reignite Yemen's civil war following a 2022 truce. Turkiye's Kurdish peace bill wins approval in parliament A Turkish draft law aimed at advancing a peace effort with the country's Kurdish insurgents passed its first hurdle in parliament on Saturday. A committee approved the measure. It is expected to be approved in the general assembly next week. Last year, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, declared its decision to disarm and disband as part of the peace initiative aimed at ending the decades-long conflict with the Turkish state. The draft legislation defines the procedures for the group's disarmament and rehabilitation of some PKK members. The measures would come into effect once Turkiye's National Security Council confirms that the group has disbanded and surrendered all weapons. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people since it began in the 1980s. Turkiye and its Western allies consider the group a terrorist organisation.

Massive crackdown on JeI-linked network in Sopore; searches underway at 26 locations

Sopore, Aug 09: Security forces and investigating agencies on Sunday launched a massive crackdown against a suspected network allegedly linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Sopore and adjoining areas of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. According to officials, search operations are being conducted at 26 locations in connection with a case registered under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the banned organisation. The searches are being carried out as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged activities, links and network associated with the proscribed outfit. Teams of security forces and investigating agencies have been deployed at multiple locations, where searches of residential and other premises are underway. Officials said the operation is aimed at gathering further evidence and establishing the nature of the alleged network and its activities. The searches are part of a wider investigation into individuals and locations suspected to have links with the banned organisation. Security arrangements have also been strengthened in the areas where the searches are being conducted to ensure the operations are carried out smoothly and to prevent any disruption to law and order. Further details, including the outcome of the searches and any recoveries made during the operation, are awaited.

Iran President defends Irans talks with US, Europe, stresses sovereignty and regional unity

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended Tehrans decision to engage in negotiations with the United States and European countries, saying Iran is ready for dialogue to protect its national interests but will not accept demands that undermine its sovereignty or defensive capabilities, state news agency IRNA reported. In the final part of an address to the Iranian public, Pezeshkian said Iran had not started the war and that the decision to negotiate was taken to safeguard national interests and avoid unnecessary conflict. He rejected claims that his government had pressured Irans leadership into negotiations, saying major decisions were taken in coordination with the leadership and the countrys security and military institutions. Pezeshkian said Iran had reached understandings with European representatives during earlier diplomatic efforts, but accused European countries of subsequently failing to act independently and pursuing the snapback mechanism despite those understandings. He said diplomacy and military strength were not contradictory, arguing that negotiations could help protect Irans rights and interests. However, Tehran would not agree to dismantling its military or defence capabilities, he said. The Iranian president also stressed that Tehran had no intention of attacking other countries, occupying territory or expanding its borders, saying Iran sought peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. He accused Israel and the US of trying to unite Persian Gulf countries against Iran and said Tehran was working to prevent divisions among regional states. Pezeshkian said relations with neighbouring countries had improved significantly and urged Muslim countries to avoid becoming involved in conflicts with one another. He also warned that internal political divisions in Iran could be exploited by foreign powers. Rejecting reports of differences between his government, the diplomatic establishment and the armed forces over negotiations, Pezeshkian said all major decisions had been taken through the countrys national security structures and were supported by the military and security institutions. He also denied any disagreement with Irans Leader, saying his government had consistently followed the leaderships policies. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for greater unity among Irans neighbours. In a post on X, he said the time had come for countries in the region to rely on ourselves and embrace true brotherhood, adding that Irans armed forces had demonstrated their capability against what he described as the worlds most powerful military.

India, China review LAC situation, stress need to maintain peace

India and China held the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on August 6, reviewing the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and discussing outstanding boundary issues. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Sujit Ghosh, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides held frank discussions on the situation along the LAC and underlined that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. India and China agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC and local commander-level meetings, to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the LAC. The two sides also held detailed discussions, following the 24th round of Special Representatives talks, on boundary delimitation, border management, mechanism-building and trans-border cooperation. India reiterated the need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers and stressed the importance of sharing technical details on upstream projects.

CM Omar Abdullah unveils Kashmir Super League jersey

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday met MLA Bani Dr Rameshwar Singh and MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi at Raabita here, who apprised him of various matters concerning their respective constituencies. The Chief Minister, as per an official statement, discussed the issues raised by the legislators and assured that matters pertaining to public welfare and development would receive due consideration. Later, the Chief Minister met a delegation led by Kashmir Super League (KSL) Organiser Mushtaq Bashir, which apprised him of plans for the upcoming Kashmir Super League 2026 in Srinagar. On the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unveiled the jersey and football specially designed for the Kashmir Super League. Meanwhile, in a sperate statement issued by KSL, the official football of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai was formally launched by the Chief Minister of J&K, marking a significant milestone ahead of the second season of the much-awaited football league. Chief Minister commended Hinan Manzoor and Mushtaq Bashir, Founders and Organisers of the Kashmir Super League, for taking the initiative to establish and organise the league, appreciating their efforts towards promoting football and creating a professional platform for local players to showcase their talent. Chief Minister also assured the organisers that he would make every possible effort to grace one of the Kashmir Super League matches. His presence, the organisers said, would serve as a major encouragement for the participating players, franchises and the wider football fraternity of J&K. During the ceremony, Hinan Manzoor and Mushtaq Bashir presented a souvenir Kashmir Super League jersey to the Chief Minister as a mark of respect and appreciation. Adding further strength to the leagues professional ecosystem, NIVIA has come on board as the Official Football Partner for Kashmir Super League Season 2. NIVIA, one of Indias leading sports brands, will provide the official match footballs to be used throughout the tournament. With the official match football now unveiled, the countdown to Kashmir Super League 2026 has officially begun.

Continuous rains trigger secondary apple scab in Shopian orchards

Continuous rainfall over the past two weeks has triggered an outbreak of secondary apple scab in several orchards across south Kashmirs Shopian district, raising concerns among growers over the health and quality of this years crop amid an unusually wet spell across J&K. According to weather data, J&K recorded 35% surplus rainfall in July, while Ladakh received 122% above-normal rainfall, making it one of the wettest Julys in recent years. The disease has been reported from Devpora, Nagabal, Moolu, Mohanpora, Trenz, Sugu and several other apple-growing villages, where farmers said prolonged wet weather has created ideal conditions for the fungal infection to spread. Tariq Ahmad Mir, an apple grower in Shopians Aliyalpora village, said the disease has affected orchards in both the lower and higher reaches of the district. Continuous rains are beneficial for fruit colour and help improve the overall size of apples. However, excessive rainfall creates favourable conditions for secondary scab, which can spread rapidly if the wet spell continues, Mir said. He said waterlogging has emerged as another concern, warning that it could lead to root rot and weaken apple trees. Many orchards have standing water because the soil has remained saturated for days. If the situation persists, growers may have to deal with root diseases in addition to scab, he said. Mir added that the incessant rainfall has also caused cracking in high-density apple varieties, particularly Gala, affecting fruit quality and potentially reducing market returns. Ghulam Mohammad, another grower from the district, said his orchard had also developed necrotic leaf blotch following the prolonged wet weather. Besides secondary scab, we are now seeing necrotic leaf blotch in the orchard. The continuous moisture is leading to multiple disease problems this season, he said. Apple scab is among the most destructive fungal diseases affecting apple cultivation in Kashmir. Secondary scab develops when fresh infections occur during the growing season after the primary infection, particularly during prolonged periods of rain and high humidity. The disease causes dark, velvety lesions on leaves and fruit, reducing fruit quality and increasing orchard management costs.

NIT Srinagar to host AI Challenge for Kashmiri Translation

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has announced KATHE 2026: AI Challenge for Kashmiri Language Translation, a national-level competition that aims to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for the preservation and advancement of the Kashmiri language. The initiative is being organised by Gaash Lab, NIT Srinagar, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), with the University of Kashmir serving as the academic collaborator and GitHub as the primary sponsor. The competition will conclude with an offline finale on August 21, 2026, at NIT Srinagar, where shortlisted teams will demonstrate their AI models during a live evaluation.

CS sets vision to transform SKIMS into Quaternary Care Hub

Marking a significant administrative milestone and providing a fresh impetus to long-pending developmental initiatives, the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, met after a gap of over five years under Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, setting a clear vision for transforming the premier medical institution into a quaternary healthcare facility and Centre of Excellence in the region. The last meeting of the Standing Finance Committee had been held in August 2021. The revival of the high-level financial and administrative mechanism is expected to accelerate critical infrastructure projects, strengthen institutional capacities and provide a renewed roadmap for the future growth of SKIMS. The meeting was attended by Shailendra Kumar, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance; M. Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS & EOSG; Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Q. Parray, Principal, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina; and a representative of the Planning Department. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary called upon the SKIMS administration to set a higher institutional benchmark by transforming the institute into a quaternary healthcare facility and a Centre of Excellence for medical institutions across the region. He assured that the Government would extend all possible support to SKIMS for upgrading its capacities in super-speciality healthcare, advanced medical technologies, medical education and cutting-edge research, in line with the original mandate and vision behind establishment of the premier institution. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for an all-round transformation of patient-care services, with SKIMS adopting the latest technologies, treatment protocols and medical practices evolving globally. He maintained that the institute has to be several notches higher in its approach, infrastructure and facilities to meet the emerging healthcare requirements of the region, emphasizing that the institution must continuously benchmark itself against the best national healthcare facilities. He directed the SKIMS administration to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening patient care, infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialized services, with the objective of ensuring that patients from Jammu and Kashmir do not have to travel outside the region for advanced and highly specialized treatment. The Chief Secretary further emphasized strengthening SKIMS as a Centre of Excellence in medical education and research, particularly in areas such as cancer and other diseases of growing prevalence in the region. He called for greater focus on research-driven healthcare solutions and creation of a pool of highly skilled medical professionals capable of addressing emerging health challenges. He maintained that access to quaternary-level healthcare should be expanded so that people can avail advanced treatment facilities closer to their homes, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Financial Commissioner (ACS), Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar, expressed strong commitment towards supporting an institution of the stature and strategic importance of SKIMS. He emphasized the need for SKIMS to pursue administrative excellence, financial sustainability and greater institutional self-reliance, while continuously setting higher benchmarks in specialized and high-end patient care. Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department, M. Raju, appreciated the efforts of the SKIMS leadership towards strengthening the institute's performance in patient care, academics and research. He reiterated the importance of sustained institutional growth to meet the evolving healthcare requirements of the people. Earlier, Director SKIMS, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Ashraf Ganie, presented a comprehensive vision for institutional expansion, outlining measures for strengthening tertiary and quaternary healthcare, augmenting specialized human resources, upgrading infrastructure and integrating modern medical technologies. Highlighting SKIMS's pivotal role as the apex healthcare institution of the region, he presented key performance indicators reflecting the institute's extensive service delivery, including lakhs of outpatient visits, thousands of inpatient admissions, complex surgical procedures and a large volume of laboratory and radiological investigations undertaken during the year. The Committee held detailed deliberations on a range of strategic priorities aimed at accelerating the overall development of the institution. It gave a detailed consideration to accord necessary clearances to several critical infrastructure and service-expansion initiatives, including augmentation of Emergency Services through a dedicated Emergency Block, establishment of a Trauma Care Centre and Organ Transplant Unit, and creation of a dedicated OPD Block to cater to the large number of patients seeking outpatient care at SKIMS every day. The Committee further approved the creation of requisite posts for the effective functioning of the State Cancer Institute, besides strengthening the Departments of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS), Nursing and Medical Technology. In a move aimed at strengthening professional training and practical exposure, the Committee also gave the go-ahead for introducing internship programmes for B.Sc. and M.Sc. Nursing students, providing them with structured clinical experience and opportunities to further hone their skills and expertise. The Committee reiterated the Government's firm commitment to providing requisite administrative and financial support for timely implementation of priority projects and institutional expansion plans. The meeting is expected to provide renewed momentum to the development of SKIMS and strengthen its position as a leading regional hub for advanced healthcare, medical education and biomedical research, with the long-term objective of placing the institution among the leading centres of excellence in the country.

AIP appeals to CJI for justice, expeditious bail for Er Rashid

AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi Saturday said that seven years of incarceration of an elected Member of Parliament without the trial reaching its logical conclusion was not merely a legal matter but a serious test of justice, constitutional values and human conscience. Inam was addressing a press conference and flanked by State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq and General Secretary Nazir Ahmad Khan here on the completion of seven years of incarceration of AIP President and Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er. Rashid Speaking on the occasion, he said: Er Rashid is not merely an accused. He is the democratically elected Member of Parliament from Baramulla, representing nearly 40 percent of Kashmirs population. For seven long years, the democratic voice of his constituents has remained away from the people who elected him, Inam said. Making a humble and heartfelt appeal to the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, Inam urged that Er Rashids bail plea be considered with compassion, urgency and constitutional fairness. He said the judiciary has repeatedly emphasised the importance of personal liberty and the principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception. We are not questioning the judicial process. We have complete faith in the judiciary. Our only request is that justice must not be delayed, particularly when personal liberty is at stake, he said. Inam said that seven years cannot be returned to Er Rashid, his family or his constituents. Seven years with his family cannot be restored, seven years of public service cannot be recovered and seven years of Parliamentary representation cannot be brought back, he said. He also stressed that the consequences of prolonged incarceration were not confined to Er Rashid alone. The suffering is shared by lakhs of voters who placed their trust in their elected representative and whose voice has remained absent for seven years, he said. Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, Inam said the right to life and personal liberty was a fundamental constitutional guarantee and that prolonged incarceration and delay in trial deserved the highest judicial consideration. We are not seeking any special privilege for Er Rashid. We seek equal justice, equal treatment and the protection of constitutional guarantees available to every citizen. Our appeal is not political. It is constitutional and humanitarian, he said. Inam Un Nabi also highlighted what AIP described as a significant development in the proceedings concerning Er Rashid before the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi. According to the proceedings of July 6, 2026, Mohammad Yasin Malik, while appearing through video conferencing, personally submitted before the Court that the investigating agency had wrongly implicated Engineer Rashid by attributing to him the identity of Sheikh Abdul Rashid mentioned in an alleged email. The court proceedings record Yasin Malik as stating that there was another person named Sheikh Abdul Rashid associated with the JKLF and that the investigating agency had wrongly implicated Engineer Rashid in his place. Yasin Malik also submitted an affidavit in this regard, which the Court accepted on record and stated would be considered while passing orders on charge. Inam said this development assumes considerable significance because the attribution of Sheikh Abdul Rashid to Engineer Rashid had been one of the allegations repeatedly relied upon against him. He said the Court record now contains a specific statement from the principal accused disputing that identification. For years, Er Rashid has maintained that the Sheikh Abdul Rashid referred to in the alleged communication was not him but another individual bearing the same name. Today, that very contention has been placed before the Court by Yasin Malik himself and has been supported through an affidavit taken on record, Inam said. He, however, made it clear that the final determination rests with the Court. We are not pre-judging the matter. But if this position is ultimately accepted by the Court, it would seriously undermine one of the foundational allegations that has been repeatedly levelled against Er Rashid, he said. The report records that such a finding could lend substantial support to Er Rashids long-standing contention that he was wrongly identified in relation to this aspect of the case. Inam said the latest development further strengthens the need for the Court to examine the question of personal liberty, prolonged incarceration and the evidentiary basis of the allegations with the utmost sensitivity. While appealing to the Chief Justice of India, Inam Un Nabi said Let justice be timely. Let personal liberty receive the priority it deserves. Let the constitutional principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception be meaningfully upheld. Let compassion, fairness and justice prevail. He also remembered Er Rashids family, who, he said, had endured seven years of separation, uncertainty and emotional hardship, and reiterated AIPs faith in the Supreme Court of India and the Constitution of our country (India).

'Har Ghar Tiranga' must reach every household across J&K: Sat Sharma

J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, along with General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, addressed a series of organizational meetings at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to review preparations for the forthcoming Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and other important party programmes. MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, and BJP General Secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria, and Gopal Mahajan also addressed the meetings. The meetings focused on ensuring the successful implementation of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign across every district, constituency, Mandal, Shakti Kendra, and Booth of Jammu & Kashmir. Senior leaders directed party functionaries to intensify grassroots outreach so that the Tricolour reaches every household and the campaign becomes a true people's movement reflecting the spirit of national unity and patriotism. Sat Sharma, addressing the meetings, said that Har Ghar Tiranga is not merely a campaign but a national mission to honour the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for an independent India. He said that Bharat's freedom came after a long and determined struggle against British rule and repeated foreign invasions, making the National Flag a symbol of courage, sacrifice, unity, and national pride. He urged every BJP worker to ensure that the Tricolour flies atop every home in Jammu & Kashmir, adding that patriotism flows through the veins of every Indian and every citizen should proudly display the Tiranga with honour and respect. Ashok Koul emphasized the observance of Vibhajan Vibhishika Diwas to remind the younger generation of the tragic human suffering witnessed during the Partition of Bharat. He said lakhs of innocent people were displaced from their ancestral homes, countless families were massacred, and unimaginable hardships were endured during the country's division. Remembering this painful chapter, he said, strengthens the collective resolve to preserve national unity, social harmony, and the integrity of the nation while ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated