Opinion

Belgium Prime Minister to arrive in India on first official visit this week

New Delhi, Aug 31: At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, H.E. Bart De Wever, will undertake an official visit to India from 02 - 04 September 2026. Prime Minister De Wever would be accompanied by the Belgian Minister of Defence, H.E. Theo Francken.This will be Prime Minister De Wevers first visit to India since taking office in February 2025. During the visit, Prime Minister De Wever is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi on 03 September to discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as, regional and global issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister De Wever will also deliver a keynote address at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) business event, in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Prime Minister De Wever would subsequently travel to Mumbai, where he will engage with various stakeholders including from the diamond, ports & logistics sectors. The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the India-Belgium partnership and advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, defence and security, technology, renewable energy, connectivity and people-to-people ties, as well as to further deepen India-EU and India-Europe engagement.

NPCI International and Uzbekistans NIPC partner to enable UPI payments across Uzbekistan via UZQR

New Delhi, Aug 31: NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has entered into a commercial agreement with the National Interbank Processing Centre JSC (NIPC), operator of Uzbekistans national payment system, HUMO, on 30th August 2026. The partnership enables Indian travellers to scan Uzbekistans national interoperable QR code UZQR using their familiar UPI-enabled applications to make instant merchant payments across the country. The announcement was made during the bilateral visit of the Prime Minister of India to Uzbekistan. The execution of the agreement follows formal approvals from financial regulators, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU), which designated HUMO as NIPLs authorised partner for cross-border merchant acceptance. Key Highlights of the Agreement Universal Merchant Acceptance: By integrating with CBUs mandated Unified National QR infrastructure (UZQR), UPI users gain near-universal acceptance across retail, hospitality, and service merchants in Uzbekistan. Seamless Travel Experience: Indian tourists, business travellers, and students can make direct person-to-merchant (P2M) payments from their Indian bank accounts, eliminating foreign exchange markup friction and reducing reliance on international cards or cash. Strengthened Bilateral Ties: The initiative advances digital public infrastructure cooperation and aligns with both nations' broader strategic and economic goals. UPI is Accepted in Ten Countries Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Greece, enabling Indian travellers to make seamless payments abroad through UPI.

Tejinder Singh takes charge as IGP Jammu Zone

Jammu, Aug 31: Senior IPS officer, Tejinder Singh on Monday assumed charge as Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone. A farewell-cum-welcome function was held at Zonal Police Headquarter Jammu to bid farewell to outgoing IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti and welcome Tejinder Singh as the new incumbent. Speaking on the occasion, B S Tuti expressed gratitude to the officers and personnel of Jammu Zone for their cooperation and dedication. Officer present conveyed their best wishes to Tuti for his new assignment and extended warm welcome to Tejinder Singh, wishing him success for his tenure as IGP Jammu Zone.

Habitual drug peddler detained under PIT-NDPS Act in J-K's Doda

Jammu, Aug 31: A habitual drug peddler was detained under stringent PIT-NDPS Act in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Monday, police said. In a related development, four peddlers were also arrested in Reasi district following recovery of over 10 grams of heroin during the day, the police said. Imtiaz Ahmad, a habitual drug offender, was detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act in Doda district, a police spokesperson said. He said Ahmad has previously been involved in two NDPS cases registered at the Doda Police Station in 2022 and 2025. Despite having been granted bail in these cases, preventive detention proceedings were initiated against him in accordance with law to prevent his involvement in activities prejudicial to the efforts against illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the spokesperson said. After receipt of the detention order from the competent authority and completion of the requisite legal formalities, he said a police team executed the detention order and lodged the detenue in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal in Jammu under the provisions of the PIT-NDPS Act. In Reasi district, the spokesman said police intercepted a vehicle at Talwara arrested three peddlers -- Krishan Paul Singh, Romesh Singh and Vipan Singh -- following recovery of 6.78 grams of heroin. Another drug peddler, Deepak Kumar was arrested at Satyalta Junction near IRP Chowk in Reasi, he said. Kumar's search led to the recovery of 4.50 grams of heroin, the spokesman said, adding he is a habitual offender and is found to be involved in two NDPS cases in the past.

Muslim body announces movement for protection of Constitution, Sharia

New Delhi, Aug 31: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Monday announced a nationwide people's movement to protect the Constitution and Sharia (Islamic law), under which it would organise public meetings and protest programmes in major cities across the country. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said it will prepare and disseminate a comprehensive white paper documenting incidents of discrimination against Muslims, constitutional violations, and human rights abuses to the media, human rights organisations, intellectuals, elected representatives, and relevant institutions. It said the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution and Sharia is not a movement of any particular community or section but a shared national struggle to safeguard the Constitution of India, the supremacy of democracy, the rule of law, religious freedom, human dignity, national unity, peace and fraternity. We firmly believe that justice, love, dialogue, mutual respect and constitutional struggle are the true guarantees of India's peaceful future. With this conviction, we invite every justice-loving, democratic and peace-loving citizen of the country, every social and religious organisation, and every responsible member of civil society to join this movement, the Board members said at a press conference. The Board said over the past several years, conditions have continuously emerged in the country in which vulnerable and marginalised sections, particularly Muslims, have been subjected to severe pressure, insecurity and discriminatory treatment at religious, social, political and economic levels. Mob violence, extra-legal bulldozer demolitions, targeting of mosques, madrasas and shrines, illegal occupation of Waqf properties and graveyards, arbitrary arrests of Muslim youth under baseless cases, interference with religious freedom, attempts to undermine Muslim Personal Law through the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and attempts to undermine the beliefs of minorities by making the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory, have deepened a sense of insecurity among a large section of the population, the AIMPLB said. Eminent scholars, religious leaders of different faiths, intellectuals and social and political personalities will address these gatherings, and a protest will be organised in New Delhi, it said. The Board said it will submit a comprehensive Charter of Demands to the President of India through the Governors in each state and the district administrations in every district.

Bihar, Jharkhand sign Sone water-sharing agreement in presence of Home Minister Amit Shah

New Delhi, Aug 31: In the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, an MoU was signed between Bihar and Jharkhand on the sharing of Sone River water. Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, the Union Home Secretary, and senior officials from the Government of India and both states were present on this occasion. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that todays agreement between Bihar and Jharkhand has resolved a long-awaited water dispute in eastern India. He said that this agreement will provide irrigation water to lakhs of farmers in large rural areas of Bihar and Jharkhand, along with drinking water for the people. Amit Shah stated that the agreement reached today regarding the sharing of the Sone River's waters is an excellent example of the 'Team Bharat' vision and cooperative federalism championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that while all states possess their own distinct identities, if they move forward as 'Team Bharat' within the national context, there is no problem which cannot be resolved. Shri Shah added that this marks the fourth water agreement between states this year, which will enhance water availability for irrigation, rural development, and drinking purposes. Union Home Minister said that the agreement reached today to resolve the nearly 25-year-old water dispute between Bihar and Jharkhand exemplifies that any problem can be solved through dialogue conducted with the spirit of cooperative federalism. He said that issues concerning vast geographical areas, farmers, rural regions, and drinking water supplies in both states have been permanently resolved today. Amit Shah said that today's agreement would ensure the availability of adequate water for drinking and irrigation to a large population across the districts of Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna in Bihar. Moreover, water would become available for irrigation and drinking purposes in the Palamu, Garhwa, and other regions of Jharkhand. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for resolving the issue of Sone River water sharing. On the initiative of Home Minister Amit Shah, long-pending water disputes between various states that had been unresolved for several decades are being resolved through the Inter-State Council, so far this year, four historic agreements have been reached. On July 7, 2026, a historic agreement regarding the settlement of outstanding payments was signed among the 'Narmada Award' beneficiary states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in the presence of the Union Home Minister. This agreement marks a milestone in resolving long-standing disputes among these states concerning cost-sharing for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project, with the outstanding dues being resolved through a one-time settlement. On June 29, 2026, a significant agreement was signed between the governments of Rajasthan and Haryana regarding the construction and implementation of the Yamuna Water Project. Under this agreement, approximately 580 MCM of water will be conveyed from the Yamuna Canal to Rajasthan via three underground pipelines. The project aims to deliver Rajasthan's share of Yamuna water from the Western Yamuna Canal through these underground pipelines. This will enable Rajasthan to effectively utilize the water allocated to it under the 1994 agreement regarding the sharing of usable surface water in the Upper Yamuna Basin. The project will ensure a continuous supply of drinking water to the arid and low-rainfall regions of Rajasthan and foster socio-economic development, thereby benefiting millions of people. On June 16, 2026, a consensus was reached among the concerned states regarding the long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project during a crucial meeting held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. During the meeting, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Kishau Multipurpose Project. Regarding the project, the Central Government will provide 90% of the funding for the water component as central assistance, while the six states will bear the financial burden of the remaining 10%. An agreement was reached to allocate the water assigned to Himachal Pradesh to Delhi and Rajasthan in exchange for sharing the cost of the project's power component.

ACB chargesheets former junior assistant over misappropriation in mid-day meal ration in Rajouri

Srinagar, Aug 31: Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau on Monday produced a charge-sheet in case FIR No. 26/2018 under sections 5(1)(c), 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) J&K P.C Act Svt. 2006 BK, Section 465, 468, 471, 201 & 120-B RPC against Mohd. Farooq, then Junior Assistant in the office of the ZEO Manjakote. Officials said the instant case was registered on 28-12-2018 in P/S VOJ (now ACB-J) on the outcome of verification which surfaced that misappropriation of rice measuring (200 Qntl approx pertaining to 4th quarter for the year 2014-15) of Mid Day meal Zone Manjakote by then ZEO Manjakote and his dealing hand Mohd Farooq I/C Mid Day Meal in Connivance with Mumtaz Hussain storekeeper Manjakote. During investigation, record so obtained was scrutinized and after obtaining FSL opinion, it has been prima facie established that Shah Nawaz khan then ZEO Manjakote (now deceased) and Mohd Farooq Jr. Assistant (dealing hand) in office of ZEO Manjakote by way of abuse of their official positions have got prepared fake/ forged and fabricated indent/ Authority letters by manipulating the official record and they had misappropriated 256.40 Qtls of rice of MDM Scheme which is worth of Rs. 8,03557.60/- along with an amount of Rs. 461578/- on account of cooking cost was also misappropriated by the concerned ZEO and Mohd Farooq I/c MDM. Therefore the above mentioned officer/officials by way of abuse of their official position caused loss to the state exchequer to the tune of Rs. 1265135.60. Since the accused Shah Nawaz khan then ZEO Manjakote has been expired, as such sanction for launching of prosecution of the accused in-service public servant namely Mohd Farooq Jr. Assistant (dealing Hand) in office of ZEO Manjakote was obtained from the competent authority and Anti-Corruption Bureau J&K produced charge sheet against the above mentioned accused person before the Honble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Rajouri on 31.08.2026, officials said. The next date of hearing has been fixed for 29.09.2026.

Moul Mouj Foundation marks two years with JK Obesity Summit in Srinagar

World shares are mixed, oil prices surge after US strike on Iranian rocket launchers

Bangkok, Aug 31: Shares were mixed in Europe and Asia and US futures declined Monday on expectations that the US Federal Reserve may raise interest rates soon. In early European trading, Germany's DAX lost 0.9 per cent to 26,339.04, while the CAC 40 in Paris edged 0.1 per cent lower, to 8,390.43. Markets in Britain were closed for a bank holiday. The futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were 0.2 per cent lower. Oil prices surged more than 3 per cent after US forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz, marking their first military action in a month. The Trump administration just days earlier had shifted its focus to economic pressure, and a return to open conflict would be dangerous for the region. Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 3.8 per cent to USD 91.40 per barrel early Monday. US benchmark crude oil was trading 3.8 per cent higher at USD 86.58 per barrel. The Middle East had finally gone quiet enough for oil traders to start sanding some of the war premium out of crude. Then Sunday arrived, with a reminder that quiet in the Strait of Hormuz is not the same as peace, Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary. Markets in Asia fell following a speech Friday by Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh that reinforced expectations the US central bank will do what is needed, such as raising rates, to bring inflation down despite possible short-term pain for the economy. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 lost 0.1 per cent to 66,311.93, while the Kospi in South Korea reversed earlier losses, gaining 0.5 per cent to 6,820.02. Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 0.1 per cent to 25,566.99 and the Shanghai Composite index gained 0.9 per cent to 3,986.30. Shares in e-commerce and fast fashion giant Shein are due to begin trading in Hong Kong on Tuesday in the city's biggest initial public offering this year, part of a trend toward big Chinese-founded companies raising funds in Chinese markets. An official survey released Monday showed Chinese factory activity remained in contraction for a second straight month in August, though there were slight improvements in some areas such as new export orders and production. Elsewhere in the region, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.2 per cent to 9,076.00. Taiwan's Taiex fell 0.4 per cent and the Sensex in India slipped 0.4 per cent. On Friday, the S&P 500 fell 0.2 per cent and the Dow industrials dipped by less than 0.1 per cent. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.5 per cent. In what is seen as a big move for the bond market, the yield on the two-year Treasury, which closely tracks expectations about Fed moves, jumped to 4.35 per cent from 4.22 per cent just before Warsh's speech at an annual economic symposium held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Worries had grown that his tough talk about getting inflation down to the Fed's 2 per cent target may be just that. The Fed could hike short-term interest rates to get price increases under control, but it could also be reluctant to do so because that would slow the economy and hurt prices for investments. US President Donald Trump, who appointed Warsh, has emphasised he wants lower interest rates. Warsh was adamant again on Friday that he wants to give financial markets fewer clues about what the Fed plans to do with rates for its two jobs of keeping inflation low and the job market strong. But he also said short-term interest rates are the predominant tool for the Fed to do its job. In other dealings early Monday, the US dollar fell to 159.75 Japanese yen from 160.10 yen. It has rebounded after falling for a spell following a rare coordinated intervention by the US Treasury and Japanese regulators in late July. The euro rose to USD 1.1601 from USD 1.1580. (AP)

JK Cong urges CM to intervene for hike in stipend of medical interns

Jammu, Aug 31: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the ongoing protest by medical interns and ensure an early and meaningful enhancement in their stipend. Jammu and Kashmir has probably emerged as the lowest-paying region for MBBS and BDS interns among the states and Union Territories listed in a comparative chart circulated by protesting medical interns, with a monthly stipend of just Rs 12,300, prompting them to launch an indefinite strike on Monday demanding its immediate revision to Rs 30,000. In a letter addressed to the chief minister, Karra said the demand of the protesting medical interns was genuine and deserved sympathetic and immediate consideration. Medical interns constitute an essential part of the healthcare delivery system and shoulder significant responsibilities in hospitals while undergoing their compulsory internship, he said. These young doctors routinely work long and demanding hours, including 36-hour shifts, attending to patients and performing their duties with dedication and commitment, Karra said. He pointed out that the stipend being provided to medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir was considerably lower than that offered in several other parts of the country. When interns elsewhere are being provided better financial support for comparable responsibilities and working hours, the demand of our medical interns for a reasonable enhancement in stipend merits serious consideration, he said. Karra urged Omar to direct the authorities concerned to engage with the protesting interns, listen to their grievances and work towards an early and satisfactory resolution of the issue. The Congress leader said positive government intervention at this stage would not only address a legitimate concern of the medical fraternity but also boost the morale of young doctors who contribute significantly to the functioning of hospitals and healthcare institutions. He hoped the government would prioritise the matter and take necessary steps for a meaningful hike in the stipend of medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir, in line with their responsibilities and the prevailing stipends in other parts of the country. The interns said their stipend had remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite repeated representations and protests, while the cost of living and stipends offered to interns in several other states had increased substantially. According to the comparative figures displayed by the interns, Odisha tops the list with a monthly stipend of Rs 44,319, followed by West Bengal at Rs 43,099 and Assam at Rs 35,000. Karnataka pays Rs 30,000, while Kerala offers Rs 27,300 and Delhi and Meghalaya Rs 26,300 each. The stipend in Telangana is listed at Rs 25,900, while Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh offer Rs 25,000 each. Tamil Nadu's stipend is shown at around Rs 25,000, followed by Haryana at Rs 24,310 and Andhra Pradesh at around Rs 21,840. Gujarat, Bihar, Goa and Himachal Pradesh are listed at around Rs 20,000 a month, while Puducherry offers Rs 18,000.

Pranab Mukherjee was a towering statesman, unwavering constitutionalist: Ashok Bhan

Srinagar, Aug 31: On the death anniversary of former President of India Pranab Mukherjee, Chairman of the Kashmir Policy and Strategy Group Ashok Bhan paid tribute to the veteran statesman, describing him as a towering statesman, an unwavering Constitutionalist and a political scholar whose public life embodied the finest traditions of Indian democracy. Bhan said Mukherjees journey from a modest beginning in a village in Bengal to the highest constitutional office of the country was marked by intellect, humility, experience and an abiding commitment to public service. He said Mukherjee possessed a rare understanding of Indias political institutions and the complexities of its democratic journey, earning respect across political lines. A man of culture and political scholarship Recalling Mukherjees multifaceted personality, Bhan said his journey included his early years as a teacher and journalist in a small village in Bengal before he emerged as an avid reader, prolific writer and standard-bearer of Indias intellectual heritage. His vast knowledge of history, politics, economics and parliamentary practice made him an exceptional repository of institutional wisdom, Bhan said. His vast knowledge of history, politics, economics and parliamentary practice made him an exceptional repository of institutional wisdom, he said. Bhan added that Mukherjee believed deeply in dialogue, accommodation and the strength of democratic institutions. His interventions were informed not merely by political expediency but by scholarship and a profound understanding of Indias civilisational and constitutional inheritance, he said. His legacy continues to inspire Bhan said Mukherjee remained, above all, an unwavering Constitutionalist whose commitment to the rule of law and good governance was central to his political and administrative philosophy. He said Mukherjee consistently urged younger generations of leaders to uphold Indias constitutional values and demonstrate deep respect for democratic institutions. His passing left a void in public life, but his legacy continues to remind us that politics, at its finest, is an instrument of national service, constitutional responsibility and the pursuit of the common good, Bhan said. Pranab Mukherjee, who served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, passed away on August 31, 2020, aged 84. His death anniversary is observed on August 31.

Bukhari questions J&K Banks low credit growth in Kashmir, seeks clarity on lending policy

LG Saxena lays foundation for 30 smart bus shelters in Ladakh

Leh, Aug 31: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday laid the foundation stone for 30 smart bus shelters -- 15 each in Leh and Kargil, in a significant step towards creating safe, smart and sustainable public transport infrastructure. The project is not merely about constructing bus shelters, but about creating safe, comfortable, technology-enabled and sustainable public transport infrastructure suited to Ladakh's unique environment, the lieutenant governor said. He said the shelters will provide covered seating and weather-protected waiting areas, offering much-needed protection from extreme cold, strong winds and snowfall. Saxena expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their continued support and guidance, which has enabled the development of modern infrastructure and improved public facilities in Ladakh in line with the aspirations of its people. These smart bus shelters will become symbols of better mobility, safety, technology, sustainability and citizen-centric services in Ladakh. Our aim is to create infrastructure that responds to our difficult climate, is environment-friendly and, most importantly, meets the daily needs of our people, Saxena said. The lieutenant governor also appealed to the people of Ladakh to take ownership of the facilities and cooperate with the administration in keeping the smart bus shelters clean, well-maintained and functional. A Lok Bhavan spokesperson said the project is designed particularly keeping in view the region's challenging climatic conditions and the needs of students, senior citizens, women, working people and daily commuters who often have to wait for buses in the open during the harsh winter months. He said the smart bus shelters mark a significant step towards developing sustainable public transport infrastructure in the Union Territory. The smart bus shelters will incorporate modern passenger information and safety facilities, the spokesperson said. He said the GPS-enabled passenger information display systems, LED displays, GPS-based bus tracking and real-time estimated time of arrival (ETA) will enable passengers to access information about bus routes and expected arrival times. CCTV surveillance, SOS/emergency buttons, first-aid kits, emergency oxygen cylinders and fire extinguishers will further enhance passenger safety, the spokesperson said. He said tactile tiles and accessible movement have also been provided for visually impaired and other passengers, making the facilities more inclusive. A key feature of the project is its solar-powered design. Each bus shelter will have a 2 KW solar PV system, battery storage and a hybrid inverter. Solar energy will be used to power Wi-Fi, passenger information displays and other essential facilities, thereby reducing dependence on grid electricity and helping lower operational costs, thereby, contributing to the vision of carbon-neutral Ladakh, the spokesperson said. He said the shelters will also reflect Ladakhi architectural character, combining modern technology with local identity and heritage. This approach seeks to ensure that infrastructure developed for the future remains rooted in Ladakh's distinctive cultural character.

Why is lending in Kashmir being reduced? Altaf Bukhari questions J&K Bank

Srinagar, Aug 31: Apni Party president and former J&K finance minister Altaf Bukhari on Monday questioned Jammu and Kashmir Banks lending pattern, recruitment policy and board composition, while also alleging that efforts are being made to shift the banks headquarters from Srinagar. Addressing a press conference here, Bukhari described J&K Bank as a jewel in the crown and said it played an important role in the economic development of J&K. I have been the finance minister of J&K. I am saddened to see the results, Bukhari said, referring to the banks credit growth being higher in outside J&K. 9% credit growth for J&K Bank in Kashmir and 30% in the rest of the country, he said. Bukhari alleged that the difference showed that the bank was reducing its lending in J&K while expanding its lending operations outside the region. This means that J&K Bank has pulled its hand somewhere. Lending in J&K has been shut down and lending in the rest of the country is increasing. This is a problem for us, he said. Bukharis remarks came after Greater Kashmir had earlier reported that J&K Bank recorded around 9 per cent credit growth in J&K, compared with around 30 per cent in the rest of the country. He also questioned why lending in Kashmir was being reduced.As a finance minister, I know that the NPA of J&K Bank is 4-5 times higher than lending in Kashmir, Bukhari said. This is why I don't understand why the lending in Kashmir has to be reduced and why the lending in the rest of the country has to be increased, he added. Bukhari also linked his concerns to the ownership of the bank, pointing out that the J&K government is its majority shareholder. J&K Bank is the bank of the J&K government. We are the majority shareholder, he said. He also pointed out that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah holds the finance portfolio in the government. The government of J&K is headed by Mr. Umar Abdullah. He is the finance minister and it is responsibility to set the record straigth, Bukhari said. Bukhari also raised concerns over recruitment by J&K Bank outside the Union Territory, saying the bank had traditionally provided employment opportunities to the youth of J&K. He alleged that recruitment outside J&K was now being carried out locally in those areas.I am aware that the recruitment outside J&K, where non-domiciles are recruited, Bukhari said. Bukhari said employees from J&K had a particular emotional connection with the bank.When the children of J&K work in J&K, they have an emotional connection that it is their own bank, he said. That is why they try to make a profit. Because it is our own bank, he added. When there is someone from outside, what will he be worried about? He will not be worried at all, Bukhari said. Bukhari also questioned the composition of J&K Banks board of directors, alleging that it does not adequately represent Kashmir. Thirdly, the Board of Directors does not represent Kashmir, he said.The majority of people are from outside J&K. What kind of justice is this? he asked.It has been two years since the J&K government was elected, Bukhari said.If there is a board of 13, 14, 15 or 16 people, even those 5 people are not from J&K or Kashmir. As far as I know, there is only one representative from Kashmir, he alleged. He demanded immediate clarification on the issue.If this is being done in a planned manner, then also it is a problem for us, Bukhari said.I want it to be clarified immediately. And if it is being done, it should be stopped. Bukhari then raised what he described as another scary news concerning the banks headquarters.That J&K Bank's headquarters is being shifted from Srinagar, he alleged.I do not know whether these people are living in heaven or on the ground, Bukhari said. Maybe they are not aware of the ground realities. They do not understand that emotions can be played to an extent, but not after that, he added. Bukhari appealed to the J&K government and anyone associated with the alleged proposal to intervene. So, I humbly request the J&K government and whoever is associated with this, to stop these suicide attacks, he said.Because this will not be good for J&K, Bukhari added.

MBBS interns demands genuine, stipend hike file under process: Sakina Itoo

MBBS Interns from GMC Srinagar go on strike, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend

Medical Interns at GMC Anantnag suspend duties to demand stipend increase

Changing water colour, dying fish: Dal Lake pollution alarms locals

Rain, heavy showers likely in J&K over next 24-48 hours: MeT Director

Srinagar, Aug 31: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience a spell of rain over the next 24 to 48 hours, with the Meteorological Department forecasting brief intense showers and gusty winds and warning of possible landslides, mudslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. Director of the Meteorological Department J&K, Mukhtar Ahmad, said weather conditions are expected to become somewhat unsettled from Monday late afternoon and evening, with the Jammu division likely to witness more significant rainfall. Especially today late afternoon and evening, there could be a spell of rain, Ahmad said, adding that some areas may experience light rain, with brief intense showers along with gusty winds. He said heavier spells are likely in the Jammu division from late Monday night into Tuesday morning and again between Tuesday late night and Wednesday early morning. Especially in Jammu, Kathua and adjoining areas, heavier rainfall spells are likely, Ahmad said, adding that in Poonch and Rajouri also, one or two spells of rain during the next 24 to 48 hours can be seen. Landslides, flash floods possible The expected intense showers could trigger weather-related hazards in vulnerable areas. Landslide, mudslide and flash flood are among the possibilities during the spell, Ahmad said, particularly in areas that receive intense rainfall. Brief showers are also likely in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, although the intensity may vary across different locations. Weather likely to improve from September 2 According to Ahmad, weather conditions are expected to improve from September 2, with no major weather system currently likely to affect J&K until around September 10. From the second onwards, weather will again improve and approximately till September 10, currently there are no chances of any major event, he said. Despite the expected improvement, temperatures are likely to remain relatively high, with generally hot and humid conditions forecast across the region. The weather will generally remain hot and humid, Ahmad said. The rainfall, however, may provide temporary relief from the prevailing heat. Today and tomorrow the weather is likely to remain a little disturbed, especially in the Jammu division, he said, adding that brief showers could lead to some reduction in temperatures. Temperatures likely to dip after mid-September On temperatures, Ahmad said the maximum temperature is currently hovering around 32-33C . At present, the maximum temperature is almost 32-33, he said, adding that a decline could be recorded following the expected rain spell. A more noticeable change in temperatures is likely later in September, with both maximum and minimum temperatures expected to gradually fall. After mid-September, there will anyway be a significant change in temperature, Ahmad said. Especially after September 15, there are chances of temperatures gradually dipping. Farmers advised to continue activities with precautions Meanwhile, Ahmad said farmers can continue their ongoing agricultural activities while taking necessary precautions for weather-sensitive operations. Farmers can continue their farming activities, whether harvesting or other activities, including safe storage, in the coming days as well, he said.

MBBS, BDS interns protest across J&K, demand hike in internship stipend

Srinagar, Aug 31: MBBS and BDS interns staged peaceful demonstrations at various government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, demanding an increase in their internship stipend. The protests were held at Government Medical Colleges and SKIMS Bemina, among other institutions, where interns gathered and raised slogans in support of their demand for a revision of the stipend paid during the compulsory internship period. The protesting interns said they work long hours and undertake significant clinical responsibilities during their internship, including assisting doctors, attending to patients and performing duties that contribute to the functioning of healthcare institutions. #Watch | MBBS Interns from GMC Srinagar go on strike, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend pic.twitter.com/TWGvPS5inC Greater Kashmir (@GreaterKashmir) August 31, 2026 They maintained that the existing stipend does not adequately reflect the workload, responsibilities and contribution of interns to the healthcare system. The interns urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to take up the issue on priority and initiate measures for revising the internship stipend. They also sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, urging them to consider their demand and take a favourable decision. The demonstrations remained peaceful, with the interns saying they would continue to pursue their demand through democratic and peaceful means. The protesters said an increase in the stipend would provide financial relief to medical and dental graduates during their internship while also recognising the responsibilities they shoulder in government healthcare institutions. The interns have appealed to the authorities to initiate dialogue with their representatives and address the issue at the earliest. (KNS)

Green spaces can reduce urban heat, but their size and condition matter, study finds

Srinagar, Aug 31: Green spaces can help cities fight rising heat, but simply adding more green cover may not be enough. A new study from Lucknow suggests that the size, vegetation condition and surroundings of green patches can determine how much they cool the urban landscape. The study, published in Discover Cities, examined 456 urban and peri-urban green patches in Lucknow using satellite observations from 2019 and 2024. The researchers found that green patches were generally cooler than adjacent built-up areas, with median warm-season surface-temperature differences of about 0.60.8C and local maxima exceeding 2C. The finding is significant as Indian cities face intensifying heat exposure amid rapid construction and vegetation loss. The researchers note that urban regions in the humid subtropics are undergoing rapid land conversion, vegetation loss and intensifying heat exposure, while expansion of impervious surfaces and rising anthropogenic heat emissions are intensifying the urban heat island effect. Against that backdrop, urban greenery can act as a natural cooling mechanism. Parks, institutional campuses, tree belts and other vegetated areas are described in the study as key nature-based solutions for moderating urban microclimates. Through shading, evapotranspiration and changes in surface albedo and roughness, they can create park cool islands that are cooler than surrounding built-up areas. But the study found that bigger does not necessarily mean proportionately cooler. LST (Land Surface Temperature) increases from approximately 1 ha into the medium-size range and then levels off, with diminishing marginal gains for large and very large patches, the researchers report. Their analysis indicates an approximate 810 hectare range beyond which additional area contributes relatively little extra surface-temperature contrast. The researchers suggest that the improvement from very small to medium-sized patches could be associated with more continuous canopy cover, lower proportional edge exposure and improved moisture retention. But they caution that these processes were not directly measured and that factors such as irrigation, hotter surrounding areas, land-cover differences and satellite-pixel effects could also influence the pattern. Vegetation quality emerged as another important factor. The study found strong summer relationships between cooling and several vegetation indicators. Greener, denser and more chlorophyll-rich canopies are cooler relative to their surroundings, the researchers write. These relationships weakened during winter, potentially because of lower canopy activity and reduced evapotranspiration. The cooling signal also extended beyond the boundaries of green patches. The researchers found that surface-temperature contrasts changed most rapidly within roughly 100200 metres of a green patch before flattening or declining towards 500 metres. They stress, however, that this should be interpreted as a neighborhood-scale surface-contrast indicator rather than direct measurement of cooling propagation. The surrounding urban landscape matters because increasing impervious cover can erode the cooling effect. As the study puts it, warming from hot surfaces may partly offset the patch-generated cooling. The researchers conclude that thermal effects are shaped not only by the green patches themselves, but also by the character of the surrounding matrix through which cooling is either sustained or eroded. The implications for urban planning are therefore broader than simply creating large parks. The study supports a conservative planning message: protect existing canopy-rich patches, improve vegetation condition in smaller patches and reduce impervious discontinuities between green spaces. The researchers nevertheless caution against treating their numbers as universal rules. The 810 hectare range, they say, is a context-specific heuristic rather than a general threshold for Indian cities. And because the analysis measured satellite-derived surface temperature rather than air temperature, thermal comfort or health outcomes, the findings should be used as surface-cooling indicators to guide further local planning. For rapidly warming cities, the takeaway is clear: greenery matters, but healthy canopies, strategically sized patches and fewer concrete gaps between them may matter just as much. Srinagar: A city losing its natural cooling shield Srinagar offers a stark local context to the studys findings. A 2023 study, Spatiotemporal analysis of Urban expansion and vegetation change in Srinagar City, found that the citys vegetation cover declined from 43.9 sq km in 2000 to 26.2 sq km in 2020, a loss of about 40%. Dense forest cover fell even more sharply, from 1.02 sq km to 0.38 sq km, with the study estimating that Srinagar lost an average of 17 hectares of green cover every month over the two decades. The loss is particularly significant as Srinagar experiences increasingly intense heat. The city has only about 8% of its area under greenery, while also pointing to the decline of its iconic Chinar trees. About 28,500 Chinars were geo-tagged in January 2025, compared with estimates of 42,00050,000 in the 1990s.

Former soldier dies after throat slit by Chinese kite string in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 31: An ex-serviceman was killed after his throat was slit by a Chinese kite string while he was travelling through the Ring Road here, officials said on Monday. Naib Subedar (Retd) Lakhvinder Singh sustained critical injuries after coming into contact with the killer string while passing through Bishnah area on a two-wheeler late Sunday, the officials said. They said the retired soldier was immediately shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries. Singh was returning to his home in R S Pura after finishing work at an industrial unit in Bari Brahmana, where he was employed as a private security guard, the officials said. The sale and use of the Chinese kite-string or 'Manja' is banned by the authorities and several shopkeepers were arrested in recent past across Jammu for clandestinely dealing with the material. The latest death has sparked concerns over the enforcement of the ban, with residents demanding strict action against those selling and using the prohibited string. The officials said police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation is on to identify the culprits and bring them to book.

Disproportionate use of force against PoK protesters, polls not credible: Paks human rights body

Lahore, Aug 30: Pakistan's human rights body has said the state resorted to disproportionate use of force against protesters in the PoK and raised serious questions about the credibility of the electoral process marred with violence and allegations of massive rigging. A report by the fact finding mission of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released on Saturday attributed the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to longstanding political and socio-economic grievances, institutional distrust and governance deficits. An increasingly confrontational state response, including the disproportionate use of force has further deepened polarisation and eroded public trust, the HRCP said and added its mission received sharply conflicting accounts about the scale of violence and the conduct of security forces. Elections to 45 seats to the so-called PoK legislative assembly were held in three phases from July 27 to August 10. The banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which had been holding a series of protests in PoK since June over the contentious 12 refugee seats, has alleged that the establishment manoeuvres these seats to install a prime minister, to lead the so-called government in PoK, of its choosing. After negotiations between the government and JAAC failed on May 30, the Kashmir government proscribed the organisation on June 5 under an anti-terrorism act. According to the JAAC, over 40 people were killed during the first phase of polls held on July 27. Besides, it claims that some 400 protesters have been killed since the first week of June, a claim refuted by the federal government. The HRCP expressed particular concern at the allegations of lethal and excessive use of force against protesters and said it received multiple accounts from families, alleging that a number of protesters had been killed or seriously injured by the security forces. The Kashmir police chief had reported around 38 security personnel killed since June, it added. We could not independently establish the full scale or circumstances of civilian casualties, particularly because the team was unable to access Rawalakot, one of the main centres of violence, the commission said and called for an independent and impartial investigation into all deaths and serious injuries since June, including whether the use of force was lawful, necessary and proportionate. The report also raised concerns at the governments use of anti-terrorism and preventive-detention provisions against political activists. Heavy deployment of security personnel, prolonged communications restrictions, boycott by major political actors, phased polling and postponement of seven constituencies raised wider questions about the credibility of the electoral process, the HRCP report said about the polls in PoK. India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are its integral and inalienable parts. New Delhi also asserts that Pakistan has been in illegal and forcible occupation of parts of these Union Territories. India on August 4 described the so-called local body elections in PoK a complete farce, asserting that such hollow exercises cannot hide the ground reality in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly criticised Pakistan's crackdown on protesters in PoK and said the international community should see through the flimsy veneer of Islamabad's hypocritical lecturing on human rights. This so-called local election in PoK is a complete farce. The real happening is that of public protests and wanton killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow exercises cannot hide reality, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a regular media briefing. The HRCP report called for independent review of cases against protesters, activists, journalists and political workers, with cases withdrawn where individuals had been detained or prosecuted solely for peaceful political activity or lawful assembly. It also chided restrictions on journalism and access to information, saying journalists had faced arrests, legal action, restrictions on access to affected areas and special security requirements while the prolonged communications shutdown severely constrained independent reporting and verification of deaths, injuries, arrests and alleged electoral irregularities. The communications shutdown went far beyond political activity, disrupting banking, education, commerce, transport, public administration and healthcare, it said. There are 53 seats in the so-called PoK legislative assembly - 45 are directly elected, while eight are reserved for women, technocrats and clerics. Elections to seven of the 45 directly elected seats - five in Poonch district and two in Sudhnoti district - could not be held due to law and order situation. The 38 members elected directly participated in the elections of eight reserved seats. Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) now has 31 of the current 46 seats while its coalition partner at the federal level, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has 14 seats. A lone Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party winning member has also allied with the PML-N. PML-N's Barrister Iftikhar Gillani, who was defeated by a PPP candidate in Muzaffarabad-III general election but later got elected on a technocrat seat, has been elected as the Prime Minister of PoK. The PML-N, particularly its founding chair Nawaz Sharif, is facing immense criticism from all quarters, including his party members, for selecting a defeated candidate to head the government in PoK.

Iran's supreme leader calls for Muslim unity against US, Israel

Dubai, Aug 31: Iran's supreme leader called on Muslim countries to stand together against Israel and the United States. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei urged rulers of Muslim nations to know your real enemy, understand its plans and confront it, and called the US and Israel enemies of all Islamic nations, the official IRNA news agency reported. Six months after the US and Israel attacked Iran, killing Khamenei's father and other senior leaders, Khamenei still has not been seen publicly. His comments came in a letter to religious leaders attending a conference in Tehran. The war has exposed divisions in the Muslim world after Iran struck targets in neighbouring Gulf Arab countries and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has opposed the US military presence in the region. (AP)

US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks

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J&K Bank signs 3 CSP MoUs in Kashmir, extends benefits to 887 employees

Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relationships with prominent educational and business institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, J&K Bank has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under its Corporate Salary Package (CSP) with Delhi Public School (DPS) Budgam, HK Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. (HK Hyundai) and Himalayan Motors. The agreements will collectively extend customised banking benefits and enhanced service features to 887 employees of the three institutions. The MoU with DPS Budgam, covering 341 employees of the school, was signed by Zonal Head (Budgam) Layek Ahmad Jan on behalf of the Bank and Mrs Soz on behalf of the institution. Cluster Head (Budgam) Wasim Ahmad Qadri, Branch Head (Humhama) Sheikh Nazima Asad and other senior officials were present on the occasion. The Bank also formalised its CSP arrangement with HK Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., extending its benefits to 141 employees of the group. Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar and Director HK Automobiles Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din signed the agreement on behalf of the respective organisations in the presence of Directors HK Automobiles Mohammad Sultan Mir and Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (Pantha Chowk) Sabba Rafiq and other senior officials from both sides. In another agreement, the Bank signed an MoU with Himalayan Motors to bring its 405 employees under the Corporate Salary Package. The agreement was signed by Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar on behalf of the Bank and Managing Partners Himalayan Motors Ghulam Mohammad Beigh and Bashir Ahmad Beigh. Cluster Head Subuhi Yaseen, Branch Head (BP Batmaloo) Muzaffar Hussain and other senior officials from both organisations attended the signing ceremony. Speaking on the agreements, the respective Zonal Heads termed the partnerships as part of the Banks continued endeavour to nurture longstanding institutional relationships with prominent institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated that by extending Corporate Salary Package to the employees of these institutions, the Bank aims to provide customised financial solutions, enhanced banking features and seamless services while creating greater value for its institutional partners. During the respective events, the Banks Cluster Heads familiarised the participating institutions with the comprehensive features and benefits available under the Corporate Salary Package.

FDA J&K bans sale of 10 non-conforming ghee batches

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, has prohibited the sale, storage, distribution and display of 10 identified brands and batches of ghee across the Union Territory after laboratory analysis found the products to be sub-standard, unsafe or misbranded. The action has been taken under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following examination of samples by notified food analysts at the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad, and the Food Testing Laboratory, Kashmir. The affected products are Dairy Mohan Desi Ghee (Batch No. 05), Apna Dairy Milk Desi Ghee (Batch No. DM-06), Milk Bite Cow Ghee (Batch No. 137), Nandni Desi Ghee (Batch No. ND-28), Shahi Taj Desi Ghee (Batch No. 134), Daawat Fresh (Batch No. VT09), Nand Krishna Cow Ghee (Batch No. PC-05-26), Vandu Cow Ghee (Batch No. D143), Dairy Milk Desi Ghee (Batch No. OM12), and Mohan Dairy Ghee (Batch No. 06). Samples of the affected products were collected from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shangus, Larnoo, Bijbehara, Samba, Kathua, Jammu, Tral and Pampore. Laboratory findings included the presence of beta-sitosterol or foreign vegetable fat, a positive Baudouin test, abnormal fatty-acid profiles and deviations from prescribed physicochemical parameters. The FDA has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs), wholesalers, distributors and retailers to immediately stop the sale, distribution and display of the affected batches and ensure that the products are withdrawn from circulation. The concerned FBOs have also been directed to submit details of the stock of the affected batches to the concerned Designated Officer within 48 hours. Enforcement authorities have been instructed to maintain strict vigil and take necessary action to prevent further circulation of the prohibited products. The Administration reiterated that, under applicable food safety standards, ghee must be derived exclusively from milk or milk products, and ghee containing any added matter not exclusively derived from milk fat is not permitted for sale. The prohibition has been imposed with immediate effect across Jammu and Kashmir in the interest of public health and consumer safety. The FDA has urged consumers to remain vigilant and check the brand name, batch number and date of packing while purchasing ghee. Consumers and retailers have also been advised to report the sale or availability of any of the prohibited batches to the concerned Food Safety authorities. The FDA clarified that the prohibitory action is a precautionary measure taken in the public interest and does not affect the statutory right of the concerned FBOs to seek re-analysis through an FSSAI-notified Referral Laboratory in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules framed thereunder.

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Amarnath Yatra's sanitation, waste management gets national recognition in 'Mann Ki Baat'

Srinagar, Aug 30: The comprehensive sanitation and waste management system implemented during this year's Amarnath Yatra has received national recognition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the arrangements and scientific waste management model in his Mann Ki Baat address. The prime minister's mention in the latest edition of his monthly radio address comes shortly after the conclusion of the annual yatra on August 28. It appreciably recognises the coordinated efforts undertaken to manage sanitation and waste across the challenging Himalayan terrain, an official spokesperson said here. The Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir implemented a comprehensive sanitation and waste management framework across the Baltal and Pahalgam axes, base camps and key yatra locations, the spokesperson said. He said the system was designed to cater to the requirements of lakhs of pilgrims while ensuring that cleanliness and environmental protection remained central to the management of the pilgrimage. As part of the extensive sanitation arrangements, more than 8,000 sanitation facilities and supporting infrastructure were deployed across the yatra ecosystem, the spokesperson said. These included prefabricated sanitation structures, toilets, bathing facilities and pucca bases, providing pilgrims with clean, safe and dignified sanitation facilities during the pilgrimage, he added. The infrastructure was backed by dedicated sanitation personnel deployed across the yatra routes, camps and high-footfall areas. Their responsibilities extended beyond routine cleaning and included the continuous upkeep of sanitation facilities, cleanliness of public spaces, prevention of litter accumulation and maintenance of hygienic conditions along the pilgrimage routes, he said. A robust scientific solid waste management system was simultaneously operationalised to manage the substantial quantum of waste generated during the yatra, the spokesperson said. The system ensured end-to-end waste management, covering segregation at source, collection, transportation, processing and scientific disposal. Also, waste generated at base camps and along the yatra routes was systematically channelled for appropriate processing, he said. Under the Zero Waste to Landfill approach, a total of 414.46 metric tonnes of waste was collected and processed during the pilgrimage, he said. The intervention assumed particular significance given the fragile ecological character of the Himalayan terrain through which the yatra passes. Integrating sanitation infrastructure with scientific waste management helped minimise the environmental footprint of the large-scale pilgrimage while maintaining essential public health and hygiene standards, he added. He said the prime minister's mention of the sanitation and waste management efforts in the latest edition of his monthly radio address provides national recognition to the concerted efforts undertaken by the administration and sanitation teams to establish a sustainable framework for managing the waste and sanitation during one of the country's major annual pilgrimages. With over 8,000 sanitation facilities deployed and 414.46 MT of waste collected and processed, the yatra demonstrated how infrastructure, manpower, technology and behavioural change can work together to create a cleaner and more environmentally responsible pilgrimage experience, Director General Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra said.

Banks are in good shape, but ...

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Even AI champs blink on job cuts

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Is your data truly yours? India's sovereignty struggle with foreign cloud providers and AI

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Awareness that remains

Philosophers and spiritual thinkers explore the profound question of self and life's purpose. Socrates, Nietzsche, and Sartre offer diverse views on identity and existence. Yuval Noah Harari presents a popular story of fulfilling one's unique function. Ancient Indian texts like Chandogya Upanishad and teachings of Ramana Maharshi offer spiritual insights. Ultimately, the self may be a trinity of awareness, goodness, and divinity.

Flight of the Bumblebee

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To be tech-en seriously, be loud

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DGP stresses stakeholder coordination for peace, security in border areas of Ladakh

Leh, Aug 30: Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) Anand Jain has emphasized the need for close cooperation, coordination and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure peace, security and stability in the sensitive border areas of the Union Territory. The Ladakh Police chief made the remarks during his visit to the vibrant village of Chumur, where he paid homage at a local monastery and interacted with security personnel deployed in the border area, before concluding his three-day tour of Changthang district, a police spokesman said on Sunday. The DGP's tour was aimed at reviewing policing infrastructure, strengthening public-police relations, and assessing developmental and security-related aspects in the region. During the comprehensive tour, Jain was received by locals with warm traditional welcome. The DGP interacted with the public at Chumathang, where he patiently listened to the grievances and concerns raised by local residents, the spokesman said. Jain assured the public that their genuine issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities for appropriate action. He was also accorded a guard of honour at Nyoma police station. During his visit, the DGP thoroughly inspected the police station, including office records, infrastructure, and barracks of the police personnel, and appreciated the efforts of the officers and jawans serving in the challenging terrain of Changthang, the spokesman said. Subsequently, a public meeting was also held at the District Police Office, Changthang, which was among others attended by 'Nambardars' (village heads) of Nyoma, Mudh, and Nidder, along with prominent citizens of the area. The DGP patiently heard public issues and assured continued support from the police administration, the spokesman said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Changthang, Syed Zaheer Abbas Jafari briefed the DGP on the developmental initiatives, achievements, and community-oriented policing efforts undertaken by district police, he said. As part of the awareness initiatives, the spokesman said a bike rally on the theme 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' was organized, which was flagged off by the DGP in the presence of police personnel and local villagers, spreading the message of a drug-free society. Later, Jain proceeded to Korzok, Tsomoriri, where he inaugurated a newly constructed prefabricated hut established for use as a police check post and accommodation for personnel deployed for tourist assistance. During a public interaction at Korzok, local residents requested year-round deployment of police personnel, as the existing deployment was seasonal, the spokesman said. He said the police chief assured the public that their demand would be examined positively and efforts would be made to ensure continuous police presence.

PM Modi arrives in Kyrgyzstan to attend SCO summit

PM Modi is visiting Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit on August 31-September 1

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Don't fall prey to exploitation by traditional political parties: Altaf Bukhari to downtown residents

Srinagar, Aug 30: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday urged the people of Srinagars Shehr-e-Khaas not to fall prey to the decades-long exploitation by traditional political parties like the National Conference. He called upon them to become aware of their political and democratic rights and assert them to bring about a change in their present difficult situation. He was addressing a workers convention in Habba Kadal, Srinagar, which was attended by a large gathering of local residents and party workers. Addressing the gathering, Bukhari expressed serious concern over the continued poor condition of Srinagar city and the hardships faced by its residents. He said that to change this situation, people must take responsibility and stop falling prey to the exploitative politics of the National Conference and its leadership. He said, Marhoom Sheikh Sahib successfully earned the unconditional loyalty of the people of the city and built a political empire for generations of his family. However, this blind following by the people paved the way for a prolonged lack of development and prosperity in the city. Even today, decades later, people continue to blindly follow the party, often at the cost of their own future and that of the coming generations. He went on to say, There are around nine lakh people living in this historic city, yet a large number of them are struggling even for basic amenities. Look at the plight of our youth. They are educated but remain jobless, with many forced to take up petty jobs, like working as street vendors. How long can this situation continue? Unfortunately, the existing reservation policy has also adversely affected the people of the city by further reducing employment opportunities for local youth. The residents of the city do not fall under any reserved category, except the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), whose reservation has also been reduced from 10 percent to 3 percent, he added. He went on to say, This beautiful and historic city still lacks even basic amenities, like drinking water. There is a serious shortage of housing, and livelihood opportunities. Many of our daughters in the city, despite having crossed marriageable age, are unable to get married because of the severe financial difficulties faced by their families. We must seriously think about how to change this pathetic situation. The first step is for the people to distance themselves from the political forces that have kept them in this condition despite receiving their support for decades, he added. Apni Party president said that by continuing to support the NC, the people of the city are, in fact, compromising their own interests and development. He said, Why dont you understand this simple fact? Despite remaining in power for decades, this party allowed the city to remain in such a pathetic condition and, even worse, damaged its natural infrastructure. Take Nallah Mar, for instance. It was an ancient waterway that connected Dal Lake and the Brari Nambal lagoon with the River Jhelum and Anchar Lake. Filling up this historic canal was one of the greatest acts of damage inflicted on this city and its people. It not only destroyed an important part of Srinagars natural drainage and waterway system but also robbed the city of a vital part of its historical heritage, he said. Remembering the days when Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims lived together in harmony in the city, Bukhari said, I vividly remember the days when, as children, we used to attend tuition classes taught by some of the finest Pandit teachers. I also fondly remember the time when Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits lived together happily and prosperously, sharing a bond of mutual respect, trust, and brotherhood. Making a heartfelt appeal to the Kashmiri Pandit community, he said, I urge my Kashmiri Pandit brethren to return so that, together, we can rediscover the past glory of our beautiful shared culture and work towards restoring peace, prosperity, and harmony. Apni Party President urged the people of the city to remain vigilant and ensure that, whenever the ULB polls are held, they vote wisely and choose their representatives thoughtfully, so that their developmental issues are addressed effectively. He also urged the people to support Apni Party to enable it to implement its pro-people manifesto in the city and ensure sustained prosperity and development in this historic and beautiful city. Speaking on the occasion, former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir said that the people of Srinagar city are facing severe hardships due to inadequate housing, limited livelihood opportunities, and a lack of developmental infrastructure. He said that even the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) does not allow people to construct houses or commercial establishments on their own land, causing them further hardship and inconvenience. He said, It is painful to see our youth struggling today. They do not have enough job opportunities, and many of them also face problems in getting passports and completing verification processes for jobs and passports. Lashing out at the government Mir said, These people have placed their trust in you, given you their mandate, and voted you to power. How can a government refuse to address the issues and concerns of the very people who elected it? Partys Provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir addressed the occasion and urged the people of the city to support Apni Party. He said, Unlike the traditional parties, this party does not belong to any family or any individual. This party belongs to people and its primary agenda is to serve the people. I urge you to make this party strengthen so that it will be able to implement its agenda for peace, prosperity and development of Jammu and Kashmir and its people. Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Ghulam Hassan Mir, the prominent party leaders who spoke in the convention or who were present on the occasion included partys Vice President Haji Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, District President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Malik Aftab, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Peer Wajahat, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir & Constituency In-charge Habba Kadal Jeelani Hamid Kumar, Provincial Joint Secretary Aamir Ashraf Bhat, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Aijaz Rather, Organiser Central Kashmir Mohammad Shafi Mir, Vice President Srinagar Mohsin Zaffar Shah, Provincial Youth President Kashmir Jibran Dar, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Khursheed Ahmad Makhdoomi, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Sameer Ahmad Lone, Constituency In-charge Khanyar Amir Bhat, and others.

PM Modi conferred with Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred with Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, which he dedicated to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan. Modi is in Uzbekistan on a two-day visit to bolster ties in a range of areas including trade, clean energy and connectivity. The prime minister was conferred with the honour by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Honoured to receive the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order. I dedicate this to the enduring bond between India and Uzbekistan, Modi said in a social media post. The Ministry of External Affairs said on X that the prime minister was conferred the honour for his contribution in strengthening the friendship between the two countries. PM dedicated the accolade to the 1.4 billion people of India and highlighted that it is a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two civilisations, it said. In his remarks, Modi said receiving the award was a matter of great prid

Property acquired through proceeds of narcotics trade attached in Shopian: Police

Srinagar, Aug 30: As part of its continued crackdown on narcotics-related activities, police in Shopian have attached a residential house valued at 16,77,448/- belonging to Hilal Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar resident of Vehil Shopian. Officials said the property was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics. Accordingly, the said property has been attached in connection with FIR No. 80/2024 of Police Station Shopian. The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal procedures and maintaining transparency. Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs by targeting both offenders and the financial assets generated through illicit activities. They urged general public to come forward with any information regarding drug trafficking or related activities.

NEET-PG 2026 successfully conducted nationwide with robust security and real-time monitoring

Srinagar, Aug 30: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) successfully conducted the NEET-PG 2026 examination today, 30 August 2026, across the country with comprehensive logistical, technological, security and manpower arrangements to ensure a fair, secure and seamless examination process. The examination was scheduled for 2,73,096 candidates at 1,111 examination centres across 339 cities, covering all 36 States and Union Territories. A total of 2,65,980 candidates appeared for the examination, with the examination successfully completed for approximately 2,63,535 candidates. The nationwide examination was supported by extensive real-time monitoring and stringent security measures. A total of 2,527 faculty members were appointed as Independent Appraisers to oversee the conduct of the examination. In addition, more than 700 senior faculty members, including Deans, Directors, Medical Superintendents and senior professors, were deployed as Flying Squad members. To strengthen coordination and monitoring, 16 NBEMS Regional Command Centres were made operational across the country. The examination centres were also placed under live CCTV surveillance, which was continuously monitored from the NBEMS Command Centre at its Headquarters in Dwarka. A dedicated team of 190 personnel from NBEMS and TCS was deployed for real-time surveillance and monitoring. At the dedicated Command Centre at NBEMS Headquarters, officials from NBEMS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, BEL, ECIL and TCS maintained close and continuous oversight of the examination process throughout the day. As part of measures to further strengthen examination security and prevent impersonation, Aadhaar-based authentication of candidates was successfully undertaken at examination centres. Government agencies extended their full support towards the secure and orderly conduct of the examination. While the examination was successfully completed for the overwhelming majority of candidates nationwide, an unforeseen technical disruption occurred at iON Digital Zone iDZ Sitapura Centres, Jaipur, Rajasthan (TC Nos. 41682 and 41683), where the examination could not be completed for 2,445 candidates due to internal power supply issues at the test centres, attributable to M/s TCS Ltd., the examination conducting agency. NBEMS has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the affected candidates. To ensure that all affected candidates are provided a fair and equitable opportunity to appear in NEET-PG 2026, examination for these 2,445 candidates will be conducted on 05 September 2026 (Saturday) at 03:00 PM in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The successful conduct of the examination across 1,111 centres in 339 cities reflects the extensive coordination among examination authorities, medical institutions, faculty, security agencies, technology teams and other stakeholders involved in the nationwide exercise. NBEMS appreciates the cooperation, patience and trust of the candidates and acknowledges the dedicated efforts of all personnel and institutions associated with the conduct of NEET-PG 2026.

Make India drug-free: PM Modi appeals to citizens

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, August 30, appealed to citizens to unite against drug abuse and build a stronger future for the youth, noting that addiction engulfs not just an individual but impacts the entire society. In his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, he noted that the Drug-Free Youth for a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Statehood will return, Article 370 will not: JK BJP to Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Aug 30: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Sunday hit out at Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for urging political parties to unite for the restoration of Article 370, claiming that such statements are attempts to provoke the public and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere that has emerged in the valley after years of violence. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said Parliament took a historic constitutional decision on August 5, 2019, and the Supreme Court subsequently upheld the abrogation of Article 370. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should understand that Article 370 is not coming back. Parliament has buried Article 370 forever, and no political party, leader or pressure group can reverse that constitutional reality, Thakur said. He said such calls risked dragging Kashmir back into the politics of the past. Statements of this nature are meant to provoke people and vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the Valley once again. This will never be allowed. The nation has paid a very heavy price for the return of peace to Kashmir. The sacrifices of our brave security forces and civilians, including political workers who laid down their lives for peace and democracy, cannot be allowed to be undermined or challenged through politically motivated statements, Thakur said. He noted that Kashmir has experienced enough bloodshed, shutdowns, stone-pelting, and disruption, and that the people should not be pushed into another cycle of instability. Those who attempt to revive old fault lines must understand that Kashmir has moved ahead. Our youth want education, employment, entrepreneurship, investment, tourism and opportunities. They do not want to return to an era when shutdown calendars dictated their lives and violence dictated the future, he said. Thakur mentioned that political parties were free to express their views within the constitutional framework, but attempts to create agitation around an issue that had already been constitutionally settled would serve no purpose. Democracy gives everyone the right to speak and participate, but democracy cannot be reduced to repeatedly demanding the reversal of a constitutional decision that has already been upheld by the highest court of the country, he said. On the issue of statehood, Thakur said the BJP has made its position clear that it would be restored at an appropriate time. There is a clear distinction between statehood and Article 370. Statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, as has been stated by the Government. But there is absolutely no question of bringing back Article 370, he said. Those spreading confusion on this issue should stop misleading the people, he said.

Altaf Bukhari asks Mirwaiz to come forward, guide people on what needs to be done

Farmers commence harvesting walnuts in J-K's Kathua; find PM's Mann Ki Baat inspiring

Kathua, Aug 30: Farmers have commenced harvesting walnuts in the hilly regions of Bani in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Terming it the fruit of their hard work, farmers said they eagerly await the season to arrive, according to The News Mill. Farmers and their families are actively gathering ripe walnuts from traditional orchards, As the harvesting season starts in the hilly regions. The farmers in the regions use through natural farming methodsopf cultivation, cleaning and sun-drying harvested walnuts for five to six days before being sold in the market. Local farmers regard walnut cultivation as not only an agricultural activity but also a vital source of income and the culmination of year-long efforts. Madan Lal, a longtime horticulturist who owns around 100 walnut trees mainly of the Hamdan and Suleman varieties, reported an annual yield reaching up to 50,000 walnuts. He stated that walnut farming has been a crucial livelihood for nearly 30 years. Madan Lal added, I draw great inspiration whenever Prime Minister Modi speaks about farmers and horticulture; the Prime Ministers words regarding farmers and horticulture, shared through the Mann Ki Baat program, have encouraged me to move forward. Another cultivator, Adil, described his anticipation for the harvest each year, saying, They eagerly await the time when the walnuts ripen on the trees, and harvesting can begin. He said the post-harvest process, including thorough cleaning and sun-drying for about five to six days prior to market sale. Adil expressed pride in walnut cultivation, calling it the fruit of a years hard work and a reflection of my deep connection to the land. As per District Horticulture Officer Mohammad Shakeel, approximately 3,000 families in the Bani area of Kathua rely significantly on walnut production for their livelihoods. He noted that a single walnut sells for around 3 in the market, but it takes considerable time for a sapling to mature and bear fruit. Once a tree reaches full productivity, it can generate an income of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 per season, Shakeel said. He further emphasised the considerable potential for walnut farming in the region and stated that the Horticulture Department is actively encouraging farmers and promoting the sector. For the past two years, the department has focused on the Chandler walnut variety, which Shakeel described as a premium-quality type offering promising prospects for the areas farmers.

Death toll reaches 734 in Nepal flash floods

Kathmandu, Aug 30: The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal rose to 734 on Sunday, with more bodies being recovered even as nearly 2,500 people are still missing following the disaster. Bodies have been recovered from all eight affected districts as rescuers race against time to search for those missing and rescue those stranded on the fifth day since the disaster. An ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream, wiping out towns and villages, damaging crucial infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations through central Nepal on Wednesday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said the death toll of the tragedy has surged to 734. So far, 259 dead bodies have been recovered from Chitwan, 184 from Nawalparasi East, 82 from Nawalparasi West and 58 from Gorkha districts, the NDRRMA said. Similarly, 52 bodies have been recovered from Nuwakot, 50 from Dhading, 36 from Tanahu and 13 from Rasuwa. It said that 2,498 people are also missing, including 85 security personnel and 320 foreigners. Rescuers have so far evacuated 8,186 people from the affected districts, including 227 foreigners, it said.

If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu: Bhagwat

New York, Aug 29: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain a Hindu. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said this while addressing the One World: One Humanity Faith Leaders Summit here. Bhagwat said that in Bharat, people of all denominations live. By tradition, Bharat has given shelter to everybody. Those who could not find a safe place in the world came to Bharat, where they found their place, he said. We as RSS think, because we have this knowledge that world humanity is one, it is our duty to go all over the world and tell everybody that, in spite of diversities, we are one, he said. Muslim brothers asked me a question: You are a Hindu organisation, you see Hindu Rashtra, what about us Muslims? Would you drive us out? I said, no, that is not Hindutva. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu, he said. Where there is me and mine, there is no solution. We and ours is the solution, he added. We (RSS) are serving. While serving, we dont see discrimination. Whoever is in need, we are serving. One lakh thirty thousand service projects are being run by our Swayamsevaks with the help of society. They served everywhere and served equally, Bhagwat said. Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS centenary-year global outreach programme. His outreach tour also includes Canada and the UK. In the US, he is scheduled to address a gathering of around 5,000 people at the iconic Madison Square Garden. In the US, Bhagwat has held meetings and discussions with members of the diaspora, Indian-American business executives and community leaders. The RSS chief also visited the Bhakti Centre in New York and also paid tributes to Indian spiritual leader Srila A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Nepal flash floods highlight need for planned settlement, scientific assessments: Experts

New Delhi, Aug 30: The devastating flash floods in Nepal have driven home important lessons of undertaking systematic scientific assessments of glaciers in order to understand and mitigate hazards and to develop a land use policy in the Himalayan region, experts said. Over 460 people from Nepal and Tibet have been killed, and thousands, including Indian tourists, are missing after massive flash floods hit parts of Nepal on Wednesday, wreaking havoc across several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects. Initial speculation after a sudden surge near the Nepal-Tibet border crossing in Rasuwagadhi included a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and an avalanche. However, researchers from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based near Kathmandu, are investigating whether an ice-rock avalanche originating from a high-altitude location may have triggered the floods. A large volume of ice and rock debris may have entered the Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, which could have generated a sudden surge carrying water, sediment and large boulders downstream, they said, based on a preliminary assessment of video footage and information from affected areas. It is related to climate change because the snow covers are reducing, the glaciers are receding, more rocky or barren areas are exposed -- they absorb more heat, which makes the slopes more vulnerable, Mohd Farooq Azam, senior cryosphere specialist at ICIMOD and associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, told PTI. Even though the exact cause is yet to be ascertained, he added, it may be a result of less snow cover, receding glaciers, and some permafrost degradation in the area. Extreme precipitation events, especially heavy snowfall, in the Himalayas only temporarily increase snow accumulation, a study published in Global and Planetary Change has found. Climate change has also contributed to an increase in glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh, with a recent study, published in the Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, showing an increase of 525 per cent in the lakes between 1990 and 2024, with a doubling in area. Smaller lakes have increased from nine in number to 487. There are different mechanisms through which glacial lakes can form. They may be dammed by moraines, glacier ice, bedrock depressions, or other geomorphological features, author Reet Kamal Tiwari, associate professor and head, department of civil engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, told PTI. However, the mere presence of a glacial lake does not necessarily mean that it poses an immediate threat to nearby communities, he said. We first need to assess the vulnerability and stability of the lake and identify the possible external triggers that could lead to a sudden release of water. The concern is not simply the increasing number of glacial lakes; it is the combination of increasing hazard potential and increasing downstream exposure, Tiwari said. Triggers may include landslides, intense rainfall, snow or ice avalanches, rockfalls, or the collapse of a hanging glacier, he said. Soniya Rijal, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney in Australia, said that a lack of a warning system built only around rain-related events also contributed to the disaster. What this event shows is that our warning systems, formal and informal, are built around rain. I have heard that people in the affected valleys were alerting their neighbours before the water arrived, but because there had been no heavy rainfall, many did not take the warnings seriously, she said. Rijal is from Kathmandu. Azam said, We have very limited data. We need to improve data, the basic understanding on the ground, and develop specific models for the Himalayan region and early warning systems, especially low-cost ones, so that we can install it many places wherever we have hot spots. The flash floods are similar to those in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, when a massive ice and rock avalanche from the Ronti peak triggered a sudden surge of water, impacting the Rishi Ganga, Dhauliganga, and Alaknanda rivers in February 2021. Hydropower projects were severely damaged and about 300 people, mostly workers at the dam sites, were reported killed or missing. Every disaster is unique. First, we need to understand the processes, and then we need to design some mitigation measures accordingly, Azam said. Tiwari said, The first requirement is proper scientific assessment of potentially hazardous glacial lakes and their downstream areas. A proper assessment should examine the lake, its dam and surrounding terrain, possible triggering mechanisms, downstream flow paths, and the settlements and infrastructure that could be affected, he said. Authorities should involve experts with appropriate experience in glaciology, geomorphology, hydrology, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, and disaster management, Tiwari added. Further, the flash floods drive the urgency of developing land use policies, Azam said. The problem is we are settling very close to the river and sometimes on the river. The urgency is to develop a land use policy, he said. There should be proper planning for the settlement infrastructure development, because these events will happen and we understand that over the last couple of decades, the frequency as well as magnitude of such events have increased, he added. Azam also pointed to how there needs to be an assessment of how the environment can impact infrastructure. When we develop an infrastructure, we have to do environment impact assessment. But now is the time when we need to do environment's impact assessment on the infrastructure, he said. If there is some heavy rainfall, some cloud burst, some glacial lake outburst flood, or something like what happened yesterday, what would be the impact on the settlement and infrastructure? So we don't have this kind of assessment anywhere, Azam said.

49 Indians among 261 foreigners missing after flash flood on Tibet-Nepal border: Officials

Beijing, Aug 30: Chinese officials on Sunday said 261 foreign nationals, including 49 Indians, remained unaccounted for after a catastrophic flash flood struck Gyirong Port, one of the main border crossings between Nepal and Tibet, on August 26. The 261 foreigners are from 23 countries, Chinese officials told a media briefing at Gyirong, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The media briefing was held after a joint search and cross-checking of information by foreign affairs, public security, culture and tourism, and emergency management authorities. Those unaccounted for include 104 people from Nepal, 49 from India, 33 from Latvia, 18 from the United States, 15 from Britain, six from Canada, six from Australia, four from South Africa, three each from Malaysia, Germany and Russia, two each from Ireland, Estonia, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, and one each from Kazakhstan, Finland, Lithuania, Portugal, Ukraine, Spain and Hungary, it reported. A large number of Indian pilgrims were visiting Tibet to take part in the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra after ties between China and India improved. Some of the Indian pilgrims were reportedly at the immigration building at the Tibet-Nepal border when the flood struck the region, wreaking havoc in Gyirong County in Tibet. Videos of the giant flash flood engulfing the sprawling immigration building went viral globally.

SKUAST-K mobilises 200 farmers at Kokernag to strengthen FPOs, farm-based livelihoods

Anantnag, Aug 29: A Mega Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mobilisation-cum-Sensitisation Drive was organised at Kokernag, Anantnag, under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP), bringing together around 200 farmers, rural youth, FPO promoters, agricultural experts, officials and other stakeholders to promote farmer collectivisation, entrepreneurship and sustainable farm-based livelihoods. The programme focused on strengthening awareness about FPOs and their potential to improve farmers' access to markets, technology, finance and value addition through collective action. It also provided a platform for interaction with FPOs and startups and discussions on opportunities for strengthening farmer-led enterprises. Chief Guest and Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, stressed that FPOs must focus on collectivisation, value addition, branding and market linkages, citing the AMUL model as an example of successful farmer collectivisation. Highlighting the potential of Mushk Budji rice, he called for robust value chains, branding and quality standards to position the distinctive Kashmiri rice in wider markets, including international markets such as Japan. Prof. Ganie also highlighted the role of the SKUAST-K Branding Centre in professional branding and packaging of agricultural products to enhance their market identity. Referring to the Junglenad, Pulwama model, he noted that around 60 farmers pooled nearly 100 kanals of land for consolidated farming and adoption of High-Density Plantation (HDP), with the HDP apple plantation generating more than 1 crore in returns within one year. He described the initiative as a replicable model of collective farming and technology adoption. He further informed the gathering that SKUAST-K has initiated a Centre of Excellence for Tulip at Sagam, Kokernag, aimed at promoting advanced tulip cultivation, quality planting material, technology dissemination and value-chain development, with such centres having the potential to serve as models for technology transfer and commercialisation while creating new livelihood opportunities for farmers. Dr. Ashaq H. Pandit, Project Coordinator, JKCIP, highlighted the role of FPOs in empowering farmers and creating opportunities for rural youth. Prof. H.R. Naik, Nodal Officer, JKCIP, SKUAST-Kashmir, spoke on institutional support and the importance of collectivisation in strengthening the agricultural sector. The Chief Agriculture Officer, Anantnag Shahnawaz Hussain and Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-Kashmir, also shared their perspectives on strengthening farmer institutions and agricultural development. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension and Chairperson, Upscaling Collectivization, emphasized farmer aggregation, capacity building and collective marketing. During the inaugural session, Dr. Danish Mushtaq, FPO Development Officer (FODO), JKCIP, set the context for the programme, while Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator, UC-JKCIP, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the mobilisation drive. The programme also witnessed the release of literature related to FPO development and farmer-oriented initiatives. Cheques were presented to beneficiaries as part of the project's efforts to support sustainable livelihood opportunities among farmers and rural communities. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ishtiyaq A. Khan, Head, KVK Anantnag.

Govt taking steps to modernise schools, bridge teacher gaps: MLA Ehsan Pardesi

Srinagar, Aug 29:Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Lal Chowk constituency Ehsan Pardesi Saturday said the government has initiated measures to upgrade elementary level schools with a focus on improving infrastructure and creating a better learning environment for students. Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of the Annual Day function of Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Srinagar, MLA Ehsan Pardesi said that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have already been prepared for several schools housed in old buildings, while the government was planning to construct modern school buildings at various locations in Lal Chowk constituency. The government has already taken initiatives to improve our elementary level schools. Modern infrastructure would provide students with a better ambience and environment for learning, he said. On the disproportionate pupil-teacher ratio in elementary level schools of Lal Chowk constituency, MLA Pardesi said that the government was already working on the serious issue. I hope that the staff gaps would be addressed in the future, he said. Pardesi, however, said that choosing between government and private schools remains the prerogative of parents. He referred to his recent visit to KothiBagh School and said he was informed by the principal that several parents whose kids were earlier enrolled in private schools have enrolled them in the government school. Earlier in his address at the occasion, MLA Ehsan Pardesi stressed the need to have dedicated funds to maintain the existing school infrastructure. He said every school should have a provision for regular maintenance so that existing facilities do not deteriorate. Our Director School Education is here. I would request that some funds should be kept available with the school for the maintenance of the existing infrastructure, he said. He said the government usually constructs buildings without any provision for its maintenance. A school should look like a school. It is important that any new infrastructure which comes up remains properly maintained, he added. He congratulated the faculty, management and students of GGHSS Amira Kadal, Srinagar for their performance and wished them success in the future.

Melting glacier returns Austrian climbers backpack after 63 years

An 86-year-old Austrian man has been reunited with climbing equipment he lost in a glacier crevasse more than six decades ago, after melting ice brought the belongings back to the surface, CNN reported. A hiker discovered the backpack last month on the Sulztalferner glacier in Austrias western Tyrol region, at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres. Austrian police found an ice axe, camera, whistle and a weathered document folder inside. Police initially investigated whether the backpack could be linked to an old mountaineering accident. Documents inside eventually revealed the owners name, allowing officers to trace him. Investigators found that the man had lost the equipment during a climbing expedition in August 1963. He had fallen into a crevasse while roped to several companions. Although his companions managed to pull him out, he abandoned the backpack to reduce his weight. The equipment remained buried in the glacier for 63 years before emerging as the ice melted. The man, whose name has not been released, could not collect the belongings himself because of ill health. Police instead handed them over to his son, who expressed gratitude for their return, according to Tirol police. The unusual discovery comes as glaciers in the Alps and elsewhere continue to shrink because of rising global temperatures. Melting ice has increasingly exposed objects and human remains that had remained preserved for decades or even thousands of years. In 1991, hikers in the Italian Alps discovered the remarkably preserved body of tzi the Iceman, who died around 5,300 years ago.

Online platforms can aid education, but ethics gap must be bridged by teachers, students: DSEK

Srinagar, Aug 29:Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Amira Kadal celebrated its annual day on Saturday with a blend of cultural performances, academic recognition and a tribute to the role of parents in shaping students achievements. The annual function also witnessed the release of the school magazine Uqaab, which showcased the creative and academic contributions of the students. Adding colour to the celebrations, students presented a series of cultural performances centredaround the theme of inclusiveness and social harmony. The programme featured Ladakhi dance, Punjabi performance and the traditional Kashmiri Rouf which highlighted the diversity of Indias cultural landscape. However, the most poignant moment of the function came when mothers of students who had excelled in the previous years JK Board of School Education (JKBOE) examinations were felicitated on behalf of their children. The mothers of a few meritorious students attended the annual day function of the school and were felicitated on behalf of their kids, who were not present at the felicitation ceremony of their school As the mothers walked onto the stage with pride to receive the honours, the ceremony turned into an emotional acknowledgement of the families behind the students success. The moment made the gesture a special recognition of the mothers contribution and support. In his address, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lal Chowk Constituency Ehsan Pardesi hailed the school administration, particularly the principal, for carrying forward the legacy of the institution. Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, in his address stressed the need for strengthening ethical and social values among students. He said that while technology has made access to education easier, values such as respect and responsibility cannot be acquired from online platforms alone. Students today have access to a wide range of educational resources through YouTube and other online platforms, but the responsibility of imparting ethics and social values rests with students themselves and their teachers, he added. Respect for our colleagues, respect for our teachers and respect for our parents is very important, he added. He further urged the students to remain conscious of their responsibility towards society. DSEK said the message emerging from the traditional Ladi Shah performance by a school student was the one that everyone should follow in their daily lives. Education should not remain confined to academic achievement but character-building and ethical conduct must form an integral part of a students development, he added. He congratulated the students who were felicitated during the function and appreciated their efforts across academics, sports and cultural activities. He also lauded students for pursuing diverse career paths, including medicine, humanities and sports. He said the Annual Day function is a special function as students look forward to the occasion throughout the year and work during the academic session to improve their performance, showcase creativity and earn recognition. He also appreciated students who participated in academic, sporting and cultural events and congratulated the school management for organising the felicitation ceremony, release of the school magazine and cultural performances with coordination. Chief Education Officer Srinagar Ghulam Mohiudin Bhat and Principal GGHSS Amira KadalNusratManzoor also spoke at the occasion.

Budgam-Katra train services resume, Sundays to remain off

Ramban, Aug 29:Train services between Budgam and Katra resumed on Saturday, August 29, providing relief to passengers travelling between the Kashmir Valley and Katra, official sources said. According to officials, Train No. 04688 (BudgamKatra) and Train No. 04687 (KatraBudgam) have been restored and will operate as per the revised schedule. However, the services will remain suspended every Sunday. The resumption is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, particularly for passengers travelling between Budgam, other parts of the Valley and Katra. The services are also likely to benefit commuters, students, employees, visitors and pilgrims by providing an additional mode of transportation between the two regions. The development assumes significance as rail connectivity has emerged as an important link between Kashmir and the Jammu region, facilitating passenger movement and reducing dependence on road transport. Officials advised passengers to check the latest railway timetable and operational status before planning their journeys, particularly when travelling on Sundays, when the services will remain suspended. The restoration of the BudgamKatra services is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passengers between the Valley and Katra and further strengthen rail connectivity between the two regions.

3 days after floods, 1st Chinese rescue team reaches devastated Gyirong Port

Three days after devastating floods swept through areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, Chinas first major rescue team reached the worst-hit Gyirong Port on Friday, with rescuers forced to trek through dense forests and steep canyons after roads were destroyed, BBC reported. Six personnel from the Tibet fire and rescue service, along with 15 rescuers and a search dog from the Sichuan fire and rescue service, reached the area at around 4.30 pm local time, Chinas state broadcaster CCTV reported. The deployment came as the official death toll in Tibet rose to seven, with 554 people still missing, according to Chinese state media. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue teams gain access to areas cut off by the floods. There was no road... it was all virgin forest and sheer cliffs, rescue worker Zou Mingqi told Reuters. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but ruins. CCTV said the rescue teams had to cross dense forest and canyons to reach the affected area near Gyirong Port, a key crossing on the Nepal-Tibet border that was badly damaged by the flooding. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel over the disaster, saying he was confident that the people of China and Nepal would join hands to overcome this disaster as soon as possible and rebuild their homes. Chinese authorities have warned that continued heavy rain over the weekend could further hamper rescue operations and trigger mudslides in some areas.

Closer specialised care can ensure timely treatment, reduce patient travel: SakeenaItoo

Srinagar, Aug 29: Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, SakeenaItoo, today inaugurated the Department of Radiology, including CT Scan, along with the Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology and Medical Oncology at Imam Hussain Multispecialty Hospital, Hamdania Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. The newly operationalised services mark a significant step towards expanding access to specialised and affordable healthcare facilities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the Imam Hussain Hospital Foundation for its sustained contribution to the healthcare sector and for providing medical services on a no-profit, no-loss basis. The hospital, which has been functioning since 1990, has progressively expanded from its initial healthcare initiatives, including a Blood Bank, into a multispecialty healthcare institution offering a range of specialised medical and surgical services. The Minister said that strengthening diagnostic and specialised treatment facilities closer to the people is essential for ensuring timely intervention and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for advanced healthcare. The hospital authorities informed that during 2025-26, the institution provided OPD services to approximately 20,000 patients. Around 700 surgical procedures, including major oncology surgeries, were also performed during the last 14 months. The hospital further conducted approximately 2,500 dialysis sessions, while around 500 dialysis sessions were provided free of cost to patients before the hospital was linked with the Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (PMJAY). The hospital is presently providing services through multiple speciality departments at affordable and subsidised rates, with particular focus on patients from economically weaker sections. A number of surgical procedures have also been undertaken free of cost for underprivileged patients. The Minister underscored the importance of partnerships between the public and non-profit healthcare sectors in strengthening the overall health ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the availability of modern diagnostic, cardiac and oncology services under one roof would provide greater convenience and timely care to patients. She expressed hope that the newly inaugurated facilities would further enhance the hospitals capacity to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people.

Mirwaiz urges J&K political parties to strive for restoration of statehood, condemns threat to Kashmiri Pandits

Srinagar, Aug 29:Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday asserted that political parties from Jammu and Kashmir should make efforts for restoration of statehood and Article 370, saying it is their moral responsibility to raise their voice for the rights of people. Our rights were snatched away by force. Our statehood was abolished, we were made a Union territory. The government should uphold the promises made to people prior to the elections, Farooq told reporters here. The preacher also termed alleged threats to Kashmiri Pandits residing in the Valley deeply unfortunate. We have consistently reiterated that Kashmiri Pandits are an integral part of our society, history, culture, and our future. They are not outsiders, they belong here. We have always advocated for their return and will continue our efforts, as should the government, he asserted. Lashing out at the NC-led government, the Mirwaiz accused it of losing sight of its priorities. They have been unable to instill confidence in people regarding their snatched rights, the splitting of Jammu and Kashmir, and the complete disregard for constitutional commitments, he added. He said the Centre had essentially revoked all the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. They revoked all constitutional guarantees. So, it is the moral responsibility of mainstream political parties to stand up for these issues. They must raise their voice for restoration of rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and present a unified voice in this regard, he added. On Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdis decision to quit the Lok Sabha and the National Conference (NC), the Mirwaiz hailed the parliamentarian as a staunch voice committed to raising peoples issues, and urged all organisations and parties of Jammu and Kashmir to follow suit. They must stand by these constitutional guarantees, the commitments they made to people, their manifesto, and their election plank, he said. He also criticised the government over hike in electricity tariff. The government must recognise that Jammu and Kashmirs economy is already going through a very fragile phase. Common, low-income citizens are in no position to endure escalating power tariffs. The administration should have deferred this increase, he said. The Mirwaiz expressed solidarity with the victims of the Nepal tragedy and their families, asserting that the flash flood disaster should serve as a warning for Jammu and Kashmir. We also reside in this Himalayan region. Over the past couple of years, we have seen changing weather patterns and climatic shifts driven by global warming. God has blessed Kashmir with immense natural beauty. Protecting this is our foremost responsibility, he said. He said while people want development, tourism and infrastructure, it cannot come at the cost of our ecology and environment. Farooq said human interference with the ecosystem is largely responsible for weather vagaries and natural disasters. While we will hold the administration accountable, we must also introspect. Unplanned and unregulated construction continues unchecked across tourist destinations and fragile hilly terrains like Pahalgam. If this persists, we are heading toward an ecological disaster. Authorities and policy experts must formulate a well-structured roadmap to safeguard this Himalayan belt, he said.

J&K is becoming a hub of innovation, resilience in health sector: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 29:The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the 3rd edition of the CII Jammu & Kashmir Health Conclave today. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the transformative vision of Health Services Anytime, Anywhere and highlighted the role of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth in shaping the future of healthcare. Extending best wishes to Ujala Cygnus for its new initiative, the Peace and Wellbeing Foundation, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the conclave is a platform for discussion and a collective opportunity to redefine healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir and other states. Citing the example of an ASHA worker using tele-consultation to connect patients in remote villages with district hospitals, the Lieutenant Governor said that telemedicine is a revolutionary step that eliminates geographical barriers. He stressed that technology must serve humanity, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to timely medical care. The Lieutenant Governor said that modern tools should inspire solutions for easy accessibility of best possible healthcare to all the citizens. He urged stakeholders to make Jammu and Kashmir a laboratory for low-cost, high-impact innovations such as drone-based delivery of medical supplies and solar-powered cold chains for high-altitude health centres. The Lieutenant Governor outlined three pressing challenges confronting global health systems including rising healthcare expenditure. He called for a shift towards prevention, early intervention and regular screening to reduce dependence on costly treatments. We need to move beyond a system that treats illness to one that protects and promotes health. We must prioritise regular screening, easy access to primary healthcare services and timely treatment, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also emphasised expanding training capacity, supporting wellbeing of medical staff and leveraging telemedicine to extend reach. We need to expand training capacity in medical and nursing education and ensure access to health services in rural and remote areas through telemedicine. Most importantly, we must also take care of the wellbeing of our health workers. Better staffing, reduced administrative burden and mental-health support are fundamental requirements of a strong health system, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accessibility, affordability and universal insurance coverage has been ensured and health inequality has been eliminated. Under the leadership of the Honble Prime Minister, efforts are being made to link health records across the country through a secure digital system. This will enable any authorised doctor, wherever they may be, to access a patients health history within moments. At the same time, patients retain control over who can view their information and how much information they can access, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted significant progress in Jammu and Kashmirs healthcare infrastructure, including 2 new AIIMS institutions, 10 new medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, specialised hospitals including Bone & Joint and Paediatric facilities, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges and 5 pharmacy colleges, which are historic steps towards social justice and equitable healthcare. The Lieutenant Governor urged the conclave to deliberate on key priorities of developing modern primary health centres in every village linked to district networks, harnessing AI for early detection of diseases while supporting doctors decisions, strengthening disease surveillance, genomic capacity, and local manufacturing of diagnostic kits and building a robust health workforce through nursing and paramedical institutions, continuous skill development and strong collaboration between government and private sector. Private hospitals and industries associated with the health sector must also join this effort, recognising it as an important task of nation-building. I believe that the strongest health systems are those in which the government and the private sector work together for public welfare, combining their capabilities, speed and innovation, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the true measure of success lies in improved lives. He envisioned a future where families in Kupwara need not travel hours for routine care, workers in Rajouri are free from financial fear and medical graduates can build their careers within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Advanced treatment and modern health facilities must be accessible to all so that we may establish the principles of social justice and equality. The health of an individual or a family affects opportunities, productivity and overall well-being of the society, he said.

CAIT Kashmir expands leadership structure to strengthen traders voice across J&K

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Kashmir Chapter has expanded and strengthened its organisational structure with the constitution of a new core team and an advisory and coordination mechanism aimed at ensuring wider representation of the trading community across J&K. The move is intended to take CAITs trader-focused initiatives to the grassroots and establish a structured platform through which issues, suggestions and concerns of traders from different districts and markets can be represented before the concerned authorities. The chapter will be headed by Farhan Kitab as President, while Peer Imtiyaz Ul Hassan has been appointed Secretary General. The executive committee comprises Omer Bhat as Senior Vice President, Parvez Ahmad Bhat as Additional General Secretary, Farooq Ahmad Rangrez as Treasurer and Mohammad Altaf Dar as Publicity Head. To strengthen regional representation, Tariq Ahmad Magaloo has been appointed Vice President for North Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Vice President for South Kashmir and Wasim Afrooz Vice President for Central Kashmir. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie has been appointed Chief Coordinator, while Fayaz Ahmad Wani will serve as District President, Pulwama, and Spokesperson. Speaking about the organisational expansion, CAIT Kashmir Chapter President Farhan Kitab said the objective was to build a stronger, more inclusive and responsive organisation that remained connected with traders at every level. Our strength lies in our unity. Every trader, whether from a major market or a small town, must have a voice and a platform. Through this expanded structure, we want to ensure that the concerns of traders reach the right forums systematically and effectively. We will work collectively to find solutions and create new opportunities for the business community of J&K, Kitab said. He said the new team would focus on strengthening district-level coordination, empowering market associations, addressing issues faced by traders, improving the ease of doing business, facilitating dialogue with government authorities and creating opportunities for the growth of trade and commerce in Jammu & Kashmir. Kitab also highlighted the potential of Jammu & Kashmir in sectors including handicrafts, handloom, horticulture, saffron, dry fruits and tourism. He said greater efforts were needed to provide local businesses with improved market access, branding, technology and opportunities in national and international markets. He reiterated that the CAIT Kashmir Chapter remained committed to the vision of Vocal for Local, Local to Global, with a focus on empowering MSMEs, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, artisans and traditional businesses and helping them become more competitive in the national and global marketplace. We want to transform the trading community from being merely a stakeholder into an active partner in Jammu & Kashmirs economic development. CAIT Kashmir will continue to work as a bridge between traders, industry and the government, while ensuring that no trader or market is left behind, Kitab added.

Livguard expands retail presence in Kashmir

Livguard, an energy storage solutions company, has expanded its presence in Jammu and Kashmir with the opening of its first Exclusive Business Outlet (EBO) in Anantnag, in partnership with its new distributor, Malik Solar Agency. The new outlet is aimed at bringing Livguards portfolio closer to consumers in Kashmir and providing a dedicated space where customers can explore the companys energy and power backup solutions. The outlet offers a range of products, including energy storage solutions, smart lithium solutions, solar solutions, home power backup systems and batteries for various applications. The expansion marks Livguards entry into the Kashmir market and is expected to strengthen its ability to cater to the power requirements of households, businesses and other consumers in Anantnag and adjoining areas. The company said the outlet will provide consumers with greater access to its products and enable them to select solutions based on their specific energy storage and backup requirements. The move comes as Jammu and Kashmirs electricity consumer base continues to expand. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Survey 2025-26, the number of electricity consumers in the Union Territory reached 24.59 lakh by November 2025. The growing consumer base represents an expanding market for energy storage and power backup solutions. For Livguard, the Anantnag outlet is also intended to strengthen engagement with local consumers and channel partners and provide the company with a better understanding of the regions evolving energy needs. Speaking on the expansion, Alankar Mittal, President, Livguard, said the companys priority was to make dependable and future-ready energy solutions more accessible to consumers in new markets. Jammu & Kashmir presents an important opportunity for Livguard, and the launch of our first Exclusive Business Outlet in Anantnag marks an important step in strengthening our presence in the region, Mittal said. Through this outlet, we aim to offer consumers greater choice, easier access and solutions tailored to their evolving power needs, while building stronger relationships with our local partners, he said. The company said the Anantnag outlet is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its retail network in high-potential markets. Livguard plans to explore opportunities in other key markets across Kashmir as it seeks to expand its reach and channel network in the region.

Poor cellular service irks Nagranar villagers in Kupwara

Handwara, Aug, 29: Residents of Nagranar village in Rajwar area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district have accused private telecom operators Jio and Airtel of providing poor mobile connectivity, saying the problem has persisted for years. We can barely make a phone call from our village, a resident told Greater Kashmir . The network remains weak most of the time. Residents said the situation becomes worse during emergencies. We have to walk outside the village just to get a signal and make a call, another villager said. They demanded that a mobile tower be installed in the locality to improve voice and internet services. Students said poor internet connectivity has affected their education. We are unable to attend online classes because the internet hardly works, a student said. The villagers urged Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb and other concerned officials to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest.

High Court dismisses daily-rated workers plea over regularisation

Srinagar, Aug 29:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has dismissed daily rated workers pleas seeking inclusion of their names in the list of Permanent Daily Labourers (PDLs) and Temporary Daily Labourers (TDLs) for their regularisation under SRO 520 of 2017. A division bench of Chief Justice (Acting) Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani while dismissing two intra-court appeals by aggrieved daily-rated workers, upheld the October 31, 2025 judgment of its single bench. The appellants had failed to establish that they were engaged before the March 17, 2015 cut-off date, the bench said. The claim of the appellants was that they were engaged between 2012 and 2015 and that their names had appeared in earlier departmental lists but were subsequently excluded from the list of 472 PDLs and TDLs considered for regularisation. Moreover, they had called in question the inclusion of 37 other persons in the list. In response to the contention, the court noted that an Inquiry Committee, after examining departmental records, found that the appellants were not borne on the relevant muster rolls or regular wage lists and that their CVs had been prepared after the ban on fresh engagement of daily wagers came into effect on March 17, 2015. Mere inclusion in an earlier or preliminary departmental list could not, by itself, establish engagement prior to the cut-off date or create an enforceable right to regularisation, the court said. While the bench found no merit in the contention of the appellants that their earlier inclusion created any right in their favour, it said a preliminary or provisional inclusion in a departmental list, by itself, cannot confer any right to regularisation when the requirement of engagement prior to the cut-off date remains un-established. The contention regarding the inclusion of 37 other persons also does not advance the case of the appellants. The Court observed that in order to claim parity, the appellants must first establish that they were similarly situated to the persons who were ultimately included in the final list. The respondents have explained that, upon verification, the persons included in the final list are found to have been engaged prior to the imposition of ban on fresh engagement of daily wagers with effect from 17.03.2015, the court said, after hearing appellants counsel and AAG Shahbaz Sikander. Dismissing the appeals, the division bench upheld the single judges decision.

Seamless coordination, upgraded facilities make Amarnath Yatra safer, smoother

Srinagar, Aug 29:Walking the high-altitude, rugged mountain trails toward the holy Amarnath Cave in the Himalayas has long been regarded as one of the country's most physically demanding pilgrimages. This year, however, hundreds of thousands of devotees recounted a markedly different experience, one defined by improved comfort, synchronised administration and robust safety measures. Driven by multi-departmental cooperation led by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the Jammu and Kashmir administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Indian Army and disaster response teams, this year's Yatra stands out as a benchmark for high-altitude pilgrimage management. The annual 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra concluded on Friday, with officials, devotees and stakeholders hailing this year's pilgrimage as one of the most organised, comfortable and secure in recent memory. Nearly 4.80 lakh devotees paid obeisance at the high-altitude cave shrine, benefiting from a major overhaul in ground-level infrastructure, inter-agency coordination and digital management. Through a coordinated approach involving the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, SASB, the Indian Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, disaster management teams and local service providers, the standard of facilities saw significant upgrades. Prior to the launch of the pilgrimage, authorities widened and reinforced the tracks along both the traditional Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes. Railings were installed along hazardous cliff sides, and track lighting was upgraded to allow safe transit during early morning and late evening hours. To address high-altitude weather challenges, base camps at Baltal and Chandanwari were outfitted with weatherproof, temperature-controlled tents. In a move to enforce safety and prevent overcharging, officials mandated fire extinguishers across all tented accommodations and implemented a 100% prepaid rate structure for services like ponies, palanquins and porters. Healthcare saw substantial investments, with full-fledged base hospitals operational at major transit points. Equipped with oxygen booths, critical-care beds and high-altitude sickness specialists, these centres handled thousands of outpatient visits daily and offered immediate relief to pilgrims experiencing acute mountain sickness. Digital coordination played a pivotal role this season. Mandatory RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags for all pilgrims and transport vehicles enabled authorities to track crowd movement in real time and initiate quick responses during sudden weather shifts. Concurrently, a zero-waste sanitation drive ensured continuous cleanliness along the trekking routes, supported by dedicated municipal teams and green volunteers operating round the clock. Addressing reporters during a camp inspection earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had emphasised that the upgraded management not only enhanced pilgrim safety but also injected vitality into the local economy. Thousands of locals, ranging from handicraft artisans to pony operators and tent owners, saw steady livelihoods thanks to the disciplined and highly accessible pilgrimage framework. Devotees departing from base camps expressed high satisfaction with reduced waiting times, transparent service pricing and overall cleanliness. Many Yatris who spoke to Greater Kashmir during the Yatra said they were satisfied with the arrangements and management. They said the better facilities had made the pilgrimage more comfortable and smooth. Pilgrims from across the country flocked to Jammu and Kashmir for the revered Amarnathji Yatra, expressing their appreciation for the enhanced infrastructure and amenities. They said the annual pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of devotees each year, had seen significant improvements in its facilities, making the spiritual journey more comfortable and memorable for all participants. One of the key enhancements has been the widening of tracks leading to the holy cave. The broader paths have eased the movement of pilgrims, reduced congestion and ensured a safer trek. Improved signage along the route has also been noted, helping pilgrims navigate the journey with greater ease. Sanitation facilities have seen considerable upgrades, with more restrooms and better waste-management systems in place. Cleanliness and hygiene, crucial for the health and well-being of pilgrims, have been given top priority. Many devotees have praised these efforts, highlighting the availability of clean drinking water and well-maintained washrooms as major improvements. The provision of nutritious food has also added to the pilgrims' satisfaction. In addition to these, other essential services such as medical aid and resting shelters have also been enhanced. Medical camps equipped with necessary supplies and staffed by trained professionals were stationed along the route, ready to assist pilgrims with any health concerns. Temporary shelters provided much-needed rest for weary pilgrims, while improved transportation options made access to the base camps more convenient. The government had appointed two IAS officers as nodal officers for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage and better coordination. Rahul Yadav, Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC), was posted as Nodal Officer for the Baltal axis, while Shahid Chaudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, was posted as Nodal Officer for the Pahalgam axis. Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha was personally monitoring the Yatra. Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, SASB, the Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were regularly updating the LG on the arrangements and developments along the two axes. The civil and police administration worked day and night to ensure a hassle-free and incident-free Yatra. Security personnel drawn from the Army, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police were deployed this year. Adequate security arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. CRPF contingents, the Army, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal, besides Jammu and Kashmir Police, were also deployed for the Yatra. State and national disaster response forces were deployed as well. Notably, during the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, the holy cave is approached by pilgrims either through the 46-km-long traditional Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panchtarni trek or through the 14-km-long Baltal-Dumail trek.

FDA conducts 140 inspections; 55 food samples lifted across J&K

The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, conducted food safety enforcement activities across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. During the drive, 140 inspections were conducted and 55 food samples were lifted for testing of quality and safety parameters. The samples included Milk and Milk Products, Edible Oils and Spices, besides other food commodities. As part of the enforcement action, 17 Improvement Notices were issued to various Food Business Operators under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and 11 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, involving a total penalty of 11,000. Further, 97 food labels were scrutinized for compliance with the prescribed labelling requirements, out of which two labels were found non-compliant with the applicable labelling provisions. Besides, one food business registration was cancelled in Reasi district for contravention of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The enforcement activities covered food business establishments, e-commerce establishments dealing with food items, milk and milk products, edible oils, spices and imported food items. Food supplied through PDS, MDM and ICDS channels was also covered during the exercise. The activities were carried out in the districts of Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Srinagar, Anantnag, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Budgam. The concerned Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been instructed to continue inspections, sampling, label scrutiny and enforcement activities and to take action against violations in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made there under. Consumers have been requested to remain vigilant and report any suspected case of unsafe, adulterated or sub-standard food through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.

JKUM protests in Ganderbal against 6.83% power tariff hike

Ganderbal, Aug 29:Members and workers of the Jammu & Kashmir United Movement (JKUM), led by party chairman Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, staged a protest in Ganderbal on Saturday against the 6.83% electricity tariff hike approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protesters demanded an immediate rollback of the hike, saying the revised charges would put an additional financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the gathering, Jabbar termed the decision an unjustified burden on lower- and middle-income families already grappling with inflation and unemployment. At a time when the public expects economic relief and basic amenities at affordable rates, imposing higher power charges is completely anti-people, Jabbar said. He urged the government to fulfil its electoral commitments on electricity relief, including the promise of providing free baseline power units. Instead of increasing power charges, the government should provide relief to consumers and fulfil its electoral promises, Jabbar said. The protesters called for immediate intervention by the authorities and withdrawal of the revised tariff. The 6.83% tariff increase approved by the JERC is scheduled to take effect from Sept. 1. The demonstration was part of political opposition to the tariff revision across Jammu and Kashmir.

Kulgam man dies after Kidney stone surgery at Anantnag private hospital

Anantnag, Aug 29:A 35-year-old man from Qaimoh in Kulgam died at a private hospital here following kidney stone surgery, triggering protests by his family and relatives, who alleged medical negligence. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, son of Ghulam Nabi Wani, was admitted to a private hospital in Anantnag town, for the procedure. Family members alleged lapses in his treatment and demanded an impartial inquiry. Our family member was admitted for a kidney stone operation. We were told that his condition was stable, but later it deteriorated and he died. We want a fair investigation into the matter, a relative said. If negligence is established, those responsible should be held accountable and strict action should be taken, another family member said. The protest turned tense, with some relatives allegedly creating a ruckus and damaging hospital property. Police reached the spot and initiated an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death. The body was taken for medico-legal examination and later handed over to the family. Hospital spokesperson said Wani had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or PCNL, for removal of kidney stones. The patient was fine yesterday evening and oral medicines were also started, he said. The spokesperson said Wani went for a walk in the ward in the morning and suddenly collapsed. It could possibly be an embolism or a myocardial infarction (MI), he said, adding that the autopsy report was awaited. Otherwise, the patient was stable and completely fine, he said. The hospital has been sealed by authorities pending the inquiry.

Family alleges negligence after newborn dies at DH Bandipora; Hospital says baby was stillborn

Bandipora, Aug 29:District Hospital Bandipora has denied allegations of medical negligence in the death of a newborn, saying the baby was stillborn, while the bereaved family has accused doctors of negligence and delayed referral during delivery. The family staged a protest inside the hospital premises on Saturday, demanding action against the doctors on duty. Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malla told Greater Kashmir that the case was under investigation and maintained that it was not a case of medical negligence. It was a stillbirth, and the family knows it, he said. Irfan Aham Sheikh, the baby's father, said he brought his wife Parveena to the hospital around 10 a.m. on Wednesday. He alleged that doctors shifted her between the ward and labour room three times, saying she still had time before delivery. Sheikh said doctors repeatedly told the family that the baby was healthy and moving normally until shortly before the delivery late that night. According to him, his wife was taken to the labour room around midnight and the family was informed that she had delivered a baby boy. Everyone from the staff congratulated us, but less than an hour later we were told the baby had died, Sheikh said. Family members alleged that doctors failed to take a timely decision and did not refer the woman to a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar despite the delivery becoming complicated. They also claimed they received conflicting explanations about the baby's death, including that the newborn had been given oxygen, that no heartbeat could be detected and that the baby had swallowed meconium. Sheikh said ultrasound examinations conducted before delivery had shown no abnormalities. The radiologist assured us everything was okay with the baby. The reports also say so, he said. He further alleged that his wife suffered bruises on her chest and torso during delivery after multiple staff members pressed hard on her body to assist childbirth. There were at least four people restraining her or forcing the delivery, he alleged. The medical superintendent said preliminary findings suggested the baby had swallowed meconium and that other abnormalities were also observed. The baby was oversized and his head was also too large, Dr Malla said. He said that the findings were preliminary and that an inquiry committee had been constituted to collect reports from the doctors involved, examine the allegations and determine the final cause and circumstances of the baby's death.

Green corridor demand on NH-44 for fruit-laden trucks gets centres attention: AIP

AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday said that the demand raised by AIP President and Lok Sabha Member Er. Rashid for a dedicated Green Corridor for fruit-laden trucks on NH-44 has received the attention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Inam Un Nabi while speaking to horticultural growers in Kupwara, as per a statement, said Er. Rashid had taken up the matter through Letter No. MPLS/Hqsgr/1431 dated 02.08.2026, seeking a dedicated Green Corridor at Qazigund, Banihal and vulnerable stretches of NH-44 to ensure uninterrupted movement of perishable horticultural produce from Kashmir. Inam Un Nabi said the Ministry, through its communication No. 266023/M (RT&H)/VIP/2026 dated 19.08.2026, has conveyed that the matter is being looked into for action. Welcoming the response, Inam Un Nabi said, This is an important issue for Kashmirs horticultural economy. Thousands of growers depend on timely transportation of their fruit to markets outside the Valley. Any prolonged halt or disruption on NH-44 can result in huge losses to growers. Inam Un Nabi said the proposed Green Corridor, if implemented effectively, will bring much-needed relief to the entire community of fruit growers across Kashmir by ensuring priority and uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks during the peak horticulture season.

J&K BJP holds workshop on Seva Sankalp Abhiyan

Jammu and Kashmir BJP held a one-day workshop at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to chalk out a comprehensive roadmap for the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and 25 years of his uninterrupted public service, while taking the development achievements and welfare initiatives of the Modi Government to the grassroots. As per a statement, J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, former BJP state President and former Minister in the Haryana Government and former National Secretary, BJP, O.P. Dhankar, the main speaker in the workshop, and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul chiefly addressed the workshop. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Er Ghulam Ali Khatana, General Secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan(J&K in-charge of the Abhiyan) also addressed the workshop. BJP office bearers, Morcha Presidents, District Presidents and members of the Abhiyan teams from across Jammu and Kashmir participated in the workshop. Sat Sharma, addressing the workshop, said that the Narendra Modi era has rewritten Indias development story, transforming the nation from a country struggling with policy paralysis into a confident, self-reliant and rapidly developing global power. Sat Sharma said that 2026 marks 25 years since Narendra Modi entered the highest levels of public service as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and subsequently took the responsibility of leading the nation as Prime Minister. For 25 years, Narendra Modi has devoted himself to the service of the nation and its people. His politics is defined not by power, but by performance, service and the empowerment of the last person in society, he said.

Kishtwar Minors Death:JKSA delegation meets bereaved family

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday met the bereaved family of the minor girl in Kishtwar and expressed solidarity with them following the deeply tragic circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual assault, pregnancy and subsequent death of the minor. The delegation, as per a statement issued on Saturday, was led by National Secretary of Association Adv. Mubashir Ahmed. During the meeting, the delegation listened to the familys concerns and reiterated that the matter must be investigated with the utmost seriousness, sensitivity and impartiality. The Association has demanded that the investigation be transferred to the Crime Branch, or entrusted to a senior-level Special Investigation Team (SIT), to ensure greater independence, credibility and public confidence in the process. Mubashir said that the Association has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking his immediate intervention and appropriate oversight of the investigation. He said that the circumstances leading to the minors death must be examined in their entirety and that the investigation should not be restricted only to those who have already been arrested.

Public welfare Govts top priority: Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday visited Check-e-Samad in Kulgam district, where she held a public outreach camp and laid the foundation stone for a road project. Itoo, as per an official statement, interacted with residents of Check-e-Samad and adjoining villages and listened to their developmental concerns and demands. She assured them that all genuine issues would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner. The Minister said public welfare remained the Governments top priority and stressed the importance of direct interaction with people for responsive and accountable governance She also laid the foundation stone for a 1.2-km Check-e-Samad road project, estimated to cost Rs 86.27 lakh. Itoo announced several other developmental projects for Check-e-Samad and neighbouring villages and directed concerned departments to ensure timely completion of ongoing works. She was accompanied by senior district officers and officials.

The man on the march

A pro-active leader on solo march and an inertia-ridden organisation refusing to shrug-off its lethargy; it is an interesting-phenomena, dichotomous, that has landed Congress in a bind. Not the political rivals but the partys top leadership should take the blame for this confusion, showing no hurry to extricate themselves out of this situation. There is no doubt that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is a man on the march. From a reluctant player, during his first two terms as Lok Sabha MP and in between becoming Congress president, he has come a long way to become proactive, daringly raising issues, political and societal. And above all managing to establish a connect with younger generation or the Gen Z who have steadfastly stood behind Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi during the last one decade. Squatting on a dharna outside Parliament Street Police station in support of pellet-injury hit youth, is the latest in the series of steps in this direction. The contrast between Mr Gandhi's high-profile individual outreach and the perception of a sluggish Congress party stems from deep structural decay, heavy reliance on a top-down (mostly defunct) leadership model, and disconnected regional hierarchies. When high-visibility campaigns fail to translate into organized local momentum, it exposes a disconnect between national optics and ground-level execution. This has repeatedly happened but there is no attempt to learn lessons and set the house in order. Despite his sensible interventions and thoughtful suggestions on vital national and international issues, Mr Gandhi gives an impression of still being a loner in the GOPs vast spread all over the country. That is strange enough. But why so? Does he himself need to reflect or change his approach towards the organisation by shrugging off indecisiveness? Shouldnt he adopt a proactive approach to set the party and its leaders right, as he has been doing in his solo efforts? Firstly, he must follow the dictum suggested by none other than Mr Gandhi himself. Pick up the right person for the right job with a strong rider of accountability. He needs to do this in the light of his observation that the party has been putting up the racing horse on the job to pull a cart and vice versa. Even before that while on a visit to Gujarat he had spoken about the BJP sleeper cells active in the state Congress (that scenario prevails in many states and Union Territories) and the need for heads to roll. It has been months now but the follow up action is still to come. The BJP and regional parties sleeper cells are thriving all over in the Congress network. An immediate follow up action on such counts would have given Mr Gandhi a decisive edge and created deterrence thereby making it easier for him to tone-up the organisation. if indecisiveness has portrayed his weakness, this attitude has emboldened those becoming roadblocks for the party to act more vigorously in internal sabotage. Reluctance to take hard decisions and tendency to protect even the failed horses under the garb of being favourites of someone, have become the Congresss bane. It is hard to believe that Mr Gandhi and other leaders are not aware of this malady. What is intriguing is that they are knowingly allowing such a situation to prevail at a greater cost not only to the party but the nation as well, as it weakens the position of countrys main premier opposition party in the overall democratic context. A strong reason behind Mr Gandhis loner status is that leaders around him in the AICC and PCCs have found a convenient way to shrug off their responsibilities and justify inaction by seeking refuge under the leaders umbrella. Rahul Gandhi naraz ho jayen ge (Rahul Gandhi will get annoyed) is their usual refrain to justify not taking decision in any particular situation. For instance, how could it be justified that it takes months, sometimes years to make organisational changes at the AICC or the PCCs level. It is a criminal negligence, firstly a non-performing leader is allowed to continue and secondly give him/her the organisational set up at a time when a change should have been affected, as a reward for non-performance. A case in point is the sensitive and strategic Jammu and Kashmir where Congress being a national party, other than the ruling BJP, has an important role to play but is being prevented to do so by organisational shortcomings which the high command refuses to remove. On the occasion of PCC president Mr Tariq Hamid Karra completing two-years in office, despite all the controversies he has courted due to his style of functioning and total lack of connect with the rank and file, the AICC in charge Syed Naseer Hussain rushed to Kashmir to work on providing a new organisational set-up to him as a reward. This happened in the backdrop of a controversy germinating from Mr Karras alleged no-appearance in Independence Day function held at the party office. Shouldnt completion of two-years in office be a stock taking time with Mr Karra asked to present his report card, for that reason any AICC or state/UTs functionaries? Appointment or Continuation in office shall be directly related to the performance of the incumbent which should be the thumb rule from AICC down to PCCs. Such scenario prevails in many other states and UTs with no sense of accountability attached anywhere. Apart from the states/UTs, another weak link is the non serious attitude of the some top AICC office-bearers particularly those made in charges of the states and UTs. In the absence of accountability, they are mostly living in comfort zones, at times becoming Mr Gandhis cheering brigade. How best to use the services of aging and well entrenched regional and national-level leaders, is a daunting challenge for Mr Gandhi as these leaders are making generational transition difficult. To tackle this situation, he needs to have a set of well-versed and trusted advisors rather than acting solo, which will also help in lessening over-reliance on brand-Gandhi. A classic case of this syndrome is at play in yet another sensitive border state of Punjab. The old-guard in the state is feverishly working unitedly to thwart generational change which has come in the form of Rahul Gandhi-loyalist PCC chief Mr Amrinder Singh, who like Mr Karra has also completed two years in office. Serious factionalism has risen ahead of 2027 assembly elections. No doubt the old-guard is taking undue advantage of the situation, but it is also a reflection on Mr Warrings functioning and ineffective handling by the central leadership. Such situations can only be tackled through quick and tough decisions. No matter if it involves removing a so-called loyalist in the overall interest of the party as is the case in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Attempts to weaken National Conference have never succeeded: Sagar

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar Saturday said that attempts to weaken the National Conference have never succeeded because of the deep trust and emotional bond the party shares with the people. Addressing a meeting at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar, as per a party statement, said the National Conference is not merely a political party but a movement born out of the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who have tried to weaken the National Conference have failed time and again. By the grace of Almighty Allah and with the support of our people, every such conspiracy has been defeated, he said. He said the partys history is closely intertwined with the political awakening and democratic struggle of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference has always stood with the people, raised their voice and made sacrifices for their rights. That bond cannot be broken by propaganda or conspiracies, Sagar said. Sagar maintained that the partys strength comes from its people and its commitment to its principles. He said the National Conference has never treated power as an end in itself, but as an opportunity to serve the people. The National Conference is a movement, an ideology and a sentiment. It lives in the hearts of the people, he said. Referring to Articles 370 and 35A, Sagar reiterated that their restoration remains an important priority for the party. He said the National Conference would continue its democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of the political and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the Central Government to respect the aspirations of the people and restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. An elected government must have the powers and resources necessary to serve its people effectively. Democracy cannot function meaningfully when an elected government is denied the requisite space to govern, he said. Sagar said the National Conference would continue to work for the empowerment of the people and remain committed to protecting their democratic, political and constitutional rights. Meanwhile, several public delegations from different areas met Sagar and apprised him of issues concerning their respective areas. He took up the matters with the concerned authorities and directed prompt action for their redressal.

It's Deeply Disappointing

The decision to increase electricity tariffs in Jammu & Kashmir at a time when ordinary families are already struggling with the rising cost of living is deeply disappointing. More importantly, it raises a fundamental question of political accountability: what happened to the promises made to the people before the Assembly elections? The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved an average tariff increase of 6.83 per cent, applicable from September 1, 2026. For metered domestic consumers, the rate for consumption up to 200 units has increased from 2.30 to 2.45 per unit; for 201400 units, from 4.00 to 4.20; and above 400 units, from 4.35 to 4.60 per unit. These figures may appear small when viewed from the comfort of government offices. For an ordinary household, however, every additional financial burden matters. From promise of relief to reality of higher bills The National Conference went before the electorate promising 200 units of free electricity. That promise naturally created expectations among families that desperately needed relief. Today, instead of experiencing the promised relief, consumers are confronting increased tariffs. The government may argue that its promise of free electricity and the general electricity tariff are technically separate matters. But politics cannot be reduced to technical explanations. The real question is what an ordinary voter understood when promises of cheaper or free electricity were made. People vote on the basis of promises and the reasonable expectations created by those promises. If financial constraints, distribution losses and the cost of purchasing electricity were realities after the election, they were realities before the election as well. Governments cannot discover economic realities only after obtaining the mandate of the people. Kashmir's winter cannot be viewed through ordinary consumption calculations The impact of electricity prices assumes an even greater significance in the Kashmir Valley. For people sitting outside Kashmir, electricity may be regarded primarily as a source of lighting and running household appliances. During Kashmir's severe winter, electricity is intimately connected with survival, warmth and basic human comfort. Temperatures fall below freezing in many areas. Water pipes freeze. Snowfall disrupts normal life. Families depend increasingly upon electric heaters, boilers, geysers, heating blankets and other appliances. The elderly, children and economically weaker families suffer the most. This means that electricity consumption during the harsh winter months cannot simply be treated as discretionary consumption. A Kashmiri family using additional electricity to keep its children or elderly parents warm is not indulging in luxury. It is responding to climatic necessity. And the timing is particularly unfortunate. The revised tariff becomes applicable from September 1 and will remain applicable through the approaching winter until March 31, 2027. The government should therefore ask itself a simple question: Is the period immediately preceding the harsh Kashmir winter the appropriate time to make electricity more expensive for households? Don't make consumers pay for inefficiency There is undoubtedly a financial problem in the electricity sector. Power has a cost. Distribution companies require revenue, and transmission and distribution losses have historically presented a serious challenge. But the solution cannot perpetually be to transfer the consequences of inefficiency onto honest consumers. The first responsibility of government should be to reduce losses, improve billing and collection, prevent electricity theft, modernise infrastructure and improve the efficiency of distribution companies. A family that pays its electricity bill regularly should not become the easiest source for balancing the books. Before asking consumers to pay more, the government must demonstrate what measurable reduction it has achieved in distribution losses and what administrative reforms it has undertaken to bring down costs. Efficiency must come before additional burden. The government's defence does not answer the political question Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has defended the increase by arguing that the government never promised that electricity tariffs would remain static and that power continues to be substantially subsidised. That may constitute an administrative defence. It does not answer the political question. The issue is not whether electricity continues to receive subsidy. The issue is whether the government is moving towards the relief that was promised to the electorate or away from it. The people were promised 200 units of free electricity. They are entitled to ask when that promise will translate into meaningful relief in their monthly household budgets. A government cannot seek political credit for promises and subsequently seek refuge behind regulatory calculations when people demand their implementation. BJP must stand with the consumer The Bharatiya Janata Party should unequivocally stand with the ordinary electricity consumer of Jammu & Kashmir. This is not an issue concerning Jammu or Kashmir alone. A shopkeeper in Jammu, a middle-class employee in Kathua, a farmer in the countryside, a pensioner in Srinagar and a family facing the freezing winter in north or south Kashmir all ultimately confront the same question: How much more can the household budget absorb? The BJP should demand that the Omar Abdullah government reconsider the tariff increase, particularly its impact upon domestic consumers, and immediately place before the people a transparent roadmap for fulfilling its electricity-related electoral commitments. Special consideration should also be given to the extraordinary electricity requirements of Kashmir during the winter months. If necessary, the government should explore a targeted winter electricity relief mechanism for vulnerable and middle-income domestic consumers in the Valley rather than allowing climatic necessity to translate into financial punishment. Promises carry a moral obligation Democracy does not end when votes are counted. An electoral promise creates a political and moral obligation. Governments must either implement their promises or candidly explain why they cannot do so. What they cannot reasonably do is promise relief while seeking votes and subsequently impose additional burdens after coming to power. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have endured decades of difficulties. They deserve governance that reduces their burdens rather than adding to them. The BJP must therefore raise its voice firmly, both inside and outside the Legislature, and demand: Withdraw or substantially reconsider the burden of the power tariff hike on domestic consumers. Protect Kashmir's households during the harsh winter. Reduce distribution losses before passing costs to consumers. And, above all, honour the commitments made to the people. Electricity in Jammu & Kashmirparticularly during a Kashmir winteris not merely another commodity. For many families, it is warmth. It is security. It is a basic necessity of life. And a government elected on promises of relief should remember that before making that necessity more expensive. Author is an advocate and Chief Spokesperson of BJP in J&K

Bus conductor dies in mishap at Munwarabad Srinagar

A 60-year-old bus conductor died after falling from a moving bus when an auto-rickshaw hit the bus in Muniwarabad area of Srinagar, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer that the conductor was standing at the door of the bus when an auto-rickshaw suddenly hit it, causing him to lose his balance and fall outside. He sustained serious head injuries in the incident. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, the official said. The deceased was identified as Abdul Majeed Teli (60), son of Ghulam Mohammad Teli, a resident of Nawabazar, Srinagar. Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated and a probe is underway.

The state of healthcare in Srinagar

Srinagar City has always been a hub of tertiary health care, for the people living in rural districts. The British doctors who visited Kashmir during Dogra rule established some health centres and missionary hospitals at various places including Rainawari, Drugjan, Tangmarg, Anantnag, Baramulla, and provided a dedicated healthcare service to the people of Valley. With the passage of time the Dogra rulers also took many measures for the improvement of health care in J&K. They laid the foundation of two major hospitals namely SMHS and SMGS hospitals in Srinagar and Jammu. This was a great leap in the health sector of J&K state. After 1947, G.M.Bakshi established first medical college known as GMC in Srinagar. He also opened chain of dispensaries, primary health centres and hospitals in towns and rural districts. The medical education received a big boost by opening 2nd govt medical college at Jammu. During the 2nd term, as C.M. Sheikh M Abdullah paid special attention towards health sector, laying foundation of premier super specialty hospital in the shape of SKIMS at Soura, besides establishing Lal Ded Hospital, exclusively for women in Srinagar. However, the health sector got a big setback with the onset of militancy in valley after 1990. But we must, appreciate the brave heart doctors who served during those trying times when the militancy was at its peak. When peace returned and situation improved in the coming years, Ghulam Nabi Azad as Union Health Minister during Manmohan Singhs tenure as P.M. gave further boost to medical education, by opening a number of medical colleges in almost all the districts of the J&K state. By granting sanction to two AIIMS in J&K, the union government made a great contribution to the expansion of medical education and specialised health care for the people of state. It was during the 2nd and 3rd decade of 2000, that there has been an increasing trend of investment of money in hospitals and health centres in private sector by businessmen and doctors in valley. But despite this fast expansion and growth in health sector, there has been a serious concern about quality medical care not being available in government as well as in private hospitals. Though there are sporadic cases of medical negligence reported in some hospitals, there is general complaint of public that the health care is not of quality standard as per the norms laid down. The unplanned expansion of medical colleges without having required infrastructure, sufficient teaching staff and medical equipment the load of patients visiting SMHS hospital Srinagar remains unchanged. The decision of the then Union health minister for opening of these medical colleges in one go could not prove as prudent. It looks as if it was made just to gain political mileage. There is a huge crowd of patients and their attendants, seen standing and waiting outside the counter to obtain tickets for admission in the outdoors of SMHS hospital. No secrecy of investigation of outdoor patient is maintained as it is done in presence of other patients waiting for their turn in the same consultancy room. The blood collection centre of this hospital is in a very bad shape and overcrowded with staff. Instead of one they could arrange 3 or 4 more counters for collection of blood to ease the rush for convenience of the patients. Furnishing of online test reports to patients could further ease the rush. Paying of occasional visits to outdoor/casualty by the concerned administrative heads will make a difference and can help in improving the efficiency in working system. No doubt there has been a mushroom growth of hospitals and health care centres in Srinagar City in private sector but the public who visit these facilities are not satisfied with the pre and post operative procedures; other hygienic concerns in these institutions also cause trouble. Firstly, there is hardly any supervisory or monitoring role played by the concerned authority of Health Department to assess the functioning of these private hospitals. It is only when something untoward happens with the patient the health department gets alert and institutes an enquiry into the incident. The general complaint of people is that tests not required for particular ailment or procedure, the patients are compulsorily asked to undergo these tests. The health department never bothers to cross check if the credentials of lab assistants, technicians and other technical staff working in these private hospitals are genuine to find out whether they are well trained and qualified from government recognized training institutions to ensure safe health care and satisfactory service to the patients. And what level of monitoring and emergency care is set up to ensure safeguard of lives during surgery. The health department also needs to scrutinize and confirm, whether the essentials required for conduct of safe surgeries in the private hospitals are available and in case any shortcomings are found, such institutions need not to be allowed to function till such deficiencies are made good. There is a general complaint about poor hygiene in these hospitals. Examples can be cited of such healthcare institutes where we find unhygienic toilet and washroom facilities. The patients, attendants, doctors, and paramedical staff also deserve to have a clean, safe and hygienic environment. To improve the working system and accountability, government needs to ban private practice of doctors working in health department. This will definitely help in reducing the waiting time of various surgeries that the patients have to undergo in government hospitals and could provide a satisfactory healthcare service. Secondly, the Health Department may appoint a committee to assess and examine if the facilities in private hospitals are available as per the standard laid down norms to ensure quality health care. The SMC and Health department also need to follow strictly the building and other laid down rules, required for establishing a private hospital while granting permission and NOC. Abdul Rashid Khan IPS (retd), Rawalpora, Srinagar

Dynastic politics kept Srinagars people trapped in decades of suffering, neglect and exploitation: Altaf Bukhari

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday said that the people of Srinagar city have endured decades of neglect and political exploitation, particularly since 1990. He accused the ruling NC of deceiving the people with false promises during the 2024 Assembly elections. He made these remarks today while addressing an event at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to welcome new members into the party fold. Peoples Conference District President Srinagar Nighat Gul and former Corporator from Nawaz Bazar, Srinagar, Inayat Hussain Mir, along with their associates, formally joined the Apni Party on the occasion. Giving a warm welcome to the new entrants, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, I wholeheartedly welcome you all to the Apni Party. I assure you that you will never regret your decision to join this party, because Apni Party is, at its core, a party of the people and is committed to serve the people. This party belongs neither to any individual nor to any particular family. It belongs to the people. Here, we are all equals, and each one of us is committed to serving the people with sincerity, honesty, and dedication. He further said, The continuous joining of new members in the Apni Party reflects a growing realisation among the people that the party has always been genuine in its commitment to public issues and the interests of the people. It also shows that those who spread misleading propaganda against the party during the 2024 elections were deceiving people and deliberately creating misunderstandings and confusion among the masses about the Apni Party. Expressing his grave concern over the pathetic condition of Srinagar city and chronic neglect to its development and growth, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, Traditional political parties have always neglected Srinagar despite repeatedly receiving the mandate of its people. The residents of the city have suffered from a serious developmental deficit, particularly since 1990. Despite making tall promises and securing the peoples mandate time and again, these parties have failed to deliver meaningful development and basic amenities to the people of Srinagar. They have been denied the development, infrastructure, and civic facilities that should have been their rightful share. He further said, Although people had voted for change and helped the PDP establish itself by giving it their mandate, hoping that it would emerge as an alternative to the dynastic politics of the NC. But unfortunately, the PDP too eventually turned into a family-based party. We had hoped that, in the 2024 elections, people would not once again be deceived by these parties that are controlled or imposed from Delhi. Unfortunately, they once again fell prey to the propaganda of one such party and gave it a huge mandate. However, the ruling party now stands exposed before the people for its failures. The promises made to the people have not been fulfilled, and the ground reality is there for everyone to see. The people are now beginning to realise the difference between political rhetoric and genuine commitment to their welfare. Reiterating his demand for the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the people, particularly the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said: What do our youth ask for? They simply want the right to live a dignified life and have sufficient livelihood opportunities here. This place does not have much scope for large-scale industries or a developed private sector. Secondly, we are geographically located in a region surrounded by countries that are hostile to us. It is the responsibility of the Centre to understand the ground realities. Talk to the people, listen to their genuine issues and concerns, and then take concrete steps to address them. Our youth have chosen the path of peace. Now, the Centre must step forward and create opportunities and resources to secure a bright and prosperous future for them, he added. After the event, while responding to questions from reporters, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari declined to comment on MP Aga Ruhullahs reported possibility of resigning from the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership, saying that it would be premature to comment on the matter at this stage. However, he said, Apparently, Aga Sahib has realised that the ruling NC has failed to provide effective governance and fulfil the promises it made to the people while seeking their mandate in the 2024 elections. Perhaps, like everyone else, he too has realised that the NC secured peoples votes through deception and false promises. He said, Aga Sahib is a respected religious leader who has spoken well in Parliament and raised the issues and concerns of the people. Responding to a question, he said, The ruling NCs biggest failure has been its inability to fulfil the promises it made during the elections and implement its election manifesto. Apni Party leaders welcomed Abdul Hameed Bhat, a prominent political activist from the Bagh-i-Mehtab area of Chanapora constituency, into the party fold. Bhat, who was earlier associated with the National Conference (NC), formally joined the Apni Party during an event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. On the occasion, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders warmly welcomed him into the party. Besides party president, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion and who gave a warm welcome to the new members into the party fold included partys General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Spokesperson Ishrat Bhat, District President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, District President Ganderbal Javaid Mir, Provincial Coordinator Kashmir & Former DDC Hazartbal Shabir Ahmad Reshi, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Shiraza Malik, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Aamir Ashraf Bhat, Organiser Central Kashmir Mohammad Shafi Mir, Vice President District Srinagar Mohsin Zaffar Shah, Vice President District Srinagar Lateef Ahmad Thoker, Constituency In-charge Habba Kadal Jeelani Hamid Kumar, Constituency In-charge Zadibal Tehseen Farooq, Constituency In-charge Khanyar Amir Bhat, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Sumaira Hameed, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Khursheed Makhdoomi, Joint Secretary District Srinagar Sameer Ahmad Lone, Publicity Secretary District Srinagar Abdul Rahsid Alie, Youth Wing Joint Secretary Srinagar Mudasir Wali, Zonal President Shaltang Aamir Mir, Senior Leader Peer Wajahat, Rafiqa Jee, Mateena Rajuput, Suhail Wani, Indumit Singh, Nazir Ahmad, and others.

BHSS Nowpora cluster celebrates National Sports Day with traditional games, felicitation

BHSS Nowpora Cluster celebrated National Sports Day with great enthusiasm and sporting spirit, marking the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The Programme, as per a statement, brought together students, athletes, teachers and sports enthusiasts to celebrate the importance of sports, fitness, discipline and teamwork. The event also witnessed the felicitation of winners and outstanding participants of various sporting activities conducted at the cluster level. As part of the celebration, students enthusiastically participated in a variety of traditional games, providing a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Indias rich sporting heritage while promoting physical activity, teamwork and healthy competition. The winners and runners-up were presented with trophies, medals and certificates in recognition of their hard work, dedication and sporting excellence. Speaking on the occasion, Principal BHSS Nowpora, Dr Syed Masrat, emphasised that sports are not only about winning medals but also about building confidence, discipline, leadership and a healthy lifestyle among young people.

Tyndale-Biscoe, SRM Welkins advance to final of CE Tyndale-Biscoe Tournament

The 5th Canon C.E. Tyndale-Biscoe Invitational Football Tournament witnessed an exciting day of semi-final action, with teams displaying remarkable skill, determination and true sporting spirit. In the first semi-final, Tyndale-Biscoe School, as per a statement, produced a sensational attacking performance against Iqbal Memorial Institute, registering a commanding 100 victory. The goal scorers were Adeeb (3', 25'), Baris (8', 15', 18', 20', 39', 40'), Fahad (76'), and Muheet (78'). Baris was declared the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. The second semi-final between SRM Welkins Sopore and DPS Srinagar was a closely contested encounter. SRM Welkins Sopore emerged victorious with a 10-win, courtesy of a goal by Miran Mir in the 69th minute. Miran Mir was deservedly adjudged the Man of the Match. With these results, the tournament has reached an exciting stage. Tyndale-Biscoe School (Biscoe) will now play SRM Welkins Sopore on Monday in the much-awaited next clash, as both teams look forward to continuing their impressive journey in the tournament. The tournament continues to promote the values of Unity, Fitness, Discipline, Sportsmanship and Service, while providing young footballers an excellent platform to showcase their talent and competitive spirit.

Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy: J&K bounce back with win over Gujarat

The Jammu and Kashmir Junior Boys football team bounced back from its opening defeat to register a 1-0 victory over Gujarat in the ongoing Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy Junior Boys National Football Championship at Narainpur, Chhattisgarh. J&K junior football team, as per a statement began their campaign on 26 August with a narrow 01 defeat against Madhya Pradesh. The team showed a strong response in their second match, securing three valuable points against Gujarat with a disciplined performance. With one win and one defeat from two matches, J&K currently have 3 points in the group. The J&K team will now face Sports Authority of India (SAI) on 30 August 2026 in their third and final group-stage match. The team will look to continue its positive momentum and finish the group stage on a strong note. The team's transportation, food, lodging, uniforms, and refreshments are all provided by the J&K Sports Council.

Burn Hall School lifts U-17 football trophy after 3-1 final win

Burn Hall School clinched the title in the Under-17 Football Tournament organised at Army Public School, BB Cantt, Srinagar, after registering an impressive 31 victory over Army Public School in the final. The tournament, as per a statement, brought together ten schools from across the region, providing a highly competitive platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and sporting talent. Burn Hall School displayed outstanding form throughout the competition, combining disciplined defending with attacking flair. In the final, the team produced a confident performance to overcome the hosts and secure the championship trophy. Principal Father Stalin Raja congratulated the players, coach He commended the team for their hard work, determination, and commitment, noting that the victory reflects the schools emphasis on excellence, teamwork, and character-building through sports. The triumph marks another significant milestone in Burn Hall Schools sporting journey and highlights the institutions continued commitment to encouraging students to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

HC seeks JMCs action taken report on building, fire safety norms

Srinagar, Aug 29:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has sought a fresh and comprehensive affidavit from Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) indicating the action taken against establishments violating building regulations, parking norms and fire safety requirements. Hearing a plea on enforcement of statutory norms, a bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, observed that the affidavit the authorities had filed in compliance with earlier directions was deficient, failing to adequately address the specific issues. In its order, the court had earlier directed the JMC Commissioner to undertake a comprehensive survey of hotels, commercial establishments, coaching institutes and other buildings catering to the public, identify violations and take action against defaulting establishments. The exercise was to cover unauthorised constructions, absence of mandatory parking facilities, lack of valid fire safety clearances, and other statutory permissions. The court ordered that the fresh affidavit must also indicate the total number of such establishments, their compliance with building permissions and occupancy certificates, the nature of violations detected, inspection mechanisms and action taken, including notices, sealing, demolition, prosecution or cancellation of permissions, wherever warranted. The court warned of coercive action in case of non-compliance, saying appropriate proceedings could be initiated against the Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Vice Chairman of Jammu Development Authority and Inspector General of Police (Traffic) if the directions were not complied with. The court directed the concerned authorities to coordinate for effective enforcement and submit a clear timeline for completing the survey, identification of defaulters, issuance of notices and consequential action. It listed the matter on September 3, the next date of hearing.

Champions are forged through sweat, discipline, community support: LG Manoj Sinha

The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday paid solemn tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, on the occasion of National Sports Day. Recalling his legendary performance, the Lieutenant Governor described Major Dhyan Chand as one of Indias deepest and most enduring symbols, whose brilliance compelled the world to pause and acknowledge Indias immense sporting talent. In his address on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, observed that every stroke of Major Dhyan Chands hockey stick symbolised discipline, dedication, and willpower. He emphasised that sports are not merely about medals but about cultivating resilience, unity, and the spirit of nation-building. Sport is lifes most honest teacher. The playing field never lies; rather, it tells you precisely where you stand today and what you must do to become better tomorrow. There are no shortcuts in sports. Even on the hockey turf, there is no place for excuses. There is only hard work, opportunity, and a test of your character. Sports cultivate the fundamental strength of nation-building that society needs. Sports produce young people who know how to fall and then rise again to hoist the flag of victory. Sports nurture the spirit and sentiment that teach us to believe in shared triumph, he said. Highlighting the role of youth, the Lieutenant Governor said that sports give wings to dreams. He expressed confidence in the young athletes of Jammu Kashmir, noting that they represent the bright future of India. He envisioned a future where every Gram Panchayat harnesses the power of sports, where academies in small towns nurture talent, and where farmers daughters receive the same scientific training as athletes in Centres of Excellence in big cities. The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of sports science, management, and technical expertise in universities and institutions, which would produce trainers, physiotherapists, and managers for the future. He expressed hope that Jammu Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but also host them, showcasing its talent to the world. It is a resolve filled with infinite possibilities. Our achievements in sports over the past six years prove that if young people are prepared for sports with dedication, the region will create an entire era of champions, the Lieutenant Governor said. Calling upon youth to contribute to building Viksit Bharat of 2047, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that champions are forged through discipline and effort, not shortcuts. He urged corporate houses to support athletes at the stage of talent recognition, rather than only after they win medals. He emphasised the collective responsibility of society, coaches, support staff, and parents in shaping champions. The Lieutenant Governor outlined three duties for youth, calling them to lead by example, compete with dignity, accept defeat gracefully, and inspire future generations. He asked the youth to use the unity of sports to transcend differences of language and faith. The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth to give Back to Society by guiding and mentoring the next generation, repaying the community that supports every athlete. He commended the youth for their participation in the Drug-Free Campaign, setting an example for the nation. He reiterated that development is not measured by GDP alone but by the health, energy, and confidence of citizens. A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India. Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, gave the entire world one message to find your goal. That must be our message today as well. Whatever field we stand in, whether it is the field of sports, science, or public service we must identify our goal, move towards it, and achieve it together, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated the top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games. MoUs were also exchanged between the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation and Common Services Centres, for promotion of sports in J&K.

Improved roads in challenging hilly J&K terrains to bolster anti-terror operations: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Aug 29:Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh on Saturday, while asserting that better road connectivity in remote, challenging hilly terrains had a crucial security dimension, invited the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to meet the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to sort out issues related to Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for road construction in Jammu and Kashmir. The connectivity in the difficult hilly areas also carries an important security dimension. Some of the remote and challenging terrains have in the past posed difficulties from the security perspective and have also been vulnerable to movement by terrorists. Improved road connectivity will facilitate easier and faster movement of security forces into such areas and strengthen the implementation of anti-militancy and counter-terror operations, while simultaneously bringing development closer to the people living there, he stated. Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences besides being MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was addressing the media after laying the foundation stone of 110 road projects under PMGSY-IV, batch-I of 2026-27, covering different parts of the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda-Kishtwar sub-region. J&K Deputy Chief Minister accompanied him during the function and the media interaction. Deputy Chief Minister said that he, habitually, did not mince words in sharing grouses or complaints. But let me tell him that their complaints are always welcome as the act (complaint) is an endorsement of their belief in our capability. Grievances are addressed to only those who, the persons believe, can redress them. It simply means only that they are convinced - we are performing and were able to deliver hence I look forward to listen to all their (J&K governments) complaints, he said, reciting a couplet of Ghalib. He also invited the Deputy Chief Minister, who smilingly appreciated the assertion of Singh to come to the union capital to meet the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari to discuss issues related to Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for road construction in Jammu and Kashmir. Come to Delhi, we will together meet Gadkariji, who has always been forthcoming to address our issues. This central government is responsive to our problems. We will talk about our grievances and seek redress, he addressed the Deputy Chief Minister, who gleefully accepted the suggestion. Singh, while narrating an incident about ex MLA Dina Nath, also asserted that all (PMGSY) roads were being approved on the recommendations of concerned MLAs and not the MP. We have started this process and we will continue it in future as well in best of democratic spirits, he said. The Union Minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the highest priority to the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Parliamentary constituency over the last 12 years, resulting in sustained expansion of road connectivity across some of the most remote and difficult hilly areas of the region. He said that Udhampur consistently figured among the countrys top three districts in terms of PMGSY road projects, reflecting the continued priority accorded to rural connectivity in the constituency. As per the project statement, the 110 roads together cover 598.455 km and carry a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,503.53 crore. The projects are spread across Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts and are expected to benefit 46,972 people. The Union Minister said that the scale of the latest PMGSY intervention demonstrates the continued commitment of the government to taking all-weather road connectivity to the last mile and to villages and habitations located in difficult and remote hilly terrain. He said that the new roads would further transform rural mobility and contribute significantly to ease of living and ease of travel for people living in far-flung areas. Singh said that the sustained expansion of PMGSY road connectivity was changing the landscape of rural mobility in the hilly areas, taking all-weather connectivity to villages and habitations that were earlier difficult to access. He said that the road network being created under PMGSY was directly contributing to ease of living and ease of travel, while opening up new opportunities for people living in the remotest parts of the constituency. The Union Minister said that senior citizens and school-going children were among those who faced the greatest difficulties earlier, particularly during the rainy season when poor road conditions often made travel difficult and, at times, prevented people from reaching their workplaces, schools and other essential destinations. The expansion of the road network is now helping remove this long-standing difficulty and bringing essential services and opportunities closer to rural communities, he said. Singh said that women in the remotest villages were also experiencing the benefits of the new road connectivity as better roads provided easier access to schools, healthcare, markets, workplaces and other essential facilities. The expansion of the road network into previously difficult-to-reach villages, he said, was creating a new mobility network for women and families living in the hilly terrain, with direct benefits for their everyday lives. Giving the district-wise breakup of the projects, Singh said that Kathua accounted for 24 road projects covering 128.925 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 307.12 crore. Udhampur accounts for 44 projects covering 235.040 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 554.90 crore. Ramban has 13 projects covering 60.360 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 154.97 crore, while Doda accounts for 13 projects covering 90.180 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 260.66 crore. Kishtwar has 16 projects covering 83.950 km, with a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs 224.88 crore. A notable feature of the projects is the incorporation of waste plastics in road construction in a large number of the works. The project statement specifically records the use of waste plastics across several road packages, combining the objective of strengthening rural connectivity with more sustainable road construction practices. Singh said that the sustained expansion of PMGSY road connectivity in the constituency reflected the governments continued focus on ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last mile and the remotest habitation. He said that the latest package of projects would further strengthen the road network across the Parliamentary constituency and adjoining hilly areas. In May this year, he had also thanked Prime Minister Modi for according the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency around 43 percent of the total PMGSY allocation for Jammu and Kashmir, with Rs 1524 crore earmarked against J&Ks Rs 3566 crore allocation. He said that the sustained focus on rural roads had become particularly meaningful in a constituency where a large number of villages were located across steep, remote and geographically difficult terrain. Better roads were not only reducing travel time and difficulties but were also strengthening access to education, healthcare, markets, employment and other essential services. The Union Minister said that the transformation in connectivity over the past decade demonstrated how infrastructure could become an instrument of social and economic empowerment, particularly for communities living in far-flung areas. With every new road reaching another remote habitation, the distance between these communities and the mainstream of development was being reduced. Singh said that the governments focus would continue to be on strengthening last-mile connectivity, ensuring that difficult geography did not become a barrier to development, mobility or access to opportunities. He said that the expanding PMGSY network would continue to serve both the developmental needs of the people and the strategic requirements of the region. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, in his address, said that J&K was firmly on the path of development and described it as a privilege to be part of the ongoing transformation. He said that the concerns and issues raised by the people would be addressed sufficiently and assured that the government remained committed to ensuring that development reaches every part of the Union Territory. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the contractors engaged in the execution of the road projects were required to perform their work as per prescribed standards and made it clear that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction. He said that the bidding and tendering processes were being undertaken in accordance with high standards and that strict action would be taken against any shortcomings in the execution of works. Among the MLAs present on the occasion were Rajiv Jasrotia, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Sajad Shaheen, Sunil Bharadwaj, Arjun Singh Raju, Pyare Lal Sharma, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Darshan Kumar, and Satish Kumar Sharma. The legislators raised various issues and concerns relating to their respective areas, particularly those concerning road connectivity and development. Singh and the Deputy Chief Minister assured the legislators that the issues and concerns raised by them would be taken up for swift addressal and that necessary steps would be taken to expedite development works and improve connectivity in the concerned areas.

Jammu swelters at 34.5C

Srinagar, Aug 29: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience generally hot and humid weather over the coming days, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected at several places, the Meteorological Centre here said on Saturday. A local news gathering agency, KNO, reported that scattered rain and thundershowers are likely during the early morning and afternoon hours on August 30. On August 31 and September 1, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places, with brief intense or heavy showers likely in a few districts of the Jammu division. The weather is expected to remain generally dry from September 2 to 10, although brief spells of rain or thundershowers may occur at scattered places during the early morning and afternoon hours. The weather department has cautioned that brief intense showers in localised areas could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides during August 31 and September 1-2. Farmers have been advised that they may continue harvesting and other agricultural operations. Meanwhile, temperatures remained above normal across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius, which was 4.6 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was 19.6 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees above normal. Jammu recorded a maximum of 34.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.2 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara registered a high of 34.2 degrees Celsius. Qazigund recorded a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius, followed by 31.2 degrees Celsius at Kukernag and 30.4 degrees Celsius at Banihal. In the tourist destinations, Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 16.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered a maximum of 24 degrees Celsius and the lowest minimum temperature in the valley at 12.2 degrees Celsius. Katra recorded a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and received 84.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8:30 am on Saturday, the highest rainfall among the stations listed by the department. The MeT Centre advised people to remain cautious in areas vulnerable to flash floods, mudslides and landslides during intense showers.

Kashmirs Rs 5.63-crore H1N1 lab shut since 2022

Srinagar, Aug 29:While influenza and other respiratory infections are rising again, a specialised high-end laboratory established at Chest Diseases Hospital, Srinagar, for testing dangerous respiratory viruses has remained shut since 2022. This raises questions over the J&K's preparedness to detect and respond to outbreaks, and the wastage of public funds on healthcare infrastructure that fails to run even for a decade. The lab was announced in 2015, and established after successive waves of H1N1 infections. It was intended to strengthen Kashmirs capacity to diagnose influenza locally, and reduce dependence on surveillance labs nationally. In 2018, the then Health Minister told the Assembly that a full-fledged H1N1 testing laboratory had been constructed at Chest Diseases Hospital at a cost of Rs 9.88 crore, and had been made functional. This included a a separate ward for highly infectious respiratory viruses. However, the facility has remained non-functional since 2022, Greater Kashmir has learnt. An official at this hospital said that no human resource from Department of Microbiology had been allocated to operate the laboratory. This, after it was shut for necessary repairs. For four years, no repairs and allocations have taken place. This is sheer wastage of public money. A lab set up for crores lies defunct for want of attention, the official said. He asked what the point of having specialised infrastructure for an infectious disease emergency is if it cannot be used when respiratory infections are rising. Medical Superintendent CD Hospital, Dr Sameena Saba said detailed estimation and drawing formation had been completed for the lab. Tendering process will commence shortly, she said. The issue is particularly significant as surveillance for influenza is not just about confirming individual patients. Laboratory testing, as per WHO, is crucial for identifying circulating strains, detecting unusual patterns and establishing whether an apparent increase in respiratory illness can be attributed to a different respiratory pathogen. An influenza laboratory at SKIMS had been established in 2010 through collaboration involving the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ICMR. It has evolved into an important centre for influenza surveillance and outbreak investigations. Research from this facility documented influenza circulation in Kashmir, and aided in evidence-based vaccination strategies for Northern Hemisphere. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining laboratory capacity beyond individual outbreaks. The case of the lab raises questions on the amount the government has spent on the laboratory since its establishment, and what equipment is currently defunct. There is another question that has current importance: how quickly can Kashmir identify the virus responsible for unusual rise in respiratory illnesses.

Ujh multipurpose project revival raises hopes of economic transformation

Srinagar, Aug 29:The revival of the long-delayed Ujh Multipurpose Project in Kathua district has raised hopes of an economic transformation in the region, with the ambitious project expected to expand irrigation, generate hydropower, and strengthen water availability for households and industry. The project, located on the Ujh river, a major tributary of the Ravi, envisages a 380-feet-high concrete-faced rockfill dam and a power house expected to generate between 186 MW and 212 MW of electricity. Declared a national project in 2008, the scheme remained stalled for years. Its revival has now brought renewed attention to its potential to benefit communities in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pathankot and Gurdaspur in neighbouring Punjab. It has been discussed for years, and people here have been waiting to see the project move forward. If completed as planned, it could bring major changes to the area, said Akshay Kumar, a resident of Kathua. The project is designed to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land across Kathua and Samba in J&K and Pathankot and Gurdaspur in Punjab. For farmers in the region, the availability of irrigation water could reduce dependence on rainfall and support more reliable agricultural production. The project was revived due to the efforts of Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Earlier, water was not reaching the tail-end areas, but with the completion of this project, many villages in the tail-end areas of Kathua and Samba districts will receive irrigation water, MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia told Greater Kashmir. He said the project would prove to be a major milestone for the farming community in the two districts, as improved irrigation would help bring more land under cultivation, strengthen agricultural productivity and provide greater relief to farmers in the tail-end villages. The project will also supply drinking water to Kathua district and make water available for industrial use, potentially supporting new investments and employment in the region. Work on the project is being taken up in phases, with construction-related activities and land acquisition progressing simultaneously, according to officials. Locals say the projects impact could extend beyond agriculture and power generation, with the reservoir and associated infrastructure potentially creating opportunities in tourism, transport, hospitality and other sectors. The project also has a significant strategic dimension because of its location near the international border. Backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the project is expected to help regulate water flows more effectively and strengthen surveillance and management along vulnerable stretches of the riverbed that could otherwise be used as infiltration routes. The project is also expected to enhance Indias utilisation of the waters of the eastern rivers allocated to it under the Indus Waters Treaty. At present, part of the Ujhs flow crosses the international border without being fully utilised on the Indian side. The project aims to harness a greater share of this water for irrigation, drinking water, industry, and power generation.

Banks asked to give more loans in J&K as credit trails deposits

Srinagar, Aug 29:Jammu and Kashmirs banking sector recorded 9.85 percent year-on-year growth in total banking business during the financial year ended March 2026, with deposits and advances both growing by nearly 10 percent. However, J&Ks credit-deposit (CD) ratio remained almost unchanged during the year, increasing by just 0.01 percentage point from 61.14 percent as on March 31, 2025, to 61.15 percent as on March 31, 2026. During a review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, concern was raised about the low CD ratio. Banks were asked to work together to raise it from the current level of around 61 percent to the national average of approximately 81 percent, officials said. The sources said banks have also been directed to prepare a clear roadmap with well-defined strategies and interventions for progressively improving the CD ratio. According to the figures presented during the review, aggregate deposits with banks operating in J&K increased by 9.84 percent, from Rs 1,96,968 crore as on March 31, 2025, to Rs 2,16,352 crore as on March 31, 2026. Advances grew by 9.86 percent during the same period, rising from Rs 1,20,424 crore to Rs 1,32,296 crore. The sources said the review also examined the banking infrastructure in J&K, with the General Manager, J&K UTLBC, informing participants that 37 banks were currently operating through 11,703 banking touchpoints. These include 2222 brick-and-mortar branches and 9481 banking correspondents. The banking network has expanded significantly in terms of population coverage. As of March 2026, one banking outlet, including a branch or banking correspondent, was available for every 1048 people, compared with 2546 persons per banking outlet as of March 2021. The review also noted that the geographical area covered by each banking delivery point has been declining year after year. As of March 2026, one banking outlet was available for every 3.61 sq km. According to sources, RBI Regional Director encouraged banks to open more brick-and-mortar branches, particularly in rural areas, to provide greater confidence and accessibility to customers. The Chief Secretary, sources said, emphasised the need to strengthen banking outreach in rural and far-flung areas by expanding the branch network and directed banks to prepare a time-bound plan for establishing new branches over the next one year. The review also assessed credit disbursement under the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) for 2025-26. Sources said banks in J&K provided aggregate credit of Rs 84,384.12 crore to 19.37 lakh beneficiaries in priority as well as non-priority sectors during the financial year ended March 2026. Against the ACP target of Rs 77,974.29 crore for 19.90 lakh beneficiaries, banks achieved 108 percent of the target in financial terms and 97 percent in physical terms.

MHA panel flags shortage of doctors in J&Ks border, remote areas

Srinagar, Aug 29:A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has recommended expediting regular recruitment of doctors and specialists in Jammu and Kashmir, while calling for expansion of postgraduate medical education and specialist training to improve healthcare delivery in remote, border and difficult areas. The recommendations form part of the committees assessment of the healthcare sector in J&K, in which it acknowledged the substantial investments made since 2019 and commended the efforts of the Government of India and the J&K administration in expanding medical infrastructure. The committee noted the establishment of AIIMS, new Government Medical Colleges, specialised healthcare institutions, nursing colleges, and critical-care facilities, saying these initiatives, along with investments under various central and J&K government schemes, had strengthened tertiary healthcare, medical education, emergency preparedness, and access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. It also noted the implementation of digital health initiatives, including the JK-SEHAT platform, telemedicine and tele-radiology services, which it said were helping bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialist healthcare. However, the committee flagged the availability of qualified doctors and specialists in remote, border and difficult areas as a continuing concern. The committee is of the considered view that availability of qualified doctors and specialists in remote, border and difficult areas continues to be critical for ensuring equitable healthcare delivery, it said. The panel recommended that the administration further expedite regular recruitment, expand postgraduate medical education and specialist training, strengthen the District Residency Programme and continue providing suitable financial and career incentives for medical professionals serving in difficult areas. It also recommended further strengthening of digital health infrastructure, telemedicine networks and emergency medical services through robust internet connectivity, periodic capacity building and continuous monitoring to ensure quality healthcare reaches citizens irrespective of geographical constraints. The committee also noted improvements in maternal and reproductive health indicators in J&K, particularly the achievement of a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5. It said the TFR was below the national average and reflected sustained progress in public health. The panel commended the administration for strengthening maternal and child healthcare services, achieving near-universal institutional deliveries, expanding access to family-planning services, promoting female literacy and empowering frontline health workers, particularly ASHAs and ANMs. The committee recommended that these gains be sustained through continued emphasis on adolescent health, womens education and empowerment, maternal nutrition and reproductive health awareness. It also called for universal access to quality maternal healthcare and family-planning services, particularly in tribal, border and other underserved regions. On the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT Scheme, the committee noted that its implementation had substantially reduced the financial burden of healthcare by providing cashless treatment to millions of beneficiaries. The committee noted with satisfaction the extensive coverage achieved through the issuance of Golden Cards, empanelment of hospitals and strengthening of emergency medical services. It recommended sustained efforts to enhance awareness about the scheme, expand the network of empanelled hospitals and specialised treatment facilities in underserved districts, and periodically review service quality and beneficiary satisfaction. The objective, it said, should be to ensure that the benefits of universal health coverage are equitably accessible across J&K.