Opinion

DGP Nalin Prabhat reviews border protection grid along Jammu region

Jammu, Sep 11: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Friday chaired a high-level security meeting here to review the border protection grid along the International Border and Line of Control in the Jammu region, officials said. The meeting reviewed the security arrangements and coordination among the forces deployed along the border to prevent infiltration of terrorists from across the border, they said. The Border Protection Grid comprises the Army, BSF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police, while the anti-infiltration obstacle system along the International Border and Line of Control forms a key component of the security arrangements. DGP reviewed the Border Protection Grid, with the concerned formations of BSF, CRPF and JKP, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Media Centre said in a post on X. The meeting was attended by the inspector general of police (Jammu Zone), senior officers of the BSF and CRPF, DIGs of police ranges and SSPs of the border districts, it said.

White Knight Corps commander reviews security grid, operational preparedness in Kishtwar

Jammu, Sep 11: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Armys White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General P K Mishra, on Friday visited general areas of Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district and reviewed the security situation, counter-terrorism grid and operational preparedness of the troops. The Corps Commander assessed the security architecture, contingency preparedness and infrastructure, and directed the troops to take further measures to enhance operational effectiveness, safety and support in the hinterland, the White Knight Corps said in a post on X. The GOC Mishra urged all ranks to remain vigilant and mission-ready at all times, it said.

Kashmir's Mirwaiz meets Iranian President in New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 11: Mirwaiz Kashmir, Dr Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday visited New Delhi where he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Kashmirs chief cleric left for New Delhi on the invitation of Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Mohammad Fathali, to participate in an interaction with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, who is currently in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit. Photo Source: @mirwaizmanzil/X The interaction- of religious leaders, intellectuals and other dignitaries is being hosted by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali. At the occasion, Mirwaiz Umar visited an exhibition commemorating the innocent children killed in Minab. Photo Source: @mirwaizmanzil/X

Three-day 'Kashmir Theatre Conference' begins in Srinagar

System's rot exposed when sports icons have to move court to represent India: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Sep 11: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday hit out at the Jammu and Kashmir administration over bureaucratic hurdles faced by international water sports coach Bilquis Mir, saying that having to fight in the Supreme Court to represent the country exposes the rot in the system. The comments of the former chief minister came a day after the apex court set aside a Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court order and directed the Union territory's administration to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) and a relieving order to Mir on or before September 15 to travel abroad. The ruling paved the way for Mir, a physical education teacher in the J&K Youth Services Department, to join the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team as the chief coach for the Asian Games in Japan beginning September 19. When a sports icon like Bilquis Mir, who broke barriers for women in water sports, is forced to fight in the Supreme Court just to represent India, it exposes the rot in the system here, Mehbooba said in a post on X. She said an internationally acclaimed sportsperson should have received full institutional backing instead of being met with bureaucratic hurdles and obstruction. If a legend needs a judicial order to compete, what about the countless young athletes who don't have the means, influence or resources to fight the bureaucracy? Sporting slogans ring hollow, the PDP chief added. A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi had allowed the appeal filed by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association and Mir against the high court's August 11 order. The high court order had said that Mir continued to be a government employee and that merely because she had been selected by the Kayaking Association for a national sporting assignment, no enforceable right arose to compel the employer to issue an NOC, relieving order or foreign travel permission. The top court also quashed the J&K government's June 19 order denying Mir permission to travel, citing pending departmental inquiries and service conditions, and said that sports administration operates on strict timelines that cannot await ordinary administrative processes. Mir, who was selected by the association in February to prepare the national team, had earlier missed an international assignment in Hungary due to procedural delays. The top court's decision came weeks after it dismissed a separate petition by the J&K administration challenging the quashing of an Anti-Corruption Bureau FIR against Mir, who also served as India's first female judge for kayaking and canoeing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Both sides have their own version: Mian Altaf on Sonam Wangchuks hunger strike threat

ACB arrests revenue official for accepting Rs 10,000 bribe in Budgam

Srinagar, Sep 11: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday said it trapped and arrested a Patwari after he was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 bribe for issuing a revenue extract (Fard) in the Waterrehal area of Budgam district. An official said that Anti-Corruption Bureau received a written complaint alleging that a Patwari, namely Bashir Ahmad, Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, had demanded illegal gratification from the complainant for issuance of a Fard (Revenue Extract). The complainant, a resident of Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, Tehsil Khansahab, District Budgam, had applied online for issuance of the Fard on 21.07.2026 on behalf of his grandfather, who is old-aged and unable to pursue the matter himself. After submission of the application, the complainant approached the concerned Patwari to enquire about its status. The Patwari initially informed him that the online portal of the Revenue Department was not functioning and asked him to visit after some time. On subsequent visits to the Patwari Khana, the Patwari allegedly continued to delay the matter on one pretext or another and ultimately demanded Rs 12,000 as bribe for issuance of the Fard. After negotiations, the bribe amount was settled at Rs 10,000. As the complainant was unwilling to pay the bribe, he approached the ACB and lodged a written complaint. On receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted verification of the allegations, which prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 14/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was taken up. The official said a trap team was constituted to lay a trap. During the trap proceedings, accused public servant namely Bashir Ahmad Dar Patwari Halqa Gund Ali Nayak, Waterrehal, Tehsil Khansahab, District Budgam was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs.10,000 from the complainant. The bribe amount was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses and he was taken into custody in accordance with law. Further investigation of the case is going on, official added.

Ahead of Modi-Xi meeting, Beijing says India and China should handle differences properly

President Xi Jinping will visit India for the BRICS summit and bilateral talks. China urges handling differences and viewing ties from a strategic perspective. This meeting follows previous engagements between the two leaders. The BRICS summit is a key platform for emerging market cooperation. Xi's visit aims to stabilize bilateral ties amid global volatility.

Lal Deds philosophy finds a new canvas in Pashmina

NHM employees association extends ongoing strike for further 72 hours in support of long-pending demands

Srinagar, Sep 11: The Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) UT-Level Coordination Committee has decided to extend its ongoing strike for a further 72 hours, commencing from 12 September 2026, in support of the long-pending, genuine and legitimate demands of NHM employees across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. In a statement issued, the Association reiterated that the issues being raised by NHM employees are neither new nor unjustified. It said these demands have already been acknowledged/admitted by the Government at different levels, yet no concrete, time-bound and satisfactory action has been taken towards their final resolution. For nearly 18 years, thousands of NHM employees have continued to serve the public health system under contractual arrangements, often performing duties similar to their regular counterparts while remaining exposed to prolonged uncertainty regarding their future, remuneration and retirement security, the Association said. Reiterating its core demands, the Association said the ongoing agitation primarily concerns over revision and enhancement of salaries/remuneration, in line with the legitimate expectations of employees and the changing service conditions; retirement benefits and social security, including a dignified and workable Golden Handshake/retirement benefit policy for NHM employees who complete their service; social security and welfare measures for the NHM workforce; resolution of other long-pending service-related issues through a clear, transparent and time-bound mechanism. The Association maintained that NHM employees are an integral part of the healthcare delivery system of Jammu & Kashmir. They have worked in hospitals, health centres and field-level institutions, particularly during difficult circumstances and public-health emergencies, and have consistently contributed to keeping essential healthcare services functional. The Association held that despite repeated representations, meetings, assurances and continuous dialogue with the concerned authorities, the employees are still awaiting a concrete policy decision and an official roadmap for resolution of their demands. The UT-Level Coordination Committee therefore considered it necessary to continue the democratic and peaceful agitation until the Government initiates a meaningful process leading towards a definite and time-bound resolution. The JKNHMEA UT-Level Coordination Committee appealed to all categories of NHM employees across Jammu & Kashmir to remain united, disciplined and peaceful during the extended 72-hour strike and to participate in the programme with full solidarity. The Association also made it clear that the agitation is not against the public or the healthcare system. It is a collective struggle for justice, dignity, job security and a sustainable future for thousands of employees who have served the health sector for years. The Committee remains committed to dialogue and urged the Government to take the matter seriously and convene a high-level meeting with the representatives of NHM employees at the earliest, so that the present situation can be brought to a meaningful conclusion through a concrete decision rather than further assurances. JKNHMEA appealed to the government to convert the already acknowledged concerns into actual policy action and provide a clear, time-bound resolution to the long-pending demands of NHM employees.

Pakistani intruder arrested along international border in Kathua

Jammu, Sep 11: A Pakistani intruder was arrested by security forces in a forward area along the International Border in Kathua district on Friday, officials said. They said the intruder was caught near the fencing in the Bobiya area of Hiranagar sector. According to reliable sources, the arrested person is a Pakistani national aged around 60-65 years. Sources said the intruder was taken into custody for questioning, while further details regarding his identity, circumstances of border crossing and the purpose of his presence in the area are awaited.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Russian President Putin

New Delhi, Sep 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Russian President Vladimir Putin for wide-ranging talks that are likely to focus on enhancing annual bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 and further strengthening cooperation in defence, energy and critical minerals. Putin landed in New Delhi this morning on a three-day visit to participate in the BRICS summit. The two leaders are also expected to delve into expanding the already strong defence cooperation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said both sides are also exploring BrahMos missile upgrades, and that Moscow remains committed to fulfilling its remaining S-400 system deliveries and discussing the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets. The Russian official said the energy ties between the two countries remained robust and that both sides are looking at holding negotiations for India's plan to set up new civil nuclear reactors. Modi and Putin previously met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek last week, where the prime minister called for an immediate end to the conflict and urged the Russian leader to shift from an endless war towards the end of war. The Ukraine conflict and roadmap to peace are expected to feature prominently in their upcoming talks. There have been renewed efforts, including by the Trump administration in the last few days, to find a way to resolve the conflict. Ahead of the Modi-Putin talks, sources said the two sides will also focus on reaching the ambitious trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. Expanding Industrial cooperation with Russia, collaboration in the rail sector and tunnelling, developing the steel value chain and broadening access to the Russian market for Indian exporters are also set to figure in the talks, they said. The two leaders are also expected to deliberate on strengthening civil nuclear cooperation, including fuel cycle and life cycle support. Increasing mobility of Indian skilled labourers to Russia and cooperation in critical minerals are also set to be discussed, the sources said.

608th Urs of Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) held at Khanpora Baramulla

Baramulla, Sep 11: The 608th Urs Mubarak of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Muhammad Janbaz Wali (RA) was observed with religious fervour and devotion at Khanpora, Baramulla. Thousands of devotees from Baramulla and adjoining areas participated in the Urs Mubarak and paid their respects at the revered shrine. The occasion witnessed the participation of people from different walks of life, who gathered to offer prayers and participate in various religious activities associated with the Urs. Mutawalli Dargah, Khursheed Ahmad Shah, expressed his gratitude to the people of Baramulla for attending the Urs in large numbers and making the occasion peaceful and spiritually meaningful. He also conveyed his appreciation to the J&K Waqf Board and the Baramulla administration for making proper arrangements and taking necessary measures for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Urs Mubarak. Khursheed Ahmad Shah said that the overwhelming participation of devotees reflects the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Janbaz Wali (RA) among the people of the region. He prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.

List of world leaders attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

India will host Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders in New Delhi on September 12-13 for the groupings 18th summit. The gathering brings together leaders representing economies that account for about 40% of global GDP, with several bilateral meetings with PM Narendra Modi also planned.

Mehboob Beg accuses Omar Abdullah of being disconnected from Kashmirs cultural roots

This Govt. School In Pulwama Draws Students from Across District, But Infrastructure Falls Short

Saudi airstrikes hit rebel-held Mokha airport in Yemen, Houthi broadcaster says

Cairo, Sep 11: Saudi airstrikes hit the rebel-held Mokha airport in Yemen on Friday, an Iranian-backed Houthi broadcaster reported, a day after the Houthis entered the key port city on the Red Sea, bringing them closer to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Their advance further threatens commercial shipping on an important alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier Friday, Iran's government called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen, throwing its support behind its ally, the Houthis. In its first statement since the rebels entered the port, Iran's Foreign Ministry also called for a return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The rebels' capture of Mokha, overlooking tanker routes out of the Red Sea, could boost Iran's strategy of driving up world oil and gas prices to pressure the United States, experts say. It also raises concerns of a new front opening after more than six months of war in the region -- one in which Saudi Arabia is forced to respond. Experts say the developments in Yemen could give Tehran more leverage in any negotiations with the United States. On Wednesday, the spokesperson for Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard called for any negotiated settlement with the US to include Yemen, the first explicit reference to that front. Events threaten a key Strait of Hormuz alternative The Houthis' entry into Mokha on Thursday was their biggest territorial gain in years against their Saudi-backed Yemeni opponents. It brought them within 80 kilometres of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important alternative for global shipping as Iran targets vessels on the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis have already hiked up attacks on Saudi shipping in Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea since declaring a blockade there in July, as well as oil infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia. The Houthis said the move was in response to the kingdom's blockade of Houthi-held parts of Yemen, in place for years. Disruption to the waterway could mean trouble for all shipping and for the price of crude oil, which has now soared again. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb to export its crude since Iran has been targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. About 12 per cent of the world's goods are typically shipped through the strait. Shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb had fallen by about 60 per cent since the Houthis began attacking some ships there in late 2023 while expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Shipping increased this year as Saudi Arabia sought alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, but renewed Houthi threats have curtailed that activity, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. Saudi Arabia, which earlier this week said it had always offered opportunities for negotiation, also has said it has the right to defend itself in response to the Houthis' blockade. The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia spoke Thursday about diplomatic efforts to restore stability to the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on social media. The fighting risks a return to civil war In a statement released Friday, the National Defence Council of Yemen's Saudi-backed and internationally recognized government on Thursday strongly condemned the Houthis' renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia. The council also acknowledged that Yemen's government is on the front line of freedom of navigation, and called for international support as the Houthis swept along the Red Sea coast toward the Bab el-Mandeb. The escalating fighting threatens to end a fragile truce that had largely halted Yemen's civil war since 2022. At stake are the 40 million people in the Arab world's poorest country who fear a return to the conflict that killed 150,000 and brought many others to the brink of famine. The Houthis have been at war with Yemen's government since 2014, when the rebels swept from their mountainous heartland and seized much of northern and central Yemen. Saudi Arabia entered the war the following year on behalf of the government.

CM Omar Abdullah congratulates Para Archer Sheetal Devi on World Archery Para Series Gold

Srinagar, Sep 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has congratulated Indian para-archer Ms Sheetal Devi on winning the Gold Medal in the Womens Compound Individual Event at the World Archery Para Series 2026, Stage III, held in Ahmedabad. The Chief Minister said Sheetals remarkable achievement, which also includes a Bronze Medal in the Compound Mixed Team Event, is a proud moment for the entire nation. He wished her continued success and greater laurels in all her future endeavours. The 19-year-old World Champion defeated Kazakhstans Aizada Seidan in a shoot-off after the gold medal contest ended in a 144-144 draw. Sheetal shot a 10 with her shoot-off arrow, while Seidan managed a 9, securing the title for the Indian archer at the Sabarmati Riverfront.

JKTPO initiatives to boost market access for artisans, entrepreneurs and SHGs: Vikram Jeet Singh

SUV gets stuck in Nallah Sindh during reported stunt attempt near Sonamarg

Dont politicise daily wagers issue, demand is genuine: Surinder Choudhary

Dry weather, brief spells of rain at scattered places likely in J&K till Sep 21: MeT

Srinagar, Sep 11: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience generally dry weather till September 21, with brief spells of rain at scattered places, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said in a weather forecast issued on Friday. According to the forecast, farmers across the Union Territory have been advised to continue with their farming operations, including the harvesting of apples and paddy. On the weather conditions in J&K, the forecast said that from September 11 to 13, the weather will remain generally dry, with the possibility of brief spells of rain. The first half of the next week, from September 14 to 16, will possibly see brief spells of rain and thundershowers at scattered places during the early morning and afternoon hours, it said. During the latter half of the next week, from September 17 to 21, the weather will remain generally dry, accompanied by brief spells of rain at a few places, the forecast said. Continue harvesting of Apple & Paddy, the MeT advised farmers.

J&K unemployment rate nearly 38%, government has hands up: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Sep 11: Jammu and Kashmirs unemployment rate is nearly 38 per cent and the government has hands up in the face of the crisis, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Thursday, accusing the administration of failing to address growing economic distress and frustration among the people. Today unemployment is so high that in Jammu and Kashmir the unemployment rate is nearly 38 per cent, Mehbooba said while speaking at a party joining programme. She said the government had failed to create adequate employment opportunities and was instead relying on outsourcing and temporary arrangements. Government has put its hands up, she said, alleging that people were being recruited through backdoor arrangements and that daily-wage workers were being engaged instead of being provided permanent jobs. Mehbooba said doctors, engineers and other sections of the workforce were facing uncertainty, while protests had become increasingly common across Jammu and Kashmir. People are protesting everywhere, she said, referring to protests involving doctors, interns, veterinary staff, nursing staff and anganwadi workers. She also linked the growing public frustration to inflation and inadequate salaries and stipends. On one hand, inflation has increased so much, and on the other, peoples salaries and their stipends are such that people are distressed, she said. Especially the youth are distressed; there is suffocation. Mehbooba said the overall situation had left the administrative system in disarray. That is why the entire system is in disarray, she said. She argued that the PDP needed to strengthen itself to confront what she described as the growing challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue was not merely about returning to power. It is not just about power, Mehbooba said. Given the situation at this time, if there is any party in Jammu and Kashmir that can confront these circumstances, if there is any party that raises its voice or can raise it to change the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, I think it is the PDP. Mehbooba also invoked the political legacy of PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, recalling the party's role in the early 2000s. She said the changes associated with the PDP during that period extended beyond Jammu and Kashmir and influenced thinking in both New Delhi and Islamabad. When the PDP came, a change came here. The system changed, and that change had not only come in Jammu and Kashmir; it also came in the thinking in Delhi and Islamabad, because of which the process of dialogue began, routes opened and development took place, she said. Welcoming the new entrants into the party, including members who had travelled from Jammu, Mehbooba said their joining would help strengthen the PDP across the Union Territory. Many storms came, but we remained steadfast and continued to face the challenges, she said. I hope that with todays joining, our party will become stronger throughout Jammu and Kashmir, she added.

Dont force us to stop water supply: Casual workers forum warns govt

Bear mauls man in Shopians apple orchard

Srinagar, Sep 11: A 40-year-old man was injured after being attacked by a wild bear in an apple orchard in the Sedow area of Shopian district on Friday. An official said that the man was attacked by the wild animal in the apple orchard at Sedow, Shopian. He said the man was shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Shopian for treatment. He was identified as Sadiq Ahmad Thokar (40), son of Abdul Rahman, a resident of Sedow. Meanwhile, cognisance of the incident has been taken.(KNO)

Trump rejects Saudi request to strike Houthis as group advances towards Red Sea chokepoint

Srinagar, Sep 11: US President Donald Trump rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to order strikes against Yemens Iran-backed Houthis, Axios reported, citing two US officials. MBS called Trump twice on Thursday, urging US military action as Houthi forces advanced towards the strategic Bab el-Mandeb shipping chokepoint, the report said. US officials said the Trump administration currently has no plans to intervene directly against the Houthis. The development comes as the US-Iran conflict intensifies across the Red Sea, Yemen and the Strait of Hormuz, with attacks on shipping increasing and oil prices rising above $100 a barrel. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would impose sanctions on a major, unnamed bank early next week as part of its economic pressure campaign against Iran.

US marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks, 'moments that divide time'

New York, Sep 11: Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, remembering the shock, the dead and the sweeping consequences of the al-Qaida attacks on symbols of US might and prosperity. Friday's milestone anniversary will bring memorial rituals -- wreath-laying, flag-flying, moments of silence, vigils and readings of victims' names -- and volunteer projects in tribute to a day that about half of US adults remember as the most historic event of their lifetime, according to a new poll. For others it's an occasion for private reflection -- or, in many schools, education -- about the attack that unfolded in a single morning but left nearly 3,000 dead and a decades-long trail of aftermath, from personal grief to far-flung wars. Police Officer Casey Kloepfer plans to spend time Friday at the Brooklyn station house where his father, Officer Ronald Kloepfer, reported to work that day before being called to the World Trade Centre. He didn't make it home. Casey Kloepfer was only 4, but he grew up hearing about his father's affinity for helping people and for a job that enabled him to do so. He became an officer this past June. It's big footsteps to fill, but it's definitely something that I take very seriously and want to continue to honour him and be the best police officer I can, he said by phone this week. The 29-year-old wears his father's badge number and even has joined the New York Police Department lacrosse team, which his dad founded. Trump to attend Pentagon observance On September 11, 2001, al-Qaida extremists hijacked four commercial jets and crashed them into New York's World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The impacts brought down the World Trade Centre's twin towers -- icons of US economic power, and among the tallest buildings on Earth -- and blew a hole in the Pentagon, the US military's fortresslike headquarters near Washington. The fourth plane also was headed for the nation's capital, officials concluded, but the aircraft went down in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew members stormed the cockpit and fought the hijackers. In the course of history, there are a few moments that divide time into, really, what came before and after, President Donald Trump said at a 9/11 remembrance in Washington this week. The Republican, who was in his native New York on September 11 and has often recounted his memories, plans to attend the Pentagon's anniversary ceremony Friday. Vice President JD Vance is expected at the observance at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, while other administration officials are headed to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Planned remembrances extend far beyond the attack sites, from beams of light projecting from New Hampshire's Mount Washington to a stair climb at Mississippi State University's football stadium to a ceremony at Honolulu's 9/11 memorial. At ground zero, a new tribute to those who fell ill Traditionally, there are no political speeches at the New York commemoration, where relatives read all the victims' names, punctuated with moments of silence at key points in the attack timeline. For the first time, this year's ceremony will add a silent moment to honour people who were exposed to the clouds of toxic dust released by the twin towers' fiery collapse and have since died of cancer and other illnesses. Questions remain about how many people developed health problems linked to the dust. It's a reminder of how the attacks' long shadow has reached into many corners of life in the US and beyond. The US-led global war on terrorism included invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan -- the latter Washington's longest war -- and detentions and harsh interrogation of terror suspects in an international network of secret CIA prisons. The US military found and killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011, but accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed still awaits a trial 23 years after his capture. The attacks changed US air travel, prompted new federal surveillance and intelligence-gathering powers and banking regulations, and generated ongoing debate over the balance between security and freedom. The Department of Homeland Security, many state anti-terrorism laws and billions of dollars in state and local counterterrorism funding all are post-9/11 creations. So, too, is the culture of individual vigilance summed up by the slogan if you see something, say something. Unity, mistrust and scrutiny of New York's mayor September 11 generated a wave of patriotism that propelled some Americans to join the military, fire departments, police forces or other public agencies. But amid the national unity that many remember, the attacks also fanned mistrust, prejudice and hate crimes directed at Muslims. In the quarter-century since, Muslim Americans have played a growing role in public life from statehouses to Congress to New York City Hall, where Zohran Mamdani is the city's first Muslim mayor. Yet he is facing some criticism for planning to attend the anniversary ceremony at ground zero, something his predecessors have done for years. Some complaints came from Republican ex-Governor George Pataki and 9/11 victims' relatives, who cited among other things past remarks that some of Mamdani's political associates have made about the attacks. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Republican, also inveighed against Mamdani attending. Mamdani, a Democrat, responded this week that he loves the city and country and wants the anniversary to focus on victims' families, first responders and New Yorkers who helped one another after the attacks, which he called a horrific act of terror. The 34-year-old mayor was an elementary school student in New York on 9/11. September 11 isn't a federal holiday, but Congress has designated it both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. One appropriate way to remember is by serving, says Jay Winuk, who lost his brother Glenn Winuk and then co-founded the volunteer organization 9/11 Day with friend David Paine. The group helps people find meal-packing and other volunteer opportunities and this year arranged for dozens of Times Square billboards to pause their advertising at 9:11 am Friday. Instead, they will simply display the time.

Rain halts England charge with Pakistan 52-2 and 268 behind in Edgbaston cricket test

Birmingham, Sep 11: Rain prevented England from putting Pakistan in a deeper hole than 52-2 and 268 runs behind on day two of the Edgbaston cricket test on Thursday. Pakistan walked out after tea 320 runs behind to begin its second innings in gloomy, lights-on conditions perfectly suited for England's four-man pace attack which has dominated the series. Pakistan has yet to crack a 200 total, and Ollie Robinson was the man of the moment again. Robinson got Saim Ayub to nick to the slips off the first ball and became only the fifth bowler in test history to twice take a wicket with the first ball of an innings in a series. The last person was Zaheer Khan for India against Bangladesh in 2007. Bill Voce was the only previous Englishman in 1937 against Australia. Ayub was playing Twenty20s in the Caribbean 10 days ago but was summoned in mid-series in a panic call by the Pakistan Cricket Board to play his first test in 20 months. He bagged a pair. Robinson struck again with his fourth ball, nicking off Abdullah Shafique. That made Pakistan start 0-2 for the sixth time ever in tests and the second time against England. The other was at the same ground in 1982. The bowler was Ian Botham. From 0-2, Azan Awais and Shan Masood dug out Pakistan to 52-2 in 12 overs. Awais had 29 and Masood 21 after being dropped on 13 by Ben Duckett off the luckless Gus Atkinson. Wet weather came sooner than forecast and guaranteed Pakistan lived to fight at least one more day in a three-test series already lost. England, up 2-0, should complete the sweep on Saturday with no test going the distance. Fifties and no hundreds again England began the day already in front with a lead of 23 at 156-4. In two sessions, 50 overs, they added 297 runs at a pacy 5.9, its fastest rate on any day all summer. Three more batters scored fifties to add to Emilio Gay's gritty 60 and Harry Brook's unbeaten 52 on Wednesday but the effort looked nothing like Bazball. However, Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith and less so Robinson would have thought a century was at their mercy. The former trio spent more than two hours at the crease, three hours in Brook's case, but all fell tamely and showed obvious frustration to miss out on a century on a fair pitch against a popgun attack. Brook ran himself out on 75, Lawrence dragged on on 65, and Smith chipped back to fast bowler Razaullah Khan on 69. Robinson's breezy 50 from 47 balls highlighted the merciless contribution from the tailenders of 116 runs and 15 boundaries. Brook resumed on a restrained 52 and Dan Lawrence on 5, and in sunny conditions they plundered seven runs per over in the first hour. Brook then mistakenly took on Shan Masood at midwicket and has now been involved in five run outs in tests only Virat Kohli (6) has been in more. Brook has gone 11 tests without a century but was still averaging more than 40. Lawrence, filling Ben Stokes' old spot, had in hand his third fifty in three tests when he chopped on. He gave up an agonizing No and Mohammad Imran's first test wicket. Bitterly disappointed to get out in the 60s, Lawrence said. Something I've prided myself on this season is kicking on. I really wanted a big hundred today. Pakistan still went to lunch with an air of resignation as Smith collected an unbeaten 47 of the 143 runs in the session. Smith got his third 50 of the summer straight after lunch by crashing Razaullah through the covers, but Razaullah got him caught and bowled on 69. No. 9 batter Robinson greeted the new ball by lofting Mohammad Abbas for six over cow corner and got his second 50 of the season from 46 balls. The entertainment was ended by a good catch from Masood in the covers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin begins 3-day India visit

It will be his first in-person participation at a BRICS summit outside Russia since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022

UP: Jauhar University case hearing postponed to Sep 25

Amroha, Sep 11: The hearing in the Jauhar University case before the divisional commissioner's court in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad could not take place on Thursday, with the court posting the matter to September 25. The case relates to an appeal filed by the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust against a notice issued by the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) on July 15, declaring 38 of the 40 buildings on the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University campus illegal and ordering their demolition. The appeal was filed before the divisional commissioner's court on July 20. The hearing on the application for admission of the appeal and a stay was initially fixed for July 28. However, due to a lawyers' strike on July 28, the then divisional commissioner heard the matter a day earlier, on July 27, and granted a stay till the appeal was admitted. The next hearing was fixed for August 3. On August 3, the court directed the university to submit relevant documents and fixed August 10 for the next hearing. On August 10, the trust sought the master plan, the zonal development plan, building bye-laws, regulations and other relevant rules from the RDA. The matter was then listed for August 13. The RDA, however, did not produce the documents sought by the trust, which subsequently submitted that the building maps are available with the Public Works Department and the Rampur district magistrate's office and have already been verified. It stated that 14 campus buildings were constructed by 2008 and another 13 in 2009. The divisional commissioner accepted the application and fixed August 25 for the next hearing. In the meantime, the then divisional commissioner of Moradabad was transferred, and Sangeeta Singh was appointed to the position. No hearing took place on August 25 either. The court subsequently fixed September 10, but the matter could not be heard on Thursday as well. Jauhar Trust counsel Junaid Ejaz said there has been no lapse on their part in the legal process and that everything has been done in accordance with rules. We have complete faith in the Constitution and believe that we will get justice, Ejaz said. The university, located in Rampur, is managed by the trust, which is headed by Nikhat Aflak, sister of jailed former Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party veteran Azam Khan, who was previously its chairperson. Azam Khan's elder son, Mohammad Adeeb Azam, is the trust's secretary, while his wife, Tazeen Fatma, is among its trustees.

HP Governor Kavinder Gupta meets former President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi

Governor of Himachal Pradesh Kavinder Gupta Thursday called on former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi. During the meeting, Kavinder Gupta conveyed his warm regards to Shri Ram Nath Kovind and expressed his deep respect for his distinguished journey in public life and his invaluable contribution to the nation in various constitutional capacities. The two leaders exchanged views on matters of national importance, with particular emphasis on constitutional values, strengthening democratic institutions, education and the role of youth in nation-building. Kavinder Gupta also shared his perspective on the priorities and initiatives being pursued in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the areas of quality and value-based education, youth empowerment, preservation of the States rich cultural heritage and promoting its spiritual and cultural potential. The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the shared commitment to the ideals of public service, constitutional values and the continued progress and development of the nation.

PM Narendra Modi addresses International Space Summit in Paris, France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday addressed the International Space Summit held in Paris, France, via Video conference. The Prime Minister thanked President Emmanuel Macron for taking a timely initiative and extending a gracious invitation. He expressed delight in participating in this landmark gathering. I am happy to be a part of the first International Space Summit, remarked Shri Modi. Reflecting on humanitys enduring fascination with the cosmos, the Prime Minister observed that space has inspired human imagination for centuries. He highlighted that this frontier now shapes everyday life on Earth, from climate and crops to oceans and communities. The promise of space is infinite, and our responsibility is collective, noted Shri Modi. Addressing the growing complexity of the cosmic environment, the Prime Minister emphasized that orbits are becoming more crowded, technologies more powerful, and actors more numerous. He stressed that global partnerships must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Our choices must be clear: cooperation over confrontation, sustainability over short-term gain, and inclusion over exclusion, PM Modi said. He connected Indias philosophical worldview to outer space and pointed out that the nations approach is firmly rooted in the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning One Earth, One Family, One Future. He advocated for this unifying spirit to travel beyond our planet to ensure a secure domain. We support a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain, anchored in international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation, he said . Highlighting the importance of transparent research, Prime Minister stressed that Indias cosmic journey perfectly reflects the philosophy of universal welfare. He said that the ethical sharing of information is paramount for global progress. Scientific data must serve the common good, with openness and integrity, PM Modi said. Tracing the remarkable trajectory of the nations aerospace enterprise, the Prime Minister highlighted the practical benefits of satellite technology for weather forecasting, disaster management, and navigation. He said that these advanced capabilities directly serve grassroots communities, including farmers and fishermen. ISRO, which stands at the heart of this journey, has earned global admiration for its excellence and cost-effective missions, PM Modi added. Detailing Indias collaborative international footprint in launch services, the Prime Minister highlighted the successful deployment of more than 430 payloads from 34 countries aboard domestic rockets. He emphasized the broad global utility of these cooperative scientific endeavors. ISROs technologies and partnerships serve not only India, but the wider world, noted Shri Modi. Ascribing this institutional success to the relentless human capital of the nation, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the dedication and hard work of generations of Indian scientists, engineers, and technicians. He commended how their tireless efforts have secured a place of pride among spacefaring nations. Working day and night, they have built ISROs global reputation mission by mission, success by success, he added. Recalling monumental milestones in planetary science, the Prime Minister cited that Aditya-L1 is currently unlocking the secrets of the Sun, while an Indian astronaut visited the International Space Station last year. He proudly recounted the historic lunar touchdown that set a new global benchmark. Chandrayaan-3 made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole, he said. Outlining ambitious futuristic targets for the national roadmap, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish an indigenous space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. He maintained that these long-term efforts are driven by a singular, overarching purpose. In all these efforts, our guiding principle has been clear: their benefits must reach all humanity, PM Modi said. Describing the rapid evolution of the domestic commercial ecosystem, the Prime Minister observed that Indias private space sector is surging in a big way alongside institutional agencies. He acknowledged the dynamic synergy forming between emerging startups and established organizations. The energy of enterprise is joining the excellence of ISRO, remarked Shri Modi. Valuing long-standing bilateral relations, the Prime Minister recalled that France has been a trusted partner since the inception of the Indian space program at Thumba in the 1960s. He emphasized that current joint initiatives successfully merge high-level research with tangible societal benefits. Today, our cooperation spans Earth observation and advanced technologies, uniting scientific excellence with human purpose, he said. Extending an open invitation to international stakeholders, the Prime Minister called upon the global community to participate in upcoming exploratory missions. He welcomed worldwide partners to join hands in pioneering the next wave of cosmic discovery. We invite France and the world to be co-travellers in Indias next space frontier, the Prime Minister said. He conveyed his best wishes to all the participants of the summit and urged the international community to safeguard the celestial environment through collaborative exploration and innovation. Let the Space Summit in Paris send a clear message: we will explore together, innovate together and protect space together, for all humanity, and for generations to come, PM Modi added.

Supreme Court clears Bilquis Mir as chief coach for Indian kayaking team, quashes JK HC order

In a relief for international water sports coach Bilquis Mir, the Supreme Court on Thursday set aside a High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh order and directed the J&K administration to issue her a no objection certificate and relieving order on or before September 15. The ruling paves the way for Mir, a physical education teacher in the J&K Youth Services Department, to join as chief coach and assist the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team for the Asian Games in Japan beginning September 19. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi allowed the appeal filed by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association against the high courts August 11 judgment. The apex court quashed the Jammu and Kashmir governments order dated June 19, 2026, which had denied her permission citing pending departmental inquiries and service conditions. Emphasising the importance of time management in competitive athletics, the bench said sports administration necessarily involves strict timelines. Selection, training camps, qualifying events and international competitions operate upon fixed schedules which cannot be postponed to await completion of ordinary administrative processes. Mir was represented by advocate Khowaja Siddiqui while the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association was represented by senior advocate Najmi Wazziri during the hearing. Addressing the limits of executive power, the top court said, The absence of an absolute right to obtain a favourable administrative decision cannot be equated with the absence of a right to fair, reasonable, non-arbitrary and timely consideration of a request, which in our considered opinion are two distinct propositions. Under the apex courts directions, the J&K administration must issue all requisite permissions by September 15, 2026, to enable Mir to join the national coaching camp and accompany the team to the Asian Games. The court directed that the period of her absence for the national sporting assignment will not be treated as unauthorised absence. The top court clarified that the judgment does not recognise any general right in a government employee to claim deputation or foreign travel, nor does it interfere with the states power to independently proceed with disciplinary inquiries against her in accordance with law. In its 16-page judgement, the bench highlighted the consequences of bureaucratic delay and said in a time-sensitive matter, delay may itself defeat the very purpose for which administrative power is required to be exercised. A decision rendered after the relevant opportunity has substantially or wholly passed cannot invariably cure an earlier failure to act... Mir was selected by the association in February 2026 to prepare the national team. However, procedural delays by the state government resulted in her missing an earlier international assignment as Chief Finish Line Judge at the World Cup in Hungary in May. Holding that a remand back to the authority at this late stage would amount to a denial of effective relief, the apex court granted direct relief to ensure her participation in the upcoming games. It, however, left undisturbed the high courts direction asking the Centre to frame an enforceable statutory framework for government employees who are outstanding sportspersons or coaches. The top court noted that the high court misdirected itself by treating the arrangement as an ordinary service matter while failing to recognise the urgent, time-sensitive nature of a national sports assignment. The error in the impugned judgment lies in holding that the subsequent administrative order dated 19.06.2026 rendered the earlier delay inconsequential, the bench said. The top court also expressed firm disapproval of the Union Territory administrations decision to issue a rejection order on June 19 while an interim court direction passed on May 6 was actively operating in favour of Mir. An order of a constitutional court, for so long as it remains operative, binds the parties to the proceeding, the bench observed. An executive authority cannot, during the subsistence of a judicial direction, render that direction ineffective merely by taking an administrative decision inconsistent with it.

4 Srinagar climbers open new route on Koh e Noor South-West

A team of four climbers from Srinagar has opened a new route on Kohenoor South-West, the highest peak of the Kohenoor massif in the Marwah valley of Kishtwar district, climbing it from a side of the mountain that no recorded expedition had attempted before. As per a statement, the climbers claim that it is the first ascent of the peak in nearly fifty years. The team recorded an elevation of 5,146 m on the summit. Earlier records list the peak at 5,136 m. Muzakir Khan, Yasir Khan, Faik Aijaz Pattoo and Saqib Shafi, all aged between 20 and 30, summited at 1:15 p.m. on 6 September after a climb of close to nine hours from their base camp. They believe it is the first time an all-Kashmiri team has stood on the summit. The peak was last climbed in August 1976, by a Japanese team. The team left Srinagar on 4 September for Sukhnai village (2,800 m), intending to push through to Kohenoor Lake the same day. They stayed the night in the village instead. At 5 a.m. on 5 September they set out with a plan to bypass a conventional base camp altogether and place an advanced camp directly on the Sheeshnag glacier, above the col separating Kohenoor South-West from Kohenoor Central. The trail climbed steeply out of the valley floor, and by 10:30 a.m. they had reached Kohenoor Lake at 4,060 m. By 1:30 p.m., at the snout of the glacier, the weather turned. Hail gave way to snow and then to a complete whiteout. The climbers built a small bivouac under a rock, pulled a tarp over themselves and their gear, and waited. With no improvement, they abandoned the advanced camp entirely and descended some 400 metres to a doka roughly 200 metres below the lake, reaching it at 4 p.m. That shepherds hut, at 3,860 m, became their base camp. The retreat forced a change of strategy. Rather than carry heavy loads to an advanced camp and climb from there, the team decided to strip down and attempt the summit directly from base camp, moving as fast as the terrain allowed. Nine hours to the summit They left at 4:30 a.m. on 6 September. Within two hours they had regained the ground lost the previous day. Moving up and across the glacier, they reached the col between Kohenoor South-West and Kohenoor Central at 4,750 m by 8:10 a.m. There they roped up, fitted crampons and crossed the Sheeshnag glacier, negotiating crevasses and the bergschrund before reaching the north-east face of Kohenoor South-West. From this point the route was unknown ground. The team had plotted a line on the map beforehand and followed it, scrambling a steep wall that took two hours to yield 200 metres of height. The summit arte above proved harder still: narrow, exposed, and interrupted by pinnacles that had to be traversed one by one. They reached the top at 1:15 p.m. The summit gave a full circle of the ranges Thajiwas, Kolahoi, Amarnath, Nanga Parbat, Nichheng, Katsal, Kallatip, Brammah, Flat Top, Sickle Moon, Nun Kun, the Zanskar range, and the peaks above Warwan and Kishtwar. The climbers left a rock piton as their summit marker. Judging the north-east face unsuitable for a descent, the team came down the south-west side instead, through steep gullies and along traversing ridge lines in what proved to be a heavy rockfall zone. Rocks came down around them through the afternoon. They reached base camp at 7 p.m. and walked out to Sukhnai the following morning. The route has been named One Day Boys Up & Down. The climb was made in alpine style. Porters carried loads only as far as base camp; above it the team used no fixed ropes, no supplementary oxygen and no high camps. The three summits of the Kohenoor massif South-West, which is the high point of the group and is recorded at 5,136 m, the middle peak Kunyirhayan or Kohenoor Central (5,036 m), and North-East (4,966 m) carry an unusually long climbing history for a Kashmir massif. In September 1898, the British mountaineer C.G. Bruce climbed the north-eastern summit while Karbir, the Gorkha climber accompanying him, took the south-western and highest top. The middle peak followed in 1911, climbed by Captain J.B. Corry, Lt. R.D. Squires, men of the Sherwood Foresters and Dr. Ernest Neve. In 1972, an American-Kashmir expedition led by Mohammad Ashraf, the former Director General of Tourism, climbed all three summits with a team that included Nazir Ahmad, Vijay Kumar and Mohammad Aslam alongside American climbers. A Japanese team repeated the trio in August 1976. Nothing has been recorded on the massif since. Climbers have gone in from the Sheeshnag side in the decades that followed, but according to the team, none of those attempts reached a summit. That approach is the other thing that sets this months climb apart. Every recorded expedition to the Kohenoor peaks, successful or not, has gone in from Sheeshnag and up the glacier from there. The four climbers came instead from the opposite side of the mountain, walking in from Sukhnai in the Marwah valley and climbing directly to the col between the central and south-west summits ground that, until this month, no one had taken to the top. The climb is one of the more significant in an ongoing series of route openings the team is undertaking in the valley. We are opening new routes in Kashmir so that fellow climbers can come and climb them, and so we can revive and promote alpinism and mountaineering in the valley, the team said.

Nitu Gupta reviews implementation of Agriculture Department, allied institutions

Secretary in Agriculture Production Department (APD), Nitu Gupta, today chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of various programmes being executed under UT Capex Budget 2026-27, NABARD, HADP, JKCIP,CSS and SASCI In Kashmir division at Directorate of Agriculture Lalmandi. The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Director Command area Development Kashmir, Director Planning Agriculture production department, Director Finance SKUAST-K, Chief Agriculture Officers and other senior officers of the department. The meeting focused on the progress and performance of the Department under CAPEX, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and NABARD. Detailed discussions were held on physical and financial achievements, expenditure, targets and implementation status of various ongoing interventions. The Secretary reviewed the progress of key projects and schemes and emphasised the need for timely execution, effective monitoring and optimum utilisation of funds to ensure that the intended benefits of these interventions reach the farming community. She stressed upon the officers to adopt a result-oriented and farmer-centric approach, strengthen field-level monitoring and ensure close coordination among all concerned stakeholders for expeditious implementation of developmental programmes. Earlier, the Secretary had also reviewed the functioning and performance of SKUAST-Kashmir, Command Area Development Department and Sericulture Department, taking stock of their respective programmes, achievements and implementation challenges. During these reviews, emphasis was laid on strengthening coordination between the Agriculture Production Department and allied institutions, promoting technology-driven interventions, improving service delivery and ensuring effective implementation of farmer-oriented programmes. Director Agriculture Kashmir apprised the Secretary of the overall performance of the department. He briefed her about the progress achieved under various schemes and initiatives besides highlighting the steps being taken to further accelerate implementation at the field level. The Secretary directed the concerned officers to maintain regular monitoring, ensure timely completion of targets and strengthen inter-departmental convergence, with a clear focus on improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.

KCCI welcomes 2-year extension of LTC scheme for J&K

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the Central Governments decision to extend by another two years the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facility for its employees to visit Jammu and Kashmir. The Chamber said the extension is a positive and timely decision that will provide a further impetus to the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly by encouraging government employees and their families to visit the region. KCCI had taken up the matter with the Central Government, seeking continuation of the LTC facility for Jammu and Kashmir, keeping in view its importance for the tourism industry and the wider local economy. The Chamber thanks the Government for considering the issue and for the favourable decision. The KCCI said the tourism sector has a significant multiplier effect on Jammu and Kashmirs economy, supporting hotels, houseboats, restaurants, transporters, travel agencies, guides, handicraft, and other allied businesses. Increased tourist movement through the LTC scheme will, therefore, benefit a wide range of stakeholders across the UT. The Chamber expressed hope that the extended LTC provision will contribute to sustained tourist arrivals and help strengthen confidence in Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred travel destination. KCCI further urged the Central and UT Governments to continue taking measures that facilitate travel, improve connectivity and promote Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, attractive and accessible destination for domestic tourists.

Jamkash Vehicleades launches all-new Baleno

Jamkash Vehicleades (Kashmir) Pvt. Ltd., a Maruti Suzuki dealership, today launched the all-new Baleno 2026 at an event in Srinagar. The launch ceremony was attended by Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Srinagar, Qazi Irfan, who was the chief guest, along with Irfan Ahmad, Managing Director, Jamkash Vehicleades; Amber Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer; A R Bhat, CGM; senior company officials, customers and representatives of J&K Bank, SBI, Mahindra Finance and HDFC Bank. Speaking on the occasion, Qazi Irfan congratulated Jamkash Vehicleades on the launch and said the Baleno had established itself as one of Indias leading premium hatchbacks. He expressed confidence that the new model, with its updated design, technology and safety features, would further strengthen its appeal among customers. Waseem Ahmad, Sales Manager, NEXA, said the new Baleno 2026 introduces several features aimed at raising the benchmark in the premium hatchback segment. According to the company, the vehicle comes with first-in-segment Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a new design, Z12E engine, six airbags as standard, SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, 360-degree camera, Head-Up Display (HUD), ventilated front seats, Clarion premium sound system, wireless phone charging with active cooling and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The company said the launch reinforces Jamkash Vehicleades focus on bringing new products and technology to customers in Jammu and Kashmir while strengthening its presence in the regions automotive market.

ReT Teachers Forum elects three office-bearers unopposed

The Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) Teachers Forum on Thursday declared three senior office-bearers elected unopposed after scrutiny of nomination papers for the organisation's UT-level elections. The announcement was made at a press conference in Handwara by Election Commissioner Ghulam Mohammad Dar. Dar said September 9 was the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny was completed on September 10. He said elections for the posts of Chairman, Senior Vice Chairman and General Secretary were scheduled for September 20. However, only one nomination was received for each post and none of the candidates withdrew, leaving all three posts uncontested. Jahangir Alam Khan was elected Chairman, Zahoor Ud Din Beigh Senior Vice Chairman, and Khalid Rafiq Bhat General Secretary of the J&K Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum. Dar said the candidates had the unanimous support of all district presidents and UT executive members of the Forum, making polling unnecessary. He congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and expressed hope they would work for the unity, welfare and legitimate interests of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers across Jammu and Kashmir.

Childrens safety at risk as stray dogs invade Gulmarg Childrens Park

Gulmargs popular Childrens Park has become a growing safety concern, with stray dogs roaming freely inside the facility as large groups of schoolchildren continue to visit during the peak picnic season. The park is a popular attraction for visitors, particularly schoolchildren who arrive in groups for picnics and spend hours playing and relaxing. However, the unchecked presence of stray dogs inside the recreational facility has raised concerns among visitors over the safety of children. Basharat Ahmad, a resident of Pattan, Baramulla, said it was disturbing to see stray dogs roaming in a park meant for children. The presence of so many stray dogs is frightening. It is extremely risky to leave a child unattended here. The dogs are constantly roaming around and surrounding visitors, he said. Visitors said there appeared to be no effective mechanism to keep stray dogs out of the park or prevent them from coming into close contact with children and families. The concern is particularly serious during the school-picnic season, when the park witnesses a heavy influx of students. Visitors also questioned the collection of a Rs 50 entry fee, saying authorities should ensure basic safety within a facility specifically designed for children. Despite collecting an entry fee, authorities are charging visitors to enter a designated childrens recreational space. Who is responsible for ensuring that the premises are reasonably safe? said another visitor, Bilal Ahmad. Visitors said any bite or attack involving a child could have serious consequences, turning a routine picnic into an emergency. For parents and teachers accompanying school groups, they said, the responsibility for managing the risk posed by stray dogs should not be left entirely to them after paying to enter the facility. The situation has also raised questions about Gulmargs image as a premier family tourist destination, with visitors saying the condition of a childrens facility reflects a gap between tourism promotion and on-ground management. The Rs 50 entry ticket may provide access to the park, but it cannot become a price parents pay for heightened anxiety over their childrens safety, said Fayaz Ahmad.

Machils quiet transformation: From border valley to emerging tourism destination

Soon after crossing Kalaroose, the mountainous road winding through dense forests and open landscapes leads to Machil Valley in north Kashmirs Kupwara district. Located 47 kilometres from the district headquarters, the remote valley has long been known for its proximity to the Line of Control and relative isolation. That is slowly changing. Tourists are beginning to arrive in Machil for its meadows, streams, mountains and peaceful surroundings, offering locals a new source of hope and livelihood. Several families have converted parts of their homes into homestays, providing basic facilities and locally prepared food to visitors. Locals see tourism as a potential economic lifeline. Shopkeepers and transporters are hoping for more business, while young people see opportunities to work as guides and in other tourism-related services without leaving the area. Tourism has given people a new hope. The district administration and, most importantly, the Indian Army have helped promote the area and encouraged us to participate in tourism-related activities, said former Machil sarpanch Habibullah, who has converted his house into a homestay. From families opening homestays to young people working as guides and transport providers, tourism can gradually create an economic chain across the Machil sector, he said. Visitors are also being drawn to Naaz-e-Hind and Zulu Cafe at Z-Gali. The roadside cafe set up by the Indian Army serves a variety of fast food and has added to the visitor experience in an area where tourism infrastructure remains limited. Abdul Jabbar, a resident of Pushwari, said Machils tourism potential extends beyond the places currently attracting visitors. Ring Bala, Ring Payeen, Katwara, Pushwari, Dappal and Misri Behak have their own beauty. With better infrastructure and connectivity, tourists could spend more time exploring the valley instead of simply passing through, he said. For many families, homestays offer a direct way to benefit from the emerging tourism economy. Homestays can be a great prospect for locals to earn their livelihood. We generally charge Rs 2,000 for a room, including locally cooked food, said Shabir Ahmad, another resident. Visitors say the valleys natural surroundings are its biggest attraction. The pristine atmosphere and cool breeze throughout the day soothed us. I would certainly like to visit again. Machil has considerable potential to emerge as a border tourism destination, said Nasir Ahmad of Lalpora, who was visiting the valley for the first time. Machils appeal is not limited to its landscape. The valley also has a distinct agricultural identity, with locals primarily cultivating potatoes, rajma and maize. Paddy cultivation is not feasible in much of the area, residents said. Locally grown rajma, known for its taste and organic cultivation, is particularly valued. Much of the produce is stored for winter, when heavy snowfall can disrupt supplies to local shops. People love our rajma because of its taste and protein value. It also provides good revenue to farmers, but much of the crop is kept for winter because heavy snowfall can leave local shops short of essential food items, Shabir Ahmad said. As tourism takes its first steps in Machil, locals hope that better connectivity and planned infrastructure will allow the valleys natural beauty, homestays and agricultural products to become part of a sustainable local economy.

Shopian residents demand staff, equipment at district hospital, threaten hunger strike

On Thursday morning, members of civil society and local residents gathered outside District Hospital Shopian, demanding adequate manpower, specialist doctors and essential equipment at the facility. The protesters warned that they would intensify their agitation, including by going on a hunger strike, if the authorities failed to address what they described as persistent deficiencies at the hospital. The hospital was established in 1977 as a Sub-District Hospital (SDH) and was upgraded to a District Hospital after Shopian was granted district status in 2007. Despite catering to a population of more than 2.5 lakh, residents said the hospital continues to face shortages of specialist doctors, technical staff and diagnostic facilities, forcing patients to seek treatment outside the district. We will go for a hunger strike if the hospital is not provided with all the facilities a district hospital deserves, said Mitha Gatoo, a civil society member. Gatoo said the hospital was functioning without several crucial specialists, including a urologist and cardiologist, while other categories of staff were also inadequate. He said the shortage was particularly affecting patients requiring diagnostic services. The USG facility shuts at 4 pm. Afterwards, the patients have to either visit private diagnostic centres or are referred to Srinagar, Gatoo said. He said patients from Shopian were being forced to travel outside the district even for services that, in their view, should be available at a district-level hospital. The protesters also raised questions over the utilisation of equipment already available at the hospital. While the facility lacks key diagnostic services such as an MRI, some of the available equipment remains unused because of a shortage of trained personnel, they said. An ECHO machine is gathering dust because there are no technicians available in the hospital to operate it, Gatoo said. He said the absence of specialists and technical staff was undermining the purpose of having a district hospital in the area. Magray Mansoor, another civil society member, also joined the demand for strengthening the hospital and said the authorities needed to take immediate steps to address the shortage of staff and facilities. The residents said the problem was not limited to one particular department but involved several areas of healthcare, affecting patients who depended on the government hospital for affordable treatment. Ashok Kumar Bali, a resident and former councillor, said he would also join the proposed hunger strike if the authorities failed to address their demands. Bali said the hospital served a large population and should be equipped with the doctors, paramedical staff and diagnostic facilities required of a district hospital. The protesters called on the health authorities and the administration to assess the hospital's requirements and fill vacant posts besides ensuring that existing equipment was put to use. They said people in Shopian should not have to travel to Srinagar or rely on private facilities for basic and specialised healthcare services that should be available at the district hospital. The civil society members said they would wait for the authorities to respond to their demands but warned that failure to act would leave them with no option but to intensify their agitation.

Annual IIPA Debate-2026: KU, FDA plan major food-safety awareness push in J&K

In a significant development, Kashmir University (KU) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), J&K are set to intensify efforts to combat food adulteration. The varsity administration and FDA are planning a major consumer-awareness campaign alongside capacity-building programmes for food business operators. Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of the Annual IIPA Debate 2026, organised by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the IIPA J&K Regional Branch, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU) Prof. Nilofer Khan said the varsity was ready to collaborate with the government by leveraging its scientific expertise, infrastructure and student strength. If there is any need to make a change, it is the youth who can make it possible, Prof Khan said. She added that the recommendations emerging from the debate would be compiled and explored for implementation. The annual IIPA Inter College, Department, University Debate-2026 was organised on the topic Food Adulteration: The Biggest Public Health Challenge Facing J&K. VC KU said the university scientists have worked on food-adulteration projects at the national level and possess state-of-the-art infrastructure in its Food Science and Technology Department. We can utilise their expertise and infrastructure. The students from Food Science and Technology, Social Work, Sociology, Home Science and other related departments could be taken to rural areas, schools and colleges to create awareness about food safety, she added. Prof Khan said the university could also undertake awareness programmes and research projects and help integrate its students with government initiatives. There is a huge amount of data present in the university, which can be the base, she said, adding that the university would work with the Food and Drug Administration on ways to involve students in its activities. Commissioner Food & Drug Administration J&K Khalid Jahangir earlier in his address said that consumer awareness would be the first line of defence against food adulteration amid the growing complexity and scale of the food industry. He said food products that were earlier largely sourced locally are now transported across the country and even from outside India, making production, storage and transportation a major challenge for food safety. The first and foremost bulwark against adulteration is an informed citizen. The first line of defence is awareness among consumers, Jahangir said. He stressed the need for consumers to develop the habit of reading food labels before purchasing packaged products. Jahangir said tampering with labels had emerged as a new challenge, saying that the FDA had recently scrutinised around 400 labels, of which more than 10 percent were found to have been tampered with. A label must inform. It should not mislead, he said. The Commissioner FDA said the department would soon launch a comprehensive awareness campaign covering digital and social media platforms, print and electronic media and other communication channels, including WhatsApp broadcasts. He said the government had supported the initiative and the department was hiring a creative agency to develop the campaign. The campaign will cover issues including milk adulteration, pesticide residues and scrutiny of food labels, with the aim of reaching at least 10 lakh consumers during the current financial year. Jahangir also briefed about the provisions empowering consumers under Section 40 of the food safety law, saying a consumer suspecting that a food product was unsafe or non-conforming could get it analysed independently. He said consumers could approach food safety authorities with the test results and, in specified circumstances, the cost of testing would be reimbursed if the product was found unsafe or non-conforming to prescribed standards. Consumers cannot be passive recipients. He or she has to be an equal partner and stakeholder in the food safety governance system, he said. The Commissioner said the department was also working on guidelines for traditional foods specific to Jammu and Kashmir, including local dishes and breads, in consultation with food safety experts. He said the proposed guidelines would be placed in the public domain for suggestions before being notified. Jahangir said J&Ks tourism-based economy had added another dimension to the food-safety challenge, with the influx of tourists contributing to the growth of food joints and eateries. He said the department would conduct regular inspections of food establishments, particularly with regard to hygiene and other prescribed standards. The FDA is also planning capacity-building programmes for 10,000 food business operators during the current financial year, covering different categories such as restaurants, street vendors and milk vendors. These programmes will be organised across all districts of J&K. The department plans to expand the target next year, he added. Jahangir said the administrations broader objective was to have informed consumers, responsible food business operators and a responsive regulatory system. The debate was organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch Srinagar, in collaboration with the English Debate Club of the Department of Students Welfare, University of Kashmir.

Security forces conduct searches in Batamaloo

Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), on Thursday launched a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) in Srinagars Batamaloo area as part of routine security measures, officials said. Joint teams of the police and CRPF cordoned off several parts of the densely populated locality and conducted searches at multiple points. The operation was aimed at checking suspicious movement, verifying identities and strengthening the security grid in the area, officials said. Security personnel were deployed at strategic points during the operation, while searches were conducted in the locality as part of precautionary measures. There were no reports of any arrests, recoveries or exchange of fire during the operation. Officials also did not indicate any militant presence or security-related escalation in the area.

Walnut harvest turns deadly for Kashmir's poor labourers

For Kashmirs poorest labourers, the walnut harvest has become a deadly gamble. At least seven workers have died in walnut-tree falls since harvesting began in late August, a period of just over two weeks. Several others have suffered serious injuries, including spinal damage that has left them paralysed for life. Most victims were breadwinners who climbed tall walnut trees without helmets, harnesses or other protective gear to earn seasonal income. Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, 46, of Damjan, Qazigund, died Aug. 30 after falling while harvesting. He left behind his wife, Meena Jan, a daughter pursuing graduation and a son in Class 12. I don't know who will take care of my two children now. He used to sustain our family and was everything for us, his wife said. Abdul Hamid Wani, 55, of Kund, Kulgam, fell on Sept. 4 while harvesting in his orchard. He was taken to GMC Anantnag, referred to SKIMS Soura and died the next day. We own only a few walnut trees. My father harvested them to support the family. We are already struggling to survive, said his son, Gowhar Wani, a pharmacist. Wani is survived by his wife, two sons and four daughters. Ghulam Mohammad Ganai, 50, of Laribal, Tral, was a seasonal labourer who earned Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 for every eight large bags of walnuts he harvested. He fell while threshing walnuts Sept. 1 and later died at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar. The businessman earns well, but it is always the labourer's life on the line. My husband worked hard, yet his life was not valued, his wife said. Mohammad Ashraf, 33, of Khaipora Khag in Beerwah, Budgam, died Sept. 5 after falling from a walnut tree. He lived in abject poverty. He was a hardworking man, and his death leaves a void impossible to fill, a neighbour said. Hilal Ahmad Mir, 33, of Puchal, Pulwama, died Sept. 2 after suffering serious injuries in a fall. He is survived by his wife and two young children. Ashiq Hussain, 35, of Pawadan village in Uri, Baramulla, died earlier in August after falling while threshing walnuts. As this report was being written on Sept. 10, Mukhtar Ahmad Najr, 46, of Jiabal-Lamer in Kulgam district died after falling from a walnut tree while plucking the fruit. He was shifted to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The deaths have renewed concern over a harvest that still relies on dangerous manual methods. Plucking walnuts requires workers to climb 20- to 30-foot trees with slippery bark, balance on branches and strike them with long sticks called Laanz. Helmets, harnesses and safety nets are rarely used. Wet weather can make the work even more dangerous by leaving bark and branches slippery. People think this is simple work, said Farooq Ahmad, chairperson of Help Poor Voluntary Trust, which supports victims of walnut-tree falls. But one slip can be catastrophic. These men risk their lives because they have no other livelihood. The trust provides medicines and hospital care to injured workers and is trying to provide safety gear to poor seasonal labourers. Revenue and law enforcement agencies must ensure labourers are fully protected before they climb, said Muhamad Ali Lone of the trust. No one should be allowed to risk life for a bag. Medical research shows the wider toll. A Srinagar Bone and Joint Hospital study, 'Walnut Tree Falls as a Cause of Musculoskeletal Injury' - A Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Kashmir, by Dr. Asif Nazir Baba and others, found that falls can cause fatal head injuries, spinal damage leading to lifelong paralysis and fractures that can leave victims dependent on others. In 2025 alone, eight men died, dozens suffered spinal injuries and hundreds were treated for fractures and other serious injuries in hospitals across Kashmir. Most victims are young men, the sole earners for their families. The burden on hospitals is tremendous, and these injuries are largely preventable, said Baba, professor of orthopaedics. A separate 2025 study, 'From Injury to Economic Strain: Assessing the Unseen Costs of Labour Risks in Kashmir's Walnut Harvesting Industry,' examined 150 labourers in Kupwara and Ganderbal and records of 95 workers treated at SKIMS Soura. It found falls from height were the main occupational hazard, with injuries including spinal trauma, head injuries, internal bleeding and lung damage. Of the 95 hospital cases, 12 workers were brought dead and 13 died within 24 to 72 hours of admission. Workers typically spend 7.5 to 8.5 hours a day harvesting, often using long bamboo or wooden sticks from considerable heights. The study cited the lack of helmets, harnesses and fall-arrest systems and recommended mechanical harvesting and pruning equipment, mandatory safety kits, worker training, health insurance and compensation for injured workers and families of those killed. Farmers and safety advocates are calling for helmets, harnesses, safety nets and non-slip boots, along with pre-season training and the mapping and controlled removal of high-risk trees. They also want ageing trees replaced with shorter hybrid varieties. Old trees need to be replaced as many of them have low yields, while decomposed branches also pose a serious risk to workers, said Muhamad Ashraf, a walnut farmer from Salia, Anantnag. He called for free distribution of hybrid walnut plants. The danger is not new. Every walnut harvest in Kashmir brings similar risks. In 2025, eight people died and several sustained severe injuries- including spinal damage. Among the victims was a 38-year-old Noor Muhammad of Lankreshipora, Bandipora, who died after being struck by a walnut branch. Our father left behind five children and my mother. He worked every day to provide for us. Now we are struggling to survive. Our relatives support us, but life has changed forever, said his elder son, Umar, 17. Neighbour Farooq Ahmad Reshi said Muhammad lived in abject poverty and had built a small house only months before his death. Walnut cultivation covers about 95,601 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir, more than 85% of India's walnut cultivation area, according to departmental data. Kashmir accounts for about 56,721 hectares, with Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama and Kupwara among the major producing districts. Jammu and Kashmir produces about 2.66 lakh metric tonnes of walnuts annually, while growers face growing competition from imported walnuts, particularly from China, Chile and California. For labourers who depend on the harvest for seasonal income, one fall can take a breadwinner's life and leave a family struggling for years.

Secretary I&B reviews functioning of media units in Srinagar

Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Chanchal Kumar, IAS, today reviewed the functioning of various media units of the Ministry at Doordarshan Kendra (DDK) Srinagar. Representatives and officials of Doordarshan, Akashvani, Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) participated in the review meeting. The Secretary reviewed the news and programme content of Akashvani and Doordarshan and the campaigns and outreach activities undertaken by PIB and CBC. He expressed satisfaction over the overall functioning of the media units. Emphasising stronger digital outreach, the Secretary stressed the need to strengthen social media presence and audience engagement, particularly on Instagram, and called for the creation of engaging, audience-friendly video content on digital platforms. The media units were advised to undertake aggressive and sustained campaigning under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and strengthen Swachhata campaigns through news, programmes, social media and outreach activities. The Secretary also stressed better coordination and synchronisation among all media units for effective dissemination and greater public outreach. The meeting was attended by heads and senior officials of Doordarshan, Akashvani, PIB and CBC Srinagar, besides other officers and employees associated with the media units of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

El Nio health warning puts J&K on alert

A strengthening El Nio event has put India among countries facing high or very high health risks. According to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) assessment, there are increased concerns over heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases and water insecurity. The warning has particular relevance for J&K. Kashmir has experienced an unusually warm start to September. Temperatures at several stations are running above normal. Srinagar recorded a maximum of around 32C during the recent spell. India Meteorological Department has reported maximum temperatures 25C above normal at more than one place in Kashmir. Director Meteorology, IMD J&K, Mukhtar Ahmed said that September temperatures have been above normal. He, however, said the deviation has not been alarming. The beginning has been hotter than what we anticipate for September, he said. For Srinagar, IMDs 19912020 climatological normal shows average September temperatures of 13.1C for the minimum and 27.6C for the maximum. The month is usually cooler than the peak summer period. This September, however, has started considerably warmer. From September 18, Srinagars daily mean temperatures averaged about 25C, around 3C above normal. The maximum temperatures reached 32.5C on September 3 and 31.8C on September 8. The persistence of daytime temperatures around 3032C is therefore a notable departure from the usual September pattern. In Jammu, the IMD 19912020 September normal is substantially warmer, at about 23.2C minimum and 32.8C maximum. Jammu is experiencing a warmer-than-usual start to September, although the departure is much less striking than in Kashmir. On September 5, WHO released its Global Public Health Situation Analysis El Nio 2026. It identifies India among countries at high or very high health risk as El Nio alters weather patterns in many South Asian countries including India. This part of the earth is experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, along with above-normal heat during August-October. For J&K, especially Jammu division, the concern is not limited to heat, as rainfall patterns getting erratic have an impact on vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. WHO, however, has cautioned that the current rise in such diseases cannot automatically be attributed to El Nio. The phenomenon acts as a risk modifier. The effects depend on local weather and population vulnerability. The Union Health Ministry's National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control maintains J&K among the areas monitored for dengue. WHO has also warned that higher temperatures can increase the risk of impact on cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and metabolic conditions. Pregnant women and newborns are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. Changes in rainfall and water availability also affect food production and nutrition. The warning comes as India's weather outlook itself points to a warmer September. The IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall for the month. The average maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain above normal. The agency has also said the strengthening El Nio is contributing to the changing monsoon pattern in India. The developing El Nio is expected to remain a concern beyond the monsoon, as the event could persist until February 2027.

Timelines, designated officer notified under PSGA

J&K Government has notified the timelines and designated officer or appellate authorities for the service of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for issuing solvent order license of Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. The timelines and designated officer or appellate authorities have been notified by the government in exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 read with section 8 of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011 (Act No. IX of 2011). As per the notification, the stipulated time frame for providing service will be 30 days and the designated officer will be the Director concerned of Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. Special Secretary, Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will be the first appellate authority while Administrative Secretary, Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will be the second appellate authority.

White Knight Corps GoC visits Poonch LoC

General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, Lt Gen PK Mishra on Thursday visited forward locations on Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and took stock of overall security scenario. Army said that GOC White Knight Corps visited these forward posts along the LoC to review operational preparedness and assess the prevailing security situation. The Corps Commander was briefed on the security environment, counter-infiltration measures, surveillance grid and initiatives to further enhance operational effectiveness, said army. Commending the troops for their high state of readiness, vigilance and commitment, the GOC exhorted all ranks to remain steadfast. He also asked troops to maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness and responsiveness, the army said.

DGP reviews operational preparedness at joint TOB

Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Thursday visited a Joint Temporary Operating Base (TOB), manned by Special Operations Group (SOG), Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Doda, Kathua and Udhampur tri-junction area. He was accompanied by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone, DIG DKR Range, DIG UR Range and SSP Doda. They reviewed the security scenario and also assessed the operational preparedness and counter terror measures being undertaken by the joint forces. They also deliberated on the measures to be taken to further bolster the inter-agency coordination, area domination and surveillance in the area. DGP also interacted with the troops deployed there and lauded their dedication and professional commitment.

Hailstorm, heavy rain damage maize, paddy crops in Rajouri

Several areas of Rajouri district received heavy hailstorm accompanied by intense rainfall, causing concern among farmers as maize and paddy crops are nearing the harvesting stage. Reports reaching from different parts of the district said that areas including Khawas, Kotranka and Peeri witnessed heavy hailstorm along with rainfall on Thursday, with farmers fearing damage to standing crops. The sudden weather event has come at a crucial time when farmers are preparing to begin harvesting maize and paddy in the coming weeks. The hailstorm could potentially damage mature maize cobs and paddy crops, affecting grain quality and overall production. Farmers have expressed concern over the unexpected weather conditions and sought assessment of the crop damage by the concerned authorities.

Jammu custodial death: BPP incharge, constable placed under suspension

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu Joginder Singh has placed in-charge Border Police Post (BPP) PSI Vikram Choudhary and Constable Rinku Kumar under suspension in case of death of a youth on September 9, in Police custody in R S Pura area. Pending enquiry into inquest proceeding initiated vide DDR No 35 dated September 9, 2026 at Police Station R S Pura relating to death of deceased Uttam Chand, son of Darshan Lal, resident of Rakh Chakroi, these officers/officials of BPP Chakroi are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect, read an order issued by SSP Jammu. As per order, they will report to DPL Jammu and deposit uniform articles in DPL Store. However, they are entitled to draw subsistence allowances as admissible under rules, the order specified. SP Rural, Jammu has been directed to hold departmental enquiry against them and submit findings into the matter to DPO Jammu at the earliest for further course of action. Enquiry officer has also been directed to conduct a preliminary enquiry against SPOs Rajesh Choudhary, Ashwani Kumar and SPO Manpreet Singh for their conduct in connection with the incident. The three SPOs have been attached from BPP Chakroi to DPL Jammu with immediate effect.

Sawalkot HEP moves ahead with opening of Rs 5,129 Cr technical bid: NHPC

The ambitious Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project, being developed as one of the largest hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, has moved a step closer to implementation with the opening of the technical bid for its main construction works estimated at Rs 5,129 Cr. The technical bid was opened on September 9, marking a significant milestone in the execution of the long-awaited project, according to an NHPC press release. Head of Project (HOP), Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project (HEP), Satnam Singh, met NHPC Director (Personnel) Paresh Rasiklal Ranpara at the NHPC Regional Office in Jammu on Thursday and apprised him of the latest developments and progress achieved in connection with the project. During the meeting, Singh briefed the NHPC Director on key developments and various aspects of the project and also highlighted issues requiring the consideration and priority intervention of the NHPC management to ensure smooth progress. Ranpara assured the project authorities of full support and cooperation from the higher management and emphasised the need to facilitate the timely progress of the flagship project. The meeting was followed by a one-on-one interaction between the two officials, during which they discussed broader issues concerning the power and energy sector as well as matters specifically related to the Sawalkot project. As a gesture of appreciation, Singh, on behalf of the Sawalkot project, presented Ranpara with a specially designed project memento and invited him to visit the project headquarters. Ranpara, who concluded his three-day visit to the Jammu region on Thursday, also reviewed various projects being executed by NHPC independently as well as through the NHPC-led joint venture, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL). The opening of the technical bid for the main construction package is expected to give further impetus to the implementation of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project and strengthen the region's hydropower infrastructure. The project is being closely watched for its potential to contribute significantly to Jammu and Kashmir's power generation capacity and to provide a major boost to infrastructure and economic activity in the Chenab valley.

Will not allow public concerns to be reduced to political rhetoric: LoP Sunil Sharma

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma on Thursday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not allow the concerns of the people to be pushed aside or reduced to political rhetoric. He reaffirmed it, while leading an extensive public outreach programme at the Jammu Convention Centre along with MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Vikram Randhawa, Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Dr Rajeev Bhagat, Mohan Lal Bhagat and Surinder Bhagat. A large number of delegations representing different sections of society apprised the Leader of Opposition and BJP MLAs of their grievances, pending demands and issues concerning their livelihoods, employment, business, infrastructure and welfare. The delegations included representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Traders Federation, NHM employees, Daily Wagers, OBC Samaj, Transporters, Industries Federation, Junior Pharmacists, Farmers, Sports Associations, PoJK Refugees, Citizen Cooperative Bank and many other organizations and sections of society. Sunil Sharma and the BJP MLAs gave a patient hearing to the delegations. He also directed the concerned departments to take immediate remedial measures. He also assured them that every genuine issue would be raised forcefully during the Assembly Session. Sharma said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had voted with great expectations for change, development, employment and better governance, but the NC government increasingly failed to live up to those expectations. Instead of addressing pressing public issues, he said, the government appeared more focused on excuses, political distractions and rhetoric while genuine concerns of employees, traders, farmers, youth, refugees, transporters and other sections continued to remain unresolved. LoP said, The BJP stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will remain their strongest voice inside and outside the Legislative Assembly. BJP will not sit quietly while the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir are compromised by the failures and misgovernance of the NC government. Sunil Sharma said the BJPs public outreach was aimed at ensuring that the voice of every section reached the highest forums of governance. He added that BJP MLAs would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people and fight for their legitimate rights, dignity, development and a better future for Jammu and Kashmir.

Online waste bin booking service launched in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 10: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, along with Joint Commissioner SMC, Suhail Ul Islam, today launched the Online Waste Bin Booking Service, a digital facility aimed at making the process of requesting waste bins simpler, faster and more accessible for citizens. The service enables residents to submit their requests online without physically visiting SMC offices. The initiative is part of SMCs efforts to expand digital services and make civic service delivery more transparent, efficient and citizen-friendly. The system will also help the Corporation maintain a structured digital record of requests, monitor their status and facilitate better deployment of resources and field staff. Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner said the initiative reflects SMCs commitment to citizen-centric governance and technology-driven service delivery. Our focus is to bring municipal services closer to citizens through technology. The Online Waste Bin Booking Service is a simple yet significant step towards ensuring that residents can access essential civic services conveniently, while SMC is able to respond to their requirements in a more efficient, transparent and accountable manner. Citizens can submit their waste bin requirements along with necessary details, including their location and contact information, through the official SMC website: smcsrinagar.jk.gov.in The Commissioner directed the concerned officers and field functionaries to ensure the timely and efficient implementation of the service. He also stressed the need for wider public awareness so that residents can make full use of the digital facility. The initiative is part of SMCs ongoing efforts to strengthen sanitation and solid waste management through digital services, transparency, accountability and greater citizen participation, with the broader objective of building a cleaner, smarter and more responsive Srinagar.

No check on poultry prices in Srinagar, consumers question Govt inaction

Srinagar, Sep 10:The continued rise in poultry prices has become a growing concern for consumers across Srinagar, with households saying the high cost of chicken and eggs is adding to the pressure on already stretched family budgets. Chicken is currently being sold at Rs 180200 per kilogram in most markets, while a tray of 30 eggs is priced at over Rs 210 at several outlets. Consumers say poultry products, traditionally among the more affordable sources of protein, are gradually becoming less accessible to ordinary households. Residents said chicken and eggs form part of the regular diet of thousands of families, particularly children, elderly people and those advised to consume protein-rich food. However, the sustained increase in prices has prompted many families to reduce their purchases. We cannot afford to buy chicken as frequently as we used to. Earlier, we would buy it two or three times a week, but now we think twice before entering a poultry shop, said Abdul Rashid, a Hazratbal resident. Another consumer, Shabir Ahmad of Downtown Srinagar, said poultry prices had risen during the shortage of mutton supplies a few months ago, prompting many people to turn to chicken as an alternative. At that time, the increase was understandable because meat supplies were affected. But supplies returned to normal months ago. We expected chicken and egg prices to come down as well, but that never happened. The rates have remained almost the same, he said. Consumers are also concerned that prices could rise further during winter, when weather-related disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway can affect the transportation of essential commodities. If prices are already touching Rs 200 per kilogram now, what will happen in winter when highway closures become frequent? It is worrying for ordinary families, said a Rajbagh resident. Several residents also alleged that the absence of a regulated pricing mechanism has led to varying rates across localities, with differences of Rs 1020 reported between markets. They recalled that the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs earlier issued rate lists and conducted inspections to keep prices in check. Since the department no longer fixes retail poultry prices, they said, vendors have been charging according to prevailing market conditions and location. There is no uniformity anymore. Every shop has its own rate. There should be proper monitoring so that consumers are not left at the mercy of the market, said another customer. Residents have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the administration to monitor poultry markets closely, intensify inspections and explore measures to ensure reasonable and uniform pricing. They also urged the government to strengthen the role of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in monitoring the market and protecting consumers from arbitrary pricing.

IUST Journalism students attend Master Classes at International Film Festival in Srinagar

Awantipora, Sep 10:The students of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), attended the Master Classes at the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir at the SKICC, Srinagar, on September 8 and 9. The students, as per a statement, were given hands-on training in Camera Tech, OTT Writing, Animation, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Design and Screenplay Writing. The students, who were accompanied by Dr Sayar Ahamd Mir, Assistant Professor, DJMC, expressed their satisfaction over the conduct of the festival and learning opportunities they received. To mention, the four-day International Film Festival was inaugurated on September 7 with 135 films including 60 foreign entries being screened in an attempt to revive J&Ks long- association with cinema. The festival was organised by J&K Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation.

Aryans Group of Colleges organises blood donation camp

Srinagar, Sep 10:The Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura, near Chandigarh, successfully organised a Blood Donation Camp at its campus, witnessing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty and staff members. Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, presided over the camp, while Ajay Jain, Samvedna Trust (R), Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, was also present on the occasion. Students from Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Healthcare, Physiotherapy, Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications and Education came forward for the noble cause. A total of 88 units of blood were collected during the camp. A medical team from Guru Nanak Charitable Hospital, Ludhiana, comprising Harish Kumar, Medical Officer; Sandeep Kaur, Staff Nurse; Ritik Sharma, Lab Technician; and Arshdeep Singh, Lab Technician, conducted health screening and eligibility assessments of the prospective donors. Dr Anshu Kataria, as per a statement, said that blood donation is one of the most meaningful forms of service to humanity, and educational institutions have a responsibility to develop socially conscious and compassionate citizens. He said, A single act of blood donation can bring hope to patients and their families during critical situations. We are proud to see our students and staff voluntarily participating in this humanitarian initiative. Among those who donated blood were Aditya Kaur (B.Tech), Abdullah Ansari (RIT), Shashi Gupta (RIT), Awqat Ahmad (B.Tech), Swati (Staff), Balbir Singh (E), Rohan Gupta (OT), Amandeep Singh (Student), Tarun Singh (B.Pharm), Adnan Hazari (B.Tech), Rammek Singh (B.Pharm), Krishna Madhdesiya (B.Tech), Zahid Abdullah (B.Pharm), Wajheed Ahmad (B.Pharm), Abhney Guleria (B.Tech), Vikas Shukla (B.Tech), Vishal Kumar Panday (B.Tech), Shoukat Bashir (Staff), Akhtar Ansari (B.Pharma), Ayaz Ahmad (B.Pharma), Mohd. Mohsin Dar (B.Pharma), Sushil Kumar (RIT), Suhel Ali (B.Pharm), Neeraj Kumar (B.Pharm), Jagdeep Singh (B.Pharm), Fayeez Singh (B.Pharm), Jugal Dumolia (Student), Lutman Nabi Lone (RIT), Tauseef (RIT), Manish Kumar (B.Tech), Lovdeep Singh (B.Tech), Abdishak (RIT), Faizaan (RIT), Ali Shoaib (Staff), Amit (RIT), Taranpreet Kaur (Nursing), Kunika (Nursing), Javed (Staff), Dr. Vallari (Staff), Imran Khan (Nursing), Barun Sharma (Nursing), Gursharanpreet Singh (GNM Nursing), Mohammed Vami (CSE), Irfan Ansari (OT), Aamir Anir Choudhary (RIT), Dr. Vinay Thakur (Staff), Abhijeet Kumar (RIT) and Danish Majeed Mir (RIT). Their participation reflected the collective commitment of the Aryans community towards social responsibility and humanitarian service.

Sajid Yousuf seeks compensation for Warnow, Lolab fire victims, dedicated fire station

Kupwara, Sep 10: BJP Media Incharge Kashmir and Prabhari BJP Kupwara, Adv Sajid Yousuf Shah, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident in Warnow, Lolab, which gutted several shops and left local traders facing heavy losses. Expressing solidarity with the affected shopkeepers and their families, Shah, as per a statement, said the incident has taken away not just shops and property but also the means of livelihood of families who have worked hard to build their businesses. He said the loss is particularly painful for those who have invested their savings or taken loans to establish their shops and support their families. He urged the District Administration Kupwara and the government to immediately assess the losses & provide adequate compensation and relief to all those affected by the fire.

JKCSF backs striking NHM employees, urges CM to intervene: Ab. Qayoom Wani

Srinagar, Sep 10: Chairman Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and president Pensioners United Front Ab Qayoom Wani said NHM employees are the vital pillar of the healthcare delivery system in J&K. For years, thousands of these employees have worked tirelessly across hospitals, health centres and remote areas, often under difficult conditions, to ensure that essential healthcare reaches the people. Wani, as per a statement, said that it is unfortunate that despite their prolonged service and contribution, their legitimate concerns regarding salary revision, appropriate retirement benefits/Golden Handshake, EPF and social security, long-service and loyalty benefits, study and educational leave and other welfare measures continue to remain unresolved. Wani said the government must appreciate that these issues are not merely service matters; they directly concern the dignity, livelihood and future security of thousands of employees and their families. A workforce that has dedicated years to strengthening the public healthcare system deserves security, fairness and recognition. I, therefore, appeal to the Chief Minister and the concerned authorities to personally intervene, engage with the representatives of NHM employees and initiate a meaningful, time-bound process for resolving their grievances. Prolonging the impasse will only add to the difficulties of employees and may also affect healthcare services being provided to the people. The government should adopt a humane, conciliatory and positive approach instead of pressure tactics and ensure that the genuine concerns of NHM employees are addressed with the urgency they deserve. JKCSF stands firmly with the NHM employees in their legitimate struggle for dignity, justice, fair remuneration and social security. Their years of service to the people of J&K must not go unrecognised.

Omar government committed to development, prosperity, justice: Showkat Mir

Srinagar, Sep 10:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, Thursday, hailed the people-friendly and welfare-orientated measures undertaken by the Omar Abdullah government. He said that the government has made significant progress in the areas of public welfare, development and provision of basic amenities. He said that this progress has left opponents, including the BJP and PDP, rattled, prompting them to resort to misleading statements, false propaganda and fabricated narratives. However, he said, the people of Kashmir are well aware of the intentions and past record of these self-serving and Kashmir-opposed parties. Interacting with party functionaries, workers and various public delegations from different areas at the party headquarters, Showkat Mir, as per a party statement, said that the positive impact of the public-oriented measures taken by the Omar Abdullah government over the past two years is reaching the people. He said that providing relief to the people remains the governments foremost priority and that every decision and initiative is being undertaken keeping public interests at the centre. From the very first day, he said, the government began taking decisions aimed at public welfare and continues to work along the same lines. Showkat Mir said that the National Conference would continue its selfless service to the people and pursue its struggle for development, prosperity and justice while giving voice to public aspirations. He urged party office-bearers and workers to put in their utmost efforts to further strengthen the party and maintain close contact with the people. He asked workers to remain with the people in their times of happiness and distress, understand their problems and difficulties, and use their influence to help resolve them.

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CM Omar calls for making J&K hub for film production

Srinagar, Sep 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for transforming Jammu and Kashmir from merely a sought-after filming location into a vibrant centre for storytelling, talent development and film-making, as he addressed the concluding ceremony of the four-day International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) at the SKICC back lawns along the shores of Dal Lake. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, J&K's Council of Ministers, Advisor to the Chief Minister, several J&K legislators, Chief Secretary J&K, Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, and senior officers of civil and police administration were present on the occasion. Addressing filmmakers, artists, members of the jury, delegates from India and abroad, students, young filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, the Chief Minister said the first edition of IFFJK had demonstrated that the idea of creating a meaningful new platform for cinema in Jammu and Kashmir had found both an audience and a purpose. Four days ago, we gathered here to raise the curtain on the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir. At that time, the festival was an idea being testedan invitation, an experiment and, above all, a hope that Jammu and Kashmir could create a meaningful new platform for cinema. Tonight, as this first edition comes to a close, we can say that the idea has found both an audience and a purpose, he said. The Chief Minister noted that over the four days, IFFJK had brought filmmakers and audiences together, connected established professionals with young aspirants and created a space where cinema from Jammu and Kashmir could engage with India and the world. He said the participation of young people from J&K was particularly encouraging, with conversations during the festival extending across storytelling, filmmaking craft, technology and collaboration. Referring to the participation of 120 films from over 30 countries, Omar Abdullah said the scale of the festival was important, but its deeper value lay in the connections created among people from different backgrounds and stages of their cinematic journeys. A young writer meeting a director, an aspiring filmmaker learning from a professional, or two people meeting here who may one day make a film togetherthese encounters, he said, represented the enduring value of a festival such as IFFJK. Congratulating those recognised and honoured during the festival, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the jury, filmmakers, delegates, film fraternity, organisers, volunteers and audiences whose participation gave the inaugural edition its energy and meaning. He also highlighted the emotional significance of bringing iconic films associated with Kashmir back to the shores of Dal Lake during the festival. Recalling his remarks at the opening ceremony about Jammu and Kashmirs long association with cinema, he said films such as Junglee, Arzoo, Kashmir Ki Kali and KabhiKabhie had been screened against the very landscape that had helped make them memorable. For decades, Kashmir travelled to audiences through the cinema screen; this week, in a sense, the screen came back to Kashmir, the Chief Minister said, describing the floating cinema as one of the defining memories of the first IFFJK. However, he emphasised that nostalgia alone could not define the future of cinema in Jammu and Kashmir. Our ambition must go beyond being a beautiful filming location: Jammu and Kashmir must increasingly become a place from which stories emerge, talent is discovered, and films are conceived and created, he said. The Chief Minister stressed that J&K had far more to offer cinema than its landscapes, pointing to the regions cities, towns and villages, languages, literature, music, crafts, history and everyday lives as a rich source of stories. Our landscapes may bring filmmakers here, but our stories, our people and a professional filmmaking environment can bring them back, he said. Calling for a two-way relationship with the wider film world, Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir should continue to welcome filmmakers from India and across the world while simultaneously creating opportunities for local talent to find audiences, collaborators and opportunities beyond the region. He placed particular emphasis on investing in young people and said the long-term success of IFFJK should not be judged merely by the number of films screened or personalities who participated. Ten years from now, IFFJKs success will be measured not only by the films screened or the personalities who joined us, but by the careers that began here, the opportunities and collaborations it created, and the stories from Jammu and Kashmir that reached audiences across India and the world, he said. The Chief Minister said the presence of filmmakers and artists had given the first edition of IFFJK its stature, adding that the most meaningful tribute to their contribution would be to build on the inspiration and opportunities created during the festival and help a new generation from J&K find its place in cinema. He called for IFFJK to evolve beyond a four-day annual event into a continuing platform for screenings, learning, training and collaboration throughout the year. He said the future shape of the festival should be informed by the experiences and feedback of participants and audiences. Government can provide the platform and an enabling environment, but a vibrant film culture must be sustained by the creative community itself, CM Omar said. Highlighting the wider economic potential of the film sector, the Chief Minister said cinema could support professionals, local services, artists, craftspeople and businesses. He emphasised that filmmaking activity in Jammu and Kashmir should create a lasting local impact in the form of developing skills, generating employment and stronger capabilities. Films coming to Jammu and Kashmir should therefore leave behind not only memorable images, but also skills, employment and stronger local capabilities. Our mountains and lakes may bring filmmakers here once; the experience of working here must bring them back again, he said. Extending an invitation to visiting filmmakers, actors and delegates, the CM urged them to return to Jammu and Kashmir to shoot, write, teach, collaborate and discover more of the region. Addressing young filmmakers and storytellers, he encouraged them to learn the craft, experiment and begin telling stories rooted in their own surroundings. Tell the stories of your neighbourhoods, villages, families and generation. Some of cinemas most powerful stories are intimate and local; what matters is that the voice is authentic and the craft is strong, he said. Concluding his address at the shores of Dal Lake, the Chief Minister said the setting was particularly appropriate for the conclusion of the first IFFJK. He drew a parallel between Dal Lakes reflection of the mountains, sky and changing seasons and cinemas longstanding role in reflecting Kashmir to the world. Perhaps the opportunity before us now is for Jammu and Kashmir increasingly to reflect itself through cinema to tell its own stories, in its own voices and with confidence, and to share them with audiences across India and the world, he said. CM Omar said the conclusion of the first edition should not mark the end of the idea that brought the festival together. If, years from now, filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir are standing at festivals across the world with stories that first found encouragement or opportunity here, we may look back on these four days as the moment when something enduring began beside Dal Lake, he said. The Chief Minister thanked everyone associated with the inaugural edition of IFFJK and expressed hope of welcoming the filmmakers, artists, delegates and cinema fraternity back to Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K cabinet puts Mission Skill, Home Stay policies on hold

Jammu, Sep 10:Jammu and Kashmir cabinet, led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Thursday decided to put on hold the Mission Skill and Home Stay policies for further deliberations yet cleared rest of entire agenda, including the government business to be transacted during the ensuing autumn session of J&K Legislative Assembly. Among the major proposals, according to sources, considered by the cabinet, which met in Srinagar on Thursday evening, for approval also included the bill related to Ease of Doing Business, which formed part of government business, besides regular yet crucial administrative agenda items. The cabinet, following deliberations, also okayed construction of flyover from Muthi flyover to Shakuntala theatre in Jammu; industrial park under BHAVYA scheme in Vijaypur of Samba district for which transfer of land will be made to the Industry and Commerce department; transfer of land to BSNL for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages in J&K and transfer of 3-kanal Shamlat land to the Agriculture Production Department for SabziMandi at Sopore. Besides, a few promotions, as per routine agenda, were also effected by the cabinet. Following the cabinet approval, all cleared agenda items will be sent for the Lieutenant Governors nod. With regard to Mission Skill and Home Stay policies, which too were among agenda items before the cabinet, sources stated that they were discussed yet could not get approval. More information was sought by the cabinet about both the policies. They will be taken up before the cabinet for further deliberations and approval next time, sources maintained. The government business, considered for approval during the cabinet meeting, comprised four bills including the bill related to Ease of Doing Business (EODB), which was revised after addressing the concerns related to Industry and Commerce, Housing and Urban Development and Fire Services departments. Earlier on September 2, the J&K cabinet was given a presentation on the EODB bill by the concerned officials. The EODB issue was part of the August 4, 2026 cabinet meeting as well given its importance yet the approval (by cabinet) was put on hold in wake of certain queries by the ministers. The significant proposed bill once approved will see drastic reduction vis--vis requirement of No Objection Certificates by various government departments or agencies. The bills cleared by cabinet, after getting the Lieutenant Governors approval, will be introduced in the upcoming J&K Assembly session, commencing from September 21 in Srinagar. Following the meeting, an official spokesperson said that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Srinagar today. The meeting deliberated and considered various proposals concerning public welfare and governance. Earlier, the Chief Minister, while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an official function in Srinagar, described the cabinet meeting as a routine monthly exercise, mandatory to keep administrative wheels functioning. Cabinet meeting is a regular exercise, convened at least once in a month. After all, one cannot afford hindrance in governance agenda, CM Omar stated, while responding to media queries about the cabinet meeting. This was the first cabinet meeting after the Chief Ministers much hyped meeting with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the union capital on September 4, where the issues related to statehood, business rules, reservation and other pending files figured during the deliberations.

Lost in projection

Srinagar, Sep 10:A high-profile film scheduled to play in the World Cinema section of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) was unexpectedly removed from the programme amid technical failures and apparent organisational disarray, the filmmaker and his producer said. The film, Swaha, a multi-award winner with a premiere at the Shanghai Festival and more than 17 international prizes and appearances at over 50 festivals, was due to screen in the World Cinema lineup. Abhilash Sharma has always held a profound appreciation for the Magahi language, which not only serves as his mother tongue but is also intricately woven into his narratives. Swaha, his second feature, was inspired by the same. It won awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival and is now travelling within India. Director Abhilash Sharma told Greater Kashmir that he learned about the cancellation only after arriving at the venue for a technical check. Festival staff did not inform him in advance, he said, and offered no clear explanation. They cancelled the screening without notifying me, Sharma said. When I tried to find the venue and go for a technical check, I discovered my film was off the schedule. Later they told me they would reschedule, but we were then offered a slot in Screen 1 the next day, and the technical quality was unacceptable. Sharma described the decision to programmeSwaha at the festival as particularly fraught because of the films strong festival track record. When you select a film in World Cinema, and a film like Swaha with such a record is treated this way, its not a good feeling, he said. Multiple filmmakers and producers interviewed at the festival painted a picture of repeated failures in screening standards and management. Problems reported included films flickering or jittering in the middle of screenings, subtitles rendered outside the visible frame, and insufficient personnel to address urgent technical problems. One film reportedly stopped mid-projection because of technical faults. Every time I asked someone about the problems, the reply was, Sorry, sir, we dont know anything, Sharma said. Theres no one responsible for the quality of screening. The resources are there, but it's complete mismanagement. The disruption affected other titles as well. Organisers had scheduled a run check night intended for technical rehearsals. Another film, 'The Scientist Who Runs at Night', directed by MithunPramanik, had screened earlier that morning. Pramanik said a screening was underway when complications emerged, and Screen 2 was reportedly full despite the problems. A producer who attended said their own film produced by a small team including the filmmakers husband and several collaborators, played to a tiny audience. Three of us were there: I, my daughter, my husband, and the empty seats, the producer said. Several attendees said the identity of the festival leadership was unclear to guests on the ground. Industry observers say such failures can damage a festivals credibility and harm the filmmakers who rely on festivals for exposure, distribution deals, and press attention. Film festivals should be run by people who understand filmmaking and exhibition, National Award-winning film director, screenwriter, editor, and producer Onir (AnirbanDhar) told Greater Kashmir. This isnt the first time problems have come up. There needs to be accountability. For filmmakers, technical presentation is not a peripheral matter. Poor projection, faulty subtitles, and sudden cancellations can compromise a films reception, reviews, and the networking opportunities that festivals provide. Producers present at the festival said they left frustrated and worried that their work would not reach the audiences and buyers they had hoped to attract. What happens next remains unclear.Organisers reportedly offered rescheduled slots for some films, but filmmakers said the proposed replacements were unsuitable given concerns about projection quality. Several participants said they would consider lodging formal complaints and documenting the technical failures. Such concerns raise broader questions about professional standards at international festivals and the oversight structures that ensure screenings meet basic technical criteria, he said. Filmmakers and producers who spoke to Greater Kashmir urged festival organisers to appoint experienced exhibition professionals and establish clear chains of responsibility for projection and subtitle quality. Where are the schedules of the films? Who on earth cancels a screening even after announcements at these festivals? The Dharamshala Film Festival has become a benchmark because it is run by film professionals, not Babus, Kashmiri-American linguist and artist SadafMunshi said. It feels sad when you see halls empty and filmmakers ending up watching their movies alone. It is complete mismanagement. Secretary Information, Muneer-ul-Islam, said that it was a good beginning. It took lot of effort for the CM to ensure that such festival is organised in Kashmir. I am sure it will keep improving. There was scope for a lot of improvement, he said. Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Shreya Singhal, who is also the festival director, told Greater Kashmir, The festival is witnessing a rousing response and is going absolutely well. Responding to concerns raised by filmmakers, Singhal said, I knew this was going to come. She said the festival had gotten off to a good beginning and that there was considerable scope for further improvement and engagement as it progressed.

CM Omar bets on film industry to create jobs for Kashmir youth

Srinagar , Sep 10:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the ongoing International Film Festival J&K (IFFJK) in Kashmir could open a new avenue of employment for local youth saying the government was working to equip young people with skills required by the film industry. Talking to reporters at Gupkar, CM Omar said efforts were being made to train local youth in areas such as camera work and film production so that they could secure opportunities in the growing industry. You will definitely get a chance, but a new series of employment can start here, he said. The CM said that the government was, from the first day of the festival, looking at ways to help local youth enter the film industry. He said that local youngsters would be encouraged to undertake courses in camera work, production and other technical aspects of filmmaking, enabling them to get opportunities to work in the sector. On a protest by a Kashmiri Pandit seeking accommodation, CM Omar questioned the basis of the demand, saying that accommodation had already been allotted to those eligible. Which Kashmiri Pandit is without accommodation? Not one of them is homeless, he said. The CM said the administration was ready to address the issue if anyone genuinely required accommodation, but criticised that people have a tendency to protest without sufficient reason. This has become a tradition to protest for no reason, he said. CM Omar said anyone still requiring accommodation should approach the administration, saying that those eligible had been allotted accommodation. On the controversy surrounding the playing of the full stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions, he said the administration was bound by statutory obligations and that the requirement applied across the country, not merely in Jammu and Kashmir. The CM said official functions featuring the national anthem would also include the national song as required under the applicable law, arguing that the issue should not be turned into a controversy. We have never accepted Vande Mataram as a party. We will not accept it in the future either. But we will have to fulfil our legal and statutory obligations, he said. CM Omar also defended National Conference chief spokesman TanvirSadiq over remarks concerning the historical poverty of Kashmiris, saying the issue was documented by historians including Walter Lawrence. He said Kashmir witnessed a period of severe poverty when people were trapped under the influence of landlords and other intermediaries, and eferring to that history did not warrant an apology. This is a historical fact. But Kashmir has since progressed to a stage where families were educating their children and producing doctors and engineers, the CM said. Neither Tanvir nor any other party member needs to tender apology for what Tanvir said on poverty in Kashmir. He also accused the BJP and PDP of having a common issue and playing together on the controversy. On the upcoming BRICS summit in Delhi, CM Omar said the governments functioning would not be affected, saying that the Cabinet meets every month and that the governments agenda could not be halted.

Cold weather wont stop Kashmirs solar potential

Srinagar, Sep 10:Can solar power really work efficiently in a cold place like Kashmir?The question has often been raised whenever rooftop solar is discussed in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Valleys harsh winters, snowfall and reduced daylight frequently cited as arguments against the technology. But the science of photovoltaic generation tells a different story.Solar panels need sunlight, not heat. In fact, high temperatures can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic modules, while lower temperatures generally favour their performance. The 25 degrees Celsius figure commonly associated with solar panels is not an ideal outdoor temperature.It is the cell temperature used under Standard Test Conditions to rate photovoltaic modules. Most modern solar panels have a negative temperature coefficient, meaning their power output falls as their cell temperature rises. Depending on the technology, modules can lose around 0.25 to 0.40 percent of their peak power for every one-degree Celsius increase in cell temperature. A bright, cold day can therefore provide favourable conditions for solar generation. On a hot summer afternoon, a panel can become considerably hotter than the surrounding air and experience a decline in output. The real challenge for Kashmir during winter is different.Shorter days, a lower angle of the sun, cloud cover and snow accumulation reduce solar generation. This seasonal decline coincides with the period when electricity demand in the Valley rises sharply because of heating requirements.That makes solar unsuitable as a standalone source of electricity throughout the year. But it does not make it unsuitable for Kashmir.Photovoltaic installations operate successfully in several cold regions of the world, including northern Europe and parts of North America.The experience of these regions demonstrates that low temperature itself is not a barrier to photovoltaic generation. The more important considerations are the availability of sunlight, snow cover, system design and seasonal variations. Kashmir, therefore, needs to design solar systems for its climate rather than dismiss the technology because of its winters. Panel orientation and tilt can help facilitate snow shedding, while mounting structures need to be designed to withstand local snow loads. Regular maintenance can minimise the impact of accumulated snow. In suitable locations, bifacial panels may also derive some benefit from light reflected by snow-covered surfaces. None of this means that solar can solve Kashmirs winter electricity requirements on its own. It cannot generate electricity at night, and prolonged periods of cloud or snow will reduce output. Large-scale battery storage sufficient to provide complete winter independence from the grid would also come at a substantial cost. The more realistic objective is energy self-reliance rather than complete energy independence. A household with a suitable roof can seek to generate a significant portion of its annual electricity requirement through rooftop solar while continuing to rely on the grid when generation is insufficient. The same principle can apply to commercial establishments, institutions and industries. The economics also need to be viewed over the life of the installation rather than simply through its initial price. An electricity bill is an expense paid every month. A solar installation, by contrast, is an asset that continues to generate electricity for years. Government subsidies, incentives and financing can reduce the initial investment, while the electricity produced over the systems operating life can offset future power expenditure. For industry, the opportunity could be even greater. Factories and industrial units often have large, unobstructed roofs and consume considerable amounts of electricity during daylight hours. Those roofs could therefore be treated as productive assets rather than simply structural surfaces covering machinery. The same opportunity exists across government offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, warehouses and commercial buildings. Individually, these installations may not appear significant. Collectively, however, thousands of rooftop systems could create a distributed generation network spread across Jammu and Kashmir. That is an important shift in the way the power system can be viewed. For decades, households and businesses have largely been electricity consumers. Rooftop solar allows them to become producers as well. A home can generate electricity. So can a factory, a school, a government building or a commercial complex. If deployed at scale, these small systems could collectively add substantial generation capacity without requiring large tracts of additional land. This is particularly relevant in Jammu and Kashmir, where land has competing residential, agricultural, industrial and environmental uses. The approach, however, requires coordinated support. The government needs to maintain a predictable policy framework, provide appropriate incentives, simplify approvals and strengthen distribution infrastructure. Banks and financial institutions can make rooftop solar financing more accessible to households, businesses and industrial units. Architects and developers can also play a role by designing new buildings with solar-ready roofs, appropriate structural provisions and electrical infrastructure. Government institutions could lead by example by assessing suitable public buildings for rooftop installations and measuring the potential savings in recurring electricity expenditure. The industrial sector, meanwhile, needs to look at rooftop solar as an energy-management investment rather than merely an environmental initiative. For Kashmir, the objective should not be to disconnect every consumer from the grid. Such an approach would be neither practical nor economical in many cases, particularly during winter. Instead, the aim should be progressive energy self-reliance: generate as much electricity as economically and technically possible locally, while retaining the grid as the balancing and backup system. The seasonal limitations of solar should also be acknowledged honestly. December and January will produce considerably less electricity than the sunnier months. Snow can temporarily cover panels, clouds can reduce output and winter nights remain long. But an energy resource should not be judged solely by its weakest months. The more useful question is how much electricity can be generated during the rest of the year and how that generation can reduce pressure on the wider power system. This is where the potential of rooftop solar becomes significant. Jammu and Kashmir does not have to choose between hydropower and solar. It needs both, alongside a reliable grid and, where economically viable, energy storage. Solar can reduce daytime demand from the grid, while hydropower and other sources can continue to provide electricity when solar production is unavailable. The larger opportunity lies in changing the way people look at the roofs above them. A roof is generally considered part of a building. With solar panels, it becomes an electricity-generating asset. Before leaving a suitable roof unused, households and businesses should ask how much electricity it could produce. Before dismissing solar because Kashmir is cold, it is worth remembering that photovoltaic systems operate in climates considerably colder than the Valley. Solar will not illuminate Jammu and Kashmir through every winter night. It does not need to. The relevant question is how much of the electricity presently purchased from the grid can be economically produced from rooftops that already exist. If thousands of households, factories, institutions and commercial establishments begin answering that question seriously, the cumulative impact could be considerable. Kashmirs winter will reduce the amount of sunlight available. It will not make the photovoltaic panel stop working because of the cold. The challenge, ultimately, is not whether the sun can power Kashmir. It is whether Kashmir is prepared to make better use of the sunlight falling on its homes, factories and institutions every day.

PM Modi expected to visit Ladakh by Sep end

Kargil, Sep 10:Prime Minister NarendraModi is expected to visit Ladakh later this month, a possible visit that comes amid a series of measures by the Centre and the Union Territory administration aimed at addressing long-standing political and developmental concerns in the region. PM Modi is expected to visit Ladakh soon to inaugurate key infrastructure projects and interact directly with the local populace. The upcoming high-level visit was indicated by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju during a public address in Leh recently, although he did not mention any dates. Speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Druk Padma Karpo School in Shey, Union Minister Rijijuemphasised the Prime Ministers deep commitment to the border state. While a final itinerary is being finalised by the administration, officials suggest the PM will launch a package of major infrastructure initiatives several of which are nearing completion focusing on all-weather border connectivity, telecommunications, and civic amenities. A major highlight of the upcoming engagement involves significant policy shifts regarding the J&Ks administrative and constitutional governance. According to government statements, the Ministry of Home Affairs is actively finalising special provisions under Article 371 for Ladakh. These proposed constitutional safeguards aim to protect the unique cultural identity, land rights, and socioeconomic interests of the local Himalayan population. In addition, the Centre is executing a structural expansion to decentralise grassroots democracy and administration across the region. Key reforms in motion include creation of seven new administrative districts alongside the establishment of corresponding councils to empower local governance; setting up a dedicated bench of the High Court in Ladakh to streamline access to justice for residents; and timely completion of last-mile road projects and communication networks in forward locations near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The visit could acquire significance beyond its immediate itinerary. It comes at a time when the Centre and Ladakh are discussing a new political and constitutional framework for the Union Territory, even as a series of confidence-building measures have been announced in recent months. The administration has already announced the extension of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council system to all seven districts of the Union Territory. Ladakh, which had only Leh and Kargil as its districts, now has five additional districts Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass. The proposed governance architecture also includes a UT-level elected body under a customised Article 371 framework. Current discussions between Ladakh representatives and the Centre are considering enhanced safeguards for land, employment, culture, and local governance. The precise powers and constitutional provisions, however, are still being negotiated. Against this political backdrop, PM Modis possible visit is also expected to take him to Chumur, a remote settlement close to the Line of Actual Control, where the government is developing Ladakhs first model border village under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Chumur is the first of 10 border villages planned to be developed as model border villages in the first phase of the programme.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit.

Creation in pairs

Allah (SwT)s creation embodies a universally applied principle---Creation in Pairs. It is One and Only Allah (SwT) Who is beyond possessing a pair, a likeness or an equal, otherwise the principle of pairs holds in all things, as ordained: Glory to Allah, exalted beyond all, Who created pairs in all things that the earth produces, as well as their own selves (human kind) and many other things of which you know nothing (36:36) There are three examples of pairs as noted in the Holy Verse: pairs produced by the earth, pairs of selves (human kind) and many other created pairs of which we have no knowledge Pairs produced by the earth may be listed as: similar pairs that differ in their physical and chemical characteristics e.g. metals and nonmetals, biologically opposed pairs--the male and the female sexes of plants and animals and physically opposed pairs, these include: electrically opposed pairs--positively and negatively electrically charged ions and magnetically opposed pairs--the poles of a magnet referred to as North and South respectively. Pairs of selves (human kind): e.g. could be--men and women (opposite partners) complimentary personality traits: cruel/compassionate, brave/cowardly, generous/miserly and traits which are similar but subject to opposite value judgements: barbarism/courage, hypocrisy/consideration. Many other created pairs of which we have no knowledge: Turkish scholar--Dr. Haluk Nurbaki in his treatise VERSES FROM GLORIOUS KORAN AND FACTS OF SCIENCES speculates that some of the created pairs could be-- processes of energy emission and absorption which physics and astrophysics have recognized in recent times and forces of attraction and repulsion--gravitation counterbalanced by centrifugal forceif the opposite between these forces did not exist, all planets would either fall in their respective suns or be flung into outer space. It emerges thus that Divine Shaping of Pairs is mandatory for maintaining Universal Balance.

The Child Behind the Adult

We live in a generation that talks about mental health more openly than ever before. We have learned the wordsanxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, emotional neglect, burnout, people-pleasing, boundaries. We know how to identify symptoms, name patterns and sometimes even recognise them in ourselves. And that is progress. But perhaps there is something more important than learning the name of a wound. Perhaps we need to learn how to understand where it came from. Because before there was an anxious adult, there was a child who was trying to feel safe. Before there was an adult who could not trust people, there may have been a child who learned, very early, that trusting someone came with consequences. Before there was a perfectionist constantly terrified of failure, there may have been a child who discovered that mistakes changed the way people looked at them. Before there was someone who struggled to express their emotions, there may have been a child who was repeatedly told to stop crying, stop being sensitive, stop making a fuss. We often meet people at the end of their story and judge them for the behaviours they have developed, without ever asking about the beginning. A teenager becomes withdrawn, and everyone asks, Why dont you talk to anyone? A child becomes angry, and the adults ask, Why are you behaving like this? Someone becomes excessively sensitive, and we tell them they need to toughen up. Someone becomes desperate for reassurance, and we call them needy. Someone becomes distant, and we call them cold. Someone becomes obsessed with achievement, and we praise their ambition without wondering why failure feels unbearable to them. We see the behaviour. We rarely see the child who learned it. Psychology has increasingly shown us how deeply our early environments can influence the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Childhood does not simply pass through us as a collection of memories. Our relationships, experiences and environments can help shape the ways we regulate emotions, understand relationships, respond to stress and perceive our own worth. A child is constantly learning. Not only from what we tell them, but from what we repeatedly show them. They learn whether love is consistent or conditional. Whether mistakes are safe. Whether emotions are welcomed or punished. Whether asking for help brings comfort or humiliation. Whether conflict means temporary disagreement or the threat of abandonment. Whether they are allowed to be childrenor whether they have to become adults too soon. And children are remarkably adaptive. They adapt to survive the environments they are given. The problem is that sometimes the very adaptations that helped a child survive can follow them into adulthood. The child who learned to stay quiet to avoid conflict may become an adult who cannot express what they need. The child who learned to monitor everyones moods may become an adult who constantly reads between the lines of every message and every silence. The child who learned that being useful earned affection may grow into an adult who feels guilty whenever they put themselves first. The child who was never allowed to fail may grow into someone who would rather not try than risk being imperfect. And then, years later, we look at that adult and ask, Why are you like this? Perhaps that is the wrong question. Perhaps the better question is: When did you first learn that you had to be this way? This does not mean that every mental-health difficulty begins in childhood. Human psychology is far more complicated than that. Genetics, biology, temperament, relationships, social circumstances, trauma, ongoing stress and countless other factors shape us throughout our lives. Childhood is not a sentence. It is a foundation. And foundations can be repaired. There is another uncomfortable truth we sometimes avoid: parents are often raising children while carrying their own unfinished childhoods. A parent who never learned how to regulate anger may struggle to teach emotional regulation. A parent who grew up believing that vulnerability was weakness may unknowingly teach the same lesson to their child. And so, without anyone consciously intending it, wounds can travel from one generation to another. That is why understanding our childhood should not become an exercise in blaming our parents for everything that went wrong. It should become an exercise in understanding. Because there is a difference between saying, My parents ruined me, and saying, Something happened in my childhood that shaped the way I learned to protect myself, and now I want to understand it. The second one gives us something the first does not. It gives us agency. Perhaps this is where our modern conversation about mental health needs to go next. We have become remarkably good at naming our struggles. But knowing the label is not the same as healing the wound. Calling someone anxiously attached does not tell us what they are afraid of losing. Calling someone a people-pleaser does not tell us why disappointing others feels so dangerous. Calling someone a perfectionist does not tell us what they believe will happen if they fail. Calling someone emotionally unavailable does not tell us what vulnerability once cost them. A label can describe a pattern. Understanding asks why the pattern had to exist in the first place. And perhaps that is what we owe ourselvesand the children growing up around us. Instead of only asking children, Why are you behaving this way? perhaps we should sometimes ask, What are you trying to tell me through this behaviour? Instead of immediately correcting an angry child, perhaps we should wonder what the anger is protecting. Instead of dismissing a teenager who suddenly withdraws, perhaps we should ask what made connection feel unsafe. Instead of telling a sensitive child to grow up, perhaps we should teach them that having feelings does not make them weak. Because one day, that child will become an adult. And we may meet them again years laterin the form of someone who cannot trust, cannot rest, cannot ask for help, cannot accept love, cannot forgive themselves for making mistakes, or cannot believe they are worthy without constantly proving it. And when that happens, perhaps we should remember: There is still a child somewhere inside that adult. A child who once learned how the world worked from the people closest to them. A child who did not have the vocabulary to explain what was hurting. A child who could not leave. A child who could only adapt. And perhaps healing begins when the adult finally turns back toward that childnot with shame, but with understanding. We cannot rewrite our childhood. We cannot go back and give ourselves every conversation, apology, hug, boundary or reassurance we needed. But we can learn. We can notice the patterns. We can question the beliefs we inherited. We can seek help. We can choose differently. And perhaps most importantly, we can make sure that the children who come after us do not have to spend their adulthood healing from the childhood we gave them. Because maybe the goal of understanding mental health is not simply to become better at identifying what is wrong with people. Maybe it is to become curious enough to ask what happened before the symptoms appeared. To look beyond the behaviour. Beyond the diagnosis. Beyond the label. And to remember that sometimes, behind the adult we are struggling to understand, there is simply a child who learned to survive the only way they knew how. Baiza Mushtaq, alumna GK School of Communication

Sufi View of Paradise and Immortality

Nothing is annihilated in its reality, although its sensible form may be effaced. This immortality of forms is a grace of Allah. (Fusus al-Hikam Fas Ilyasiyah) Secularist, agnostic and atheistic objections to the idea of afterlife are well known but Sufi understanding of the latter is not so well known. Exposing oneself to the Sufiystical/metaphysical view dissolves these objections. Let us have a glimpse of them. Other world is better described as higher world and the two worlds here and there are ultimately not separated. The Beyond can be within though too deep to be accessed ordinarily. None of us not even among atheists is ready to go for certain sins. It means all of us live lives with some consciousness of sin that costs us exile from heaven that is the serenity of spirit that accompanies clear conscience. Dreyfus and Kellys All Things Shining shows how there remain a lot of entry points to certain space that partakes of Heaven a fulfilled or meaningful life is the life giving shade of heaven we all seek here open for those who don t know God as believers know Him. The world is indeed a ravishing bride or houri that chooses to unveil before all who care to see. Dostoveskyean insight This very garden is the Garden of Eden is shared by saints of all traditions. How challenging it is to feel this when one strolls in ones garden. Darshan or deedar of a saint or prophet is a vision of Heaven. It is prophets, saints, sages, artists messengers of love and beauty that invite us to exchange the hell of our own making for the Heaven. Heaven is accessible here and now, albeit partially, to all. And if we havent found a semblance of heaven here, we cant get it there. It isnt a deal with insurance company that you pay premiums for life here and get returns there. Every moment is, to transpose Renans metaphor for nation, a plebiscite for heaven or hell. God has ordained self determination. Ibn Abbas has said God has kept paradise here and one who doesnt enter it here cant enter it in afterlife either. Hafiz says: Passing beyond Lifes pains and pleasures, I have reached a spot, Where there is neither heaven nor hell! The mystics dont demand any compensation in some other world; here and now he sees the face of the Beloved and unties all the knots and is liberated from all the fetters: Thy glory is manifest without a veil even today: I am wondering why there is the promise of tomorrow. In Hadi Hasans Golden Treasury of Persian Poetry edited by M S Israeli we read lines from Hafiz: The two worlds are but one blaze of His lustrous face:/ this is my exoteric comment to thee, and the esoteric as well. [When I am getting paradise in cash today why should I trust the hermits words and hid paradise of tomorrow?] Imperishable walls of Heaven are built of love as, in Hafizs words, Perishable is every edifice save the edifice of love which is imperishable. It is in this context that we can comprehend what Ibn Arabi has to say on immortality and Heaven. For Ibn Arabi God/ the Real/ Being is our Origin and End to whom/which is return and what is indestructible is the Face of God/the Real. It means that the fellowship of God is being in ones home. But people have fuzzy and fantastic notions and even doubts about heaven, our real home. If a man succeeds in being loyal to himself or divine image on which he is created, he enters what has been called terrestrial paradise. Sheikh s Nr ad-Dn Ahmad (Schuon) writes: What is paradise? It is the inward nature of pure Existence; to be in conformity with that nature is to be carried by the wave of becoming toward beatitude. To be in conformity with Existence is to submit; to submit ourselves to the celestial law, to conform to our own essence, the essence by which we exist and which is the innermost nature of things. Without Existence we would not be; how can we reasonably revolt against it and set ourselves against that by which we are, that, which makes us to be ourselves? The essence of Existence is blissful; opposition to that essence- the idolatry of contents or of accidents-leads us away from Beatitude and encloses us in the blind alley of our own contingency and in the measureless hell of our own absurdity. Schuon has beautifully expressed the idea of immortality that informs Ibn Arabi and the chapter on Jonah in Fusus al-Hikm in the following lines. A man sees a beautiful garden, but he knows: he will not always see this garden, because one day he will die; and he also knows: the garden will not always be there, because this world will disappear one day. And he knows also: this kinship with the beautiful garden is the gift of destiny, because if a man were to find himself in the middle of a desert, he would not see the garden; he sees it only because destiny has put him, man, here and not elsewhere. But in the innermost region of our soul lives the Spirit, and in it is contained the garden, as it were, like a seed; and if we love this gardenand how is it possible not to love it since it is of a heavenly beauty?we would do well to look for it there where it has always been and always will be, that is to say in the Spirit; maintain yourself in the Spirit, in your own center, and you will have the garden and in addition all possible gardens. Similarly: in the Spirit there is no death, because here you are immortal; and in the Spirit the relation ship between the contemplator and the contemplated is not only a fragile possibility; on the contrary, it is part of the very nature of the Spirit and, like it, it is eternal. . . . Whatever you are in the Spirit now, you will remain so after death; and whatever is yours now in the Spirit, will be yours after death. Before God there is neither being nor ownership except in the Spirit; whatever was outward must become inward and whatever was inward will become outward: look for the garden in yourself, in your indestructible divine Substance; then this will give you a new and imperishable garden. Whatever you love outwardly is to be found in the Divine Name; therefore attach yourself to it, dwell in it, and live in it. The holy invocation is the seed of our eternity. In the Supreme Name we are at the Center and at the Origin and we are already in a certain way in the place which by the Grace of God is destined for us in Paradise. This is why we must, already down here, be in our predestined place in Paradise and we must be so wholeheartedly and as much as we can and this ceaselessly; because we are made for Beatitude since knowledge of God and free will, that is to say Truth and Love, are our very nature. Garden. Thus Schuon makes clear, that whatever experience we cherish every trot in a garden, every smile from the loved one, beauty of our youth and vibrancy of childhood is eternally etched or fixed for us and will be with us. Whiteheads contribution to immortality debate is to ground this insight more rationally. Whitehead has referred to basic insights or initial intuitions or feelings of mankind calling for explanations or justifications. Our desire for immortality is one of these initial intuitions, or persistent dreams, or impulses. If we begin with this fundamental impulse of the human spirit, the question is not disputing their truth on this or that so-called scientific ground or explaining it away but how to express it. So those who believe in heaven arent risking their hope on a mere speculation. For Ibn Arabi the Real alone is and constitutes the reality of everything manifest and unmanifest and is the object of all perception, imagination and conception. Fleeing to God (through the discipline of senses and transcendence of desiring self) for Ibn Arab is merely a way of expressing the flight from ignorance to knowledge and is not a flight away from one thing towards another, since there is nothing in existence but God.

IFFJK-2026, Rang-e-Cinema

On a pleasant September evening, the Sher i Kashmir International Convention Centre on the banks of Dal Lake was bathed in bright lights. The occasion was the opening of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated as Rang e Cinema. For anyone watching the venue decorated with colourful banners and filled with delegates, the message was unmistakable. Kashmir was once again opening its doors to the magical world of cinema. For me, the venue brought back a deeply personal memory. Five years ago, in the aftermath of August 5, 2019, I spent nearly four months detained inside this very building before being moved to the MLA hostel. Sitting in that same hall among filmmakers, musicians, and artists from across India and abroad, I could not help reflecting on how much the atmosphere has shifted. The gathering saw Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, and several governors sharing space with creative minds. It felt less like a routine state function and more like a sincere attempt to rebuild an old cultural bond. Inevitably, my mind travelled back to another September 7, thirteen years ago. In 2013, maestro Zubin Mehta stood at the historic Shalimar Bagh, conducting the Bavarian State Orchestra for the Ehsaas e Kashmir concert. The melodies of classical western masters floated across the lake towards the Zabarwan hills. The setting was magnificent and the music was unforgettable. However, the Valley outside was gripped by strikes, curfews, and intense tension. It remained a restricted gathering, held behind heavy security cordons for an invited audience. The contrast in 2026 could not be sharper. This festival brings over one hundred and thirty films from more than forty countries across Srinagar, Jammu, and Gulmarg. During the opening function, lively performances by young artists, including singer Palak Muchhal, showed abundant creative energy. Yet, as the final notes faded, an old question returned. Will this major gathering leave behind an enduring film movement, or will it remain another grand event that fades from memory? To answer that honestly, we must recall the loss of our local cinema heritage. Decades ago, Srinagar had bustling cinema theatres where families gathered, young people discussed ideas, and visual storytelling flourished. When militancy erupted, those halls closed down and most never opened again. Those abandoned buildings are not merely closed commercial properties. They represent a broken link in our social life. A society without public cultural spaces loses its ability to engage with fresh artistic ideas and develop local talent. Kashmir has long been celebrated as an extraordinary shooting location. Generations of Indian film directors have captured our snow clad mountains, clear streams, and lush meadows to add romance to their songs. But there is a vital difference between serving as a picturesque outdoor location and becoming a genuine film destination. A true film hub needs local technicians, sound recordists, camera operators, editors, and modern post production studios. It must generate steady employment for electricians, carpenters, drivers, and costume makers. If outside crews arrive, shoot scenes, pack their bags, and leave, the local community gains very little. The real success of this festival should therefore be measured by what happens after the red carpets are rolled up. If a young Kashmiri girl who attends a directing masterclass this month receives practical guidance next month, the festival has succeeded. If a local youth with an original script finds production funds and mentorship, the initiative has worked. Our youth do not lack imagination or storytelling ability. What they lack is an institutional setup that converts raw passion into viable professional careers. The administration must establish year round creative labs, script development grants, and regional film funds to support local independent projects. A flourishing film trade will also directly support our economy and tourism. Independent films, international documentaries, and digital series shot in Kashmir can showcase the authentic culture and daily life of the region to global viewers. More importantly, it gives our people the confidence to tell their own stories in their own mother tongues, rather than letting others define their identity. As I left SKICC that evening, the contrast between the two September evenings remained with me. In 2013, Zubin Mehtas music travelled across the waters of Dal Lake from Shalimar against a backdrop of uncertainty and heavy security. In 2026, Rang-e-Cinema unfolded at SKICC amid a gathering that included political leaders, filmmakers, artists, administrators and citizens, with cinema from dozens of countries arriving in Kashmir. The distance between those two evenings is not merely thirteen years. It is a measure of how much the circumstances around Kashmir have changed. Spectacles can produce pleasant headlines for a few days, but strong institutions transform societies for generations. The true triumph of the festival will not be judged by the presence of famous stars or the number of official speeches. It will be achieved when a local youth from a humble village stands up on a world stage and proudly says that their creative journey started right here. Only then will Rang e Cinema truly blossom into a permanent cultural movement, ensuring that the lights never go out. Hopefully, this time, the lights will not go out when the festival ends. Dr. S. Bashir Ahmad Veeri is a serving legislator from South Kashmirs Bijbehara constituency and writes occasionally on public policy and governance.

The geography of illusion

Vladimir Putins recent assertion that Russian forces are advancing every day across the entire line of contact in Ukraine is less a military assessment than a political performance designed for domestic consumption. The speech, delivered at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, contained contradictions so glaring they undermine its own credibility. Most notably, Putin claimed that Russian troops are now 12 km from the circle road of Sumy, despite stating in June that they were only 10.5 km away. The Sumy claim collapses under minimal scrutiny. First, Sumy has no ring road or circle road to speak of, a geographical fiction that OSINT analysts and Ukrainian military commands have repeatedly pointed out. Second, even by Putins own arithmetic, Russian forces have not advanced toward Sumy but have retreated 1.5 km farther from it over two months. Third, independent mapping projects such as DeepState place Russian positions roughly 17 km from Sumys administrative border, with the front line in that sector essentially static since May 2025. This is not an isolated slip. Putin has also claimed the capture of settlements like Sviatohirsk that do not appear on any verified control map, prompting Ukraines Center for Countering Disinformation to accuse him of compensating for the lack of victories on the front with fictitious geography. To understand why such claims ring hollow to anyone following the war, it helps to grasp what the line of contact actually is. Military analysts describe the zero line as a 20 to 40 km deep kill zone where drones, artillery, and mines make sustained movement nearly impossible. Buildings in towns across this belt are reduced to ruins, civilians have long fled, and vehicles and tanks are destroyed almost instantly upon entering. Resupply often happens by drone, and pockets of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers can be interspersed within the same ruined landscape. In such an environment, declarations of daily advances across the entire line are militarily meaningless. Russian offensive assessments from August 2026 confirm that gains remain slow and limited, with advances measured in square kilometers per day and no operational breakthrough achieved. In some sectors, Ukraine has even recaptured territory, with OSINT data showing Russia lost more ground in parts of the front in 2026 than it gained. If the claims do not reflect reality, why repeat them? The answer lies in audience. Putins rhetoric is not aimed at soldiers in the trenches, who know the war is a merciless meat grinder, nor at international negotiators, who rely on verified intelligence. It is aimed at Russians at home, many of whom are growing restless as Ukrainian drone strikes reach deep into Russian territory, hitting logistics hubs, refineries, and even energy infrastructure near Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, and the Arctic. Reports of fuel queues and economic strain compound the pressure. By insisting that the end is near, Putin attempts to offer a horizon of relief to a population facing the wars domestic costs. Yet this narrative is not new. Similar promises were made in early 2022 when a rapid capture of Ukraine was expected. The repetition now signals not confidence, but the need to manage expectations and quell dissent. Serious military analysts, intelligence agencies, and open-source mappers all agree: the front is largely stagnant, Russian advances are incremental at best, and some Ukrainian counter-pressure is yielding results. Putins Vladivostok speech, with its invented ring roads and retreating advances, is propaganda calibrated for civilians, not a credible account of the battlefield. In a war where information is a weapon, geography itself has become another front line, one where facts, not fiction, will determine the outcome. Ruvaid Wani is a Journalist based in Kashmir who writes about geopolitics and warfare.

Not a bloc, not anti-West: What India's BRICS hosting really signals

India hosts the expanded BRICS summit, showcasing its significant global role. The group's growth reflects the non-western world's desire for diversity and pluralism. BRICS cooperation now encompasses political, economic, and developmental issues across continents. India's leadership highlights its convening power and acceptability across ideological divides. This summit offers opportunities for crucial dialogues and managing global power dynamics.

'Our own artists will emerge': Farooq Abdullah hails inaugural IFFJK

Srinagar, Sep 10: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday hoped that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will take advantage of the first International Film Festival held in the Union Territory to establish a Bollywood-like industry here. I believe this is a very wonderful thing that has happened. And I hope that our boys and girls will take advantage of this. From here, our own artists will emerge, writers will emerge, music directors will come up, and film directors will be made. Our youth will come forward in everything, Abdullah told reporters. When asked how much connection with Bollywood can be expected in the future, the three-time chief minister said, I believe we ourselves will become Bollywood.

Driving on empty roads

Driving on empty, uncongested roads offers a unique sense of peace. The car and driver experience a harmonious connection with the smooth asphalt. Buildings and foliage create a moving visual spectacle for the occupants. This experience allows for reclaiming lost time and rediscovering modern travel. Such journeys provide a feeling of being a true traveler on a dedicated path.

Summit season's real menace? Creative acronym expansion

International summits often feature numerous acronyms that are frequently reinterpreted creatively. This trend of wordplay is seen as a distraction from serious diplomatic matters. The author suggests a deterrent, an 'Acronym Abuse Jar', for such linguistic diversions. Proceeds from this jar could fund essential services like translation for officials. The article advocates for maintaining the original, sober meaning of these important institutional initials.

India Incs Promoter Raj has run its course. Time to rewrite the succession script

Corporate India faces numerous high-profile CEO departures, testing established succession plans. The traditional promoter system, a colonial construct, now hinders progress and good governance. This outdated model, which segregates control from ownership, needs thorough reevaluation. Competence, not lineage, should now be the sole criterion for leadership roles. India possesses a vast pool of talented technocrats ready to lead businesses effectively.

Ladakh constitutional safeguards, UT-level elected body under discussion: Chief Secretary Kundra

Leh, Sep 10: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Thursday said the Centre and representatives of Ladakh are moving towards a framework for constitutional safeguards for the region under a special provision in Article 371 and the formation of a Union Territory-level elected body vested with legislative, executive and financial powers. Kundra made the announcement after a sub-committee meeting with representatives of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), where discussions focused on taking forward progress made in earlier rounds of dialogue. Explaining the proposed political architecture, Kundra said the panchayat would remain the foundational unit, followed by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), with the proposed UT-level body above them. Speaking to reporters here, the chief secretary noted that the Centre was not seeking to impose any political model on Ladakh and wanted to proceed only after consulting and deliberating with stakeholders and people of the Union Territory. It was discussed that for providing constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, a special provision under Article 371 would be made, which could provide safeguards for the people here. And what would the safeguards be? The basis of the democratic movement that has started here is that safeguards should be provided for the land of the people of Ladakh, their culture, their environment and their natural resources, all these things, Kundra said. Now the process of discussion and negotiations is continuing. The next meeting is scheduled for October, and we hope that by the next meeting an advanced draft of the Constitutional Amendment Bill will be ready, he added. The representatives were also briefed on the parliamentary process involved in the constitutional amendment and the legislation required for details regarding the proposed bodys powers. So, from the UT administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs, we are making every effort so that the aspirations of the people, their democratic aspirations, can be fulfilled, he added. Briefing reporters on the ongoing political dialogue, Kundra said the previous meeting on July 3 had decided to take the process forward on the understanding that such a body would be constituted. There was a discussion about whether there should be direct elections from constituencies to this body or indirect elections through the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC). All those who attended from the Apex Body and the KDA were of the view that there should be direct elections from constituencies, and there was agreement on this issue, he said. Kundra said the dialogue was aimed at addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh, particularly their demand for protection of land, culture, heritage, mineral resources, environment and jobs. As far as jobs are concerned, a reservation process has already been provided. This is a unique reservation system for Ladakh, and there is no similar reservation system anywhere else in the country, he said. For the remaining issues, the Centre has conveyed that constitutional protection would be provided, he said. There are therefore some questions regarding the relationship between the LAHDC and the UT-level bodywhat powers would fall within the jurisdiction of the LAHDC and what powers would fall within the jurisdiction of the UT-level body, he said. A list of eight to ten such questions was shared with the leaders at the meeting, who were asked to deliberate on them, consult among themselves and with the people before conveying their views to the government, Kundra added. He stressed that the exercise involved a Constitutional Amendment and not an ordinary law and, therefore, required the requisite parliamentary majority and political consensus. A constitutional amendment requires a majority. Therefore, there has to be political consensus across political parties, including among the Members of Parliament who will be involved in the process, he said. Kundra said the process would essentially have two stages, with major provisions incorporated through the constitutional amendment, followed by detailed legislation and regulations for Ladakh. He said the proposed amendment would have to undergo the full parliamentary process. He said legal drafting of the constitutional amendment bill would follow only after consensus was reached on the underlying principles. The central government does not want to impose any model that is not acceptable to the people. The intention is to move forward only after consultation and deliberation among everyone, he said. Urging patience in the process, the chief secretary said haste could result in an arrangement that might subsequently prove difficult to change.

Too early to wave red flag over pink slips

India is witnessing a resurgence of job cuts in the multinational sector, particularly within the tech and electronics fields. However, the nation's robust consumer base and growing business confidence provide a solid foundation for recovery. The surge in office leasing activity, largely due to expanding global capability centers, is a promising sign, as these centers are set to create millions of jobs annually.

Art of inquiry

Ancient Indian traditions fostered a culture of deep inquiry, celebrating figures like Nachiketa and Gargi, who embodied fearless questioning and profound wisdom. The Buddha urged his followers to authenticate teachings through personal experience, while the Gita inspires Arjun to reflect for wise decisions. Such practices cultivate clarity, informed choices, and compassionate actions in life.

How you CSR, not what, matters: India's CSR mandate and the hidden cost for companies

India's statutory corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandate could impede authentic social engagement. By enforcing mandatory spending, we risk undermining voluntary CSR initiatives that demonstrate true commitment. This could ultimately degrade the integrity of financial disclosures for investors, leading to increased borrowing costs and adverse stock market reactions. Research indicates that leveraging corporations for social policy can often yield unintended consequences.

Not just who pays, but how to get paid

Nepal grapples with immense reconstruction costs due to catastrophic flash floods driven by climate change. Developed nations, primarily accountable for the majority of emissions, must fulfill their financial obligations. It's crucial to assist developing nations facing crises they barely contributed to. Streamlining access to existing climate finance is equally vital. A more equitable and efficient climate finance structure is urgently required on a global scale.

Jammu railway division to install desktop simulator to train loco pilots for emergencies

Jammu, Sep 10: Northern Railway's Jammu Division is set to install a state-of-the-art desktop simulator that will allow loco pilots to practise handling emergencies such as brake failures, signal failures, dense fog, landslides and sudden obstructions on tracks, officials said. The workplace-based training facility is aimed at enhancing the technical skills, operational preparedness and decision-making abilities of loco pilots by exposing them to a range of simulated real-world situations without the risks involved in live train operations, they said. The simulator will enable loco pilots to virtually experience challenging operational conditions, including dense fog, heavy rain, landslides, signal failures and other adverse situations. It will also provide hands-on practice in signalling, braking techniques and locomotive operations, helping improve their technical proficiency and confidence in handling trains under difficult circumstances, officials said. A key feature of the facility will be the simulation of emergency situations such as brake failure, overshooting and sudden obstructions on the track, allowing loco pilots to practise taking quick and safe decisions. The simulator will also facilitate repeated training without the consumption of fuel or other resources required to operate a real locomotive, making it a safe, economical and environment-friendly training tool, officials said. The facility is expected to make regular training, refresher courses and skill-development programmes for new and existing loco pilots more effective. It will also help loco pilots identify operational shortcomings and work towards improving their skills, they added. The Jammu division has also recently been organising awareness programmes focusing on the mental health and welfare of loco pilots. Railway officials said strengthening training infrastructure through the simulator is an important step towards ensuring safe and efficient train operations. The initiative is expected to enhance the confidence and preparedness of loco pilots and further strengthen passenger safety. The Jammu division is continuing its efforts towards achieving the Indian Railways' Safety First objective.

DGP Nalin Prabhat visits joint security post at Doda-Kathua-Udhampur trijunction

Jammu, Sep 10: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Thursday visited a joint temporary operating base manned by personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG), Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and CRPF at the Doda-Kathua-Udhampur trijunction, officials said. Prabhat was accompanied by IG Jammu zone, Tejinder Singh; DIG Doda-Ramban-Kishtwar range, Sargun Shukla; DIG Udhampur-Reasi range, Shiv Kumar Sharma; and SSP Doda, Kartik Shrotriya during the visit, they said. He was briefed on operational readiness and assessment of the security situation in the district by the SSP. The visit comes amid heightened security operations in the region. There are reports of suspicious armed movement in the Billawar area of Kathua district, prompting security forces to launch a cordon-and-search operation, they said. The operation was underway in Billawar after locals reportedly spotted suspicious armed men, officials said. The operation is being conducted by the SOG of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, they said.

J&K Must Move Beyond Filming Location, Tell Its Own Stories: CM Omar

NC still stuck in 1931, out of touch with what people want today: Naeem Akhtar

IGP Kashmir reviews security landscape, counter-terrorism grid in Kulgam and Shopian

Srinagar, Sep 10: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar today visited twin districts of South Kashmir including Kulgam and Shopian to comprehensively assess the security landscape, counter terrorism grid, crime mitigation efforts, and general law & order scenario. On his visit, IGP Kashmir was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range Javed Iqbal Mattoo. During the visit, IGP Kashmir chaired security and crime review meetings in both districts, attended by respective Senior Superintendents of Police along with other senior and jurisdictional gazetted police officers. The SSsP of Kulgam and Shopian presented comprehensive briefings outlining the prevailing security situation, status of anti terror operations, counter insurgency grids, crime prevention strategies, and steps taken to uphold public order. Reviewing operational preparedness, Sujit Kumar emphasized the imperative need for robust, proactive intelligence gathering, close inter agency coordination, and swift, decisive responses to neutralize emerging security challenges. Sujit Kumar instructed field formations to sustain pressure on terrorist ecosystems and maintain zero tolerance against inimical elements attempting to disturb peace and public order. As part of the tour, IGP Kashmir also visited rural Sub-Division D.H. Pora in district Kulgam, where he held an interactive session with local jurisdictional supervisory officers, station house officers, and jawans of Special Operations Group.

Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project head meets Director NHPC, briefs him on key developments

Srinagar, Sep 10: Head of Project (HOP), Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project, Satnam Singh met Director (Personnel), NHPC, Paresh Rasiklal Ranpara, in Jammu on Thursday and briefed him on significant developments in the progress of flagship project. The Sawalkot HE Project, set to become the largest hydropower utility in Jammu & Kashmir, took a major step forward with the opening of the much-awaited technical bid for its main construction works, worth Rs 5,129 crore, on September 9, 2026. Ranpara, who concluded his three-day visit to the Jammu region on Thursday, reviewed several projects being executed by NHPC on standalone basis and with NHPC-led joint venture, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL). In a meeting held at NHPC's Regional Office in Jammu, the HOP briefed Ranpara on key developments and progress made on the project, while flagging pertinent issues requiring consideration of NHPC management and redressal on priority. Ranpara assured full support on the merits and cooperation of higher management for the progress of project going forward. A brief one-on-one meeting followed, during which Singh discussed the broader energy landscape as well as project-specific matters, in a cordial and constructive exchange. On behalf of the project, Singh felicitated Ranpara with a specially designed Sawalkot Project memento and extended his invitation to visit the Sawalkot project headquarters.

Amit Shah chairs 3rd Governing Body meeting of NIDM, calls for disaster-resilient villages and cities amid climate change

New Delhi, Sep 10: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today chaired the third meeting of the Governing Body of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, Member and Head of Department of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Executive Director of NIDM, and senior officials from several Central Ministries and State Governments. Addressing the meeting, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi there has been a comprehensive transformation in both the approach and methodology of disaster management over the last 12 years. The Modi Government has completely transformed the entire disaster management system, set the goal of Zero Casualty and taken the country towards achieving this objective. We have also successfully faced several disasters with Zero Casualty, which is a major achievement. Shah said that earlier disasters were viewed only from the perspective of relief and rehabilitation. Today, we have entered a new era based on three pillars - risk reduction, early warning systems and Zero Casualty. This is a matter of pride for all of us. He said that in this direction, the Whole of Government approach is increasingly becoming an integral part of our work culture. Whenever a disaster occurs, all government departments actively respond. Now, with the strength of new research, we should take this process forward with greater speed and ensure continuous monitoring. Just as a Whole of Government approach has been adopted in dealing with disasters, we must also move forward with a Whole of Government approach to further strengthen the disaster management system. Union Home Minister said that along with the transformation in the approach to disaster management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also laid special emphasis on environmental protection. He said that ultimately environmental protection is the most effective means of preventing disasters. Environmental protection, risk reduction, resilience and a broad national vision are enabling India to gradually emerge as a model for the world. Initiatives such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), Pro-Planet People and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) are making an important contribution to disaster prevention. Shri Shah said that the Zero Casualty approach should not be applied only at the site of a disaster. Zero Casualty can also be achieved by preventing disasters from occurring in the first place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a safe and balanced world, going beyond the conventional approach of world leaders. Amit Shah said that there was a time when the predecessor of NIDM, the National Centre for Disaster Management was lying almost inactive in a corner of Krishi Bhawan. However, in 2003, the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took the historic decision to give it a new lease of life. Keeping in view the wide scope of the subject and the need for coordination among various agencies, it was decided to bring the institution under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has played a significant role in revitalizing the institution. NIDM has emerged in its present form with a transformed and strengthened role before the country. Union Home Minister said that the relevance and significance of both NIDM and NDMA are going to increase further in the coming days. The number of disasters is likely to increase due to global warming and climate change. At the same time, new types of disasters may also emerge due to new applications of science and their expanding areas of use. Keeping all these aspects in mind, the two institutions share responsibilities ranging from policy-making to training and implementation. In some areas, both institutions are also working together. Amit Shah directed all stakeholders to constitute a dedicated cell in their respective departments for implementation of the agenda. He said that departmental heads should conduct a review meeting of the cell at least once every three months and accord priority to this subject. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that NDMA and NIDM should study research being undertaken across the world in the field of disaster management and make efforts to implement its findings in India in accordance with local requirements. The Department of Agriculture should focus on permanent preparedness to deal with locust swarm attacks originating from the Pakistan side. He said that the best practices being adopted in other countries to deal with such attacks should be implemented in India. Shah added that seriousness should be ensured in disaster management training and priority should be given to those who are genuinely committed to the subject in disaster management training programmes. Union Home Minister said that NIDM and NDMA should jointly issue guidelines for the entire country. These guidelines should clearly specify what should and should not be done in the event of each type of disaster and how it should be done. NIDM should undertake the training component while the NDRF, State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) and other concerned agencies should work together to implement these guidelines on the ground. Amit Shah said that it is extremely important to prepare a document, through research, identifying the causes of disasters. Effective prevention and rescue measures can be developed on this basis. After every disaster, a joint team of NDMA and NIDM should be constituted, including the NDRF and SDRF. These four institutions should jointly study the causes of the damage and prepare a detailed report. Amit Shah said that NIDM has emerged as a national centre for research, innovation, policy support, training and departmental cooperation. We need to further strengthen these four pillars and explore new horizons. There are still unexplored areas in research, innovation, training, policy support and departmental cooperation that we should seek to address in the coming days. He said that NIDM has already taken steps in this direction. There is a need to take knowledge and best practices beyond departmental silos. In the coming days we must develop the habit of working in a coordinated manner, rising above departmental boundaries. Union Home Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that the distribution of disaster funds should also be carried out through a scientific process. The allocation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has increased nearly fourfold, while the allocation under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) has increased nearly threefold. Around 2.5 lakh crore has been spent in this sector over the last 11 years, which is a major achievement. The Disaster Management Act was amended after 20 years. The concept of Urban Disaster Management Authorities was introduced and such authorities have also been established. The process of creating digital disaster databases at the national and state levels has begun. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) has been accorded statutory status. In addition, the 16th Finance Commission has provided for 2 lakh crore for this period. Amit Shah said that the mobile application that has been developed needs to be widely promoted through primary, secondary and higher education. The Government is making every possible effort to strengthen NIDM. Recently, four acres of land have also been allocated for the institution. NIDM is working towards developing itself as a world-class model institution, and both its campuses are functioning smoothly. Shri Shah said that while enhancing international cooperation is undoubtedly commendable, our priority must continue to focus on the five lakh villages of the country. Keeping this priority in mind, there should be no objection to learning as much as possible from the world and enabling the world to learn as much as possible from us. He stated that the Modi government's goal is to create disaster-resilient villages and cities, and we must move forward by prioritizing this objective. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that a provision should be made for at least one top-level meeting of NIDM to be held every year so that the meetings are meaningful and outcome-oriented and effective implementation of the decisions taken is ensured. He said that through this institution, we must transform knowledge into capacity, capacity into preparedness and preparedness into outcomes, so that together we can achieve the goal of Zero Casualty.