Opinion

The Nilekani panel must rethink how India tests students

The committee should use the paper leak crisis as an opportunity to rethink India's entire public examination architecturefrom NTA's role and centralisation to AI-driven testing and the future of CUET.

How to pass Agni Pariksha: Its politically vital for GoI to restore confidence among those who comply

The NEET protest reveals systemic issues and a loss of faith among compliant students. National Testing Agency's admission of a paper leak caused a nationwide retest. The current system devalues school-leaving exams and over-relies on coaching centers. Restoring institutional credibility and school importance is now a vital necessity. This situation demands a political assessment to rebuild public confidence in governance.

Why India's Gen Z protest movement differs from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

India's Gen Z-led CJP movement differs from youth uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where anti-establishment protests reshaped politics but delivered limited governance reforms and anti-corruption gains.

KPDCL announces power shutdown

Srinagar, July 27: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today announced power shutdown in Kashmir parts on July 28. In a statement issued, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL informed that the shutdown of 33 KV Alusteng-Zakura line will be observed due to which power supply to Pandach, Khalmullah, Umerheir, Panchayat, Ahmadnagar, Pathan Colony, Gulabagh and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 28 July 2026.

YourStory founder Shradha Sharma meets CM Omar to discuss Kashmir's startup ecosystem

Srinagar, July 27: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory and The Bharat Project, to discuss a collaborative roadmap for strengthening entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunities for young people and women across Jammu & Kashmir. As per a press release shared by the office of Sharma, the meeting focused on building a stronger startup ecosystem by identifying practical ways to inspire, educate, mentor, and provide greater market access to entrepreneurs from every district of the Union Territory. Sharma shared a set of proposals aimed at accelerating grassroots entrepreneurship, including entrepreneurship education programmes, storytelling initiatives to showcase successful founders from the region, and national platforms to help startups from Jammu & Kashmir access wider markets, networks, and investment opportunities. A key part of the discussion was Orchardly, the Kashmir-based startup working to build premium apple brands and create greater value for the regions horticulture sector. The conversation explored how such ventures can become examples of value addition, branding, and innovation emerging from Kashmir. The meeting also discussed initiatives to celebrate and promote women entrepreneurs, inspire the next generation of founders, and build a stronger national narrative around Kashmirs emerging innovation economy. Sharma appreciated the Chief Ministers openness and willingness to engage with new ideas. The spirit of Kashmir is not just found in its mountains or valleys. It lives in its tehzeeb its grace, humanity, hospitality, and openness to dialogue. I am grateful to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking the time to listen and engage so thoughtfully on ideas that can create opportunities for the youth and women of Jammu & Kashmir. I leave this meeting with optimism, she said. The interaction reflected the Government of Jammu & Kashmirs continued focus on expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation by empowering young founders, women-led enterprises, and locally built businesses. With one of Indias youngest populations, Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a growing community of entrepreneurs building startups across technology, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, food processing, and other emerging sectors. The meeting reaffirmed a shared vision of supporting this new generation through collaboration between government, industry, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The discussions concluded with a commitment to explore partnerships that can help educate aspiring entrepreneurs, strengthen market linkages, amplify success stories from the region, and contribute to building a globally recognised brand for Kashmir rooted in innovation, enterprise, and resilience, added the statement.

J-K LG highlights need to redefine tourism as responsibility towards nature, culture and society

Srinagar, July 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the Ethical Tourism Conclave organized by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, J&K, underscoring the imperative of developing a tourism model that is responsible, sustainable, and inclusive. In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to the organizers for the conclave, which he described as a significant step in redefining tourism as a moral responsibility for the tourism stakeholders. He emphasized that the theme Responsible Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, Beneficial for All reflects the collective duty of society to safeguard natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu Kashmir has historically been regarded as heaven on earth for the unique harmony between nature and culture. Tourism in Jammu Kashmir must be seen as a celebration of this heritage, and ethical tourism must be the guiding principle for its future, he stated. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in the tourism sector. Tourist arrivals have reached record levels, confidence among domestic and international travellers has been restored, investments have increased, and employment opportunities have expanded. However, the true success lies not in numbers alone but in ensuring that prosperity reaches local communities and contributes to social inclusion, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that Responsible Tourism must ensure that every visitor departs with cherished memories while natural resources should also thrive. He called for heightened sensitivity towards forests, lakes, and rivers, and reiterated that development must proceed in balance with conservation. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that boatmen of Dal Lake, pony owners serving mountain trails, artisans engaged in crafts such as pashmina and papier-mache, and families running homestays in Gurez and Bangus must be equal stakeholders in the tourism journey. Profits should not remain confined to large enterprises. Tourism must provide dignified incomes, training, and opportunities to all stakeholders to ensure sustainability. Together, let us ensure that prosperity reaches to the last village, the last family, and the last citizen in the queue, he said. Highlighting the dimension of Beneficial to All, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the success of tourism can be achieved when lives of artisans and small entrepreneurs are transformed and the sector provides fair value for local labour and creates dignified livelihood opportunities for youth and women. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that sustainable tourism is an approach where nature and progress are partners. He urged that infrastructure such as roads, hotels, and facilities must be developed with zero ecological impact. He called for eco-friendly tourism to become a mass movement, encouraging tourists and stakeholders to adopt practices such as avoiding single-use plastics, proper waste management, prudent use of water and energy, and respect for wildlife. The Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to translate discussions at the conclave into concrete action plans with clear goals, timelines, and evaluation mechanisms. He proposed certification standards for eco-friendly homestays and hotels to encourage healthy competition, comprehensive training programmes for youth to become protectors of nature and guardians of culture, and use of digital platforms to connect tourists directly with local communities. If local communities and youth combine innovation with sensitivity, link technology with culture, and development with environmental conservation, then I am confident that Jammu Kashmir can emerge as a model of sustainable tourism for the entire nation, the Lieutenant Governor said. Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, Chairman, Tourist Trade Interest Guild; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir; Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; industry leaders, heads of various business organizations, members of Tourist Trade Interest Guild, and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.

Gold rebounds Rs 2,440 to Rs 1.49 lakh/10g; silver climbs Rs 5,300 amid strong global cues

New Delhi, Jul 27: Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,440 to Rs 1.49 lakh per 10 grams while silver prices climbed Rs 5,300 to Rs 2.3 lakh per kg in the national capital on Monday following strong trends in global markets. Gold of 99.9 per cent purity jumped Rs 2,440 to Rs 1,49,640 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes), according to the All India Sarafa Association. The metal traded at Rs 1,47,200 per 10 grams in the previous session. Silver prices also rebounded by Rs 5,300 to Rs 2,30,000 per kg (inclusive of all taxes) from Friday's closing level of Rs 2,24,700 per kg. Traders said both precious metals rebounded after two consecutive sessions of losses amid easing inflation concerns as crude oil prices retreated, boosting investor sentiment. Gold gained on Monday as easing tensions in West Asia triggered a sharp decline in crude oil prices, easing inflation concerns, while a weak US dollar and lower Treasury bond yields provided further support for bullion, said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities. He, however, added that gains in the domestic market remained limited as the Indian rupee strengthened against the US dollar. In the global markets, spot gold gained USD 42.13, or 1.04 per cent, to USD 4,095.30 per ounce, while silver rose 1.47 per cent to USD 59.04 per ounce. Spot gold hovered near USD 4,100 per ounce on Monday, while silver extended gains to USD 59 per ounce in the international markets, Kaynat Chainwala, AVP Commodity Research, Kotak Securities, said. She said the retreat in crude oil prices after a temporary pause in US-Iran strikes eased inflation concerns that had been fuelling expectations of a tight monetary policy, providing relief to bullion. Pranav Mer, Senior Vice President, EBG - Commodity & Currency Research, JM Financial Services Ltd, said investors will track developments in West Asia, inflation data from the Eurozone, Japan and the United States. Besides, GDP number releases, US Consumer Confidence, weekly jobless claims, and monetary policy decisions by the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan for further direction on bullion prices, he added.

CJP seeks written assurance on withdrawal of FIRs, warns of fresh protest

New Delhi, Jul 27: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday said it was awaiting thegovernment's promised written agreement on the withdrawal of criminal cases against protesters and organisers, and warned that it would be forced to resume its agitation if the assurance was not received by Tuesday. Addressing a press conference, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the issue was discussed during the third round of talks with the government before the 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar was called off. In the third round of talks, we had agreed that all FIRs filed against protesters and organisers across the country would be withdrawn and no new FIR would be filed against any organiser and protester in future, Ranka said. He said the CJP had submitted a draft agreement to Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, and it was agreed that the government would share a written agreement by Tuesday after legal consultations. We are waiting for the government to share the written agreement. We hope a senior Cabinet minister will honour the agreement and FIRs will be withdrawn, no protester or organiser would be harassed, and no cases would be filed in future, he said. Ranka said if the written agreement was not received by Tuesday and protesters and organisers arrested in connection with the agitation were not released, the outfit would be forced to protest again. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the CJP had ended its protest in good faith after the government agreed to act on its principal demands or assured action within a specified timeline. Ranka said the organisation had consulted senior advocate Kapil Sibal before and after calling off the agitation to ensure that the youth movement was not derailed by what he described as politically motivated litigation or other attempts to weaken it. When we called off the protest, we had doubts that once the momentum went down, the government might target people at an individual level. The same playbook has been used in other protests, where people have been individually targeted, he alleged. He said the CJP had been providing legal and medical assistance to protesters across the country since the beginning of the movement. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who also addressed the press conference, said no action should be taken against students who participated in what he described as an organic protest. We don't want action to be taken against students who did a protest. It was an organic movement. Governments want no dissent, Sibal said. The CJP had called off its 36-day agitation at Jantar Mantar on Saturday after the government accepted key demands of the protesters, including the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and assured action on other demands within an agreed timeline.

J&K BJP slams Rahul Gandhi; calls for ban on PDP

Jammu, Jul 27: Senior Jammu BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Monday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of deriving political mileage from the protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, asserting that the Centre already addressed concerns through an agreement. Sharma, leader of the opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, launched a attack on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) over its reported demand for the release of around 2,500 detainees on the lines of the relief extended after the Delhi agitation, and demanded that the party be banned, alleging it was trying to evive and give space to separatist ideology. Rahul Gandhi is unnecessarily trying to insert himself into this entire issue (student protest)...the young people who were part of this movement reached a very amicable resolution with the government, following which they called off their protest, Sharma said, reacting to the letter written by Gandhi to Home Minister Amit Shah. Whether it was their demands for compensation, the withdrawal of FIRs, resignations, or any other issue, the government of India reached an agreement with them on all their demands. Now I fail to understand what Gandhi is looking for. He is simply trying to create political space for himself. Unfortunately, the Congress Party, which has been facing defeats on all fronts, is now trying to find relevance here, Sharma added. In his letter to Shah, Gandhi demanded accountability for the arbaric assault on peacefully protesting students in Delhi and asked whether he approved the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against the youth. Sharma termed as unfortunate PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's reported demand for the release of around 2,500 people detained by police following the killing of a policeman by a lone terrorist in south Kashmir last week, questioning whether the party was equating separatists and terrorists with those students who were fighting for their careers and their professional future. The BJP leader alleged that the PDP was advocating the release of those involved in stone-pelting and supporters of terrorists. Unfortunately, I would say that a party whose very foundation was built on separatism should face the same treatment as Jama'at-e-Islami and other Hurriyat organisations that have been banned, he said The PDP should be anned, Sharma said, for its attempt to revive and once again give space to the separatist ideology. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Zorawar Singh targeted the National Conference government over the recent controversy surrounding two books allegedly glorifying separatism, accusing it of failing to uphold moral accountability. Drawing a comparison with the Centre's handling of the alleged NEET paper leak, Singh said the then Union Education Minister had resigned on moral grounds despite the National Testing Agency being an autonomous body. In contrast, he alleged, the Omar Abdullah-led government had failed to take responsibility for the textbook controversy. Questioning Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's silence, Singh demanded the resignation or removal of Education Minister Sakina Itoo, accusing the National Conference of practising double standards on morality.

Army dog squad joins search for seven missing persons in Poonch and Rajouri

Jammu, Jul 27: With the weather improving, the Army deployed a specially trained dog squad to aid the search for a government employee washed away in flash floods in Rajouri district, officials said on Monday. Rescue teams have intensified efforts to locate six other missing victims in neighbouring Poonch district. All seven people have been missing since July 19, when heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides across the twin border districts, killing 22 people, most of them in the Surankote area of Poonch. Among the missing are four members of a family from Lower Murrah and two members of another family from Sangla village in Surankote. Officials said rescue teams comprising police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration are combing the affected areas to trace the missing employee -- Abdul Ghani, a daily-wage worker for the Jal Shakti Department -- despite challenging terrain and the impact of recent heavy rain. He was inside a water pumping station when it was washed away in the July 19 flash floods and has remained missing since. In the worst-hit Surankote area of Poonch, multi-agency teams have also stepped up search efforts for six people from two families who are reported missing after flash floods and landslides triggered by a cloudburst. Officials said personnel are searching riverbanks, nallahs and other flood-hit locations. Heavy machinery is also clearing debris from houses and restoring access to affected areas. They said rescue and relief operations will continue until all the missing persons are accounted for. The recent spell of torrential rain caused widespread damage to roads, bridges and public and private infrastructure, including residential houses and agricultural land, besides claiming five more lives in Doda and Ramban districts.

Lok Sabha stalemate likely to end; House to discuss anti-paper leak Bill on Tuesday

New Delhi, Jul 27: The stalemate in the Lok Sabha is likely to end on Tuesday as Speaker Om Birla has convinced leaders of all political parties to take up discussion on the Bill to amend the anti-paper leak law, parliamentary sources said. All political parties have agreed to discuss the anti-paper leak bill on Tuesday. Following Om Birla's initiative and sustained dialogue, floor leaders of political parties have agreed to commence discussion on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026, a source said. The Centre on Monday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the anti-paper leaks law with stricter punishment of up to 10 years in jail and Rs 50 lakh fine, days after nationwide student protests over the NEET fiasco that led to Dharmendra Pradhans resignation as education minister. The proposed legislation was introduced by Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh amidst protests and sloganeering by the Opposition demanding a response from the government over the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led July 20 protest march to Parliament. However, no discussion could take place on the Bill as opposition refused to relent from its demand of seeking response from the government over police action on the protesters at Jantar Mantar here and other parts of the country. Since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, the opposition has been raking up the NEET paper leak issue due to which no legislative business could be taken up so far, except for the introduction of two Bills.

Lieutenant Governor chairs governing board meeting of Gandhi Memorial College Srinagar

Srinagar, July 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the introductory meeting of the newly constituted Governing Board of Gandhi Memorial College Srinagar, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar; Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma; Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi; Director Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) S. Ajaz Bashir; President, Hindu Education Society Kashmir, Prof. B. L. Zutshi; other members including Prof. Ashok Aima, Prof. Veena Pandita, Prof. Verinder Rawal, V K. Raina, M. K. Jalali; Dean Academic Affairs, University of Kashmir, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada; Dean, College Development Council, University of Kashmir, Prof. (Dr.) Aneesa Shafi, Principal, Gandhi Memorial College, Prof. Masood Ahmad Malik and other senior officials. The Governing Board, which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, discussed various matters of academic and administrative importance, to further improve the overall functioning of the College. The Lieutenant Governor directed for laying out a comprehensive policy aimed at streamlining the administrative and operational framework across the institution. The Board also held detailed deliberations on adoption of the Rules of Business of the Governing Board; Grant-in-Aid to G. M. College of Education, Bantalab, Jammu; streamlining recruitment process; pensionary benefits for existing staff and retired employees w.e.f. 2002; augmentation of campus infrastructure; revision of existing curriculum, and the introduction of new courses aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).

J&K business rules file still pending; will take up with Centre if delayed, says Omar

Indian Army's specialised dog unit joins search for missing govt employee in Rajouri floods

Fresh landslide leaves 1700 trucks stranded on Jammu-Srinagar NH; Doda bridge closed

Jammu, Jul 27: A fresh landslide on Monday blocked the 250-km JammuSrinagar National Highway in the Udhampur district, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded, while the main bridge in the Doda district was temporarily closed to vehicular movement after suspected cracks triggered a safety inspection, officials said. A massive landslide struck the strategic JammuSrinagar National Highway at Dewal in the Udhampur district early Monday, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular traffic from both directions, a traffic department official said. He said the closure of the highway left around 1700 trucks and numerous passenger vehicles stranded between Udhampur and Banihal, which were being cleared through the single carriage way while repairs to the bumpy road surface were underway. Priority is being given to passenger vehicles, he said, clarifying that no fresh vehicles from Jammu towards Srinagar, Doda, Ramban and Patnitop or vice versa would be allowed until the restoration work is completed. He said the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic at the earliest. Commuters are advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe and reopened for traffic, as there is a risk of further landslides and shooting stones. People are also urged not to pay heed to rumours and to rely only on updates issued through the Traffic Police's official social media handles for the latest road status, the spokesman said. However, officials said a fresh batch of 3,823 Amarnath pilgrims, travelling in a 140-vehicle convoy to the Baltal base camp under tight security, was allowed to cross the affected stretch after authorities restored one-way traffic on the highway. Officials said normal traffic would resume once the second tube becomes operational within the next few hours. They said the temporary suspension of vehicular traffic was intended to enable the restoration agency to carry out the work swiftly and without any disruption. Traffic on the highway had resumed on Sunday after remaining suspended for three days due to multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall. However, following the passage of the Amarnath Yatra convoy, vehicular movement was once again suspended for almost the entire day to facilitate landslide clearance operations in the Gangroo area along the RambanBanihal stretch. Authorities closed the Pul Doda bridge late Sunday night after reports of visible cracks raised safety concerns. Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Anil Mehra said an inspection by engineers found that the markings were not structural cracks but were likely caused by concrete overlap at shuttering joints during construction. There were speculations that cracks had developed on the bridge (following recent heavy rainfall). As a precautionary measure and from a safety point of view, we closed it to vehicular traffic during the night. After a detailed inspection this (Monday) morning, our initial assessment indicates that these are not structural cracks, he said. He said an expert team from Design Inspection and Quality Control had also been called in to independently assess the bridge and conduct quality checks to ensure there were no structural defects. Once the bridge is certified as safe, it will be reopened for vehicular traffic. At present, traffic has been diverted through the alternate Ganpat bridge. If the expert team identifies any defect, it will be rectified immediately before the bridge is reopened, he said.

World IVF Day 2026 celebrated in Srinagar; Int'l experts highlight latest advances in fertility care

Srinagar, July 27: World IVF Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Srinagar as the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), in collaboration with MED AGE IVF Centre, organised a high-profile scientific programme that brought together leading fertility specialists, gynaecologists, embryologists and healthcare professionals from across Jammu & Kashmir. The event marked a significant milestone in promoting excellence in reproductive medicine and advancing fertility care in the region. The programme featured distinguished international faculty, Prof. Denny Sakkas (USA) and Dr. David Mortimer (Canada), both globally recognised pioneers in reproductive medicine and clinical embryology. They delivered insightful lectures on the latest scientific advances, emerging technologies and evidence-based practices in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), highlighting innovative strategies to improve IVF success rates and optimise patient outcomes. One of the major attractions of the event was an engaging panel discussion titled IUI vs IVF Where to Draw the Line? jointly moderated by IFS National Convenor and Managing Director, MED AGE IVF Centre, Dr. Syed Sajjad Hussain, and eminent gynaecologist Prof. Dr. Mehmooda Hamid Wani. The discussion focused on selecting the most appropriate fertility treatment based on individual patient characteristics, infertility factors and current scientific evidence, while emphasising the importance of personalised, ethical and patient-centred care. The scientific programme witnessed an overwhelming response, with participation from a large number of gynaecologists, infertility specialists, embryologists and medical professionals from across the Union Territory. The event provided an excellent platform for academic exchange, professional networking and continuing medical education, reaffirming the growing importance of reproductive medicine in Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the organisers emphasised that infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and that increasing public awareness, timely evaluation and access to advanced fertility treatments can significantly improve the chances of parenthood. They reiterated the commitment of the Indian Fertility Society and MED AGE IVF Centre towards promoting scientific excellence, ethical practice, innovation and collaborative research in reproductive healthcare. The celebration concluded with a renewed pledge by the medical fraternity to further strengthen fertility services in the region through continuous education, cutting-edge technology and compassionate, evidence-based care, offering renewed hope to countless couples aspiring to build their families through modern reproductive medicine.

BJP greets Pradhan with 'Zindabad' slogans; opposition counters with 'Paper Chor' jibe

New Delhi, Jul 27: BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as Union education minister following students' protests over NEET row, was welcomed by some BJP leaders in the Parliament complex on Monday with a traditional cap and stole amid slogans like 'Pradhan Zindabad'. Opposition MPs at the same time shouted slogans like 'Chor Chor, Paper Chor' and hit out at the ruling dispensation for felicitating Pradhan. Congress leader Pawan Khera said, These are the same people who even welcomed the rapists in the Bilkis Bano case, so let's leave them aside. Pradhan is an RSS hero because he implemented the RSS agenda through the education ministry. That's why he's their hero. But as far as Pradhan is concerned, people now know his true self has we can see on social media and on roads. Hitting out at the government, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the BJP government is ot serious about reforming the education system and termed the proposed anti-paper leak legislation a cosmetic Bill. I see that this government is not serious about reforming the Indian education system. Therefore, they have brought a cosmetic Bill... we already know that a main culprit of a previous scam, was let go by the court. Because sufficient evidence was not gathered, so what use of this fast-track amendment Bill. When this BJP government is hell-bent upon protecting those who are indulging in all this kind of scams, Gogoi said. Gogoi also questioned the government's announcement of a new high-powered committee on education reforms, saying a similar panel headed by K Radhakrishnan had been constituted two years ago but othing happened and it remained only on paper. Secondly, Prime Minister Modi himself is touting this new high-powered committee as if it's a major reform. But just two years ago, there was another committee tasked with the same objective under K Radhakrishnan. Nothing happened, just mere on paper and for them even today, Pradhan is a successful education minister, he said. So clearly, the BJP government and Prime Minister Modi do not want to reform the Indian education system, he said. PM Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms to make the exam system leakproof. Referring to the police action against student protesters on July 20, Gogoi alleged that the government wanted to protect Home Minister Amit Shah and claimed that students in BJP-ruled states were facing FIRs and arrests, creating a fear of reprisal. He reiterated the opposition's demand that the home minister make a statement in Parliament on the police action. ...They don't want to remove the RSS triangle hole on the Indian education system. They don't want reform and for us, our purpose remains the same that the home minister must give a statement on the floor of the House as to how the police brutality was undertaken on 20th of July, Gogoi said. When asked about Pradhan being welcomed by BJP leaders, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said, I see it in the same way they did for Bilkis Bano's killers. By welcoming Pradhan, they are making him, a guilty person, hero from zero. This is exactly what they do. Their attitude has always been the same. That's what I've been saying all along. This is the character of this government, and their values are zero. When reporters asked Pradhan for his reaction to the new anti-paper leak bill and on his resignation, he did not respond. The government on Monday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the anti-paper leaks law with stricter punishment of up to 10 years in jail and Rs 50 lakh fine, within days of large-scale student protests against the NEET fiasco rocking the nation that forced Pradhan to resign as education minister. The proposed legislation was introduced by Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh amid protests and sloganeering by the opposition demanding a response from the government over the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led July 20 protest march to Parliament. According to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, investigations into paper leak cases are to be completed within two months.

Peoples Conference protests against Mehbooba Muftis Kashmir ka toh banta hai remark

BJP alleges Rahul trying to 'manufacture protest' with 'false' AK-47 claim

New Delhi, Jul 27: The BJP on Monday accused Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of trying to manufacture a protest and create an atmosphere of anarchy by alleging that AK-47 rifles were used against agitating students in Bihar, and demanded that he apologise for spreading canards and falsity. The ruling party termed Gandhi's statement ot only deeply unfortunate, but a sin. The reaction came after Gandhi, in a post on X, claimed that reports suggested AK-47 rifles had been used against protesting students in Bihar and that hundreds had been arrested and booked under FIRs. He demanded action against those responsible for the alleged attack on the students. BJP national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sambit Patra said it is a matter of great shame that the Leader of the Opposition has shown a great deal of irresponsibility. While he posted on X and spoke about police using AK-47s on student protesters, it is absolutely condemnable that such falsity is spread by a person who occupies the post of Leader of the Opposition in India, Patra told reporters in the Parliament House complex. Demanding that Gandhi apologise, Patra said, They are trying to spread canards. AK-47 -- I am emphasising this word used by Rahul Gandhi. Does the police in this country ever use AK-47s to fire on protesters? Has it ever happened? How can Rahul Gandhi say that AK-47s have been used? This is totally unacceptable, and we firmly believe that Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation for spreading such canards and falsity. Referring to the Cockroach Janata Party calling off its protest after talks with Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Patra alleged that Gandhi is now trying to create panic and an atmosphere of anarchy in the country. You all saw how the CJP itself called off the protest. Discussions took place with J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, following which it was announced that the protest at Jantar Mantar had been concluded. By making such propaganda and spreading such misinformation, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party want to create panic, disorder and an atmosphere of anarchy across the country. This is highly objectionable, he said. Patra appealed to people not to take Gandhi's statement seriously and instead present the truth so that anarchy is not spread in the country. I would also tell Rahul Gandhi that he should behave like a responsible Leader of the Opposition and apologise to the nation for spreading such misleading claims, he said. Naturally, solving (issues) is not the purpose of Rahul Gandhi. Trying to create furore, trying to create manufactured anger, trying to manufacture a protest, and above all trying to create anarchy, is the sole aim of Rahul Gandhi and the LOP, Patra alleged. Opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, protested in the Parliament House complex on Monday over alleged police brutality against student protesters during the agitation on the NEET paper leak issue and demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's apology.

Asha workers hold protest, demand implementation of minimum wages act

How to Get a Used Car Loan Faster Without Overpaying Interest

Buying the right used car is often easier than arranging the loan. Delayed approvals, confusing interest rates, hidden processing fees, and unclear eligibility criteria can turn an affordable purchase into an expensive one. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can secure a used car loan quickly while keeping your overall borrowing cost under control. A used car loan is often two checks rolled into one: the lender checks you, and it also checks the car. Lenders look at your credit score, income proof, and bank statements, in addition to separately verifying the car's age, kilometres driven, RC status, and resale value. If anything in the vehicles file is unclear, the case moves out of the standard track into manual review. Why used car loans take longer than new car loans Unlike new cars, lenders must evaluate both the buyer and the vehicle. Besides assessing your income, repayment capacity, and credit history, they also verify the used car's age, ownership records, insurance, outstanding loans, inspection report, and resale value. Because two separate evaluations are involved, incomplete documentation on either side can delay approval. What actually decides how fast you get approved Used car loan approvals depend on more than just your income. Lenders also evaluate your credit score, employment stability, existing loan obligations, down payment, and the age and condition of the car you're buying. Here are the most important factors that lenders consider when disbursing a used car loan: Credit Score : most lenders want 700+ for the fastest track. Anything between 650 and 700 still gets approved but at a higher rate and with more documentation. Income Documents: salaried buyers with 3 months of salary slips, 6 months of bank statements, and Form 16 move fastest. Self-employed buyers need 2 years of ITR and audited financials and are usually slower. Car Paperwork : RC in seller's name, valid insurance, no pending challans, and a clean inspection report keep the file on the standard track. Loan-to-value (LTV) : a smaller loan against a higher down payment is approved faster because the lender carries less risk. Lender Type : bank loans typically take longer than NBFC loans, but bank rates are usually lower. Platform-tied finance (an organised platform or used-car dealer that has lender tie-ups) is often the fastest because the car check and customer check run in parallel. How to not overpay: the four pillars that actually matter The total cost of a used car loan depends on more than just the advertised interest rate. Factors such as the loan tenure, down payment, processing fees, and prepayment or foreclosure charges can significantly affect how much you repay over time. Understanding and comparing these four factors before choosing a lender can help you secure a faster loan without paying more than necessary. 1. Effective interest rate The advertised interest rate is only one part of the borrowing cost. Two loans with similar interest rates can end up costing very different amounts once processing fees, documentation charges, insurance, and other mandatory expenses are included. Whenever possible, compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) or ask the lender for the total cost of borrowing over the entire loan tenure. This provides a more accurate comparison than looking at the interest rate alone. 2. Processing and documentation fees Many borrowers focus on the EMI but overlook the upfront costs associated with the loan. Most lenders charge processing fees ranging from 1% to 3% of the loan amount, along with documentation, stamp duty, or verification charges where applicable. These costs increase the overall expense of the loan, so request a complete fee breakup before signing the agreement. During festive offers or promotional campaigns, some lenders may also waive or reduce these charges. 3. Tenure A longer loan tenure reduces your monthly EMI, but it also increases the total interest paid over the life of the loan. For many used cars that are less than six years old, a repayment period of three to four years often strikes a better balance between affordability and overall borrowing cost. While a six-year tenure may appear attractive because of the lower EMI, the additional interest can significantly increase the total amount repaid. 4. Prepayment and foreclosure charges If you expect your income to increase or plan to repay the loan early, check the lender's prepayment and foreclosure policy before applying. Floating-rate retail car loans are generally prepayable without penalty under RBI guidelines, whereas fixed-rate loans may attract foreclosure charges, which can increase the overall borrowing cost. Understanding these terms in advance gives you greater flexibility and helps avoid unexpected expenses later in the loan tenure. Common mistakes that delay used car loan approval Applying to multiple lenders within a few days: Every hard credit enquiry can affect your credit profile and make lenders view your application as higher risk. Incorrect income proof: Missing or inconsistent salary slips, bank statements, or ITRs can delay verification. Mismatch between Aadhaar and PAN: Differences in name, address, or date of birth often require manual verification. Buying a vehicle with incomplete RC documentation: Missing ownership records or pending transfers can delay the lender's vehicle verification. Existing unpaid EMIs: A high debt burden reduces your repayment capacity and may slow approval. Choosing a loan amount above the vehicle's valuation: Most lenders finance only a percentage of the car's assessed value. Documents you should have ready before you apply KYC : PAN card, Aadhaar, plus one of voter ID/passport/driving licence for address. Income (salaried) : last 3 months' salary slips, 6 months' bank statement, latest Form 16. Income (self-employed) : 2 years' ITR with computation, audited financials if applicable, 6-12 months' bank statement. Car papers : RC, valid insurance certificate, pollution-under-control certificate, inspection report from the seller or platform. Optional but useful : latest credit report so that you and the lender are looking at the same number. Headline rate vs total cost: A practical example Loan A (low EMI, long tenure) Loan B (slightly higher EMI, shorter tenure) Loan amount 5,00,000 5,00,000 Interest Rate (Reducing) 11.5% 11.0% Tenure 6 years 4 years EMI (Indicative) ~9,500 ~12,900 Total interest paid ~1,86,000 ~1,20,000 Verdict Cheaper monthly, costlier overall Higher EMI, lower total cost *The table is indicative in nature The headline interest rate is only one part of the borrowing cost. The effective interest rate reflects what you actually pay after factoring in processing fees, insurance charges, documentation costs, and other mandatory expenses associated with the loan. Before committing to a used car loan, compare the effective borrowing cost, not just the headline rate, to understand the true cost of financing and avoid paying more over the loan tenure. Use any standard used-car EMI calculator such as those offered by organised used car platforms like Cars24 to model your exact tenure and down payment. How Cars24s flexible financing changes the game Many organised used car platforms now offer integrated financing, where vehicle verification and loan approval happen simultaneously. Cars24 follows this approach by combining digital eligibility checks, transparent EMI options, flexible EMI tenures of up to 72 months and end-to-end documentation support, helping eligible buyers complete both the car purchase and financing process with fewer delays. Depending on their credit profile, eligible buyers can also benefit from up to zero down payment options, reducing the upfront financial burden. Throughout the process, buyers can view their loan eligibility, EMI options, repayment tenure, and applicable charges upfront, making it easier to compare offers and make informed decisions. Combined with end-to-end paperwork support and a seamless digital experience, Cars24's financing solution helps buyers secure a used car loan faster while keeping the process transparent, convenient, and hassle-free. FAQs What CIBIL score do I need for a used-car loan? Most lenders prefer 700+ for their best rates. Approvals between 650 and 700 happen at higher rates with more documentation. Below 650, expect either rejection or a sharply higher rate from an NBFC. Can I get 100% finance on a used car? Sometimes, depending on the car's valuation and your profile. Lenders may fund up to the car's assessed value or higher; in practice, putting some down payment lowers the rate and improves approval odds. Does same-day disbursal mean same-day car delivery? Not always. Same-day disbursal refers to the loan amount being released; car delivery still depends on the completion of other formalities and paperwork. What is the safest tenure for a used-car loan? A tenure that ends before the car turns 10 years old is the practical safe limit, because resale value and insurer comfort both drop sharply after that. For most used cars, 3 to 4 years is the cost sweet spot. Are processing fees negotiable? Often, yes, especially in the platform-tied lender channel during festive periods. Ask in writing for the processing fee waiver or a reduced rate; one of the two is usually possible.

Omar says students, not politicians, deserve credit for Pradhan's resignation

Omar Abdullah slams Mehbooba Mufti over 'Kashmir Ka Toh Banta Hai' remark

Schools Reopen in Kashmir after summer break

NEET row: Right to peaceful protest guaranteed, says SC, fixes pleas for hearing on Tuesday

Life of every individual irrespective of who they are is important, the bench asserted when a lawyer said that police personnel were also beaten up

India is where AI gets figured out

India's linguistic, cultural and digital diversity is turning it into a proving ground for artificial intelligence, argues JioStar's chief architect. As AI shifts from showcasing capabilities to solving real-world problems, success will depend on understanding context, intent and human behaviourmaking India's complex market a blueprint for global AI innovation.

Stock markets rebound in early trade as crude oil prices drop sharply

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 566 points to 76,608.66 in early trade; the 50-share NSE Nifty surged 153.60 points to 23,923.30

Kashmir schools reopen after summer vacations

Srinagar, Jul 27: Schools in Kashmir reopened on Monday, 20 days after they were closed due to a heatwave followed by heavy rain. Dressed in uniforms, the students made their way to schools early in the morning. The schools were closed on July 6 for 13 days as the valley was reeling under an unusually hot summer. The heatwave came to an end with heavy rains around July 18, but the continued downpour and a flood-like situation forced the government to extend the holidays till July 26.

You give me hope, Gen Z

Delhi's student protests erupted following unsettling exam paper leaks and government neglect. Gen Z utilised Gandhian techniques to challenge the establishment. The government's harsh response aggravated public opinion, rallying support for the protesters. Unified across faiths, these young activists displayed an unwavering spirit, shining a light on all that has gone wrong.

FES paper leak scam: ACBs massive crackdown nabs 12 more, probe points to deep-rooted conspiracy

Srinagar, July 27: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services (FES) recruitment paper leak, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested 12 more individuals, officials said on Monday. The fresh detentions mark a major escalation in the probe, signaling what authorities describe as a well-orchestrated conspiracy to compromise the integrity of the selection process. With this latest wave of arrests, the total number of accused held in connection with the high-profile recruitment scandal has risen sharply, underlining the agencys determined efforts to dismantle the network operating across the Union Territory. Official sources confirmed that the arrests were made in connection with FIR No. 01/2025, registered over the leakage of the examination paper and the larger criminal conspiracy that undermined the sanctity of the recruitment drive. The arrested individuals have been identified as Abdul Majid Ganie of Chadoora (Budgam), Bilal Ahmad Halwai of Bijbehara (Anantnag), Irshad-ul-Hamid Hakeem of Hajin (Bandipora), Shahnawaz Ahmad Khan of Sumbal (Bandipora), Ali Mohammad Bhat of Chadoora (Budgam), Shabir Ahmad Malik of Soibugh (Budgam), Mohammad Akram Bhat of Dharmunna (Budgam), Mushtaq Ahmad Rathi of Tangmarg, Sameer Ullah Rather of Chadoora (Budgam), Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Kakapora (Pulwama), Zaker Hussain of Phagsoo (Doda), and Sanjay Datta of Jammu. Notably, the arrests span multiple districts including Budgam, Bandipora, Pulwama, Anantnag, Doda, and Jammu, pointing to a well-coordinated racket with tentacles spread across the Union Territory. Investigators have gathered incriminating evidence and carried out sustained interrogations leading to the detentions, sources added. Meanwhile a senior official said the ACB is currently probing multiple angles to unravel the entire conspiracy, with a sharp focus on identifying all beneficiaries and establishing the precise role of each accused in subverting the recruitment process. He said the investigating agency has made it clear that the crackdown is far from over, and further arrests, searches, and legal actions are imminent as scrutiny of evidence and financial trails continues. (KNS)

NH-44 blocked again at Dewal hours after reopening; restoration underway

Banihal, Jul 28: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was blocked again shortly after midnight on Monday following a fresh landslide at Dewal in Udhampur district, barely hours after the strategic highway was reopened on Sunday evening after remaining closed for nearly 12 hours due to heavy rain, mudslides and shooting stones. Traffic officials said men and machinery of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were immediately pressed into service to clear the debris and restore traffic. Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe, as the possibility of fresh landslides and shooting stones continues in vulnerable stretches. Despite the fresh disruption, the 20th batch of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, comprising 3,823 pilgrims, crossed the affected Dewal stretch safely through one tube of highway, which had been opened exclusively for the Yatra convoy. The Baltal-bound convoy later entered Ramban district without any interruption under a multi-tier security cover. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway, Raja Adil Hameed, said the Traffic Police and NHAI teams were working round the clock to restore the highway at the earliest. He appealed to commuters not to pay heed to rumours and to verify the latest road status through official Traffic Police advisories and Traffic Control Units before undertaking their journey. Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles were left stranded at various locations between Qazigund and Udhampur following the fresh landslide, with authorities awaiting improvement in road conditions before resuming traffic.

Pulwama villagers demand road upgrade, allege land taken without compensation

Residents of Nownagri village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district have demanded the construction of a proper road connecting the village with Shitparpora, alleging that the government acquired hundreds of kanals of their land years ago but neither built the promised infrastructure nor paid compensation. A group of residents said the road linking Nownagri and Shitparpora has remained in poor condition for years, making commuting difficult for students, patients and commuters. They alleged that the government had acquired nearly 400 kanals of land from villagers for development purposes, assuring them that the area would benefit from improved infrastructure, including roads. The government took around 400 kanals of land from the village with the assurance that it would undertake various developmental works. However, neither was a proper road constructed nor were the affected landowners compensated, the residents said. They said the damaged road becomes particularly difficult to use during the rainy season, with potholes and an uneven surface slowing traffic and increasing the risk of accidents. Abdul Rehman Mir, a resident, said repeated representations to the authorities had failed to yield any results. We have approached the concerned departments several times, but nothing has changed. Our local MLA never visited the area despite approaching him many times, Mir said. Residents said the poor road was affecting their daily lives, making it difficult sometimes for ambulances or school buses and other vehicles to travel through the area. They added that dust during the summer and slush during the rainy season had become a persistent problem. The villagers urged the district administration and the local MLA to take up the matter on priority. We appeal to them to construct the road without further delay so that they could get relief from the recurring inconveniences caused to them, they added.

J&K Pensioners Welfare Federation, senior citizens, civil society organise 1-Day conference

A one-day conference was organised by pensioners Welfare Federation senior citizens civil society at Sumbal Sonawari District Bandipora. The event brought together esteemed leaders and dedicated members to address the welfare concerns of pensioners and senior citizens across the Union territory of J&K. The conference graced by the esteemed presence of Gh Mohiuddin Bhat, General Secretary of J&K pensioners welfare federation senior citizens civil society. The other Trade Union leaders from Srinagar Gh Nabi Bhat Khanyari and From District Budgam Gh Hassan Khag Beerwah addressed the gathering of pensioners of Sumbal Sonawari at Dak bunglow Sumbal Sonawari. In the welcome by the senior Trade Union leaders Haji Ghulam Rasool of Sumbal and Habib ullah and Assadullah Sumbal Sonawari extended greetings to the guests. The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of adjoining areas of Sonawari. Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat highlighted the demands of Pensioners urging the government to redress the grievances of pensioners are being paid Rs 300 as Monthly Medical allowance, whereas the pensioners ofUT of Ladakh are drawing Rs 1000, and demands parity in this regard. Other demands raised included issuance of senior citizens cards duly signed by District Magistrate backed by a circular from J&K Govt. GAD for its implementation in letter and spirit. Provisions of Waqat House (Senior citizens Welfare Centre) for pensioners at all district levels in the UT of J&K.; Enhancement of pension from the age of65 yrs instead of 80 years; Release of pending dues leave salary, gratuity etc without further delay. The State President was in Jammu and could not attend the conference in person due to closure of National Highway but addressed the gathering through video conference.

Chinar Corps pays tribute to Kargil heroes on 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas

Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Balbir Singh on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, marking the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn ceremonies across Kashmir. The Chinar Corps Commander laid a wreath at the Chinar War Memorial and paid homage to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chinar Corps Commander laid wreath at the Chinar War Memorial and paid homage to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the Nation. Chinar Corps salutes the indomitable spirit of our Bravehearts on the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Chinar Corps said in a post on X. The wreath-laying ceremony was attended by senior Army officers and personnel, who observed a moment of silence in memory of the fallen soldiers. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate Indias victory in the Kargil War of 1999, when the Indian Armed Forces successfully evicted Pakistani troops and Pakistan-backed intruders who had occupied strategic heights along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kargil sector of Ladakh. The conflict began after infiltrators crossed the LoC during the winter months and occupied several mountain peaks overlooking National Highway-1A, the vital road linking Srinagar with Leh. The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, supported by the Indian Air Forces Operation Safed Sagar, to recapture the occupied positions. Fought under some of the worlds most challenging high-altitude conditions, with soldiers battling at elevations exceeding 16,000 feet, the conflict lasted nearly three months. On July 26, 1999, India declared the successful completion of military operations after all major infiltrated positions had been recaptured. The war claimed the lives of more than 500 Indian soldiers, whose courage and sacrifice remain a defining chapter in the nations military history. Among the most celebrated heroes of the conflict were Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra for displaying exceptional gallantry. Every year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed across the country with commemorative events, particularly at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, where families of the fallen, veterans, serving personnel and senior government officials gather to honour the martyrs and reaffirm the nations commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Tarun Chugh gets new responsibility in Home, Defence ministries

BJP National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, Tarun Chugh has been entrusted with an important responsibility with his nomination as a member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence. The twin assignments are being seen as a recognition of Chughs long organisational experience and his contribution to matters of national security, said a statement. A popular BJP leader from Punjab, Indias frontline border state, Chugh has worked extensively in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh over the years. His inclusion in the two key parliamentary panels is expected to strengthen the voice of border states and ensure that issues concerning border districts, cross-border terrorism, drone incursions, narco-smuggling, national security and the welfare of border residents receive greater attention at the policy-making level. The Standing Committee on Home Affairs examines issues relating to internal security, border management, policing, disaster management and Union Territories, while the Defence Consultative Committee deliberates on defence preparedness, military modernisation and strategic security matters. Many party leaders and workers welcomed the new responsibility given to Chugh and wished him great success.

Batamaloo vendors seek basic facilities in designated market

The street vendors at Batamaloo's designated vendor market have sought basic amenities for convenience of traders and customers. The market, which remained partially affected following recent rains in Srinagar, has resumed normal activity. However vendors said waterlogging and accumulation of mud are severely affecting their business. It is difficult to leave the market amid so much dirt. When Smart City works have been carried out in other parts of the city, similar attention should also have been given to this market, one shopper said. A shopper said that the market plays an important role in the daily lives of ordinary people as vegetables and other essential items remain easily available there. This is a place where people come to buy vegetables and other daily use items. If such a market remains closed or is not properly maintained, it has a direct impact on the common people. Since these things are easily available here, authorities should give special attention to maintaining the marketshe said. A student who had come to purchase stationery raised concerns over absence of dustbins and the lack of proper sanitation in the market. I do not understand why there are still no dustbins here despite hundreds of people visiting the market every day. Proper arrangements for waste disposal and regular removal of garbage are very important, he said. An elderly shopper said that stray dogs also frequently enter the market and stressed the need for proper fencing and better cleanliness. Since the authorities have already created a dedicated space for vendors, it should have been properly maintained as well. Proper fencing would keep dogs out, help protect the vendors goods and make the market look more organised he said. A vendor said that authorities had assured them that the remaining portion of the market would be macadamised and urged that the process be expedited.

NLCO seeks immediate action on cycle track misuse at Nishat pedestrian walkway

The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has expressed serious concern over the apparent misuse of the dedicated cycle track and pedestrian pathway near Nishat water pump station. NLCO Chairman Manzoor Wangnoo said that the inner stretch near Nishat water pump station, developed for cyclists and pedestrians, appears to have gradually turned into a regular motorable road, with vehicles moving and parking on the track, defeating the very purpose for which the infrastructure was created. More seriously, NLCO drew attention to observations of suspicious activity along vulnerable lakeside stretches during late-night hours, including suspected filling of portions of the Dal Lake bed, allegedly to facilitate unauthorised construction, Wangnoo said. Elaborating he said, these observations need immediate verification by the concerned authorities. If any illegal filling or construction is taking place within the waterbody, it must be stopped firmly before irreversible damage is caused, Wangnoo said. It is particularly disturbing that such concerns were emerging from one of Kashmirs most iconic tourism landscapes, celebrated globally for the breathtaking beauty of Dal Lake and its surroundings, he said. NLCO appealed to Srinagar Smart City, J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned authorities to restore the cycle track at Nishat Pipeline Bund to its intended purpose, prevent regular vehicular movement and parking, strengthen night-time vigilance along vulnerable lakeside stretches, and investigate any suspected filling or illegal construction within the lake. This is an apolitical and constructive appeal. Dal Lake is our natural heritage and a lifeline of Kashmirs environment and tourism. Protecting it is a collective responsibility, Wangnoo said. Let the cycle track remain a cycle track. Let Dal breathe.Let us save what is still left to save, he added.

Sunshine brings relief after week-long wet spell

After more than a week of intermittent rainfall, Srinagar witnessed a sunny Sunday bringing much-needed relief to residents. Water levels in river Jhelum, Tailbal Nallah and other water bodies receded. Markets witnessed improved footfall, restaurants and public spaces saw visitors returning, while tourists were seen thronging Boulevard Road, Dalgate and Mughal Gardens as the weather turned pleasant. The receding water levels also eased anxiety among residents living along the banks of the Jhelum and Tailbal Nallah, who had remained on edge over the past week following continuous rainfall. For the first time in several days we feel relaxed. We were constantly monitoring the river level, especially during the night. Seeing the water recede has brought relief, but we hope the authorities remain vigilant, said Faizan Ahmad, a resident living in Rajbagh. Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said water levels in the Jhelum, Tailbal Nallah and other streams had declined and remained well below the flood declaration mark. The weather has improved and water levels have receded. However, our teams continue to monitor all vulnerable locations round the clock and remain prepared for any change in weather conditions, an official said. While the improving weather brought relief, residents said the week-long wet spell had exposed serious shortcomings in Srinagar's civic infrastructure that now require immediate attention.

Hajj 2027: J&K receives just 4,691 applications

Jammu and Kashmir has received 4,691 applications for Hajj 2027, significantly lower than the Union Territorys expected quota of 7,981 pilgrims, indicating that the entire allocation may not be utilised if the present trend continues. According to a senior official of the J&K Hajj Committee, the applications comprise 2,566 male and 2,125 female pilgrims. Among the applicants, 24 women have registered under the Ladies Without Mahram (LWM) category, while 620 are senior citizens aged above 65 years. The number of applications is around 3,290 short of the expected quota, suggesting a lower response from intending pilgrims this year. However, the final quota for Jammu and Kashmir will be determined by the Hajj Committee of India in accordance with the Hajj Policy. District-wise, Srinagar recorded the highest number of applications at 1,152, followed by Baramulla with 595, Anantnag 420, Budgam 404, Pulwama 361, Kupwara 323 and Kulgam 265. In the Jammu division, Rajouri received the highest number of applications at 174, followed by Jammu 106, Poonch 101, Doda 85, Ramban 54, Udhampur 50, Samba 46, Reasi 38, Kathua 36 and Kishtwar 35. The senior official said the Hajj Committee of India will scrutinise all applications before initiating the subsequent stages of the Hajj 2027 selection process in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. At the national level, the Hajj Committee of India received 2,01,725 applications after the close of the registration window. Among the states, Gujarat recorded the highest number of applications at 31,755, followed by Maharashtra (28,372), Kerala (24,500), Uttar Pradesh (22,623), Karnataka (17,939), Tamil Nadu (14,124), Telangana (12,021) and Madhya Pradesh (10,141). Officials said the quota for Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) has not yet been announced. The allocation under the HGO category will be notified separately by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.

Price rise adds to peoples woes in Kashmir

Prices of essential food items have witnessed a sharp increase across Kashmir over the past few weeks, putting additional financial strain on consumers already grappling with rising living costs. Poultry, eggs and vegetables have all become costlier, with traders attributing the spike to disruptions in the supply chain following the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The price of chicken has increased to Rs 200 per kilogram, while a tray of eggs is now retailing at around Rs 220- Rs 240. The prices of several vegetables, particularly those transported from outside the Valley, have also risen significantly in wholesale as well as retail markets. The increase comes at a time when the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to landslides and adverse weather has affected the movement of trucks carrying essential commodities into the Valley. Traders said the disruption has reduced the arrival of fresh supplies, creating shortages and pushing up prices. Wholesale dealers at Parimpora Mandi, Kashmirs largest fruit and vegetable market, said the number of trucks arriving with vegetables, poultry and other perishables has declined considerably over the past few days. Fresh supplies have been affected because the highway remains closed. Whatever stock is available in the market is limited, and wholesale prices have gone up. Naturally, the increase is being reflected at the retail level, said a trader. Poultry dealers said chicken prices have reached Rs 200 per kilogram primarily because of reduced arrivals from outside Jammu and Kashmir. The Valley depends heavily on outside supplies of poultry. With transport disrupted, fewer consignments are reaching the markets. Demand has remained almost unchanged, but limited availability has pushed prices higher, a poultry wholesaler said. Egg dealers also reported a sharp increase in wholesale prices. The procurement cost has increased due to supply constraints, forcing retailers to sell eggs at around Rs 220 per tray. If fresh consignments continue to be delayed, prices could rise further, a dealer said. Vegetable vendors said the impact has been visible across a range of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, cauliflower, cabbage and leafy greens. Every day we receive fewer supplies than usual. Transportation delays have increased procurement costs, and retailers have little option but to pass on the additional burden to consumers, said a vendor at a city market. Consumers said the sudden rise in prices has put additional pressure on household budgets. The prices of almost everything have increased within a few days. Chicken, eggs and vegetables are all costlier now. For middle-class and low-income families, it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage daily household expenses, said Ajaz Ahmad, a Srinagar resident. Market observers said the Valleys dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for the supply of essential commodities makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by weather-related road closures. Any prolonged interruption in traffic movement often leads to shortages of perishable goods and a corresponding increase in prices. Traders warned that if normal traffic on the highway is not restored soon, prices of essential commodities are likely to increase further as existing stocks get exhausted.

Kargil bravehearts protected nations sovereignty, scripted golden history: Army chief

Kargil Vijay Diwas is an eternal symbol of the Indian Armys indomitable courage, commitment, and supreme sacrifice, Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth said on Sunday. The nation on Sunday marked the 27th year of Indias victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief and other military leaders and civil dignitaries laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras in homage to the fallen heroes. The Indian Army on X shared its top officers message. Kargil Vijay Diwas is an eternal symbol of the Indian Armys indomitable courage, commitment and supreme sacrifice. On this occasion, I offer my humble tribute to the bravehearts of Kargil, whose valour and unbreakable resolve, while protecting the sovereignty of the nation, scripted a golden history of victory, the army chief said. These sacrifices are a source of limitless inspiration for every soldier of the Indian Army, he said. In his message, the army chief asserted that the Indian Army is eternally dedicated to guarding the nation and contributing to the growth of the country. Seth, an officer with the rare distinction of heading two operational army commands along the western front, took charge as the new Chief of the Army Staff on June 30. He assumed the reins of the 1.3 million-strong force at a time when it is forging a path to become self-reliant and future-ready while meeting challenges on the borders. After the main anniversary event Shradhanjali Samaroh at the Kargil War Memorial here, Seth delivered brief remarks to the press. On the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I feel that my presence here injects a new energy and pride in me. I offer my humble tribute to our bravehearts and also affectionately greet their family members, he said. Seth in his remarks, delivered in Hindi, said an Indian soldier is much ahead of personnel in other forces of the world, and cannot be competed with. I want to assure the nation that the Indian Army is with the people in the growth story of the country, and in future, and will make the flag of the country fly higher, he said. Operation Vijay was the name given to Indias limited war against Pakistan after the neighbouring countrys infiltration in 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999.

Speaker interacts with residents of Arampora

The J&K Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, today visited Arampora and Nambalhar areas of the Charar-e-Sharief Assembly Constituency, where he held an extensive public interaction with the local residents to listen to their grievances, developmental aspirations and suggestions for overall progress of the area. During his visit, the Speaker paid obeisance at the revered shrine of the renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Abdul Samad Mir (RA) at Nambalhar, where the annual Urs Mubarak is being observed. He offered prayers and paid rich tributes to the saint, praying for lasting peace, communal harmony and prosperity across Jammu and Kashmir. The Speaker addressed a huge gathering and interacted with the local residents at Arampora. During the interaction, the residents apprised the Speaker of several long-pending developmental issues requiring immediate attention. Prominent among their demands was construction of a bridge over Nallah Shaliganga to connect Tehsil Khansahib with Tehsil Chadoora. The people also highlighted the need for improved road connectivity, augmentation of drinking water supply, strengthening of power infrastructure and upgradation of other essential public amenities. The Speaker gave a patient hearing to every representation and assured the people that all their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. He said that developmental priorities would be pursued in a phased and planned manner, ensuring that projects of public importance receive due attention and are implemented without unnecessary delay. The Speaker emphasized that the bridge over Shaliganga would serve as a vital link, significantly improving the inter-tehsil connectivity, facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce to markets, reducing travel time and creating new economic opportunities for the farmers and traders. He said that the bridge would immensely benefit thousands of residents living on both sides of the nallah. The Speaker said that the present government is committed to ensure equitable and balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir, with special emphasis on strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of life in rural and far-flung areas. He said that sustained efforts are being made to expand road connectivity, improve healthcare and educational facilities, augment drinking water supply, strengthen power infrastructure, and create durable public assets that directly benefit the people. He further said that development is the cornerstone of progress and can only be achieved through close coordination between the government and the people. He stressed that every developmental initiative is aimed at improving the public welfare, generating employment opportunities, boosting economic activity and creating better prospects for future generations. The Speaker urged the people not to pay any heed to rumours or misinformation, saying that such elements only obstruct the pace of development and create unnecessary confusion among the public. He appealed to the residents to remain united and extend their wholehearted cooperation in implementation of developmental programmes for the larger interest of the region. The Speaker said that public outreach and direct interaction with the people remain essential for understanding grassroots issues and ensuring that development is driven by the genuine needs and aspirations of the people. He assured the gathering that every sincere effort would be made to resolve their concerns in a transparent and time-bound manner.

10 Killed in Flash Floods in China as Typhoon Noul Makes Landfall

Typhoon Noul, the strongest typhoon to hit China this year, brought destructive winds and heavy rains to South China's Guangdong Province, forcing the evacuation of 715,351 people

Bear attack injures man in Boniyar, shifted to GMC Baramulla

A man was injured in a bear attack in the Behak-Natiyan area of Boniyar on Sunday, officials said. The injured has been identified as Mohd Shareef Sheikh, a resident of Tirkanjan Kangdyal. He sustained injuries after being attacked by a bear in the Behak-Natiyan area. According to news portal GNS , local Army personnel promptly reached the spot, provided first aid to the injured, and assisted in evacuating him to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Boniyar for medical treatment. After receiving initial treatment at PHC Boniyar, doctors referred him to the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for specialised treatment. The incident has once again highlighted the increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict in the area, prompting calls for greater vigilance among residents living near forested regions.

Awareness session on obstructive sleep apnea, obesity & fitness by AANITS

The NIT Srinagar Alumni Association (AANITS) successfully organised an awareness and expert interaction session on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) & the ObesityFitness Connection on Sunday under its flagship Stay Fit, Stay Healthy Campaign. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from alumni, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public, highlighting the growing interest in preventive healthcare and healthy living. The session focused on creating awareness about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common yet frequently undiagnosed sleep disorder closely associated with obesity, poor sleep quality and several chronic health conditions. Experts emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, weight management, regular physical activity and lifestyle modifications in preventing and managing the condition. Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, delivered an insightful talk on the health implications of OSA, explaining how poor sleep affects cardiovascular health, metabolism, productivity and overall well-being. Dr. Jameel Manzoor, Senior Consultant (ENT), BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, shared the ENT perspective on sleep apnea, discussing its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and available treatment options while highlighting the vital role of weight reduction and fitness in improving patient outcomes. The programme was convened by Dr. Mir Ishfaq Hussain, Musculoskeletal & Sports Functional Medicine/Injury Specialist (BPT, MPT, PhD-ACSM), who stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare. Aijaz Ahmad Bhat (IPS), SSP Traffic Srinagar, graced the occasion as the Eminent Guest and appreciated the initiative taken by AANITS. He underscored the importance of discipline, healthy living and community awareness in building a healthier society. The event was coordinated by Aaqib Nisar Khan, Power Engineer and NIT Srinagar Alumnus, who played a key role in organising the programme. The interactive session covered several important topics, including understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the link between obesity and sleep disorders, the impact of poor sleep on physical and mental health, lifestyle interventions, fitness strategies and practical measures for improving sleep quality. Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary of AANITS, Er Farhan Shah and torch bearer of Stay fit stay healthy campaign reaffirmed the associations commitment to promoting health awareness beyond academics by bringing together leading experts to educate society on lifestyle diseases and preventive healthcare. They emphasized that the Stay Fit, Stay Healthy Campaign aims to inspire people to adopt healthier habits, as even small lifestyle changes can lead to significant long-term health benefits. The programme concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants interacted with the experts and received practical guidance on improving sleep, managing weight and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Health centerNichama, Handwarain 2 rented rooms

The health centre at Nichama in north Kashmirs Handwara sub-district continues to operate from two rented rooms of a residential house despite repeated demands from residents for the construction of a separate concrete building to ensure better healthcare facilities in the area. The residents have expressed strong resentment against health department for failing to come up with a building for the health centre resulting severe hardships to the locals. The residents said that the health centre was upgraded to health and wellness centre few years back but nothing has been done with regard to construction of the building. The health centre has been functioning in a residential house since 1986 and since then we have time and again brought this issue into the notice of concerned officials but to no avail, Majid Ahmad, a local told Greater Kashmir . He said that even locals have offered free land to the department but still health department was reluctant to construct building for the health centre. The residents said that the health centre was also without an ambulance due to which they were suffering. Since our village happens to be a heavy snowbound area and during winters we suffer a lot at a time when any medical emergency arises. We are forced to shoulder patients to a specific spot from where we board vehicle and carry them to hospital for treatment, they added. The residents have appealed authorities to construct a building for Nichama health centre and provide an ambulance to them.

No maternity hospital for 10 lakh people in Kupwara district

Kashmirs farthest district, Kupwara, spread over 2400 square kilometers approximately, has no maternity hospital. Its 10 lakh residents face poor health facilities for mother and child, often requiring referrals and involving risks in the difficult terrain. The population has appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to establish a maternity and child care hospital in Kupwara town. The residents said that establishment of maternity and child care hospital at District Headquarters Kupwara is need of the hour. People from snowbound areas like Machil, Keran, Tanghdar, Jumagund, Budnamal, Kumkadi and several other areas are the most affected people and by establishing a special maternity and child care hospital at Kupwara, it will bring much needed relief to the people, Abdul Ahad, a local told Greater Kashmir . It will be a relief for the high risk pregnancies that are referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara or LD Srinagar. Even people from plain areas suffer due to lack of better pregnancy care at District Headquarters Kupwara, he added. A doctor posted in Medical Block Kupwara said that the move will be a relief for patients and will help to decrease the referral rate. The travel from Kupwara to Srinagar is tiresome for pregnant women as ambulances remain stuck in traffic jams for hours. Most of the patients who turn to government hospitals can't bear the travel expenses so establishment of this facility is need of the hour, he added. The residents said that they have been raising this issue for the last several decades but according to them every dispensation has failed to deliver with regard to establishing the hospital. They have now appealed J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz to take a call on this pressing issue. Meanwhile MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz while reacting on this issue, said that he has raised this issue in Assembly consistently over the past three sessions but nothing has been done so far in this regard. I even led a delegation of Kupwara civil society to meet CM Omar Abdullah in this regard but the CM's promise did not yield anything yet, he added. I remember CM Omar Abdullah saying in Kupwara before government formation that if his party comes into power, Kupwara will get a super-specialty hospital but even that promise has turned out to be a hoax, Mir added.

Road connecting Rangpath, Dogripora dilapidated, risky

The residents of Rengpath and Dogripora have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the road connecting the two areas. They said that the damaged stretch of the road has become a major source of inconvenience for the public. The road is riddled with potholes and has an uneven surface making travel difficult and unsafe. Commuters, schoolchildren, patients and transport operators are among those worst affected, as the poor condition of the road has disrupted daily travel and routine activities, a local told Greater Kashmir . The road has become hazardous, particularly during rainy weather with the result water gets accumulated in the damaged portions which increase the risk of accidents manifold, he added. A driver who operates his sumo on the said road said that the deteriorating road was taking a toll on vehicles and affecting public transport. Poor road connectivity has disrupted our daily lives and cause frequent damage to vehicles. We want the authorities to prioritise the reconstruction of this road, he said. The residents said that despite repeated appeals, the condition of the road has remained unchanged. We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate notice of the issue and undertake the repair and upgradation of the road at the earliest to ensure safe and smooth connectivity between the two areas, they added. MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed while reacting on the issue said that he has taken the issue with the concerned department and hopefully the said road will be repaired soon.

J&K Medical Colleges grapple with flouted mandatory attendance rules

Government Medical Colleges (GMC) in J&K are facing challenges with widespread violation of mandatory attendance norms for MBBS students. This has prompted action in form of seeking explanation notices to defaulters, while the administrations of these colleges mull decisive deterrents, amidst National Medical Commission (NMC) highlighting lax enforcement. Amid the expanding medical seats in the J&K and in other states and UTs of India, the NMC has tapped the medical colleges over the lax enforcement of attendance directive. In this context, GMC Srinagar recently issued notice to several Phase-I MBBS students of the 2025 batch and demanded written explanations for their poor attendance records. Similar concerns have been received from other colleges where the mandatory thresholds are reportedly being routinely flouted. The NMC mandates that MBBS students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance in theory classes and 80% in practical and clinical sessions to be eligible for university examinations. Students would be barred from appearing in exams, including supplementary ones for failing to meet this threshold. The growing menace of absenteeism has pushed the medical faculty members to raise alarm over the chronic low attendance. They argue that it is undermining the quality of medical training, particularly in hands-on clinical skills under the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum. Many of them expressed anguish over the trend and said that real patient interaction, ward rounds, and practical sessions cannot be substituted by self-study or online resources alone. A senior professor at GMC Srinagar said, Attendance rules exist for a reason. Medicine is a practical profession. When students skip classes and postings regularly, it affects their competence and ultimately patient care. The NMC has recently reiterated strict standards for both students and faculty. Some students said they are hassled by long travel distances, inadequate hostel facilities, overlapping schedules. In addition, many said they were preparing for NEET UG again in order to land in a better college. Some students, in senior years, said they were preparing for NEET-PG. One first-year MBBS student from GMC Srinagar said, The system needs to address genuine issues of students. We dont have a place to live here, he said. The new medical colleges located in the far-off areas, and inadequate infrastructure settings are also facing difficulties with attendance of students. Many students, admitted in colleges out of the cities and large towns have been facing difficulties with accommodation, according to students. Medical colleges, as per officials, are intensifying monitoring, with regular attendance audits and digital/biometric tracking.

Sooryavanshi, Mayank Yadav script India's 35-run win, sweep Zimbabwe 3-0

Harare, Jul 26:Vaibhav Sooryavanshis remarkably adaptive 81 and an equally solid effort from bowlers led by pacer Mayank Yadav ensured Indias smooth 35-run win over Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I here on Sunday. Along with the victory, India also completed a 3-0 sweep, a fine step-up after surrendering the previous two series to England (0-4) and Ireland (0-2). Zimbabwe had to bat out of their skin to chase down 193 on a rather sluggish pitch. But they did not have enough patience or nous for it, ending up at 157 for seven despite Ryan Burl making a fine unbeaten 54. Just like in the previous matches, Zimbabwe lost one too many wickets early as they could not properly use the Power Play segment. Pacer Yash Thakur (2/45) got rid of Dion Myers and skipper Sikandar Raza off successive balls in the fourth over as the hosts slipped to 34 for three. Earlier Mayank (3/29), who bowled with heaps of pace and accuracy, had ousted Brian Bennett in the first ball of the innings as Zimbabwe struggled for an early move-on. It became a trend as the innings progressed despite Indians grassing as many as four catches and conceding couple of boundaries in another sloppy fielding effort. Burl played a nice innings of assurance and formed a good 60-run alliance with Wesley Madhevere (28) for the fifth wicket. The Zimbabweans played some forceful shots around the park, but the early damage was too big to mitigate. India too suffered an early jolt, losing a struggling Abhishek Sharma for 2 after opting to bat. But Sooryavanshi showcased another side of his batting during the 49-ball innings on a slightly tacky pitch at the Harare Sports Club, and The 15-year-old started in a relatively subdued fashion first 10 balls produced a mere 11 runs, the next 10 saw the arrival of 15 runs, and eventually his second T20I fifty came in 31 balls. There were a few stunning shots as one would expect in a Sooryavanshi innings. A straight punch for a four off Brad Evans yorker and then a 102-metre six off off-spinner Sikandar Raza showed his age-defying power and skills. There was a moment of innovation too when he reverse swept spinner Madhevere for a boundary. But overall, it was an innings of restraint on the day from the Bihar boy. But on the other hand, his opening partner Abhishek got out for his sixth below par score in succession, edging pacer Blessing Muzarabani to stumper Tadi Marumani. Now, Abhisheks last six innings read: 10, 16, 3, 1, 8, 2, dating back to the third T20I at Nottingham against England last month. But Sooryavanshi showed enough maturity to stitch a 75-run partnership with Ishan Kishan (29) for the second wicket and followed it up with a 50-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (27) for the next wicket. However, the left-hander fell close to a well-deserved hundred with Evans taking a stunning catch at long-off off Madhevere. Once Sooryavanshi and Shreyas departed, the middle order batters struggled to impart the desired momentum to the innings. It reflected in the 47 runs they scored off in the last five overs, and Rinku Singh's cameo (25, 14b) was needed for India to move closer to 200.

PM Modi leads country in lauding Mirabai after her CWG gold

New Delhi, Jul 26:Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in lauding Indian weightlifting icon and Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu after she produced another historic performance by winning her third Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow on Sunday. PM Modi described Mirabai's latest triumph as another glorious chapter in India's weightlifting history and also congratulated men's lifter Rishikanta Singh on his silver medal. Mirabai reaffirmed her status as the undisputed queen of Indian weightlifting, delivering a commanding performance to capture gold in the women's 48kg category. The Olympic silver medallist rewrote the record books, shattering the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games snatch records while setting new Games marks in the clean and jerk and total to further cement her legacy as one of India's greatest weightlifters. Another glorious chapter in Indian Weightlifting! wrote PM Modi on 'X'. The talented Mirabai Chanu once again showcased her skills at the Commonwealth Games with a stunning performance in the 48kg category and winning Gold. With back-to-back Commonwealth Games Golds and an overall fourth CWG medal to her name, she remains an inspiration for every Indian. Congratulations to her! Best wishes for the endeavours ahead, he added. Despite competing with a troublesome knee, 28-year-old Rishikanta scripted history by becoming the first male weightlifter from Manipur to win a Commonwealth Games medal. Congratulating him, Modi praised Rishikanta's grit and determination, saying his fighting spirit had brought immense joy to the nation. Very proud of Indian lifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam for winning a Silver Medal and also achieving his personal best. His determination and outstanding performance have brought immense joy to the nation. May he continue to scale greater heights and inspire many young athletes. Best wishes for his future endeavours! Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated Mirabai, saying her historic gold was the reward for years of unwavering dedication. Congratulations to Mirabai Chanu on winning the Gold Medal in Weightlifting at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Her unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have brought glory to the nation, Singh wrote on 'X'. This remarkable achievement reflects the spirit of perseverance and dedication that continues to inspire millions of young Indians. Wishing her continued success and many more laurels in the years to come, he added. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded Mirabai's remarkable consistency after she completed a rare hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals, having also topped the podium in the 2018, 2022 and now the 2026 Glasgow edition. A hat-trick of GOLD medals! Congratulations to @mirabai_chanu on clinching the Gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Your unwavering dedication, remarkable consistency, and extraordinary strength continue to make India proud on the global stage, wrote Mandaviya on 'X'.

Mirabai strikes gold again, Rishikanta takes silver, swimmers reach relay final

Glasgow, Jul 26:Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu underlined her status as India's greatest weightlifter of her generation with a record-shattering third successive Commonwealth Games gold, while Rishikanta Singh battled injury to claim a historic silver as the country enjoyed a productive day at the Games here Sunday. Mirabai was in a league of her own in the women's 48kg competition, rewriting the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games record books en route to lifting 190kg (85kg snatch and 105kg clean and jerk). It was India's first gold in this edition of the Games and third medal overall so far. Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar had opened India's medal account with a bronze in the men's heavyweight event on Friday. The 31-year-old Manipuri overcame a missed opening attempt in both the snatch and clean and jerk before recovering in trademark fashion to finish a massive 22kg ahead of Nigeria's Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who settled for silver with 168kg. Having already secured the title and with the Asian Games less than two months away, Mirabai opted to skip her final clean and jerk attempt after breaking the Commonwealth Games records in clean and jerk and total lift. Before Mirabai's gold-winning show, Rishikanta Singh settled for a silver in the men's 60kg category after an injury denied him a realistic shot at gold. The Manipuri lifter matched the Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a 121kg effort and entered the clean and jerk in the lead. However, he could manage only 143kg after failing his final two attempts, finishing with a total of 264kg. Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan seized the opportunity by producing a Games record 152kg clean and jerk for a winning total of 273kg, while Kenya's Joshua Amunga Mboya claimed bronze with 260kg. Rishikanta later revealed that a knee injury suffered a week before the competition resurfaced during the clean and jerk phase, robbing him of the power needed to complete his heavier lifts. I came here for gold. After the snatch, I was in the leading position, but my knee created a problem. I was able to clean the weight but could not push because one thigh was not working properly. I tried my best, he told PTI. The 28-year-old nevertheless scripted history by becoming the first male weightlifter from Manipur to win a Commonwealth Games medal and the first from the state to compete in the sport at the Games. Swimmers stay in medal hunt In swimming, India's men's 4x200m freestyle relay team kept medal hopes alive by qualifying for the final after finishing third in their heat. The quartet of Dhakshan Shashikumar, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda, Aryan Nehra and Srihari Nataraj clocked 7:39.48 to finish behind Australia and England in their heat and qualified fifth overall across the two heats. The Indians produced a strong finish to edge past Jersey and secure their place in the eight-team final. Disappointment from Lawn Bowls Arena There was disappointment in lawn bowls, where Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh saw their three-match winning streak end with a narrow defeat to Namibia in the women's pairs sectional event. After losing the opening set 5-7, the Indians bounced back to dominate the second 10-1 before going down 0-3 in the tie-break to Amanda Steenkamp and Diana Viljoen. The Indian pair will now face England in their final sectional match, with a semifinal berth at stake.

FM Sitharaman directs Income Tax Deptt to work for benefit of common people

Mumbai, Jul 26:Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday urged the Income Tax department to work for the benefit of common people without making them run from pillar to post. She also went public with her disappointment at the laidback nature of government departments, which leads to illegal occupation or encroachments on government lands and underlined the need for integrity in conduct from all officials. Citing the challenges faced by the department in getting permissions to construct a building in the Nariman Point business district, which she inaugurated on Sunday, Sitharaman said these experiences, despite serving in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), would have given them an idea of what the common man goes through. An IRS officer has the name of the Income Tax department behind him, a powerful force to frighten people, Sitharaman reminded, adding that despite this, the officials had to run from pillar to post to get clearances from authorities to proceed with work on the 13-floor building. Can this (experience) incentivise you to understand the position of a common citizen when he approaches you? Don't make them run from pillar to post where your authority is required; do the work for them, the FM said. The minister was quick to say that she is not asking the officials to break the rules or do something out of the way for the common citizens but rued that it takes a lot of effort in this country for people to get their rightful claims. The land parcel on which Aaykar Sindhu, the 1.13 lakh sq ft building, is built, had been with the I-T department since 1973, Sitharaman said, adding that despite this, illegal occupations had sprouted up on the land. The fact that you led it to have occupations, illegal occupation, shows somewhere in our governance, we are too laid back. It is somebody's job to take care of our assets, and when it is encroached, we say, oh, we have the land, but we can't build it, she said. Sitharaman also promised to look into the issue of many of the I-T officials not staying in official accommodations in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas, hinting that half of them do not enjoy such a facility and also travel for long to get to workplaces. Stating that she would prefer government-to-government transfer of lands for the purpose, Sitharaman assured that she will facilitate the quick transfer of lands and other aspects like getting the permissions, building, dealing with CPWD (Central Public Works Department), assigning contracts and tenders will be the job I-T officials will have to perform. Get it all done at the earliest so that we do not get into the second half of the 21st century with scattered office spaces, rental accommodation in a city, which is fast growing and expect to pay rents or lease rental at phenomenal rates, she said. She particularly mentioned state-run BSNL, asking officials to get the telco's land and promised to speak with her counterpart minister. Meanwhile, she also used the opportunity to underline the importance of integrity in the discharge of a critical work like tax collection for the country. Integrity is the one and only principle I will advocate to each one of you, she said.

How J&K seeks to protect genuine handicrafts from counterfeits

Srinagar, Jul 2:As Jammu and Kashmir seeks to revive its handicrafts sector and expand its footprint in domestic and international markets, the Handicrafts Quality Control Council has emerged as a key institutional mechanism for safeguarding the authenticity and quality of the Union Territory's traditional crafts. Constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts (Quality Control) Act, 1978, the Council is responsible for enforcing quality standards, advising the government on quality control measures and ensuring that genuine handcrafted products from Jammu and Kashmir maintain their identity in increasingly competitive markets. The present Council was constituted by the Industries and Commerce Department through a notification issued in April this year and will remain in office for three years. The handicrafts sector is one of the oldest traditional industries in Jammu and Kashmir, providing direct and indirect employment to lakhs of artisans. Products such as hand-knotted carpets, pashmina shawls, kani shawls, papier-mch, walnut wood carving, crewel embroidery and chain stitch enjoy recognition in global markets. However, the sector has been facing mounting challenges over the years due to counterfeit products, machine-made imitations, inconsistent quality standards and changing consumer preferences. Officials believe that a robust quality control framework is essential to preserve the reputation of Kashmiri handicrafts, particularly as consumers increasingly seek certified and authentic handmade products. The Council brings together senior officials from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department along with representatives of important institutions connected with the sector. Under the notification, the senior of the two Directors of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir and Jammu, serves as the Chairman, while the other Director is a member. Other official members include the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, the Director of the Craft Development Institute, the Director of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and the Deputy Director, Handicrafts Quality Control, who functions as the Member Secretary. The government has also ensured industry participation by including representatives of leading trade and artisan bodies. The non-official members include the President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the President of the Confederation of Chamber of Industry, Jammu, the President of Tahafuz Society, and representatives of Meeras Carpet Weavers Industrial Cooperative Ltd., Warasat Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Ltd., Basohli Vishwasthali Art and Painting Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Ltd., and KYASC Basohli Pashmina Artisans Producer Company Ltd. The composition of the Council reflects an effort to bring policymakers, technical experts, industry representatives and artisan organisations onto a common platform for addressing issues related to product quality, certification and market acceptance. The Council plays a significant role in framing quality standards for handicraft products, recommending testing and certification procedures, monitoring compliance with prescribed norms and advising the government on policy interventions needed to improve quality assurance. It also helps prevent the misuse of the Kashmir brand by discouraging the sale of imitation products falsely marketed as authentic handicrafts from the region. The quality certification mechanism has gained added importance following the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of several Kashmiri handicraft products, including Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet, Kani Shawl, Sozni Embroidery, Papier-Mch and Walnut Wood Carving. Maintaining strict quality standards is considered essential for protecting these GI-tagged products from counterfeit goods and preserving consumer confidence. Industry experts have often pointed out that while Jammu and Kashmir's handicrafts enjoy international recognition, inconsistent quality and the proliferation of machine-made products sold under the Kashmir label have affected the sector's competitiveness. They argue that stronger quality control and certification can help improve exports, enhance buyer confidence and ensure better returns for artisans. Apart from protecting consumers, the Council is expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the handicrafts sector by promoting standardisation, encouraging innovation without compromising traditional craftsmanship and strengthening the credibility of handmade products in global markets. According to the government notification, the Chairman and members of the Handicrafts Quality Control Council will hold office for a period of three years in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts (Quality Control) Rules, 1998.

India scaling new heights in defence production: PM Modi

New Delhi, Jul 26:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is continuously scaling new heights in defence production, military exports and also in the field of political cooperation with friendly nations. Addressing his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', he also paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil war in 1999. The prime minister, however, did not refer to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests on the NEET paper leak issue which concluded on Saturday after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister and acceptance of the protesters' other demands by the government. Recording of the Mann Ki Baat is normally done two to three days ahead of the scheduled broadcast. Referring to the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', the prime minister said there are certain days in people's lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered. Today, the 26th of July, is one such date. Today is 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers. Towering peaks of Kargil, harsh weather, the challenge posed by the enemy - our soldiers faced every such circumstance, yet their spirit was greater than every challenge, he said. Modi said India of today not only remembers her heroes but also conveys their saga to the new generation and, with this very sentiment, a special 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' has been organised this year. The prime minister said alongside the courage of the soldiers, India is also continuously strengthening its technological capabilities. He said a few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was inducted into the Indian Navy and this modern warship has been designed and built in India itself. More than 75 per cent of the materials used in it are indigenous. It is a symbol of the growing strength of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', he said. Modi said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also successfully tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket this month and behind this success lies the collective perseverance of the scientists and engineers. Only two-three days ago, the DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile, he said. Whether it is defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously scaling new heights, he said. The prime minister said when he was in Indonesia early this month, a major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded, and this reflected that global confidence in India's defence equipment and technology is growing. Referring to India's first rocket developed by the private sector, he said every Indian is filled with pride following the successful launch of 'Vikram-1' last Sunday. All of us Indians were witnesses to this historic moment for India's space sector. Our young innovators achieved something that was once difficult to even imagine - they displayed remarkable skill, passion and patience, he said. Modi said for a long time the Indian space sector remained closed to the private sector, denying many interested young people the opportunity to showcase their talent. Keeping the interests of the youth in mind, we opened up the space sector to private enterprise, and today, the world is witnessing the results, he said. Talking about the campaign 'Catch The Rain' for the conservation of rainwater, he said the message is very simple: conserve the water right where and when the rain falls. That is why a special nationwide campaign has been underway since the 4th of July. Under this initiative, fresh momentum is being given to rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, the rejuvenation of old water bodies and tree plantation, he said. The prime minister also referred to badminton icon P V Sindhu becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title, saying the entire nation is proud of this achievement of hers. He spoke about the Indian women's cricket team's first-ever Test match win at Lord's Stadium in London, and said this was a historic victory. Modi also highlighted a sports-related initiative in South Chittoor, Ernakulam, where a school has a Sanskrit club where a teacher, Abhilash, is popularising Sanskrit in a unique way. This project has been named 'Aksharakanduk'; it explains Sanskrit letters in a simple manner by linking them to terms used in football. This makes learning enjoyable while also fostering a deeper connection between people and sports, he said. The prime minister also spoke about the successes achieved by Indian students in Science Olympiads, a women's Self-Help Group in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor creating 'Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea' and lakhs of saplings being planted through the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. As the country will celebrate the 'National Handloom Day' on August 7, he urged everyone to honour the weavers by encouraging handloom crafts. Come, let us further strengthen the spirit of being 'Vocal for Local', he added.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: Convoy bus catches fire near Chamalwas Banihal on NH-44

Ramban, Jul 26:A Baltal -up convoy bus carrying Amarnath Yatris suffered a mechanical fault after its silencer suddenly caught fire at around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday near Chamalwas Main Point in Banihal area of Ramban district, official sources said. The vehicle, bearing registration number MP43-2C-2004 and driven by Rajesh Dhakkad, came to a halt after the fire broke out. The blaze was swiftly brought under control by the Station Officer (SO) and his team, who used a fire extinguisher and immediately switched off the vehicle, preventing the flames from spreading. All 65 pilgrims on board were safely evacuated without any injuries, averting what could have been a major mishap. Senior officials, including the Zonal Officer (ZO), Station House Officer (SHO) and the Quick Response Team (QRT), rushed to the spot and coordinated the rescue and relief operation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban Arun Gupta said the stranded passengers were shifted to a spare bus and resumed their onward journey without further disruption. Officials said the prompt response of the police and rescue teams ensured the safety of all the yatris and prevented any loss of life or property. The incident caused only a brief interruption to the convoy before normal movement was restored.

MLA Sajad Shaheen seeks restoration of special KatraBanihal train

Ramban, Jul 26:With the GoolSangaldan Road remaining completely closed following severe land subsidence at Parnote, BanihalGool MLA Sajad Shaheen on Sunday urged the Northern Railway authorities to immediately restore the Special KatraBanihal Rail Service to provide much-needed relief to the affected population. The closure of the vital road link has disrupted normal life across the BanihalGool region, leaving thousands of passengers, students, government employees, patients, traders and families stranded while affecting access to essential services. Expressing serious concern over the situation, Shaheen said the special train service, which was discontinued a few months ago, should be resumed without delay to serve as an alternative mode of transport until road connectivity is restored. The restoration of the Special KatraBanihal Rail Service will provide a crucial lifeline for the people and significantly ease the hardships faced by commuters during the ongoing crisis, the MLA said. He added that the rail service would facilitate the movement of students, employees, patients and other travellers who are facing immense difficulties due to the road closure. Shaheen also called upon the concerned departments to undertake restoration work on the damaged GoolSangaldan Road on a war footing. He stressed the need for immediate intervention to reopen the road at the earliest to ensure the smooth movement of people, vehicles and essential supplies. Meanwhile, residents of the affected areas have also appealed to the administration to expedite restoration efforts and revive the special rail service, saying the twin measures are essential to minimise the impact of the disruption on public life until the road is made traffic-worthy again.

Fresh land subsidence shuts RambanGool road again

Ramban, Jul 26:Fresh land subsidence triggered by monsoon rains has once again forced the closure of the vital RambanGool Road at Parnote in Ramban district, cutting off Gool Subdivision and several adjoining areas from the district headquarters. Officials said the road was closed after the ground began sinking again, rendering the affected stretch unsafe for vehicular movement. As a precautionary measure, traffic has been suspended for all types of vehicles until the damaged section is assessed and declared safe. The closure has snapped the only road link connecting Gandhri Block and several parts of Gool Subdivision with Ramban town, causing major inconvenience to commuters, students, government employees, patients and traders. The same stretch had witnessed a major land subsidence on April 25, 2024, resulting in a prolonged closure of the road. Following extensive restoration work by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), the route was reopened for light passenger vehicles on May 28, 2024. However, continuous monsoon rainfall has triggered fresh subsidence at the vulnerable site, forcing the authorities to halt traffic once again to prevent any untoward incident. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and full-scale restoration work will continue subject to favourable weather conditions and the stability of the affected slope. Meanwhile, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officer said restoration work on the damaged road stretch was initiated on Sunday afternoon. Men and machinery have been deployed at the site to clear the affected portion and restore connectivity at the earliest, provided weather conditions remain favourable. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the route until further notice and appealed to the public to cooperate with the restrictions in the interest of safety. Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan along with other officers also visited to affected area

Hundreds march, demand immediate opening of Sungal Tunnel in Rajouri

Rajouri, Jul 26:An unprecedented situation unfolded at the strategically important Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway on Sunday when hundreds of people from Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu and Reasi districts marched inside the newly built tunnel demanding its immediate opening for public use. The protest, marked by high drama and chaotic scenes, saw demonstrators matching inside the tunnel, alleging that the continued delay in commissioning the project and the poor condition of the existing highway were putting the lives of more than 15 lakh people at risk. The situation became so tense that the civil administration rushed senior officers to the spot to prevent any untoward incident and pacify the agitated protesters. The 2.7-kilometre-long Sungal Tunnel, located between Bhambla in Rajouri side and Chowki Choura in Jammu, is the longest of the four tunnels being constructed under the upgraded Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway project. While the Nowshera and Kandi tunnels have already been opened for traffic and excavation work on the Bhata Dhurian Tunnel is still in progress, the Sungal Tunnel continues to remain closed despite claims that construction has been largely completed. The uncertainty surrounding its opening has triggered widespread resentment among residents, who accused the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the project execution agency of permitting only VIP movement through the tunnel while denying access to the general public. The protest march started from Rajouri town and culminated at the Bhambla portal of the tunnel, where demonstrators staged a sit-in and raised slogans against the BRO and the executing agency. The protesters later entered the tunnel, demanding that it either be opened immediately for civilian traffic or, at the very least, be made accessible for ambulances and medical emergencies until regular movement is permitted. The protest intensified as people alleged that the authorities had ignored repeated public appeals despite the deteriorating condition of the existing road, forcing the administration to deploy senior officers from Reasi district to restore calm. Addressing the gathering, protesters, including Former DDC Chairman Rajouri, Adv. Naseem Liyaqit, Adv. Tazeem Dar, Former BDC Chairman Arun Sharma alleged that while the tunnel appeared to be substantially complete, it was inexplicably being kept closed for ordinary commuters even as VIPs were reportedly being allowed to use it. They criticised the Border Roads Organisation, the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir Government for remaining silent on an issue that directly affects residents of Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu and Reasi districts who depend on the highway for essential travel. The protesters also highlighted the deplorable condition of the existing highway, stating that it has become highly accident-prone due to deep potholes, recurring mudslides, unstable hill slopes and an uneven carriageway. They alleged that despite the prolonged delay in opening the tunnel, the authorities had failed even to undertake basic repairs and maintenance of the alternative road. They further claimed that the poor execution of the highway project was evident from the fact that debris from landslides that occurred during last year's monsoon still remains uncleared at several locations, posing a serious threat to commuters. Senior civil administration officers later held discussions with the protesters and assured them that the issue had been taken up with the competent authorities and that all their demands, including opening of the tunnel at the earliest and allowing emergency medical movement immediately, had been projected before the concerned agencies. Following the assurance, the protesters called off their agitation. However, they warned that if the Sungal Tunnel is not opened at the earliest, they would launch a more intense and widespread agitation in the coming days. Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is however, yet to issue any official statement on it.

LG Ladakh VK Saxena inaugurates first Special School for children in Kargil

Kargil, Jul 26: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Union Territory's first Special School for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in Kargil, marking a historic milestone in the Administration's commitment to ensuring equitable, inclusive and quality education for every child. Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan were present during the inauguration. The Special School has been established to provide a dedicated learning environment equipped to address the educational, developmental and therapeutic needs of children with special needs, ensuring that every child receives opportunities to learn, grow and lead a life of dignity and independence. The school features barrier-free infrastructure with ramps, accessible classrooms and child-friendly facilities, along with assistive technologies to support diverse learning needs. It is equipped with dedicated resource rooms, therapy and rehabilitation support, and specialised learning aids to ensure holistic development. The school is backed by trained special educators and support staff. Addressing the gathering, LG Saxena said that the inauguration of the Special School is not merely the opening of a new educational institution but the beginning of a new chapter in Kargil's journey towards inclusive education. He observed that the school reflects the Administration's unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, irrespective of physical, intellectual, sensory or developmental challenges. Referring to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Lieutenant Governor stated that every child deserves equal opportunities to learn and succeed. He said that the establishment of the Special School is a significant step towards making education inclusive, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of every learner. He further reiterated the UT Administration's commitment to making every Government school inclusive so that Children with Special Needs can access quality education closer to their homes. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the success of inclusive education cannot be achieved by the Government alone and requires active participation from society. He appealed to parents, local communities, School Management Committees, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and volunteers to work together in creating a compassionate environment where children with special needs are respected for their abilities, welcomed without discrimination and empowered to realise their fullest potential. Saxena stated that the Administration is continuously upgrading educational infrastructure in accordance with CBSE norms and national standards through investments in modern classrooms, science laboratories, ICT facilities, libraries, sports infrastructure and safe learning environments. Referring specifically to the needs of Children with Special Needs, he said that the Administration will continue to strengthen barrier-free infrastructure, assistive technologies, accessible classrooms, therapeutic support, resource rooms and trained special educators to ensure that every learner can participate in education with dignity and confidence. LG Saxena expressed confidence that the Special School would emerge as a centre of excellence for inclusive education and serve as a model institution for empowering Children with Special Needs in Ladakh. Calling for a collective commitment towards inclusive development, the Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to work together to build a Ladakh where every child matters, every learner is valued and every dream is given the opportunity to flourish.

Flood-hit families say SDRF relief falls short

Rajouri, Jul 26:As hundreds of families across the flood-ravaged districts of Rajouri and Poonch struggle to rebuild their lives, growing concern has emerged over the existing compensation norms under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), with affected residents terming the relief grossly inadequate and demanding a complete revision of the compensation policy. Families whose houses have either collapsed or suffered extensive damage said the compensation provided under the prevailing SDRF guidelines is insufficient to rebuild their homes, leaving them anxious about their future. Many of the affected residents said they have been rendered homeless after their houses were either completely washed away or declared unsafe due to severe structural damage caused by the recent floods. With their lifelong savings lost and belongings destroyed, they are now looking towards the government for financial assistance. However, the existing compensation norms have come as a major disappointment. We are in a state of panic after learning that the compensation under the existing SDRF provisions is too little to help us rebuild our homes, said several affected families. Residents also referred to the compensation disbursed after Operation Sindoor, stating that owners of fully damaged pucca houses had received around Rs 1.20 lakh, while compensation for partially damaged houses amounted to only a few thousand rupees. They added that although the Government of India later announced a special assistance package, the relief remained inadequate, with 2 lakh provided for fully damaged houses and limited assistance for partially damaged structures. Can anyone rebuild a completely damaged pucca house with one or two lakh rupees? questioned several affected residents, urging the government to reassess the compensation framework. The families appealed to the government to amend the SDRF norms and ensure that compensation reflects the actual extent of losses suffered by disaster-affected households. Our entire life's savings have been washed away. We have nothing left. Compensation should be realistic so that families can rebuild their homes with dignity, they said. Supporting the demand, Rajouri MLA Iftkhar Ahmed said the present compensation structure is inadequate and fails to address the ground realities faced by disaster-hit families. He demanded Rs 20 lakh as compensation for every fully damaged pucca house, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for severely and partially damaged pucca houses respectively, Rs 8 lakh for fully damaged kacha houses, and Rs 34 lakh for partially damaged kacha houses. The MLA urged both the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Central Government to revise the existing SDRF compensation norms so that families devastated by natural disasters receive meaningful financial support to rebuild their lives.

The need for collaboration

The higher education sector in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant expansion over the last two decades, with the establishment of more universities, colleges, and other technical and management institutions across the region. While this expansion is aimed at to improve the access to higher education, it has also created new challenges for academic colleges and universities that require immediate attention. One of the most pressing concerns is the duplication of academic programmes across the colleges and universities, declining student enrolment, least student preferences for certain disciplines including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, underutilisation of institutional capacity, and outdated/redundant curricula that do not adequately address the demands of the region as well as of the contemporary world. With the result on one hand, the continuing joblessness of graduates and other degree holders has put a question mark on the degree awarding process and on the other hand, admission decline has opened a debate on quality vs. numbers of institutions. A University in private sector has also been established now. This is expected to reduce the need for students to leave J&K for job oriented higher education besides creating jobs for local faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and support personnel. Many institutions in J&K provide similar undergraduate and postgraduate programmes without adequate consideration of collaboration to fulfil regional needs, employment opportunities, research potential, or emerging areas of knowledge. While academic diversity is important, excessive duplication across the HEIs often leads to unnecessary competition among institutions for a limited pool of local students rather than encouraging specialisation and excellence to make each institution unique for certain programmes and degrees. The fact of the matter is that number of aspiring candidates to take admissions in colleges and universities for various UG & IG programmes is actually less. Further, the universities which were supposed to emerge as research intensive universities have shifted to offer four year undergraduate and five year integrated academic programmes, which has created additional problem for degree colleges in terms of student preferences for university campuses. With the result, the number of degree colleges and university departments and centres offering UG & IPG programmes have actually more intake capacity than the admission aspirants. For example, this year, 59,435 students successfully qualified the 12th examination in Kashmir region; while as 35,299 students have qualified the examination from Jammu division. The question remains how many of them are really interested to take admission in J&K academic colleges because majority prefer professional colleges within the UT, or outside the UT and the country. The result is, leftover aspirants are not adequate for admission in degree colleges particularly in the newly established colleges devoid of proper space, infrastructure and human resource. Therefore, many colleges and universities struggle to fill their sanctioned seats every year. Therefore, instead of increasing the number of institutions and replicating the same programmes within them, there is a need to develop centres of excellence with specialised academic identities based on infrastructure, faculty expertise, geographical advantages, and research potential in individual institutions. Further, the institutions with overlapping programmes may need restructuring and collaboration to ensure effective utilisation of resources. Such an approach would reduce duplication, improve academic standards and encourage preferences for admission in local colleges rather than shifting to outside institutions. Therefore, Jammu and Kashmir needs a forward-looking higher education policy that aligns academic programmes with collaborations among colleges and universities to strengthen the regions knowledge economy. Rather than functioning as isolated institutions competing for the same students, institutions can achieve far greater academic, research, and societal impact by working together and sharing resources for multidisciplinary education capable of addressing complex challenges in research and innovation. Regional collaboration will enhance educational quality, promote innovation, optimize resources, and contribute to regional development and sustainable higher education ecosystem. Collaboration can be done in multiple ways, for example, between the colleges, between a college and a university and between universities for joint degree, integrated degree, double major degree and dual degree programmes. Many institutions possess specialized laboratories, libraries, research equipment, and expert faculty that remain underutilized due to loss of admissions. Through collaborative agreements, these facilities and expertise can be shared; reducing duplication of infrastructure, ensuring efficient use of public investment, complement one anothers strengths and offer shared academic programmes. Pooling expertise across institutions will increase the likelihood of securing research funding through NRF that will directly benefit the region to excel in research and innovation through efficient use of financial and human resources, thereby contribute to development of regional economy and knowledge creation. Newly established or developing institutions can benefit from the infrastructure, experience, mentorship, and best practices of more established colleges and universities, thereby effectively contributing to capacity building and regional knowledge creation and socioeconomic development. Joint internship programmes, skill development initiatives, entrepreneurship centres, and innovation hubs will create better employment opportunities for graduates. Student mobility and academic flexibility through credit transfer using Academic Bank of Credits will be another significant outcome of collaborating institutions. The author is Associate Professor of Zoology, Islamia College of Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Srinagar.

The Journey of Ministerial Accountability

Every nation is remembered not only for its economic progress or military strength, but also for the values that guide its public life. After Independence, India adopted the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy and with it a noble tradition of ministerial accountability. The principle was simple: while civil servants ran the administration, the minister in charge accepted the ultimate responsibility for both its achievements and its failures. Public office was regarded not as a privilege to enjoy, but as a trust to honour. For the first few decades after Independence, this principle lent Indian democracy a distinct moral strength. The generation that had led the freedom movement believed that the credibility of institutions depended as much on ethical conduct as on constitutional authority. Even in Jammu & Kashmir, despite deep political differences with New Delhi, many people admired the personal integrity, simplicity and public conduct of several national leaders. Political disagreements existed, but respect for character often transcended them. That culture, however, did not remain unchanged. Looking back over nearly eight decades of independent India, one can clearly trace a gradual transformation in the understanding of ministerial accountability. The finest embodiment of that ideal was Lal Bahadur Shastri. In September 1956, while serving as Railway Minister, Shastri offered to resign after the Mahbubnagar railway accident. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined the offer, convinced that Shastri could not be held personally responsible for an operational failure. But just two months later, another devastating railway accident occurred at Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu, claiming more than 140 lives. Shastri once again tendered his resignation, this time insisting that it be accepted. There was no allegation of corruption against him. No commission had found him negligent. Yet Shastri believed that such a tragedy, occurring under his charge, imposed a moral obligation upon him to step down. Nehru accepted the resignation while making it abundantly clear that his faith in Shastris honesty and competence remained unshaken. That episode became one of the defining moments of Indian parliamentary democracy. Shastris resignation was not an admission of guilt; it was an affirmation of responsibility. It conveyed a powerful message that authority and accountability were inseparable. In those days, resignation was never considered a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it reinforced public confidence in democratic institutions. A minister who accepted responsibility enhanced the credibility of the government rather than diminished it. Shastris example influenced public life for many years. Finance Minister T. T. Krishnamachari resigned following the LIC-Mundhra controversy. Perhaps the last major example of this tradition before the turn of the century came in 1999, when Railway Minister Nitish Kumar resigned after the Gaisal railway disaster. His resignation was widely viewed as an extension of the standard set by Shastri more than four decades earlier. Even in 2000 and 2017, Railway Ministers Mamta Benerjee and Suresh Prabhu publicly offered to resign after a series of train accidents, acknowledging that a ministers could not remain indifferent to repeated failures in their department. These examples represented voluntary accountability. Some resignations were accepted, others were not. What mattered was that the ministers themselves felt answerable to the nation and were prepared to relinquish office if circumstances demanded. There was, however, another category of resignations. These came not from an immediate acceptance of moral responsibility but under the weight of political, parliamentary or judicial pressure. Among the prominent examples were the resignations of Defence Minister V. K. Krishna Menon after Indias defeat in the 1962 war with China, Home Minister Shivraj Patil following the Mumbai terror attacks, Telecom Minister A. Raja during the 2G spectrum controversy, and later Pawan Kumar Bansal and Ashwani Kumar in 2013. These resignations undoubtedly reflected accountability, but they differed from the Shastri model. Responsibility was eventually conceded when circumstances left little alternative. Around the beginning of this century, another significant shift became evident. Governments of different political persuasions gradually adopted the view that an administrative failure, by itself, should not compel the resignation of a minister. Unless there was evidence of personal misconduct, a judicial indictment or an overwhelming political necessity, ministers were expected to remain in office and oversee corrective measures. From an administrative perspective, this argument was not entirely without merit. A resignation does not by itself solve systemic failures. Yet the unintended consequence was that the moral bond between authority and accountability steadily weakened. The change became evident in a series of major controversies over the last two decades. Opposition parties demanded the resignation of L. K. Advani after the Gujarat violence of 2002. P. Chidambaram faced repeated demands over internal security issues and controversies surrounding the 2G spectrum affair. A K Antony was criticised over defence preparedness and procurement controversies. Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya were asked to resign after the Rohith Vemula episode. Narendra Singh Tomar faced sustained demands during the farmers agitation. Ajay Mishra Teni continued in office despite repeated calls for his removal after the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Following the Balasore railway tragedy of 2023, the Opposition invoked the examples of Shastri and Nitish Kumar while demanding the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. None of these ministers resigned or even offered to resign. Gradually, it came to be accepted that a government enjoying a comfortable parliamentary majority could simply ignore Opposition demands, however persistent they might be. Political accountability increasingly became dependent upon electoral arithmetic rather than constitutional convention. It is against this background that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assumes significance. Only a few days before his resignation, both the Minister and the Government had categorically ruled out any question of his stepping down. The Opposition demanded his resignation, but by itself it lacked the parliamentary strength to compel the Government to act. Similar demands against several ministers in recent years had failed to produce any result. What altered the political equation was the sustained mobilisation of students and young examination aspirants. Their movement, born out of deep frustration over repeated examination irregularities, gathered momentum instead of fading away. It steadily expanded beyond its immediate grievance and came to symbolise a broader demand for political accountability. Faced with a movement that showed little sign of losing public sympathy, the Government appears to have concluded that the Ministers continuation had become politically more costly than accepting his resignation. In doing so, it succeeded in easing an agitation that was growing day by day and whose future course had become increasingly uncertain. The emergence of this new youth mobilisation, the methods it adopted and the long-term implications it may have for Indian democracy deserve a separate and detailed discussion. Writers, constitutional scholars, political scientists and social thinkers will undoubtedly analyse its strengths, limitations and future trajectory in the times ahead. It would therefore be premature to draw sweeping conclusions about its lasting political significance. What can safely be said, however, is that this episode has reopened a conversation that had almost disappeared from Indian public lifethe conversation about the moral foundations of governance. Dharmendra Pradhans resignation cannot be placed in the same category as that of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri resigned because his conscience demanded it. Pradhan resigned after sustained public pressure made his continuation politically difficult. The circumstances were different, and so were the motivations. Yet history often advances not through identical events but through symbolic moments. After nearly three decades in which governments had successfully resisted almost every demand for ministerial accountability arising out of administrative failures, this resignation marks a significant departure. It reminds those in public office that parliamentary majorities, however large, do not place governments beyond the reach of public opinion. Democratic legitimacy ultimately rests not only upon numbers in the legislature but also upon the confidence of the people. Whether this episode marks the beginning of a revival of the Shastri tradition or remains an isolated exception is something only time will determine. But it has undeniably revived a debate that had almost disappeared from Indian public lifethat democratic legitimacy rests not only on electoral mandates and administrative efficiency, but also on the willingness of those entrusted with authority to accept responsibility for serious failures under their watch. If that debate ultimately strengthens the convention that authority and accountability must go hand in hand, this episode will be remembered not merely for the resignation of a Union Minister, but for reaffirming one of the finest traditions of Indian parliamentary democracy. Shakeel Qalander, prominent business leader and a civil society animator

This smart city needs a smarter drainage strategy

The few hours of intense rainfall that lashed Srinagar recently exposed an uncomfortable reality: despite years of investment under the Smart City Mission, the city remains highly vulnerable to urban flooding. Roads that had been recently upgraded and beautified disappeared beneath stagnant water, commercial establishments were inundated, traffic came to a standstill, and residents once again found themselves navigating through flooded streets after only a short spell of rain. The episode was not merely the result of an unusually intense storm. It was a reminder that Srinagars drainage infrastructure has not kept pace with the changing climate, rapid urbanization, and evolving land-use patterns. While the city has undoubtedly witnessed remarkable improvements in its urban aesthetics through modern streetscapes, public spaces, lighting, and pedestrian-friendly corridors, the recent flooding suggests that the less visiblebut far more criticaldrainage infrastructure has not received the same level of attention. Climate change is fundamentally altering rainfall characteristics across the Himalayan region. Scientific observations increasingly indicate that rainfall events are becoming shorter in duration but significantly more intense. Instead of prolonged moderate rainfall spread over several days, cities are now experiencing cloudburst-like episodes capable of overwhelming conventional drainage systems within minutes. Infrastructure designed decades ago using historical rainfall records is no longer adequate to handle these new extremes. Srinagar presents a particularly complex hydrological setting. The city lies within a flat alluvial basin intersected by the River Jhelum, numerous canals, flood spill channels, wetlands, and an intricate network of drains. Its naturally low gradients make gravity-driven drainage inherently slow. Any obstruction, reduction in channel capacity, backwater effect from the Jhelum, or blockage within secondary drains can quickly translate into extensive waterlogging. Rapid urban expansion has further compounded the problem. Over the past two decades, vast areas of agricultural land, wetlands, and open spaces have been converted into residential colonies, commercial establishments, roads, and parking areas. These impervious surfaces drastically reduce natural infiltration while simultaneously increasing surface runoff. Consequently, rainwater that once infiltrated into the soil now reaches drains almost instantaneously, generating peak flows many times greater than those anticipated during the original design of the drainage network. Encroachments along drainage channels, unauthorized construction over natural watercourses, inadequate maintenance, sediment deposition, and indiscriminate disposal of solid waste further diminish the hydraulic capacity of urban drains. Even a well-designed drainage system cannot perform efficiently if its carrying capacity is compromised by physical obstructions. The recent flooding therefore should not be viewed as an isolated incident but rather as an early warning of what lies ahead if urban planning continues to underestimate the implications of climate change. What Srinagar now requires is not piecemeal interventions or isolated drain widening projects. It needs a comprehensive scientific reassessment of its entire urban drainage system through advanced hydraulic and hydrological modelling. Many leading cities worldwide have adopted integrated urban flood models using internationally recognized software such as InfoWorks ICM, MIKE+, TUFLOW, and the US EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). These tools simulate rainfall, surface runoff, underground drainage networks, canal systems, pumping stations, river interactions, and floodplain dynamics under thousands of rainfall scenarios. Such modelling enables engineers to identify precisely where water accumulates, determine which drains fail first, evaluate bottlenecks, estimate flood depths and durations, and test alternative mitigation strategies before any physical investment is made. It transforms infrastructure planning from reactive engineering into predictive engineering. Srinagar deserves a similar scientific exercise. A city-wide Urban Flood Risk Assessment should include high-resolution topographic surveys, mapping of every stormwater drain and culvert, hydraulic assessment of the complete drainage network, updated rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves reflecting climate change projections, and two-dimensional flood inundation modelling capable of simulating different rainfall return periods under present and future climate scenarios. The study must also examine the hydraulic interaction between urban drainage and the River Jhelum, particularly during periods when elevated river levels reduce the efficiency of stormwater outfalls. Without understanding this interaction, drainage improvements in isolation may deliver only limited benefits. Equally important is the preparation of a city-wide drainage master plan that integrates future urban expansion with projected climate risks over the next fifty years rather than relying solely on historical rainfall statistics. Given the complexity of Srinagars hydrology, this exercise should ideally be undertaken by internationally experienced hydraulic engineering consultants working in collaboration with local technical institutions and government agencies. International firms with demonstrated expertise in urban flood modelling have successfully delivered resilient drainage solutions in several flood-prone cities around the world using state-of-the-art numerical models and climate-resilient design approaches. Their experience, coupled with local knowledge, can help produce solutions that are scientifically robust and economically viable. Such a study should not simply recommend larger drains. Modern urban flood management emphasizes integrated solutions, including detention basins, retention ponds, restoration of wetlands, permeable pavements, rain gardens, green infrastructure, decentralized stormwater storage, real-time monitoring systems, and flood forecasting tools that together reduce runoff while improving urban resilience. Importantly, every proposed intervention should undergo cost-benefit analysis to prioritize investments capable of delivering maximum flood reduction within available financial resources. The Smart City Mission has undeniably transformed Srinagars visual landscape. However, truly smart cities are not defined solely by attractive boulevards or aesthetically pleasing public spaces. They are measured by the resilience of their invisible infrastructuredrainage systems, utilities, emergency response mechanisms, and climate adaptation strategies that continue functioning when nature tests their limits. The recent rainfall should therefore be viewed as an opportunity rather than merely an inconvenience. It offers policymakers a chance to rethink urban flood management before more intense storms become the norm. Engineering experience across the world consistently demonstrates one important lesson: infrastructure investments made without comprehensive scientific investigation often prove expensive to rectify later. Ad hoc measures may temporarily alleviate local flooding but frequently transfer the problem downstream or create new bottlenecks elsewhere within the drainage network. In urban flood management, there are no shortcuts. Every culvert, every drain, every road level, and every outfall functions as part of a connected hydraulic system. Unless this system is understood scientifically through rigorous modelling and evidence-based planning, individual interventions are unlikely to produce lasting resilience. The next storm should not once again expose familiar weaknesses. Srinagar possesses the technical expertise, institutional capacity, and opportunity to become a model Himalayan city for climate-resilient urban flood management. What is required now is the collective resolve to ensure that future investments are guided not merely by aesthetics, but by sound science, robust engineering, and long-term resilience. Dr. Yasir Altaf. Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change, IUST, Kashmir.

The Choice for Self-Extinction

The total fertility rate (TFR) in Jammu & Kashmir has plummeted to 1.4, according to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21). This is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, the threshold required for a population to sustain itself without growth. This decline is not an accident but the culmination of decades of population control slogans. From bus do ya teen bachay (only two or three children) to hum do hamaray do (we two, our two), and finally the lethal pehla baccha abhi nahain, eik kay baad kabhi nahain (first baby not yet, second never), these policies have effectively hammered the last nail in the coffin of population growth. Sold under the guise of social welfare and economic stability, these promises have remained a distant dream in J&K, which ranks near the bottom in state GDP and suffers from one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Historically, J&Ks TFR has fallen from 5.5-6 children per woman before 1970 to 1.4 today, with urban areas at 1.2 and rural at 1.5. This decline is attributed to delayed marriages, high unemployment, rapid urbanization, financial stress from dowry, and changing lifestyles. Health experts also point to an alarmingly high rate of cesarean sections, accounting for over 47% of deliveries in J&K compared to the national average of 22%. This is partly due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and, regrettably, a greed for quick profits among some healthcare personnel. However, beyond these factors lies a deeper issue: a tendency toward indolence and a sybaritic culture that prioritizes comfort over family. Among all species, Allah has endowed humans with the highest rate and longest span of fertility, regardless of seasonal limitations. It is a gift meant to shape a brighter future, yet we are using it to choose self-extinction through a cocooned existence. The fertility window is not shortening; we have actively shortened it. ibution, which are solvable. A declining population, however, poses a far graver problem: the shortage of human capitalthe very user and creator of all resources. The beautiful world we enjoy today, where no one wishes to die, is a product of a growing population. Without it, our landscapes would be barren. The dwindling fertility rate in J&K signals shrinking human resources, an ageing population, and a potential decrease in absolute numbers that endangers our demographic and species status. This decline threatens our identity. The choice to ensure our dignified survival lies squarely in the hands of the people, especially married reproductive couples. It is never too late to mend, provided we truly mean it. The author is a former Sr. Audit Officer and Consultant in the A.Gs Office Srinagar.

Narrow escape from floods!

It was a narrow escape from floods for people of Jammu and Kashmir following incessant rains for more than a week. While flood alert was sounded in Kashmir and rivers in Jammu were swollen and flowing ferociously keeping people on toes and gazing at water levels. It was flash floods triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts which led to increase in water levels in Jhelum, Tawi, Chenab rivers. Rajouri and Poonch in the Pir Panjal region bore the brunt of flash floods consuming the lives of 22 people while seven are still missing. Why do a few days of rain send shivers down our spine? If rains continued for a few more days, floods were imminent in J&K. It is clear that successive regimes have not done much since devastating floods in September 2014 to increase carrying capacity of rivers, reclaim flood plains and implement flood mitigation measures. We are literally back to square one! When it rains and rivers swell, we can only rely on prayers. We have to understand how Kashmirs only water outlet river Jhelum has lost its floodplains making the Valley vulnerable to floods. Jhelum spans 175 sq kms from south to north Kashmir and settles in Wullar lake, before flowing into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through the Uri area of Baramulla district. Jhelums flat topography makes Srinagar the most vulnerable area to flooding in J&K. Wetlands including Hokersar, Narakara, Batamaloo nambal, Rakh-e-arth, Anchar and Gilsar on the left and right of Jhelum which acted as reservoirs of floodwaters, have been degraded due to rapid encroachment and urbanisation. The total capacity of river Jhelum was 30800 cusecs and it is estimated that during floods in September 7, 2014, peak flow in the river reached to over 1 lakh cusecs. In the last 12 years, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been able to increase carrying capacity by 10,000 cusecs taking the total capacity to 41000 cusecs. There is still a shortfall of nearly 60000 cusecs. It is ironic but true that no dredging has been carried out in Jhelum or its flood spill channels since March 2020! Imagine how much silt would have been deposited in the river in the last six years? What severely affects hydrological regimes of Jhelum is illegal sand mining and wanton illegal mining in its tributaries. Destruction rate of Jhelum exceeds its conservation measures. Despite ample central funding, flood mitigation measures are still considered unsatisfactory. Under the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP), the Centre approved a Rs 12,083.90-crore flood mitigation programme for J&K. The Phase-I worth Rs 1,399.29 crore was for immediate flood mitigation interventions. Also the World Bank-funded Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project committed a $250 million loan to restore damaged infrastructure. The project also included components for strengthening of disaster resilience and modernisation of flood management systems. The Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (CFMP) is only 80% complete. Studies reveal that the built-up area within the floodplains of Jhelum has increased by 4 times from 55.47 km2 in 1972 to over 200.km2 . The inundation levels and patterns of Jhelum have been affected by the Railway line, Bypass and under-construction Srinagar Ring Road. It was a standard practice from Dogra era to breach the Kandizal area of Jhelum to save Srinagar from floods when excess waters used to spread till Nowgam area. However due to vote bank politics the practice has been abandoned and proved detrimental in flooding of Srinagar in 2014. In absence of regulation by authorities, Kandizal and its adjoining areas have witnessed massive filling of open lands and marshes, constructions and change of land use. On September 4 last year, following incessant rains, waters of Jhelum flowed through its erstwhile encroached floodplains from Shalina to Nowgam areas. The river reclaimed its lost and encroached flood plain! Jhelums lone flood channel from Rambagh to Tengpora is overwhelmed by silt, garbage and excessive growth of weeds. The channel looks like a forest. And summing up the state of flood mitigation is construction of a full fledged cricket pitch in the middle of flood spill channel at Tengpora area. Experts maintain that floods are mostly caused by filling up of Jhelums flood plains and backwater effects due to low outflows from Wullar Lake which has lost its carrying capacity by heavy accumulation of silt. We dont need technology to enhance Jhelum;s carrying capacity but just need to take a leaf from exemplary flood mitigation measures by British and Dogra engineers who raised river embankments and did sustained dredging from Sopore to Baramulla. In 1960, two mechanical dredges named Soya-1 and Budshah-were commissioned after being inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to dredge steep river reach from Sopore to Baramulla. The dredging continued till 1986 when the dredgers completed their designed lifetime. Thereafter no dredging was done for 26 years resulting in siltation of river regime as also of Wullar lake fed by Jhelum which resulted in the lake losing 30 percent of its volumetric. Wullar is important as it absorbs flood water during high flows and releases it in low flow time to act as a sponge. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has rightly emphasised the importance of adopting long-term flood mitigation measures, noting that recurring flood-like events necessitate sustained planning and resilient infrastructure. Who other than Omar, who was CM when devastating floods ravaged J&K in 2014, can effectively take a lead in implementing flood mitigation measures on priority to save us from other deluge and devastation. Kashmir valley is one of the most flood prone regions in the Himalayas and Government must take scientific measures to enhance the carrying capacity of Jhelum. We need to remember that we are always just a few cloudbursts or a few days of continuous rains away from floods! Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir

AmarnathYatra surpasses 4-lakh yatri mark

Srinagar, Jul 26:The ongoing Amarnath Yatra on Sunday total surpassed the four-lakh yatri mark. In a post on X, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha posted: By Lord Shiva's divine grace, the holy Shri AmarnathJiYatra has crossed a remarkable milestone and more than 4 Lakh pilgrims have already completed the sacred journey. Till now, 4.14 Lakh devotees have received darshan. I bow with reverence to Baba Amarnath for this blessing and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this journey a truly divine experience for all.

Chinese watermelons bloom in Kashmirs Pakhtoon heartland

Wantrag (Anantnag), Jul 26:Buyers gathered around Muhammad Aslam Khan's watermelon field in Cheki-Isherdas, Wantrag, as he sliced open a freshly harvested fruit. The reaction was immediate. The watermelon was yellow inside. The unusual variety is part of Khan's latest experiment; introducing Chinese hybrid watermelons in a village where his 18-year journey has transformed the local economy. Khan, 46, introduced two Chinese hybrid varieties on about two kanal this season.He was also the first farmer in this Pakhtoon village of south Kashmir's Anantnag district to start watermelon cultivation in 2008.We introduced two Chinese hybrid varieties on about two Kanals this season. Buyers are showing keen interest, especially in the yellow-fleshed fruit, Khan said. The seeds, sourced through a supplier in Bengaluru and originally developed in China, cost around Rs 40,000 per kg.One variety has a zebra-striped green rind with yellow flesh, while another has a yellow rind with the usual red flesh.Khan has also introduced the pumpkin-shaped Century Janat variety with a yellow exterior and red flesh, besides continuing with a black-rind, red-fleshed hybrid.His farm now grows five watermelon varieties.The yellow hybrids sell for around Rs 70 a kg.The Century Janat and Black-rind varieties fetch around Rs 50 percent kg, while the traditional red watermelon sells for about Rs 40 per kg. Khan planted his first crop on a few kanal in 2008.This season, his Pakhtoon Hi-Tech Green Nursery has expanded to nearly 70 kanal, employing around a dozen workers during the growing and harvesting season.Last year, he cultivated watermelon on 55 kanal and earned around Rs 30 lakh.This year, he expects production to reach nearly 1000 quintals.Around 250 quintals have already been harvested, while another 750 quintals are expected before August.The transformation has spread across Wantrag.Nearly 80 percent of households in the village now grow watermelons, earning it the moniker 'Water-melon village'. The area under the crop has expanded from around 500 kanal last year to more than 1000 kanal this season, according to local growers.Last year, the village earned over Rs 2 crore from watermelon sales. This year, the returns are expected to double, Khan said adding that the introduction of hybrid varieties will further boost farmers' profit.He said farmers spend around Rs 12,000 per kanal on cultivation, while returns can exceed Rs 50,000 per kanal.I also grow three varieties of muskmelon on a 10-kanal demonstration farm, Khan said.Cheki-Isherdas, Wantrag, is home to a Pakhtoon community whose ancestors migrated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan more than a century ago. The residents traditionally depended on apples, walnuts, small-scale farming, and government employment.Kashmir's horticulture sector remains the backbone of rural livelihoods, supporting around 35 lakh people and contributing nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually to the region's economy.Farmers in Wantrag say watermelon has emerged as an additional source of income.The villagers continue to practise organic farming, using vermicompost instead of chemical fertilisers.During harvesting, buyers from across Kashmir and the Chenab Valley come directly to the village. We don't depend on mandis or middlemen. The sales are all local, Khan said.He also supplies seedlings to farmers in other districts, helping spread the model beyond Wantrag.The success of the crop has drawn educated youth into farming.Graduate Umar Nazir, 26, and his brother Mohsin, 21, a mathematics student at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), expanded cultivation from eight to 30 kanal after earning around Rs 5 lakh last year.They have named their venture Bagh-e-Madina The Garden Hub, Wantrag.We expect a four-fold increase in both production and returns this year from our farm in Wantrag, Umar said.He said they have also expanded watermelon cultivation to Silgam village near Akad in Anantnag and to Pulwama.In Silgam, we have started cultivating watermelon on 20 Kanals and in Pulwama on 10 Kanals. We expect better production and returns there too, Umar said, adding that they supplied around 20 lakh watermelon seedlings from their farm to growers across Kashmir. The brothers own 20 kanal of land and have leased another 40 kanal exclusively for watermelon cultivation. We also experimented with the Chinese-origin yellow hybrid variety, Century Janat and zebra-striped watermelons on a couple of kanal this year, Mohsin said.He said they also cultivate four varieties of muskmelon, with the average fruit weighing between 2 kg and 3.5 kg, while some grow to 4.5 kg or even 5 kg.History postgraduate Tawseef Pathan, 28, increased the area under watermelon from five to six kanal this year after earning around Rs 3 lakh in profit last season. The returns convinced me that farming could provide a stable livelihood. Instead of waiting for a government job, I decided to expand and will increase it further next season, Pathan said. What sets Wantrag's watermelons apart, growers say, is their taste, colour, and size. They are sweeter, have deep red flesh and can even weigh up to 20 kg. So far, we have harvested fruits weighing around 14.5 kg, and we are confident some will grow even bigger before the season ends, a grower said. He said the average watermelon weighs between 6 kg and 9 kg and accounts for about 55 percent of the total yield. Around 20 percent of the harvest weighs between 10 kg and 12 kg. Nearly 10 percent falls in the 13 kg to 15 kg category, while the remaining 15 percent ranges between 3 kg and 5 kg, he said. Only a few fruits grow beyond 15 kilograms and reach 20 kg, but that remains rare. Farmers credit support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the Per Drop More Crop irrigation scheme and the J&K Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKSIP) for improving irrigation and cultivation practices. Today, no one in the village is idle. Every educated youth here cultivates watermelon, vegetables and other crops. Everyone earns and lives with dignity, Khan said. He urged farmers to make use of their land throughout the year. Don't leave your land idle. You can grow something in every season, even during late autumn and winter, like we do here, he said. Watermelon is among the world's most widely cultivated fruits, with China, Turkey, India, Brazil, Algeria, and Iran among the leading producers. While China and Turkey dominate global production, Wantrag's organic melons have found buyers across Kashmir and created a new livelihood avenue for the Pakhtoon community. We proved that with determination, even the mountains of Kashmir can grow what was once considered possible only in the plains, Khan said. Harvesting will continue through August. Encouraged by the response to the Chinese hybrids, Khan and the Umar-Mohsin brothers plan to expand cultivation next season, while other growers in the village are closely watching the trial.

Srinagar-Jammu NH reopens partially

Ramban, Jul 26:The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway partially reopened on late Sunday afternoon to facilitate the movement of stranded vehicles after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed restoration work at the Dewal-Samroli stretch in Udhampur district and the landslide-hit Gangroo area of Ramsu in Ramban district. Officials said the highway was opened on a priority basis for stranded Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles from both the Udhampur and Banihal sides after the scheduled AmarnathYatra convoy safely crossed the Udhampur-Banihal sector on Sunday morning. Following the convoy's passage, NHAI resumed intensive restoration work and later allowed stranded vehicles to move under regulated traffic arrangements. However, officials clarified that the highway has not yet been reopened for fresh vehicular traffic. Debris clearance operations are still underway at Gangroo, where a massive landslide on Saturday evening blocked both road tubes. Commuters are advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared fully safe and reopened for regular traffic, as there is an apprehension of fresh landslides and shooting stones due to unstable slopes, officials said. The Traffic Police also appealed to the people not to pay heed to rumours regarding the highway status and advised commuters to rely only on official traffic updates issued through the Traffic Police's X handle, Facebook page, and Traffic Control Units (TCUs). The fresh disruption occurred on Saturday evening when a renewed spell of rain triggered a major landslide at Gangroo in the Ramsu sector of Ramban district, bringing traffic to a complete halt barely a day after the strategic highway had been restored following a three-day closure caused by incessant monsoon rains. On Saturday, the scheduled AmarnathYatra convoy had crossed the highway safely under elaborate security arrangements, following which authorities permitted the regulated movement of scheduled LMVs and heavy vehicles. However, fresh rainfall during the afternoon triggered shooting stones at several vulnerable locations between Ramban and Banihal and caused waterlogging at the Dewal-Samroli stretch. The situation deteriorated further in the evening when the landslide at Gangroo blocked the highway completely. Immediately after the incident, NHAI deployed heavy earth-moving machinery and additional manpower to the affected site. Simultaneous restoration operations were also undertaken at other vulnerable stretches, including Dewal-Samroli, to clear debris, slush and boulders and restore road connectivity. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway, Raja Adil Hameed, supervised traffic regulation and monitored restoration operations at Dewal, Samroli, and other vulnerable locations to ensure coordinated efforts between the Traffic Police, NHAI, and other executing agencies for the safe movement of stranded vehicles. Officials said restoration teams and machinery had been strategically stationed at vulnerable locations along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor to respond swiftly to any fresh weather-related incidents. The prolonged disruption on the highway has been attributed to continuous monsoon activity that has triggered repeated landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and waterlogging across Ramban, Udhampur, and adjoining districts over the past several days, severely affecting road connectivity and restoration efforts. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting further rainfall in the coming days, authorities have cautioned that fresh landslides and shooting stones cannot be ruled out. Commuters have been advised to undertake journeys on the highway only after confirming the latest traffic status through official advisories issued by the Traffic Police.

You cant ban a whisper: GitHub removes BitChat after government order, Section 79 powers come under scrutiny

The Indian government recently instructed Microsofts GitHub to take down the BitChat messaging platform, a decision taken during a period of heightened protests. With the apps perceived risk for misuse cited as justification, critics argue that this ban endangers essential privacy rights and free speech. As the courts now assess this directive, concerns grow over increased state control over communication.

PM Modi announces Nandan Nilekani-led task force on exam reforms

New Delhi, Jul 26: In yet another step to address students' concerns over paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms to make the exam system leakproof. The government will implement the suggestions of the task force which will ensure the examination system is trustworthy and will bring transparency through maximum use of technology, he said in a video message posted on his Instagram handle. The prime minister's announcement comes a day after the 36-day agitation, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), ended with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Education Minister. A multidisciplinary group of domain experts will be part of the task force on reforms to be carried out for the examinations conducted by the NTA. Besides Nilekani, other members of the task force are former chairman of ISRO S Somanath, former director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, director of IIT Chennai V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. Nilekani was the architect of Aadhaar, and the key person behind India's digital public infrastructure ecosystem. Modi said for the future of students, the government of India has been continuously taking different steps. He said those who played with the future of the students, have been put in jails and the government is going to bring a new bill on Monday in Parliament to have strong law against examination paper leaks. But we will have to think about the future. To make sure our examination system is trustworthy, transparent and the technology is used optimally, we have decided to constitute a high-powered committee headed by world renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani, he said. The prime minister said the task force has been set up keeping in all these aspects in mind. It will focus of examination reforms. As soon as we get the report, we will implement its suggestions to ensure future examination trustworthy, he said. The Centre is scheduled to introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday to strengthen the anti-paper leak law. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposes setting up fast-track courts in every state for paper leak cases and completion of investigations within two months. It also has provisions for enhanced punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks. Organised crimes related to paper leaks could attract fines of up to Rs 10 crore. The CJP had led a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding resignation of Pradhan, accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE's on-screen marking process, besides seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations. The agitation got support from thousands of students across the country, along with major opposition parties. The agitation gathered pace around a fortnight later after videos of activist Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating condition during the fast went viral. On July 18, police forcibly shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, triggering widespread anger among students and protesters. On July 20, a massive protest march to Parliament witnessed a strong police response involving lathicharge and the use of tear gas. After three rounds of talks, the CJP and the government had reached an agreement on Saturday under which the government accepted its demands. The CJP immediately called off its stir. Besides Pradhan's resignation, the government also agreed to providing honourable compensation to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide and withdrawal of FIRs in Delhi and other BJP-ruled states.

No restriction on Friday prayers, Azaan at Pakherpora mosque, clarify security forces

Budgam, July 26: Security forces have clarified that there was no restriction on the offering of Friday prayers or the Azaan at Pakherpora Mosque on 24 July, addressing reports circulating on social media that suggested otherwise. A senior district police official told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that on the basis of serious intelligence inputs, a cordon and search operation (CASO) was being conducted in the general area of Pakherpora for the past few days. During the operation, some devotees travelling from outside the locality may have experienced temporary inconvenience in reaching the mosque owing to the security measures in place. The official, however, emphasised that no restrictions were imposed on religious observances at the mosque. The Friday congregational prayers and the Azaan were conducted as scheduled on the said day. The security forces have urged members of the public to refrain from relying on or sharing unverified information and to refer to official sources for authentic updates, particularly on matters relating to security and public order.

PM Modi highlights Kashmir's traditional 'Vagu' mat in Mann Ki Baat

Why Mehbooba Mufti's 'banta hai' remark has triggered a political storm

Srinagar, July 26: The PDP President Mehbooba Mufti's remarks at Delhi's Jantar Mantar have reopened one of Kashmir's deepest political wounds: the legacy of the 2016 unrest and the use of force against civilians. While the PDP president intended to distinguish between law-and-order situations elsewhere and the security challenges posed by militancy in Kashmir, one phrase, anta hai, came to define the entire speech, eclipsing her broader message. Addressing students protesting over the NEET paper leak, Mehbooba contrasted police action in Delhi with the situation in Kashmir. In doing so, she suggested that security forces in Kashmir were confronting militancy, adding that there was militancy there and that it banta hai, a phrase many interpreted as justifying the use of force against Kashmiri protesters. Critics quickly isolated those words from the larger speech, transforming them into a potent political weapon. The backlash was immediate because the comment struck at a deeply sensitive memory. For many Kashmiris, 2016 remains synonymous with pellet injuries, civilian deaths and mass protests during the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti. Any suggestion, even if unintended, that those actions were justified was bound to provoke outrage. The National Conference sensed an opportunity. Party leaders demanded that Mehbooba apologise, arguing that no democratic leader should appear to legitimise excessive force against civilians. The controversy also enabled the NC to reinforce its long-standing narrative that the PDP cannot escape responsibility for decisions taken during its coalition with the BJP. NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq called on Mehbooba to apologise, arguing that her remarks appeared to equate routine public protests with militancy. Are those who protest against reservation militants? Are those who protest for basic amenities also militants? This is shameful coming from a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadiq said, adding that Mehbooba owes an immediate apology to the people of J&K. NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar accused PDP president Mehbooba Mufti of justifying the use of force against Kashmiri protesters, including young people and children. I am appalled beyond words. @MehboobaMufti unabashedly and casually brands every Kashmiri protester a 'militant'. The kids, the little girls... just everyone was a militant, she says, Dar posted on X. Even shame must be ashamed today. Her hypocrisy is uglier than what I believed. Altaf Bukhari's Apni Party similarly criticised the remarks, saying that describing the suffering of Kashmiri protesters as something that anta hai amounted to lowering the political discourse and undermined the pain experienced by thousands of families. This is, after all, the same leader who justified the killing of Kashmiri children by asking, 'Kya woh doodh aur toffee lane gaye the?' (Had those children gone out to fetch milk and toffees?), Bukhari said. The Awami Ittehad Party was even more scathing, accusing Mehbooba of political hypocrisy for condemning police action against students in Delhi while, in its view, rationalising actions taken against Kashmiri youth during her own tenure. It argued that she owed an apology to young Kashmiris rather than attempting to recast her record. On social media, however, the debate was more nuanced than the political rhetoric suggested. Critics widely shared clipped videos containing only the anta hai phrase, arguing that Mehbooba had inadvertently admitted the legitimacy of the state's response during 2016. Supporters countered with longer videos, insisting that she had been explaining the distinction between counter-insurgency operations and ordinary policing rather than endorsing civilian casualties. The resulting information battle became less about what she said in full and more about which clip viewers encountered first. Politically, the controversy exposes the PDP's continuing dilemma. Since 2019, Mehbooba Mufti has positioned herself as one of the strongest critics of the Centre's Kashmir policy and a defender of civil liberties. Yet every attempt to reclaim that space is overshadowed by the legacy of her party's alliance with the BJP and the events of 2016. Her opponents understand this and have repeatedly sought to bring that period back into public debate. In the end, the storm over anta hai is about more than a single phrase. It illustrates how, in Kashmir's intensely polarised politics, a few words can outweigh an entire speech, and how unresolved memories of 2016 continue to shape the credibility of today's political leaders.

Ladakh LG inaugurates farmers' hostel; reviews agriculture facilities in Kargil

Kargil, Jul 26: Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inaugurated a farmers' hostel of the agriculture department in Lower Kurbathang to strengthen support infrastructure for the community. After the inauguration, Saxena interacted with farmers and listened to their grievances and suggestions regarding agricultural development and related issues. He assured them of all possible support from the administration to promote sustainable agriculture and improve farmers' livelihoods, an official spokesperson said. He also visited the Hi-Tech Greenhouses established by the Agriculture Department, where he appreciated the department's efforts and the progressive farmers in adopting modern farming techniques. During the visit, the Lt Governor inquired about crop production, cultivation practices, and the overall performance of the greenhouse units. Saxena encouraged farmers to make full use of advanced agricultural technologies to enhance productivity and income.

Hundreds stage tunnel protest on JammuRajouri-Poonch highway

Calm returns to Jantar Mantar after 36-day NEET protest ends; Dipke, Wangchuk recuperate

I want to thank each and every supporter... the people who supported us, showed their trust in us and loved us when everybody was doubting us; without you guys, we wouldn't have been able to achieve this, said Abhijeet Dipke

Schools across J&K to reopen tomorrow as weather improves: Officials

Srinagar, July 26: All government and recognised private schools across Jammu and Kashmir will reopen on Monday, July 27, as scheduled, with no further extension in the summer vacation, following a marked improvement in weather conditions, officials said on Sunday. A senior official in the School Education Department told news agency JKNS that the government has decided not to extend the summer vacation any further and that all schools across Jammu and Kashmir will reopen tomorrow. A government official in the office of Education Minister also confirmed to JKNS that schools across the Union Territory will resume functioning on Monday. Earlier, the government had announced summer vacations for all schools in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of Jammu Division from July 6 to July 19. On July 18, the government extended the vacation till July 22 in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions and the adverse weather forecast. Education Minister Sakina Itoo had then stated that the extension was made keeping the safety of students and staff in mind. Subsequently, following heavy rainfall, flash flood warnings and inclement weather, the government again extended the summer vacation till July 26 for schools in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of Jammu Division. Schools in the Jammu Division were also ordered to remain closed till July 26. The extension came after the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall and warned of flash floods between July 20 and July 23, prompting the administration to take precautionary measures. While announcing the last extension, Education Minister Sakina Itoo had stated that schools would reopen on Monday, July 27, and officials have now confirmed that the decision remains unchanged as weather conditions have improved across the region. Officials said all educational institutions have been directed to resume normal academic activities from Monday.

Compassion for Jantar Mantar protesters, crackdown in Kashmir: Para slams govt's 'double standards'

Srinagar, Jul 26: PDP MLA Waheed Para on Sunday accused the Centre of adopting double standards amid crackdown in Kashmir after a policemans killing, saying that compassion showed to protesting students at Delhis Jantar Mantar was being denied to the Kashmiri youths. The young leader from Pulwama was referring to mass clampdown on suspected over ground workers of terrorists in the Valley, in which more than 3500 youths were detained for questioning after a policeman, who was on Amarnath Yatra security duty, was shot dead by terrorists in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag in south Kashmir on Wednesday. It was the first terrorist attack in the Valley since the Pahalgam terror attack last year. Around 2,500 Kashmiri youth have reportedly been picked up in the last few days. As the country welcomes the Government of India's decision to withdraw cases against student protesters elsewhere, one question remains: why is the same compassion denied to Kashmir's youth? Para posted on his X handle. If reconciliation is the right path for young people in the rest of the country, why is it considered the wrong path for Kashmir? Para asked. He warned that applying different standards in Kashmir and rest of India risks further alienating the valley youth. Applying one standard to the rest of India and another to Kashmir sends a dangerous message and risks deepening alienation, Para added.

FSSAI suspends licence of Westend Agro Products for altering expiry dates, other violations

The food regulator FSSAI suspended Westend Agro Products' license due to serious violations. Inspection revealed altered manufacturing and expiry dates on many food products. Printing machinery and solvents were found allegedly used for label alteration. Misleading claims, including organic, were also discovered on packaging materials.

India reclaim top spot in ICC T20I rankings

The reigning T20 world champions regained the top spot from England, who had dethroned Shreyas Iyers side after their 4-0 series win recently

Treat J&K youth like protesters elsewhere in India, withdraw cases: Waheed Para

Entire nation grieves killing of Lalpora, Beerwah policeman in Anantnag attack: Ravinder Raina

Real devotion manifests through service to humanity, mutual respect, and selfless love: LG Sinha at Harbah Festival

Srinagar, Jul 26: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the sacred Harbah festival at Anantnag and paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi. He also extended greetings to all the devotees who participated in the annual Hawan. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Harbah festival is a profound moment of devotion, gratitude, and inner experience. He emphasized that Teerathraj Lok Bhawan at Anantnag, with its tranquil and divine surroundings, stands as a living symbol of Indias eternal spiritual tradition. Every stone, every stream, and every breath here conveys the immortal consciousness of our sanatan culture and spiritual heritage which has guided humanity for centuries along the path of truth, compassion, and dharma, he said. Highlighting the historical significance of the sacred temple, he recalled its ancient name Lokpunya as mentioned in Kalhanas Rajatarangini. The Lieutenant Governor noted that the annual Hawan and flag hoisting are rekindling the flame of devotion, service, sacrifice, patience and social harmony. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the challenges of modern life, observing that while science and technology have brought the world closer, they have also led to rising loneliness and division. He stressed that spiritual values must remain the foundation of society and underlined the importance of unity, compassion, and respect for all. The Harbah festival reminds us that true devotion manifests as service to humanity, mutual respect, and selfless love, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also laid out his vision for a peaceful and prosperous society and made three key appeals to the people. The Lieutenant Governor said spiritual values must guide individual and institutional conduct to build trust and prosperity. He said mental and spiritual health must be given equal importance alongside physical strength in todays fast-paced life and youth responsibility must be nurtured through selfless action and dedication to the nation. Calling upon the younger generation of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to remain connected not only with modern education but also with cultural and spiritual values. True knowledge is realized through humility, and its strength becomes sacred when used in the service of others, the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat; Swami Sriram Charana Aravinda Dasa, Director Projects, ISKCON; Shri Javid Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Anantnag; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Shri Sanjay Koul, President, All Minority Employees Association Kashmir; senior officials of Police and Civil Administration, members of Teerathraj Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Trust, prominent citizens and devotees in large numbers were present.

Amarnath Yatra: 4,474 pilgrims leave Jammu for Baltal in 19th convoy

Banihal, Jul 26: The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly on Sunday with the 19th batch of 4,474 pilgrims leaving the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir under tight security arrangements. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Base Camp Bhagwati Nagar, the convoy departed at 2:42 a.m. and comprised 166 vehicles, including 93 buses, 26 mini-buses, and 47 light motor vehicles (LMVs). No convoy was dispatched for the Pahalgam axis. The batch included 3,531 men, 785 women, 96 sadhus, 51 sadhvis, 10 children and one transgender pilgrim. The Yatra had remained suspended for six days after incessant rains triggered landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at several vulnerable locations along NH-44, forcing the closure of the highway for three days. The road was reopened for traffic on Friday, paving the way for the resumption of the pilgrimage on Saturday. With the departure of the latest convoy, the cumulative number of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage this year has reached 1,23,503. The convoy is being escorted by the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police under elaborate security arrangements to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims to the Baltal base camp.

Pradhans resignation shows youths future at heart of NDA government: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation was the reflection of the fact that safeguarding the future of the countrys students and youth is of paramount importance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government. Pradhan stepped down as education minister on Saturday amid mounting pressure over the NEET paper leak controversy, with the Centre conceding the principal demand of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation after weeks of protests that spread from the national capital to several parts of the country. He announced his decision in a statement, saying the developments of the past 10 days had saddened him deeply and that the issue was not a matter of personal prestige. Rajnath Singh said Pradhan resigned from his post taking into account the views and sentiments of the countrys youth and students, This resignation is a testimony of the fact that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government, safeguarding the future of our students and youth is of paramount importance, the Defence minister said in a post on X. Singh said the government is addressing with utmost seriousness and sensitivity the concerns of the students regarding the NEET exam, paper leaks and necessary reforms in the education system. Our top priority remains to understand our students genuine concerns, address them promptly, and ensure that they know their voices are being heard, he said. I am confident that our youth and students will now focus on their studies, dreams, and aspirations with full confidence, making a significant contribution to building a strong, prosperous, and developed India, he added. Singh said Pradhans tenure as the Union minister has been marked by a steadfast commitment to transforming India into a developed nation.

CJI Surya Kant flags concerns over accuracy, ethical use of AI in arbitration

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday said that Artificial Intelligence has very quickly moved from the periphery of arbitration practice to its centre and flagged concerns over its accuracy, authenticity and ethical use. Giving a keynote address at SIAC Annual India Conference-2026 on the topic International Arbitration: Navigating New Realities and Stress-testing the Fundamentals, the CJI said, Stress-testing matters only when the fundamentals are worth preserving. I have no hesitation in admitting that in international arbitration, the foundations have remained sound. On the question of AI, he said it is set to play an increasingly significant role in international arbitration, but its promise is accompanied by genuine concerns, and the worry is not misplaced. AI has moved from the edges of arbitration practice to its centre, and it has done so very quickly, he said, adding, Questions of accuracy, authenticity, and the ethical use of AI are no longer theoretical; they are practical challenges confronting arbitrators, counsel, and institutions alike. The CJI pointed out that deepfake evidence, witness statements written by AI and submissions drafted entirely by a generative tool, without any disclosure, exist. These are not hypothetical risks anymore, and our tribunals need real tools to deal with them, he said, suggesting that there should be a disclosure whenever generative AI has been used in preparing a witness statement or an expert report. He said this is neither burdensome nor new because we already expect experts to disclose matters that bear upon the reliability and independence of their opinions. Disclosure of AI assistance is simply an extension of that principle, and it only promotes transparency without discouraging innovation, CJI Kant said, adding that institutions such as Singapore International Arbitration Centre are taking the lead in developing common protocols to verify the authenticity of digital evidence. CJI flagged that no arbitral tribunal should be left to devise its own approach to deepfakes or AI-generated material, and shared standards will only bring greater consistency, reduce uncertainty, and strengthen confidence in the arbitral process. He said that his third suggestion on AI may not please everybody as, we should actively embrace AI where it genuinely adds value. Tasks such as e-discovery, document management, translation, and preparing first drafts of procedural orders are well-suited to AI-assisted tools. Used responsibly, they can reduce costs and improve efficiency. Highlighting several other issues, he asserted that arbitration principles such as timely resolution of disputes, confidentiality, and consistency need to be preserved. Rules alone cannot fix problems of behaviour. Technology alone cannot fix problems of legitimacy. What arbitration needs today is not another generation of new procedures for their own sake. It needs the discipline to use the tools we already have, and enough judicial humility to let arbitration do the job the parties actually asked it to do, he said. Kant, in his closing remarks, said arbitration has never stood still, and as it began as a merchants shortcut around slow admiralty courts, it grew into the backbone of international trade after the Second World War. It took on investment disputes after decolonisation. And today, it is taking on artificial intelligence, climate disputes, and questions about digital evidence that its founders could never have imagined, he said. The CJI added that arbitrations greatest strength has always been its ability to change without losing what makes it what it is: neutrality, party autonomy, and an enforceable result. Our task, as judges, arbitrators and counsel, is simple. As we adapt, we must not forget why parties chose this path in the first place, he said.

No patient in SSH Jammu denied treatment under Ayushman Bharat Sehat scheme: MS

Jammu, July 26: Super Specialty Hospital, Government Medical College (SSH-GMC), Jammu, Medical Superintendent Dr Rehana Khurshid has asserted that no patient visiting the premier prestigious medical facility has been denied treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Sehat scheme. In a communique addressed to the Principal, Government Medical College, Jammu Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Dr Khurshid has stated that the patient care and emergency services across all departments continue to function seamlessly without interruption. She refuted the allegations that appeared in some news reports regarding the denial of the treatment to the patients visiting the Super Specialty Hospital, Jammu registered under Ayushman Bharat Scheme due to the non-payment of vendor dues and supply shortages with special mention to the Cardiology Department (of the SSH, Jammu). In this connection, SSH Jammu Medical Superintendent has also shared statistics about the medical procedures performed and the patient-cases handled under Ayushmann Bharat Scheme across all departments of the hospital (SSH Jammu) during the period between July 1 to 23, 2026 to set the record straight. According to the details provided by her, during this period, in all 655 patients were admitted and treated in 6 Super Specialty departments. Under Urology Department, 55 patients under Ayushman Bharat scheme were admitted and treated while in Neurosurgery department - nine patients; in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeries (CTVS) department - 43 patients; in Neurology department -39 patients; in Cardiology department - 335 patients and in Nephrology department, 145 dialysis sessions were performed 29 general medicines patients were admitted and treated. It is also not out of place to mention that the hospital administration remains fully committed to ensuring that all life-saving procedures, implants and treatments under Ayushman Bharat continue without any hindrance. Misleading reports causing undue panic among the general public are unwarranted, she maintained. GMC Principal Dr Ashutosh Gupta, while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said that in case of any complaint of denial of treatment, the matter should be brought to his notice or any other appropriate authority to authenticate the facts before going public. This is a crucial matter which directly relates to the publics trust, patients trust in the premier government medical facilities, he cautioned.

Searches in Samba, Kathua, operational preparedness reviewed in Kathua

Massive searches were conducted along the International Border (IB) in Samba and Kathua districts after detecting suspicious movement of aerial objects, presumably drones, emerging from Pakistan side in two separate incidents, on Saturday. Meanwhile Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma conducted a joint security review meeting with other security agencies to assess operational readiness and arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, which resumed on Saturday, after a hiatus of six days, due to inclement weather conditions. In the first incident of suspicious drone activity, the army troops spotted a drone like object in Tarore village of Vijaypur in Samba district during the intervening night of July 24 and 25 while in the second incident, similar suspicious movement of an aerial object was noticed in Chak Nalua village of Hiranagar in Kathua district. In both the cases, the aerial objects flew back to Pakistan after briefly hovering over the Indian villages. Counter drone measures were put in place after spotting suspicious movement of aerial objects, followed by intensive search operations to find out if they dropped some payload of narcotics or arms, Police said. Meanwhile, to review security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma held a comprehensive joint security review meeting at Conference Hall DPL Kathua. The meeting was attended by Additional SP Kathua; SP Ops Border Kandi Kathua; CO IRP 19th Bn; CO CRPF 121 Bn; CO BSF 82/107/159 Bns; SDPO Border Kathua; DySP Hqrs Kathua; DySP DAR Kathua; DySP SOG Kathua; zonal officers and Assistant Commandants and in-charges of all CAPF companies deployed for SANJY 2026. SSP Kathua took stock of security arrangements, surveillance measures, convoy management, QRT deployment and emergency response plans for SANJY-2026. Addressing the officers, she stressed maximum alertness, strict adherence to security protocols and pilgrim-friendly conduct during Yatra. She further directed the supervisory officers to strengthen security arrangements through regular inspection of Langars, lodgement centres and other Yatra-related facilities, while maintaining close surveillance over suspicious movements and anti-national elements. Officers present at the meeting were also instructed to intensify intelligence generation, promptly share actionable inputs and maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a robust and proactive security grid. Thereafter, directions were issued to ensure security along the Border National Highway (NHW) and Railway Track with special focus on round-the-clock domination, naka points and area domination patrols. SSP Mohita Sharma also stressed seamless inter-agency coordination among Police, CAPFs, civil administration, Traffic Police, health services and other departments, with a focus on prompt information sharing, joint preparedness and effective response to any exigency. Officers were instructed to ensure effective management and security of Yatra mini-convoys and to enhance CCTV coverage at all important Yatra locations with dedicated 247 monitoring. SSP Kathua reiterated the need for high operational readiness and coordinated efforts to ensure the safe, smooth and successful conduct of SANJY-2026.

Rains continue to lash Jammu, Tawi, Chenab water level fluctuates

As rains continued to lash Jammu and adjoining areas intermittently, the water level in Tawi and Chenab demonstrated a fluctuating trend on Saturday. Meanwhile, with the improvement in weather, major pilgrimages to the Shri Amarnath shrine, Mata Vaishnodevi shrine and Shivkhori resumed after a hiatus of six days, though the wet spell did not end completely. Amarnath Yatra to the holy shrine in south Kashmir, Vaishnodevi Yatra and Shivkhori Yatra in Reasi were suspended on July 19 in the wake of inclement weather conditions. However, the commencement of the Machail Mata Yatra has been deferred for three days due to inclement weather, and it will recommence on July 28, subject to weather conditions. According to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the shrine reopened on Saturday, July 25 with rituals marking the commencement of annual Yatra. The pilgrimage for devotees, however, will begin on July 28 after assessment of weather conditions, he said. On Saturday, Amarnath Yatra resumed with a fresh (18th) batch of 6269 pilgrims leaving Jammu-based Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar for Baltal base camp in south Kashmir. No convoy was dispatched for Pahalgam base camp. Vaishnodevi Yatra was, however, resumed partially as the pilgrims were allowed to undertake pilgrimage through the old track amid extensive safety measures while the new track remained closed. Battery car and chopper services too remained suspended. With decrease in rain intensity, the water level in all major rivers, including Tawi and Chenab and nullahs across Jammu district and adjoining districts had receded. However, a fresh spell of rainfall briefly led to a surge in water level of Tawi and Chenab. By evening, the water level was within normal range yet the fluctuating trends, amid forecasts of wet spell, kept authorities in alert-mode. Safety advisories for the citizens cautioning them against venturing in and around river banks remained in place. In Reasi district, a landslide near the Army area in Mahore put 3-4 residential houses at risk. However, all the affected families were shifted to a safer location in a rescue and evacuation operation, carried out jointly by the SDRF team, SDM Mahore, SHO Mahore, Army, local residents and other concerned agencies. The people were advised to stay away from the affected area and strictly follow the instructions of the district administration. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Sampark, stated to have launched a swift and coordinated response to restore disrupted road connectivity and ensure uninterrupted movement of security forces and essential services. The heavy downpour during July 19 to 24, 2026 led to numerous landslides at several locations, blocking key roads and affecting normal movement in the region. Demonstrating exceptional commitment and operational readiness, BRO immediately mobilised its men, heavy machinery and equipment to undertake round-the-clock road clearance operations despite adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain, said PRO Defence Jammu Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. The heavy downpour resulted in landslides on important roads including Rajouri-Poonch NH 144 A. The teams immediately moved to site and cleared landslides to ensure movement of critical resources, essential services, army vehicles and local populace. The roads leading from Reasi to Mahore and Rajouri to Budhal and further to Mahore and Gul experienced many landslides. One diversion created at Badora nallah was also washed away in heavy flow of water. The monsoon preparedness ensured quick deployment of resources at already identified critical locations, Lt Col Bartwal said. Various arteries in forward locations, according to him, were also immediately restored to ensure timely movement of security forces. At Baodra nullah, based on past experience a 200 feet bailey bridge has already been launched allowing smooth movement of traffic thereby, avoiding cutting off the areas of Mahore from Rajouri and Budhal, Lt Col Bartwal said. The unrelenting rains caused heavy damage to road infrastructure and equipment deployed by the teams of contractors working on Rajouri-Thanamandi road and NH 144 site location in Poonch and other locations. Overcoming the issue, the teams stood resolved in ensuring road connectivity. Working tirelessly under hazardous conditions, BRO teams successfully removed debris, stabilised vulnerable stretches and restored traffic on the affected routes in the shortest possible time. Their prompt action ensured that critical road links remained operational, facilitating the movement of security forces, emergency responders and essential supplies to the affected areas, he said. While the essential connectivity on all roads has been restored, the teams remain deployed to repair the damages caused to road infrastructure and ensure seamless movement of traffic and provide maximum succour to the populace, Lt Col Bartwal said.