Opinion

Powerful earthquake in China's Tibet region collapses hundreds of homes and kills at least 16 people

Beijing, Oct 23: A magnitude 7 earthquake hit China's Tibet region on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people, injuring 54 and collapsing hundreds of homes in the northern regional city of Nagqu, official media said. Search and rescue efforts continued following the collapse of at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds, the Nagqu media office said, citing city government officials. More than 1,600 people from the local county were deployed for rescue efforts. Supplies including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, around 3,000 tents and folding beds, as well as flashlights and winter clothing arrived in the region. The US Geological Survey said the quake occurred at 10:33 pm local time, with its epicentre 191 kilometres (119 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu, in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area of northern Tibet. It put the earthquake's depth at 18 kilometres (11 miles). The US agency recorded at least seven aftershocks with magnitude between 4.3 and 5.2, all of them with a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), according to its website. China's official news agency Xinhua said on Friday that communication in part of the region has been down. Local railway authorities have taken emergency actions to halt trains passing through the region. The earthquake also caused rockfalls that have forced local authorities to close a section of National Highway 317, allowing only emergency, rescue and official support vehicles through as crews worked to clear debris, according to Xinhua. Intermittent snows are expected in the earthquake region over the next three days, Xinhua said. It was the biggest earthquake in the region in the last five years, China's national broadcaster CCTV said. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts in rescue operations and medical relief work. Nagqu is more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Tibet's capital, Lhasa.

Europe's killer heat this summer claims 50,000 lives; climate change blamed for two-thirds of deaths

Washington, Oct 23: Blistering record heat in Europe this summer helped kill more than 50,000 people, with nearly two-thirds of that death toll blamed on human-caused climate change, a new study found. Researchers modelled heat-related deaths for different age groups in 854 European cities during repeated heat waves in June, July and August and found that 50,391 people died from warmer temperatures, and of those, 32,619 died because of the extra heat caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas, according to a study in an upcoming issue of Nature Health. That is 71 per cent higher than the previous deadliest summer, which was 29,480 in 2022, according to the same researchers, who produced a study earlier this month tracking yearly summer heat-related deaths in those European cities. And this summer's death figures are underestimates because they do not count a deadly heat wave in May and they only look at deaths in those 854 cities, which are about 40 per cent of Europe's population, study authors said. About one-third of the deaths were from June 17 to July 1, a particularly intense heat wave when temperatures were 9.5 degrees Fahrenheit (5.3 degrees Celsius) above normal, said study co-author Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, a biostatistician at Imperial College London. Much of Western and Northern Europe, our infrastructure is just not designed to cope with the sort of temperatures that we are seeing now because of the effects of human-caused warming, said lead author Clair Barnes, a climate scientist at Imperial College London. She said some European cities this summer had temperatures 21.6 F (12 C) warmer than normal. Of those 50,000, more than 32,000 died from the added heat of human-caused climate change, the study also found. Italy, France, Spain and Germany had the highest death tolls, the study said. Of all the European capitals, Rome had the highest heat death total from 2000 to 2025, according to the team's study earlier this month. An extra dose of heat from fossil fuel burning This would have already been an abnormal natural hot spell on top of a huge amount of climate change, Barnes said. She said Europe is the fastest-warming continent -- although the Arctic, which is not a continent, is warming even faster -- and is 4.5 F (2.5 C) hotter than pre-industrial times. Just the underlying warming from human activity, from mostly the burning of fossil fuels, it is increasing all of our temperatures by what sounds like quite a small amount, Barnes said. For many people, it is certainly the case that that extra two-and-a-half degrees (Celsius) of warming is what is going to tip those temperatures from uncomfortable to dangerous and potentially deadly. More than half of the people who died in Europe's heat were aged 85 or older, but the stifling temperatures also killed more than 800 people between the ages of 20 and 44, Konstantinoudis said. How the death numbers are calculated The team used an established and accepted scientific method to figure out how many of the 50,000 heat deaths were from natural high summer heat and how many were due to what heat-trapping gases have done to the climate. They ran computer simulations of a world without climate change and compared it to the deaths that happened this summer. The difference is what was caused by global warming. The percentage of heat deaths attributable to global warming has grown from about 45 per cent in the early 2000s to 65 per cent now, Barnes said. Summers are getting hotter, and the analytical tools for attributing deaths to heat are getting more accurate, said Dr Howard Frumkin, former director of the National Centre for Environmental Health in the US, who was not part of the study. Together, these two trends yield increasingly high and increasingly accurate counts of heat-related deaths. The scientific team also had to use statistical modelling to come up with the base count of 50,000 heat deaths because those deaths are underreported and often not listed in death certificates, despite being a major factor, Konstantinoudis said. Several outside experts agreed with him, calling the methods state-of-the-art. The researchers ran a complex mathematical equation that has been used in several previously peer-reviewed studies, Barnes said, which factors in specific age and temperatures for each of the 854 cities based on a localised optimal temperature that coincides with the fewest deaths. When it is warmer or colder, the equation calculates excess deaths above lowest-death conditions. Researchers then checked their calculations against real-time estimates from government agencies. Mostly -- but not always -- they matched fairly well, Konstantinoudis said. The team's methods for May and June British heat waves calculated 2,700 excess deaths and the United Kingdom health statistics agency said it was 2,800, he said. Cooling and adapting are needed, but they are not enough We need to prepare for the heat we cannot now avoid, with urgent investments in heat early-warning systems, equitable access to low-carbon cooling, and neighbourhood buddy systems that check on and support people most at risk -- while rapidly reducing the fossil fuel use driving the crisis, said Canadian emergency room physician Dr Courtney Howard, president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association, who was not part of the research. Adapting is only part of the answer, said Dr Jonathan Patz of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who was not part of the research but also praised it. We cannot just be mopping up the mess on the floor without thinking about turning the faucet off, said Patz, a professor of health and the environment. So we need prevention at different levels. We need better cooling and protecting vulnerable populations from inevitable increased frequency and extreme heat waves. But we also need to go to the root of the problem and absolutely address the burning of fossil fuels.

The Fractured Mirror

The most consequential change in Kashmir may be the widening gap between generations. The elders still speak a language of honour, of izzat, of patience and endurance. They remember when the community was a living organism, when a wedding was everyones business, a death used to bring the neighbourhood to its knees; the shared labour of the harvest, the gatherings at the festivities, the proverbs carrying wisdom across generations. But that world is vanishing. Rural Kashmir is being hollowed out, not by migration to the cities but by the collapse of the old life. The paddy fields are fewer, the water bodies dying, the young men elsewhere, physically or mentally. The village ethos of interdependence and unspoken codes has been replaced by something individualistic, brittle and anonymous. Even in the cities, mohalla solidarity is fraying; the door is closed, the phone replacing the shared courtyard. The young are constructing their own moralities, often in direct reaction to the hypocrisy of their elders. They have watched their parents generation speak of religion and tradition while engaging in petty corruption, domestic cruelty and maslaki bigotry. They have seen the ulema fail them and grown up in a turmoil offering no clear answers. No surprise, then, that many are sceptical of every received narrative, religious or political. That scepticism feeds on social media, an endless scroll of outrage, glamour and despair. The smartphone, which could have been a tool for learning, has become a portal to comparison, anxiety and moral disorientation. They are overexposed to the world and undernourished by their own community. This scepticism is not always bad; it can be the beginning of genuine independence. But without guidance it curdles into cynicism or aggressive nihilism. Among sections of Kashmiri youth, a new political culture is emerging, borrowed from online discourses, global ideologies of left and right, a romanticised past or an imagined future. Passionate, often articulate, but fragmented they lack the very rootedness that comes from living in a tradition even while critiquing it. The result is moral vertigo: a free-floating anger attaching itself to whatever cause is most visible. Beneath all this lies a wound we rarely acknowledge. Caste, which we like to believe does not exist in Kashmiri Muslim society, is practised with a stubborn persistence that contradicts our claims to Islamic egalitarianism. The myth that this is only a problem of one group avoids the larger truth. Occupational distinctions, lineage hierarchies and gradations of family origin still govern marriages, alliances and neighbourhood dynamics. A family may be pious in every visible respect, yet the marriage proposal will be scrutinised for caste before any other quality. Old friendships have cooled over marriages outside the accepted circle; cousins who grew up together now eye each other with inherited suspicion. The young file all this away as further evidence that public piety is theatre. A larger chunk of Gen Z is crazy after creative writing at a stage when they should have been focusing their careers. This has shaped a different young Kashmir. Half of the youth self-proclaim themselves as writers and the other half as journalists. On the question of our culture and its very preservation, there is perhaps no greater hypocrisy in our condition than the way we treat our own culture. We have spent decades dismantling the traditions that defined Kashmiri identity, then put on a show when a guest from outside walks in. The kanger comes out, the samovar suddenly reappears in the kitchen, the pheran dusted off, and someone remembers a few lines of Habba Khatoon and Rasul Mir. We serve kahwa with ceremony and speak of our Sufi heritage as a staged performance rather than as a living truth. The guest leaves impressed with photographs of a culture he believes he witnessed; we return the kanger to the storeroom and resume arguing about which sect will actually go to heaven. The truth is we did not lose our culture to invasion or accident. We buried it ourselves, stone by stone. The same neglect afflicts our literature, folklore, local knowledge and music. The wazwan, once a communal art of cooking and sharing, is now a competitive display of excess at weddings. Wood-and-brick architecture suited to our climate has been replaced by concrete monstrosities. The Kashmiri language, which carried our humour, grief and wisdom, is an embarrassment to the educated young, discarded for clumsy Urdu or English. We have not preserved our heritage; we have mummified it, intact only for occasions when outsiders must be convinced that Kashmir is still the paradise of the brochures. The same hollow theatre plays out in every corner of our cultural life. The Kani shawl, the walnut carving, the papier-mch box, the Kashmiri kaleen are no longer living crafts, but props wheeled out for dignitaries and documentary crews, the young uninterested in the loom or the chisel. The artisan who once commanded respect now sits in a government workshop, his skill reduced to a subsidy and a sales pitch. The santoor and the rabab play at official functions and hotel lobbies for tourists, but in our own homes the music has gone silent; no one teaches the young to hear a maqam or tell a ghazal from a sufiana kalam. The stories of grandmothers, the wit of the bhand pather, our proverbs, folklore all replaced by the same viral videos that entertain the subcontinent. We speak of ilm and adab, yet bookshops close, libraries gather dust, and families boasting of scholarly lineage marry their daughters to men with government jobs and no interest in ideas. The baithak where elders settled disputes over noon chai is now gone for ever. The courtyard where children played under the neighbourhoods eye is paved over for parking. We still speak of our reverence for water and trees even as lakes choke with filth and hills are stripped for unplanned construction. The guest is shown the Dal at sunset; he is not taken to the stream behind the village that has turned into a sewer. We have become curators of a museum no one visits, preserving the artefacts while killing the living tradition that produced them. What we are witnessing is not just a decline in religiosity, a rise in crime, a generational rupture, or the death of culture. These are not separate problems; they are symptoms of the same disease. Kashmir is living what happens when a societys inner life is neglected too long where the surface is maintained, the foundations crumbling. Is there a way back? Not to the past that past had its own oppressions, and is gone. But there is a way forward, if we are honest enough to begin with ourselves. It would require the ulema to reclaim their role as servants of faith rather than celebrities; elders to listen to the young with curiosity rather than condemnation; the young to see that rebellion without responsibility is another form of emptiness. It would require our amateur reporters to rediscover that some stories are not theirs to tell, and our social media preachers to remember that the size of a crowd is not the measure of a soul. Above all, it would require us to stop performing piety and start practising it quietly, in the small hours of the morning when no one is watching and work for peace and harmony in the society. The mirror is fractured, but it has not shattered. There is still time to look into it clearly, see what we have become, and decide whether we are content to remain this way. The choice is ours, and the clock is ticking. Dr Adfer Rashid Shah is a Sociologist and works at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. The Columnist is the Contributing Editor at Eurasia Review. Views expressed are personal.

EoDB, economic growth & human capabilities

Indias modern economic trajectory presents a compelling developmental paradox. Over the past few decades, the nation has evolved from a state-controlled post-colonial economy into a global technological and industrial powerhouse. Yet, as observed by analyst Edward Luce in his works In Spite of the Gods, this remarkable ascent coexists with deep structural inequities, a formidable bureaucratic apparatus, and enduring developmental challenges. To understand this dynamic, we must look beyond aggregate Gross Domestic Product(GDP) figures and examine the intricate interplay between state-led planning, democratic pluralism, and human capabilities. This national tension is also mirrored vividly at the regional level in Jammu and Kashmir, especially when evaluating legislative efforts like the recent Ease of Doing Business reforms against critical local economic realities. A central question in regional development is whether economic growth should be pursued as an end in itself or as a means to expand human freedoms. Early post-independence policies relied on heavy state planning and the restrictive License Raj, which resulted in sluggish national growth. Sweeping economic reforms in 1991 unleashed market dynamism, lifting millions out of poverty and positioning India as a leader in information technology and services. However, as economist Amartya Sen argues, true development requires expanding human capabilities, such as health, education, and social well-being, rather than merely growing national income. While corporate sectors thrive globally, many citizens remain limited by inadequate public schooling, healthcare deficits, and malnutrition. Furthermore, targeted tracking by the Future of India Foundation through its YouthPOWER analytical initiative highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in human capabilities. Their economic research demonstrates that the share of Indian women in active work fell by almost half between 2004-05 and 2017-18, and subsequent workforce recoveries have been primarily driven by older women returning to low-paying, informal agricultural labour rather than secure, salaried employment. At a regional governance level, administrative reforms must constantly wrestle with this dichotomy regarding how to accelerate economic velocity without compromising the broader human and social safety framework. The tension between human capability and rapid industrial growth is vividly illustrated by contrasting internal state models. The Kerala model prioritizes public action, universal healthcare, and foundational education, resulting in high social indicators like near-universal literacy and low infant mortality, even during periods of slower per capita income growth. Conversely, the Gujarat model focuses heavily on market-led industrialization and infrastructure development, generating high gross domestic product growth rates and economic dynamism, though often lagging in human development metrics and equity issues. This regional divide highlights a crucial lesson, an economy cannot sustain its rise if it neglects foundational human capabilities, because a workforce lacking basic health and education cannot adapt effectively to a shifting global landscape. In Jammu and Kashmir, the legislative push toward an Ease of Doing Business framework brings these structural debates into sharp focus. Examining the recent legislative framework, economist and former J&K Finance Minister Dr. Haseeb Drabu has noted that the structural design of such investment-facilitation policies often leans heavily toward an uncalibrated speed structure while ignoring local ownership realities and structural market failures. Because regional industry is overwhelmingly micro-based, with micro-enterprises accounting for the vast majority of industrial employment and investment, blanket regulatory easing or rigid paper blueprints like Master Plans risk bypassing local economic safeguards and ecological vulnerabilities unless they incorporate specific size-based tools and local protections. Policymakers face a difficult fiscal balancing act regarding how to fund essential public goods without discouraging private investment. To bridge this gap, modern governance requires expanding the formal tax net rather than over burdening existing industries, shifting inefficient subsidies toward universal healthcare and education, and ensuring lagging regions receive adequate central support and autonomy. Within the framework of Jammu and Kashmirs legislative efforts, the challenge lies in balancing procedural efficiency with substantive planning controls. Relying purely on fiscal incentives and top-down regulatory shortcuts and not building structural depth leads to failure in delivering sustainable economic transformation. Unlike authoritarian models of industrialization, India and its constituent regions achieve these economic shifts within the framework of a vibrant, vocal democracy. Balancing the aspirations of corporate capital and investment facilitation with the livelihood security of an enfranchised local population remains an unprecedented historical feat. To achieve a true balance, legislative iterations of the Ease of Doing Business bill can be deliberately structured to protect local enterprises and ecosystems while attracting capital. Policymakers can introduce tiered compliance frameworks that exempt micro and small enterprises from burdensome red tape while maintaining rigorous oversight for large-scale industrial projects. Additionally, embedding mandatory local skill-development quotas, ecological impact safeguards, and localized credit access directly into the legislative framework would ensure that corporate investments actively nurture human capabilities rather than bypass them. Sustainable regional progress in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be measured by commercial hubs or macro-level investment inflows alone, but by actively cultivating the substantive freedoms and well-being of ordinary citizens. In a region marked by delicate ecological balances and unique socioeconomic vulnerabilities, real capability expansion means ensuring that local youth, artisans, small-scale entrepreneurs, and marginalized workforces possess the health, modern vocational training, and institutional safety nets required to exercise genuine agency. Economic growth, regulatory reform, and social justice are not competing choices. In a sensitive Himalayan polity like Jammu and Kashmir, they must function as mutually reinforcing pillars where legislative acts expand human capabilities and empower local communities. The author is an entrepreneur managing infrastructure and agricultural ventures in Kashmir. He is also a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN)

Cryosphere-related Hazards in the Himalaya

The Himalaya is undergoing profound environmental transformation. Rising temperatures, retreating glaciers, degrading permafrost and changing precipitation patterns are reshaping mountain landscapes and increasing the potential for cascading hazards. Rock and ice avalanches, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), glacier detachments and extreme floods are no longer distant possibilities. They are immediate concerns for mountain communities, infrastructure planners and disaster management authorities. The catastrophic rock and ice avalanche at Chamoli, Uttarakhand, in February 2021 involved approximately 26 million m of material, comprising nearly 80% rock and 20% glacier ice, with the detached mass reaching a thickness of about 180 m. The collapse transformed into a destructive debris flow that swept through downstream valleys, destroying the Rishiganga hydropower project and severely damaging the Tapovan Vishnugad project, while claiming more than 200 lives or leaving people missing. A similar but much larger disaster struck the Rasuwa region of Nepal on 26 August 2026, when a rock and ice avalanche, preliminarily estimated at around 100 million m, triggered a devastating flood that travelled more than 180 km downstream. The disaster affected 12 hydropower projects and resulted in at least 1,455 reported deaths, with hundreds more people missing in the aftermath. Originating near the Nepal-China border, the event also highlights the transboundary dimensions of mountain hazards, with consequences extending across interconnected river systems and infrastructure networks. Together, these disasters underscore the capacity of high mountain mass movements to trigger cascading impacts far downstream, often leaving communities and infrastructure with little time to respond. The October 2023 South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim exposed the cascading risks associated with rapidly changing cryospheric environments. The disaster involved a permafrost slope failure estimated at approximately 14 million m, triggering a flood wave that displaced around 50 million m of water, while an estimated 270 million m of material was eroded along the channel. The resulting deluge devastated the Teesta River valley, destroyed the Teesta III hydropower project, and severely affected infrastructure and settlements along a 64 km stretch downstream, claiming more than 170 lives. Beyond its immediate impacts in India, the event underscored the transboundary implications of cryosphere-related hazards for downstream communities in Bangladesh. Such disasters demonstrate that hazards originating in remote glacial catchments can propagate across extensive river networks, threatening communities, infrastructure and livelihoods far beyond their source areas. In the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Gya GLOF of 2014 and other events highlight the vulnerability of mountain communities to sudden flood events. In this cold, arid region, streams are lifelines, sustaining villages, irrigation, and livelihoods. Their sudden transformation into destructive flood corridors can devastate agricultural land, damage infrastructure, and disrupt communities. Jammu and Kashmir faces its own set of cryosphere-related risks. Our recent study published in the Journal of Glaciology assessed 155 glacial lakes across the Kashmir Himalaya using satellite observations from 1992 to 2024. We documented a 26% increase in the area of ice contact proglacial lakes, while five lakes were classified as having very high GLOF susceptibility. The potential exposure includes thousands of buildings, 15 major bridges, roads, and a hydropower project. For Kashmir, these findings are a call for action. Potentially hazardous lakes and their downstream corridors must be identified, vulnerable settlements and infrastructure assessed, and early warning and evacuation systems strengthened. Scientific assessments must inform land use planning and infrastructure development before a disaster strikes, rather than being revisited only after lives and livelihoods have been lost. Hydropower development across the Himalaya, particularly along the Chenab River, warrants careful, science-based scrutiny. Small glacial lake outburst floods have also been documented in the Chenab basin, fortunately without reported impacts on hydropower infrastructure. However, the possibility of future events of substantially greater magnitude, potentially triggering cascading hazards, cannot be ruled out. Hydropower remains important for regional development and energy security, but powerhouses, access roads, tunnels and associated infrastructure must be planned with due consideration of upstream cryospheric hazards, unstable slopes, flood pathways and cascading impacts. Conventional engineering assessments alone may not adequately capture risks originating far upstream or evolving under a changing climate. Infrastructure resilience, therefore, requires integrated catchment-scale hazard assessments, scenario-based modelling and continuous monitoring for risk mitigation in increasingly dynamic mountain environments. The way forward requires a shift from reactive disaster management to anticipatory risk reduction. First, potentially hazardous glacial lakes, unstable slopes and vulnerable stream corridors must be systematically identified through satellite remote sensing, geophysical investigations and hydrodynamic modelling. Second, early warning systems must combine real-time lake and river monitoring, rainfall and seismic observations, reliable communication networks and community-based evacuation protocols. A warning system is effective only when the warning reaches people in time, and they know what to do. Third, development must respect the physical geography of mountain valleys. Based on recent experiences, a precautionary buffer of at least 300 meters along identified high-hazard stream corridors should be considered for restricting new infrastructure, subject to detailed geomorphological and flood modelling. This should not be interpreted as a universally safe or sufficient distance; actual exclusion zones must reflect the terrain and potential inundation extent. Ecozonation plans should guide settlements, roads, hydropower projects and tourism infrastructure away from high hazard areas. The use of geospatial artificial intelligence offers a powerful approach utilizing big data for detecting changes in glacial lakes, mapping unstable terrain, identifying exposed infrastructure and supporting scenario-based planning. However, these technologies must complement, not replace, field observations, engineering assessments and local knowledge. The message for this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is clear. These disasters are neither the first nor, certainly, the last. We cannot prevent every avalanche or outburst flood, but we can prevent avoidable exposure and reduce the loss of lives and livelihoods. The Himalaya needs development that respects its changing environment, informed by science, guided by precaution and centered on the safety of its people. Dr. Irfan Rashid is Associate Professor and Head, Department of Geoinformatics at the University of Kashmir. His research focuses on cryospheric processes, mountain hazards, and climate change in the Himalaya.

Amit Shah announces Rs 8,941-crore projects to clean Yamuna by 2029

New Delhi, Oct 22: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated 10 projects and laid the foundation stone for 33 others worth Rs 8,941 crore for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna in Delhi, expressing confidence that the river would be cleaned by May 2029. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were present at the event. Amit Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed the Delhi government to prioritise the rivers purification soon after the formation of the BJP government in the national capital. He said the projects included upgrading existing sewage treatment plants (STPs), setting up new plants, rehabilitating sewer lines and connecting households to the sewerage network. He said the Centre and the BJP-led governments in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had prepared time-bound plans to clean the Yamuna, with the broader aim of restoring the river from Yamunotri to the Sangam. Amit Shah also said the Delhi government had cleared 2.17 crore metric tonnes of garbage and freed 100 acres of land from waste. Claiming that the garbage mounds at Okhla and Bhalswa had been reduced by 30 to 40 metres and the Ghazipur mound by 10 to 15 metres, he said gardens would come up at these sites in the next two years. Targeting opposition parties, Amit Shah accused them of making excuses over governance and election results, including allegations of vote theft. He said protests could not substitute for work on public issues and urged opposition parties to address peoples grievances. He also alleged that drug trafficking had flourished in Punjab under the state government and said his party would work to end the drug trade there by 2029.

The First Day of Winter

It first arrives as a feeling. I somehow know that the weather has drifted. There is a nip in the air, and the sun seems suddenly tired after all its summer burning. Once fierce and relentless, it now bathes the world in warm, golden light. A gentle breeze surrounds me, urging me to drop everything momentarily and notice that the ephemeral summer has ended. It gently whispers that another phase is on the threshold. It brings cleaner and fresher air, sometimes carrying the faint scent of burning autumn leaves. This zephyr is just cold enough to make my senses tingle, but not enough to make me shiver. This is my favourite kind of cold, something so wonderfully unique to Kashmir. The full wrath of winter is still at bay. The trees are still holding on, transformed into a festival of colours. Every leaf is a flower, every tree a bouquet, every garden a celebration of crimson, green and yellow. The best of autumn is still here; only the transition has begun. The kangris are still stowed away, and the fans have only just stopped whirring. Winter has announced itself, but it hasnt quite settled in. There is still time to sit in gardens and go for picnics. There is still time to dance under the falling leaves or to walk on a trail carpeted with falling chinar leaves. As the days pass, things are going to get quieter, more peaceful. I wouldnt want to go out as much. The gradual disappearance of insects whose sounds fill the warmer months and the departure of many birds will lend our world stillness. Many birds that stay behind will become less vocal. They will focus mostly on finding food and conserving energy. Of course, the snow will later add another layer of silence, uniformity and beauty. The first day of winter is also when I notice how everything seems bluer in winter. The sun sits lower in the sky, and the quality of light changes. The crisp, clear air is dry, and there are far fewer water droplets to make the air hazy. The landscape is thus cooler, seeming to take on the hues of blue. It is a light, airy blue, not the sad blue. There is something about this that makes the world feel more expansive and more at peace. This first day, when I suddenly realise it is winter, is precious because it brings back a flood of memories. They are difficult to explain, and yet they seem so ingrained in my spirit. Perhaps it is because they take me back to the first day of winter holidays. After months of hard work and backbreaking exams, many glorious days of vacation stretched before me, and that feeling persists and still manages to inflate a little balloon inside me. Back then, there was the anticipation of snow and all the fun it brought, of hobbies to pursue and games to play. As an adult, even a free Sunday comes with a list of unfinished tasks and chronic panic. Perhaps what I look forward to most on the first day of winter is the chance to say hello to my childhood. It is on days like these that I simply cannot work. I just want to curl up with a good book and sip coffee from an extra-large mug. The sun, the trees, even the birds seem to be slowing down, if not taking a complete break. Why not me? Or, for that matter, you? Dr Ambreen Hamadani, Assistant Professor cum Junior Scientist, Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, SKUAST- Kashmir

SKUAST-K holds natural farming training programme at KVK Bandipora

Bandipora, Oct 22:Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) organised a training programme on natural farming for officials of the Agriculture Department and other government departments, with a focus on practical techniques, locally available resources and reduced dependence on chemical inputs. Dr. Tariq Sultan, Professor and Head, KVK Bandipora, delivered a technical session on the principles and scientific approaches of natural farming, highlighting soil health, fertility enhancement and the role of beneficial soil microorganisms in sustainable crop production. He explained the application of natural farming practices under local conditions and their potential to reduce cultivation costs through efficient use of farm resources. The programme included practical demonstrations on the preparation and use of Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit and Beejamrit. Dr. Bilal Ahmad Zargar, Scientist (Agricultural Extension), KVK Bandipora, interacted with the participants and emphasised the importance of farmer awareness, capacity building and effective dissemination of sustainable agricultural technologies at the grassroots level. The programme is part of KVK Bandiporas efforts to strengthen the capacity of agricultural functionaries and facilitate the dissemination of appropriate farming technologies among farmers in the region.

JKRLM to host Saras Mela from October 25 in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 22:The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj is set to organise SARAS AAJEEVIKA Kashmir 2026 from October 25 at Polo View Park, Srinagar, bringing together rural entrepreneurs, artisans and culinary traditions from across India. The ten-day exhibition will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the countrys diverse crafts, handloom traditions and regional cuisines under one roof. Building on the success of previous editions, the mela will feature around 70-80 stalls, with participation from several states and Union Territories, alongside line departments from Jammu and Kashmir. The exhibition will provide a platform for women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to display and sell their products, connect with consumers and explore opportunities to expand their enterprises. Participants from states including Telangana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Jharkhand ,Tripura Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, among others, will showcase products reflecting their regions' traditional skills and local resources. The exhibits will include Pochampally Ikat sarees, Banarasi textiles, Chikankari embroidery, traditional jewellery, handicrafts, home dcor, jute products and other eco-friendly goods. A major attraction of the exhibition will be the Umeed Ka Zaika Food Court, which will bring regional culinary traditions to Srinagar through food enterprises led by women associated with the SHG movement. Visitors will be able to sample traditional delicacies from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, alongside the cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir. Umeed ka Ziaka initiative is strengthened by JKRLM through capacity-building, improved quality standards and wider market linkages, helping SHG women turn their culinary expertise into sustainable businesses. The ten-day event will also feature cultural and entertainment programmes, along with structured capacity-building sessions for SHG members on key livelihood themes. Expert resource persons will conduct sessions intended to strengthen participants' understanding of enterprise development and help them identify ways to improve their products and business practices. Mission Director JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma, said SARAS AAJEEVIKA is an important opportunity for SHG members to gain exposure to wider markets, understand consumer preferences and learn about quality standards, product diversification and marketing strategies.Every product displayed at SARAS carries a story of the woman behind it, the skills she has developed, the effort she has invested and the confidence she has gained in building an enterprise of her own. The mela is not simply about showcasing products; it is about recognising the journey through which women, supported by the SHG movement, are finding their place as productive and independent contributors to society, the Mission Director said. Emphasising the wider cultural significance of the event, the Mission Director said SARAS offers visitors an opportunity to experience the traditions of different parts of the country in one place.When people from different states come together, they bring with them much more than their products. They bring their traditions, their food, their craftsmanship and their ways of life. Such events allow us to appreciate cultures beyond our own and in the process, understand our own heritage better, Dr. Sharma said. As Srinagar enters the autumn season, the mela will bring together the colours of India's handlooms, the flavours of its regional cuisines and the entrepreneurial aspirations of rural women, placing their work and achievements at the centre of a shared cultural experience.

Jio IPO subscription rises to 5.57 times on Day 2

Mumbai, Oct 22:Investor demand for Jio Platforms ` 30,213-crore initial public offering (IPO) surged on Thursday, with the issue subscribed 5.57 times by 7 pm on the second day of bidding. The offering attracted more than 7.5 million applications over two days, with institutional investors leading the demand. The Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) portion was subscribed 13.29 times, while the retail investor portion was subscribed 1.54 times. The IPO had received subscriptions of 3.16 times on the opening day. Investors bid for more than 110 crore shares against 19.75 crore shares on offer in the non-anchor portion, translating into bids worth approximately ` 1.23 lakh crore. Including bids worth around ` 2.50 lakh crore from anchor investors, the total value of bids reached approximately ` 3.73 lakh crore. Demand remained strong across investor categories. The Non-Institutional Investors (NII) portion was subscribed 5.97 times, while the portions reserved for employees and Reliance Industries shareholders were subscribed 2.10 times and 4.05 times, respectively. All major investor categories had crossed the full subscription mark by the end of the second day. The sharpest increase in demand on Thursday came from non-institutional investors and Reliance Industries shareholders. Subscription in the NII category rose from 1.68 times on the first day to 5.97 times on the second day. The shareholder portion also recorded a significant increase, climbing from 1.46 times to 4.05 times. With one day remaining, the IPO is scheduled to close on Friday, October 23. Eligible investors can continue submitting applications until the closing date.

The Cage, the Keys, and the Command

Two years into Omar Abdullahs government, its critics have chosen familiar trenches. One side lists broken promises, the other revisits the National Conferences old sins. Both are partisan. Neither is a ledger. A fair ledger asks three questions of every promise. Was it within his authority? If not, what did he do about it? If it was, why is there a gap? A commander answers for what lies within his command, and for what he does about the rest. Applied honestly, the test clears Omar Abdullah of some charges and convicts him of others. The government has been honest about the cage, but not yet about the unlocked doors. Statehood, Article 370, the Public Safety Act, police and public order are not in the Chief Ministers gift. Grading him on them grades the wrong man. A July 2024 amendment strengthened the Lieutenant Governors hold over police, public order, All India Services officers and prosecution sanctions. The cabinets business rules, approved in March 2025, remain unsettled after the LG returned them with queries. In April 2025, the LG transferred 48 JKAS officers while those rules were pending. Omar has said that SKIMS, the universities and the Power Development Corporation now sit with the unelected side. The purse is no freer. Of the 1.27 lakh crore budget for 202627, only about 31,800 crore is expected from the governments own resources. Of 90,018 crore in projected revenue receipts, 58,218 crore, about 65 per cent, is expected as central grants. On statehood, the Centre has offered no timeframe. Omar has met Amit Shah five times and been told, in effect, at an appropriate time. He has said the PSA will go by ordinance the day full powers return. A Union Territory assembly cannot legislate on police or public order at all. A BJP spokesman has demanded a two-year report card. The largest unmet promise on that card is one only the BJPs government can keep. Yet where authority lies with the elected government, the record is more mixed. Power, recruitment, daily-wage regularisation and targeted welfare show delay, dilution or incomplete delivery. Omar holds the Power and Finance portfolios himself. From 1 September 2026, electricity tariffs rose by an average of 6.83 per cent, even as Kashmir faces a winter shortfall of roughly 800 MW. The promised 200 free units were narrowed to Antyodaya households, about 2.23 lakh families. The Centre cleared the scheme in February 2026; by September, vendors were still being evaluated. On jobs, the manifesto promised vacancies filled within 180 days. JKPSC advertised 357 posts in 202526 against 2,586 in 202324; JKSSB advertised 1,731 against 5,044 in 202425. Advertised posts are not appointments, and the earlier figures largely belong to the LGs administration. Even so, the direction is wrong, and the 180-day promise remains distant. Daily wagers are the starkest case. A committee under the Chief Secretary was formed in March 2025 with six months to report. Its report has not been tabled, and estimates of the workforce range from over 50,000 to over a lakh. Whatever needs the LGs signature, this file has not yet reached his desk. LPG relief has shrunk from twelve free cylinders to six, for Antyodaya households only, and there is no sign of the promised 5,000 a month for women who head poor households. The ledger, however, is not blank. His March 2025 budget was the first presented by an elected government in seven years, and the 202627 budget followed on schedule. Free bus travel for women began within months of the promise. Marriage assistance for girls from Antyodaya households rose from 50,000 to 75,000. The Darbar Move was restored. Mission YUVA shows activity. By 31 August 2026, it had received 1,00,407 applications and disbursed 32,156 loans. Those are loans, not jobs. The scheme is a real administrative achievement, but not yet an employment outcome. Its success must be judged by enterprise survival and hiring, not disbursement alone. The railway link to Kashmir was begun decades before this government took office. Its completion falls in this tenure, but the credit does not. Zuhaib Yusuf Mirs charge of surrender is rhetoric. The government passed two Assembly resolutions and, in July, took its demand to Delhi, where police stopped the Chief Minister short of the protest venue. But his question about sequencing deserves an answer. Omar gave the Centre nearly two years of quiet talks before announcing the Delhi Chalo campaign. The September 2026 resolution sought full statehood alone, and he urged his members not to press amendments on special status. That was tactically defensible, since it denied the BJP an easy pretext. But it also confirmed a strategic retreat, from restoration of special status and autonomy to the narrower demand for statehood. The electorate has noticed. The National Conference lost Budgam, its first defeat there since 1977, while its own MP, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, stayed out of the campaign. Patience with New Delhi has bought no timeline, and dissent at home is growing. The ledger must also be regional. A government elected across Jammu and Kashmir cannot measure itself only by Srinagars political anxieties or the Valleys grievances. Jammus voters will ask whether power supply, recruitment, daily-wage regularisation and development funds have reached their districts with the same urgency. The Darbar Move may have been restored, but restoration of a ritual is not restoration of regional confidence. If Delhi has clipped the governments wings, it must still explain why the powers it possesses have not been used with equal energy in Jammu, Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal and the Kashmir Valley alike. Sunil Sethis history of the National Conference and the Congress is a debate for another day. It does not tell a daily wager, twenty years in service, whether his file is moving. Nor does it excuse a Centre that holds the key to statehood. The government has three years left. It should publish a public scorecard: every manifesto promise, the department responsible, the order or budget line behind it, the number of beneficiaries and the date. Where the LG or Centre holds the key, the scorecard should say so. Where Omar holds it, it should say that too. This would answer critics better than another resolution and oblige adversaries to argue facts. Delhi holds the key to statehood. Omar holds the keys to recruitment, power, welfare and the daily wagers file. He may blame the cage. He cannot blame every unlocked door. Responsibility without authority is an injustice; authority without accountability is negligence. This government may protest the first, but it must answer for the second. (The writer is a former Indian Army officer. He writes on issues pertaining to Jammu & Kashmir)

J&K Bank Q2 Net Profit Rises 10.6% YoY to Rs 546 Crore

Srinagar, Oct 22: Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Thursday reported a 10.6 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 546.36 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with Rs 494.11 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The banks net profit also rose 28.8 per cent sequentially from Rs 424.18 crore in the first quarter of the current financial year, supported by higher other income, growth in net interest income and continued improvement in asset quality. The financial results were approved by the banks Board of Directors at a meeting held at its corporate headquarters on Thursday. The banks total business expanded 19.38 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3.10 lakh crore, while its gross and net non-performing asset (NPA) ratios improved to their lowest levels in a decade, strengthening its balance sheet. Earnings performance improves The banks net interest income (NII) increased 5 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,502 crore during the quarter. Other income more than doubled to Rs 314.90 crore from Rs 153.76 crore in the corresponding quarter last year, registering a sequential increase of 47 per cent. The bank reported operating profit of Rs 1,492 crore for the first half of FY2026-27, marking growth of more than 15 per cent year-on-year. Operating expenditure remained under control, rising just 1.5 per cent during the half-year. The cost-to-income ratio improved to 56.57 per cent in the September quarter from 60.79 per cent a year earlier. Return on assets (RoA) increased by 20 basis points sequentially to 1.07 per cent. Commenting on the results, Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee said the growth in net interest income, doubling of other income and a more than 26 per cent year-on-year increase in quarterly operating profit reflected a strengthening of the banks earnings performance. He said the recovery in return on assets to above 1 per cent also underscored the improvement recorded since the June quarter. Chatterjee said the bank had focused on expanding its business base during the first quarter to position itself for stronger earnings over time. For the second half of the financial year, he said, the bank would focus on sustaining core income growth, strengthening recurring revenue streams, improving recoveries and managing funding costs through deeper deposit relationships. Asset quality reaches decade-best levels The banks asset quality continued to improve, with the gross NPA ratio declining by 109 basis points year-on-year to 2.23 per cent as of September 30, 2026. The ratio also improved by 14 basis points sequentially. The net NPA ratio declined to 0.51 per cent from 0.76 per cent a year earlier, while the provision coverage ratio (PCR) increased to 91.76 per cent from 90.53 per cent at the end of June 2026. The bank said these indicators represented its best asset quality metrics in a decade. The annualised gross slippage ratio stood at 0.4 per cent for the first half of FY2026-27, according to the bank. Chatterjee attributed the improvement to disciplined underwriting and proactive credit monitoring, saying the bank had maintained its focus on asset quality while expanding its loan book. He said the bank would continue to pursue its annual asset quality objectives and build a resilient balance sheet to support long-term growth. Advances grow 23.7%; deposits rise 16.3% The banks total business increased to Rs 3,10,347 crore as of September 30, 2026, from the year-earlier level. Gross advances grew 23.72 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,33,551 crore from Rs 1,07,943 crore, while total deposits rose 16.30 per cent to Rs 1,76,796 crore. The retail, agriculture and micro, small and medium enterprises (RAM) segment accounted for more than 60 per cent of the net incremental credit added on a year-to-date basis, the bank said. Current account and savings account (CASA) deposits increased 1.73 per cent sequentially, with the CASA ratio broadly maintained at 41.97 per cent as of September 30. Chatterjee said nearly 20 per cent annual growth in total business had taken the bank closer to its Vision 2030 aspiration of achieving a business size of Rs 5 lakh crore. He said strengthening the deposit franchise, deepening customer relationships in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and selectively expanding operations across the country would remain key priorities. These efforts, he added, would be supported by prudent lending and technology-led, personalised customer service. Capital adequacy strengthens The banks capital adequacy ratio (CRAR) improved to 16.57 per cent as of September 30, 2026, compared with 15.27 per cent a year earlier. The bank said its capital position provided a cushion against emerging risks while allowing it to pursue quality lending opportunities. Summing up the results, Chatterjee said the bank was entering the second half of the financial year with confidence, supported by clear priorities and disciplined execution. He said the focus would be on translating the improvement into sustained profitability, greater stakeholder value and expanded opportunities for customers and businesses, while progressing towards the banks annual commitments and broader Vision 2030 objectives.

Allah: the Eternal, the Absolute

Today being, April, the 21st, 79 death anniversary of Allama Iqbal, as a mark of commemoration, we may dwell in his interpretation of Al Ikhlas which denotes the Unitarian Concept of Allah, being Omnipresentthe eternal, the absolute: Say: He is Allah the One and Only, Allah, the Eternal, Absolute, He begetteth not, nor is He begotten, And there is none like unto Him [112] In Iqbals Persian treatise, Ramooz Baykhudi Iqbal while alluding to Maulana Rumis famous Masnavi interprets Al Ikhlas On He is Allah, the One and Only Iqbal relates: Lazat-e-Emaan Fazayad Dhur Amal Murdah Aan Emaan Ki Na Ayad Dhur Amal Taste of faith in Allah (Lazat-e-Emaan) lies in deed (Fazayad Dhur Amal) the faith dies (Murdah Aan Emaan) if it is not backed by deed (Ki Na Ayad Dhur Amal). On The Eternal, Absolute (Allahus-Samad) Iqbal says: Ghar Ba Allahus-Samad Dil Bastae Az Jumla Asbab Beroon Justae If Allahus-Samad it is embedded in your heart (Ghar Ba Allahus-Samad Dil Bastae) you get beyond bounds of reason (Az Jumla Asbab Beroon Justae) alluding to the fact faith (Emaan) need not be substantiated by any reason, the reason being inherent in it, in other wordsit carries its own reason, its own substantiation. On He begetteth not, nor is He begotten Iqbal says: Hur Ki Pa Bandh Akleem Va Jadh Ast Bay Khabar Az Lam Yalid Wa Lam Yuulad Ast In case one remains confined to narrow bindings on nationality or ancestry (Hur Ki Pa Bandh Akleem Va Jadh Ast) he misses the essence of He begetteth not, nor is He begotten (Bey Khabar Az Lam Yalid Wa Lam Yuulad Ast) Iqbals view in inspired by Maulana Rumi, who says (Noor-e-Haq Kus Na Joyad Zaad Va Bhood) Light that illuminates the universe (Noor-e-Haq) begetteth not, hence none may claim ascendance over others by virtue of birth On, And there is none like unto Him Iqbal narrates: Rishthye Ba Walam Yakun Bayad Kawey Ta Tou Dhur Aqwam Bayhumta Shawey Strengthen your relationship with none like unto Him (Rishthye Ba Walam Yakul Bayad Kawey) so that you reign supreme among nations (Ta Tou Dhur Aqwam Bayhumta Shawey)

Salvatore school chairperson Haya Qazi among Kashmirs Top 20

Srinagar, Oct 22: Haya Qazi, chairperson of Salvatore International School, Shilvat, has been named among the Top 20 Chairpersons of Kashmir at the ViewSonic Edu Leaders Conclave held at The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar. The award recognises her contribution to education and commitment to advancing quality learning in Kashmir. The conclave brought together educationists, institutional heads, policymakers and other dignitaries to discuss emerging trends in education, with a focus on the role of technology in transforming teaching and learning. Among those present were Tanvir Sadiq, MLA and National Conference spokesperson; Dr Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, vice-chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST); G. N. Itoo; Dr Nazrul Islam; and PSAJK President, among other prominent personalities from the education and public sectors. The event also recognised several other prominent educationists, including Vijay Dhar, chairperson of Delhi Public School (DPS), Srinagar, and leaders associated with Burn Hall School, Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Green Valley Educational Institute, RP School and Kashmir Harvard Educational Institute, among others. Discussions at the conclave centred on artificial intelligence (AI) in education, emerging technologies and the changing role of educators. Speakers also stressed the importance of balancing technological innovation with critical thinking, creativity, strong academic foundations and human values. The recognition marks a milestone for Salvatore International School, which emphasises experiential learning, digital literacy and holistic development to prepare students for a technology-driven future. The school said it remained committed to expanding meaningful educational opportunities in Kashmir by combining academic excellence, innovation and values-based learning.

Army, PSF organise medical camps for specially-abled in Uri, Kupwara

Srinagar, Oct 22:The Indian Armys Chinar Corps, in collaboration with the Pritam Spiritual Foundation (PSF), organised medical camps for people with disabilities at Uri and Zangli Garrison in Kupwara from October 12 to 22. The camps provided specialised assistance to beneficiaries from Kupwara and adjoining areas, with 14 artificial limbs fitted, 250 hearing-impaired persons assisted and 258 assistive devices and appliances distributed free of cost. The initiative was also supported by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), which partners in providing assistive devices and mobility support to people with disabilities. According to the Defence Ministry, the camps aimed to improve the independence and quality of life of beneficiaries by providing access to essential assistive equipment and specialised support. The Army said such humanitarian initiatives were part of its efforts to support local communities and strengthen ties with people across Jammu and Kashmir. The camps concluded on October 22.

Omar Govt focused on bridging regional developmental gaps across J&K: MLA Sajjad Shaheen

Banihal, Oct 22:National Conference leader and MLA BanihalGool, Sajjad Shaheen, on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a road project connecting Lamber GujjarNar with the National Highway 44 at an estimated cost of Rs 1.96 crore. The project has been approved under the Road Sector and will be executed by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department. The project fulfils a long-pending demand of the people of Lamber and adjoining villages, who have faced considerable inconvenience due to the lack of direct connectivity with the National Highway. Upon completion, the road is expected to reduce travel distance, improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of people and essential goods. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Shaheen, as per a statement, said that improving road connectivity remains a key priority, particularly in the remote and mountainous areas of BanihalGool, where inadequate infrastructure has historically affected the daily lives of residents. He said that nearly four dozen road projects have been sanctioned across the constituency during the past two years, with several works under execution and others expected to commence shortly. He added that sustained efforts are being made to address longstanding infrastructure gaps and ensure balanced development across the constituency. Referring to major road and bridge projects, the MLA highlighted works being undertaken under PMGSY-IV, including the RamsooSarbagni, MakerkoteDardahi and LivraGagarnag roads, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 64.74 crore. He also referred to several bridge projects sanctioned across the constituency to improve connectivity in remote habitations. Shaheen further mentioned the Bagdampora Bridge project, connecting Padgampora with Khowra Khari, for which tenders have been floated at an estimated cost of 291.49 lakh. The bridge is expected to benefit Khawra, Lablutha, Dangaam, Galseer, Arpinchla and adjoining villages. Highlighting developments in the education sector, he referred to the foundation stone recently laid for the Model Higher Secondary School, Banihal, at an estimated cost of Rs 10.74 crore. He said that strengthening educational infrastructure and expanding access to quality education remain among his foremost priorities. The MLA also highlighted initiatives to strengthen power infrastructure, including the augmentation of receiving stations at Banihal and Sangaldan, the ongoing augmentation at Khari, and other measures aimed at improving electricity supply. He said that efforts are also underway to improve healthcare facilities, strengthen public services and expand sports infrastructure across the constituency. Referring to sports development, Shaheen said that proposals for 58 playgrounds, seven mini-stadiums and an indoor stadium have been taken up to provide better facilities to local youth and encourage participation in sports. He said that several development projects involving investments worth crores of rupees have been sanctioned over the past two years, reflecting sustained efforts to address the infrastructure deficit in BanihalGool. Shaheen expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for their support and for facilitating development initiatives in the constituency. He said that continued cooperation between the government and elected representatives is essential for addressing public grievances, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring that development reaches remote and far-flung areas. BanihalGool has significant development potential. Our focus is on bridging the longstanding gap between remote and better-connected areas and ensuring that people have access to essential infrastructure and public services. I will continue to pursue the timely implementation of sanctioned projects and take up the genuine demands of the people with the government, Shaheen said. Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Iqbal Bhai; Assistant Engineer Nasir Ahmad Wani; senior party functionaries, prominent party functionaries and prominent residents of Lamber and adjoining villages were present on the occasion. The local residents welcomed the initiative and appreciated the efforts to address their longstanding demand for improved road connectivity.

Like a robbery: Night eviction shuts Bandipora de-addiction centre, old age home

Bandipora, Oct 22:A late-night eviction that shut Bandiporas district drug de-addiction centre and an adjoining old age home has left patients without treatment and elderly residents displaced, triggering allegations of a high-handed operation. Medical staff alleged that locks were broken and equipment, luggage and personal belongings removed without prior notice. Officials, however, cited property disputes and unpaid rent to justify the eviction. Block Medical Officer Bandipora Dr Tahir Malik said that the Health Department was taking back the property, which had previously housed the district hospital. Obviously, it was a government hospital, so the health department will occupy it, Malik said. Asked why the eviction was carried out at night, Malik declined to provide details, saying government procedure had been followed and that the wider dispute was now sub judice. Both facilities are run by a local non-governmental organisation with funding from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and function under the Social Welfare Department. The premises belong to the Health Department and the Municipal Committee, respectively. The old age home was inaugurated in October 2022, followed by the de-addiction centre in February 2023. Both were inaugurated by then deputy commissioner Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad. The eviction reportedly took place under the cover of darkness, with belongings and medical equipment removed from the premises. The following morning, patients arriving for scheduled treatment found the de-addiction centre shut, while elderly residents were left without a place to stay. I was having dinner when some men came and told me to leave the premises immediately. They didn't even let me finish my meal before forcing me out, said Ghulam Mohammad, an elderly resident who had been living at the old age home for the past three years. He alleged that the men went upstairs, broke into the rooms and threw furniture and belongings out of the windows. When I asked where I would go, they told me the administration hadn't paid the rent and said they were not responsible for me, he said. At the de-addiction centre, medical officer Dr Anjum said neither the staff nor the centre's officials had been informed about the operation. It was a sudden action and no member of the centre was kept in the loop, she said. It was like a robbery. They came, broke the locks and brought all the luggage down. If the district administration will do these things, what can you expect from thieves? she said. While acknowledging that the Health Department might have a legal claim to the building, Dr Anjum questioned the manner in which the eviction was carried out. They are saying it is their building and they can take it, but you need to take it legally, not like thieves, she said. The closure has disrupted treatment for around 1,400 registered patients at the de-addiction centre. Dr Anjum said patients arriving for scheduled outpatient treatment the next morning were distressed to find the doors locked and services suspended. There is no place to stay put, neither has any information been shared with us, she said, adding that staff were struggling to locate displaced equipment and find alternative premises to resume services. An official of the Municipal Committee Bandipora, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the old age home was evicted because its operators had failed to pay rent since occupying the municipal property. It was given to them as a temporary accommodation, but they ended up occupying it permanently, the official said. The rent was initially fixed at Rs 17,000 per month, the official said, adding that no formal rent assessment had been conducted over the years, resulting in substantial outstanding dues. Additional Deputy Commissioner Zaffar Shawal said the Health Department had reclaimed the de-addiction centre's premises for its own requirements, distancing the district administration from the specific execution of the eviction. The building was under the occupation of somebody else and they took it back, he said. Block Medical Officer Bandipora Dr Tahir Malik confirmed that the Health Department was taking back the property, which had previously housed the district hospital. Obviously, it was a government hospital, so the health department will occupy it, Malik said. Asked why the eviction was carried out at night, Malik declined to provide details, saying government procedure had been followed and that the wider dispute was now sub judice. Repeated calls by Greater Kashmir to Chief Medical Officer Bhajan Kour for comment went unanswered. With both facilities shut, staff are scrambling to find alternative premises and recover equipment to resume services. No arrangements had been communicated to the de-addiction centre staff by the time of filing this report.

BJP honours dedicated workers, values organisational commitment: Sat Sharma

Srinagar, Oct 22:J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma CA has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has always recognised, respected and honoured the dedication, commitment and selfless services of its leaders and workers who contribute towards strengthening the organisation and advancing its ideology. Sat Sharma, as per a statement, was addressing a felicitation ceremony organised at Countryside Hotel, Nowgam, Srinagar, where former BJP J&K General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul was honoured in recognition of his dedicated services, organisational commitment and significant contribution towards strengthening the party across Jammu and Kashmir. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, BJP General Secretaries Mohammad Anwar Khan and Gopal Mahajan, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, MLA RS Pathania and several other senior party leaders were present on the occasion. Sat Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, said that the BJP is an organisation where dedication, discipline, sincerity and commitment to ideology are valued above personal ambitions and positions. Unlike parties driven by individuals or families, the BJP draws its real strength from dedicated workers who serve the organisation with honesty and commitment. Every worker, irrespective of position, receives due recognition and respect for sincere contributions. Sat Sharma said that tireless efforts of Ashok Koul, his vast experience and disciplined working style have played an important role in expanding the BJP's organisational network and strengthening its grassroots presence across Jammu and Kashmir.. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said that the felicitation reflected the BJP's organisational culture of acknowledging dedication, loyalty and selfless service. He said that Ashok Koul had worked tirelessly under challenging circumstances, guided countless workers and contributed significantly towards strengthening the party's organisational structure. Expressing gratitude for the honour, Ashok Koul thanked the party leadership, senior functionaries and workers for their affection, cooperation and support throughout his organisational journey. He reiterated his commitment to the party's ideology and urged workers to maintain unity, discipline and dedication while continuing to serve society and strengthen the organisation.

Years-old scrap pile at GMC Baramulla raises sanitation concerns

Baramulla, Oct 22:A pile of scrap lying unattended for years inside Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla has raised sanitation concerns, with discarded furniture, damaged equipment and metal frames occupying valuable hospital space and potentially providing shelter for rodents and other pests. The scrap occupies a sizeable area within the hospital premises, close to important departments. The material remains uncleared as the auction process is yet to be completed. The prolonged accumulation has raised questions over waste management and the maintenance of hygienic conditions at a healthcare facility catering to patients from Baramulla and adjoining areas. Ishfaq Ahmad, a local resident, said the scrap had remained unattended for several years and occupied a substantial portion of the medical college premises. The hospital is already grappling with a space crunch. The scrap is lying in an important area within the premises. Besides, its presence has caused a huge sanitation issue. The GMC authorities seem least bothered about it, he said. The accumulated junk could provide shelter for rats and other pests, raising fears of rodent activity within the hospital premises. Such a situation could further complicate sanitation efforts at a facility where cleanliness is essential to protect patients, attendants and healthcare workers. The delay in auctioning the material has also kept valuable space occupied by discarded items that could otherwise be removed through a proper disposal mechanism. Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr Majid Jahangir, said the issue had been taken up with the concerned official. The auction involves several formalities, and the scrap will be auctioned once these are completed, he said. With the scrap reportedly lying unattended for years, expediting the auction and clearing the material is necessary to address sanitation concerns and reclaim the occupied space.

J&K SED sets up panels to review transfer cases, grievances

Srinagar, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department (SED) has constituted a Union Territory-level Transfer Review Committee and designated committees at UT and Directorate levels to examine employee grievances and scrutinise transfer requests on medical, security and marriage grounds under the Transfer Policy-2026. As per the government order issued by Commissioner Secretary SED Ram Niwas Sharma, separate mechanisms have been laid down for reviewing transfer-related grievances and examining requests seeking transfers on specified grounds. As per the government Order No. 450-JK(Edu) of 2026, the Transfer Review Committee has been constituted in terms of Clause 11 of the Transfer Policy-2026. The committee will function as part of the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism prescribed under the policy. The committee is headed by the Special Secretary to the Government SED and will examine grievances referred to it at the UT level, taking into account the relevant policy provisions, grounds raised by aggrieved employees and action taken at the institutional or district level. The committee will also determine whether the contested decisions conform to the prescribed transfer policy, eligibility conditions and established administrative procedures. As per the order the recommendations of the committee will be placed before the competent authority for appropriate orders. Meanwhile, in a separate government order No. 449-JK(Edu) of 2026, SED has constituted designated committees to examine, scrutinise and recommend transfer cases involving medical, security and marriage grounds, superseding previous orders on the subject. For gazetted employees, including lecturers, headmasters, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) and principals, the committee will function at the UT level under the chairpersonship of the Special or Additional Secretary dealing with gazetted matters in SED. The committee will also include a Deputy Secretary and an Under Secretary dealing with gazetted matters, with the latter designated as Member Secretary. A Medical Officer nominated by the concerned Government Medical College in Jammu or Srinagar will be a member in cases involving medical grounds, the order reads. For non-gazetted employees, including masters and teachers, designated committees will operate at the Directorate level under the respective Director of School Education, Jammu and Kashmir division. These committees will include the Joint Director of the respective Directorate, Personal Officer and a representative of the Administrative Department. A nominated Medical Officer will be included in cases involving medical grounds. As per the order, these designated committees have been directed to meet at least twice during each academic session, with additional meetings permitted whenever considered necessary by the chairperson. While examining transfer requests, the committees will assess eligibility, documentary requirements, availability of suitable posts, cadre requirements and administrative exigencies, wherever applicable, before making recommendations under the Transfer Policy-2026. As per the order, a Medical Officer can be nominated as part of the committee for cases involving medical grounds, wherever required. An official said the two mechanisms are intended to address different aspects of transfer-related matters. He said the UT-level Transfer Review Committee will examine grievances against decisions, while the designated committees will scrutinise requests for transfers on medical, security and marriage grounds before recommending appropriate action. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) has welcomed formation of transfer committees and called for time-bound disposal of cases Provincial president JKTF Javaid Ahmad Bhat said the committees must ensure smooth conduct of general transfers and transfers on marriage, security and health grounds. It is a welcome step but the authorities must ensure that all transfer cases are settled in a time-bound manner without causing unnecessary delays or inconvenience to teachers. We hope these committees shall not remain in papers but should work as per their mandate that too in a time Bound manner, he said. Bhat stressed that the annual transfer drive should be completed during the winter period preferably by January ending to ensure smooth academic functioning. Teachers often spend the entire year moving from office to office to resolve transfer-related grievances which adversely affects academics and disrupt the official environment of the department, he added. He urged the authorities to ensure a transparent, timely and hassle-free transfer process in the larger interest of teachers and the overall education system.

Prioritised equitable development, people's rights, regional harmony across J&K: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Oct 22:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah has said that the National Conference has, since its inception, remained the voice of the rights, demands, aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. He said the party has consistently played a pivotal role in promoting equitable development, prosperity and public welfare across all three regions while preserving their cultural heritage, traditions, brotherhood and unity. Dr Farooq Abdullah, as per a party statement, made these remarks during his two-day visit to Jammu, where he interacted with people from various walks of life, as well as party leaders, office-bearers and workers. He said National Conference governments have always worked to ensure equal rights for people belonging to all religions, regions and sections of society, while striving to bring positive change to the lives of disadvantaged communities. He noted that the historic land reforms introduced by the first popular government led by the National Conference granted ownership rights to tillers, bringing a transformative change to the lives of poor and hardworking people, particularly in the Jammu region. However, he said, the absence of statehood and the existing administrative structure of the Union Territory have created several obstacles for the elected government in exercising its powers, conducting administrative affairs effectively and meeting public expectations. Dr Farooq Abdullah said that in a democratic system, an elected government must not only remain accountable to the people but must also possess the necessary powers to implement decisions taken in the public interest. Reminding the Union Government of its commitments, he said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been promised the restoration of statehood, and the time had come to translate that assurance into reality. Highlighting Jammu's economic significance, Dr Farooq said the Darbar Move tradition had long symbolised the administrative, economic and social ties between Jammu and Kashmir. However the BJP's decision to discontinue the practice had adversely affected Jammu's commercial and business communities. Dr Farooq said that the people of Jammu had voted for the BJP but the party had left no stone unturned in damaging the region's interests. He said decisions such as discontinuing the Darbar Move had further weakened Jammu's economy and increased the economic vulnerability of its people. He said that immediately after assuming office, the National Conference government restored the centuries-old Darbar Move tradition, fulfilling its electoral commitment and giving fresh impetus to Jammu's economy. Cautioning the people of Jammu against the BJP's deceptive and communal politics, Dr Farooq Abdullah said the party was exploiting religious sentiments for political gains. He urged people to recognise this approach and reject the BJP. The National Conference President reiterated that his party would continue its struggle for the rights of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the protection of the region's identity, regional equality and the restoration of statehood. Meanwhile, National Conference Provincial President Jammu, Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta briefed Dr Farooq Abdullah in detail about party activities, organisational programmes, development projects and the relief being provided to people across the Jammu region.

Kashmir Marathon 2026:CM Omar Abdullah calls for greater participation

Srinagar, Oct 22:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged people to participate in the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon, saying the event was an opportunity to promote running and encourage greater participation in long-distance races in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking about the upcoming marathon, CM Omar, while speaking to the media on the sidelines of three-day exposition inauguration of the Kashmir Marathon2026 at Polo View, Srinagar ,said the event had attracted participants from outside the region and abroad, adding that the Kashmir Marathon was gaining recognition on the national and international running calendar. He said the prize money offered at the event was significantly higher than that of many other races, while a separate prize category had been introduced for local runners in response to their demands. The aim is to promote the sport, especially running, whether it is the half marathon or the full marathon, Omar said. The Chief Minister said he had participated in the first two editions of the Kashmir Marathon but would not be running in the third edition this year. However, he confirmed that he would attend the event to flag off the race. Urging people who had not yet registered to join the event, CM Omar said participation was more important than winning. Winning is not as important as taking part. Come, register and take part in this marathon. Enjoy it, he said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the three-day exposition of the Kashmir Marathon2026 at Polo View, Srinagar, marking the final leg of preparations for the much-anticipated third edition of the event scheduled to be held on October 25 (Sunday). The Chief Minister, as per the officials, inspected various stalls and counters set up by government departments, private sports firms and event partners, showcasing a wide range of sports gear, equipment and accessories aimed at promoting fitness, outdoor activities and a vibrant sporting culture. The exposition also features dedicated bib collection centres and on-the-spot registration counters for participants of the upcoming marathon. The Chief Minister also interacted with stall owners, athletes and volunteers, appreciating their efforts in promoting sports, fitness and outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, he presented race bibs and merchandise to several runners participating in Sundays event, encouraging them to take part with enthusiasm and sporting spirit. The three-day exposition provides a platform for participants to complete registration formalities, collect their race bibs and explore sports equipment and related products ahead of the marathon. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad, event organisers and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

Saffron growers in Kashmir brace for harvest after poor season

Srinagar, Oct 22:Saffron growers in Kashmir have their fingers crossed as they approach the harvesting season, hoping recent rainfall will help revive the crop after weeks of dry weather threatened to affect flowering in the regions saffron belt. The high-altitude Karewa lands of Pampore in south Kashmirs Pulwama district have begun witnessing the emergence of saffron flowers, with harvesting expected to begin this week. We hope to reap a better crop than last year, said Abdul Majeed, a saffron cultivator from Lethpora, a village in the Pampore's saffron belt. Hundreds of saffron growers in the area had been worried by a prolonged dry spell that extended through September and into October, leaving fields parched during a crucial stage of the crops growth. However, rainfall a few days ago brought some relief to farmers and revived hopes of a better harvest. The rainfall, though brief, provided much-needed relief to us, Majeed said. Growers said they had feared a near-total crop loss if the dry conditions continued, as saffron cultivation depends heavily on suitable soil moisture and favourable weather during the flowering season. Saffron, one of Kashmirs most valuable agricultural products, is cultivated mainly on the Karewa plateaus of Pampore, where the regions soil and climatic conditions support the growth of the delicate purple flowers. The flowers are harvested by hand, and their red stigmas are carefully separated and dried to produce the prized spice. The flowering and harvesting period is crucial for growers, as the number of flowers that emerge and the quality of their stigmas determine the final yield and returns. Farmers said the recent showers had raised their expectations, although they remained cautious about the eventual outcome of the harvest. Much will depend on weather conditions in the coming weeks, when the flowers emerge and are collected. The optimism comes after a disappointing season last year, when growers reported a sharp decline in production. According to farmers, output fell by nearly 95 percent, which they attributed to adverse weather conditions and the continued conversion of saffron-growing land for other uses. Growers have increasingly expressed concern over the impact of changing weather patterns on saffron cultivation, with irregular rainfall and prolonged dry spells adding to the uncertainties associated with the crop. Land conversion has emerged as another concern in Pampore, where urbanisation and other development activities have put pressure on traditional saffron fields. Farmers fear that the shrinking area under cultivation could further undermine production and threaten the livelihoods of families dependent on the crop. Saffron cultivation is labour-intensive, requiring growers to tend the fields and harvest the flowers within a short period. For growers in Pampore, the recent rainfall has offered a measure of relief after weeks of anxiety. But with harvesting yet to gather pace, they are waiting to see whether the improved soil moisture translates into a better crop. We are hoping that the weather remains favourable during the harvesting period, Majeed said.

FSSAI proposes banning added sugars in formula milk

Srinagar, Oct 22:Added sugars are creating a health crisis for a generation, and the feeding rocess starts in infancy for those on formula milk. Now the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose to food products meant for infants up to six months of age. This is aimed at limiting babies' exposure to added sugars. The proposal is part of the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026. It was published in the Gazette of India on October 16. The official statement that followed said the amendment would add a provision that would explicitly state that sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months. Doctors in Kashmir have long stressed that breastfeeding remains the best source of nutrition for infants during the first six months of life. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that support growth and immunity. Infant formula, when required, should be designed to meet babies nutritional needs as closely as possible to breast milk, said Prof Muzaffar Jan, former Head of Pediatrics GMC Srinagar. He said unnecessary additions such as sugars may encourage a preference for sweet tastes early in life. He also emphasised that formula feeding may be necessary in certain circumstances, but it should be undertaken on medical advice. Mothers must be supported in whatever ways possible, rather than discouraged from breastfeeding, he said. According to UNICEF, roughly 41 million children in India are affected by obesity. Behind the crisis is the rapid spread of ultra-processed foods, high screen time, and reduced physical activity. It is a growing concern for long-term risks for diabetes and heart disease. The existing 2020 regulations set nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for infant nutrition products. These are products that are meant for use in children from birth to 24 months. Under these regulations, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred sources of carbohydrates. Sucrose or fructose may be added only when required as a carbohydrate source. Limits had been set for the amount of added sugars. The proposed draft would remove that allowance, and restrict any use of sugar in products meant for infants up to six months age. The statement described the first six months of life as a critical period for healthy growth and development. This is the phase when appropriate nutrition is particularly important, and has lifelong impact. The restriction seeks to ensure that infant products meet the nutritional needs of this age group, and do not unnecessarily add sucrose and fructose. The measure is also meant to support wider public health efforts to address early exposure to added sugars. Added sugars pose dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health problems. The proposed changes complement the established public health recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. The amendment seeks to support appropriate infant feeding practices and encourage manufacturers by tightening standards for infant nutrition products. It will mandate adoption of formulations that prioritise the specific needs of young infants. The statement issued by Health and Family Welfare of Government said the proposal reflects FSSAI's continued focus on science-based food standards. It is also in the direction of responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition. The draft notification has been published for public consultation on October 17. Stakeholders have been urged to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days of gazette notification. The Health Ministry has said that all representations received within that period before finalising the amendment will be considered.

Asian Para Games 2026: LG Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah congratulate Sheetal Devi on winning 2 gold medals

Srinagar, Oct 22:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday congratulated ace para-archer Sheetal Devi on winning two gold medals at the Asian Para Games 2026, hailing her achievements as a moment of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and the country. In a post on X, the office of LG J&K wrote, Heartiest congratulations to J&Ks daughter, Sheetal Devi, on her extraordinary double gold triumph at Asian Para Games 2026. Defending her individual title & clinching gold in mixed team event showcases grit & resilience. Sheetal, you have made J&K and the entire nation proud! Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also congratulated ace para archer Sheetal Devi on winning two gold medals at the Asian Para Games 2026 and said that the win has brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir and the country. The Chief Minister, as per an official statement, hailed her exceptional achievement in clinching Gold in both the Womens Compound Individual Event and the Compound Mixed Team Event, describing her performance as a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. He lauded Sheetal Devi for her outstanding sporting excellence and wished her continued success in her future endeavours, expressing hope that she would continue to inspire aspiring sportspersons through her achievements.

Barzulla-Rangreth road widening remains stalled as traffic woes mount

Srinagar, Oct 22:For thousands of commuters travelling between Barzulla and Rangreth, the daily journey has turned into a test of patience. A road stretch that was designed to cater to a much smaller volume of traffic decades ago is now struggling to handle the demands of a rapidly expanding urban belt. The Barzulla-Sanat Nagar-Rawalpora-Rangreth road, which serves as a crucial link for several residential areas, industrial units and security establishments, continues to await widening despite repeated demands from residents and commuters. The residents in the area said that over the past few decades, areas along the road have witnessed massive urban expansion, with several new colonies and residential pockets coming up. However, residents say the road infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the growth, resulting in frequent traffic bottlenecks, especially during morning and evening peak hours. The road has remained almost the same while everything around it has changed. Earlier, there were limited vehicles and fewer settlements here, but now thousands of families live in these areas and everyone depends on this road, said Faiq Ahmad, resident of Rawalpora. The worst congestion is witnessed around Rawalpora and adjoining stretches, where commuters often remain stuck for long periods. Residents say the problem becomes severe during office hours when private vehicles, public transport, school buses, and commercial traffic compete for limited road space. This road has become the lifeline for many colonies, but it is not wide enough to handle the present traffic. Sometimes it takes half an hour to cross a small stretch that should take only a few minutes, said Feroz Ahmad, a commuter travelling towards Rangreth. The traffic pressure on the road has increased manifold due to the presence of Rangreth Industrial Estate, which houses several industrial units, offices and business establishments. Besides, the movement of security vehicles and convoys towards various establishments in the area adds to the congestion. For school-going children and parents, peak-hour traffic has become a daily concern. School buses get stuck in traffic jams, and children reach late. During emergencies, even reaching hospitals or other essential services becomes difficult because of the congestion, said another commuter. The demand for widening of the Barzulla-Rangreth road is not new. The proposal to upgrade the road and undertake four-laning was conceived decades ago when traffic movement in the area was far less compared to the present scenario. The plan was envisioned in the late 1970s to cater to increasing traffic movement. However, the project could not move forward, with officials citing difficulties in arranging funds and taking it forward under central schemes. The issue was also raised in the Legislative Assembly last year, when the Public Works (R&B) Department informed that there was currently no proposal to widen key corridors, including the Rawalpora-Rangreth stretch, due to land acquisition and cost constraints. The department had stated that widening such roads would require acquisition of private land and structures as these stretches pass through densely populated residential and commercial areas. Residents, however, argue that the growing traffic burden demands urgent intervention. They said delays in upgrading the road will only increase problems as more residential areas continue to develop around the corridor. Development has happened everywhere around this road, but the road itself has not developed. Authorities need to find a solution before the situation becomes unmanageable, said a resident. An official from the Roads and Buildings Department said that the proposal for improving the road has been discussed on several occasions and various deliberations have taken place regarding its execution. The project has been under consideration and different aspects, including requirements and constraints, have been examined. However, there are challenges, particularly related to land acquisition and associated costs, the official said. The officials said that with several road widening projects being planned in Srinagar and other areas, they hope the Barzulla-Rangreth stretch will be taken forward.

70th National School Games: After Wushu, Taekwondo begins at GCOPE Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Oct 22: The 70th National School Games 2026-27 in Taekwondo began Thursday at the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Ganderbal. Earlier competition in Wushu were held at the same venue marking Jammu and Kashmir's return as host for a national-level school sports extravaganza again. The five-day sporting event features U-17 boys' and girls' competitions in Taekwondo, participation of 800 to 1,000 players and officials. Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal Harshal Mahajan inaugurated the Taekwondo event. Additional Secretary Youth services and sports Tina Mahajan and other officials were present. The competitions are being organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). J&K is hosting four disciplines comprising nine events Wushu and Taekwondo in Kashmir from October 15 to 27, and Fencing and Cricket (U-17 girls) in Jammu at Khel Gaon, Nagrota from November 15 to December 27. It is a proud moment for J&K to host the 70th National School Games in Ganderbal. We are ensuring facilities for over 1,000 participants, says Tinna Mahajan, Additional Secretary, Youth Services and Sports SSP Ganderbal Harshal Mahajan said that Sports plays a vital role in instilling discipline, building confidence and opening new avenues for young people, he said, urging participants to compete with determination and uphold sportsmanship. Local sports officials said hosting the 70th edition will inspire J&K youth to pursue sports professionally and excel at national and international stages.

CAT directs Law Deptt to ensure prompt responses in pension cases

Srinagar, Oct 22:The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar has directed the J&K Governments Department of Law and Justice to ensure that responses in pension-related cases are filed promptly, observing that senior citizens and pensioners deserve a sympathetic and respectful approach. A bench of Judicial Member M S Latif issued the direction while hearing an aggrieved retired government employee Abdul Majeed Sheikhs plea, seeking release of his pension and allied benefits. The Tribunal noted that despite notice, the authorities failed to file their reply, resulting in delay in disposal of the matter. I deem it proper to sensitize the Department of Law and Justice, U.T of J&K, that, at least, in the matters pertaining to release of pension, every endeavor should be made to file the response promptly so that such cases are not made to linger on for want of timely response, the tribunal said. It directed the J&K s Commissioner Secretary Department of Law and Justice to issue guidelines to all the respective Departments for filing of response or objections in a time bound manner, more particularly, in the matters relating to release of pension and other allied benefits. The pensioners deserve a soft gloves attitude, who, otherwise, are senior citizens and shall be dealt with sympathy and due respect. The Tribunal directed the government to file the response in the matter before the next date of hearing on December 2.

Sopore Stallions lift Khyber Cement Red Premier League Season 3 title

Srinagar, Oct 22:Sopore Stallions were crowned champions of the Khyber Cement Red Premier League Season 3 after defeating Athwas India XI by four wickets in a thrilling final at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. Led by former J&K captain Parvez Rasool, the Stallions produced a remarkable run chase to lift the coveted title, capping off the tournament with a performance full of character, determination and composure. Chasing a challenging target of 185 runs, Sopore Stallions finished at 187/6 in 19.3 overs, sealing victory with three balls to spare. The defining moment of the final came through Parvez Rasools sensational unbeaten knock of 45 runs off just 21 deliveries, an explosive innings featuring six boundaries and two sixes at a staggering strike rate of 214.29. Rasools match-winning contribution proved decisive under pressure, guiding his side across the finish line and establishing himself as the hero of the championship final. After winning the toss, Sopore Stallions elected to field first, inviting Athwas India XI to bat. Athwas India XI put up a competitive total of 184/9 in their allotted 20 overs, setting the stage for an exciting final. Captain Adil Reshi led from the front with an impressive 61 off 38 balls, striking 10 boundaries and a six. Ankit Dabas also played a valuable innings, scoring 57 off 31 deliveries, including five sixes and two boundaries. Deepak Punia contributed 26 off 25 balls, while Umar Lefty added 19 runs. For Sopore Stallions, Owais Baba was the leading wicket-taker, claiming three wickets for 45 runs in his four overs. Aazim Rather and Aman Singh picked up two wickets each, while captain Parvez Rasool contributed with the ball as well, taking one wicket for just 22 runs in four overs.

Annual Sports conclave concludes at Doon School Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 22:Doon School Srinagar on Thursday concluded its Annual Sports Conclave, celebrating the sporting spirit, talent and achievements of students. The event was inaugurated on Wednesday by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The concluding ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including Chairman Showkat Khan, Vice Chairman Sayan Khan, JKPS officer Imtiyaz Mir, Safiya Abdullah, JKAS officer Mehraj Wani and Syed Tajamul Islam. The sports conclave provided a platform for students to showcase their athletic abilities, teamwork, discipline and competitive spirit. The event highlighted the importance of sports in the overall development of students and encouraged young participants to pursue excellence both on and off the field.

2 years after approval, CM Omar says land unavailability stalls Anantnag Maternity-Childcare Hospital

Anantnag, Oct 22:Nearly two years after approval, Anantnags proposed 249-bed maternity and child care hospital remains stalled over land availability with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying, on Thursday that the Mirza Afzal Beg Memorial (MAMB) -GMC Janglat Mandi site may be insufficient despite funds being ready. The impasse leaves patients dependent on an overcrowded maternity hospital where doctors report that two to three patients sometimes share a bed. Work on the proposed maternity and child hospital (MCCH) in Anantnag requires a feasible alternative site, as the land identified at MAMB Janglat Mandi may not be sufficient for the project. Funds are ready, and the department will work to identify a suitable location so construction can begin at the earliest, Omar told reporters after the Anantnag District Development Board meeting. The Health and Medical Education Department initiated the project in November 2024, directing the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and fast-track construction at the Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg Memorial (MAMB) campus of Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag hospital. The initial DPR of Rs 86.5 crore was returned by the Finance Department for clarification on the funding source and inclusion of furniture and furnishings. The project cost was subsequently revised to Rs 94.44 crore. The revised DPR was forwarded to the GMC principal on April 1, ths year and subsequently sent to the Health Secretary, with copies to the Finance Secretary and Director of Health Services. Officials had earlier said administrative approval and formal release of funds were pending. Around 4.5 kanal had initially been demarcated at MAMB Janglat Mandi, where the hospital was planned to be connected to Block A. However, the proposed site in the campus already houses a nursing home and oxygen plants nearby. A critical care unit and an oncology block are also under construction and a sewage treatment plant (STP) is planned, leaving limited space for the proposed hospital. Alternative locations considered include the GMC main campus at Dialgam, the existing Sherbagh site after dismantling its dilapidated maternity hospital structures, and Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital at Sarnal on KP Road. The delay has prolonged reliance on Sherbagh maternity hospital, which the PWD and Fire and Emergency Services declared unsafe in 2014. Built for 40 beds, the facility handles more than 40,000 outpatient visits and around 7000 admissions every month. The paediatric section was shifted to GMC-MAMBs already congested A Block last year following repeated fires in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. However, a proposal to shift maternity services to Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital was shelved after structural assessments by IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar found the building unsuitable under post-2005 earthquake safety standards. During the February budget session, the government told the Assembly that Rs 5 crore had been earmarked for the project under the 2025-26 CAPEX budget. It also said the hospital could be taken up under the SASCI scheme in 2026-27. Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo had said construction would begin once the land was finalised. With the MAMB Janglat Mandi site facing space constraints and no alternative location finalised, the hospital remains on hold despite the Chief Ministers assurance that funds are ready.

Ladakh administration defends HC cancellation of land allotment to Wangchuks institute

Leh, Oct 22:The Ladakh administration has defended cancelling land allotment to Sonam Wangchuk's institute, citing the activist's disregard for the law, and said the allotment automatically lapsed due to unpaid dues and an unexecuted lease deed. In an affidavit filed in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the administration maintained that the 40-year lease allotment covering 1,076 kanals and 1 marla of land at Phyang Thang had lapsed by operation of law on May 5, 2019, due to the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL)'s failure to execute a lease deed or deposit mandatory land premiums within the stipulated one-year period. The affidavit running into 136 pages was filed by Leh Deputy Commissioner and CEO of LAHDC, Romil Singh Donk, in response to HIAL's writ petition challenging the August 21, 2025, cancellation order of leased land to the institute. The affidavit said the writ petition is misconceived, devoid of merit, and barred by delay and laches and made it clear that the original allotment order issued on May 5, 2018, was conditional and explicitly stated that the lease would be deemed cancelled if the allottee failed to execute the deed within a year. The administration asserted that HIAL never deposited a single rupee towards land premium or ground rent and failed to secure formal possession through the Tehsildar as mandated. Furthermore, the Higher Education Department of UT Ladakh certified in October 2026 that HIAL is not a recognised university, nor are its courses affiliated with the University of Ladakh or other statutory bodies, violating the core objective of setting up an alternative university. Bringing other context before the court, the affidavit highlighted the past conduct of HIAL's founder Wangchuk and his organisation, the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), and said that SECMOL has occupied 124 kanals of state land at Phey for over three decades without formal allotment or payment of an assessed Rs 80 lakh premium. The affidavit also references the violent protests in Leh in September 2025, which led to Union Home Ministry's intervention, the cancellation of SECMOL's FCRA registration, and Wangchuk's brief detention under the National Security Act prior to its revocation in March 2026, as part of a consistent pattern of public order disruptions. When approached for comments, HIAL CEO Gitanjali Angmo denied the claims made by the Ladakh administration in its affidavit. Citing a September 25, 2025 order by the Home Ministry cancelling SECMOL's FCRA registration, the affidavit said it was done due to multiple statutory violations which included accepting foreign funds from a Swedish donor to study the sovereignty of the nation deemed prejudicial to national interest. It said that local residents, the Phyang Welfare Society and village Nambardars have repeatedly petitioned authorities since 2018, alleging broken promises regarding the university project, unauthorised diversion of ancient irrigation streams for Ice Stupa experiments, and an alleged illegal encroachment of an additional 174 kanals beyond the boundary wall. The affidavit said the villagers complained that HIAL deceived them with false promises of a world-class university, blocked ancient pasture lands, and repeatedly diverted centuries-old natural irrigation streams for Ice Stupa projects, causing severe water shortage for local farmers. Urging the high court to dismiss the petition, the administration highlighted the antecedents of Wangchuk and SECMOL and submitted that the organisation and the petitioner are merely vehicles through which Wangchuk has repeatedly sought to hold public land on his own terms. The affidavit also said that HIAL had made false statements under oath in its petition by claiming it sent repeated reminders during the first year and deposited all requisite dues. It annexed official records showing zero written communications between May 2018 and March 2020, zero payments deposited, and suppressed letters written by HIAL in June 2020 seeking a complete waiver of both premium and ground rent, a request that was never granted. Tracing official records dating back to 2006, the affidavit pointed out a series of administrative actions and warnings issued against Wangchuk and SECMOL and recalled a October 2006 communication by the then district magistrate of Leh, which recorded that Wangchuk openly threatened the Hill Council and district administration during a council meeting, prompting officials to recommend surveillance and preventive detention. The affidavit further detailed orders from March 2007, where the DM imposed a complete ban on public gatherings, speeches, and the circulation of provocative VCDs by SECMOL, noting that the organisation was running large-scale anti-establishment propaganda threatening public tranquillity and unauthorisedly collecting funds from the public. Official reports from the chief education officer in April 2007 also recorded that Wangchuk had unauthorisedly occupied 200 kanals of land under the guise of educational programmes and disrupted the smooth functioning of the education department. The administration submitted that this pattern of holding public land without paying state dues continued over the years, including at SECMOL's Phey campus, and has culminated in the present situation where 1,076 kanals of state land have been held for over six years without a valid lease or payment of premium and ground rent. Linking these past events to broader law and order concerns, the affidavit said that agitations led and incited by Wangchuk in recent years ended with the office of the Chief Executive Councillor of the very Hill Council that originally allotted the land being set on fire. The administration maintained that a litigant with such a record does not approach the court with clean hands and is not entitled to discretionary or equitable relief. Dismissing the awards, guest visits, and international recognitions cited by Wangchuk in his petition, the administration said that personal eminence and accolades are wholly irrelevant to the legal question of lease compliance. It asserted that no recognition, however distinguished, serves as a substitute for fulfilling statutory allotment conditions, stating that the activist's reliance on such honours is merely an attempt to divert attention from an admitted legal default. Emphasising the Public Trust Doctrine, the UT administration argued that public land is held in trust for the populace and cannot be treated as private largesse and urged the court to dismiss the petition with costs and suggested that the reclaimed land be allocated to reputed national institutions such as a Sainik School, Eklavya Model Residential School, or Sindhu Central University. The affidavit also highlighted speeches by Wangchuk inciting a mob during a hunger strike on September 24, 2025, which led to the burning of political party offices, torching of police vehicles, and injuries to over 30 security personnel.

1 Indian killed, 2 injured in Saudi Arabia attacks

New Delhi, Oct 22:New Delhi on Thursday strongly condemned the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramcos Shaybah oil field on October 21, which resulted in civilian casualties. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian national was injured in the attack on the Shaybah oil field. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish speedy recovery to those injured, the MEA said, adding that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was in contact with Saudi authorities and would provide all possible assistance. The ministry said: We also reiterate that the attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia aaso confirmed that one Indian national was killed and two were injured in the attack on Dammam airport on Wednesday. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families, it said. Saudi Arabias General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attack killed a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident and injured eight others. The injured were receiving treatment for wounds ranging from minor to severe, it said, adding that damage assessments were under way and airport operations and air traffic had returned to normal. Separately, Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said a drone had been intercepted and destroyed over Riyadh.

Best of Opinion: Will El Nio's delayed fallout show up in H2FY27?

Today's editorials and columns examine SBI's cybersecurity concerns, Delhi's pollution response, El Nio's impact on economic growth, EU steel regulations and India's electric vehicle transition.

For Delhi's air, nip pollutants in the bud

Delhi government's new initiative involves private sector and startups to deploy pollution-reducing technologies in high-pollution areas. Previous attempts have included smog towers and air purifiers, yet results have been disappointing. The city's geography poses challenges for air circulation, necessitating comprehensive source-level pollution reduction approaches. Improving public transport and waste management will contribute to cleaner air in the region. Technology and stakeholder collaboration are essential for effective pollution reduction strategies.

Corporates, politics, not just hand in Gov

Marco Rubio visited Jamnagar, showcasing the new dynamics of government-corporate relationships in a changing global landscape. Companies like Reliance benefit from interactions that blend trade, technology, and statecraft in today's world. The shift in globalisation signifies a need for cooperation between nations and multinational corporations. As trade policies evolve, strategic engagements are increasingly essential for market access and competitiveness.

Return of Mrs G's 'foreign hand': Is Mohan Bhagwat's warning of a foreign hand behind protests a genuine concern or an old political tactic?

Mohan Bhagwat warns of foreign conspiracies behind protests in India, echoing past political tactics to delegitimize dissent. While he claims to embrace religious diversity, critics question his commitment to action against communal violence and the protection of minority rights, highlighting a discrepancy between his words and deeds.

Arise, awake, let the caffinati into office

In a bid to boost productivity, companies are on the lookout for workers who thrive without the aid of coffee. Dubbed as caffinati, these individuals promise to enhance efficiency in the workplace. By minimizing reliance on caffeine breaks, organizations aim to cut costs and reduce idle chatter. However, this shift may encounter pushback from management who appreciate the traditional coffee-fetchers as vital support.

India must avoid copying China's aggressive tax policies on private wealth and offshore assets

Developing economies often look to the US and China for cues on taxation, infra spending and policy. India, for one, must steer clear of emulating such tax policies. China's circumstances are materially different from India's. India's economy is expanding at a healthy pace, and housing is rising steadily.

Ladakh CEO notifies final municipal electoral rolls for Leh, Kargil

Leh, Oct 22: The Office of Ladakh Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma has notified the final publication of the municipal electoral rolls for municipal committee Leh and municipal committee Kargil, with October 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. According to a public notice issued by the CEO's office, the final electoral rolls have been published by the respective Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) for both municipal committees. The electoral rolls are available for inspection at the offices of the respective Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) of Municipal Committee Leh and Municipal Committee Kargil, it said. All electors and recognised political parties have been advised to inspect the published rolls and verify the particulars of the electors included therein. The notice further states that any individual who has objections regarding the final publication of the electoral rolls may file an appeal in accordance with Rule 13 of the Municipal Election Rules, 2003, before the designated authority as prescribed by the rules. The CEO's office has urged all concerned parties to take note of this notification and exercise their rights in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Ladakh administration defends in HC cancellation of land allotment to Wangchuks institute

Leh, Oct 22: The Ladakh administration has defended cancelling land allotment to Sonam Wangchuk's institute, citing the activist's disregard for the law, and said the allotment automatically lapsed due to unpaid dues and an unexecuted lease deed. In an affidavit filed in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the administration maintained that the 40-year lease allotment covering 1,076 kanals and 1 marla of land at Phyang Thang had lapsed by operation of law on May 5, 2019, due to the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL)'s failure to execute a lease deed or deposit mandatory land premiums within the stipulated one-year period. The affidavit running into 136 pages was filed by Leh Deputy Commissioner and CEO of LAHDC, Romil Singh Donk, in response to HIAL's writ petition challenging the August 21, 2025, cancellation order of leased land to the institute. The affidavit said the writ petition is misconceived, devoid of merit, and barred by delay and laches and made it clear that the original allotment order issued on May 5, 2018, was conditional and explicitly stated that the lease would be deemed cancelled if the allottee failed to execute the deed within a year. The administration asserted that HIAL never deposited a single rupee towards land premium or ground rent and failed to secure formal possession through the Tehsildar as mandated. Furthermore, the Higher Education Department of UT Ladakh certified in October 2026 that HIAL is not a recognised university, nor are its courses affiliated with the University of Ladakh or other statutory bodies, violating the core objective of setting up an alternative university. Bringing other context before the court, the affidavit highlighted the past conduct of HIAL's founder Wangchuk and his organisation, the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), and said that SECMOL has occupied 124 kanals of state land at Phey for over three decades without formal allotment or payment of an assessed Rs 80 lakh premium. The affidavit also references the violent protests in Leh in September 2025, which led to Union Home Ministry's intervention, the cancellation of SECMOL's FCRA registration, and Wangchuk's brief detention under the National Security Act prior to its revocation in March 2026, as part of a consistent pattern of public order disruptions. When approached for comments, HIAL CEO Gitanjali Angmo denied the claims made by the Ladakh administration in its affidavit. Citing a September 25, 2025 order by the Home Ministry cancelling SECMOL's FCRA registration, the affidavit said it was done due to multiple statutory violations which included accepting foreign funds from a Swedish donor to study the sovereignty of the nation deemed prejudicial to national interest. It said that local residents, the Phyang Welfare Society and village Nambardars have repeatedly petitioned authorities since 2018, alleging broken promises regarding the university project, unauthorised diversion of ancient irrigation streams for Ice Stupa experiments, and an alleged illegal encroachment of an additional 174 kanals beyond the boundary wall. The affidavit said the villagers complained that HIAL deceived them with false promises of a world-class university, blocked ancient pasture lands, and repeatedly diverted centuries-old natural irrigation streams for Ice Stupa projects, causing severe water shortage for local farmers. Urging the high court to dismiss the petition, the administration highlighted the antecedents of Wangchuk and SECMOL and submitted that the organisation and the petitioner are merely vehicles through which Wangchuk has repeatedly sought to hold public land on his own terms. The affidavit also said that HIAL had made false statements under oath in its petition by claiming it sent repeated reminders during the first year and deposited all requisite dues. It annexed official records showing zero written communications between May 2018 and March 2020, zero payments deposited, and suppressed letters written by HIAL in June 2020 seeking a complete waiver of both premium and ground rent, a request that was never granted. Tracing official records dating back to 2006, the affidavit pointed out a series of administrative actions and warnings issued against Wangchuk and SECMOL and recalled a October 2006 communication by the then district magistrate of Leh, which recorded that Wangchuk openly threatened the Hill Council and district administration during a council meeting, prompting officials to recommend surveillance and preventive detention. The affidavit further detailed orders from March 2007, where the DM imposed a complete ban on public gatherings, speeches, and the circulation of provocative VCDs by SECMOL, noting that the organisation was running large-scale anti-establishment propaganda threatening public tranquillity and unauthorisedly collecting funds from the public. Official reports from the chief education officer in April 2007 also recorded that Wangchuk had unauthorisedly occupied 200 kanals of land under the guise of educational programmes and disrupted the smooth functioning of the education department. The administration submitted that this pattern of holding public land without paying state dues continued over the years, including at SECMOL's Phey campus, and has culminated in the present situation where 1,076 kanals of state land have been held for over six years without a valid lease or payment of premium and ground rent. Linking these past events to broader law and order concerns, the affidavit said that agitations led and incited by Wangchuk in recent years ended with the office of the Chief Executive Councillor of the very Hill Council that originally allotted the land being set on fire. The administration maintained that a litigant with such a record does not approach the court with clean hands and is not entitled to discretionary or equitable relief. Dismissing the awards, guest visits, and international recognitions cited by Wangchuk in his petition, the administration said that personal eminence and accolades are wholly irrelevant to the legal question of lease compliance. It asserted that no recognition, however distinguished, serves as a substitute for fulfilling statutory allotment conditions, stating that the activist's reliance on such honours is merely an attempt to divert attention from an admitted legal default. Emphasising the Public Trust Doctrine, the UT administration argued that public land is held in trust for the populace and cannot be treated as private largesse and urged the court to dismiss the petition with costs and suggested that the reclaimed land be allocated to reputed national institutions such as a Sainik School, Eklavya Model Residential School, or Sindhu Central University. The affidavit also highlighted speeches by Wangchuk inciting a mob during a hunger strike on September 24, 2025, which led to the burning of political party offices, torching of police vehicles, and injuries to over 30 security personnel.

Surinder Choudhary targets BJP, says government will present report card in 2029

Union Secretary MoSJ&E Sudhansh Pant lauds J&Ks grassroots welfare outreach, whole-of-govt approach against drug abuse

Srinagar, Oct 22: Union Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Sudhansh Pant, today lauded Jammu and Kashmirs extensive grassroots outreach under social welfare schemes and its coordinated, whole-of government approach to combating drug abuse, describing the UTs efforts as a commendable model with potential for replication across the country. Pant made these observations during a comprehensive review of the implementation of various social welfare schemes and programmes in Jammu and Kashmir, chaired jointly by him and Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Secretary, Health; Director General, Social Welfare, Kashmir; Director, Social Welfare, Jammu; Head of Department, Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Srinagar; Secretary, SC/ST/OBC Boards, besides officers of other concerned departments. Appreciating the UT Administrations efforts to extend welfare interventions to the grassroots, the Union Secretary observed that the outreach undertaken across villages and panchayats reflected a strong commitment to inclusive welfare delivery. He particularly commended J&Ks coordinated campaign against the drug menace, noting that its whole-of-government approach had received nationwide appreciation and could serve as a successful model for other regions. Expressing satisfaction over the progress of individual beneficiary-oriented schemes, the Union Secretary highlighted the importance of ensuring that interventions for students, senior citizens, destitute women and other vulnerable sections deliver meaningful outcomes. He advised the Administration to document first-hand beneficiary testimonies and showcase the thousands of success stories emerging from these initiatives to generate wider awareness and amplify their impact across the country. Reviewing the rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging, Shri Pant encouraged the UT Administration to work towards achieving the Begging-Free City status for its urban centres. He observed that the relatively small number of such persons could be addressed through focused rehabilitation, sustained support and collaboration with dedicated non-governmental organisations. The Union Secretary also outlined key priorities and focus areas for the UT to facilitate the achievement of the Ministrys objectives. He appreciated Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo for his continued guidance and mentoring of the J&K's Social Welfare Department, observing that its diverse mandate required close coordination across multiple departments for effective implementation. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reaffirmed the Governments unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, social justice and community empowerment. He emphasized that the UT Administration was committed to saturating the benefits of welfare schemes among all eligible and deserving beneficiaries, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged and underprivileged sections of society. Further the Chief Secretary threw light on the population profile of various beneficiary groups in J&K, the welfare measures available for their upliftment and the legal, institutional and regulatory safeguards established to protect their rights and prevent atrocities, discrimination and harassment. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that the benefits of these interventions reach every eligible beneficiary. On this occasion the Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Doifode Sagar Dattatray, presented a detailed appraisal of the progress achieved under various centrally sponsored and UT-level schemes, covering drug demand reduction, educational scholarships, senior citizen welfare, rehabilitation, sanitation-worker safety, community development and legal protection for vulnerable groups. Under the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Abhiyan, the Department reported extensive public outreach through coordinated efforts involving multiple departments. It was revealed that more than 7.21 million outreach events had been conducted across the UT with Addiction Treatment Facilities handling 66,594 outpatients, while the Departments Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centres providing care to 1,053 individuals. On the enforcement front, it was given out that the Police had registered 1,187 FIRs and arrested 1,349 persons. With respect to financial investigations the meeting was apprised that the same resulted in the seizure or attachment of 125 immovable properties valued at 9,828.17 lakh and 60 movable assets worth 703.83 lakh belonging to drug traffickers. The meeting was informed that the proposed Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, envisaging a structured three-year recovery framework. On this occasion, Dr Arshad Hussain, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, GMC Srinagar, elaborated on J&Ks Circle of Care approach to addressing substance use disorders. The three-dimensional strategy provides continuity of care from admission to de-addiction facilities through treatment, rehabilitation, social reintegration and long-term monitoring to support sustained recovery. Moreover it was divulged that under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, it was informed that 419 villages had been selected for development as model villages, of which 28 had been declared Adarsh Grams. A total of 81 development works had been completed during 202627 so far. The meeting also reviewed the funding requirement for completing subsequent phases of the programme. The Department informed that 496.59 lakh had been utilised under the Grants in-Aid component of PM-AJAY towards basic infrastructure, skill development and income-generating assets. Similarly under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, 17 Senior Citizen Homes were operational across the UT, including eight in Jammu division, accommodating around 450 senior citizens, and nine in Kashmir division. The review also covered educational scholarships under PM-YASASVI for OBC, EBC and DNT communities and scholarship schemes for Scheduled Caste students. As of October 15, 2026, a total of 20,611 applications had been received against a target of 24,817 under PM-YASASVI for the academic year 202627. Under the Scheduled Caste scholarship schemes, 5,613 post-matric and 2,866 pre matric applications had been submitted through the National Scholarship Portal. Special drives and individual follow-ups were underway to clear pending cases and expedite Aadhaar seeding. Under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), 741 sewer and septic tank workers had been profiled across 74 Urban Local Bodies, of whom 734 had been validated. In addition, 5,862 urban waste pickers had been profiled, with 4,508 validated. The Department had distributed 721 personal protective equipment kits to sewer and septic tank workers and 3,854 kits to waste pickers. The meeting reviewed the implementation of safeguards under the Protection of Civil Rights framework and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In this direction the SAMBAL 2.0 portal had resolved 63 of the 66 online grievances registered. Relief amounting to 58.60 lakh had been disbursed through direct benefit transfers to 50 victims of atrocities between 2022 and 2026. During the deliberations, J&K highlighted the pending central financial share for certain OBC hostel projects had affected their completion. The UT Administration sought the Ministrys intervention for the release of the requisite funds to facilitate early completion of these facilities. The review emphasised the need for sustained interdepartmental coordination, effective beneficiary outreach, timely resolution of implementation bottlenecks and a stronger focus on documenting and publicising success stories to ensure that welfare interventions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of people across Jammu and Kashmir.

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Govt proposes mandatory emergency braking systems for new cars by 2030

New Delhi,Oct 22: The Road Ministry has proposed mandating Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) for all new car models starting October 2030 to curb road accidents. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in a draft notification dated October 19, 2026, said that for pre-2030 still-in-production models, AEBS would be mandatory from October 2032. AEBS provides automatic braking in the event of failure of the driver to respond to emergency situations to either avoid a crash or reduce the impact of a collision. Provided that, M1 category of vehicles manufactured on and after 1st October 2030 in the case of new models and 1st October 2032 in the case of all models shall be fitted with Advanced Emergency Braking System, conforming to AIS-185, as amended from time to time, the draft notification said. The government has mandated multiple measures, especially focused on braking systems, to enhance the safety of medium and heavy-duty vehicles. To enhance brake performance, a revised braking standard has been mandated for trucks effective October 1, 2027. Braking systems have been advanced with the mandatory implementation of electronic stability control systems (AIS 162) for trucks from October 1, 2027, which provide stability, especially in the event of braking at curves. The draft rules will be taken into consideration after the expiry of thirty days from the date on which the copies of this notification, as published in the Gazette of India, are made available to the public.

PM Modi receives call from Israel PM Netanyahu; discusses West Asia

New Delhi, Oct 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received a telephone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the two leaders exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region. Modi and Netanyahu also welcomed the sustained momentum in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The leaders also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. In a post on X, Modi said he received a phone call from the Israeli prime minister. We reviewed the sustained momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our partnership. We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region, he said. Prime Minister Modi had made a state visit to Israel from February 25 to 26. The two leaders had then agreed and decided to elevate the Strategic Partnership to a new level -- 'A Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity'. Modi had then said that India's security interest was linked to peace and stability in the Middle East, adding that New Delhi fully supported the Gaza Peace Initiative. They also had telephonic talks during the US-Iran and Iran conflict. Earlier this month, Netanyahu had called Indian pilot Smit Machchhar a hero of the entire world for foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flight, as he spoke with him over the phone. Captain Machchhar was attacked and seriously injured by his co-pilot in the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073 while the aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv last month.

Fire guts 8 structures in Doda; shopkeepers suffer heavy losses

Jammu, Oct 22: A fire broke out in the Bhagwah area of Doda district, gutting six shops and two stores and causing heavy losses to local shopkeepers, officials said. There were no casualties or injuries from the fire. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in the Dessa-Bhagwah belt. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, along with local police and community members, worked together to bring the fire under control, officials added. Abdul Rahman, a local shopkeeper, said the fire spread rapidly before the fire brigade arrived, destroying a substantial portion of the shopkeepers' stock. We were at home when we heard people shouting that the market was on fire. By the time we rushed here, the fire had spread. Much of the shopkeepers' stock was destroyed before the fire brigade arrived. Around 8 shops, including mobile and electronics shops, were affected, Malik said. The extent of the losses and the cause of the fire were not immediately known.

Police arrest drug peddler in Shopian, contraband substance recovered

Srinagar, Oct 22: Jammu and Kashmir Police in Shopian have arrested a drug peddler and recovered contraband substance from his possession. A police spokesperson said that during routine naka checking at Borihalan near Danish Resort, a police party from Police Station Heerpora intercepted an Alto vehicle bearing registration number JK03H-7227 travelling from Shopian towards Heerpora. During search, 60 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from drivers possession. The accused have been identified as Mohd Shafeeq Lone, son of Bashir Ahmad Lone, resident of Sedow, Heerpora. Accordingly, FIR No. 117/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Heerpora and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source of the contraband and establish its forward and backward linkages, spokesperson said. J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to maintaining a drug-free society and urged the general public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information regarding drug peddling, illegal cultivation of narcotic plants and substance abuse in their localities.

LG Saxena lays foundation stone for open exhibition ground in Leh

Leh, Oct 22: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Thursday laid the foundation stone for an open exhibition ground at Melong-Thang in Leh, calling it a landmark initiative to strengthen Ladakh's cultural, social and economic fabric. The modern facility will serve as a platform to showcase Ladakh's rich traditions, art, crafts and innovations, besides hosting national and international exhibitions, trade fairs and community events, the lieutenant governor said. He noted that the exhibition ground would boost tourism and local enterprise while creating opportunities for youth, artisans and entrepreneurs to connect with wider audiences. The development reflects the UT administration's commitment to building world-class infrastructure that nurtures creativity, fosters dialogue and positions Ladakh as a hub of cultural exchange and sustainable development, Saxena added.

Gold falls Rs 1,000 to Rs 1.48 lakh per 10 gm; silver hits 10-month low

New Delhi, Oct 22: Gold prices fell by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1.48 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday, while silver tumbled Rs 5,900 to a 10-month low of Rs 2.07 lakh per kilogram amid weak trends in the international markets. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity closed at Rs 1.49 lakh per 10 grams on Wednesday. Silver also plunged Rs 5,900 to Rs 2,07,500 per kilogram, inclusive of all taxes, from the previous close of Rs 2,13,400 per kg, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The white metal previously traded around these levels at Rs 2,07,600 per kg on December 18, 2025. Gold continued its weak trend in the domestic markets on Thursday as sentiment remains under pressure amid concerns over the West Asia conflict, said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities. In global markets, spot gold slipped below the USD 4,100 per ounce level, declining by USD 68.98, or nearly 1.7 per cent, to USD 4,072.30 per ounce. Silver also dropped nearly 4 per cent to USD 55.72 per ounce in global markets.

'Like a robbery': Night-time eviction shuts Bandipora de-addiction centre, old age home

Bandipora, Oct 22: A late-night operation to evict the District Drug De-addiction Centre and an adjacent old age home in north Kashmirs Bandipora has drawn sharp criticism. Medical staff have accused authorities of acting like thieves, while officials cite property disputes and unpaid rent. Both facilities are operated by a local non-governmental organisation funded by the central Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, functioning locally under the Social Welfare Department. However, the premises belong to the health department and the municipal committee respectively. The facilities were inaugurated just some years ago. The old age home opened in October 2022, followed by the de-addiction centre in February 2023. Both were inaugurated by then deputy commissioner of Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad. The closures occured when officials reportedly arrived under the cover of darkness, breaking locks and removing medical equipment, luggage and staff belongings. This left vulnerable patients arriving for treatment the following morning completely blindsided. The human toll of the sudden eviction was starkly visible at the old age home. I was having dinner when some men came and told me to leave the premises immediately. They didn't even let me finish my meal before forcing me out, said Ghulam Mohammad, an elderly man sitting outside the home, who has been living at the facility for the past three years. They went upstairs, broke in, and started throwing furniture and belongings out of the windows. When I asked where I would go, they told me the administration hadn't paid the rent and said they were not responsible for me. Dr Anjum, a medical officer at the de-addiction centre, expressed shock over the execution of the eviction. She confirmed no staff members or officials from the centre were notified or present during the night-time operation. It was a sudden action and no member of the centre was kept in the loop, Dr Anjum said. It was like a robbery. They came, broke the locks and brought all the luggage down. If the district administration will do these things, what can you expect from thieves? She added that while the health department may have a legal claim to the property, the method of reclaiming it was flawed. They are saying it is their building and they can take it, but you need to take it legally, not like thieves, she said. The closure has disrupted a critical healthcare lifeline in the district. The de-addiction centre has around 1,400 registered patients. Dr Anjum noted that patients arriving for scheduled outpatient treatments the next morning were forced to flee in distress upon finding the doors locked and operations suspended. An official from the Municipal Committee Bandipora, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Greater Kashmir the old age home was evicted because the occupants had failed to pay rent since taking over the municipal property. It was given to them as a temporary accommodation, but they ended up occupying it permanently, the official said. He noted the rent was originally fixed at 17,000 rupees per month, but no official rent assessment was conducted over the years, leading to massive outstanding dues. Defending the eviction of the de-addiction centre, Additional Deputy Commissioner Zaffar Shawal distanced the core district administration from the specific execution of the move, attributing the action directly to the health department. He explained the premises originally housed the old district hospital, noting the health department reclaimed the building because they required the space for their own operational needs. The building was under the occupation of somebody else and they took it back, he said, refusing to answer if the action was a departmental matter rather than a broader administrative directive. Block Medical Officer Bandipora Dr Tahir Malik confirmed this, telling Greater Kashmir the health department was taking back its own property. Obviously, it was a government hospital, so the health department will occupy it, Malik said. When asked about the sudden, night-time execution, Malik declined to provide specific operational details, stating only that government procedure was followed and noting the wider dispute is now sub judice. Repeated calls from Greater Kashmir to Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bhajan Kour, for further comment on the operation went unanswered. Health workers and social staff are now scrambling to locate displaced equipment and secure alternative spaces to resume care for their stranded patients. There is no place to stay put, neither has any information been shared with us, Dr Anjum said.

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New Delhi condemns attacks on Saudi infrastructure; one Indian killed

New Delhi, Oct 22: New Delhi on Thursday strongly condemned the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramcos Shaybah oil field on October 21, which resulted in civilian casualties. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian national was injured in the attack on the Shaybah oil field. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish speedy recovery to those injured, the MEA said, adding that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was in contact with Saudi authorities and would provide all possible assistance. The ministry said: We also reiterate that the attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia aaso confirmed that one Indian national was killed and two were injured in the attack on Dammam airport on Wednesday. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families, it said. Saudi Arabias General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attack killed a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident and injured eight others. The injured were receiving treatment for wounds ranging from minor to severe, it said, adding that damage assessments were under way and airport operations and air traffic had returned to normal. Separately, Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said a drone had been intercepted and destroyed over Riyadh.

NC afraid of defeat, avoiding panchayat polls in J&K: LoP Sharma

Srinagar, Oct 22: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Thursday accused the National Conference-led government of delaying Panchayat and municipal elections out of fear of defeat, saying the polls would be a litmus test for Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs government. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP programme, the LoP Sharma said NC is reluctant to allow alternative political representation to emerge in Jammu and Kashmir. The Abdullah familys ego, arrogance and unwillingness to conduct Panchayati Raj elections are responsible for the delay. They do not want anyone else to represent the people because they know the National Conference will face a crushing defeat, he said. Sharma said the government is failing to fulfil its promises on electricity, LPG cylinders, employment and ration supplies, adding that the elections would allow people to judge its performance. The LoP also said terriorsm had declined significantly over the past five years and that no local youth had joined terrorist organisations in the past two years.(KNO)

Iran says 7 tankers were damaged in Strait of Hormuz

Dubai, Oct 22: Iran's state television reported that seven oil tankers were either struck by attacks or hit naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight Thursday, possibly the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the waterway since the Iran war started on February 28. Here is the latest news from the Middle East. Read our full coverage here. 7 oil tankers damaged in Strait of Hormuz, Iran's state television reports ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Iran's state television reported that seven oil tankers caught fire and were damaged overnight Thursday after being targeted or striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. If verified, it would be the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the waterway since the start of the Iran war on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran. Quoting a statement by the Revolutionary Guard's navy, the Iranian report said that four of the tankers were transferring oil when they were targeted and caught fire. Another three were damaged and immobilised when they hit naval mines. The report didn't provide details about possible casualties or the flags of the tankers. The report also warned that the Revolutionary Guard may target US bases in the region if the US tried to allow oil tankers to transit through other parts of the strait. The Revolutionary Guard had routinely targeted US bases in Gulf countries during the war. Yemen's government warns Houthi rallies could be targeted ---------------------------------------------------------------- Yemen's Defence Ministry said Thursday that Houthi rallies and mobilisation programmes will be considered legitimate military targets and warned residents in Houthi-held areas against taking part. The announcement was shared in a social media post and is considered a major escalation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as well as civilians living in areas under their control. Deliberate attacks on civilians could amount to a war crime. Rallies and what Houthis call cultural courses are one of the Iranian-backed group's main tools for mobilisation of supporters and fighters. The Defence Ministry statement said such assemblies are used by the Houthis to mobilise children for combat. Death toll from strike on Saudi airport rises to 2 --------------------------------------------------- Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority said Thursday that the number of people killed in an attack on the King Fahd International Airport has risen to two. The dead are a Saudi citizen and an Indian national who was living in the kingdom, according to a statement. Another eight people suffered injuries in the attack that occurred late Wednesday. Saudi authorities didn't say who was responsible for the attack or provide any details about the attack reported earlier Thursday. The Houthi rebels issued no statement. King Fahd Airport on the country's east near Bahrain and Qatar has been attacked previously amid a wider wave of Houthi missile and projectile strikes targeting major airports in Saudi Arabia. Disabled Syrian man killed in Israeli forces raid ------------------------------------------------- A civilian with special needs was killed during an Israeli forces raid Thursday on the village of Jamla in southern Syria's Daraa province, Syrian state news agency SANA reported. It did not give more details about how the disabled man was killed. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. After the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December 2024, Israel seized control of a UN-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria and has occupied it since. Jamla isn't inside the Israeli occupied zone but Israeli forces often make incursions into areas outside the zone. (AP)

Sunil Sharma accuses NC of fearing local polls, says violence in Kashmir has declined

Kashmirs autumn tourism gets new attraction with Chrysanthemum Garden: Director Masoom

Srinagar, Oct 22: Kashmirs autumn tourism is set to receive a major boost with the opening of the Chrysanthemum Garden, where around 3.5 lakh flowering plants have been planted, with the bloom expected to continue until early December, Director Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Masoom said the garden had been developed with expanded flower beds, vibrant floral displays, water features, pergolas, selfie points and improved facilities for visitors. This is our dream project, and we want the importance and popularity of our Chrysanthemum Garden to be exactly the same as our Tulip Garden. We do not want any season of Kashmir to be dull. Spring will be associated with tulips and autumn with chrysanthemums, she said, as per the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO). She said the garden had been designed around chrysanthemums, with trees including chinar, maple and ginkgo adding to the colourful autumn landscape. Acknowledging the weather-related challenges faced during preparations, Masoom said officers and gardeners of the department worked collectively to complete the project. She said the flowers could remain in bloom for around one-and-a-half months and may continue until December 5 or 6, depending on weather conditions. Masoom expressed hope that the garden would attract a large number of visitors during the autumn season and further strengthen Kashmirs tourism appeal beyond the traditional tulip season.(KNO)

Director Floriculture says Chrysanthemum Garden aims to match Tulip Gardens popularity

BIS Holds MSME Meet in Kashmir to Promote Quality Standards in Pencil Slat Industry

Mehbooba slams Centre over eviction notice to mosque near PM's residence

Srinagar, Oct 22: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday criticised the Centre over an eviction notice to a century-old mosque near the prime minister's residence, and accused the government of having a latant disregard for the religious sentiments of the country's Muslim community. Authorities have served an eviction notice to the Race Course Mosque, which is located in close proximity to the prime minister's residence in the national capital, and disconnected its water and electricity supply. Visiting mosques in Muslim countries, praising their grandeur and projecting respect for Islamic sentiments and heritage. Yet at home, a 120 year old heritage mosque near the Prime Minister's residence faces an eviction notice threatening its very existence. This glaring contradiction between admiration for mosques abroad and blatant disregard for the religious sentiments of India's own Muslim community is mind boggling, to say the least, Mehbooba said in a post on X. According to officials, the mosque management received an eviction notice around October 19 and was given six days to vacate the premises. The notice, which identified the land as belonging to the Land and Development Office (LDO) under the Union government, warned against unauthorised occupation and construction. The LDO maintains that the structure stands on government land and considers it an encroachment.

The young people we never see in the fight against substance abuse

Recent research underscores the importance of social interaction in mitigating adolescent substance abuse risks. Key elements, such as a sense of belonging in schools and nurturing relationships, significantly contribute to prevention efforts. Initiatives in Iceland demonstrate the benefits of community engagement and structured programming. Gaining insight into how external factors shape teenage decision-making is crucial for crafting effective strategies while empowering youth to cultivate resilience for healthier lifestyle choices.

Two terror associates apprehended with arms and ammunition in Baramulla

Baramulla, Oct 22: Security forces on Thursday apprehended two terrorist associates along with war-like stores in Baramulla district. Officials said that based on a credible intelligence input, Indian Army's 52 RR and Baramulla Police nabbed two terrorist associates from the Darpura Nursery area near Delina Ghat of Baramulla. During search, 01 Kanik Turkish-made pistol, 01 magazine with 10 rounds and 02 IEDs were recovered from their possession. Both individuals hail from the Chinkipura area of Sopore district. Prima facie, both were found to be working as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and are likely to be involved in movement of weapons and explosives for terrorists. Further investigation has been taken up.(GNS)

Ukraine's strikes on Russian data centres disrupt key services, derail AI research

Moscow, Oct 22: Russia prides itself on its digital advances -- from an extensive e-commerce services sector to ambitious plans for developing artificial intelligence. But now, some of the key data centres at the heart of its technical prowess have been knocked out by Ukrainian drone attacks in the 4.5-year-old full-scale invasion, suffering damage that could take a long time to repair. Ukraine this month hit three main data centres belonging to tech giant Yandex, one for Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, and one for social media platform VKontakte, the country's equivalent to Facebook. While Yandex, Sberbank and VKontakte are coy about the damage, people and businesses across Russia have reported widespread interruptions to cloud services. Banking, e-commerce, geolocation and ride-hailing services, as well as Alisa, Yandex's virtual assistant, and multimodal AI chatbots all have suffered lasting disruptions. The fallout even spread to Russia's judicial system, reportedly forcing arbitration courts to cancel or postpone sessions and cutting database access. Most experts predict repairing the damage could take months, if not years. Some warn that Moscow's aspirations to become a leader in AI development could be significantly set back. This effectively sets Russia far behind in the AI race, said Mikhail Klimarev, head of the Internet Protection Society activist group. Data centres have been hit by both sides in the war Data centres are the latest targets of aerial campaigns waged by both sides against each other's vital infrastructure. Russian missiles and drones have pummelled Ukraine's power grid and other key sites, part of Kremlin efforts to weaken morale and resistance. Moscow stepped up those attacks as winter approaches, taking advantage of a shortage of US-supplied Patriot interceptors, whose stockpiles have been drained by Washington's war with Iran. Ukraine retaliated with waves of drone attacks against Russian oil refineries, triggering a massive fuel crisis and bringing the war home to millions of civilians. US President Donald Trump has blamed the attacks for higher global oil prices, which have escalated largely due to the US war in Iran. Earlier this month, Trump struck a deal with President Vladimir Putin to import diesel oil, shocking Ukraine and its allies. Ukraine also hit huge warehouses for Russia's top online retailers, Wildberries and Ozon. Kyiv's attacks on Russian data centres closely followed Moscow's recent strikes on data centres in Ukraine, which disrupted the internet and TV broadcasts. On October 8, Ukrainian drones hit a Yandex data centre in Sasovo in the Ryazan region that houses two of the company's three supercomputers. A data centre in Kaluga was hit a day later and the one in Vladimir was struck October 11. The data centre and AI hub for Sberbank was hit October 14 in Balakovo in the Saratov region, and four days later, Kyiv struck a data centre in St. Petersburg serving VKontakte. Data centres are vulnerable While oil refineries and warehouses are easy prey, data centres are even softer targets -- massive buildings packed with servers and supporting power and cooling infrastructure. Lasting damage can result from a drone carrying a relatively light load of explosives. The vulnerability of data centres was exposed by Iran, whose drones hit two Amazon Web Services data centres in the United Arab Emirates and one in Bahrain. AWS said last month it was unable to restore access to the resources and data hosted at two of them. Yandex has run drills for an accident that could incapacitate one of its six data centres, but it was caught unprepared when its three key facilities were hit over four days. It wasn't immediately clear why air defences near the sites had failed. The problem in Russia is that they've got to cover a big country with air defence and they don't have enough, said Nick Reiners, senior geotechnology analyst at Eurasia Group. Russia's efforts to build a sovereign internet backfire Ukraine has stored critical data on servers in allied European countries, helping limit the damage from Russian attacks. But Moscow's strict digital sovereignty policy requires all data storage at home, making it extremely vulnerable. Because all the infrastructure and all the data is located inside Russia, it's relatively easier to take down, Reiners said. Klimarev predicted the data centre attacks could encourage many top Russian companies to move data abroad, while the authorities could ease their efforts to tighten internet controls to minimise the damage. Paradoxically, the strikes on data centres have saved the Russian internet from isolation, as they will now have to move computing assets, most likely, to Europe, Klimarev said. It's quite likely that many Russian businesses are now roaming the European market to rent computing assets. Russians are vexed by service disruptions Yandex dominates digital life in Russia and many former Soviet nations. It provides a wide variety of functions, including a search engine, cloud storage, payment apps, geolocation and ride-hailing services, and e-commerce platforms. Yandex is kind of like Uber and Amazon and Google and everything rolled into one, with everything concentrated in just a few data centres, Reiners said. From a strategic perspective, they're an excellent target. The attacks on Yandex caused unprecedented disruptions, paralysing payments, online orders, taxi rides and access to personal data. Moscow resident Igor Mann said he couldn't collect an order he placed with Yandex Market, an e-commerce platform. He said he tried using a virtual private network, but nothing worked. Taxi driver Pavel Belyavskiy, who gets orders via Yandex's ride-hailing app, couldn't connect with passengers. On several orders already, I've ended up waiting for a long time and had to cancel the ride because I couldn't even get in touch with the passenger, he said. The attacks also caused temporary disruptions at some major companies and banks that rely on Yandex cloud services. It's not just about convenience -- it's also about work ... tied to everyday life, said another Moscow resident, Eduard Malyavko. A blow to Russia's AI ambitions Yandex said it restored most key cloud services in the following days as it turned to other data centres in Russia. But the damage to the company's AI development efforts is widely seen as massive and longer-lasting. Yandex has invested in huge data centres as the global AI boom fuels demand for computing power. The company's three supercomputers used to develop models are ranked among the top 500 in the world. Its most powerful computer -- at the Sasovo data centre -- was ranked 19th. Yandex didn't disclose the extent of the strikes' consequences, but satellite images indicated its data centres sustained serious damage. Some observers noted that fires triggered by the attacks probably seriously damaged high-end chips and other key equipment. With this kind of hit, it's hard to expect that at least something was left intact -- the data centres' equipment is fragile, demanding and expensive, Klimarev said. Soot from the fire is bad for electronics. While Russia already lagged years behind the US and China, Ukraine's drone strikes will likely still set back Russian AI efforts further, said Connor Martin, an expert with the Council for Foreign Relations. He said in a commentary that Russia likely will struggle to quickly replace the US-designed Nvidia A100 chips powering Yandex's supercomputers. Klimarev also said the global deficit of high-end chips, combined with the sanctions on their delivery to Russia, will make repairs long and costly. I'm not sure it can be done in half a year, a year, or even at all, he said.

Ladakh chief secy assures solution to demand of heli-service to remote areas along Sino-India border

Leh, Oct 22: Former executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Konchok Stanzin has sought expansion of the subsidised helicopter service to Nyoma and Durbuk in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra assuring a solution. In a post on X on Wednesday, Stanzin urged the administration to ensure equal access to air connectivity for residents of remote areas. He appealed to Lt Governor V K Saxena and Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra to extend the subsidised helicopter service to the two strategically important sub-divisions bordering the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Requesting L-G Ladakh and (Chief Secretary) Ashish Kundra to include Nyoma and Durbuk in the subsidised helicopter service to Changthang. We deserve equal access to this facility! he said. Responding to the post, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said, Ok we will find a solution. The Ladakh administration restarted the subsidised helicopter service on September 30 to improve connectivity between Leh and remote destinations across the Union territory, particularly during harsh winter months. The service is being operated by Pawan Hans Limited under a lease agreement supported by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The helicopter service currently connects Leh with seven destinations -- Kargil, Padum, Lingshed, Dibling, Nyerak, Diskit and Turtuk -- providing an alternative mode of transport for residents and tourists while also facilitating emergency medical requirements. Nyoma and Durbuk, located in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh, are high-altitude areas along the India-China border, where air connectivity assumes particular importance during winter when road travel can become difficult.

CM Omar Abdullah reviews developmental works in Anantnag, to inaugurate projects worth Rs 52 crore

From teaching to cloud kitchen: Rukhsana Manzoor turns daughters idea into a Srinagar food venture

From teaching to running a cloud kitchen, Rukhsana Manzoors journey with Ghar Batti began during the COVID-19 pandemic in Srinagar, Kashmir, after her daughter suggested the idea. With support from her family, she went on to run the food business, turning a suggestion into an entrepreneurial venture.

WHO launches framework to track heat risks for pregnant women and children

Srinagar, Oct 22: The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have launched a global framework to help countries monitor the health impacts of extreme heat on pregnant women, newborns and children. Launched on October 21, the framework introduces priority indicators to strengthen health monitoring, preparedness and responses to extreme heat, which is becoming more frequent and severe worldwide. Evidence shows that exposure to extreme heat is associated with a 26% increase in the odds of preterm birth. Babies under one year of age experienced 389% more heatwave days in 2024 than during the 19862005 baseline period. An estimated 1.5 billion children worldwide are exposed to heatwaves that are becoming more frequent, longer or more severe. As our world continues to heat up, it creates new risks for health, and older people, pregnant women, newborns and children are among those least able to escape them, said Bruce Gordon, Director a.i. of WHOs Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration. Our health systems need the data to recognize this reality and take action - from protecting people during heatwaves to embedding climate risk consideration into everyday health services. The framework recommends monitoring preterm births, stillbirths, low birthweight, pregnancy-related hypertension, child deaths and visits to health facilities during extreme heat. School attendance can also be tracked to assess how heat disrupts childrens lives. Heat is already affecting our most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns and children. But what health systems do not count, they cannot respond to, said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of WHOs Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. By tracking outcomes such as preterm birth, child deaths and illnesses, and health-facility visits alongside heat exposure, countries can identify potential impacts and take action to protect women and children. Combining routine health records with heat-exposure data, including air temperatures, can help authorities identify unusual changes during extreme heat and investigate potential health impacts. The findings can also help health facilities prepare for increased demand, improve warnings to families and pregnant women, and identify communities most at risk. WHO urged all countries to develop and implement context-specific heat-health action plans that account for the needs of pregnant women, newborns and children, strengthen early warning systems and enable timely responses when heat risks emerge.

INDIA bloc leaders to hold virtual meeting, roadmap for 'vote chori' protests on agenda

New Delhi, Oct 22: An virtual meeting of the INDIA bloc will be held on Thursday evening to deliberate on the roadmap for protests over the vote chori issue and on ways to press for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, sources said. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will chair the meeting, which will also review the preparations for the INDIA bloc's rally in Delhi on November 1, they said. The INDIA bloc leaders would brainstorm on charting out the roadmap of protests, review the preparations for the November 1 rally and ways to corner the government over the 'vote chori' issue. The meeting also assumes significance as it comes at a time when there is speculation over the government convening Parliament for passing a Constitution amendment bill, involving delimitation, for the early implementation of the Women's Reservation Act. Last week, the protests over the vote theft charge reached the Supreme Court's doorstep. On October 12, opposition stalwarts, joined by activists and civil society members, took part in a March for Democracy along a heavily barricaded route and filed a joint petition against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging poll irregularities, in a major show of strength in the national capital. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also hosted INDIA bloc leaders for tea at his home on October 13. After the meeting, the opposition bloc vowed to continue resisting and take the vote chori fight to its logical conclusion.

1 person killed in attack on eastern Saudi airport, authorities say

Riyadh, Oct 22: One Saudi resident was killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced early on Thursday. The aviation authority also said eight people were injured in the late Wednesday attack and the airport suffered some material damage. Global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 said on X that flights have been diverted away from the airport. Authorities did not say who carried out the attack or provide further details. King Fahd airport has been attacked previously amid a wider wave of Houthi missile and projectile strikes targeting major airports in Saudi Arabia. The Iranian-backed Houthis have not commented on this attack. The Saudi Coalition announced that it intercepted four drone attacks in the eastern region. Late on Wednesday, the United States ordered some diplomats and the families of US government employees to leave Saudi Arabia following a series of deadly attacks in the country by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and rising fears of an escalation in hostilities. The latest attack came after Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry said that debris from an intercepted drone killed two people and injured two others at an Aramco-operated oil field in the country's southeast. The ministry said the two people killed were Nepali and Filipino nationals, while the injured were Pakistani and Indian nationals. Last month, debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed a Yemeni resident of Saudi Arabia. It was the first civilian casualty since the Houthis increased their attacks against the kingdom, targeting Saudi shipping and oil facilities. Earlier this month, a limited fire broke out in an administrative building at Aramco, one of the world's largest oil facilities, targeted in an attack in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the energy ministry said at the time.

Sopore Spartans clinch Qaziabad Volleyball League 2026 title

Handwara, Oct 21: Sopore Spartans Wednesday emerged champions of the Qaziabad Volleyball League 2026 after defeating Rafiabad Tigers in an exciting final at Hangah Sports Ground in the Mawer area of Handwara. The five-day tournament, organised by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana, was held from October 17 to 21 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from six teams representing Langate, Rafiabad and Sopore. In the final, Sopore Spartans defeated Rafiabad Tigers by three sets to one to lift the title. Spartan Sopore won the first, third and fourth sets 2521, 2519 and 2520 respectively while Rafiabad Tigers secured the second set 2826. The final witnessed an exciting contest with a huge crowd gathering at Hangah Sports Ground to cheer for the competing teams. The league provided a platform for young volleyball players from North Kashmir to showcase their talent, competitive spirit and sporting abilities while promoting teamwork, discipline and healthy competition. At the conclusion of the tournament, the winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while the runners-up received Rs 30,000 and the second runners-up Rs 10,000 along with trophies and medals.

Div Com Kashmir directs joint recce to finalise preparations

Srinagar, Oct 21: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, has stressed the need for a Joint Recce of the inaugural venue and marathon route to identify and address gaps in preparations for the successful conduct of the 3rd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon. Chairing a meeting to review the arrangements, the Divisional Commissioner, as per an official statement, called for close coordination among all concerned departments to ensure that the necessary facilities and logistical arrangements are put in place well in advance of the event. Garg directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to fill potholes along the marathon route and ensure proper levelling of the road surface. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department was instructed to repair leaking water pipelines. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was directed to deploy an adequate number of mobile toilet vehicles at the inaugural venue and ensure the availability of sweeper buses to ferry participants who face issues during Marathon. Emphasising the need for smooth movement of participants and the general public, the Divisional Commissioner called for a comprehensive traffic management plan and directed the concerned authorities to publish the marathon route plan in advance for public information.

Govt committed to strengthening sports infrastructure in J&K: Satish Sharma

R S Pura, Oct 21: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Wednesday attended the traditional Dangal organised by the Dangal Committee, R.S. Pura, at Bana Singh Stadium, here, on the eve of Dussehra, witnessing an impressive display of strength, skill and sporting spirit. The event, as per an official statement, witnessed enthusiastic participation of wrestlers from different regions and attracted a large gathering of sports enthusiasts and local residents. More than 100 bouts were held during the Dangal, reflecting the enduring popularity of traditional wrestling and its deep cultural roots in Jammu and Kashmir. Shera Gujjar of Haryana emerged as the winner of the main bout, while Bhupinder Ajnala of Punjab secured the runner-up position. The winner was awarded a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the runner-up received Rs 80,000. A first maali carrying a prize of Rs 1.80 lakh was also among the major attractions of the event. Overall, cash prizes exceeding Rs 6 lakh were distributed among the participating wrestlers, recognising their talent, dedication and sporting excellence.

CM Omar inaugurates Annual Sports Day at Doon School Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 21:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated the Annual Sports Day-2026 at Doon School Srinagar, celebrating the sporting talent of students who showcased their skills through athletic competitions, martial arts demonstrations, a march past and cultural performances. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by schoolchildren, who displayed their athletic abilities, discipline and competitive spirit through various sporting activities. The Chief Minister formally declared the event open by releasing balloons and the students subsequently participated in races for boys and girls, martial arts demonstrations and other activities. Following the performances, CM Omar Abdullah presented awards to meritorious students and school houses in recognition of their achievements and participation. CM Omar Also appreciated the students for their performances and encouraged them to pursue sports alongside academics, stressing the importance of discipline, teamwork and healthy competition. In a post on facebook, Chief Minister said the students of Doon School Srinagar presented impressive march pasts, vibrant cultural performances and exciting athletic competitions. I commended their performances and emphasised the vital role of sports and co-curricular activities in building discipline, character and promoting the holistic development of youth, CM Omar shared in his Facebook page. CM Omar also inaugurated Basketball court at the school and displayed his skills while spending few moments with the students. Earlier in his address, Chairman Doon School Srinagar Showkat Ahmad Khan said the school aims to ensure Kashmiri children get equal opportunities so that they excel at national, international events. He said the institution was established with the vision of ensuring that children of Kashmir do not feel disadvantaged in accessing opportunities because of where they are born. The institution aims to help students dream fearlessly, compete confidently and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country and the world, he said. He said the school's achievements at national and international events reflected the progress made towards realising that vision. Our children have excelled at national and international events, bringing recognition to the country, state, families and to this institution as well, he added. Khan said every achievement was the result of sustained hard work and the collective efforts of students, teachers and parents. Students often put in extra hours of practice, teachers extended support beyond school hours, and parents made sacrifices to help their children succeed, he said. He highlighted the role of mothers in children's achievements saying that their silent prayers and sacrifices often remained unrecognised despite being an important part of a child's journey. The chairman said education at Doon School was not limited to academic performance, medals and certificates but to nurture good human beings. We believe education must go beyond marks and medals. We must teach our children how to become good human beings, he added. He said the school was beyond an educational institution, saying it represented a dream built on hope, sacrifice and a commitment to provide children with opportunities to realise their potential. Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani in his address advised the students to focus on the main purpose for which they have been enrolled in the schools by their parents. Students should remain away from the menace of drug abuse and other negative activities which can have adverse impact on their lives, he said. He complimented the school management for proper grooming of students saying that the students should become responsible citizens of the society. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, MLA Khan Sahib Saifuddin Bhat, President, Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) Nazrul Islam Baba besides the school principal and other officials were present on the occasion.

Commissioner SMC reviews waste management at Achan landfill site

Srinagar, Oct 21:Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, today inspected the Achan landfill site and took stock of ongoing solid waste management operations, including the bio-remediation of legacy waste, functioning of the Leachate Treatment Plant, operations at the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Processing Plant, and measures for fumigation and odour control management. During the visit, the Commissioner reviewed the existing arrangements for waste handling, transportation, segregation and processing. He emphasised the need for better coordination among the concerned wings, efficient utilisation of available machinery and timely resolution of operational issues to ensure the smooth functioning of the facility and reduce the accumulation of unprocessed waste. Dr. Basharat also inspected the bio-remediation project for legacy waste and reviewed the measures being undertaken for its scientific processing. He stressed the importance of ensuring the proper functioning and timely maintenance of machinery, streamlining waste transportation and strengthening processing arrangements to reduce the burden on the landfill. Reviewing the functioning of the Leachate Treatment Plant and the C&D Waste Processing Plant, the Commissioner emphasised the need for their effective operation and proper management. He also reviewed the handling of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and stressed the importance of systematic storage and disposal arrangements, wherever required, to maintain orderly operations at the site. Taking note of the need to maintain hygienic conditions, the Commissioner directed the concerned officers to undertake fumigation and other appropriate measures to control odour emanating from the facility. He also stressed regular monitoring and the maintenance of cleanliness within and around the landfill site, in accordance with applicable solid waste management and environmental norms. The inspection underscored the importance of coordinated efforts by the Corporations sanitation, mechanical, transport, electrical and works wings in improving waste management operations. Effective legacy waste remediation, scientific processing and proper management of associated facilities remain essential to reducing pressure on the landfill, minimizing environmental risks and protecting public health. SMC continues to focus on improving waste management operations through better coordination, efficient use of resources and environmentally responsible practices, with the aim of ensuring a cleaner and healthier Srinagar. The Commissioner was accompanied by the Joint Commissioner, Works, SMC; Joint Commissioner, H&S, SMC; Solid Waste Management Officer and other officers of the Corporation.

Div Com reviews alignment of Srinagar Ring Road Phase-III, ParimporaDalgate Flyover

Srinagar, Oct 21:Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Wednesday chaired a meeting of officers to review the cahnge in proposed realignments of Srinagar Ring Road Phase-III (LasjanPandach) and the ParimporaDalgate Flyover. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC); Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; SSP Traffic; Vice Chairman, Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA); Project Director, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI); and officers from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), and other concerned departments. During the review of Srinagar Ring Road Phase-III (LasjanPandach), the Divisional Commissioner directed NHAI officials to compile comprehensive details of structures and departmental utilities falling within the proposed alignments including religious structures to access impediments & challenges and cost expenditure. He further directed the concerned authorities to explore modifications to the alignment to ensure that the road does not encroach upon the city's major water body. Reviewing the proposed alignment of the ParimporaDalgate Flyover, the Divisional Commissioner directed the R&B Department to explore an alternative alignments from Qamarwari to Nalamar and onward to Karanagar. He emphasized the need to ensure connectivity to key facilities, including SMHS Hospital, while minimizing traffic disruptions during the execution of the project. The concerned departments were directed to examine the proposed alignments in coordination with one another, keeping public convenience and essential infrastructure.

Tengpora junction turns into Srinagars major traffic bottleneck

Srinagar, Oct 21: The Tengpora Bypass junction has emerged as the city's biggest traffic bottlenecks, with long traffic snarls becoming a daily ordeal for thousands of commuters travelling through the busy route. Commuters said traffic from Bemina side towards Tengpora, as well as vehicles coming from Batamaloo, Hyderpora Bypass and adjoining areas, converges at the junction resulting in massive congestion, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. They said school buses, public transport, private vehicles and commercial traffic often remain stranded for long periods, causing inconvenience to commuters. Commuters said the situation has worsened over the past several weeks, with insufficient traffic regulation and wrong parking adding to the chaos. The entire stretch gets choked during office hours. What should take five minutes often takes more than half an hour. More traffic personnel need to be deployed here to regulate the flow, said commuter Irfan Ahmad. People said vehicles parked along portions of the stretch further narrow the carriageway, while frequent merging of traffic from multiple directions creates confusion and delays. Office-goers said the persistent congestion has started affecting their daily routine. I leave home much earlier now because I know I will get stuck at Tengpora. We reach offices late despite leaving on time. The junction needs proper traffic management, said an employee Shazia Bhat. The junction also serves as an important access point to several government offices and the lower court in the vicinity, making it one of the busiest intersections in the area. Litigants, lawyers, government employees and visitors travelling to the court are often caught in prolonged traffic jams. Apart from affecting daily commuters, residents said the bottleneck also delays essential services. Ambulances carrying patients to hospitals located along the bypass, as well as other emergency service vehicles, frequently find themselves trapped in slow-moving traffic, raising concerns over emergency response times. When traffic comes to a standstill, even ambulances struggle to move. This is not just an inconvenience but a serious public concern, said Bashir Ahmad, a local resident. Students travelling to schools also expressed concern over the daily delays. Our school bus remains stuck almost every morning. We often reach school late because of the traffic jam at Tengpora, said a student. Pedestrians said crossing the busy junction has become increasingly difficult due to continuous vehicle movement from different directions. We have to remain extremely watchful while crossing the road. There is hardly any gap between vehicles, and the congestion only worsens when pedestrians try to cross, said pedestrian Ghulam Mohammad. Locals urged the Traffic Police to deploy additional personnel at the junction during rush hours, enforce stricter action against wrong parking and ensure smooth movement of vehicles. Earlier, Traffic Police officials said they were carrying out special drives against wrong parking and vendor encroachments, and deploying additional personnel at congestion-prone locations to improve traffic management. Senior Traffic Police officials did not respond to repeated calls from this reporter for their comments on the issue.

Japan launches Mars moons probe on five-year sample-return mission

New Delhi, Oct 21:Japan on Tuesday successfully launched its flagship H3 rocket carrying a spacecraft bound for the moons of Mars, beginning an ambitious five-year mission to collect samples that could help scientists understand the origins of the solar system and the emergence of life on Earth, The Japan Times reported. The 10th H3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 4.41 am local time, carrying the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric. The spacecraft separated successfully from the rocket and was placed on its trajectory towards Mars at 5.52 am. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in Japan and overseas involved with MMX, JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa said at a news conference after the launch, adding that their cooperation had made the launch possible. Naoki Murakami, general manager of Mitsubishi Electrics space division, said the launch marked the beginning of a long journey. MMX took its first step today. This marks the beginning of a long, five-year journey, he said. The launch marks the first time Japans H3 rocket has been used to send a spacecraft on an interplanetary mission. The launch was originally scheduled for 2024 but was delayed. The 55.3 billion ($350 million) mission involves a spacecraft weighing around 4.2 tonnes. It is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 and begin observations of its two moons, Phobos and Deimos. The mission will focus on Phobos, the larger of the two moons, which measures about 27 kilometres across and orbits Mars at a distance of approximately 6,000 kilometres. If successful, JAXA could become the first space agency to land on a Martian moon, collect samples from its surface and return them to Earth. The spacecraft is scheduled to attempt two landings on Phobos in 2029, collecting at least 10 grams of material from a depth of at least two centimetres beneath the surface. A small rover, Idefix, jointly developed by French and German space agencies in collaboration with JAXA, will examine the terrain to help identify a suitable landing site. The probe will also observe Deimos during flybys before beginning its return journey in November 2030. Its sample capsule is scheduled to land in Australia in July 2031. Scientists hope the samples will help resolve a long-standing debate over the origin of Mars moons. One theory holds that Phobos and Deimos are asteroids captured by Mars gravitational pull, while another suggests that they formed from debris following a massive collision between Mars and another celestial body. Determining their origin could provide important clues about the distribution of water and organic compounds in the early solar system and the conditions that may have allowed life to emerge. The mission brings together JAXA, Mitsubishi Electric, around 20 universities and research institutes, and international partners, including the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency. Japan is building on its experience in asteroid sample-return missions, including Hayabusa2, which brought 5.4 grams of material from asteroid Ryugu back to Earth in 2020. The MMX mission presents additional technical challenges because the spacecraft must travel into the Martian system and return safely to Earth. Beyond its scientific objectives, JAXA hopes the mission will help develop technologies needed for future human exploration of Mars. The launch also comes as China prepares its Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission, scheduled for launch in 2028, with samples expected to be returned by 2031. NASAs Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in 2021, has collected samples, but plans to bring them back to Earth have faced major setbacks following cuts to the programmes funding. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed the launch in a post on X, expressing hope for the success of the mission and the safe return of samples from the Martian system. Yasuyoshi Kakita, vice minister for policy coordination at Japans education ministry, said the missions results could advance space science and exploration technology, while inspiring young people to take an interest in science and technology.

The Breathless Winter

As the mercury falls and the long harsh winter of Kashmir sets in, breathing becomes a greater challenge for thousands of people living with chronic obstructive airway disease. For patients living with COPD winter is more than a season of cold and snow, it can mean more symptoms, frequent exacerbations, hospital visits and in severe cases, respiratory failure and hospitalizations. COPD is a chronic lung disease marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic cough and sputum production, usually associated with abnormalities of the airways and/or alveoli that result in persistent airflow limitation. The disease develops from the complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. COPD is known as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the third leading cause of death globally. Its burden is highest in populations exposed to tobacco smoke, biomass fuel, occupational dust and fumes, and other forms of air pollution. COPD in Kashmir The burden of COPD in the Kashmiri population has more than one cause. Tobacco smoking remains one of the most important established and modifiable risk factors for both the development and progression of COPD. But smoking is only part of the story. In low and middle income countries, a large share of COPD is also attributable to household air pollution and biomass fuel exposure.In many parts of Kashmir, particularly rural areas, the traditional use of wood and other biomass fuels for cooking and heating may expose individuals to smoke for prolonged periods. Poor ventilation can further increase the concentration of indoor pollutants. Other important risk factors include occupational exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals, childhood respiratory infections and impaired lung development, recurrent respiratory illnesses, outdoor air pollution and socioeconomic factors. These exposures may act independently or synergistically, particularly in individuals who smoke. So COPD in Kashmir cannot be put down to smoking alone. It arises from a mix of smoking, household air pollution, occupational exposure, environmental conditions, early-life respiratory insults and individual susceptibility. The burden in Kashmir Available epidemiological studies from Kashmir, including studies conducted through major tertiary-care institutions such as SKIMS , SMHS and in community have reported a substantial burden of COPD among adults, particularly those above 40 years of age. Some studies have reported prevalence estimates in the range of approximately 1420% or more in studied populations, although estimates vary depending upon the population studied, diagnostic criteria, methodology and geographical setting. These findings point to the need for greater awareness, early diagnosis and systematic respiratory care in the Valley. The problem gets worse in winter, when several risk factors come together. Why winter is difficult for a COPD patient For a person living with COPD, the Kashmiri winter can be especially hard. Cold air irritates the airways and increase bronchial reactivity, while prolonged exposure to cold may worsen cough, wheezing and breathlessness. Patients may also spend more time indoors, where exposure to wood smoke, coal smoke, biomass fuel and poorly ventilated heating systems can increase. Winter respiratory infections add to the burden. Viral and bacterial respiratory infections are important triggers of COPD exacerbations and can rapidly worsen symptoms in patients with limited respiratory reserve.Another concern is the quality of outdoor air during periods of stagnant atmospheric conditions. Temperature inversion can reduce dispersion of pollutants, allowing smoke and particulate matter to remain closer to ground level. In susceptible individuals, exposure to such polluted air may contribute to worsening respiratory symptoms. For a patient with advanced COPD, what begins as increased cough or breathlessness may progress to an acute exacerbation requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization. The practical challenges faced by patients The winter COPD problem in Kashmir goes beyond medicine. It has social, economic and logistical sides as well. Access to oxygen and electricity Patients with advanced COPD may require home oxygen therapy, nebulization or other respiratory support. During severe winter weather, power interruptions can become particularly problematic for those dependent on electrically powered oxygen concentrators or nebulizers. Ensuring reliable electricity and appropriate backup systems for vulnerable patients should therefore form part of winter preparedness. Difficulties reaching hospitals Heavy snowfall, poor road conditions and geographical isolation can delay access to healthcare, particularly for patients living in remote and mountainous areas. During an acute exacerbation, delays in reaching a healthcare facility can have serious consequences. Strengthening emergency transport and referral systems in remote areas is therefore essential. Financial burden COPD is a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment. The cost of inhalers, investigations, oxygen therapy, travel and repeated hospital admissions can place a considerable financial burden on families. For economically vulnerable patients, the cost of medicines may contribute to poor adherence and interruption of treatment, ultimately increasing the risk of exacerbations and hospitalization. Indoor smoke and traditional heating practices Traditional heating practices are deeply embedded in Kashmiri life and culture. However, the use of biomass, wood or coal in poorly ventilated spaces can significantly increase indoor air pollution. Advising patients to change their habits is not enough, safer, affordable and practical alternatives also have to be available. Vaccination: A simple but important preventive measure Respiratory infections can be especially dangerous for people living with COPD. Influenza and other respiratory infections can precipitate severe exacerbations and hospitalization. Seasonal influenza vaccination and appropriate pneumococcal vaccination should therefore be considered an important component of preventive respiratory care, according to current clinical recommendations and individual patient risk. Ideally, vaccination and winter preparedness should be addressed before the onset of the peak winter season, rather than waiting until respiratory infections begin to increase. Patient education is at the heart of COPD care Good COPD management extends beyond prescribing an inhaler. Patients need to understand what COPD is, why symptoms occur, how their medicines work and when they should seek medical attention. Correct inhaler technique and treatment adherence matter a great deal, as an apparently appropriate prescription may provide little benefit if the inhaler is not being used correctly. Patients and families should also be taught to recognize warning symptoms such as a sudden increase in breathlessness, increased or purulent sputum, fever, altered sensorium or rapidly worsening respiratory distress. A well-informed patient is often better equipped to recognize an exacerbation early and seek timely medical care. The family has an important role COPD affects the entire household, not just the individual patient. Family members can help ensure medication adherence, recognize deterioration in symptoms, arrange timely medical care and maintain a smoke-free home environment. For elderly or severely ill patients, family support can matter even more during prolonged periods of snowfall or when access to healthcare becomes difficult. Community-based patient-support initiatives can also help reduce social isolation and improve understanding of chronic respiratory disease. Looking Beyond the Winter COPD is not a winter disease alone. Winter just exposes patients whose lung reserve is already low. The real solution lies in addressing the disease throughout the year: preventing tobacco exposure, reducing household air pollution, identifying COPD early, improving access to inhaled therapy, ensuring vaccination, promoting pulmonary rehabilitation and strengthening primary respiratory care. Kashmirs environment and lifestyle call for respiratory-health strategies that fit local conditions. The answer cannot come from hospitals alone. Physicians, public-health authorities, policymakers, community organizations and families all have a role to play. The goal should be to ensure that COPD patients are prepared before winter arrives, rather than treated only after an exacerbation occurs. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, smoking cessation, reduction of indoor air pollution, vaccination, patient education and better access to healthcare, much of the winter burden of COPD can be reduced. For the people of Kashmir living with COPD, breathing freely through the winter should not be a privilege. It should be an achievable goal of good respiratory care and a shared responsibility of the healthcare system, the community and society. Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Professor, Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS Soura.

Rubio tours Jamnagar as Washington courts Reliances refining muscle

Jamnagar, Oct 21: Almost the entire Ambani family led by billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani welcomed the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Jamnagar on Wednesday, as he began a tour of the worlds largest single-site refinery. Rubio arrived in Jamnagar a day after calling India a crude-refining superpower and urging more processing of Venezuelan crude there. The day also included a visit to Reliances Vantara animal-rescue centre and giga factories being developed by the conglomerate. The day also included a visit to Reliances Vantara animal-rescue centre and giga factories being developed by the conglomerate. The visit puts a private industrial empire at the centre of US-India energy diplomacy, analysts said. Officials have described the Ambani-hosted programme as a private visit. It comes as US diesel prices surge ahead of the mid-term elections. No details of the visit were released by either side. Rubio was welcomed by Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd, his wife Nita and children Isha and Anant, people familar with the visit said. Akash Ambani, Mukesh Ambanis eldest son and managing director of Jio Platforms, was overseeing the opening of the telecom giants initial public offering (IPO). Reliances Jamnagar complex can process 1.4 million barrels of crude a day and is the worlds largest and most complex single-site refinery. Its fuel exports make it a hub for global supply. Rubio told Reliance-owned Network 18 that Washington wants to work more closely with Reliance on refining energy from the Western Hemisphere, calling that helpful to both countries. Reliance is already a key player in Washingtons oil diplomacy. It is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude after the US itself, at a time when Washington is urging India to buy more, the people said. Reliances proposed Texas refinery adds a reciprocal dimension to its energy ties with the US. US President Donald Trump recently announced that Reliance is partnering to build a new 168,000 barrels-a-day refinery project in Brownsville, Texas. While Washington is seeking to encourage more processing of Western Hemisphere crude at Jamnagar, the Indian conglomerate is also positioning itself to handle US oil closer to its source. The plant is designed to process US-produced light shale crude and would be the first major new US refinery in about five decades if completed. Besides the refinery, Rubio also visited Vantara. Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation-run Vantara is a rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programme spread over 3,000 acres in Jamnagar. It sits within the green belt of the refinery complex and was conceived by Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani. The centre houses more than 2,000 animals across 43 species and employs about 2,100 care-givers and conservationists. It says it has rescued more than 200 elephants and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds. The other stop on Rubios visit was the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex Reliances integrated clean-energy manufacturing hub at Jamnagar, covering solar, storage, fuel cells, electrolysers and power electronics. It is being built on a 5,000-acre site at an expected cost of Rs 75,000 crore (about USD 10 billion). The US Secretary of State arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted him for wide-ranging talks on bilateral cooperation. Ahead of the meeting, Rubio described India as a crude oil refining superpower and advocated for processing more Venezuelan crude in India. He also urged India to scale up energy trade with the US and increase purchases of American technologies and defence systems. For Washington, Jamnagar offers a way to turn Western Hemisphere crude into diesel at scale, a pressing concern before the midterms, analysts said. For Reliance, the visit is validation, and a chance to show the US it is an investor as well as a buyer, they said. For New Delhi, it comes as both governments try to settle their differences. Rubio said only a small number of items remain unresolved on a trade deal.

JKEEGA seeks resolution of engineers long-pending service issues

Srinagar, Oct 21:A delegation of the J&K Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA), led by its General Secretary, Er. Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah, met Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and raised five key issues concerning the regularisation, career progression and service-related matters of engineers in the Power Development Department. The delegation apprised the Advisor of the concerns of the engineering fraternity and sought his intervention for the timely resolution of long-pending issues. On the regularisation of engineers, JKEEGA expressed concern over the proposed routing of eligible cases through the Public Service Commission (PSC) instead of the established departmental mechanism. The Association pointed out that the minutes of the Establishment-cum-Selection Committee meeting, signed by the Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, had already addressed the matter. It urged that eligible cases be processed through the established committee mechanism to expedite regularisation. The delegation also sought the filling of Assistant Engineer posts falling under the direct recruitment quota by eligible in-service Junior Engineers, in accordance with the recommendations of a committee headed by the Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL). The Association said the move would help address stagnation at the Junior Engineer level and improve career progression prospects. Another major issue raised was the withdrawal of S.O. 193 of 2026. JKEEGA highlighted concerns regarding its implications for the engineering fraternity and called for measures to safeguard the professional interests and responsibilities of engineers in the power sector. The delegation also urged the government to fill vacant senior-level positions, including those of Executive Directors and Managing Directors, to strengthen administrative functioning and create opportunities for further promotions. In addition, the Association sought the unconditional closure of pending Regular Departmental Action (RDA) cases against Junior Engineers, stating that the cases were impeding their career progression. The Advisor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and took cognisance of the issues raised. He directed that the matter be taken up with the Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, for further consideration. According to the Association, a meeting between the Advisor and the Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, has been scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the issues. JKEEGA expressed hope that the deliberations would lead to a positive outcome. The delegation expressed gratitude to the Advisor for hearing their concerns and taking up the matter for further consideration. The delegation comprised Er. Aijaz Ahmed Mir, Er. Riyaz Ahmed Sheikh, Er. Mohd Saeed Wani, Er. Fayaz Ahmed Wani, Er. Hur-e-Yasrab, Er. Shah Asif Iqbal and Er. Amir Amin Masoodi.

Over 1,000 Kashmir artisans trained in branding, packaging of traditional crafts

Srinagar, Oct 21:In a bid to raise awareness regarding branding and packaging of high-value handmade products that hold sway in niche markets, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, successfully concluded a series of 10 Capacity Building Programmes under RAMP, a flagship programme of the Ministry of MSME. The programmes were held at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, benefiting more than 1000 artisans, weavers, cooperative societies and Self Help Groups. In a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Department stated that the workshops were designed to inculcate the significance of proper branding, packaging and GI labelling of their high-end products so that they become market-ready. Our focus revolves around promotion of GI crafts, ODOPs and other distinctive traditional crafts. The artisans and weavers represented a wide range of heritage crafts including Sozni, Crewel and Ari Staple embroidery, Walnut Wood Carving, Papier Mch, Pashmina and Tweed/Pattoo Weaving, he said. The spokesman further added that NIFT faculty members and domain experts led the interactive and practical sessions covering product identity, brand development, visual presentation and customised packaging. The participants were also sensitised about the role of packaging in protecting products, facilitating transportation and effectively communicating product attributes and value to consumers, he added. The programmes underscored that branding and packaging are not merely promotional tools but integral components of product development, market positioning and enterprise growth. By blending Kashmirs rich traditional craftsmanship and cultural identity with benchmark techniques, the initiative aims to improve visibility and marketability of Kashmirs famed craft products, he added.

Ease and Unease

The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) welcomes the debate on Jammu and Kashmirs Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026. The concerns articulated by Shakeel Qalandar Sahib in From Control to Facilitation and Apprehensions, and the Safeguards Within, alongside the perspectives of Javid Hussain Mir and Malik Daniyal, raise important questions about enterprise facilitation, governance and the public interest. GCC recognises that bureaucratic delays, overlapping permissions and arbitrary discretion have burdened entrepreneurs. Investment, employment and economic opportunity are essential to Jammu and Kashmirs future. We therefore support time-bound approvals, digital single-window systems, transparent procedures and the removal of genuinely redundant clearances. The issue is whether these objectives can be achieved without weakening statutory planning, building safety and public accountability. Section 22 warrants particular scrutiny. Section 22(1) provides for relaxation of Master Plan conditions; Section 22(2) provides for deemed change of land use following approval; and Section 22(3) appears to require permission for an enterprise notwithstanding the Master Plan, building bye-laws and other applicable laws, subject to the Negative List. Section 30(2) must be read conjointly with Section 22 to clarify the scope of this overriding effect. The Act should expressly establish whether any override is confined to the specific relaxation lawfully approved, and ensure that substantive planning controls are not displaced by implication. The protection afforded under Section 30(4) to specified environmental laws is welcome. However, comparable clarity is required for statutory urban and regional planning laws, Master Plans, development-control regulations and building-safety provisions. Environmental protection and planned urban development are complementary safeguards. Protecting one while leaving the other open to displacement would create an avoidable regulatory imbalance. The Negative List is not a substitute for spatial planning. If it is exhaustive, activities outside it may in practice become permissible through the facilitation mechanisms in Schedules III and IV, even where a location lacks the road access, drainage, sewerage, utilities or environmental capacity to accommodate them. An activity may not be prohibited in itself and yet be unsuitable at a particular site. The absence of a prohibition must not be treated as sufficient justification for development; enforceable land-use controls and infrastructure-capacity tests must remain in place. Schedule IIIs provision for residential buildings up to 24 metres without prior permission raises a related concern. Unless the provision expressly preserves compliance with FAR, ground coverage, setbacks, access, road width, fire and life safety, and infrastructure capacity, it could be read as allowing substantial construction without adequate planning control. The Government should clarify the scope of the exemption and confirm that exemption from prior permission does not mean exemption from substantive planning and building standards. The proposed moratorium on inspections by competent authorities also requires clear safeguards. It must not prevent action when a violation is reported or discovered, including after construction is completed. The law should specify exceptions to the moratorium, the authority empowered to inspect, procedures for dealing with complaints and remedies for unauthorised or unsafe construction. Facilitation must not create immunity from enforcement or leave unlawful construction without an effective remedy. Removal of selected No Objection Certificates may simplify procedures, but must not extinguish the substantive requirements those clearances were intended to verify. The Act and its rules should identify the responsible authority, verification process, technical scrutiny and accountability mechanism. This is particularly important for schools and colleges, where a procedural exemption must not dilute minimum standards for site suitability, access, open space, sanitation, fire and life safety, or other essential infrastructure. School education is a matter of particular concern. The Acts operation must be reconciled with the J&K School Education Act, 2002, and the Rules framed under it, and assessed against the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including its emphasis on the physical and functional infrastructure of schools. NEP 2020 envisages an independent State School Standards Authority in each State/UT to ensure that public and private schools meet minimum standards relating to safety and security, basic infrastructure, availability of teachers, financial probity and sound governance. Streamlined approvals must not undermine these requirements or permit institutions to operate without infrastructure commensurate with their enrollment. The Government should clarify how these statutory and policy standards will be preserved under the EoDB framework. Industrial parks require a clear and enforceable framework for allotment and use of plots. Transparent eligibility criteria, time-bound implementation, safeguards against speculative holding or unauthorised change of use, and obligations to establish and operate the approved industrial activity are necessary if the policy is to support genuine industry, investment and employment. The provision allowing professionals registered or empanelled outside Jammu and Kashmir to operate without local registration should be accompanied by clear standards for qualifications, professional accountability, insurance where appropriate, and disciplinary or grievance mechanisms enforceable within the Union Territory. Mutual recognition can reduce unnecessary barriers, but should not create a regulatory vacuum. Employment generation is a central justification for facilitating investment. The Government should clarify how the Act will promote employment for local residents, including whether lawful and transparent local recruitment or training commitments can be incorporated into industrial-park allotments and other appropriate incentives, consistently with applicable law. The principle governing delegated legislation is equally important: Rules cannot exceed, amend or contradict the parent Act. If the Act mandates that an enterprise shall be allowed, notwithstanding the Master Plan or regulatory delays, subject to the Negative List and other express statutory conditions, subordinate rules cannot introduce restrictions inconsistent with that mandate. Conversely, facilitation provisions should not be interpreted as silently extinguishing substantive planning and safety requirements. The Act itself must clearly distinguish between removing procedural delays and displacing statutory development controls; this essential balance cannot be left entirely to subsequent Rules. Deficiencies in existing Master Plans and enforcement are real. The remedy is to update plans, strengthen institutions, eliminate arbitrary procedures and improve compliancenot to make statutory planning optional. Any exceptional relaxation should be based on objective criteria, recorded reasons, technical assessment and transparent accountability. GCC therefore urges the Government to: Clarify the relationship between Sections 22 and 30, including the scope of any overriding effect, and expressly preserve applicable urban and regional planning legislation, Master Plans and development-control standards. Ensure that the Negative List and Schedules III and IV do not displace location-specific planning, infrastructure-capacity assessment or environmental safeguards. Clarify the 24-metre residential-building exemption and preserve enforceable requirements for FAR, ground coverage, setbacks, access, road width, fire and life safety, and infrastructure capacity. Define the inspection moratorium, including exceptions for complaints and suspected violations, and provide effective post-construction enforcement against unauthorised or unsafe development. Expressly protect the requirements of the J&K School Education Act, 2002, its Rules, and relevant NEP 2020 standards for school safety, infrastructure, teachers, financial probity and governance. Notify transparent rules for industrial-plot allotment, approved use, implementation obligations and employment outcomes. Establish clear qualification, accountability and grievance standards for professionals recognised through registration or empanelment elsewhere. Publish departmental responsibilities, technical capacity, verification procedures and enforcement mechanisms, with public consultation wherever required by law. The choice before Jammu and Kashmir is not between entrepreneurship and ecology, or between Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living. It is between arbitrary administration and transparent, accountable regulation. GCCs position is clear: simplify procedures, eliminate unnecessary delays and facilitate responsible enterprisebut do not compromise statutory planning, educational standards, public safety or the public interest. Sustainable investment requires not only speed today, but also regulatory certainty, resilient infrastructure and well-planned towns and cities tomorrow. Hakim Iftikhar Ahmed, Member, Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), Jammu and Kashmir

Private presses idle, Government presses overburdened: FCIK questions policy

Srinagar, Oct 21:The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to amend a circular restricting government printing assignments to government presses, saying the arrangement has left private printing establishments struggling with idle machinery, mounting financial pressures and the threat of job losses. In a formal communication to Commissioner/Secretary, ARI and Trainings Department, FCIK Advisory Committee Head Shahid Kamili has sought immediate amendment of Circular No. ARI-Adm/39/2026-01, dated April 24, 2026. The circular directs government departments, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies and other institutions to route printing assignments exclusively through government presses in Jammu and Srinagar, permitting private participation only in exceptional circumstances and subject to a No Objection Certificate (NOC). FCIK has endorsed representations submitted by Mukhmoor Gowhar, President of the Kashmir Printers Association (KPA), Srinagar, and Pankaj Sethi, President of the J&K Offset Printers Association, Jammu. The associations have highlighted the adverse impact of the circular on established printing enterprises that have invested heavily in machinery, infrastructure and skilled manpower, often through institutional borrowings. The Federation has questioned the rationale behind restricting private participation when government presses themselves have acknowledged difficulties in handling the accumulated workload. In a communication dated September 29, 2026, the Director, Government Press, J&K, informed the ARI and Trainings Department that a substantial volume of non-confidential printing and binding work had accumulated due to inadequate manpower. The Director sought permission to outsource such assignments to registered private printers through competitive bidding on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The communication also indicated that outsourcing could help clear the backlog while enabling revenue realisation 15 per cent above the prescribed target. FCIK said the request exposed the contradiction in the existing arrangement, under which private printing units were being denied access to government assignments even as government presses sought their services to clear pending work. The Federation also referred to an October 7 communication from the General Manager, Government Press, Srinagar, assuring a balanced proposal, and an October 12 communication from the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, supporting a review of the existing procurement arrangement to facilitate private participation through competitive tendering, empanelment and equitable work allocation. Shahid Kamili said strengthening government presses should not come at the cost of established private industries, arguing that both sectors could function in a complementary manner. While confidential and security-sensitive assignments could remain with government presses wherever necessary, routine printing work should be opened to eligible private establishments through transparent and competitive procurement. FCIK has called for amendment of the circular, adoption of competitive procurement through GeM and other prescribed mechanisms, transparent empanelment of local printing units, equitable allocation of work and immediate consideration of the outsourcing proposal submitted by the Director, Government Press. The Federation has also endorsed the KPAs demand for proper verification of existing and functional certificates to ensure that the benefits intended for genuine printing manufacturers do not go to non-operational establishments, intermediaries or trading concerns. It has, however, stressed that verification should not create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for genuine businesses. The government cannot encourage entrepreneurs to invest in machinery, create employment and avail bank finance on the one hand, while denying them access to established markets on the other, Kamili said. He said the restrictive arrangement was inconsistent with the spirit of the governments ongoing Ease of Doing Business reforms and its efforts to revive industry and generate employment. When government presses have accumulated work and private presses have idle capacity, allowing both to work together is not merely an industrial demand but a matter of economic prudence and public interest, he added. FCIK has urged the government to act on the recommendations already made by its departments and establish a fair, transparent and competitive procurement framework without further delay. It cautioned that prolonged exclusion from government printing assignments could push otherwise viable private establishments into severe financial distress.

Rose Enclave residents decry dilapidated road

Srinagar, Oct 21: Residents of Rose Enclave Colony, Sector B, in Shivpora have expressed resentment over the failure of authorities to undertake repairs and macadamisation of a dilapidated road stretch in the locality. A delegation from the locality said their area was left out of the recent macadamisation of Shivpora. We are surprised as our colony road, which is dotted with potholes and has caved in, was left out during recent macadamisation, said Nazir Ahmad Mir, president of Rose Enclave Colony and Masjid Muhammadiya. Our colony road was damaged after drainage construction last year. Since then, the road has neither been repaired nor macadamised. Due to deep potholes and an uneven surface, residents, especially children and the elderly, face problems walking. There is a risk of injuries to them. Our vehicles have also been damaged due to potholes, Mir said. Mir said the residents had taken up the matter with the concerned authorities, but no action was taken. In case of rain or snow, the condition of the road will further deteriorate. We appeal to our MLA, Ahsan Pardesi, to look into the matter and direct the authorities to undertake immediate macadamisation of the dilapidated road, he added.

City of Complexes

A few days back, I was stuck in traffic near Rawalpora and asked my son to do a small exercise. Count the complexes and malls - both operating and under construction. We started the count from Sanatnagar Bypass till Rajbagh - a straight distance of barely 6 kilometers. We had to stop not because we finished counting, but because the brakes had to be applied frequently. The count was 30. Thirty commercial complexes in 6 km on a single arterial road. One complex for every 200 meters. And this is just one stretch. Repeat the same exercise on the Bypass to Nowgam, or from Bemina to Lal Chowk, and you will get the same dizzying result. The question is simple: Are these structures meeting any real market demand, or are they just making the life of a commuter miserable? Demand or Disaster? Anyone walking into these complexes will tell you the truth. Half the shutters are down. Another quarter have To Let boards hanging for months. Only the ground floor facing the main road sees some business - a pharmacy, a fast-food joint, a showroom for mobile phones. The upper floors remain empty shells, built for rent that never comes. If this is demand, why are our traditional markets in Lal Chowk, Maharaj Bazar and Residency Road gasping for survival? We are not creating new business, we are just shifting and scattering it; that too without parking, without footpaths, without a plan. The Real Price The unabated and unplanned permissions given by the authorities have turned Srinagar into a congested and cluttered maze. These complexes are approved right on the main road, with zero setback. Their parking is on paper, their basement is turned into a showroom, and their customers cars are parked on the road. Every complex adds 50-100 vehicles to a road that was never widened. Every mall needs delivery trucks, autos, e-rickshaws that stop right at the gate. The result: Sanatnagar to Rajbagh, which should take 15 minutes, now takes 45 minutes at peak hours. An ambulance cannot pass. A student cannot reach college on time. A pedestrian has no footpath to walk on. We are building vertical boxes but living with horizontal misery. Are we becoming Smart or Cluttered? Under the Smart City Mission, we were promised decongestion, public spaces, footpaths, and intelligent traffic management. What we are getting is a city where every open piece of land - a paddy patch in Rawalpora, a front yard in Peerbagh, a residential plot in Rajbagh - is converted into a G+4 commercial complex with glass facade. A smart city does not allow commercial buildings without a traffic impact assessment. A smart city does not give permission for a mall if there is no parking for 100 cars. A smart city does not let every building open its gate directly onto the national highway. We are doing exactly the opposite. And we call it development. Srinagar needs commerce, no doubt. Our youth need spaces to start businesses. But commerce needs planning. We need to ask: 1. Have we done a carrying capacity study for these roads? 2. Why is there no policy for off-road commercial hubs with proper parking, like we see in any planned city? 3. Why are building permissions given first and traffic management thought of later? If we continue like this, we will have a city full of complexes but empty of comfort. Full of malls but empty of mobility. Full of shutters but short of space to breathe. The count of 30 in 6 km is not a sign of progress. It is a warning. The brakes my son had to apply are the brakes this city needs to apply on unplanned commercialization. Before we build the 31st complex on this stretch, we must ask: Are we building a city for people, or a city for complexes? Saad Parvez, National Institute of Technology Srinagar

MP Er Rashid fulfils commitment, provides bus to GDC Handwara

Handwara, Oct 21:Government Degree College (GDC) Handwara received a college bus on Wednesday, fulfilling a commitment made by Baramulla Member of Parliament (MP) Er Rashid during his visit to the college last year. The bus has been funded under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and was handed over to the college authorities by MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed in the presence of a team from the MPs office, including former BDC Chairman Langate Showkat Hassan Pandit, former Municipal Committee Langate Chairman Advocate Shahnawaz Abdullah and other dignitaries. Principal GDC Handwara Professor Aijaz Hussain Kanth was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sheikh Khursheed said Er Rashid had promised to provide a bus for GDC Handwara during his visit last year. The commitment stands fulfilled today and hopefully it can turn out to be beneficial for college students, he added. During his two tenures as MLA Langate, Er Rashid consistently prioritised education and student welfare by providing free coaching to scores of students in Langate constituency, he said. MLA Khursheed also thanked the district administration and college authorities for facilitating the procurement of the vehicle and supporting the inauguration process. Asked about MPLADS funds, he said the funds were being recommended equitably across all 18 Assembly constituencies falling under the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, with the objective of addressing local needs and ensuring balanced development. Students expressed gratitude to Er Rashid for fulfilling his commitment, saying the bus would ease their daily commute. The facility would certainly improve student safety and reduce travel time from main town Handwara to our college. Although the bus was brought to the campus some 20 days ago, the inauguration was held today, a female student told the media. Principal Professor Aijaz Hussain Kanth and the college staff also appreciated the initiative, stating that improved transportation facilities would benefit students and contribute to a better academic environment.

Sopore bypass-bridge to face 10-day lane closure from October 22 for repairs

Sopore, Oct 21:The Sopore Bypass Bridge will see a temporary closure of one lane for 10 days, beginning October 22, to facilitate repair work, following an order issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla. According to the official order, permission has been granted for the temporary closure of one lane of the bridge at kilometre 1.954 on the Sopore Bypass Road. The repair work is scheduled to continue from October 22 to October 31, 2026. The order was issued in response to a request from the Officer Commanding, EE (Civil), 56 RCC (GREF), seeking permission to carry out the necessary repairs. In view of the proposed closure, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sopore, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sopore, have been directed to formulate an appropriate traffic management plan in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders. The plan is intended to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise inconvenience to commuters during the repair period. Particular emphasis has been laid on consulting members of the Fruit Growers Association, Sopore, given the importance of the towns fruit trade and the ongoing apple season. Sopore Fruit Mandi, one of the regions major fruit trading centres, witnesses substantial movement of trucks and other vehicles carrying fresh produce to markets across the country. Effective traffic management is therefore particularly important for fruit growers, transporters, traders and other road users. Any disruption in the movement of fruit-laden vehicles could create logistical challenges during the peak trading period, making timely planning and coordination essential. The proposed traffic plan is expected to consider the needs of local residents, daily commuters, commercial vehicles and apple transporters to maintain orderly traffic movement while repairs are underway. Commuters and transporters have been advised to follow official traffic advisories, adhere to the directions of traffic personnel and cooperate with the authorities throughout the closure period. The repair work is aimed at addressing the bridges maintenance requirements, with both lanes expected to reopen after the necessary work is completed.

A beautiful friendship

In this write-up, I wish to share my personal association with him: how I met him, how I discovered him, and what he meant to me as an artist. He passed away in December 2025 The Discovery It was around 2014 or 2015, while scrolling through Facebook, that I came across a striking portrait of Ahad Babathe revered Sufi saint of Soporealongside another portrait of Kashmiri poet Mohiuddin Gowhar. I was immediately curious and excited. Given that both figures are deeply associated with Sopore, I instinctively felt that the artist must also be from Sopore. Being a native of Sopore myself, my excitement grew. I began searching for the creator of these beautiful works, and that is how I discovered Mohammad Yousuf Bacha. The Longing By 2012, I had already started dabbling in oil painting and was working very hard on my craft. But until then, I had never met another artist. I desperately wanted to connect with Bacha Sahib, but I was working in Saudi Arabia at the time and had no way to reach him. During that same period, I came across another artist from SoporeJavaid Iqbal. I contacted him through social media, and we began talking about painting. Naturally, I asked him about Bacha Sahib. To my surprise, Javaid revealed that he himself was inspired by Bacha Sahib and personally knew him. The Meeting The following year, I returned to Kashmir on vacation. By then, I was already in regular touch with Javaid Iqbal. He told me about an art workshop taking place at DPS School in Srinagar, where Bacha Sahib, Javaid, and many other prominent artists of Kashmir would be present. Javaid introduced me to Bacha Sahib, and that meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We started meeting regularly, attending workshops together, and participating in art camps across Kashmir. In every interaction, I learned something new from him. The Man and the Legend Bacha Sahib was soft-spoken, a thorough gentleman, and above all, an encourager. He had a rare gift for making others believe in their own artistic potential. From Javaid Iqbal, I later learned that Bacha Sahib was the true pioneer and epicentre of the art movement in North Kashmir. He was decades ahead of his timehe had started doing oil painting when no one in North Kashmir even knew what oil painting was. His works are phenomenal. Looking at them, one is often reminded of the great French master Claude Monet. The play of light, the texture, the emotionBacha Sahibs art carries the same timeless quality. M. Y. Bacha, a distinguished visual artist with over five decades of practice, is widely celebrated for his evocative landscapes of Kashmir. His work captures the regions vibrant colors, layered mountains, flowing streams, and lush greenery with remarkable sensitivity and depth. Known for his keen eye for color, he often depicts slender boats with figures in red, adding a subtle romanticism to the serene beauty of the Jhelum. His delicate yet intricate technique creates textured surfaces and striking effects of light and shade. A pioneer of the art movement in North Kashmir, Bacha has played a vital role in nurturing artistic expression in the region. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, making his contribution both profound and enduring. In Gratitude Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in every brushstroke of those he inspiredincluding mine. Iftekhar Ahmad Wani, Soft Skill trainer, Industrial Marketing Specialist. Presently working in Saudi Arabia in Oil & Petrochemical sector.