Opinion

Noble effort 'derailed': PM Modi on women's reservation bill

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Apr 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government's women's reservation bill was a noble effort that got 'derailed' due to the DMK and Congress which made it a arget of hatred and petty politics. Especially targeting the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and the Congress over the amendment bill being defeated in the Lok Sabha on Friday, the PM asked, Why does it trouble DMK, Congress to see ordinary women rise. He said he had personally appealed to the opposition parties to support the bill and even offered to give them credit as I only wanted sisters from ordinary families to come to parliament, assemblies in good numbers. But unfortunately, this noble effort was derailed. DMK, Congress and their allies made it a target of hatred and petty politics, he charged. Had this bill been passed, many Tamil women from ordinary families would have become MPs and MLAs. Based on 2011 census, Tamil Nadu was going to get so many more seats in Lok Sabha, ut clearly the DMK didn't want this to happen, he said, addressing a poll rally here. Anyhow, the DMK's actions are now very clearly exposed. By wearing black clothes, DMK cannot cover up their wrong intention. I want to tell the DMK, that people know your black deeds, you cannot escape your black deeds any longer. I assure you all that this is not the end of our fight. This is just the beginning. The BJP-NDA will continue to work for you. Why does it trouble DMK, Congress to see ordinary women rise? These one family parties want power to be confined in their own family, he alleged, in an apparent reference to the Congress and DMK. He appealed to women of Tamil Nadu to ask DMK why they opposed the bill meant to ensure their representation, why they denied Tamil women this golden opportunity. On April 23 give them a clear, powerful message, he said about polling day. The PM alleged that DMK had no achievement to showcase and no real issues to raise. He said: That is why they resorted to spreading fears about reduction in Tamil Nadu's seats (in Parliament). DMK had said earlier that current proportional representation must be maintained and we proposed only that, but they made a U-turn. Modi claimed that in Tamil Nadu, women and even young girls are not safe from criminals. He alleged that the DMK harms women in the state by enabling violence and crime. They do not stand with women in Parliament either. But the DMK will get its reply for its anti-women mindset/stand, he claimed.

Defence Minister-led IGoM takes stock of West Asia situation, Indias preparedness

New Delhi, Apr 18: The Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, reviewed the current situation in West Asia and discussed Indias preparedness as well as the future course of action during its fourth meeting at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi on April 18, 2026. Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar; Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda; Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri; Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi; Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu; Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal; Minister of Power Manohar Lal; Minister of Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh attended the meeting. Defence Minister termed the ground situation of the conflict as uncertain & volatile, and emphasised on the need for India to remain prepared not only for de-escalation but also for any renewed escalation. In a post on X, he stated that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to take swift and effective action to mitigate any potential risks or problems arising due to the conflict. Defence Minister made special mention of the Union Cabinets approval of a proposal for the creation of Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with a sovereign guarantee of Rs 12,980 crore to facilitate continuous maritime insurance coverages. This domestic insurance pool ensures that Indian trade continues to have access to affordable insurance for vessels carrying cargo from any international origin to Indian ports and vice-versa, even when transiting volatile maritime corridors. This important decision will ensure affordable and continuous insurance coverage for Indias maritime trade, strengthening the security and stability of Indias import-export operations. This is a major step towards a stronger, safer and more resilient trade ecosystem for India, he said. The IGoM was informed that despite a significant global supply shock, India has maintained adequate fuel stock position, with active efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply. Currently, India has inventories of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and ATF sufficient for over 60 days of consumption. While LNG stocks sufficient for approximately 50 days and LPG stocks sufficient for approximately 40 days respectively are maintained supported by domestic production. To mitigate risks arising from heavy dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, the Government has actively diversified import sources, securing crude, LNG, and LPG supplies from regions including the United States, Australia, and Latin America. Import requirements for April and May 2026 are largely secured, ensuring continuity of supply. Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is being actively promoted wherever feasible to reduce LPG dependence. Since March 2026, more than 4.76 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified. Further, more than 5.33 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections. Till 17.04.2026, more than 37,500 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website with a daily growth rate of 15%, indicating a significant shift towards PNG. An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set-up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT). Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies. Since 9th April 2026, around 3200 MT of propylene has been sold. The Ministers were informed that the Wholesale Price Index as well as Retail prices of all food commodities are stable and range bound. Additional allocation of 25 LMT wheat has been recommended by IMC for export. Consumer grievances with respect to LPG are showing declining trend on national consumer helpline 1915. The supply of Propylene has been tied up with BPCL Kochi & Mumbai refineries; and Methanol with Assam Petrochemicals and GNFC. There is no material shortage for Propylene and Methanol. The IGoM was informed that India has adequate fertiliser stocks of Urea, DAP, NPK, SSP and MOP. From March 01, 2026 to April 16, 2026, a total of 47.50 lakh tons of fertilisers - 28.22 lakh tons of Urea, 10.17 lakh tons of NPK and 3.34 lakh tons of DAP, along with 5.77 lakh tons of SSP - have further boosted the stocks. The special arrangement in the Department of Fertilisers for procuring LNG for production of Urea has been successful in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Phosphoric Acid issue has been resolved and a substantial amount of ammonium sulphate is being tied up for import, as an alternative fertiliser. The meeting was informed that several Indian missions abroad are coordinating for different kinds of fertilisers and input for use in India. A number of effective steps are being taken against diversion, hoarding, black marketing and excessive sales in pockets. Two meetings with Secretaries, Agriculture of States have already been held to sensitise the field officers for effective and appropriate steps for balanced use of fertilisers. In addition, 459 district level task-forces are functional. In April alone, 8,330 raids were conducted by States, 171 licenses suspended/cancelled, and 32 FIRs lodged. More than 1.85 lakh Nigrani Samitis have been formed to carry out awareness campaigns on judicious use of fertilisers. Describing the well-being and welfare of the Indian diaspora as the Governments top priority, Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the need to maintain constant communication with them as well as the concerned nations in the Gulf region to provide all possible assistance. Within the country, he stressed that the measures being taken to mitigate the impact of the situation need to be consistent for a uniformly impactful effect across States/Union Territories. To ensure the effective management of the situation, the best practices adopted by the States/UTs must be identified and systematically documented so that they can be shared widely & replicated in other states as well, he said. Defence Minister added that due cognizance needs to be taken of the mitigation measures being undertaken by different countries to tackle the challenge. The policy steps, and best practices should be documented so that, as and when required, lessons may be drawn from them to further strengthen our response framework, he said.

India Summons Iran Envoy Over Incident Of Firing At Ships In Strait Of Hormuz

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: India on Saturday summoned Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali after two Indian vessels had to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following an incident of firing by Irans Revolutionary Guards, authoritative sources said. A strong protest was lodged with the ambassador over the incident, they said. There is no official word yet on summoning Fathali to the external affairs ministry. Several commercial vessels tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz after Iran on Friday announced that [] The post India Summons Iran Envoy Over Incident Of Firing At Ships In Strait Of Hormuz appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Tanker comes under fire from Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, Apr 18: A tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz has reported coming under fire from two gunboats operated by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, reports BBC. According to the advisory, the incident occurred around 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman. The tanker and its crew are reported to be safe, with no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. In a separate development, at least two other merchant vessels have also reported being struck by gunfire while attempting to pass through the strait, according to three sources cited by Reuters as reported by the BBC. The incidents underscore rising security risks in the strategically crucial waterway, a key route for global oil shipments, amid heightened tensions in the region.

Bhaderwah-Chamba Interstate Road Reopens After Winter Closure

BHADERWAH/JAMMU, Apr 18: After remaining closed to commuters for over three months owing to snowfall, the strategic 140-km BhaderwahChamba interstate road linking Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh was reopened for vehicular traffic on Saturday, officials said. The road, a key link for interstate connectivity and the tourism sector, was closed after heavy snowfall in the Bhaderwah sector on December 31 last year. In recent weeks, the authorities began snow-clearing operations, which were carried out by the Mechanical Division Doda [] The post Bhaderwah-Chamba Interstate Road Reopens After Winter Closure appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Shopian Police arrest two in separate drug cases, recover charas-like substance

Srinagar, Apr 18: Police in south Kashmirs Shopian district have arrested two alleged drug peddlers in separate operations and seized a substantial quantity of a charas-like substance, officials said on Friday. In the first incident, a police team from Wachi post intercepted a suspect during a routine checkpoint on the ZainaporaBijbehara road near Naghad. The individual, identified as Mohd Rafiq Bhat, a resident of Reshipora in Zainapora, was found carrying a significant quantity of the substance. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Zainapora police station. In a separate operation, police from Imamsahib station stopped a load carrier vehicle near Bismillah Automobiles during a checkpoint. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a similar substance from the driver, identified as Mohd Ashraf Reshi, also a resident of Reshipora, Zainapora. A case has been registered at Imamsahib police station. Police said investigations are ongoing to trace supply chains and identify other individuals involved in the network. Authorities reiterated their commitment to tackling drug trafficking and urged the public to share information related to narcotics, assuring confidentiality for informants.

Govt Approves Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool With Sovereign Guarantee Of Rs 12,980 Cr

New Delhi, Apr 18: The government on Saturday approved a proposal to create a domestic insurance pool, Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI pool), with a sovereign guarantee of Rs 12,980 crore to facilitate continuous maritime insurance coverage. The pool ensures that Indian trade continues to have access to affordable insurance for vessels carrying cargo from any international origin to Indian ports and vice versa, even when transiting volatile maritime corridors. This was informed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw [] The post Govt Approves Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool With Sovereign Guarantee Of Rs 12,980 Cr appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Cops get comprehensive training in VIP security in J-K's Doda

Jammu, Apr 18: Police personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district underwent specialised training in VIP security to enhance their professional capabilities and preparedness in handling sensitive security assignments, officials said. A felicitation ceremony was organised at the district police lines in Doda on Saturday to mark the successful completion of a two-day training programme on VIP security. The training was conducted as per modules devised by the Security Headquarters, J&K, with the objective of strengthening the skills and readiness of personnel deployed for VIP security duties, they said. During the programme, participants received comprehensive training on key aspects of VIP security, including threat assessment, advanced security liaison, convoy management, access control, emergency response, and standard operating procedures to ensure foolproof security arrangements, they added. The session witnessed participation from gazetted officers, supervisory officers, SHOs, in-charge police posts, police security officers, and other personnel of the district, reflecting a collective focus on professional upgradation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Kartik Shrotriya (IPS), who presided over the felicitation ceremony, lauded the dedication and discipline of the trainees. He also distributed appreciation certificates and mementoes to the guest faculty for their contribution. Speaking on the occasion, the SSP emphasised the importance of continuous training and capacity building to effectively tackle evolving security challenges and ensure the safety of protected persons. Senior officers reiterated that such specialised programmes are vital for maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and efficiency within the force. Police, they said, remain committed to strengthening operational efficiency through regular training initiatives and capacity enhancement programmes.

Soldier Injured In Landmine Blast Near LoC In Poonch; Rusted Shell Defused

MENDHAR/JAMMU, Apr 18: An army soldier was injured in a landmine explosion, while a rusted shell was safely defused in a forward village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said. The explosion occurred during an area domination patrol by an army column in the Balakot area, leaving an Agniveer injured, they said. The soldier was shifted to a hospital and his condition is stated to be stable, officials said. As [] The post Soldier Injured In Landmine Blast Near LoC In Poonch; Rusted Shell Defused appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

First batch of 431 Haj pilgrims leaves from J-K; CM sees them off at airport

Srinagar, Apr 18: The first batch of 431 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saw them off at the airport here, officials said. The pilgrims, including 230 males and 201 females, left in three flights, they said. Officials said all required arrangements for transportation, baggage handling and documentation have been put in place at the Haj House in Bemina here to ensure a smooth departure process. Hundreds of family members of pilgrims gathered outside the Haj House to bid them farewell. A total of 4,764 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will embark on the pilgrimage this year. The chief minister saw off the first batch of Haj-2026 pilgrims at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, here, his office said in a post on X. He extended his best wishes to the pilgrims for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey and requested them to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir, the CM's office said. It said the chief minister also directed officials to ensure smooth facilitation and adequate arrangements for all pilgrims, focusing on seamless coordination, passenger convenience, and timely assistance at every stage of the journey.

Transporters call for chakka jam in Kashmir on Monday to protest introduction of Smart City buses

NIA Arrests Shabir Shah In 1996 Case, 3-Day Transit Remand Granted By Delhi Court

Srinagar, Apr 18: National Investigation Agency has arrested Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah in connection with a 1996 case registered in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said that Shah was produced before the Patiala House Court in the evening on Friday, which granted the agency three days of transit remand. Officials said he will be taken to Jammu and Kashmir and produced before a court on Monday for further proceedings. The case relates to an FIR lodged at Shergarhi Police [] The post NIA Arrests Shabir Shah In 1996 Case, 3-Day Transit Remand Granted By Delhi Court appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Cabinet approves 2% DA hike for central govt employees, pensioners

New Delhi, Apr 18: The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, offering relief amid rising inflation. The hike, which is linked to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), will result in a modest increase in salaries and pensions. Dearness Allowance is revised twice a yeartypically in January and Julyto offset the impact of inflation on earnings. However, this time the announcement saw a delay, drawing concern from employee unions, including the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, which had flagged the deviation from the usual schedule. Alongside the DA hike, the Cabinet cleared several key decisions aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic resilience. Among them is the approval of a 13,000 crore Sovereign Maritime Fund, designed to provide stable and affordable insurance coverage for Indian-flagged vessels and ships operating to and from the country. The move is expected to strengthen Indias maritime sector and reduce dependency on foreign insurers. The Cabinet also approved the extension of the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) till 2028, with an additional allocation of 3,000 crore to accelerate rural road connectivity across the country. During the meeting, the Prime Minister also took aim at the Opposition over its stance on the Womens Reservation Bill, criticising its refusal to support the legislation and warning of political consequences. The decisions are seen as part of the governments broader push to balance welfare measures with long-term infrastructure and economic priorities.

J-K LG leads padyatra in Rajouri, says 63 drug smuggler arrested in 5 days long crackdown

Jammu, Apr 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday continued his campaign for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir by leading a padyatra in Rajouri. He said that 63 smugglers have been arrested with 45 FIRs registered during the past five days of a relentless crackdown. Sinha launched a 100-day intensive campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan on April 11 from Jammu, followed by programmes on April 13 in Kathua and on April 15 in Ramban district. Sinha, who led the padyatra in Rajouri town, said in a post on X, I joined the padyatra in Rajouri and addressed a public rally under the drug-free J&K campaign. He said the border district of Rajouri is sensitive and prone to cross-border drug smuggling. But we are determined to crush these challenges, dismantle the drug trade and liberate society from addiction, he said. Sinha added that from April 11, the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a relentless crackdown in the Jammu division. More than 45 FIRs were filed, 63 smugglers were nabbed, and massive drug hauls were seized between April 11 and 15, he said. Sinha added that regular checks are now covering schools, pharmacies and drug agencies, and the drive will continue relentlessly.

Early morning blaze damages restaurant in Lal Chowk Srinagar

Iran announces partial reopening of its airspace

The Civil Aviation Organisation said air routes over eastern Iran were reopened at 7 am (0330 GMT), according to the state-owned IRAN newspaper

Srinagar Police tighten noose on misuse of prescription drugs, inspect chemist shops

Srinagar, April 17: Intensifying its crackdown on the misuse of prescription drugs, Srinagar Police on Friday conducted a series of inspections at chemist shops located in the vicinity of major hospitals across the city. The drive is part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, a comprehensive campaign aimed at curbing drug abuse and dismantling supply networks. Srinagar Police inspects chemist shops near hospitals to check misuse of prescription drugs. Strict action against violators under NDPS Act assured. #NashaMuktJKAbhiyaan @diprjk @SrinagarPolice @KashmirPolice @JmuKmrPolice @MSJEGOI @AmitShahOffice @PMOIndia, Nasha Mukt Abiyaan Jammu and Kashmir said in a post on X. Officials said multiple teams comprising police personnel and drug control authorities carried out surprise checks to verify compliance with regulations governing the sale of scheduled medicines. Particular focus was placed on ensuring that potentially addictive drugs are not dispensed without valid prescriptions and that proper sale records are maintained. A senior police officer said here that the initiative is not only enforcement-driven but also preventive in nature. The misuse of prescription drugs has emerged as a serious concern, especially among youth. Through these inspections, we aim to ensure that chemists adhere strictly to the law and do not become inadvertent contributors to substance abuse, the officer said. During the inspections, several shops were scrutinized for irregularities such as absence of proper documentation, failure to maintain registers for controlled substances, and suspected over-the-counter sale of prescription-only medicines. Authorities have indicated that notices will be issued in cases where discrepancies were found, and repeat violations will invite stricter penalties. Another official said that the drive is being conducted in coordination with the Drug Control Department to ensure a multi-pronged approach. This is a joint effort. While police focus on enforcement and intelligence gathering, drug inspectors are examining licensing conditions and compliance under pharmaceutical regulations, he said. Reiterating the administrations zero-tolerance stance, Srinagar Police warned that any chemist found violating norms will face strict legal action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. We are committed to dismantling every link in the chain of drug abuse. Whether it is peddlers or those enabling access to controlled substances unlawfully, no one will be spared, the officer asserted. The 100-day Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan has seen a significant escalation in anti-drug operations across Jammu and Kashmir, including arrests of peddlers, awareness campaigns in educational institutions, and community outreach programs. Police officials said public cooperation remains crucial in making the campaign successful. Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious activity related to drug abuse or illegal sale of medicines. A drug-free society is a shared responsibility. We appeal to the public, especially parents and educators, to remain vigilant and support this mission, the official added.

Earthquake hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in J&K

Srinagar, April 18: An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter Scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday morning at 8:24 am, jolting parts of Jammu and Kashmir. However, there have been no immediate reports of any kind of damage. According to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at a depth of 190 kilometres in the Zaybak area of the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan. An EMSC spokesperson said the epicentre of the quake was recorded at 36.5536N / 70.9259E. The spokesperson said the energy released by the earthquake was 2 10^12 joules. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to 554 megawatt-hours or 477 tons of TNT.

Two flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to operational reasons

Srinagar, Apr 18: Two flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Saturday due to operational reasons, officials said. An airport official said that Air India flight AI 1799/1810 (Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi) and SpiceJet flight SG-161 (Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi) have been cancelled for the day. Passengers have been advised to contact the respective airlines for rebooking, refunds, and further assistance before heading to the airport, the official added. The inconvenience caused to flyers is regretted, the official said.(KNS)

Sports, awareness campaigns gain momentum in Baramulla

District Youth Services and Sports Baramulla continues to energise the district with a powerful blend of sports excellence and social awareness under the ongoing Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions and the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Campaign. In an inspiring display of commitment towards a drug-free society, as per an official statement, multiple zones across Baramulla actively participated in both sporting events and awareness initiatives, engaging hundreds of students in meaningful and transformative activities. Zone Chandanwari successfully conducted Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions under the banner of Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, featuring Chess and Carrom for Under-14 boys, with an enthusiastic participation of 30 students, showcasing both skill and discipline. Meanwhile, Zone Wagoora, on the 3rd day of its ongoing competitions, organized Under-14 boys events at HSS Kreeri, where 54 students participated with great zeal and competitive spirit, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports at the grassroots level. Extending the campaign beyond playgrounds, Zone Dangiwacha organized a massive rally under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, witnessing participation from around 250 students, spreading a strong message against drug abuse across the locality. Similarly, Zone Rohama conducted a series of impactful awareness activities including rallies, speeches, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions. Both students and teachers participated actively, reinforcing the message of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Adding to the momentum, Zone Uri also organized a grand rally under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, where hundreds of students took part, demonstrating unity and collective resolve to eradicate drug abuse from society. The dual initiative of promoting sports alongside spreading awareness is proving to be a powerful tool in channelizing the energy of youth towards constructive and nation-building activities.

Mahindra, J&K Bank ink MoU to boost EV financing access

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML) and J&K Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving access to vehicle financing for customers purchasing electric commercial vehicles. According to a press note, the partnership will enable easy and accessible financing solutions for buyers of Mahindras last-mile mobility vehicles. The initiative is expected to simplify loan procedures and strengthen on-ground engagement through J&K Banks branch network. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Indias leading electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, recently introduced its e-auto Mahindra UDO, further expanding its EV portfolio. The company had earlier crossed the milestone of selling over three lakh commercial electric vehicles by November 2025. J&K Bank, with an extensive network of 1,008 branchesincluding 835 in Jammu & Kashmir, 37 in Ladakh, and 136 across other regionswill play a key role in facilitating the financing outreach.

Hajj 2026: First batch of pilgrims set to depart from Srinagar today

TAFI J&K hosts meet, AI session, felicitates industry veterans

The J&K chapter of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) held its third bi-monthly meeting at Hotel Palm Spring, Srinagar, drawing a full-house attendance of members and stakeholders from the travel and tourism sector. The meeting featured knowledge sessions and presentations, including an AI Masterclass by expert Aman Kaushik, alongside inputs from Asego Global Insurance and GRN Connect. The session focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the travel industry and was widely appreciated by participants. A felicitation ceremony honoured former chairmen, including founder chairman Manzoor Pakhtoon and former chairman Shamim Shah, for their leadership and contribution to the organisation. Senior members Mohd Akram Siah and Zahoor Ahmad Qari were presented with Torch Bearer Awards for their long-standing association with TAFI. Veteran tourism professional Nasir Shah was recognised for his 48 years of service to the industry. Faiz A. Bakshi was honoured as Green Ambassador of Kashmir for environmental efforts, while Abroo Ratta was felicitated as a leading woman entrepreneur in the tourism sector. Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, along with knowledge partners, were also acknowledged. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a networking session.

SASCI reforms aim at capital growth and fiscal efficiency: Chief Secretary

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo convened a high-level meeting of the Finance Department, attended by the Administrative Secretaries, to review the progress of departmental work plans and the status of reforms under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). During the meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed expenditure trends and underscored the importance of timely and efficient utilisation of allocated resources. He emphasised the need to prioritise capital expenditure (Capex) from the very beginning of the financial year, cautioning against the tendency of last-minute spending rushes that often compromise efficiency and outcomes. Highlighting the importance of proactive planning, the Chief Secretary directed departments to ensure prompt uploading of works on the BEAMS portal to facilitate timely tendering and execution. He further stressed the need for equitable distribution of projects across districts, aligned with on-ground requirements to ensure balanced development across all regions. Reiterating the strategic importance of SASCI reforms, the Chief Secretary urged Administrative Secretaries to accord them top priority, noting their potential to bring substantial economic benefits to the Union Territory through incentive-based funding amounting to hundreds of crores. He called for their strict implementation in both letter and spirit to ensure tangible outcomes. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar, emphasised accountability and adherence to timelines, urging all departments to finalise and upload their action plans on the BEAMS portal by April 21, 2026. He noted that while 100 percent budget allocation has been made, further financial releases, including the second installment of Capex funds will be contingent upon fulfilment of key reform conditions and demonstrable progress. The meeting also highlighted key reforms mandated under SASCI guidelines, including the adoption of end-to-end digital tendering and contract management systems under Component II. Departments such as the Power Development Department (PDD), Jal Shakti, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), and Youth Services & Sports (YSS) were directed to onboard the PWD-OMAS platform at the earliest to enhance transparency, monitoring, and accountability. Progress in critical sectoral reforms was also reviewed, including mining sector reforms, operationalisation of the Right of Way (RoW) Rules 2024, rollout of AgriStack in the Agriculture Department, and livestock sector reforms. It was emphasised that significant advancements in these areas are crucial for unlocking subsequent funding tranches. To streamline financial management, all departments were directed to establish separate Single Nodal Agency (SNA) accounts for efficient release and monitoring of SASCI funds. A detailed presentation outlined the proposed financial outlay under SASCI for the financial year 202627, totaling Rs 4023.5 Cr. This includes Rs 1406 Cr under Part I and Part II untied components, along with a substantial 2617.5 Cr available under incentive-based components linked to capital expenditure performance and reform milestones across sectors such as public finance IT infrastructure, mining, AgriStack, livestock, financial management efficiency, and compressed biogas initiatives. The meeting also reviewed allocations under the Public Health Infrastructure component, with 330 Cr earmarked to improve key health indicators, including reduction in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), attainment of NQAS certification, and reduction in TB mortality.

India joins Global Leaders Paris meet on Hormuz

India participated in a high-level international meeting in Paris on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as the United States remained absent from the summit, highlighting parallel diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. Confirming Indias participation, Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing that New Delhi had been invited to the meeting, which brought together around 40 countries to address maritime security and energy disruptions. The conference, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was underway when Iran announced that the key shipping route would be reopened during the ongoing ceasefire. According to BBC, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait had been declared completely open for commercial vessels for the remainder of the truce. Despite being central to the conflict, the US was not part of the Paris discussions or the proposed maritime initiative. Opening the summit, Macron warned of the very severe consequences the closure of the strait had for the whole of the planet and the global economy, while welcoming recent developments and calling for the full immediate and unconditional reopening of the waterway. Starmer said leaders welcomed Irans move but stressed durability, stating the reopening must be a long lasting and workable solution. He added that France and the UK would lead a strictly peaceful and defensive international mission to safeguard navigation, with a planning conference scheduled in London next week. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was in the immediate interests of all parties to push for peace and backed a quick diplomatic agreement between the US and Iran. While welcoming the good news on Hormuz, he stressed the need for a lasting, secure and toll free arrangement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the reopening as a fundamental principle of international law, adding that ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon must be integrated into broader negotiations. She termed the proposed mission purely defensive, focused on ensuring safe passage and maritime security. The Paris meeting reflects efforts by non-belligerent countries, including India, to mitigate the global economic fallout of the crisis and restore stability to a route that carries nearly a fifth of the worlds energy supplies. While Irans announcement and Trumps reaction injected momentum, leaders emphasised that a sustained, unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. free of restrictions, remains essential for global economic stability and regional peace.

Kashmir Imams lead charge against drug menace in Friday sermons

In Kashmirs masjids on Friday, the message was clear, urgent, and unified: drugs are destroying the Valleys youth, and the community must act now. As part of the governments Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, a large-scale campaign to curb rising substance abuse, religious leaders across the region used the powerful platform of Jumuah (Friday prayers) to confront the growing crisis. From Jamia Masjid to smaller mosques in Anantnag, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian, imams devoted significant portions of their sermons to warning against addiction and urging collective responsibility. The coordinated outreach followed meetings earlier in the week between district administrations and religious scholars, where clerics were encouraged to address the issue directly with congregations. The response was immediate and widespread. Standing before packed rows of worshippers, imams spoke with urgency, grounding their message in Islamic teachings. They emphasised that all forms of intoxication are strictly prohibited and described drug abuse as a threat not only to individual health but to families, society, and faith itself. Addiction is not just a personal failingit is a social and moral crisis, one cleric told his congregation. Our duty is to guide people away from harm and remind them of their responsibility toward their bodies and their community. Across the Valley, sermons echoed similar themes: the sanctity of life, the dangers of substance abuse, and the need for early intervention. Religious leaders urged parents to remain vigilant, encouraged youth to resist peer pressure, and called on communities to support those seeking recovery rather than stigmatising them. The initiative reflects a strategic shiftleveraging mosques as centres of social influence to counter a crisis that has escalated sharply in recent years. With thousands affected, particularly among young people, authorities see faith-based messaging as a critical tool in changing attitudes and behaviours. Beyond sermons, the broader campaign includes outreach in schools and colleges, awareness drives, and rehabilitation support. But Fridays unified voice from the pulpits marked a significant momentbringing the fight against drugs into the heart of community life. In Kashmir, pertinently, a silent epidemic has taken root. Drug addiction, once a distant whisper, now grips thousands of young lives. Official surveys paint a grim picture: thousands of people in the Kashmir Valley alone are opioid-dependent, with nearly 95% hooked on heroin. This crisis has not gone unanswered. Under the banner of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaanthe governments 100-day mass movement for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmirauthorities have turned to the most powerful platform in every Kashmiri village and town.

70 per cent population must get 70 per cent jobs:Altaf Bukhari on Reservation Policy

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President, Altaf Bukhari on Friday said reservation and job allocation in Jammu and Kashmir must be strictly aligned with population, asserting that the present system is unjust and deprives the majority of their rightful share, while launching a sweeping attack on parties like the National Conference (NC) and PDP over their decades of unfulfilled promises. Addressing a mediamen in Srinagar, Bukhari made the reservation issue the central theme of his remarks, stating that the principle of proportional representation must be followed in employment. It should be as per the population. Seventy percent population cannot get 30 percent jobs. Seventy percent population must get 70 percent jobs. What is this? he said. He questioned the logic behind the existing reservation structure and warned that such an imbalance would create further resentment. The people who live here should have jobs. We are very clear that it should be based on population or division-wise, he added, asserting that locals must not lose out within their own system. Bukhari further argued that opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir must remain with its residents and not be diluted. Why should jobs meant for the people of J&K be taken away from them? he asked, emphasising that fairness in distribution is essential for stability and trust. Highlighting his partys political journey, Bukhari said that when Apni Party was formed in 2019, it had three core agendasrestoration of statehood, protection of land, and safeguarding jobs. He claimed that his party worked towards securing protections for land and employment and raised issues such as verification of youth, amnesty, and passport clearances. He said that despite these efforts, his party could not effectively communicate its work to the public, while rivals shaped a negative narrative against it. We could not explain to people what we did and what we can do during Assembly elections, he admitted, adding that Apni Party leaders were branded unfairly during elections. Launching a sharp attack on traditional political parties, Bukhari said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly given mandates to the same parties over the past 75 years without seeing meaningful results. People gave them a massive mandate, but none of the promises have been fulfilled, he said. He questioned their credibility on core political issues, including Article 370, Article 35A, and restoration of statehood. Where is Article 370? Where is Article 35A? Where is the statehood? he asked, demanding accountability from those who had made commitments on these fronts. Bukhari also criticised post-2019 political developments, including alliances, alleging that they misled the people and failed to achieve tangible outcomes. He hinted at hidden deals behind political arrangements and said the truth should be brought before the public. He further accused rival parties of remaining disconnected from the ground and not engaging with people during difficult times, contrasting it with his partys outreach since 2019. He said when Apni Party began engaging with people at that time, others were unwilling to step out. Referring to governance and political engagement, Bukhari questioned the sudden outreach of leaders towards authorities, saying people are aware of changing political positions and must demand answers. On the humanitarian front, Bukhari strongly called for the release of detainees, saying prolonged detentions have caused suffering across families. All those who are in jailour youth, women, eldersshould be released. A prisoner is a prisoner, whether man or woman, he said. He reiterated the need for a one-time amnesty, stating that it was part of his partys manifesto and essential for reconciliation and healing in Jammu and Kashmir. He also spoke about issues faced by youth, including verification and passport-related concerns, and said these require urgent attention. Bukhari also appealed for parole to jailed MP Engineer Rashid on humanitarian grounds, urging authorities to allow him to visit his ailing father. He should at least be released on parole so that he can spend time with his father during this difficult period, he said. Addressing the youth directly, Bukhari cautioned against emotional decision-making and urged them to think pragmatically about their future. Do not get emotional. Think about how to live with dignity and respect, he said, adding that peace and stability should be the priority. He also referred to the broader political reality, saying that Jammu and Kashmirs future lies in ensuring dignity and rights within the existing democratic framework, and urged people to choose leadership that can deliver practical results rather than rhetoric.

Light rain, snow in higher reaches bring dip in temperatures across J&K

Kashmir witnessed light rainfall on Friday, while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, leading to a drop in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded 2.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Qazigund received 4.4 mm, Kupwara 6 mm, Gulmarg 7 mm and Pahalgam 5.4 mm. Higher-altitude areas experienced snowfall, with Razdan Passconnecting Bandipora with Gurezwitnessing moderate snowfall, forcing closure of the road for traffic. Snowfall was also reported at Zojila Pass, which links Ladakh with Sonamarg. Other higher reaches, including Pir Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Machil in Kupwara, as well as the Sonamarg-Minamarg axis, also received light snowfall. Parts of the Jammu division also recorded rainfall, with Banihal receiving 4.7 mm, while Bhaderwah and Batote recorded 0.9 mm each. Day temperatures dropped significantly across the Union Territory, remaining below normal at most places. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 15.9C, five degrees below normal, while Pahalgam registered 13.2C, Gulmarg 6.2C and Kupwara 13C. In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 28.8C, while Banihal and Batote recorded 16.2C. The MET has forecast partly to generally cloudy skies with intermittent light rain or thundershowers at many places till April 19, mainly during morning and evening hours. Gusty winds (4050 kmph) and isolated hailstorms are also likely. Weather conditions are expected to improve from April 20, with generally dry weather likely to prevail till April 24. A brief dry spell may continue through April 2526, although isolated light rain or thundershowers with gusty winds cannot be ruled out.

Gauri Kaul Foundation completes 5 years of service in Kashmir

The Gauri Kaul Foundation, a cardiac healthcare initiative penetrating the peripheries in Kashmir, marked its fifth foundation year today. In a relatively short span of time, the Foundation has established two well-equipped Cardiac Centres in Kashmir and delivered meaningful interventions to hundreds of lives in the remotest corners of Kashmir. Its contribution to valuable healthcare data resources, strengthening the foundation for future outreach and research, has also been remarkable. Reflecting on the journey, the Founder, renowned and respected cardiologist, Prof U Kaul, said he firmly believed that geography must not be a barrier to access to healthcare facilities. A persons life expectancy in Kashmir should not be decided by which part of Kashmir he is living in, he said. He recalled the time when, during a visit to Kupwara on, he laid the basis of GK Foundation in 2020. The first steps, he said, were getting telemedicine up and running in the border area of the district, Machil. Over these years, the Foundation has screened over 25000 patients, established the Gauri Heart Centre in Srinagar and Prasad Joo Heart Centre in Hawl, at the cusp of Shopian and Pulwama districts. In 2025, Clinic on Wheels, a fully-equipped ambulance providing non-invasive heart evaluation, including a portable echo, was put on the roads. The Clinic on Wheels, an ONGC initiative, makes it possible for patients to be evaluated in their villages, in the difficult-to-access areas of Kashmir. M Asad Pathan, former Chairman of ONGC and Co-Founder of GK Foundation, said involvement of corporations in the journey of the initiatives they fund as corporate responsibility ensures better success. He recalled the quote of JF Kennedy, Dont ask what the nation has given you, but rather what you give to the nation, while underlining the responsibility of every individual towards building a better nation. Dr Abid Hussain, Director of Gauri Heart Centre and an experienced cardiologist, said their work in the communities was yielding some fascinating scientific revelations. We have not seen any Rheumatic Heart Disease in the patients we screened, he said, while detailing how schools have been involved in medical research to provide insights into the changing disease profile in Kashmir, in addition to other data. Every screening is a second chance at life, he said. The event, held at Radisson River Front, had legislators MY Tarigami, Waheed ur Rehman Parra and Mian Meher Ali as Guests. Tarigami congratulated Prof. U. Kaul for his contribution. He said that the initiative was a sign of reverence for Prof. Kaul towards his motherland. He spoke against the commodification of healthcare and said affordable health facilities were a right of every citizen. Parra said Prof Kauls name was a healing one in Kashmirs homes. He is not just filling the gap in healthcare but the gaps between communities, he said. Mian Meher Ali, who was attending on behalf of his father, Mian Altaf, Parliamentarian, said his father had written a personal note for the fifth year commemoration, which he read out. The note conveyed the appreciation for the work of the GK Foundation. In the hostile atmosphere of Kashmir, GK Foundation has brought a ray of hope, he said. GK Foundation facilitated its supporters with plaques of recognition and honour. The awardees were MA Pathan, Co-Founder GK Foundation; Fayaz Ahmed Kaloo, Editor-in-Chief Greater Kashmir , for its support to GK Foundation; Dr Abid Hussain, Director GK Foundation, for his contribution to School Project and Syed Ishtiaq, educationist, for his support to School Project. Other dignitaries who were present at the event included Prof MS Khuroo, Prof Abdul Hamid Zargar, Khursheed Ganai, Priyadarshini Arambam, and Dr Muneer Tantri.

Hajj 2026: Special flights to carry pilgrims from India to Saudi Arabia amid tightened entry rules

The Hajj operations will begin on Saturday, with pilgrims from India and Pakistan departing on special flights for the holy city of Makkah to perform one of the most important rituals of Islam. Over 4700 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir (including Ladakh) are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia, starting Saturday in special Hajj flights. More than 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India are set to embark on the pilgrimage. The authorities have ensured regional accessibility and efficient logistics for the pilgrims to minimise inconvenience and facilitate a smooth journey. Makkah entry restrictions for non-pilgrims and holders of special permits came into full effect on April 13. Expatriates and residents without official permits will be barred from entering Makkah from Monday, April 13, under new Hajj-season regulations announced by Saudi authorities. The Hajj arrangements and procedures requiring residents to obtain entry permits came into effect on April 13. It said residents without valid permits will be barred from entering Makkah. Authorities have set April 18 (Dhul Qada 1) as the final deadline for foreign pilgrims arriving on Umrah visas to depart the Kingdom. The issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusk platform will be suspended for all categories including citizens, expatriates and GCC nationals from April 18 to May 31, according to Saudi Gazette. From April 18, entry to Makkah will also be prohibited for all visa holders except those with valid Hajj visas. Meanwhile, Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju extended his best wishes to all Hajj pilgrims and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring smooth, safe, and comfortable Hajj. More than 200 administrative staff and 350 medical and paramedical personnel will be deployed to support Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. For the first time, a shorter Hajj package of 20-25 days has also been introduced, with more than 10,500 pilgrims opting for it. Five airlines Air India Express, Akasa Air, Saudi Airlines, Flynas, and Flyadeal will operate Hajj flights between India and Saudi Arabia. Indonesia consistently sends the highest number of Hajj pilgrims globally, with a 2026 quota of 2,21,000, confirming its position as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

Collegium recommends 11 names to fill High Court vacancies

In what is being described as a significant and landmark step, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Collegium has recommended 10 names from the Bar quota and one name from the Bench quota for elevation to the High Court, marking the first time such a large number of appointments have been processed in a single exercise. According to sources, the High Court is presently functioning with 13 Judges against a sanctioned strength of 25, leaving 12 vacancies, including 10 from the Bar quota. The present recommendations are aimed at substantially addressing this shortfall. Sources indicate that the exercise followed an extensive consultative process. It is learnt that merit, integrity, competence, and standing at the Bar remained the primary considerations throughout the process. At the same time, the Collegium is understood to have taken into account the need for balanced regional and social representation, in line with constitutional values and institutional requirements. The recommendations are learnt to include Vishal Sharma, Namgyal Wangchuk, Jahangir Iqbal Ganai, Pawan Kumar Kundal, Tahir Majid Shamsi, Tabasum Zafar, Anupam Raina, Vikram Kumar Sharma, Amit Gupta, and Pranav Kohli for elevation from the Bar. Sources said that particular emphasis has been laid on ensuring adequate representation from the Kashmir Bar, which has remained relatively underrepresented in the Bar quota. At the same time, inclusion from the Union Territory of Ladakh is also understood to be part of the broader effort to ensure regional balance, with representation of the Buddhist community from the region also finding place in the recommendations. It is further learnt that the recommendations also take into account representation of the Kashmiri Pandit community, thereby reflecting an attempt to accommodate diverse social segments within the Bar. The overall exercise is said to reflect attention to social diversity, including representation of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste communities, as well as different sections of society. It is further learnt that the senior-most judicial officer, Yash Paul Bourney, has also been recommended for elevation, taking into account his experience, service record, and overall suitability. In a notable development, one of the recommended candidates Tabasum Zafar is a woman advocate from Kashmir. Sources said that, if the recommendations are accepted, this would mark the first instance of a Kashmiri woman adorning the Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The recommendations, finalised through what sources describe as a carefully calibrated and comprehensive exercise, have been forwarded to the competent authorities for further consideration. Legal observers said that this move reflects a serious institutional effort to address vacancies at scale, while ensuring that the Bench reflects both professional excellence and the diversity of the region it serves.

2023 Act comes into force yet women reservation only after delimitation

As anticipated earlier, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 to implement 33 percent women reservation in legislatures in 2029 elections failed to clear two-third majority test in the Lok Sabha on Friday. However, the Women's Reservation Act 2023 Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023- passed by the Parliament (in 2023) already came into force a day earlier (on April 16) through a notification of Union Law Ministry. In case of Jammu and Kashmir and other Union Territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued similar notifications yet in their cases, the relevant Act would come into force from April 17, 2026. Despite the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 coming into force, the reservation for women will come into effect only after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken following the conduct of the next census (2027). After the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in voting, the government did not take up - two other related bills viz., The Delimitation Bill, 2026 and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed at amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 to align the provisions relating to (33 percent) reservation for women with the constitutional framework under Article 334A and the delimitation law. Dealing with the Union Territory of J&K, The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 (coming into force from April 17, 2026) too provided for as nearly as may be, one-third of total seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to be reserved for women. The objective spelt out was to enable greater representation and participation of women as public representatives in law making processes of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As nearly as may be, one-third of the seats reserved under sub-section (7) of section 14 shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As nearly as may be, one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) shall be reserved for women in such manner as Parliament may by law determine, the 2023 Act provided. As per the 2023 Act, the provisions relating to reservation of seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first census taken after the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 have been published and will cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of fifteen years from such commencement. Subject to the provisions of section 14A, seats reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall continue till such date as Parliament may by law determine, it added. It specified that rotation of seats reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will take effect after such subsequent exercise of delimitation as Parliament may by law determine.

Hajj 2026: Amid faith, tears and hope Kashmirs first batch of pilgrims leaves for holy sojourn

Srinagar, Apr 18: Tears, prayers, and heartfelt hopes filled the air at Hajj House Bemina here on Saturday morning as Kashmirs first batch of pilgrims prepared to depart for Saudi Arabia. The departure marked the beginning of the Valleys annual spiritual journey to Islams holiest sites, with families bidding an emotional farewell to their loved ones embarking on the sacred pilgrimage. According to the details available with the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), from the early hours, hundreds of family members gathered at the busiest Haj House premises in Srinagar to bid farewell to their kith and kin and friends chosen this year for the pilgrimage. Some embraced in silence, others raised their hands in prayer, while many struggled to contain emotion as departure time drew near. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and longing, with children waved at departing elders, women wiped tears from their eyes and elderly pilgrims quietly recited verses while clutching prayer beads and travel documents. It feels like Allah has invited us to His house. We waited many years for this moment, said Ali Mohammad Mir, an elderly pilgrim from Srinagar with moments before entering the Haj house gate. A woman who had come to see off her parents said, There are tears because they are leaving us behind, but there is happiness because they are going for Hajj. This is a blessing for our whole family. Another relative, Sameer said, Every family here carries emotion today. We only pray that all pilgrims complete Hajj in good health and return safely. Executive Officer of the Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi told KNO, three flights carrying a total of 431 pilgrims are scheduled to leave from Srinagar on the first day of departures. The batch includes 230 men and 201 women. The first flight carries 79 men and 66 women, the second 78 men and 65 women, while the third has 73 men and 70 women, taking the total to 431 pilgrims, including 230 men and 201 women, he said. He added, arrangements for transportation, baggage handling, medical screening and documentation were already put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly departure process. We have made all necessary arrangements for the comfort and convenience of pilgrims. The process has remained smooth since morning, he said. For todays first flight schedule, pilgrims have been asked to report at Haj House, Bemina, Srinagar as per their allotted timings. QP-7521 (first flight) passengers should report between 06:0006:30 AM, QP-7520 (second flight) between 08:1508:45 AM, and QP-7519 (third flight) between 09:0009:30 AM. Pilgrims have been advised to strictly follow the schedule and carry their passport, visa copy, vaccination card and standard baggage only, while avoiding any banned items(KNO)

Amit Shah tears into Congress, its allies over Constitution Amendment Bill

Slamming the Congress and its allies for the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill to implement 33 percent womens quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country. The Congress and its allies did not allow the passage of the essential bill, which would have given 33 percent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state/UT assemblies, he said. Rejecting the bill that would grant 33 percent reservation to women, celebrating it, and raising victory cries over it was truly reprehensible and beyond imagination, Shah said in a message on X after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure two-third majority during voting in the Lok Sabha on Friday night. Today, a very strange scene unfolded in the Lok Sabha as the Congress, TMC, DMK, and the Samajwadi Party did not allow the passage of the essential Constitution amendment bill, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Now, the women of the country will not get 33 percent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this, not for the first time but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country, Shah said in the message in Hindi. The home minister also warned the Congress and other parties which opposed the bill that this insult to Nari Shakti will travel far and wide. The opposition will have to face the wrath of women, not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections but at every level, in every election, and at every place, Shah said. When put to vote in the Lower House, 298 members voted in support of the bill, while 230 voted against it. Out of the 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes to secure a two-third majority required for the passage of a Constitution amendment bill in the Lok Sabha. According to the bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to operationalise the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Seats were also to be increased in states and UT assemblies to accommodate 33 percent reservation for women.

Opposition derails womens reservation framework

In a major setback to the government, a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday, with the ruling dispensation asserting that the struggle to give the rights to women will continue. While 298 members voted in support of the bill in Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes for a two-third majority. According to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to 816 from the current 543 to operationalise the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Seats were also to be increased in state and Union territory assemblies to accommodate 33 percent reservation for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi were among those present during the voting. This was for the first time a bill under the Modi government was defeated in Parliament. After the legislation was defeated during the voting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House for the day and announced that it would meet again on Saturday. The three-day special sitting was convened from April 16 to 18 for getting the Parliament's approval to the bill. When the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed to the Speaker that the government has no intention to move ahead with the two other bills -- the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill -- as both the legislations were interlinked with the Constitution Amendment Bill. Rijiju said the Opposition lost a historic opportunity to honour the country's women but the Modi government's struggle to give rights to women will continue. We will not take rest till we ensure that the country's women get reservation in legislatures, he said. Later, Rijiju told reporters that Congress is an anti-women party and the country's women will never forgive them. The Congress celebrated after the bill was defeated which clearly shows that it is an anti-women party, he said. After the bill was defeated, Union Home Minister Amit Shah blamed Congress, TMC, DMK, and Samajwadi Party for not allowing its passage. He said after the bill was defeated, the opposition parties were celebrating and raising victory cries which is beyond imagination and condemnable. Now, the women of the country will not get the 33 percent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this not for the first time, but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women nor of the country, he said in a post on X in Hindi. Shah said this insult to the women of the country will not stop here but will travel far and wide. The opposition will have to face the wrath of women not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, but at every level, in every election, and at every place, he said. Earlier, in a bid to get the bill passed, while replying to the two-day long debate, Shah assured the opposition of an official amendment within an hour mentioning a 50 percent increase in Lok Sabha seats in all states and union territories if the opposition parties support the women's reservation bill. However, the opposition did not budge. The women's reservation amendment bill will fall flat if the opposition does not vote in its favour. But women of the country are watching who the obstacle is, he said. The home minister alleged that the opposition parties are against women's reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies as well as an increase in the number of SC, ST seats. If anyone hears this discussion carefully, one will realise that nobody opposed the constitutional amendment for women's reservation. Everyone said 'we welcome this move'. But all the members of the INDIA group clearly opposed women's reservation, Shah said. The home minister said the Constitution provides for periodic delimitation and that includes provisions for increasing the SC and ST seats in proportion to their growing population. In a way, those opposing delimitation are also opposing the increase in SC and ST seats, he said in a strong rebuttal to opposition's charges of a hidden agenda behind the government's proposal of delimitation of constituencies. The home minister also said that there are 127 seats where there are more than 20 lakh voters and it goes against the spirit of the principle of 'one person, one vote and one value'. At some places, 45 lakh voters have one representative, and at some places, six lakh voters have one representative. As a result, the value of each vote is not equal across constituencies, he said, adding therefore there was a need for rationalisation of voters in every constituency. Shah also dismissed the claim that the Constitution amendment bill brought for providing women reservation in legislatures was aimed at delaying caste enumeration during census. A meeting of the Union Cabinet in 2025 decided to carry out caste enumeration along with the census exercise and the process has already started, he said. Earlier, in social media posts, Modi urged all Lok Sabha MPs to vote in favour of the bill and said the time has come to ensure that half of the nation's population receives its rightful due in decision-making. Shortly before the voting on the Constitution Amendment Bill, he urged all members not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India. I would like to appeal to all members of Parliament... Please reflect upon your conscience, remembering the women in your own families. Please do not deprive our 'nari shakti' of new opportunities, he said. While participating in the debate, Gandhi said the Constitution amendment bill has nothing to do with women's reservation and is instead an attempt to change the country's electoral map to retain power -- a shameful act. The Congress leader said the proposal does not address women's empowerment. This (bill) is an attempt to change the country's electoral map, using and hiding behind India's women, he said. Shah also said that a false narrative has been created that the southern states would be discriminated against during the delimitation exercise. I want to say that the southern states have as much right over this House as the northern states do. This country should not be divided by a North-South narrative. When we take the oath, we take it with our heart. Those who have taken the oath with the Constitution in hand are trying to create a divide between north and south. We will not allow this, he said. Shah said some members have spread the misconception that Muslim women should get reservations but he would like to clarify that the Constitution does not accept reservations based on religion. After the bill was defeated, Rahul Gandhi said if the prime minister is serious in providing women reservation in Parliament, he should bring the 2023 law and the opposition would extend its support outrightly. As I have said, it was an attack on the Constitution and we defeated that. We clearly said that this was not a women's bill, but an attempt to change India's electoral structure which we have stopped, he said.

Reasi, Kishtwar, Ramban impose curbs on inflammatory social media content

Ramban Apr 17: In a coordinated move to safeguard public order and communal harmony, district administrations in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban have issued separate orders imposing strict restrictions on the misuse of social media platforms. The directives, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain in force for 60 days unless modified or withdrawn earlier. Officials across the three districts cited growing concerns over the spread of provocative, misleading, and communally sensitive content on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Reasi cracks down on online misuse In Reasi, District Magistrate Kumar Abhishek announced a comprehensive ban on the circulation of inflammatory digital content. The administration has prohibited sharing material that promotes communal hatred, spreads misinformation, or incites violence. The order also bars the circulation of morphed or misleading images and videos, online mobilization of unlawful assemblies, and content that hurts religious sentiments or disturbs public peace. Authorities warned that violations could invite strict legal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines depending on the severity of the offence. Kishtwar emphasises monitoring and accountability In Kishtwar, District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma issued similar restrictions, stressing the need to maintain harmony in the districts diverse social fabric. The order highlights the misuse of social media for spreading false narratives and inflammatory content as a serious threat to peace. Residents have been directed to refrain from sharing unverified information and to report objectionable content to authorities. Social media group administrators have been made jointly responsible for monitoring and preventing the spread of prohibited material. The administration has also invoked provisions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, emphasizing that reasonable restrictions on free speech are permissible in the interest of public order and national integrity. District Magistrate Ramban issues preventive measures In Ramban, District Magistrate Mohammad Alyas Khan issued a parallel order prohibiting the dissemination of fake news, hate content, and provocative material online. The directive bans the sharing of content that incites communal tensions or organizes unlawful gatherings. Authorities have cautioned that offenders may face stringent punishment, including imprisonment under relevant legal provisions. Social media intermediaries have also been directed to comply with takedown requests under Section 69A of the IT Act, failing which legal action may follow. Strict enforcement across districts In all three districts, Senior Superintendents of Police have been tasked with enforcing the orders and ensuring prompt action against violators. Dedicated cyber monitoring units will operate round the clock to track and curb the spread of objectionable content, while magistrates at the sub-divisional level will oversee implementation. Citizens have been advised to verify information from official sources before sharing it online and to report any suspicious or inflammatory content to law enforcement agencies. Preventive step for peace. Officials described the measures as preventive, aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region, which is known for its cultural and religious diversity. The administrations have urged residents to act responsibly on digital platforms and cooperate in preserving communal harmony. The synchronized action across Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban underscores heightened vigilance by authorities to counter misinformation and ensure public tranquility in sensitive areas.

No place for drug peddlers in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha

Rajouri, Apr 17:Reiterating the commitment for eradication of drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir under 100 days aggressive campaign of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that drug peddlers will not get any safe place in Jammu and Kashmir. He made these remarks while addressing vibrant village programme in Saryah LoC village in Nowshera sub division of JK's Rajouri district. We have taken up Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan and every citizen is appealed to extend cooperation to the field authorities in achieving the goal of drugs free society, said LG Sinha. He stated that Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken up fight against drug peddlers on a solid note and officers are working around the clock to achieve the aim. Referring to Pakistan, he said that our neighbour has planned since long to destroy our young generation through drugs but we have decided to dismantle drug networks in J&K. They (peddlers) will not get any safe place in J&K now. he said. Appreciating the patriotic zeal of border villagers, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that this civil population living in border villages has suffered a lot and we have taken lot of efforts and initiatives to address the issues of border population and to uplift their lives. A nation comes into existence from villages that are located on borders and I am standing in one of such village of India which gives me immense Pride. said LG Sinha. He further stated that in last 5 to 6 years, a lot of efforts have been made to fulfill the expectations of border population and to address all the issues. The national security depends both on forces as well as civil population living in border villages and thus development of border villages is also connected with national security. He added.

Under PM Modis leadership, border areas no longer nations edge but first village: LG Sinha

Rajouri, Apr 17:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation's edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, was speaking at a public gathering during his visit to vibrant village Sariah in Rajouri, where he inaugurated the Common Service Centre and initiated several development projects. These projects include Water Conservation Works under JSJB 2.0 and development of playgrounds in vibrant villages Sariah, Pukharni, Bhawani, Chapardhara and Namban. He also paid tributes to Brig. Mohammad Usman. The Lieutenant Governor said that through the Border Area Development Programme under Vibrant Villages Programme, we are ensuring infrastructure and welfare schemes reach every border village. No map fully captures the true essence of our border villages, which reveal only lines. Within those lines, I see a vibrant society and steadfast families advancing the nation's progress, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there. A road reaching a border village builds not just passage but unshakeable confidence in our defense. Electricity lighting a border village home offers not mere illumination but fresh hope. Employment for a border village youth transforms not only one life but the trajectory of an entire community. My vision is clear that border village development is integral to national security, and every border village must rank among our nation's most prosperous, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that since assuming responsibility for Jammu Kashmir in August 2020, he had prioritized border villages' aspirations. In border villages where women rise each dawn dreaming of brighter futures for their children amid challenges, where farmers toiling in their soil through hardships, and where communities stand as sentinels without uniforms, we have ignited a new dawn of progress, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon officers to achieve 100% saturation of HADP, Mission Youth, Mudra Yojana, and all welfare schemes, leaving no eligible citizen behind. Our commitment has transformed lives, and I affirm with confidence that change is tangible in Jammu Kashmir's border villages where roads now weave networks, healthcare is thriving, digital connectivity is transforming the education sector and residents now feel integrated to India's rapid growth, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said true development means equal opportunity, dignity, and instilled confidence and the Vibrant Villages Programme embodies this, advancing employment, education, infrastructure, and digital empowerment holistically. It is our moral duty to secure every citizen's brighter future. Sariah's border village residents have guarded our borders alongside soldiers; we owe them comprehensive progress, leaving none behind. Border village residents have endured much for this nation; now, they must stand at prosperity's core. A developed India demands a strong rural heartland, incomplete without its first villages. I call upon Sariah's residents to unite in realizing the Vibrant Village resolve. All officials will ensure 100% saturation of every central scheme and welfare program, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor visited the exhibition on Gyan Bharatam and inspected the stalls installed by various departments and stakeholders. He launched the Vibrant Village Anthem and handed over sanction letters and appointment letters to various beneficiaries under Mission Yuva, HADP, PM Mudra, PMAY-G and other different schemes. The Lieutenant Governor also distributed TV Sets with DTH, and felicitated TB Cured Warrior, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan volunteers, and citizens from diverse backgrounds for their valuable contribution to society. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; senior officials of army, police and civil administration, political leaders, prominent citizens and people in large number were present.

Srinagar city people want to reshape their political course: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Apr 17:A large number of political leaders and workers from Hazratbal, Srinagar, joined the Apni Party today. In a statement, JKAP spokesperson said the new entrants were mostly from the PDP. According to the press note, the vision that the Apni Party has for the infrastructural development of Srinagar city is attracting people towards it. Today, a large number of political leaders and senior workers from the Hazratbal constituency joined the Apni Party. They have responded positively to the pro-people agenda and policies of the party and formally joined it. Since Apni Party has voiced the basic problems of Srinagar city, such as the lack of infrastructural development, employment avenues, and housing issues, these concerns continue to trouble the people of the city. As a result, people are coming forward to join hands with the Apni Party to reshape their political future. This trend began recently in Maisuma Srinagar, where the Apni Party held a public convention that attracted a large number of local residents, JKAP President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said in his address. Pertinently, there is a buzz across Srinagar city, wherein people are saying that they need to reshape their political course, and thus they are joining the Apni Party. They strongly believe that a better future, in terms of development and progress of Srinagar city, is aligned with the Apni Party. Todays joining was organised as a grand event held at the Apni Partys headquarters in Srinagar. The prominent among the new entrants included former Zonal President of PDP and Chairman DUF Mohammad Sidiq, Ex. Corporator NC and VC Democratic United Forum Mohammad Saleem Lone, Zonal President, Vice Senior President PDP & General Secretary DUF Yousuf Abdullah, Former Zonal President PDP and Treasure DUF Abdul Hamid Dar, Ex Secretary PDP & Secretary DUF, Prominent leader PDP & Publicity Secretary DUF Bilal Ahmad Bhat, District Member PDP Farooq Ahmad Magray, Mohammad Rafiq Baba, Yousuf Abdullah, Abdul Hamid Dar, Mohammad Hussain, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Farooq Ahmad Magray, Feroz Ahmad Bhat, Muneer Ahmad, Ghulam Mohammad Mir, Farooq Ahmad, Zahoor Ahmad Sidiqi and others. Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion and greeted the new entrants into the party fold included the Chairman of the partys Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, State Youth President & Spokesperson Yawar Dilawar Mir, District President Srinagar Mohammad Shafi Mir, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, District President Ganderbal Javaid Mir, Provincial Coordinator Kashmir Constituency In-charge Hazratbal & Former DDC Shabir Ahmad Reshi, Provincial Secretary Kashmir & Constituency In-charge Chanapora Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Publicity Secretary Muzaffar Reshi, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Aamir Ashraf Bhat, Senior Vice President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Habba Kadal Jeelani Hamid Kumar, Vice President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, Secretary District Srinagar Peer Wajahat, Coordinator District Srinagar Sheikh Nissar, Organizer District Srinagar Shoaib Dar, Constituency In-charge Zadibal Tehseen Farooq, Jibran Dar, and others.

Kashmir's Tulip Garden draws half the crowd this year

Srinagar, Apr 17: Asia's largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden here, saw its visitor numbers plunge by more than half this season, marking a dramatic reversal from the record-breaking turnout it had achieved just a year ago and raising fresh questions about the fragility of Kashmir's tourism ecosystem. The garden, which drew an unprecedented 8.55 lakh visitors during the 2025 season the highest in its history could manage only 3.90 lakh visitors this year. Of these, 1,222 were foreign nationals and 2.89 lakh were domestic tourists, with approximately 1.60 lakh local residents accounting for the remainder. A senior official of the floriculture department said the drop, while significant on paper, needed to be read in the right context. Last year's numbers were exceptional and, to a degree, anomalous. This year, despite the decline in footfall, the garden performed creditably given the broader circumstances. We had significantly increased bulb density, introduced newer varieties and worked to make the visual experience richer than ever before, the official said. More than 70 varieties of tulips were on display this season, and the aesthetic quality of the bloom was among the finest we have seen. We remain committed to making this garden a world-class destination. Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking the famous Dal Lake, the garden opened its gates to the public on March 16, 2026, featuring over 1.8 million bulbs across more than 70 varieties. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the season a full week ahead of schedule, as an unseasonably warm spell accelerated the bloom and compressed the window available for visitors. The garden welcomed visitors daily from 9 AM to 7 PM throughout the season before closing around mid-April this week. The steep year-on-year decline, however, is not without explanation. Last year's tally of 8.55 lakh a figure that stunned even seasoned tourism observers was recorded under a unique set of circumstances. The garden closed just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack, an event that sent shockwaves through the tourism industry and forced thousands of travellers to either abandon their trips midway or cancel bookings altogether. The surge in numbers before that point had been remarkable, and the final tally reflected weeks of exceptionally high footfall before the crisis struck. Placed in a longer historical frame, this year's 3.90 lakh visitors remain comfortably above the garden's performance in most previous years. Official records show 8.55 lakh visitors in 2025, 4.45 lakh in 2024, 3.75 lakh in 2023, 3.62 lakh in 2022 and 2.25 lakh in 2021. The garden remained closed through the entirety of 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Going further back, it recorded 2.59 lakh visitors in 2019, 1.90 lakh in 2018, 1.50 lakh in 2017 and 1.75 lakh in 2016 figures that underscore how far the garden has come as a tourist destination over the past decade. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was first opened to the public in 2008 on the initiative of then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, with the explicit aim of drawing visitors to Kashmir during the lean spring months before the peak summer season sets in. What began as a modest horticultural initiative has since evolved into one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the valley, routinely drawing visitors from across the country and beyond each spring.

Awareness drives held across Kupwara to create anti-drug awareness

Srinagar, Apr 17:In a significant step towards strengthening the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, the District Administration Kupwara organized mega Pad Yatras across the district to create mass awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free society. A Mega Pad Yatra was held in Kupwara which was attended by MLA Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, SSP Kupwara, Syed Al Tahir Gilani and witnessed overwhelming participation from officers, government employees, members of civil society, youth, and a large number of students. Demonstrating strong public support, the rally drew an estimated participation of around 10,000 participants. The Yatra commenced from Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Kupwara and passed through key streets and markets of Kupwara town, drawing attention from the general public and spreading the message of drug de-addiction. On the occasion, Nasha Mukt pledge was also taken by the participants for fighting against the drug menace. The rally culminated at Regipora Sumo Stand, where participants reiterated their commitment to combating the menace of drug abuse. Participants carried placards and raised slogans highlighting the harmful effects of drug addiction and the importance of collective action to eliminate the threat from society. The initiative aimed not only to sensitize the public, particularly the youth, but also to encourage community involvement in prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Similar Pad Yatras were simultaneously organized across all tehsils and blocks of the district including border areas of Karnah, Machill and Keran under the Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan. These events saw active participation from local administrations, educational institutions, and community groups, further amplifying the message at the grassroots level. The District Administration reiterated its commitment to continue such awareness drives and appealed to all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community leaders, to play an active role in safeguarding society from the dangers of drug abuse.

JD Vance's dodgy H-1B sleight of hand

US policies are impacting foreign-trained doctors. Claims of widespread H-1B visa fraud are not fully supported by government data. Recent actions have frozen work authorisations and visa processing for nationals of many countries. This is creating physician shortages in rural areas. Millions of Americans rely on these doctors for care. The situation risks patient well-being.

Targeting supply chain, creating awareness key strategy against drugs: SSP Sopore

Sopore, Apr 17:Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, on Friday said that police have intensified their crackdown against drug-related activities, registering 34 FIRs and arresting 40 individuals so far as part of an ongoing anti-drug campaign in the region. Addressing the media, SSP Talib emphasised that tackling drug abuse is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone but a collective fight involving the public and all sections of society He described drug addiction as a growing pandemic that requires a united and sustained response. He highlighted that the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, launched under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, aims to eliminate drug abuse through a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. This initiative demands a whole-of-society approach, where not just the police but all government departments and citizens must work together to uproot this menace, he said. SSP Talib further elaborated on the dual strategy adopted by Sopore Police. On one hand, we are aggressively targeting drug peddlers to dismantle the supply chain. On the other, we are focusing on preventive measures by conducting awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and villages, he added. He stressed that awareness and education are crucial in preventing youth from falling prey to substance abuse, while strict enforcement actions will continue against those involved in drug trafficking. Reiterating his appeal to the public, SSP Sopore urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information and supporting initiatives aimed at creating a drug-free society.

Ganderbal police hold Nasha Mukt drives across district

Ganderbal, Apr 17:As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt campaign, Ganderbal Police organised a series of awareness programmes across the district on friday to highlight the dangers of drug abuse. The events were held in Ganderbal town, Gund, Kangan, Safapora, and Sonamarg, with participation from students, traders, transporters, and civil society members. Police officials spoke about the health, social, and legal consequences of substance abuse and urged youth to channel their energy into sports and skill development. In Kangan, Police on Friday initiated a strict enforcement drive against the sale and use of tobacco products in the area under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The drive was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Rajeev Raina, SHO Kangan Younis Khan, along with the Food Safety Officer Fayaz Ahmad. Authorities carried out intensive checking of distribution points, particularly in and around hospitals and schools. Several shopkeepers and distributors were fined for violating COTPA norms, including illegal sale and improper display of tobacco products. Officials stressed that special focus was laid on safeguarding public places, especially sensitive zones like educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The initiative was carried out under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aiming to curb tobacco consumption and promote a healthier, drug-free society in the region. In Gund, under the Nasha Mukt campaign, Gund Police, led by SHO Rayees Ahmad, organized awareness programmes across various areas to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse. He warned of strict action against drug trafficking and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities. Similar drives were carried out in Safapora, Sonamarg and other areas of the district.

Unsafe drinking water in Shopian prompts public health fears

Shopian, Apr 17:Residents in several parts of south Kashmirs Shopian town have been consuming turbid water for the past several weeks, raising concerns about a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases. People in Gagren, Bonabazar, Nakhasi Mohalla and other localities complained that the water supplied to their homes is muddy and unfit for consumption, particularly during the ongoing rainy spell. The water supplied to us is not fit even for doing laundry, let alone for drinking, said a group of residents from Gagren village, adding that the problem has persisted for weeks without any relief from the authorities. Many households have been forced to purchase bottled water for cooking and drinking, putting additional financial strain on families already grappling with rising costs. Abaid Hussain, a resident of Bonabazar, said that taps frequently gush out visibly contaminated water. The problem becomes worse during the rainy season. The water turns muddy and unusable, he said, expressing fears about potential health risks. Residents said they were particularly worried about the spread of water-borne diseases such as jaundice, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, which are often linked to contaminated water supplies. Officials from the Jal Shakti Department acknowledged the issue, attributing it to high turbidity levels in water sources during rainfall. During the rainy season, turbidity increases significantly and we record high NTU levels, a senior official said. NTU, or Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, is a standard measure used to assess the clarity of water, with higher values indicating greater levels of suspended particles. The official said that ongoing construction work on the Mughal Road has contributed to the problem. During rainfall, landslides from the mountains wash silt and debris into the water sources, leading to increased turbidity, he said. He added that efforts were underway to address the issue. Work on a filtration plant is in progress, and an additional water supply line from the Padpawn area is being laid to improve the quality and reliability of water supply. Authorities did not specify a timeline for completion of the projects. Meanwhile, the official advised residents to take precautionary measures before using the water for drinking purposes. He urged people to boil water thoroughly and filter it through clean cloth or household filtration systems to reduce the risk of contamination. Until the turbidity levels come down and proper filtration systems are in place, people should ensure water is treated at home before consumption, he said, adding that such measures can help minimise the chances of water-borne infections. Residents, however, urged the administration to take immediate steps to restore safe drinking water, warning that prolonged exposure to contaminated supply could trigger a public health crisis in the area.

JKCA announces packed AprilJune schedule

Srinagar, Apr 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has released a comprehensive schedule of camps, trials and selection matches across age groups for the AprilJune period, with activities split between Jammu and Kashmir divisions. According to the schedule issued by JKCA, the season will begin with the U-19 womens physical fitness and fielding camp from April 20 to 26 at Hostel Ground, Jammu. This will be followed by U-23 mens deep selection matches from April 27 to May 3 in Jammu, with the second phase scheduled from May 12 to 14 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar. The association has lined up multiple camps for women cricketers as well, including a fitness and fielding camp for U-23 and senior women (Kashmir) from April 30 to May 6 in Srinagar, and a similar camp for Jammu-based players from May 25 to 31. In the junior categories, deep selection matches for U-15 girls will be held from April 28 to May 4 at Vijaypur, while U-19 womens matches are scheduled from May 6 to 12 at Barotia Cricket Ground. Talent hunt and selection matches for U-16 boys and U-19 men will take place from May 9 to 17 and May 16 to 25 respectively at SK Stadium. The association has also announced T20 trials for senior men in Jammu from May 5 to 7, followed by Srinagar trials from May 9 to 11. These will be followed by senior mens T20 trial matches from May 15 to 20 in Jammu. For younger age groups, U-14 boys talent hunt trials and matches (Kashmir) are slated from May 19 to 24 in Srinagar, while the Jammu leg will be conducted either from May 27 to June 2 or in two phases from June 14 to 24. In June, the focus will shift to advanced camps and final selection processes. Deep selection matches for U-23 and senior women are scheduled from June 3 to 8 in Jammu, followed by physical fitness and fielding camps for U-23 men and senior men from June 9 to 15 in Jammu and Srinagar respectively. The U-19 boys fitness and fielding camp will conclude the schedule from June 20 to 26 at MA Stadium, Jammu. Meanwhile, JKCA has also clarified that trial matches for U-19 and U-16 boys have been rescheduled. While trials will be conducted as per the original plan, the trial matches will now be held on revised dates.

Climate crisis is a gender issue, women face higher risks, less representation

Climate change disproportionately impacts women, who are often excluded from decision-making despite their crucial roles in crisis response. Addressing this gendered issue requires empowering women with access to resources, finance, and leadership opportunities. India's initiatives, like training Climate Champions and implementing heat insurance, demonstrate a path towards equitable climate resilience.

Feesalary linkage model?

Each year in Kashmir, the same argument returns with renewed intensity. Parents protest rising school fees. Schools defend themselves with rising costs. Government steps in with circulars and warnings. For a few weeks, there is noise. Then the system settles back into the same uneasy silence, until the next hike, the next protest, the next cycle. Something deeper is being missed. The crisis is not only about how much schools charge. It is about what happens to the money after it is collected. Parents pay more, yet classrooms do not always improve in the way that matters most. Teachers, who stand at the centre of learning, often remain underpaid, overworked, and uncertain. This gap between fee and fairness is where the real problem lies. We have tried controlling fees. We have tried approvals and restrictions. But controlling the price without examining the distribution has produced limited results. A system can comply on paper and still remain unjust in practice. What is needed is not another layer of control, but a shift in principle. A simple idea can do this. Link the fee a school charges directly to what it pays its teachers. Call it the FeeSalary Linkage Model. It rests on a basic expectation, if a school charges more from parents, it must pay more to teachers. Not as goodwill, not as a promise, but as a rule. To make this practical, the model can be expressed through a clear five-tier structure. Each fee bracket carries a minimum salary obligation. There is no ambiguity, no room for interpretation. For instance, if school A is charging between 600 and 800 tuition fee per month must pay each teacher at least 6,000 per month. Similarly, if school B is charging between 900 and 1,200 per month must pay each teacher at least 12,000 per month. If school C is charging between 1,300 and 2,000 per month must pay each teacher at least 20,000 per month. If school D is charging between 2,100 and 3,000 per month must pay each teacher at least 30,000 per month. And if school E is charging between 3,100 and 5,000 per month must pay each teacher at least 50,000 per month. Let this be the base fee structure starting from 2026-27 session, let it remain effective for three years. After three years, revision of fee structure shall automatically be linked to salary enhancement of teachers and also improvements in teaching-learning aids and amenities. Schools must charge only tuition fee in addition to the bus fee as applicable and measurable by way of distance travelled by a student. No other hidden heads like annual fee, maintenance fee, etc., should be allowed, parents should be aware about it. The logic of FeeSalary Linkage Model is easy to follow. Higher fee must mean higher teacher salary. It cannot mean better paint, bigger gates, or louder advertisements while the teacher remains underpaid. What makes this approach different is its clarity. Most regulations get lost in paperwork and interpretation. This one does not. It asks only two questions, what fee is being charged, and what salary is being paid? If the two do not match the prescribed relationship, the violation is obvious. It also shifts the conversation in a healthy direction. Instead of endless disputes over whether a fee hike is justified, the focus moves to whether the money is being used justly. Parents may still pay, but they pay with awareness. Teachers may still work, but they work with dignity. There is another change, less visible but more important. The model quietly alters incentives. A school that wishes to raise its fee must also prepare to raise its teachers salary bill, by way of bank transfer only, that can be verified. Growth, then, is tied to responsibility. Expansion is tied to fairness. The easiest way to improve revenue becomes the same as the right way, invest in teachers. This is not about punishing schools. It is about restoring balance. Private institutions have a role, and many of them perform it sincerely. But even the best system drifts when there is no clear anchor. Profit begins to overshadow purpose. Presentation begins to overshadow substance. A simple rule can bring the system back to its centre. Some will say that such a model interferes with autonomy. That argument would carry weight if education were an ordinary market activity. It is not. A school does not sell a product; it shapes a future. The moment it collects fees from families, it enters a space of public trust. Fair wages for teachers are not an intrusion into that space, they are part of its foundation. Others may worry about smaller schools. This structure already answers that concern. A school is not asked to do what it cannot afford. It is only asked to remain consistent within its own level. If it chooses a lower fee bracket, it carries a lower obligation. If it moves higher, the responsibility rises with it. The present system creates a quiet distortion. Fees move upward with confidence. Salaries move upward with hesitation. Over time, the distance between the two becomes normal. That normal must be questioned. A teacher who is worried about basic expenses cannot give their best to a classroom. A system that underpays its teachers cannot expect excellence from its students. These are not abstract ideas; they are daily realities. The FeeSalary Linkage Model does not promise perfection. No policy does. But it offers something the current system lacks, a direct line between payment and purpose. It ensures that the first claim on a schools income is not expansion or image, but teaching itself. In the end, the issue is not technical. It is moral. When a parent pays a fee, a part of that money must carry a guarantee. A fair share of it must reach the person who teaches their child. Kashmir does not need louder debates on school fees. It needs a quieter, firmer principle that everyone can see and understand. Link the fee to the salary. Keep it visible. Keep it simple. Once that connection is restored, much of the conflict will resolve on its own. Let this model become a policy, starting from new academic session 2026-27.

Indian Ocean Community

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in Mauritius earlier this week to participate in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference. It has been Indias endeavour to foster an Indian Ocean consciousness and on that foundation an Indian Ocean Community. This attempt has not remained confined to Indian governments but has also been promoted by Indian think tanks. Specifically, Indian Ocean Conferences have been organised at the initiative of the India Foundation. Jaishankar rightly commended the efforts of this organisation in his address at the Mauritius Conference. The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water in the world. Along with its seas, bays and gulfs it extends from the Arab/Persian Gulf and the Red Sea in the north to Australia and the Southern Ocean in the south and from the east coast of Africa in the west to some of the countries in ASEAN in the east. India is between the Indian Oceans Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. In Indias south lies the Indian Ocean. The fact that India gives its name to the Indian Ocean indicates this countrys importance for it. Indeed, India is the only country whose name has been given to an ocean. ASEAN forms the bridge between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. The Indian ocean caught the imagination of some Indian thinkers especially in the last decades of the last century. With the end of the cold war and the liberalisation of the Indian economy in the 1990s the Indian government turned its attention eastwards. That gave rise to the Look East policy. India also began to more purposefully think of the ties which bound it in the ancient past to the countries on the Indian Oceans littoral and the interruption of these relations by colonialism. The Modi government sought to transform Look East to Act East. A caveat though must be mentioned. While the outlook of the Indian people who inhabited the coastal areas was outward looking and looked beyond the waters, that of the people who lived in the plains and mountains of the north and northwest parts of the country was continental. Thus, the masters of the great empires based in the northern plains did not think of the oceans at all. That was a strategic situation which rendered the country vulnerable to the seafaring European nations whose powers beginning with the 18th century were augmented by the Industrial Revolution. Jaishankar rightly drew the attention of the members of the Indian Ocean Community to current global disruptions which cannot but impact Indian Ocean states. He cautioned Global trends are a reality that cannot be ignored. The world is more competitive, fractured and inward looking than in the past. The benefits of globalization are today overshadowed by the temptation to leverage and the temptation to weaponize. As a result, we are all in a quest for greater resilience and are seeking more trusted partners. Arising from this caution he advised the need for deeper cooperation amongst nations of the Indian Ocean. In many ways, it is a Global South Ocean. Whether it is food, fuel or fertilizer shortages, whether it is responding to natural disasters, whether it is addressing the consequences of conflicts, the answer is increasingly in collective resilience. There can be no quarrel with either Jaishankars caution or advice. He was also right in focusing on the fact that most Indian Ocean states belong to the Global South. This thought is captured in his saying that the Indian Ocean is a Global South Ocean. For India the point however is where does it go from there? It is here that India has a problem because it is the largest state in the Indian Ocean area and naturally it has valid ambitions. How will it pursue these ambitions? This question acquires salience because the Indian Ocean area has now become one of great contestation. The overarching competition is between the US and China. Neither are natural Indian Ocean powers because the waters of this great ocean do not wash their shores. Yet both have a great and assertive presence in it. Today the presence of the US is there in a shooting war in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. No one can disagree with Jaishankar that All of us are deeply concerned about the conflict and would like to see an early return to normalcy. We firmly oppose the targeting of civilians, of infrastructure and of commercial shipping. It is essential that navigation remains safe and unimpeded. The relevant point here is that each one of us has felt the economic impact of this conflict very deeply. The Iran war has not only impacted the Indian Ocean region but the entire globe, but the real point is that like the rest of the world the Indian Ocean countries have not been able to do anything to stop it. None of the Indian Ocean intergovernmental organisations have not even raised their collective voices to ask the parties to this war to end it. That shows the great power differential between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean and the US. It is small comfort that most of the world is in the same boat as the Indian Ocean littoral states. Russia and China have been the exceptions because they have criticised the war and also the US blockade. The Indian Ocean has three choke points. The closing of one of themthe Strait of Hormuzhas had a terrible global economic impact. It is therefore necessary for the Indian Ocean states to consider what should be done to prevent future closing of the choke points. It would be appropriate for the India Foundation to devote a full conference on this troubling issue.

Seat Expansion or Salary Grab?

In the corridors of power, the Narendra Modi government is preparing to fast track a constitutional cum delimitation package that will increase Lok Sabha strength from the current 543545 seats to around 815850 and expand state assemblies by roughly 50% on a prorata basis. On paper, this is framed as a decisive step toward 33% womens reservation in Parliament and state legislatures by 2029, bypassing the earlier first census after 2026 timeline that could have deferred it to 2034. Beneath this progressive veneer, however, lies a less discussed reality: the taxpayer is being asked to permanently fund a significantly larger political class, with almost no debate on the fiscal and tax implications. The Stated Case From a representational standpoint, the justification for expansion is not entirely without merit. Indias population has grown unevenly since the last major delimitation freeze after 1976. Northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar now have far more people per MP than southern states; expanding and redrawing constituencies using the 2011 Census can partially correct this imbalance. Smaller constituencies, in theory, may also make MPs and MLAs more accessible to constituents, especially in large, densely populated districts that have long been represented by a single elected member regardless of massive population growth. The political class has also wrapped the package in the language of empowerment. By tying the seat expansion to womens reservation, the move acquires a progressive halo that is difficult to oppose in public. The logic is clear: more seats mean more opportunities for women candidates, more visibility for marginalized voices, and a broader bench of lawmakers. Parties across the spectrum, including regional outfits, quietly welcome the prospect of more tickets, more offices, and more patronage. Expansion, therefore, arrives as a politically convenient consensus. The Flawed Structural Architecture Yet the design of the package raises serious structural concerns. The mere addition of seats does not guarantee higher quality legislators. Data already show that a large share of MPs face criminal cases and that the overwhelming majority are multi-crorepati. Simply adding more seats may dilute the standard of representation rather than raising it, spreading the same concentration of unaccountable power across a wider canvas. Parliamentary efficiency is another casualty. Indias legislative business is already conducted in truncated sessions, with bills often passed in minutes. A larger Lok Sabha and bigger state assemblies risk making debates more chaotic and logjamming legislative work further. The promise of more representation may translate, in practice, into more noise and less scrutiny. The choice of the 2011 Census instead of the yet to be conducted post 2026 Census also reopens the North South demographic federal divide. States that did better at population control may find themselves relatively under-represented, while high fertility states gain more MPs per capita. This could deepen regional resentment and feed narratives of unfair seat sharing, not just in the south but in sensitive regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, where demographic and identity sensitivities are already volatile. The Fiscal Elephant in the Room What is almost entirely absent from public discourse, however, is the fiscal burden that this expansion will impose on the taxpayer. Each MP is estimated to cost the exchequer roughly 44.5 crore per year, once salary, allowances, staff, travel, and perks are bundled together. If Lok Sabha strength rises by roughly 270310 seats, the additional direct annual cost of new MPs alone could easily run into thousands of crorerupees per year, even before accounting for infrastructure, security, and office expenses. State assemblies, whose total strength may rise from about 4,100 MLAs to around 6,000+, will add another multi-thousand crore annual tab for salaries, staff, and allowances. Every MP and MLA also controls discretionary fundssuch as MPLAD style constituency development allocations of about 5 crore per year. With Lok Sabha expanding to 800+ seats, the total MPLAD type pool could rise to over 4,000 crore per year. These funds are important for local projects, but their utilization is patchy, poorly monitored, and vulnerable to political favouritism rather than planned, transparent development. The long term liability is equally worrying. MPs and MLAs who serve one term are entitled to life time pensions, free travel, medical care, and often heavily subsidized housing. As the size of the political class grows, so does this deferred burden on future generations of taxpayers. Additional offices, staff, security, and upgraded parliamentary and assembly infrastructure will further inflate the recurring cost. This is not a onetime expenditure; it is a structural commitment written into the budget, funded by the same tax base that already struggles to finance schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The Tax Burden on the Salaried Class The most sensitive question is who ultimately pays for this. Direct incometax payersthe salaried middle and uppermiddle class in metro and tier 2 citiesalready contribute a disproportionate share of direct tax revenue. When taxpayers file their ITR or pay advance tax, they are rarely told that a non trivial portion of their dues will fund not highways, not hospitals, but the salaries, bungalows, free flights, MPLAD funds, and lifetime pensions of thousands of politicians. In effect, the political class is voting itself a permanent increase in size and privilege, financed by the very voters who have little say in the design of the bill. No party has a genuine incentive to oppose expansion, because every increase in seats means more nominations, more offices, and more patronage. This consolidates the perception that politics is a selfserving business rather than a publicservice vocation. Implications for Governance and Federalism Beyond the fiscal arithmetic, the move has deeper implications for governance and federalism. With more MPs and MLAs to monitor, media and civil society may become more fragmented, and scrutiny less focused. Voters may feel even more atomized and disconnected from a political class that is physically closer but institutionally more opaque. In Jammu and Kashmir, where every rupee of public spending is scrutinized through the lens of fragile stability and contested identity, this expansion demands particular care. The region has recently undergone structural changesArticle 370, bifurcation, and new delimitationraising questions about whether an even larger, more expensive political class will enhance governance or deepen transactional politics. The risk is that symbolic representation will be prioritized over substantive development and accountability. A Balanced Path Forward The expansion is not inherently irrational, but it should not be approved as a silent, semi-permanent structural increase in the size of the political class. At the very least, India needs a transparent fiscal responsibility framework for representation. A mandatory annual cost of representation annex to the Union and state budgets could spell out how much of the common tax pool is spent on legislators versus other public goods. Performance linked conditions on perks and allowancesattendance, questions asked, committee participation, and MPLAD utilization metricsshould be tied to a portion of the benefits. Stricter sunset and scaling rules for lifetime pensions and extravagant travel allowances could also prevent the automatic inheritance of perks by new MPs. The move should be accompanied by a review of parliamentary and assembly efficiency, to ensure that expansion does not translate into mere logjam. A parliamentary level committee tasked with periodically reviewing whether the expanded Lok Sabha and Assemblies have actually improved lawmaking, oversight, and public service outcomes could provide some accountability. In conclusion, the Lok Sabha and assembly expansion is being sold as a progressive step toward womens reservation and updated representation, but it is, in practice, a long term fiscal commitment to a larger political class, financed by the taxpayer. For readers in Jammu and Kashmir, this expansion must be treated not as a neutral technical adjustment, but as a constitutional fiscal decision with deep implications for governance, equity, and federal balance. Expansion is acceptable only if it is paired with a contracting culture of entitlement and a transparent accounting of the cost of representation.

Between appearance and essence

What unfolds in this poem is not merely a sequence of reflective couplets, but a sustained and penetrating meditation on the contradictions that define human conduct. It is a work that interrogates the uneasy relationship between Zahir the outward expression of civility, refinement, and social graceand Batin , the inner landscape of intention, impulse, and moral truth. The poem does not confine itself to addressing an individual; rather, it expands into a broader social commentary, exposing a condition where cultivated speech often coexists with a troubling harshness of heart. In doing so, it becomes both a mirror and a critique, revealing the fractures that lie beneath the carefully maintained surfaces of human interaction. At the very outset, the poem establishes its central tension through a striking juxtaposition. The figure it presents is khush-go and shaista , one who speaks with elegance and carries the outward markers of refinement. Yet this cultivated demeanour is immediately undermined by the revelation that the dil ki nazarat remains zalim . This contrast is not merely ornamental; it forms the philosophical backbone of the poem. It suggests that language, despite its beauty, can become a tool of concealmenta polished exterior that masks an interior devoid of compassion. The poem thus raises a fundamental question: can civility in expression be trusted when it is not rooted in sincerity of feeling? In this inquiry lies a profound critique of performative morality, where appearances are meticulously curated while inner truths remain neglected or suppressed. This thematic concern with misalignment between appearance and essence deepens in the poems reflection on human attitudes toward effort and perseverance. The figure who once kudhta rehta tha at anothers koshish is ultimately confronted with that individuals sarfarazi . The emergence of the term aazim is particularly significant here, for it conveys not merely determination but a sense of purposeful resolve, almost as though the individual is guided by an inner calling. The transformation from ridicule to recognition reveals not only the triumph of perseverance but also the inadequacy of superficial judgment. The poem exposes the human tendency to underestimate what it does not immediately understand, reminding the reader that true resolve often operates quietly, beyond the reach of those clouded by envy or cynicism. The exploration of language continues as the poem turns its attention to the nature of zabaan . Described as narm o mulaim , it is presented as a divine endowment, inherently inclined toward gentleness and harmony. Yet this ideal stands in stark contrast to the reality depicted within the poem, where speech becomes sangin , as though transformed into stone. This shift is deeply symbolic. It reflects not only the misuse of language but also a broader moral deterioration, where the very faculties designed to nurture connection are employed to inflict harm. Words, in this context, are not neutral; they carry ethical weight, and their distortion signals a deeper imbalance within the human psyche. Among the most evocative images in the poem is that of the goonga pathar , the silent stone that nonetheless guides the traveler toward the manzil . This metaphor resonates with profound philosophical depth. It suggests that truth does not depend solely on articulation; guidance can emerge even in silence, even from the most unassuming forms. In stark contrast stands the figure of the waiz and nazim , those entrusted with the responsibility of guidance, yet rendered be-zabaan in their inability to articulate truth. The irony is both subtle and piercing: those who possess the authority to guide fail in their purpose, while even inanimate objects fulfill this role with quiet integrity. Authority, the poem suggests, is not validated by position or title, but by authenticity and alignment with truth. The poems critique extends beyond individual behaviour into the realm of systemic dysfunction. The metaphor of sprinkling remedy upon the leaves while neglecting the roots encapsulates the futility of superficial interventions. It reflects a condition in which appearances are prioritized over substance, where energy is expended in maintaining external order while internal decay goes unaddressed. The presence of the chooha at the rootsimultaneously muhafiz and khatim introduces a striking paradox. It suggests a system in which the very entity entrusted with protection becomes the agent of destruction. This duality reflects a deeper crisis of trust, where roles and responsibilities are inverted, and where the boundaries between guardian and adversary b ecome dangerously blurred. The exploration of tahammul introduces another layer of philosophical reflection. The image of the matka filling with water until it inevitably overflows serves as a powerful metaphor for the limits of endurance. Patience, though often exalted as a virtue, is not without its boundaries. When accumulation exceeds capacity, chhalakna becomes unavoidable. This moment of overflow is not depicted as a failure, but as a natural consequence of excess. It acknowledges the inevitability of rupture in the face of sustained imbalance, suggesting that suppression, whether emotional or social, cannot be maintained indefinitely. The poem thus recognizes the delicate balance between endurance and expression, between restraint and release. A particularly compelling redefinition of courage emerges in the contrast between the cheel wahshi and the murghi maa . The former, emblematic of predatory strength and dominance, is juxtaposed with the latters quiet yet resolute bravery. In defending her choozay , the murghi embodies the essence of being aasim , a protector whose courage arises not from aggression but from care. This inversion of conventional hierarchies challenges the readers understanding of strength, suggesting that true valor lies not in the ability to dominate, but in the willingness to protect and nurture in the face of threat. It is a subtle yet powerful affirmation of moral courage over physical might. In its concluding movement, the poem turns toward the domain of faith, raising questions about the nature and scope of spiritual practice. It interrogates the qaida governing acts of worship such as namaz, and critiques the reduction of religious life to mahdood roza . This narrowing of spiritual expression reflects a broader tendency to compartmentalize faith, confining it to specific religious duties while neglecting its ethical and transformative dimensions. Stylistically, the poem derives its strength from a remarkable balance between simplicity and depth. Its diction is accessible, yet its imagery is layered with meaning, allowing each line to resonate beyond its immediate context. The use of familiar elements pathar , patte , matka , and parinday grounds the poem in everyday experience, making its philosophical reflections both relatable and profound. At the same time, the structure of the poem, with its sequence of self-contained yet interconnected couplets, creates a rhythmic coherence that enhances its thematic unity. The poems reliance on contrast as a central device is particularly noteworthy. The interplay between narmi and sakhti , speech and silence, surface and depth, authority and authenticity, creates a dynamic tension that drives the poem forward. These contrasts are not merely stylistic choices; they reflect the inherent dualities of human existence, where opposing qualities coexist and often define one another. Through this interplay, the poem illuminates the complexities of moral life, revealing how easily balance can be lost when one aspect is privileged at the expense of another. Ultimately, the poem stands as a quiet yet powerful critique of contemporary sensibility. It invites the reader to reflect on the disjunction between what is spoken and what is felt, between outward conformity and inner truth. Its scope is expansive, encompassing personal behavior, social dynamics, institutional integrity, and spiritual practice. In doing so, it presents a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which authenticity is compromised and the consequences that follow. What lends the poem its enduring resonance is its refusal to offer simple answers. It does not prescribe solutions or moral directives; instead, it presents a series of observations that provoke thought and encourage introspection. It recognizes the complexity of the human condition and allows its insights to unfold gradually, leaving space for the readers own engagement. In essence, the poem becomes a meditation on the fragile balance between zahir and batin, a call to reconcile the outward with the inward. Through its evocative imagery, measured tone, and philosophical depth, it transcends the brevity of its form, leaving behind an echo that lingers, urging a return to authenticity in both word and being. Sanjay Pandita, Poet, Columnist and Critical Analyst

Shielding Workers, Securing Futures

Employee compensation under the Code on Social Security, 2020 (Code) forms a crucial part of Indias labour welfare framework, ensuring financial protection to employees in cases of workplace injury, occupational disease or death. It lays down clear principles governing employer liability, compensation and procedural safeguards, reflecting a strong commitment to social security and worker protection. What is required when a fatal accident or serious bodily injury occurs at the workplace? (a) Where any law requires that notice of an accident resulting in death or serious bodily injury be given by or on behalf of an employer, the person responsible for giving such notice must, within seven days of the occurrence of death or injury, send a detailed report to the competent authority explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident. (b) However, if the State Government has specified otherwise, the report may be sent to the authority already designated for receiving such notice instead of the competent authority. (c) Serious bodily injury refers to injuries involving permanent loss or impairment of any limb, permanent damage to sight or hearing, fracture of any limb, or injuries that compel the employee to remain absent from work for more than twenty days. (d) The State Government may also extend this requirement to other classes of premises and specify who must submit such reports. These provisions do not apply to establishments covered under the Employees State Insurance scheme. When is an employer liable to pay compensation to an employee? (a) An employer is liable to pay compensation when personal injury is caused to an employee due to an accident or occupational disease arising out of and during the course of employment. (b) However, the employer is not liable in cases where the injury does not disable the employee for more than three days. Further, no liability arises if the injury, not resulting in death or permanent total disablement, is directly attributable to intoxication, wilful disobedience of safety rules, or deliberate removal or disregard of safety devices by the employee. Can compensation still be claimed if the employee acted against instructions or law? Yes, compensation may still be claimed if the accident would have otherwise arisen out of employment and the act was done in connection with the employers business. Even if the employee acted in contravention of instructions or law, compensation may still be payable provided the act was related to the employers work. How are occupational diseases treated for compensation purposes? If an employee working in a specified employment contracts a disease peculiar to that employment after at least six months of continuous service, such disease is treated as an injury caused by accident. It is presumed to have arisen out of employment unless proven otherwise. Are commuting accidents covered? Yes, accidents occurring during commuting between residence and workplace are treated as arising out of employment if a clear connection exists between the accident and the employment in terms of time, place, and circumstances. Can governments modify employment categories and diseases? Yes, both Central and State Governments can modify or add categories of employment and specify occupational diseases applicable to them through notifications after giving prior notice. When is compensation not payable? Compensation is not payable unless the accident or disease is directly attributable to employment, except in cases specifically covered under exceptions such as occupational diseases or commuting accidents. Can an employee pursue both compensation and a civil suit? No, an employee cannot claim compensation if they have already filed a civil suit for damages. Similarly, once compensation proceedings are initiated or an agreement is reached, no civil suit can be maintained. What happens in case of death or injury due to collapse of employer-provided housing in plantations? (a) If a worker or their family member dies or is injured due to collapse of employer-provided housing, the employer must pay compensation unless the collapse was solely due to occupant fault or natural calamity. (b) A worker includes persons employed for hire in various capacities, including contract workers working more than sixty days annually, but excludes certain categories like managerial staff or high-wage employees. How is compensation calculated in different situations? (a) Compensation varies based on the nature of injury. In case of death, it is based on a percentage of monthly wages multiplied by a relevant factor or a notified minimum, whichever is higher. (b) For permanent total disablement, a higher percentage applies. (c) For permanent partial disablement, compensation depends on loss of earning capacity. (d) For temporary disablement, periodic payments are made based on a percentage of wages. (e) Medical expenses are reimbursed, and funeral expenses must also be paid in case of death. What happens if compensation is not paid on time? Compensation must be paid as soon as it becomes due. If the employer defaults for more than one month, interest becomes payable, and additional damages up to fifty percent may be imposed if there is no justification for delay. How are monthly wages calculated for compensation purposes? Monthly wages are calculated based on the employees earnings over the preceding twelve months, or by averaging wages of similar employees, or by multiplying daily wages depending on the duration of service prior to the accident. Can compensation payments be reviewed? Yes, half-monthly payments may be reviewed upon application supported by medical evidence showing change in the employees condition. Payments may be increased, decreased, continued, or converted into lump sum. Can periodic payments be converted into lump sum? Yes, by agreement or through decision of the competent authority after at least six months, periodic payments can be commuted into a lump sum. How is compensation distributed among dependants? Compensation in death cases must be deposited with the competent authority, who distributes it among dependants after inquiry. Payments to women or persons under disability are regulated and may be invested for their benefit. What are the requirements for filing a compensation claim? Notice of accident must be given as soon as practicable, and the claim must be filed within two years. Exceptions exist where sufficient cause is shown or the employer already had knowledge of the accident. What special provisions apply to employees working outside India? Special provisions apply to seamen, aircraft crew, and employees working abroad. Notices and claims can be served on designated representatives, and relaxed timelines apply in certain cases. What are the rules regarding medical examination? An employee must undergo medical examination if requested by the employer within a prescribed time. Refusal may suspend compensation unless justified. Compensation may also be adjusted if the employee neglects medical advice. What happens when work is carried out through contractors? The principal employer remains liable to pay compensation to employees engaged through contractors, though the employer can recover the amount from the contractor. Can employers recover compensation from third parties? Yes, if a third party is responsible for the injury, the employer or indemnifying party can recover compensation from that person. What happens if the employer becomes insolvent? If the employer becomes insolvent, the employees rights against insurers transfer directly to the employee. Compensation dues are treated as priority debts in insolvency proceedings. What powers does the authority have in fatal accident cases? The authority may require employers to submit statements regarding fatal accidents and indicate liability. If dependants lack resources, legal assistance may be provided. Are compensation agreements required to be registered? Yes, agreements must be registered with the competent authority. Unregistered agreements may lead to the employer being liable for full compensation without deductions. Who decides disputes regarding compensation? All disputes regarding liability, amount, or duration of compensation are decided by the competent authority, and civil courts have no jurisdiction. Who can act as a competent authority? The State Government appoints qualified individuals such as judicial officers, advocates, or experienced officials to act as competent authorities. Where should proceedings be initiated? Proceedings may be initiated where the accident occurred, where the employee resides, or where the employers office is located, subject to certain procedural requirements. What is the procedure for filing applications? Applications for compensation may be made electronically or otherwise, subject to prescribed forms, fees, and procedural timelines. What powers does the competent authority have during proceedings? The authority has powers similar to a civil court, including summoning witnesses, taking evidence, and compelling production of documents. Can parties be represented in proceedings? Yes, parties may appear through legal practitioners, insurance officials, trade union representatives, or other authorized persons. How is evidence recorded? The authority records a memorandum of witness statements, and medical evidence is recorded as closely as possible word-for-word. Can questions of law be referred to higher courts? Yes, the authority may refer questions of law to the High Court and must decide in accordance with its decision. Is there a right to appeal? Appeals lie to the High Court in specified cases involving substantial questions of law and subject to monetary thresholds and procedural requirements, including deposit of awarded compensation in certain cases. In essence, the Code provides a comprehensive and balanced mechanism to address employment related risks. By ensuring timely compensation and establishing an effective dispute resolution process, it upholds fairness, accountability and the broader objective of social justice for employees and their dependants. Muneeb Rashid Malik is an Advocate. He tweets @muneebmalikrash.

Govt orders inspection of 1742 high, higher secondary schools across J&K

Srinagar, Apr 17: In a latest development, the J&K government has ordered comprehensive inspection of all the high and higher secondary schools across Jammu and Kashmir. In this regard, the government has also nominated officers to conduct inspection of the schools allotted to them. The order in this regard has been issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). As per the order, around 1742 high and higher secondary schools- 939 in Jammu division and 803 in Kashmir division have been identified and have been allotted to the visiting officers. As per the GAD order, each officer has been allotted one school for inspection. The officers will assess all parameters objectively and record observations with supporting evidences wherever required, the GAD order reads. The visiting officers will identify gaps, deficiencies and best practices adopted by the school, observed during the inspection. Each officer will furnish comprehensive inspection reports to the respective Directorate of the School Education, uploading the same on the Sarvekshan Platform (Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) J&K within 60 days positively, the GAD order reads. During the inspection, the officer will assess whether the school is functioning in the government owned building and besides availability of and functional smart classrooms in the schools for the students. Each visiting officer, will assess availability of ICT laboratory functional in the school besides, the order reads. The officers will also assess if the schools have toilets available and functional for the convenience of the students. The officers will also assess availability of separate functional toilet for girls, the order reads. The officers will also assess availability of ATL, vocational labs, drinking water facility, power supply, working internet connection and availability of playground for the students. The officers shall also furnish report regarding the availability and vacant positions of principals, lecturers, masters besides the non-teaching staff in these schools, the GAD order reads. Besides assessing infrastructural facilities and human resource, the visiting officers will also assess the academic parameters including streams offered by the HSS, subject offered, total enrollment, vocational skill education and students enrolled in vocational courses. The visiting officers should also put forth their suggestions of about the schools allotted to them, the GAD order reads.

Gauri Kaul Foundation marks 5th Foundation Day in Srinagar; political leaders, civil society attend

M.Y Tarigami questions timing of Womens Reservation Bill, calls it politically motivated

Lieutenant Governor visits Sariah in Rajouri, inaugurates several development projects

Rajouri, April 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation's edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a public gathering during his visit to vibrant village Sariah in Rajouri, where he inaugurated the Common Service Centre and initiated several development projects. These projects include Water Conservation Works under JSJB 2.0 and development of playgrounds in vibrant villages Sariah, Pukharni, Bhawani, Chapardhara and Namban. He also paid tributes to Brig. Mohammad Usman. The Lieutenant Governor said that through the Border Area Development Programme under Vibrant Villages Programme, we are ensuring infrastructure and welfare schemes reach every border village. No map fully captures the true essence of our border villages, which reveal only lines. Within those lines, I see a vibrant society and steadfast families advancing the nation's progress, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there. A road reaching a border village builds not just passage but unshakeable confidence in our defense. Electricity lighting a border village home offers not mere illumination but fresh hope. Employment for a border village youth transforms not only one life but the trajectory of an entire community. My vision is clear that border village development is integral to national security, and every border village must rank among our nation's most prosperous, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that since assuming responsibility for Jammu Kashmir in August 2020, he had prioritized border villages' aspirations. In border villages where women rise each dawn dreaming of brighter futures for their children amid challenges, where farmers toiling in their soil through hardships, and where communities stand as sentinels without uniforms, we have ignited a new dawn of progress, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon officers to achieve 100% saturation of HADP, Mission Youth, Mudra Yojana, and all welfare schemes, leaving no eligible citizen behind. Our commitment has transformed lives, and I affirm with confidence that change is tangible in Jammu Kashmir's border villages where roads now weave networks, healthcare is thriving, digital connectivity is transforming the education sector and residents now feel integrated to India's rapid growth, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said true development means equal opportunity, dignity, and instilled confidence and the Vibrant Villages Programme embodies this, advancing employment, education, infrastructure, and digital empowerment holistically. It is our moral duty to secure every citizen's brighter future. Sariah's border village residents have guarded our borders alongside soldiers; we owe them comprehensive progress, leaving none behind. Border village residents have endured much for this nation; now, they must stand at prosperity's core. A developed India demands a strong rural heartland, incomplete without its first villages. I call upon Sariah's residents to unite in realizing the Vibrant Village resolve. All officials will ensure 100% saturation of every central scheme and welfare program, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor visited the exhibition on Gyan Bharatam and inspected the stalls installed by various departments and stakeholders. He launched the Vibrant Village Anthem and handed over sanction letters and appointment letters to various beneficiaries under Mission Yuva, HADP, PM Mudra, PMAY-G and other different schemes. The Lieutenant Governor also distributed TV Sets with DTH, and felicitated TB Cured Warrior, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan volunteers, and citizens from diverse backgrounds for their valuable contribution to society. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Ms R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; senior officials of army, police and civil administration, political leaders, prominent citizens and people in large number were present.

Concerns on delimitation must be addressed: Waheed Para

NC MPs meet Defense minister, express gratitude for Machil-Keran, Gurez tunnel approval

New Delhi, Apr 17: MPs Chowdry Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi, along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, met today with the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, at Parliament House, New Delhi, and took up various public concerns and developmental demands pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for the approval of MachilKeran & Gurez Tunnel, while urging that the work on the project be expedited in view of its immense strategic and public importance. The delegation also emphasized the importance of the HandwaraWadderbalaBangus road, a vital route for local connectivity and tourism, particularly for visitors to Bangus Valley. They demanded that the road be brought under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (Beacon) for better maintenance and development. Other key demands, they urged that the SumbalGurez road be declared and accorded the status of a Strategic National Highway. They also demanded the opening of the DrasGurez road for traffic to ease the hardships faced by local residents. The delegation pressed for early execution of critical infrastructure projects including the construction of the LolabBandipora Tunnel, KishtwarPadderZanskar road, and BadoabSonamarg road, all of which are essential for improving connectivity, boosting tourism and strengthening regional development. They apprised the Honble Minister that the military camp at Zachaldara, Handwara, was established during the early 1990s when the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was extremely challenging. The camp undoubtedly played a significant and commendable role during the turbulent period of militancy, particularly in maintaining law and order. However, with the passage of time and expansion of civilian habitation, the camp is now situated in the middle of a densely populated market area, surrounded by Schools, Mosques, health centres and other essential public institutions, causing inconvenience to residents, restricts movement especially during evening hours and creates difficulties during medical emergencies. They demanded the relocation of the camp to a more suitable alternate site in the area where both security and civilian convenience can be ensured.

IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Arrangements Ahead of Forthcoming Events

SRINAGAR, Apr 17: Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi-IPS, chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to evaluate and finalize security arrangements for the forthcoming events in the Kashmir Valley. The meeting primarily focused on review of security arrangements in anticipation of the forthcoming events. Deliberations emphasized the need to further strengthen the existing security framework, and optimize deployment of personnel at critical and sensitive locations. IGP Kashmir directed officers to intensify surveillance on anti-national elements and [] The post IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Arrangements Ahead of Forthcoming Events appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz completely open during ceasefire period

New Delhi, Apr 17: Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to commercial shipping for the remainder of the ongoing ceasefire, according to a report by BBC. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the waterway had been declared completely open for the duration of the truce. In a statement posted on X, he said, In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire. He added that shipping would continue on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran. The announcement comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Lok Sabha | MP Mian Altaf speaking on Delimitation Bill 2026

Anti-drug rally held in Handwara to mark 100 days of LGs campaign

Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha: Wont allow dilution of Indians constitutional rights

LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off Shobha Yatra in Jammu

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off a Shobha Yatra from Chanakya Chowk Parade in Jammu to mark Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti. The procession was organised by the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha to commemorate the life and teachings of Bhagwan Parshuram, regarded as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid []

CM Omar Abdullah unveils Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Club jersey, releases wildlife publication

Jammu, Apr 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today unveiled the jersey of Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Club (SCC) at a function held here. The event was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and members of the club. Appreciating the clubs contribution to promoting cricket, the Chief Minister said that the government is committed to extending all possible support to encourage sports activities and nurture young talent across Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, SCC President Aman Cheema highlighted the clubs achievements, noting that it has participated in and won several tournaments. He added that the club is playing a positive role in engaging youth and steering them away from negative influences such as drug abuse by channelizing their energy into sports. Earlier, the Chief Minister also launched a wildlife magazine titled Checklist of Mammals of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A delegation of wildlife ecologists led by Muzaffar Kichloo briefed him on their ongoing and upcoming projects. The Chief Minister commended their efforts and emphasized the importance of scientific research and conservation in preserving the regions rich biodiversity.

BJP, opposition spar over Womens Reservation Act; delay in notification sparks row

New Delhi, Apr 17: The BJP and opposition parties on Friday accused each other of playing politics over the implementation of the Womens Reservation Act, with the ruling party backing the move as a historic step, while the opposition said the government was sleeping over issuing a notification over the law. Opposition parties also alleged that the government is using the womens reservation to push an unconstitutional delimitation exercise. The Womens Reservation Act, 2023, which provides for a 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, was brought into force on Thursday to operationalise amendments currently being discussed in Parliament. An official explained that bringing the law into force was essential as its proposed amendment will not have come into effect without that. The constitution amendment Bill became a law but did not become part of the Constitution as the government did not bring it into force. If a law does not come into force, how can its proposed amendment be implemented. Hence it was brought into force with effect from April 16, the official explained. The 2023 act was notified with effect from April 16 in the midst of the debate in Parliament to amend the same law for its implementation in 2029. The three Bills the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 are being debated in the Lok Sabha to enable implementation of the quota by 2029. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma hit out at the opposition, alleging its resistance is politically driven. The opposition has only one agenda -- opposition for the sake of it. The intent is only to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he told reporters in Parliament House complex. As far as delimitation is concerned, it can be passed by a simple majority. It is not a constitutional amendment of the kind being projected. The opposition is free to express its views, but on womens reservation, they should support it, he said. BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi defended the governments move, rejecting allegations of delay or political motive. The arguments about delay by the opposition or some southern states are completely wrong, he said. Due to reasons such as the Census, it cannot be implemented immediately. A proper mechanism has been worked out for implementation by 2029. There is no politics in this, Tripathi added. BJP MP Maya Naroliya termed the move a historic moment and credited Prime Minister Modi for giving women their due rights. Quoting the prime minister, she added, Those who did not support the fight for womens rights will not be forgiven by women. Congress MP K C Venugopal raised the delay in issuing the notification, calling it an evidence of the governments lack of sincerity. The Womens Reservation Bill was passed with consensus in 2023, but it was notified only Thursday night. They talk about womens empowerment, but a constitutional amendment passed in 2023 was brought into force only now. What technicality is this? Venugopal said. At least when you move an amendment, it is the duty of the government to ensure proper notification. On which legislation are you moving the amendment? he asked. He demanded wider consultations on the other bills under discussion and sought their withdrawal. Withdraw the bills, call an all-party meeting and arrive at a consensus. We are ready to support one-third reservation within the existing 543 seats, he said. Questioning government assurances in Parliament, he added, We have seen such assurances in the past as well. They are made on the floor of the House, but are not reflected in law. That is why we are asking if the government is serious, why dont you put it in the legislation? Congress MP Hibi Eden said the party supports the law but opposes linking it with delimitation. We supported the government unanimously in 2023. But we are not supporting the delimitation process being coupled with it.This is a blatant attack on the Constitution. Why this urgency now? Eden asked. JMM MP Mahua Maji too questioned the timing of the move. Why this special session now? The bill was passed unanimously in 2023 and everyone supported it. This looks like a political stunt. Elections are underway in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and many leaders are engaged in campaigning. In such a situation, why this sudden urgency? Maji asked. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar alleged that the government was misusing the issue. We support womens reservation, but why is it being used to hamper the interests of southern states? he said. When the basis of delimitation is the Census, and that process is yet to be completed, why is the government pushing it in this manner? Why is it creating a divide between northern and southern states? Kumar asked. TMC leader Kirti Azad also criticised the governments approach, alleging that it does not seem to know what it is doing. The bill was passed in 2023 with provisions for Census and delimitation. How can seat allocation be decided without following that process? What they say today, they contradict tomorrow. Such an important constitutional exercise cannot be handled in this manner, Azad added.

Posting doctored videos, hate speech to attract 3-year jail: DM Jammu

Posting doctored videos, hate speech, or communally inflammatory content on social media platforms in Jammu district will attract a jail term of up to three years, officials said on Friday. District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, IAS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning the posting, sharing, or forwarding of such content for 60 days, reported news agency KNS. The order, which came into force with immediate effect, applies to all persons within the territorial jurisdiction of District Jammu, regardless of the platform used or the physical location from which the content is posted, if it affects public order within the district, officials added. The directive explicitly prohibits seven categories of online activity, including: posting content promoting enmity between communities on grounds of religion, race, caste, language, or region; circulating morphed, doctored, or out-of-context images and videos; spreading rumors related to law and order; and organizing mob violence through social media, they said. The order covers all major digital platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram, officials said. Violations will attract simultaneous action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, they added. According to the order, promoting enmity between groups under Section 196(1) BNS carries up to three years' imprisonment or a fine, or both. Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India under Section 152 BNS can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years or a life term, along with a fine. Administrators and moderators of WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook pages, and YouTube channels operating within or targeting residents of District Jammu shall bear joint responsibility for ensuring no prohibited content is circulated, the official said. Social media intermediaries have been directed to act expeditiously on takedown requests via the government's Sahyog platform, failing which they will lose safe-harbor protection under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, officials said. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been directed to ensure prompt registration of FIRs against violators, they said, adding that the Cyber Crime Unit, Jammu, shall undertake 24x7 surveillance of social media platforms to proactively identify prohibited content. Special Social Media Monitoring Cells shall be constituted at the sub-divisional level under the supervision of respective Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), the official said. All residents have been directed to refrain from forwarding inflammatory content and to promptly report such material to the nearest police station or the Cyber Crime Unit, officials added. The order shall remain in force for 60 days from the date of issuance, unless extended, modified, or revoked earlier, the official further said. (KNS)

Gautam Adani becomes Asias richest man, surpasses Mukesh Ambani in latest billionaires ranking

Srinagar, Apr 17: Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become Asias richest person, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index update. As of April 17, 2026, Adanis net worth stands at $92.6 billion, narrowly edging past Ambanis $90.8 billion. The two Indian billionaires have been closely competing for the top spot, with rankings shifting frequently due to market fluctuations and business valuations. Despite the change in positions, both Adani and Ambani remain among the worlds top 25 richest individuals, highlighting Indias growing presence in global wealth rankings. Globally, tech giants continue to dominate the rich list, led by Elon Musk, followed by Larry Page and Jeff Bezos. In India, Adani now tops the list, with Ambani in second place, followed by leading industrialists across sectors, reflecting the countrys expanding billionaire landscape.

Why ICE and EV SUVs Will Coexist Longer Than Expected

The automotive industry is clearly moving toward electrification. Governments are promoting electric vehicles (EVs), automakers are investing heavily in new platforms, and buyers are becoming more aware of the long-term sustainability benefits. Yet, despite this momentum, internal combustion engine (ICE) SUVs are far from disappearing. In fact, vehicles like the Mahindra XUV 3XO and the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara show why ICE and EV SUVs are likely to coexist for much longer than expected. The Strength of ICE SUVs ICE SUVs continue to offer a level of convenience that is hard to replace. Cars like the Mahindra XUV 3XO are designed for everyday versatility. With multiple engine options, strong torque delivery, and features tailored for both city and highway use, they provide a well-rounded ownership experience. More importantly, ICE vehicles benefit from: A vast fuel station network Quick refuelling times Established service infrastructure This makes them highly practical for a wide range of users, especially in regions where EV infrastructure is still developing. The Rapid Rise of EV SUVs On the other hand, EV SUVs are redefining what modern mobility looks like. The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara represents this new direction. Built on a dedicated electric platform, it focuses on efficiency, advanced technology, and a futuristic design philosophy. Key advantages of EVs include: Lower running costs Silent and smooth driving Advanced digital features and connectivity These factors make EVs increasingly attractive, especially for urban buyers. Infrastructure: The Key Limiting Factor One of the biggest reasons ICE vehicles will continue to exist is infrastructure. While EV charging networks are expanding, they are not yet as widespread or convenient as fuel stations. Even though the e Vitara is supported by a growing charging ecosystem with thousands of charging points and route-planning features, accessibility can still vary by location. For many buyers, especially those who travel long distances, this remains a critical concern. Different Use Cases, Different Strengths ICE and EV SUVs serve different purposes. ICE SUVs like the XUV 3XO are ideal for: Long-distance travel Unpredictable driving patterns Users who prefer flexibility EV SUVs like the e Vitara are better suited for: Daily city commutes Predictable driving distances Users with access to home or workplace charging Because these use cases differ, both types of vehicles continue to remain relevant. Cost Dynamics: Present vs Future Cost is another reason for this coexistence. ICE vehicles: Lower upfront cost Higher fuel and maintenance expenses over time EVs: Higher initial investment Lower running and maintenance costs For many buyers, the decision depends on how long they plan to keep the car and how frequently they use it. This difference in cost structure ensures that both ICE and EV SUVs appeal to different buyer segments. Technology Evolution vs Proven Systems EVs are often seen as the future because of their advanced technology. The e Vitara integrates features such as connected systems, smart charging, and digital interfaces, making it more software-driven . However, ICE vehicles benefit from decades of refinement. Systems in cars like the XUV 3XO are proven, reliable, and widely understood by both users and service networks. This contrast between innovation and reliability is another reason why both will continue to coexist. Buyer Mindset and Transition Speed The transition to EVs is not just about technologyit is also about mindset. Some buyers are: Early adopters who embrace new technology Willing to adapt to charging routines Others prefer: Familiar systems Minimal change in usage habits This difference in mindset slows down the transition and ensures that ICE vehicles remain relevant for longer. Policy Push vs Ground Reality While policy support for EVs is strong, real-world adoption depends on multiple factors: Infrastructure readiness Cost accessibility Consumer awareness Until these factors align completely, ICE vehicles will continue to play a major role in the market. Role of Digital Platforms in Buyer Decisions As buyers navigate this transition, online car-buying platforms like ACKO Drive help them compare ICE and EV SUVs, understand ownership costs, and evaluate real-world usability. This allows buyers to make decisions based on their lifestyle rather than just market trends. Final Thoughts The shift to electric mobility is inevitablebut it is not immediate. Vehicles like the Mahindra XUV 3XO highlight the continued relevance of ICE SUVs, while models like the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara showcase the potential of electric mobility. For the foreseeable future, both will coexistserving different needs, preferences, and use cases. Rather than replacing one another, ICE and EV SUVs are likely to evolve side by side, giving buyers the flexibility to choose what works best for them.

Army commanders' conference concludes in New Delhi; emphasis on modernisation

New Delhi, Apr 17: The biannual Army Commanders Conference (ACC), chaired by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), which commenced on 13 April 26, culminated on 16 April 26. Besides COAS, the conference was attended by apex military leadership and was addressed by senior functionaries in the government including the Cabinet Secretary, Chief of the Defence Staff, Defence Secretary and Chairman NSAB besides Chief of the Naval Staff. Aligned with the vision of evolving into a Future Ready Force, the Indian Army has designated the year 2026 as the year of Networking and Data Centricity. The conference discussed a wide array of issues pertaining to modernisation, technology infusion in combat operations, doctrinal and training requirements besides networking and data centricity to enhance operational readiness and address emerging security challenges. Based on the lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor, and in keeping with the current operational dynamics globally, senior army leadership also focussed on operational capability requirements including employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). The distinguished speakers highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape and emerging global, regional and internal security dynamics. With specific reference to lessons emerging from global conflicts, the speakers alluded to the need for Hard Power for Guaranteed Protection of Indias strategic and security interests while emphasising on inter ministerial coordination, enhanced synergy between civil and military institutions and a whole of nation approach for a coordinated national response to complex security challenges. During the discussions. it emerged that there is an urgent need to accelerate indigenous production capabilities, for strengthening self-reliance in defence and ensuring long-term strategic resilience in view of current supply chain crisis.

Saudi Arabia annnounces penalties up to Rs 24.9 lakh, ten years ban for illegal Hajj entry

Saudi Arabia, April 17: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced stringent penalties, including fines of up to SR100,000 (around Rs24.9 lakh), for individuals performing Hajj without an official permit or assisting visit visa holders in doing so illegally. In a statement posted on X, the Saudi Ministry of Interior said the penalties target both unauthorised pilgrims and those facilitating violations of Hajj permit rules.The measures will be enforced from April 18 to mid-June, covering the peak Hajj season, and apply to those entering or attempting to enter Makkah and other holy sites without approval. Under the regulations, individuals performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face fines of up to SR20,000 (about Rs 4.98 lakh). The same penalty applies to visit visa holders who enter or remain in Makkah during the restricted period from 1 Dhul-Qadah to 14 Dhul-Hijjah. Harsher penalties of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on those facilitating such violations, including arranging visit visas, transporting unauthorised pilgrims, or providing accommodation. Fines may increase depending on the number of violators involved. Authorities said offenders who infiltrate Makkah without permits, including visa overstayers, will be deported and barred from re-entering the kingdom for 10 years. Courts may also order confiscation of vehicles used to transport violators. The ministry urged residents and visitors to strictly comply with Hajj regulations and report violations. It added that those penalised can file a grievance within 30 days and appeal before the Administrative Court within 60 days.

Delimitation will turn out to be 'political demonetisation': Tharoor slams govt

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the government's move to link women's reservation with delimitation, calling it political demonetisation. He argued that this approach holds women's aspirations hostage to a complex administrative exercise. Tharoor asserted that women's reservation is ready for immediate implementation based on existing parliamentary strength, warning that delimitation could damage federalism.

Altaf Bukhari visits ailing father of incarcerated MP Er Rashid; Urges PM Modi, Shah to grant him parole

Srinagar, April 17: The President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Altaf Bukhari on Friday visited ailing father of Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, at Sher-i-Kashmir Medical College Hospital (SMHS) in Srinagar. Terming his condition extremely serious, Bukhari said Khazir is battling a critical illness and is on ventilator support. He said his family is passing through an incredibly difficult and distressing time. The Apni Party chief requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to grant parole to the incarcerated leader. I request Honble Prime Minister @narendramodi and Honble Home Minister @AmitShah to consider granting parole to the incarcerated Member of Parliament, Engineer Rashid, so that he can be with his ailing father and distressed family members, Bukhari posted on X. The decision to allow him to be with his family in this time of crisis, he said, would be a humane and dignified decision and would be appreciated by one and all in Jammu and Kashmir, In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with them and pray to Almighty Allah to bless Khazir Sahib with Shifa-e-Kamila and the strength to overcome this grave condition, Bukhari said, praying for the ailing father and expressing solidarity with the family I visited Khazir Mohammad Sheikh Sahib, the ailing father of Engineer Rashid Sahib, at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where he is battling his critical illness and has been placed on ventilator support. His condition is extremely serious, and his family is passing through an pic.twitter.com/C150WO1zEo Altaf Bukhari (@SMAltafBukhari) April 17, 2026

Anticipating the inevitable: What India must learn from prepared economies in an age of recurring crisis

Global markets are reacting to the expectation of disruption. Countries that prepare for crises in calm times fare better. China and Russia show how foresight builds resilience. India must embed anticipation into policy. This crisis is a warning for a volatile world. Strategic resilience is cultivated before shocks arrive. The test of statecraft is the discipline to be less surprised.

MeT predicts rain, gusty winds in J&K till April 19; improvement from April 20

AI-armed founders disrupting venture capitalism?

Indian venture capitalists hold billions, but the traditional funding model faces disruption. Founders now build and scale businesses with less capital due to AI and lower costs. This shift reduces founder dependence on venture capital. The industry's future hinges on its ability to adapt to this evolving landscape.

Strongly urge early restoration of freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz: India at UN

India reiterated that the targeting of commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding the freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable

Strongly urge early restoration of freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz: India

India has called the targeting of commercial shipping in the West Asia conflict deplorable and urged the immediate restoration of safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over energy security and global trade.

A 10-day ceasefire agreed on by Israel and Lebanon goes into effect

A 10-day truce has begun in Lebanon, pausing fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and raising hopes of extending a wider ceasefire involving the United States and Iran after weeks of war that disrupted the region.

Gusty winds wreak havoc in Srinagar; roofs blown off

Strong gusty winds that swept across Srinagar on Thursday evening caused widespread disruption, damaging property and triggering panic in several parts of the city. Reports from multiple areas including Harwan, Hazratbal, Downtown localities, and the city center, said that the high-velocity winds uprooted tin roofs of several houses and shops, sending debris flying across roads and residential compounds. In the Dara Harwan areas, residents said that several rooftops were lifted and flung away, causing damage to nearby structures. In a matter of minutes, the winds intensified, and we saw tin sheets flying in the air. It was terrifying, said Maroof Ahmad, a resident of Harwan. At Ilahi Bagh, a major incident was reported when the roof of a residential house was blown away and landed on electric wires, sparking panic among locals. We rushed out of our homes as the roof came crashing onto the wires. It could have been disastrous, said a local resident. The strong winds also disrupted normal business activity, particularly in Lal Chowk and other commercial hubs. Street vendors were seen scrambling to collect their scattered goods as protective polythene sheets were torn apart. Everything was blown away in seconds. We had to run to save whatever we could, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a vendor. Traffic movement was also affected as dust-laden winds reduced visibility on several roads. Two-wheeler riders were seen halting along roadsides, seeking shelter to avoid being hit by flying debris. I had to stop my bike because I couldnt see anything ahead. It was too risky to move, said a commuter. The situation was equally tense in Dal Lake, where strong winds caused Shikaras to sway violently, creating panic among tourists. Officials said that SDRF teams and quick response units were immediately pressed into service. Our teams responded swiftly, and several boats were deployed to ensure the safety of tourists. All were rescued safely, an official said. Meanwhile, power outages were reported from several parts of Srinagar as the winds damaged power lines and infrastructure, plunging many areas into darkness. Adding to the concerns, a fire broke out in the upper reaches of the Zabarwan hills, visible from the Harwan side. Locals said the intensity of the blaze appeared to increase due to strong winds.

Defunct drainage system irks Rangpora residents

Residents of Madina Colony, Rangpora, Ellahi Bagh Srinagar have expressed concern over defunct drainage system in the area. The locals said that the concerned department had constructed the drain nearly 15 years ago, but instead of providing relief, it has now become a major nuisance. They alleged that the drain frequently overflows, and water accumulates on the roads through the manholes, making movement difficult for pedestrians. At times, dirty water from the drain also enters residential courtyards, creating unhygienic conditions and foul smell in the area. The situation becomes worse particularly during rains, when the entire locality faces waterlogging, residents said. According to the locals, they have repeatedly approached the concerned authorities and even held a meeting with the Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development. Despite assurances and directions issued, no concrete action has been taken so far, they said. The residents urged the concerned authorities to take immediate notice of the issue and undertake renovation and repair work of the drain at the earliest, so that the people of the area can get relief from the persistent problem.

BOPEE invites online applications for GNM, ANM courses

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations has invited online applications from eligible candidates for admission to GNM and ANM courses for the academic session 2026. According to a notification issued by BOPEE, candidates seeking admission to government and private colleges across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh will have to appear in a Common Entrance Test (CET), the date of which will be notified separately. The application process will commence from April 16 (11:30 AM onwards), while the last date for submission of online forms has been fixed as April 29 (midnight). Applicants are required to pay a fee of Rs 1000 through online modes, including debit card, credit card, or net banking. The Board stated that admissions will be governed by the provisions of the J&K BOPEE Act, 2002, along with relevant reservation laws and rules as amended from time to time. The detailed syllabus, eligibility criteria, and other guidelines have been made available in the e-Information Brochure hosted on the official website of BOPEE. Candidates have been advised to thoroughly read the information brochure before filling out the application form, as the Board will not be responsible for any errors or omissions made during the submission process. The Board has also urged applicants to regularly visit its official website for updates regarding the examination schedule and other important notifications.

Jammu College student falls from bus on way to picnic, dies

In a tragic incident, a student of Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar Jammu died when she accidently fell from a moving bus, on the way to Patnitop for a picnic, on Thursday morning. The student has been identified as Anjali Choudhary, a 4th semester student of Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu. Police, after taking cognizance of the incident, initiated investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Meanwhile, the Minister for Higher Education, Sakina Itoo, while sharing her grief over the tragic incident, expressed her condolences to the grieving family, friends and the entire college fraternity and asked the concerned authorities to extend all possible assistance to the bereaved family. Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic death of Anjali Choudhary, a 4th semester student of Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu, who lost her life in a tragic accident near Udhampur this morning while proceeding with fellow students on a picnic to Patnitop. She reportedly fell from the bus around 10.30 am, about one kilometre before Udhampur. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving family, friends, and the entire college fraternity. I have directed the concerned authorities to extend all possible assistance to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace, Itoo posted on her X handle. The Higher Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir, has expressed profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the untimely demise of Anjali Choudhary. A young life, full of promise and aspirations, has been lost far too soon, leaving the entire academic community in deep shock and mourning. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being ascertained, the department said in a statement. Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, along with Director Colleges, Nodal Principals, Principals, Faculty Members, students, and the entire academic fraternity, expressed profound sorrow and solidarity, extending sincere sympathies to the grieving family. The Department stands in unwavering solidarity with the bereaved family, sharing in their grief and remembering the departed as a bright and cherished young student. It remains in close coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure that all possible support is extended during this time of immense loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace, and may the family find strength and solace in this hour of grief, the statement added.

Kargil Police organise orientation programme for SI aspirants

District Police Kargil organised an orientation programme for Sub Inspector aspirants appearing in the upcoming Ladakh Police Recruitment written examination. The programme, held at Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall, Kargil, was attended by SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, ASP Kargil Ishtiyaq Ahmad Kacho, DySP DAR Tundup Dorjay, police officials and a large number of Sub Inspector aspirants. The programme commenced with a welcome speech by Tundup Dorjay. He welcomed all participants, including resource person Mehboob Elahi and SI Mehdi Khan. He briefed about the two-day orientation program and stated that the Orientation Programme is being conducted on the directions of the DGP UT Ladakh, Mukesh Singh and under the supervision of SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav to provide aspirants with an understanding of the examination pattern for Constables and Sub Inspectors. SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav interacted with the participants and said that he noted the participation of aspirants during the session. He stated that vacancies are limited and the number of aspirants is high, and advised them to work hard and prepare well. He said that the police department is a visible force requiring discipline and dedication, and that public expectations from uniformed personnel are high. He conveyed his best wishes to all aspirants and thanked everyone who contributed to the conduct of the two-day orientation programme. ASP Kargil Ishtiyaq Kacho inspiring the aspirants highlighted the role and responsibilities of police personnel. He stated that wearing a khaki uniform is an honor and pride. He said that Service and Courage is the motto and urged aspirants to prepare for the examination to secure selection and serve the nation. Resource person Mehboob Elahii spoke on preparation for the examination. He covered study plan, examination overview, subject-wise weightage, syllabus, and the importance of mock tests, revision and practice of previous year questions. He also informed about an application Roam Prep, developed for Ladakhi students and aspirants of KSSRB, LSSRB, LSSSSB, Constable and Sub Inspector examinations, and gave a demonstration. Sub Inspector Mehdi Khan delivered a presentation on eligibility criteria, mode of recruitment, selection process, and the advantages of NCC certification and other deserving certificates. An interactive session was held during which aspirants asked queries and responses were provided by the panel. Questions were also posed by the panel and answered by the aspirants. Correct answers given by aspirants were provided Ladakh Academy preparation books.

House panel flags poor JJM implementation in Rajouri

The high powered House Committee constituted to examine implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) across Jammu and Kashmir has picked poor work execution with members of committee concerned over delayed completion of schemes. The Chairman of Committee has also expressed displeasure over implementation saying that majority of the schemes are lying incomplete despite expenditure of heavy amount. The House Committee headed by Former Justice and MLA Hasnain Masoodi and comprising of thirteen MLAs as members is currently on visit of Rajouri and Poonch districts with an aim to examine implementation of this prestigious scheme. Local MLAs of these twin districts are also accompanying the house committee which visited atleast half a dozen JJM sites in Rajouri and is now visiting sites in Poonch. MLA Poonch Haveli, Ajaz Jan, who is also member of this committee, has expressed serious concern on overall implementation saying that field situation is completely contrary to the figures claimed on paper by the department. Department shows healthy percentage in terms of work done so far but on field only pump rooms have been constructed, general pipes have been laid and some water reservoirs have been built with rest of the work is pending. Ajaz Jan said who stated that implementation is completely unsatisfactory. I am surprised to know that many scheme sites have also been shifted without following procedure which shows bureaucrats mended scheme in their own way. Jan said. MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, who was accompanying the team during visit, also took a dig at JJM implementation saying that lot of efforts need to be put in for taking works to conclusion. Almost all schemes in my constituency are incomplete and it is quite unfortunate that despite after so heavy funding, works have not been completed and people are yet to get even a single drop of water. said MLA Khan. Chairman of House Committee, Hasnain Masoodi also expressed displeasure over poor implementation saying that over 6000 crores have been utilised so far but things are unsatisfactory. Projects costing over 12000 crores were sanctioned and 6000 crores have been utilised but I am surprised that implementation is very poor. MLA Hasnain Masoodi said. Meanwhile, contractors who executed works under JJM have decried soaring liabilities and delay in payments saying that release of wanted amount and clearance of liabilities will help resumption of work which will be completed within two months. We are left to starve as we have used all our savings in executing the work done so far and our liabilities are very high. said contactors who met House Committee in Rajouri. They said that pending works will be completed in just two months if liabilities are cleared and wanted payments are released.

KCCIAxis Bank meet focuses on expanding credit access in Kashmir

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) today hosted an interactive session with the leadership of Axis Bank at the Chamber office. The Axis Bank delegation was led by Reynold D'Souza, President and Head, Branch Banking North & TASC Business, along with his team. The meeting followed a preliminary interaction with the CEO/MD Axis Bank, Amitabh Chaudhry on 14th of April 2026. Axis Bank team, led by President & Head Branch Banking Reynold DSouza, Circle Head Kanwalbir Singh, Cluster Head Gowhar Sheikh & Adil Shah particpated in the session which was attended by the members of the Executive Committee, members of the Chamber and representatives of the business organisations, who held detailed deliberations on improving easy access to finance on competitive rates and strengthening banking outreach in J&K. Welcoming the delegation, KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted Kashmirs strong economic potential and noted that increased participation of banks enhances competition and provides greater choice to customers. He pointed out that the region maintains NPAs below 2 percent, reflecting a strong and trustworthy credit culture. The President of KCCI asked Axis Bank to expand its presence by opening more branches, across Kashmir including the Shahre-e-Khas, and to extend greater support to key sectors such as horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, Traders/shopkeepers and exports. He stressed on the need of awareness about many beneficial schemes, often unknown to borrowers. He emphasised the need for facilitating loans under CGTMSE at reasonable rates and introducing artisan credit schemes. The participants further stressed the importance of launching customised schemes for women entrepreneurs, improving access to education loans, and significantly increasing lending under the priority sector. They observed that private banks generally have a lower Credit-Deposit Ratio (CDR) in the priority sector in the region and called for corrective measures to ensure adequate credit flow to deserving sectors. Former President A.M. Matto emphasised the need for banks to strengthen their grassroots presence, deliver quality services, and appoint local staff to better serve the business community. Prominent hotelier Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya highlighted the need for easy credit availability, competitive interest rates, and simplified financing processes to support businesses across sectors. Responding to the suggestions, Reynold D'Souza thanked KCC&I for facilitating the interaction and stated that Axis Bank is leveraging AI-driven customised solutions to enhance customer experience. He added that the bank is continuously training its workforce, (mostly locally employed), to provide efficient, responsive, and relationship-oriented services. He said the Axis bank will ramp up its lending in the priority sector, particularly focusing on horticulture, handicrafts and exporters, and assured that the suggestions put forth by the participants would be duly considered. He further informed that a team from Axis Banks head office will visit the region again in the last week of April, adding that the bank will continue its engagement and interaction with the business community on a sustained basis. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, and a shared commitment to deepen collaboration between the banking sector and the business community to promote inclusive growth and economic development in J&K.

J&K Police warn of sophisticated cybercrime networks exploiting job seekers

Amid a sharp rise in fraudulent overseas job offers, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has issued a warning about sophisticated cybercrime networks targeting job seekers with deceptive employment opportunities. Officials say these scams have evolved into a highly organised and dangerous operation, exploiting aspirations of working abroad while exposing victims to financial fraud and potential human trafficking, prompting urgent concern among law enforcement agencies. In an advisory, the Jammu and Kashmir Police highlighted how scammers are systematically targeting individuals seeking employment abroad, often leading to severe financial losses and, in some cases, human trafficking. According to officials, these scams frequently rely on deception tactics that exploit trust. Fraudsters use familiar language, known contacts, or fabricated references to create a sense of legitimacy. However, the job offers themselves typically lack essential details such as company credentials, defined roles, or transparent payment structures. This ambiguity allows scammers to manipulate victims over time, impairing judgment and increasing vulnerability. The problem has grown significantly across India, with reports suggesting a surge of over 25% in such cases in 2025. Many victims are lured by promises of high salaries for low-skill jobs in Southeast Asian countries. Upon arrival, some have reported having their passports confiscated and being forced into illegal online activities, including financial scams targeting others. Authorities emphasize that certain warning signs consistently appear in these fraudulent schemes. Offers that seem too good to be true, demands for upfront payments under the guise of visa processing or travel arrangements, and communication through informal channels like WhatsApp or Telegram are major red flags. Additionally, legitimate employers rarely use generic email services and do not pressure candidates into making quick decisions without due verification. To combat this growing threat, officials urge job seekers to verify recruitment agents through the governments eMigrate portal and to avoid engaging with unverified intermediaries. Vigilance and skepticism are considered key defenses against falling victim. In cases where individuals suspect they have been targeted or defrauded, immediate action is critical. Victims are advised to file complaints through the national cybercrime reporting platform, cybercrime.gov.in, or contact the helpline number 1930. Authorities also recommend reaching out to Indian embassies in the destination country and reporting incidents to local police. Law enforcement agencies stress that timely reporting can significantly improve the chances of intervention, potentially preventing further harm. As these scams grow more sophisticated, public awareness remains a crucial line of defense against exploitation.

J&K High Court seeks time-bound mechanism for payment of admitted contractor liabilities

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh called for putting in place an effective time-bound mechanism to ensure prompt payment of admitted claims to contractors, saying such claims cannot be delayed on pendency of approvals or alleged paucity of funds. A Bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal said this while deciding a related petition by a local contractor and directed the authorities to release Rs 47.47 lakh dues to the contractor. In its decision, the Court re-iterated that the state is under an obligation to ensure timely release of admitted and undisputed dues and cannot compel parties to seek judicial redress for enforcement of such claims. The Court re-iterated the position it has already enunciated in M/s Saint Soldier Engineers & Contractors Pvt. Ltd. vs. Union Territory of J&K & Ors. While the court emphasised the necessity of putting in place an effective and time-bound mechanism for disbursement of admitted liabilities, it said: It is, therefore, expected that the respondents shall adhere to and ensure strict compliance with the directions issued therein. The court held that despite the catena of judgments and a well settled position of law, the authorities continue to withhold such admitted dues on untenable grounds in law, such as administrative delays, pendency of approvals, or alleged paucity of funds. Such pleas, in the considered view of this Court, are nothing but attempts to shift the burden of internal inefficiencies onto the shoulders of the executing parties, which is impermissible The State, being a welfare entity, is expected to act fairly, reasonably and in a responsible manner in all its dealings, the court said. The Court noted that the practice of compelling citizens to seek judicial intervention for enforcement of admitted claims cannot be approved and deserves to be deprecated. It must be emphasized that once the State has availed the benefit of work executed, it is under a corresponding obligation both legal and constitutional to ensure timely payment, it said. The Court observed that any failure in this regard strikes at the core of Article 14 of the Constitution of India, which mandates fairness, reasonableness and non-arbitrariness in State action. It said: The consequences of delayed payments are significant, particularly for small-scale units, which operate within limited financial capacity. Unjustified withholding of dues results in financial hardship and adversely impacts business viability The State cannot be permitted to derive benefit from completed works while denying the corresponding financial entitlement to the executing party, the court said. The Court noted that the authorities must ensure availability of funds prior to allotment of works, saying failure in this regard cannot be used as a defense to defeat legitimate claims.

US-Iran talks productive but uncertainty looms over next round

The United States and Iran held productive talks through an intermediary, but key differences still persist. The two rivals have yet to reach an agreement on key contentious issues, particularly over Tehrans nuclear programme and other strategic concerns. However, both have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to extend the fragile ceasefire for a few more weeks, allowing additional time for diplomacy. foreign media reports stated. The ongoing mediation efforts are aimed at sustaining the truce and creating space for further negotiations toward a broader settlement. Pakistans Army Chief Gen Asif Munir, who reached Tehran last evening along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, held a series of high-level meetings with Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and other senior leaders to firm up the agenda for the second round of talk, Iranian media reports stated. Earlier, it was expected that the second round of talks would be held on the weekend in Islamabad. Even President Trump indicated about it and stated that there has been a broad understanding between the two sides on major issues During these discussions, he expressed cautious optimism that both sides would adopt a more flexible and pragmatic approach to bridge their differences and move towards a lasting resolution of the contentious issues. According to reports, the Army Chief also met senior functionaries of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as well as influential clerics, seeking their backing for the proposed framework of negotiations. These engagements were aimed at ensuring internal consensus within Iran ahead of the next phase of dialogue. The upcoming round of talks is widely seen as critical, as it could determine whether the diplomatic process gains momentum or slips back into stalemate. With regional tensions still high, there is a growing expectation that both sides will show greater willingness to compromise and avoid further escalation. Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson stated that Islamabad is currently the only active mediator between the United States and Iran in the ongoing negotiations Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that despite interest from several countries, Washington has chosen to maintain a single, streamlined channel through Pakistan to avoid confusion and ensure continuity in dialogue. She noted that the next round of talks is very likely to be held again in Islamabad, The White House has also described the ongoing discussions as productive and ongoing, indicating cautious optimism that Pakistans mediation could help narrow differences, particularly on contentious issues like Irans nuclear programme and regional security concerns. At the same time, officials acknowledge that the upcoming round of talks will be crucial.

Iran ravaged by massive destruction

Iran has suffered extensive economic losses estimated at around 145 billion dollars in the six-week war with Israel and the United States, says Iranian Red Crescent Society(IRCS) chief Pir Hossein Kolivan. Besides massive damage to its infrastructure and residential buildings and hospitals, the conflict is believed to have caused significant military damage to Irans naval assets, ballistic missile program, nuclear infrastructure, and personnel, reports the western media, quoting U S intelligence sources Kolivan said that 125,630 non-military facilities were damaged during the war. This included around 100,000 residential units, some completely destroyed and others partially damaged, as well as about 23,500 commercial units. He added that 339 medical facilities including hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, health centres, and emergency units were also damaged. Around 339 medical facilities, such as hospitals, pharmacies, emergency centers and laboratories were damaged in the airstrikes, he said. Furthermore, 32 universities were hit while 857 buildings belonging to schools and other educational institutions were specifically targeted. More than 3,000 people were killed throughout Iran during the war, a US-based rights group HRANA said 3,636 people have been killed since the war erupted. It said 1,701 of those were civilians, including at least 254 children. The Iranian military said at least 104 people were killed in a US attack on an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka on March 4. Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that 15 US soldiers have been killed and over 400 wounded since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28. It also stated that six Air Force died in a non-hostile, the crew of a KC-135 refuelling aircraft who died in Iraq while supporting air operations Many injuries are reported as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), burns, and shrapnel wounds, or caused by strikes by Iran on the US bases in the region. The U.S. claimed that Iran sustained approximately 2,076 fatalities and around 26,500 injuries. More than 66% of missile and drone production facilities, as well as shipbuilding infrastructure, were reportedly destroyed. In addition, between 160 and 190 ballistic missile launchers were eliminated, with hundreds more rendered inoperable, reports media quoting U S intelligence. Meanwhile, the Red Cross and Trkiyes Red Crescent dispatched an emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, as the organisation warned of a desperate humanitarian situation in the country. Humanitarian needs in Iran are extremely high, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) spokesperson Scott Craig The humanitarian situation in Iran is desperate, Craig said. He added that large-scale damage to infrastructure had compounded the crisis, with severe psychological and mental health impacts on the population. The convoy includes around 200 trauma kits containing emergency medical supplies for bombing casualties. The Turkish Red Crescent has also sent four trucks carrying 48 tons of aid, including emergency shelters for displaced families, hygiene kits and first-aid supplies. According to Turkish Red Crescent president Fatma Meric Yilmaz, roughly 3.6 percent of Irans 90 million people have been displaced, while 62,000 homes and more than 20,000 businesses have been destroyed. She said the Iranian Red Crescent had also suffered severe losses, with 17 of its centers and nearly 100 ambulances damaged. Meanwhile, India and several other nations have sent emergency humanitarian aid to Iran to help the authorities provide medical relief to the injured persons. India dispatched multiple shipments of essential medical aid and life-saving medicines to Iran to support relief efforts amid the intensifying regional conflict. The aid, including surgical supplies, was delivered to the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Tehran. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has dispatched 171 metric tonnes of essential relief items containing 171 metric tonnes of medical supplies, tents, blankets, generators, and water pumps, with additional shipments planned, while Azerbaijan also sent 200 tonnes of aid that included medical supplies. South Korea announced half a million dollar humanitarian assistance. These efforts aim to assist the estimated 3.2 million people displaced during the conflict.