Opinion

Knowing nobody

In 'Tales of Kitagaki', Governor Kitagaki's ornate title fails to impress Zen Master Gasan, who values the essence of a person over status. By crossing out the title, Kitagaki reveals his true self, reflecting on the deeper identity that exists beyond societal labels. This situation highlights the conflict between our constructed identities and our intrinsic nature.

Misselling misunderstood: The regulators proposal is tantamount to addressing the symptom, while ignoring the cause

In FY25, the Indian insurance sector experienced significant premium growth while maintaining flat penetration rates. However, complaints regarding misselling and customer dissatisfaction have risen. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is considering reintroducing commission caps to combat these issues. Previous successful strategies in other countries suggest combining commission ceilings with clawbacks to incentivize appropriate sales.

A Happy Death by Albert Camus

In the early hours, Patrice Mersault makes his way to Zagreus' villa, embraced by the cool brightness of the morning. The villa stands solitary, the housekeeper having departed for the day. He pauses to relish the colors of flower beds and the inviting benches in the nearby square, savoring the beauty before finally stopping at the doorstep to put on his gloves.

Bengal, count plants, not promises: The real test of its industrial comeback

In a bid to enhance industrial investment in West Bengal, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta plans to overhaul outdated land use regulations. This initiative will introduce new policies like land pooling and financial incentives tied to job creation for emerging projects. The historical challenges have stunted the region's industrial advancement, prompting the need for robust administrative reforms.

On the right path of easing ease of biz

To strengthen compliance and reduce conflicts, reforming the Goods and Services Tax (GST) administration is essential. The GST Council will introduce initiatives to rectify persistent tax structure issues. India's energy sector remains excluded from GST, affecting economic progress and inflation rates. It's also vital to recognize states' contribution to tax revenue to preserve fiscal independence. Additionally, a portion of GST revenue could support urban municipal bodies in fostering sustainable development.

Silver is the new status: Why natural grey hair may soon signal power, especially for women

The cultural view of grey hair is evolving, allowing it to become a mark of confidence rather than aging. People are increasingly seeing grey hair as a symbol of survival through life's challenges and experiences. Both men and women may choose to artificially grey themselves to appear more distinguished. This trend reflects a growing acceptance of grey hair in professional spaces.

Next UNSG's top task, UNmaking irrelevance

With just three months left in his term, Secretary General Antonio Guterres prepares to pass the torch to his successor. To be considered, candidates must garner substantial backing from the United Nations Security Council. The incoming Secretary General will need to navigate intense geopolitical strife and pressing global issues such as climate change and financial instability.

Army GOC visits forward areas in Ladakh, reviews troops' operational preparedness

Leh, Oct 5: General Officer Commanding of Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen Madanraj Pande on Monday visited forward areas to review the operational preparedness of the deployed units in the Union territory of Ladakh, the Army said. The general officer commanding (GOC) also interacted with the troops during the visit which was aimed at strengthening operational readiness, the Army said. Lt Gen Pande visited forward areas to review the operational preparedness, combat readiness and sustainability of units deployed in the challenging high-altitude terrain, the Army's Fire and Fury Corps said in a post on X. It said the GOC interacted with troops, commended their high state of operational readiness and exhorted all ranks to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, mission readiness and operational excellence.

PM Modi gifts award-winning Indian cheeses, Kashmiri walnut panel to Swiss president

New Delhi, Oct 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gifted three special Indian cheeses Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor and a hand-carved Kashmiri walnut wood wall panel to Swiss President Guy Parmelin, showcasing India's rich and growing traditions of cheese-making and handicrafts. Parmelin began his three-day visit to India on Monday. This is his first state visit to the country and his second visit this year, having previously attended the AI Impact Summit in February. Gulmarg, a French-style cheese, is a heart-shaped, soft and creamy Brie made from pasteurised cow's milk, with a snowy-white rind and earthy, mushroom-like notes. It received a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil, an international competition for cheese and dairy products. Konark is a French Tomme-style cheese with a rustic, natural rind, supple texture, earthy and savoury flavours and a lemony finish. It won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and silver in Switzerland in 2025. Yeoor is a mountain-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyere, which is matured for around eight to nine months to develop nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavours. Its rose-petal and fennel-decorated rind gives it a distinctive Indian-Alpine character, while its excellent melting quality makes it suitable for fondue and grilled preparations. Switzerland is famous worldwide for its wide varieties of cheese, and the three Indian cheeses offered a glimpse of India's own rich and growing tradition of cheese-making. The walnut wood wall panel showcases Kashmir's centuries-old woodcarving heritage. Crafted from premium Himalayan walnut wood, it is intricately hand-carved in deep relief and depicts traditional landscapes, flora, human figures, horses, carriages and village life. The panel reflects Kashmir's distinctive artistic traditions shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences and celebrates the skill and craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans. Modi also gifted a Kutchi shawl placed in a Sadeli box to the Swiss presidents wife, Caroline Parmelin, showcasing Gujarat's rich traditions of weaving and decorative craftsmanship. The Sadeli box, from Surat, features intricate geometric patterns created by precisely assembling and layering contrasting materials, while the Kutchi shawl is a vibrant handwoven textile from Kutch, distinguished by geometric motifs and supplementary-weft weaving. Together, the shawl and the Sadeli box celebrate Gujarat's artistic heritage and the skill and ingenuity of its artisans. Earlier, Modi hosted Parmelin for wide-ranging talks to explore new opportunities in further strengthening India-Switzerland ties, especially in areas of trade and investment, mobility and critical technologies. Ahead of Parmelin's talks with Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Swiss leader and discussed various aspects of bilateral ties.

LG Saxena inaugurates 100 Saksham ICT Labs across Anganwadi centres in Ladakh

Leh, Oct 5: In a significant step towards strengthening early childhood care and education (ECCE) and improving foundational learning among children, Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday inaugurated Saksham ICT Labs established across 100 Anganwadi centres in the Union Territory. Saxena inaugurated one such lab physically at the Anganwadi centre at Government Primary School, Killibuk, Thiksey, while the others were inaugurated virtually, a Lok Bhavan spokesman said. Of the 100 Saksham ICT Labs, 50 have been established in Leh and 50 in Kargil, marking an important milestone in the administration's efforts to create stimulating, inclusive and technology-enabled learning environments for children at the grassroots level, the spokesman said. The initiative has been undertaken under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 to strengthen ECCE and is aligned with the 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi', Aadharshila Curriculum and the ECCE framework of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, he said. He further said the ICT facilities will provide children with age-appropriate digital and audio-visual learning content, including stories, rhymes, poems and songs, while supporting language and communication, colours, shapes and pre-number concepts, as well as cognitive, creative, physical and motor activities. Speaking on the occasion, the LG said the future of Ladakh is closely linked with the quality of learning and development provided to its youngest generation. He emphasised that the 100 Saksham ICT Labs are not merely about introducing technology into Anganwadi centres, but about creating a new learning experience where technology, creativity, participation and joyful learning come together. Technology must be used to make learning more engaging, joyful and meaningful for our children. These Saksham ICT Labs will complement play-based learning and help strengthen the foundations for their future, Saxena said. He stressed that children learn best when they are encouraged to explore, ask questions, play and learn through experience. The ICT facilities, therefore, will complement the existing play-based and activity-based pedagogy, making learning more engaging, interactive and child-centred. The LG said technology should not replace children's imagination or human interaction, but should provide them with new opportunities to explore, express themselves and develop their curiosity. He emphasised that the objective is not to make children passive consumers of digital content, but to use technology as a tool that encourages participation, interaction and experiential learning. The ICT Labs will support children in developing their language and communication skills through stories, rhymes, poems and songs, while helping them understand colours, shapes and basic numerical concepts, the spokesman said. He said a range of cognitive, creative, physical and motor activities will also contribute to the holistic development of children during their crucial formative years. The initiative has been enabled through convergence between the Social & Tribal Welfare Department and the Information Technology Department, with ICT equipment being provided by the IT Department, the spokesman said.

Crime Branch files chargesheet in multi-crore financial fraud in Samba

Jammu, Oct 5: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Jammu on Monday filed a chargesheet against two accused persons in a multi-lakh financial fraud case, involving the alleged collection of over Rs 1.22 crore from investors in Samba district. Police said they identified the accused as Manoj Kumar, Area-Branch Manager, and Vikram Singh, Assistant Branch Manager, associated with Metropolitan Finance Ltd, Mansar Finance Ltd and Vaibhav Pariwar India Projects Ltd. The investigation, led by Inspector Taranjeet Singh, found that the accused allegedly induced Samba residents to invest their money in various schemes promising lucrative returns, including compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) and fixed deposits, according to officials. Verification from the Reserve Bank of India revealed that the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) registrations for Mansar Finance Limited and Metropolitan Finance Limited were cancelled for statutory non-compliance. At the same time, officials stated that Vaibhav Pariwar India Projects Limited was never registered as an NBFC. The investigation established that Rs 1,22,96,324 was collected from investors, including Rs 8,87,442 for Mansar Finance Ltd. and Rs 1,14,08,882 for Metropolitan Finance Ltd. The accused allegedly issued dishonoured cheques and failed to make payments upon maturity, the officials said. During the investigation, officials seized substantial documentary evidence, including CCPS certificates, debentures, money receipts, and bank records. The chargesheet was produced before the court of the Additional Munsiff, Samba, in connection with a case registered under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC at Police Station Samba, they said. Officials said the Crime Branch has requested the court to initiate proceedings under Section 512 CrPC against Rajesh Kumar Rai, Managing Director, who is absconding and has allegedly continued to evade the investigation.

Man shot dead over property dispute in J-K's Samba

Jammu, Oct 5: A 36-year-old man was shot dead reportedly over a property dispute in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday evening, officials said. The accused was arrested following the shooting and the weapon of the offence was also recovered, they said. According to preliminary investigation by police, Aatish Sharma alias Atul was fired upon by his acquaintance Nikhil at village Jakh in Vijaypur area at around 6.30 pm. Sharma was hit in the head and died on-the-spot, officials said. They said Nikhil had arrived at the scene in a car and was accompanied by some persons who escaped after the shooting. A police party rushed to the scene on getting information about the incident and arrested the prime accused, they said. An FIR was registered in connection with the murder and further investigation is on to arrest the co-accused, they added.

Trump corrects himself after referring to Brazil's presidential election as India's

Washington, Oct 5: President Donald Trump on Monday corrected an earlier post on social media in which he referred to Brazil's presidential election as India's to claim that the electoral process in the US was corrupt. In a glaring factual error, Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, claimed that 125 million people voted in Indias Presidential elections and the results came out shortly after the vote closed. Trump then used the faster counting example to target Democratic-run cities and states such as Detroit, Philadelphia and California. In Detroit, Philadelphia, California, and numerous other US Cities and States, the results, with much smaller numbers, will often take weeks to Rig, I mean, calculate, Trump said. Voting in America is CORRUPT, Trump said, referring to the weeks taken for the counting of votes in elections in US cities and states. Later, he corrected himself to say that 25 Million People voted today in the first round of Brazils Presidential Election. The results came out shortly after the vote closed, on the SAME DAY! Brazil, not India, went to the polls on Sunday for the first round of its presidential election. The South American country recorded 125.27 million valid votes, according to its electoral authority, while results started coming in from 5 pm, when voting closed, and were updated as ballots were counted. Brazil, alphabetically the first part of the acronym BRICS, attended a summit of the grouping in New Delhi last month and the two nations met each other in a FIFA international friendly football match in Kolkata on Saturday -- though neither fact could reliably be cited to explain the mix-up by the US President who handed over the sport's biggest prize in New Jersey in July. India's citizens do not directly vote for their President, who is elected by an electoral college formed by members of Parliament and state assemblies. The incumbent Droupadi Murmu assumed office in 2022. Brazil's election on Sunday featured incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. With neither candidate securing a majority, the two will face each other in a run-off on October 25.

Fake job racket active since 2019, duped people of over Rs 2 crore: SSP Budgam

India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 commences in Uttarakhand

New Delhi, Oct 5: The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced today at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise, being conducted from 05 to 18 October 2026, aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on Mountain Warfare. A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from both Armies, are participating in the exercise. The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating in the exercise across specialist roles. During the exercise, troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, establishment of surveillance grids, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises. The training will also incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain. Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 will provide an opportunity for both armies to exchange professional experience, enhance tactical proficiency and exchange best practices in operational procedures. The exercise will further strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE and reinforce the bonds of friendship and trust between the two nations.

Sajad Lone flags governance gaps, EWS certificate disparity and Jal Jeevan Mission delays

Supreme Court has taken cognisance, says Farooq Abdullah

Farooq Abdullah welcomes Supreme Court notice, says NC to present new constitution to public

Srinagar, Oct 05: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday welcomed the Supreme Courts notice concerning decisions taken by an Election Commissioner, while saying the party would present its new constitution to the public after approval by its working committee. Commenting on the Supreme Courts notice concerning the Election Commissioners decisions, Abdullah welcomed the courts intervention. I am very happy that the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of this, he said. Speaking about a party meeting, Abdullah said it was convened to strengthen the organisation and identify shortcomings that needed to be addressed. The meeting was held to strengthen the party, he said, adding that discussions were held with Srinagars eight MLAs, ward presidents and other party workers. We spoke to them about the shortcomings that need to be addressed, Abdullah said. He said the party would present its new constitution to the public after completing the necessary internal procedures. First, we will place it before our working committee. After it is approved, the process will move forward, he said.

Nepal wraps up Rasuwa flood search; shifts focus to rehabilitation, reconstruction

Kathmandu, Oct 5: Nepal on Monday concluded the search and rescue operation launched after the devastating August 26 flash floods, which claimed at least 1,455 lives, and is now shifting its focus to rehabilitation and reconstruction, officials said. The decision was taken at the 21st meeting of the National Council of the NDRRMA chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the Singha Durbar Secretariat here, the Prime Minister's Office said. The government decided to wind up the 40-day search and rescue operation, except for essential activities. The meeting directed concerned agencies to expedite rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the areas affected by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods. The decision was taken based on recommendations from the District Security Committee, District Disaster Management Committees, the Executive Committee of the NDRRMA, as well as findings from field inspections, it said. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has confirmed 1,455 deaths, 5,285 people missing and 13,795 rescued in the disaster.

LG Manoj Sinha prorogues J&K Legislative Assembly

Srinagar, Oct 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday issued an order to prorogue the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, which met for its Autumn session in September. I, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in exercise of powers conferred upon me under Clause (a) of Sub-section (2) of Section 18 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, do hereby prorogue the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, a bulletin issued by Assembly Secretary M K Pandita read. The Assembly met for a 10-day Autumn session from September 21 to September 30, during which the House passed a resolution calling upon the Centre to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. It is now likely to meet for the Budget session in Jammu next year. Prorogue is a technical term that means to temporarily stop the work of a legislative body without completely dissolving it.

'Form 6 modification not approved by us', say SC; seeks EC's response

New Delhi, Oct 5: The Supreme Court on Monday said that it has not approved any modifications to Form 6 being used by the Election Commission (EC) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various states. Form 6 is an application through which an eligible person seeks inclusion in the electoral roll. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said, Any modification to Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear. When records are produced, we would like to see who has modified it. The bench was hearing a PIL filed in wake of a recent Indian Express report, which claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners had objected to decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including changes to Form 6 relating to the applicant's ancestry and a link to previous SIR. The bench told senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy, appearing for petitioner Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has challenged the decisions, guidelines and software changes allegedly made by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar without the concurrence of his two colleagues, that the prayers in his PIL appear to be jumbled up. During the hearing on Tripathi's PIL, Guruswamy said there were no infirmities in the petitioner's PIL and raised concerns over changes made to Form 6, which is used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion of their names in electoral rolls. The EC issued a press release on September 26 suggesting that the Supreme Court had upheld the Form 6 declaration in the May 2026 judgment relating to Bihar SIR. The bench issued notice on Tripathi's plea and tagged the matter with another PIL filed by Patna resident Rakesh Kumar Singh on the issue. Tripathi's plea, filed through advocate Chand Qureshi, has alleged that the CEC's actions violate the statutory requirement of collective decision-making. The plea also seeks initiation of criminal proceedings against the CEC and other officials for breach of official duty. Divested of any statutory or constitutional immunity, the Chief Election Commissioner remains directly accountable under the law -- subject to police investigation, evidence gathering, and regular trial proceedings as an ordinary accused, the plea states. Tripathi cited the provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, particularly Section 18, which provides for decision-making by the EC and says that where there is a difference of opinion, the view of the majority prevails. One of the main issues the plea raises is the alteration of Form 6, which the people use to register as voters. It alleges that the requirement relating to ancestral details and link with the previous SIR was introduced through the election panel's software without the statutory amendment required under the electoral rules. According to the petition, the two election commissioners other than Kumar objected to the change and asserted that the prescribed form could not be altered without following the statutory procedure. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction declaring all decisions, guidelines, directives, and software modifications initiated, approved, or implemented under CEC Gyanesh Kumar without full commission concurrence or contrary to the majority opinion of the Election Commissioners as unconstitutional, ultra vires, and void ab initio, the plea says. Concerns over the handling of electoral roll revisions in Goa and West Bengal were also mentioned in the plea, which alleged that the software lacked the feature to restore 97 eligible electors in Goa despite directions for their verification. In West Bengal, the petitioner claimed that more than 16.10 lakh appeals were filed in the EC's name against voters whose names were restored by judicial officers. The other two election commissioners and the West Bengal chief electoral officer were not aware of these appeals, nor did they authorise them, the plea claims.

Two landmines destroyed along LoC in J-K's Poonch

Mendhar, Oct 5: Two landmines were detected and safely destroyed by the Army along the LoC in Mendhar sector of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said. The explosive devices were noticed by Army troops during patrolling party near the border fence at Basooni Top around 9.50 am, the officials said. They said the area was immediately cordoned off and later both the landmines were destroyed in a controlled explosion by the Army's Bomb Disposal Squad without causing any damage. As part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system, the forward areas are dotted with landmines which sometimes get washed away by rains and are subsequently found and defused or destroyed by the experts to avoid any untoward incident.

Best of Business Standard Opinion: Intention vs transmission in policy

These pieces show that intentions matter, but transmission decides what survives the journey from policy, price or principle to the real world

Red light over Delhi's 'green' crackers

Supreme Court has allowed the use of specified green firecrackers this festive season, regulating their hours of use. The court is still determining the exact timings for when these firecrackers can be used. Despite these permits, concerns about pollution remain prevalent, especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plain region.

Despite G7, fuel inflation will remain

G7's recent decision to release 100 million barrels of oil from reserves is unlikely to significantly alleviate fuel inflation as it overlaps with earlier commitments. Despite political pressures ahead of midterm elections, supply disruptions and high global demand may continue to drive prices upward, with corrections expected only by 2027.

Next-Gen GST and India's next phase of growth

Next-Gen GST aims to simplify compliance, support businesses and strengthen revenues as India seeks to build a more resilient economy and achieve Viksit Bharat

Can Didi's foot note turn into a headline?

In a bold move, Suvendu Adhikari disputes Mamata Banerjee's assertions regarding her injury from the 2021 election campaign, asserting her statements lack truth. He introduced a medical report that contradicts her claims, casting doubt on her trustworthiness. This controversy emerges just as bypolls loom in Nandigram, a district where Adhikari had triumphed over Banerjee.

PRIM, But Is It Proper? Sebi lowers the velvet rope to 25 lakh, but the fees can still stack up

Sebi has revised the minimum investment threshold for Portfolio Management Services to an accessible 25 lakh. This adjustment allows discretionary managers to invest in various financial products including unlisted bonds and derivatives. New rules emphasize performance fees, impacting clients investing between 25 lakh and 50 lakh. Despite these changes, concerns remain about the overall cost and value offered to investors.

RBI MPC must raise rates as inflation and external risks rise

India's economy is currently thriving, boasting a growth rate exceeding 7%, bolstered by diverse sectors and enhancing productivity levels. Nonetheless, escalating oil prices and geopolitical instability present significant threats to economic stability and rising inflation. The Reserve Bank of India faces calls to increase interest rates to effectively address inflationary pressures. Furthermore, the current capital account surplus is insufficient to cover the current account deficit, reflecting persistent economic hurdles.

Requiem in D Minor: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozarts Requiem in D Minor, left unfinished at his death in 1791 and later completed chiefly by Franz Xaver Sssmayr, combines terror, grief and tenderness in a work inseparable from the mythology surrounding its creation. Neville Marriners 1977 recording is praised for keeping that darkness intimate rather than monumental, making the musics confrontation with death feel intensely human.

Chief election commissioner Kahaniyan: There are CECs, and there are CECs no matter their personalities, their looks have hardly been deceptive

There is a vital influence of Chief Election Commissioners in shaping India's electoral landscape. It celebrates the pivotal efforts of CECs like TN Seshan, MS Gill, and JM Lyngdoh, whose actions tackled issues like disenfranchisement and electoral malfeasance. Meanwhile, Gyanesh Kumar's current leadership faces scrutiny amid ongoing debates regarding the effectiveness of the Election Commission. The evolution within the CEC's role underscores the shifting political currents in India.

Hard state under Gandhian cover

Modern India might have been conjured up in the image of Gandhi. But India was never a Gandhian state. Founders of the Republic, be it Nehru or Patel, nursed no such notions

Best of BS Opinion: What Chinese archives reveal about the 1962 war

Today's opinions examine a possible diplomatic opening before the 1962 India-China war, fears of an AI investment bubble, India's use of hard power and the evolving US-China relationship

No business like show & tell business

The Allahabad High Court's infrequent full-court meetings have sparked concerns about their authenticity. Observers suggest these gatherings often feel scripted, undermining meaningful exchanges among judges. Justice Vinod Diwakar has called for genuine discussions, highlighting the court's failure to consistently conduct required quarterly meetings. This lack of accountability has fostered significant skepticism towards the court's administrative practices.

CBAM can help India build a greener, competitive export sector

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is set to reshape global trade dynamics by prioritizing carbon intensity. Indian exporters must strategize for compliance that extends beyond the current focus on iron and steel. The Indian government is actively supporting small and medium enterprises in achieving these new sustainability benchmarks. To navigate this transition successfully, enhanced funding for carbon accounting and technological advancements is essential.

Alchemy of a soothing word

In todays fast-paced world, people are often too busy to pause and comfort those who are hurting. Yet, kind and reassuring words can offer immediate emotional relief to someone in distress.

Granular district data on unincorporated sector will help create plans to raise productivity

Indias unincorporated sector is highly concentrated but varies sharply across districts, according to the first district-level estimates from MoSPIs ASUSE 2025.

India's tryst with public libraries

India is starved of good, accessible public libraries. There are officially 46,746 public libraries across states and UTs. The number may sound impressive. But spread across a country of 1.4 bn with numerous languages - and with the condition of most of them, at best, merely functional - the story of libraries in India is hardly a page-turner. But there's an unmet demand. In Karnataka, public library programmes are getting youngsters back to reading through read-aloud sessions, storytelling and book-based activities, including e-text and video.

Best of Business Standard Opinion: CAFE III norms do not meet transition needs

From tighter vehicle-efficiency norms and India's peak-power challenge to complaint analytics, and frontier AI safeguards, today's opinions examine regulation, resilience and institutional learning

When complaints become insights

The next chapter in grievance redress is to ensure one customer's experience prevents the same problem for the next

Leadership masterclass

M K Gandhi demonstrated five significant leadership qualities that united people during India's struggle for independence. He had a compelling vision for a free and self-reliant nation that inspired many individuals. His integrity earned the trust of his followers, fostering strong connections. Gandhi's empathetic approach allowed him to bridge divides and understand differing perspectives. His strategic execution of protests and movements highlighted his ability to mobilize large-scale organizations effectively.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi & ahimsa's realpolitik value

Ahimsa, as conceptualized by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, shifts power dynamics away from violence to legitimacy. Non-violent resistance complicates the ruling entities' ability to maintain social order without perceived respectability. While Gandhi's methods achieved varied results, they expanded the strategies available to political movements. The effectiveness of ahimsa extends beyond mere philosophy to practical applications in modern governance.

The Street feels global heat

Bond markets are imposing fiscal discipline on governments as borrowing levels increase amid geopolitical tensions and rising inflation. Central banks are raising interest rates in response to inflation, affecting global growth and emerging economies, including India. Domestic challenges, such as erratic monsoons, complicate the financial landscape within India. Indian equities are facing significant selling pressure despite domestic household savings investing in them.

Petting an animal

Petting animals creates a peaceful connection that promotes well-being in both humans and animals. Research shows that interacting with pets increases oxytocin levels while reducing cortisol, a stress marker. Engaging with animals can lead to a calm state of mind, affecting heart rate and blood pressure positively.

Mr Prez, use your discretion wisely

Narendra Modi and Donald Trump discussed trade, energy, and defense, focusing on Russian oil sanctions. India is concerned about the economic impact of potential tariffs on its energy purchases. Both countries must consider their strategic relationship amid differing national interests and economic realities.

Celebrate National Teetotalitarian Day!

National Teetotalitarian Day serves as a dedicated 24-hour opportunity for individuals to embrace sobriety, emphasizing the importance of responsible choices and financial prudence. By choosing to forgo alcohol, participants can steer clear of avoidable errors and complications, thereby enhancing both personal and collective financial well-being. Following this day, National No-Hangover Day will commemorate wise decision-making, allowing everyone to reap the rewards of clarity and keen judgment.

Best of BS Opinion: After trade policy clashes, is a capital war imminent?

From India's narrowing demographic window and Boeing 737 MAX safety concerns to capital-flow risks, Carrefour's return and AI's social costs, today's opinions examine long-term structural shifts

A thought for today

M K Gandhi's reflections titled 'A Thought For the Day' achieved a significant price of 6.2 cr at auction. These thoughts were initially intended for his associate Anand Hingorani to provide personal guidance. Gandhi established key themes such as Truth, ahimsa, and self-regulation in his reflections. His authority stemmed from his rejection of power, influencing many through his living example of moral conduct.

The discordant note of 'world music'

Jazz music has gained recognition and sovereign status due to its unique history and influential musicians. Unlike Jazz, various music forms from countries like India are grouped under the term 'world music'. This categorization reflects how people perceive their own musical traditions and cultural significance. If regional music genres like bhangra were more influential, they might receive similar recognition to Jazz.

RBIs wait and watch phase is over as inflation demands a rate hike

RBI has maintained its policy rate at 5.25% but is facing significant inflation pressures. Retail inflation has risen above the target of 4%, indicating the need for action. Food and fuel inflation are increasing, contributing to overall economic effects. Additionally, external factors, including global interest rates, add to the urgency for a rate hike. Thus, effective monetary policy adjustments are crucial in the current economic context.

Dodging SaaSocalypse: AIs enterprise moment could belong to IT services

ITC Infotech's merger with Happiest Minds highlights the trend of mid-market consolidation in response to AI advancements. The global IT market faces challenges, requiring companies to adopt AI-centric capabilities for survival. Enterprises are burdened with legacy systems, which present both challenges and opportunities for funding technological transformations. Companies will need to adapt to the evolving landscape by integrating AI into existing frameworks effectively.

Mind the diesel retail-bulk gap

High global diesel prices are impacting government-owned refiners who maintain frozen retail prices for domestic customers. Private refiners like Nayara and Reliance are benefiting from these prices thanks to their dominance in exports. The disparity in diesel prices has created an avenue for diversion between market segments. Government-owned refiners face challenges managing surging demand at fuel pumps amid high crude oil costs.

Konoba Zijavica Moscenicka Draga, Croatia

Konoba Zijavica is a seafood restaurant located in the fishing village of Moscenicka Draga. Chef-owner Stiven Vunic uses fresh seafood from his family's fishing background. The menu changes based on the daily catch and features local Adriatic flavors. Highlights include Kvarner langoustines, grandmother's langoustine risotto, and creative dishes like scampi tartare.

Globalisation 2.0, can it be furrowed home?

Indian corporations are making bold strides abroad, with Essar establishing a massive $15 billion steel complex in Iowa. Notable companies such as Tata Motors and Reliance are also venturing into international markets across diverse sectors. However, the declining investments from mid-level Indian firms raise concerns about potential impacts on employment and economic growth at home. The ongoing debate is whether Globalisation 2.

Best of BS Opinion: RBI's currency intervention must be limited

From RBI intervention in the rupee and questions over electoral-roll revisions to distressed assets, India's growth challenges and political grief, today's opinions examine institutional and economic

Best of BS Opinion: Adjusting to a new equilibrium before reality bites

Even geopolitical orders survive in the habits of people long after the world around them has changed. The difficult part is recognising the shift early enough to manage it

A great personality, committed to nation-building

Born into a respected Prayagraj family, Singhal dedicated his life to Bharats revival, earning wide respect from saints, seers, and Karyakartas alike, while leaving a lasting imprint on education, music, and social unity.

Best of BS Opinion: Don't hang the ECI just yet, make it work efficiently

From electoral-roll revisions and Telangana politics to institutional trust and the business of spirituality, today's opinions examine governance, political strategy and consumer communities

Best of BS Opinion: Brics' New Delhi Declaration needs follow-up from India

From the bank strike and prohibition debate to WTO reform, infrastructure risk-sharing and the history of data, today's opinions examine policy choices, institutional design and their consequences

Banks to remain open on Sunday amid proposed strike

All Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will remain open and function normally on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and comes after the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. The move has been taken to ensure that banking services remain available to customers and that their genuine banking needs are not affected over an extended period. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the opening of all bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests on September 27. The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike and said measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential banking services. The Department said the welfare and convenience of bank customers remains a priority.

'One-man autocracy' under CEC, Gyanesh Kumar must be removed: Oppn after report on differences in poll panel

New Delhi, Sep 23: Expansive red flags raised by two Election Commissioners within the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision of voters list triggered a massive political storm on Wednesday, with the Opposition accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of indulging in one-man autocracy and demanding his removal. Officials said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the voter roll cleanup but the poll body was unanimous in its decisions related to the pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list. The reactions poured in after a report in The Indian Express revealed that questions were raised on issues related to the SIR of electoral rolls within the three-member Election Commission (EC) itself, time and again by two of the three Election Commissioners. The national rollout of the SIR has been under the supervision of all three Commissioners. But Sandhu and Joshi have formally objected, on record, at least 14 times over the last 10 months -- four times on a single day -- to decisions taken and orders issued, they say, without their knowledge, the report in the English daily said. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared the screenshot of the media report on X. Ramesh said that on behalf of the party, his colleague Abhishek Singhvi will be speaking in detail to the media on the sensational revelations made in the leading national newspaper on the way he CEC has destroyed the credibility and integrity of the Election Commission of India. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said there is no doubt remaining that Kumar has no right to remain in office. How the hell can one man, acting on His Master's orders, strike off names at whim? How can he sideline fellow Constitutional officers to only take blatantly illegal steps that put our democracy in danger? he said. The right to vote is an essential Constitutional power given to every citizen, the fundamental bedrock of our democracy. If it is to be taken away, due process must be followed with utmost probity, he said. Today, when we are staring at crores of genuine voters being excluded and a similar number of bogus voters being added to the rolls, it is clear that Gyanesh Kumar was the Chief Architect of the nationwide 'Vote Chori' exercise, with the the Modi top brass pulling the strings, he alleged. We demand Gyanesh Kumar's immediate removal and a Supreme Court-monitored impartial investigation to expose the rot that has destroyed the ECI's credibility, Venugopal said. If Kumar remains in office, the people of India will come forward and make sure that our democracy is not destroyed by a mere bureaucrat, he added. Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera lashed out at Kumar, saying he is planted and being protected by the BJP to hollow out the Election Commission of India from within. It was already known that things were not exactly well within the ECI. But just how messy, dysfunctional and, frankly, disturbing things had become is laid bare by this brilliant expose by @IndianExpress, he said on X. Kumar has to be the single most sold-out bureaucrat of the Modi era who has disenfranchised crores of Indians, and he must face the law, he alleged. Congress MP Manish Tewari also reacted to the media report, saying that if the ostensible facts as reported are correct then it seems to suggest that there is an invisible hand running the Election Commission. If rules were not allegedly followed and decisions were taken that were not unanimous or by majority then all the decisions of @ECISVEEP are per -se arbitrary and capricious if not completely illegal, Tewari said on X. This is perhaps a fit case for serious considering an impeachment proceeding but more importantly the fundamental question is as to how will the credibility of @ECISVEEP be ever resurrected, he said. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal demanded Kumar's suspension and filing of an FIR to probe who is behind his actions. Former chief election commissioner O P Rawat said changes to the statutory voter registration Form 6 are absolutely wrong and illegal, while describing revelations of differences within the Election Commission as very serious and unfortunate. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said this is no longer an Election Commission, it is a one-man autocracy under CEC Kumar. Two Election Commissioners have formally objected 14 times in 10 months. They branded the addition of new voters and mass deletion 'unauthorised and illegal'. They recorded objections to secret deletions, restorations, and form 6 changes that harass young first-time voters - all while being kept in the dark, he said. This is the open subversion of the EC and our democracy too, Brittas said. Parliament must immediately start the process for the removal of the CEC. We had in fact submitted a notice for removal on 24th April, 2026 as per the constitutional stipulations - solid grounds and around 70 members signing( 50 in the stipulated number), he said. The Constitution provides this power for precisely such moments of institutional capture and subversion, he said. The Supreme Court must annul the entire SIR process without delay. When two of the three Commissioners put on record that the exercise is illegal and destructive of the electoral roll's integrity, judicial silence becomes complicity, Brittas said. What Kumar is doing is the death knell of a democratic nation, he said. Remove the CEC. Strike down the SIR. Or accept that free and fair elections in India are already being buried, the CPI(M) MP said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also cited the media report, and said A-Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail! He will have to go! His masters will flee the country and run away! TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien said on X, Five months ago, 60+ Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar. After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy.

Banned books should not be kept in schools: CS Dulloo

J-K BJP leader's missing son traced to Delhi, being brought back

Jammu, Sep 23: The 17-year-old son of BJP Hiranagar MLA Vijay Kumar was traced to Delhi early Wednesday, a day after he was reported missing from his hometown in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Aditya Kumar, a Class 11 student, left for Delhi on Tuesday evening to meet his sister without informing his family, prompting them to file a missing person report at the local police station, the officials said. After hectic efforts, police teams traced Kumar while he was travelling on a Delhi-bound bus. Acting on leads gathered during the night-long search, the police located the bus and established contact with the teenager, who is now being brought back to Jammu, the officials said. His father had also left for Delhi on getting information about his son's whereabouts

There will be no democracy: Mehbooba Mufti raises alarm over electoral roll changes

Srinagar, Sept 23: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday warned that India could resemble a banana republic if electoral rolls continue to be altered according to the wishes of the ruling BJP, while praising two Election Commissioners for raising objections to decisions taken by the poll panel. Speaking about reports that two Election Commissioners had raised objections on several occasions to decisions and positions taken by the Election Commission, Mufti said their dissent was important for the health of Indian democracy. Today they are trying to subvert the very fundamental of Indian democracy, which is the electoral process, by, you know, fudging the electoral rolls, which the two Election Commissioners have pointed out, she said. She said India and Pakistan, which she described as sibling states, appeared to be competing with each other in ways that harmed their own people and institutions. I feel that our both the sibling states, India and Pakistan, they are trying to undo each other, competing with each other who can damage their people the most, who can damage their country the most, Mufti said. Referring to Indias description of itself as the worlds largest democracy, she said the countrys electoral process was central to that democratic identity. Our country India, which is seen as the largest democracy in the world and which our Prime Minister proudly talks about, mother of democracy, whenever he is abroad, she said. But if it continues to be like this, you know, where electoral rolls deletion and addition happens at BJPs will, then there are dangers that at some point of time our country, which is the largest democracy in the world, is going to resemble a banana republic. Mufti also contrasted the situation in India with developments in Pakistan, particularly the detention of the sisters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. At the same time, look at Pakistan, which goes around the world as a peacemaker, as mediator of peace, is crushing dissent within its country with an iron hand, she said. Look at I mean, detaining Imran Khans sisters, who are unarmed, who are protesting very peacefully, them detaining just because they are trying to stand up for their brother. What does it speak? She said the detention of women protesters was at odds with Pakistans international image. You are going around the world as a peacemaker and, in your home, inside your house, women who have no weapons in their hands, you are detaining them, she said. Mufti said the only silver lining she could see was that India still had officials willing to question those in power. The only silver lining I can see is that in India we still have people like the two Election Commissioners who have the courage and integrity to question the people in power, she said. She contrasted this with Pakistan, saying there were no comparable voices within the establishment willing to question what she described as the arbitrary detention of Imran Khans sisters. Its a very, very sorry state of affairs, she said. Mufti also referred to the deletion of voters from draft electoral rolls, saying the scale of the changes made the independence of Election Commission officials particularly important. If we do not have people like the two Election Commissioners, I dont want to take their name at this point of time. I dont know what trouble they are going to go through, she said. They will be ED raids now, Income Tax raids now. What will happen to them? She concluded by reiterating her warning about the consequences of continued changes to electoral rolls. But if we continue like this, I mean, there will be a time when we are going to resemble a banana republic. There will be no democracy, Mufti said.

Election Commissioners flagged issues but poll body unanimous on SIR decisions: Officials

New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) lection Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the voter roll cleanup but the poll body was unanimous in its decisions related to the pan-India Special Intensive Revision of voters list, officials said on Wednesday. The officials made the remarks in the wake of a media report that the two Election Commissioners had objected to the Election Commissions steps 14 times in 10 months amid the SIR. Responding to queries, the officials said the two commissioners had flagged decisions related to deletion of

Property attached under UAPA in J-K

Srinagar, Sep 23: Police on Wednesday attached a residential property in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district under UAPA in a terror-related case. The residential property was attached under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, in connection with an FIR registered in the north Kashmir district, a police spokesman said. The attached property comprises a double-storeyed residential house at Namblan village in Sheeri belonging to accused Aijaz Ahmad Ganie, he said. During the course of the investigation, the property was found, prima facie, to have been used for providing shelter and logistical support to terrorists and facilitating terrorist activities, thereby attracting the relevant provisions of the UAPA concerning proceeds of terrorism, the spokesman said. The attachment was carried out after obtaining requisite approval from the Director General of Police, he said. A public notice was also displayed at the property, prohibiting its sale, transfer, lease, mortgage or creation of any third-party interest, the spokesman added. He said the action forms part of Baramulla Police's sustained efforts to disrupt and dismantle the logistical and support infrastructure of terror networks and to proceed, in accordance with law, against persons and properties found involved in facilitating terrorist activities.

President Trump voices strong support for India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor

United Nations, Sep 23: US President Donald Trump has said that his administration strongly supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), saying there is a need to shift energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints amid multiple strikes on West Asian countries. Trump made these remarks while addressing a multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday on the margins of the high-level UN General Assembly session. Iran's terrorist attacks on commercial shipping in neighbouring countries have shown the need to shift Middle East energy infrastructure away from the Iranian checkpoints, Trump said. That's why my administration strongly supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and other places... the form of getting oil out, whether it's pipelines or anything else, and together we're on the verge of overcoming challenges that have plagued this region for decades, he said. The IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a multinational multi-modal connectivity and infrastructure initiative that was officially unveiled on September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. It is aimed at boosting connectivity, trade, and sustainability across South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

In inaugural UN address, British PM says warnings about AI must be heeded

United Nations, Sep 23: In his inaugural speech at the UN General Assembly, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said world leaders must set up global standards to oversee artificial intelligence because fundamental decisions on this technology are too important to be left to chance. Burnham said the UK will try to persuade other countries to adopt rules on transparency and access to AI models - and, even tougher, to get tech companies to sign on, too. He said AI has immense potential but will also be a source of disruption to the way we live and work - and a multiplier of risk. Burnham also said Russia and other states are using AI-augmented misinformation and disinformation to corrode democracy, something he said Britain has faced in the decade since it voted to leave the European Union. He said he has asked British security chiefs to set up a National Centre for Information Defence to counter the threat. Burnham also chaired a meeting at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday on the Israel-Palestine issue, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. He said the two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict must be kept alive. Burnham said failure to deliver a two-state solution will corrode trust in politicians who have talked about the issue but not taken action. He told delegates from dozens of countries that the UK has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank because the E1 settlement expansion plan is a deliberate attempt to block a two-state solution. We all live in an era of low trust in politics. Many people in this room, many politicians around the world, have spoken for decades about a two-state solution. But if we fail to back those words with deeds, we will further corrode trust in the political, diplomatic and international process, the UK prime minister said. (AP)

UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society: Congress

New Delhi, Sep 23: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that for the Modi government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform but an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, as well as a tool for stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation. The opposition party's assertion comes after former Bombay High Court judge Justice R C Chavan resigned from the Maharashtra government's panel to prepare a draft for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing serious reservations over its decision to restrict public feedback on crucial social issues to a Yes/No format. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the resignation of a former high court judge from the Maharashtra government's committee to draft a UCC for the state raises larger questions, apart from his several concerns on the functioning of this committee. Posting his statement on X, Ramesh said, A retired High Court judge has shown courage to resign from a committee set up by the Maharashtra government to prepare a uniform civil code for the state. Here is our statement on the non-uniform 'Uniform' Civil Codes (UCC) the HM is trying to bulldoze through in every state. Did the Constituent Assembly ever imagine a situation in which every state would enact its own separate version of a UCC? The answer is a resounding no, Ramesh said. Did the architects of our Constitution led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar ever conceive states competing with one another to have different UCCs according to the political machinations and calculations of one political party, he asked. Again, the answer is a resounding no, Ramesh added. He pointed out that on June 17, 2016, the Modi government referred the question of the UCC to the 21st Law Commission of India for detailed examination. After extensive research, the Commission published its Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law on August 31, 2018. Its conclusion appearing in paragraph 1.15 on page 7 of the Consultation Paper was clear: 'The formulation of a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage'. Instead it recommended addressing nor discrimination within individual family laws while preserving India's legal and cultural diversity, Ramesh said. The Modi government has chosen to disregard the findings of the very Commission it tasked with examining the issue because the facts, as usual, did not align with its political agenda, the Congress leader said. Over the last three years, one BJP-ruled State after another bulldozed through its own version of a UCC, Ramesh said. The UCC came into effect in Uttarakhand from January 27, 2025. Subsequently the Gujarat Assembly passed the UCC Bill on March 24, 2026, the Assam Assembly on May 27, 2026 and the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 21, 2026, he pointed out. Ramesh said these State-level UCCs, never envisaged in the Constitution, are not uniform. They contain different provisions, different penalties, different procedures and significant exemptions. Contrary to claims, the Uttarakhand UCC, the only one in force, continues with a number of patriarchal traditions and is creating many problems for perfectly law-abiding residents of the state, Ramesh argued. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a typically bombastic announcement that a UCC will be implemented in all NDA-ruled States before the 2029 Lok Sabha election, he said. Evidently other NDA parties have lost their voices and are being silenced by the BJP, the Congress general secretary said. For the Modi Government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform to be implemented after the widest possible consultations and public debate and with the broadest possible consensus. It is, in reality, an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, a tool for harassment and intimidation, stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation, Ramesh said. Later, asked about the statement, he said, The UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society. In a letter to the panel chairperson Justice Ranjana Desai (retd), former Bombay High Court judge Chavan criticised the committee's approach, stating that reducing complex societal questions, such as delayed marriages, perversions, infertility, and rising matrimonial disputes, to binary options undermined the primary purpose of consensus-building. The former judge said he had misunderstood that the committee aimed to gather views of the people of Maharashtra and to generate a consensus to remedy the issues of late marriages, infertility, unstable marriages, time-consuming dispute resolution mechanism and so on. Now that the misunderstanding is removed, I realise that the aim is to just provide an opportunity to people who may care, to share their responses, in a 'yes or no' format to the questions posed so that analysis of data becomes easy, the letter said. In July, the state government set up a seven-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai to draft a framework for implementing the UCC, which seeks to establish equal laws across religions on issues about marriage, divorce, and property. Justice Chavan, a former high court judge, resigned from the panel on September 19. The Congress' statement also comes days after Shah said the BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states will introduce UCC before 2029. The next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for 2029.

Budgam police solve gold theft case; stolen gold recovered, accused arrested

Budgam, Sep 22: Budgam Police have solved a gold theft case registered at Police Station Charar-i-Sharief with the arrest of the accused woman and recovery of the stolen gold bangle. Police Station Charar-i-Sharief received a written complaint regarding the theft of a gold bangle from the wrist of the complainants mother during their visit to the Charar-i-Sharief Shrine. Acting on the complaint, Police Station Charar-i-Sharief registered FIR No. 70/2026 under Section 303(2) BNS and initiated an investigation. During the course of investigation, CCTV footage and other available evidence were meticulously analysed, which led to the identification of the suspected accused involved in the commission of the crime. The accused woman, identified as Dolly Jan, Wife of Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Daughter of Mohammad Rafiq Sheikh R/o Shaltang A/P Lalpora Tangmarg, was subsequently apprehended by the investigating team. During questioning, the accused disclosed her involvement in the commission of the crime, following which the stolen gold bangle was recovered from her possession. Further investigation into the case is underway.

We must reform the Security Council: UN chief Guterres in final UNGA address

This is the final high-level UN General Assembly week for Secretary General Guterres, whose second five-year tenure as head of the United Nations ends in December 2026

We must reform the Security Council: UN chief Guterres in final UNGA address

This is the final high-level UN General Assembly week for Secretary General Guterres, whose second five-year tenure as head of the United Nations ends in December 2026

Ensure no human trafficking victim is overlooked irrespective of gender: Centre to States, UTs

New Delhi, Sep 22: Asking the states and union territories to intensify enforcement against human trafficking, the Union Home Ministry has told authorities to ensure identification protocols followed by law enforcement agencies are broad enough to cover all genders and every industry vulnerable to exploitation. It also urged investigators to use Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to pursue organised trafficking networks, including their financiers and kingpins, and said action should not be confined to lower-level participants. In an advisory on 'Countering Trafficking in Persons' issued to States and Union Territories, MHA's Women Safety Wing said the advanced legal architecture provided after the successful adoption of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, augmented by digital tools, provides the precision required to dismantle networks of exploitation. It also warned that public servants could face criminal and departmental action for failing to follow prescribed procedures in trafficking cases. Under one of the guidelines on Universal Victim Identification and Protection Protocols, the Ministry specified that o ensure no victim is overlooked, identification protocols must be broad enough to cover all genders and every industry vulnerable to exploitation. Emphasising that labour trafficking in sectors such as brick kilns, stone quarries, and unregulated manufacturing often remains under-reported, the Ministry asked the States and UTs to include men and boys in identification protocols. States must conduct regular, unannounced inspections in these high-risk industries. Field personnel and labour inspectors must be specifically trained to identify victims of exploitation, including men and boys, who are often overlooked in traditional trafficking narratives, it said. The Ministry said state police and labour departments must leverage national databases such as CCTNS/Cri-MAC to map high-risk migration routes and trafficking hotspots. Underlining the guidelines for guidance and strict compliance, the Ministry said it is essential that the instructions contained in this advisory are effectively disseminated to all field-level officers, including those at the police station level. While the Union government has provided a comprehensive statutory and digital roadmap, the functional success of these reforms is dependent on the decisive leadership of States and Union Territories, and the efficiency and rigour with which these tools are used by them, it said. The Ministry called on state administrations to ensure that Anti-Human Trafficking Units are fully staffed and actively engaged in investigations rather than existing only on paper. It also warned that public servants could face criminal and departmental action for failing to follow prescribed procedures in trafficking cases. Under Section 199(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a public servant who fails to record information relating to certain cognizable offences, including trafficking offences covered by Sections 143 and 144, can face at least six months in prison, up to two years, and a fine, it said. Action must not be limited to low-level actors but the law must be used to seize their assets and neutralise the kingpins and financiers who operate from the shadows, often in the guise of legitimate business, it said, It also directed authorities to seek the highest applicable penalties in trafficking cases, including life imprisonment in cases covered by the relevant provisions, particularly when minors or multiple victims are involved. The advisory emphasised digital evidence and said investigators must secure encrypted communications, financial transactions, and geolocation data. It says electronic records can be treated as primary evidence under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, subject to its specified conditions. Searches and seizures connected with trafficking must be recorded through audio-video electronic means, while forensic evidence collection during rescue and raid operations is described as a statutory requirement under the new criminal procedure law.

How an interest calculator helps you understand personal loan interest

Taking a personal loan is a financial commitment, so understanding how interest affects the total repayment can help borrowers make informed decisions. An Interest Calculator provides a simple way to estimate the interest payable on a loan based on factors such as the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment tenure. Instead of working through complex calculations manually, borrowers can use an Interest Calculator to compare different loan scenarios and understand how changes in the loan amount, rate, or tenure may affect the overall cost. This can make it easier to plan a personal loan around a realistic monthly budget. What does an interest calculator tell you? An Interest Calculator helps estimate the interest payable on a loan. Depending on the calculator, users may enter details such as the loan amount, applicable interest rate, and repayment period to understand the potential cost of borrowing. For example, if a borrower is considering a personal loan of Rs. 3 lakh, the calculator can help show how the estimated interest may change when the repayment tenure or interest rate is adjusted. The result is generally an estimate and may differ from the final amount payable under the actual loan agreement. How does the interest rate affect your loan cost? The interest rate is a key factor in the cost of borrowing. A higher rate can increase the interest payable, while a lower rate may reduce the overall cost, subject to the loan terms. Borrowers should therefore avoid looking only at the monthly EMI. It is equally important to understand how much interest you'll pay over the entire repayment period. Using an Interest Calculator with different rates can help borrowers compare scenarios before choosing a personal loan. Can the loan tenure change the total interest you pay? Loan tenure determines how long the borrower takes to repay the amount. A longer tenure can make the monthly EMI more manageable because it spreads the repayment across more months. However, extending the tenure may also increase the total interest payable. A shorter tenure can result in higher monthly payments but may reduce the overall interest cost. Borrowers can enter different tenures into an Interest Calculator to see how these changes may affect the estimated repayment. Why should you compare different loan amounts? The amount borrowed directly affects the repayment obligation. Borrowing more than necessary can increase both the monthly EMI and the total interest payable. Before taking a personal loan, borrowers should identify the actual funding requirement and consider whether available savings can cover part of the expense. For instance, if an expense is Rs. 2 lakh and the borrower already has Rs. 50,000 available, borrowing the entire Rs. 2 lakh may not be necessary. Comparing different loan amounts can help identify a more manageable borrowing requirement. How can an Interest Calculator help with EMI planning? An Interest Calculator can help with EMI planning. By changing the loan amount, interest rate, or tenure, borrowers can compare estimated repayment outcomes. This allows them to consider whether the proposed EMI fits comfortably alongside rent, household expenses, existing EMIs, and other regular commitments. A borrower should ideally choose a loan structure that balances monthly affordability with the overall cost of borrowing. What is the difference between simple and compound interest? Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal amount for the relevant period. Compound interest, on the other hand, involves interest being calculated on the principal along with accumulated interest, depending on the applicable compounding frequency and terms. The calculation method therefore matters when estimating the cost of different types of borrowing or investments. Borrowers should check the terms of the specific financial product rather than assuming that every loan uses the same interest calculation method. When can a compound calculator be useful? A compound calculator can help users understand how money may grow when interest is added to the balance over time. It is commonly useful for exploring compound interest scenarios where the interest earned is added back to the principal for subsequent calculations. For example, someone comparing different savings or investment scenarios can use a compound calculator to see how the compounding frequency and time period may affect the estimated outcome. This differs from estimating the interest payable on a personal loan, so users should choose a calculator suited to the financial calculation they want to perform. How can you compare personal loan scenarios before applying? Borrowers can use an Interest Calculator to compare several possible loan structures before submitting an application. They can consider: Different loan amounts Different interest rates Shorter or longer repayment periods Changes in estimated monthly EMI Approximate total interest payable Overall repayment amount For example, a borrower considering Rs. 4 lakh can compare a shorter tenure with a longer one. The shorter option may result in a higher EMI but potentially lower total interest, while the longer option may offer a lower EMI with a higher overall interest cost. What other loan charges should you check? Interest is an important part of borrowing costs, but it may not be the only charge. Depending on the lender and loan terms, borrowers may also need to consider processing fees, late payment charges, prepayment or foreclosure charges, and other applicable costs. An Interest Calculator generally focuses on interest and repayment calculations, so borrowers should separately review the complete fee structure and loan agreement. Comparing the total cost rather than focusing on a single figure can provide a clearer picture of affordability. What should you check before choosing a personal loan? Before accepting a personal loan, borrowers should review their financial position and the complete loan terms. A calculator can support the decision, but use it alongside careful financial planning. Consider these points before applying: Borrow only the amount required. Check the applicable interest rate. Compare different repayment tenures. Assess the estimated EMI against monthly income and expenses. Review processing fees and other applicable charges. Check prepayment and foreclosure conditions. Keep existing EMIs and financial commitments in mind. Read the loan agreement carefully before accepting the offer. How can an Interest Calculator make borrowing decisions easier? Understanding loan interest does not have to involve complicated calculations. An Interest Calculator can give borrowers a quick way to compare different loan scenarios and see how the principal amount, interest rate, and tenure can influence repayment. Using the calculator before applying can also encourage borrowers to think about affordability rather than choosing a loan amount based only on immediate requirements. The final interest and repayment amount will depend on the actual terms offered by the lender. Conclusion An Interest Calculator can make it easier to understand how interest affects the cost of borrowing. By comparing loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment tenures, borrowers can estimate their potential EMI and total interest and choose a personal loan structure that better suits their budget. A compound calculator serves a different purpose and can help you understand how compound interest affects savings or investment calculations. Regardless of the calculator used, borrowers should review the complete terms, charges, and repayment obligations before making a financial decision. Terms and conditions apply*

Sakina Itoo tables resolution seeking TET exemption for pre-Oct 2019 teachers

Waheed Parra seeks restoration of July 13 as official holiday in J&K

Sher-e-Kashmirs holiday should be restored, no reason for objection: Deputy CM

Real transformation of institution lies in values and ideas: Lieutenant Governor

Jammu, Sep 22: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated a series of new facilities at the University of Jammu. The inauguration included a modern sports complex, a shooting range, high-mast lights for the cricket stadium and the Tawi Guest House complex, developed at a cost of nearly Rs. 10 Crore. These facilities, the Lieutenant Governor noted, will empower the Universitys athletes, scholars, and visitors, strengthening its role as a hub of excellence in the Union Territory. Congratulating the Vice-Chancellor and stakeholders, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that while infrastructure is important, the true transformation of an institution lies in the values, ideas, and innovations nurtured within its walls. He reminded the audience that every generation experiences change, but the intensity of transformation in the present era, which is driven by artificial intelligence, is unparalleled. The Lieutenant Governor in his address raised a critical question that in the age of AI, what does it mean to be educated? He highlighted global concerns about AIs accelerating power, citing experts. He warned that AI, as a quadruple-use technology, could operate independently, producing both beneficial and harmful outcomes. Stressing that technology must remain humanitys servant, he declared that decisions affecting human dignity, livelihood, health, and freedom must always be made by accountable humans, not machines. The day technology becomes the master of humanity, our very existence will be at risk. Machines can calculate, but they cannot feel. Machines can predict, but they cannot bear responsibility for decisions. Machines can mimic the language of compassion, but they do not stand at a patients bedside at midnight, nor do they carry the moral weight of a judges verdict. My clear view is that every decision that deeply affects a persons freedom, livelihood, health, education, or dignity must have a human behind it, who understands the decision, accepts responsibility for it, and can be held accountable, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined five pressing challenges for higher education. He said focus should be on relevance and curricula must adapt rapidly to match the pace of change. He observed that rote learning should be avoided and classrooms must focus on application and purpose, not memorization. He highlighted that students must provide original answers, prioritizing curiosity and reasoning and technology must not widen the gap between rural and urban learners. It is true that no technology can replace a teacher. But it is equally true that technology will certainly change the teachers role. The teacher of the future will not merely be an information-giver; they will be a mentor, a guru, a questioner, and an inspiring personality who ignites curiosity and builds character in students, the Lieutenant Governor said. For students and teachers, the Lieutenant Governor shared six guiding messages- embrace lifelong learning, cultivate uniquely human capacities like creativity and empathy, build bridges across disciplines, contribute to national development, balance academics with sports, and remain rooted in traditions and values. He urged students to become embodiments of both science and Sanskar. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged youth to dream big, linking aspirations to service for society and the nation. He reminded them that they are the first generation growing up with AI as a companion, and bear the responsibility of shaping a future where humanity flourishes. Powerful tools in honest hands can achieve great work, but in the wrong hands, the same tools can cause serious harm. In the age of AI, the modern tools and machines have become more powerful than ever, and so the hands that wield it must possess greater steadiness, values, Sanskar, and wisdom, the Lieutenant Governor said. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP, Jammu; Shridhar Patil, DIG, JSK Range; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof. Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Heads of Departments, faculty members and students attended the inaugural ceremony.

Power tariff hike to add over Rs 250 crore to public exchequer, J&K Assembly told

Srinagar, Sep 22: The recent power tariff hike is expected to add over Rs 250 crore to the public exchequer, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was informed on Tuesday. Responding to a question by Handwara MLA Sajad Lone, the government said the tentative additional revenue the distribution companies (Discoms) expect to realise from the tariff revision approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the financial year 2026-27 would be Rs 251 crore. However, the government said that despite this marginal increase in tariff, it still has to bear more than Rs 4,500 crore as subsidy to meet the power purchase cost of the Discoms. A power tariff hike came into effect in Jammu and Kashmir on September 1. In an X post, Lone said, The National Conference-led government may not have provided 200 units of free electricity to consumers, but it has admitted today, in response to my question, that Rs 251 crore will be collected from consumers on account of the recent power tariff. It has also admitted that 11 lakh smart meters have been installed during its rule starting from October 2024. On providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the government said it is committed to this. The commitment regarding provision of 200 units of free electricity to eligible AAY households is being addressed through implementation of a Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO)-based rooftop solar scheme, involving installation of 2 kW rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Biji Yojana, the government said in its written reply to Lone's question. It said the scheme is under implementation, and it is evaluating the tendering process. Execution of the scheme shall commence after award of contract to the successful bidder. Eligible households shall start deriving the benefit of 200 units of free electricity upon commissioning of the rooftop solar systems under the scheme, it added.

How the Electric Hamam Took Shape in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 22: The story of how electric underfloor heating was adapted to Kashmiri homes, given a locally understood name and gradually developed into a heating industry across the Valley. Srinagar: Today, Electric Hamam is a familiar term in Kashmir. Homeowners ask for it by name, heating businesses advertise it and installers operate across different parts of the Valley. In 2011, things were very different. Few people in Kashmir knew what electric underfloor heating was and there was hardly a market for it. The idea had begun several years earlier in the United Kingdom, where Taham Mubashar, then studying and living in Britain, became familiar with electric underfloor heating. Around 2008, Mubashar began discussing the technology with his friend Meekail Ahmad in Kashmir. The conversations centred on a simple question: could a system being used in British homes be adapted to the way houses were built and heated in Kashmir? There was no Heating Store at the time and no commercial operation behind the idea. Meekail would later become involved in the heating business as the small market around underfloor heating began to develop. By 2011, after a period of research, sourcing and learning the installation process, Mubashar formally established The Heating Store in Srinagar and began working commercially with electric underfloor heating. One of the earliest installations was in a Srinagar home where the family had been considering a traditional hamam. The cost of constructing one led them to consider an alternative, and they agreed to try an electric heating system beneath the floor. For those installing it, this was still a period of learning. The technology was established abroad, but Kashmir presented different conditions. Local construction methods, floor thickness, thermal mass and an unreliable electricity supply all had to be taken into account. The installation method gradually evolved around these conditions, using electric heating cables or mats beneath the floor, insulation, thermostatic controls and a screed capable of storing and releasing heat after the system had been switched off. Giving it a Kashmiri name The technical challenge was only part of the problem. Most customers had never heard the expression underfloor heating. They did, however, understand a hamam. It was during this period that The Heating Store began using the name Electric Hamam to explain the technology to customers. The term connected something unfamiliar with something Kashmiris already understood: heat coming through the floor. Early advertisements, invoices and business records dating back to 2011 preserve the use of the name. Over time, the phrase moved beyond the business that had first used it. Customers began asking for Electric Hamams, installers began advertising them and other businesses adopted the same terminology. A name originally intended simply to explain an unfamiliar product gradually became the local name for the category itself. Slow beginnings, then a changing market The early market remained small. Installing an electrical heating system beneath a finished floor required customers to trust a technology they had never used before. Questions about electricity consumption, safety, repair and durability were common. Much of the early work therefore involved explaining the system and learning how best to install it in Kashmiri homes. The 2014 floods became an important turning point. Large numbers of homes in Srinagar and other affected areas were repairing or rebuilding floors, bathrooms and living spaces. As reconstruction gathered pace during 2014 and 2015, underfloor heating became relevant to many more homeowners. Systems designed for bathrooms and other wet areas were also becoming part of the market during this period. This helps explain why Electric Hamam became considerably more visible from around 2015 onwards. The groundwork had been laid earlier, but reconstruction brought the technology before a much wider group of customers. From one installer to a dealer network As familiarity with the system increased, the nature of the business changed as well. The Heating Store gradually moved from carrying out installations directly in Srinagar to supplying other installers and dealers around Kashmir. Dealer and distribution relationships developed in Sopore, Baramulla, Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal and other areas, eventually forming a much wider network. Among those who entered the market were Sopore engineers Hameem Nazir and Tehleel Imtiyaz, who received systems through a dealership arrangement with The Heating Store for the north Kashmir market. Their development into independent sellers was part of a wider pattern. Businesses that initially entered the category through established suppliers gradually built their own customer bases, added products and began marketing Electric Hamam in their respective areas. Today, The Heating Stores network has expanded to more than 40 dealers across 15 cities, alongside direct operations in towns across Kashmir and other parts of India. It is an important part of how the category spread. What began with individual installations and customer demonstrations eventually developed into a supply chain of importers, distributors, regional dealers and independent installers. From Srinagar to a much wider operation The scale of the work has changed considerably since those early installations. Installation records show hundreds of completed systems across Kashmir, in homes as well as commercial properties. The business now works across several regions of India, while its international project and supply footprint has extended to nine countries, including work in the United Kingdom, Bhutan, Sweden and the UAE. Its current published footprint lists direct service across 17 towns in India. The Heating Store also directly imports underfloor-heating systems and components from overseas manufacturers and distributes them through its Kashmir and India network. Its Srinagar operation has developed into the largest dedicated Electric Hamam installation team in the Valley, alongside its wholesale and distribution business. That growth also changed the market itself. More manufacturers entered, dealers began carrying different systems and customers gained a wider choice of products and price points. Yet the basic idea remained the same. When a name becomes a category The traditional Kashmiri hamam has not disappeared. It continues to have its own advantages, particularly its independence from electricity, and remains an important part of Kashmirs winter culture. Electric underfloor heating developed alongside it rather than simply replacing it. What makes the story unusual is the way an international technology acquired a local identity. In 2011, considerable effort went into explaining what underfloor heating meant. Today, a customer asking for an Electric Hamam usually needs no explanation. Dealers sell it under that name. Installers use it. Customers search for it. A term coined to make an unfamiliar technology understandable in Kashmir has, over the years, become the name of the category itself.

SKUAST-K agriculture students protest for job policy

J&K Bank to recruit assistants, officers after five-year gap: MD

Srinagar, Sep 22: Jammu and Kashmir Bank will soon issue a recruitment notification for appointments to the posts of banking assistants and officers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, J&K Bank Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee said on Tuesday. Speaking at the banks 88th Annual General Meeting at SKICC in Srinagar, Chatterjee said the recruitment process was being taken up after 2021 and that the bank had completed negotiations and signed an agreement with the agency that would conduct the examinations. The bank will come out with a notification for recruitment for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. After 2021, the bank is going for a recruitment of both assistants as well as officers into the bank, Chatterjee said. He said the agreement with the examination-conducting agency had been finalised and the recruitment notification would be issued within a few days. The negotiations and the signing of the agreement with the agency which will conduct these examinations are over. Our bank will come out with a notification in a few days, he said. On recruitment outside Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Chatterjee said the bank would broadly follow its earlier practice, with the possibility of hiring a limited number of employees based on local language requirements. He said the bank has a presence in 22 states outside Jammu and Kashmir and requires employees with proficiency in local languages to serve customers in those areas. The bank may decide in future to hire only a few number of employees to support our existing staff strength, specifically on the language issue, he said.(KNS)

Why should people pay? Mehraj Malik questions inflated power bills, amnesty scheme

Tarigami seeks crop insurance, saffron revival plan for J&K farmers

Over 4,200 books pulled from shelves of J&K colleges, libraries

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Higher Education Department has removed over 4200 objectionable books from the shelves of colleges and libraries of Jammu and Kashmir. The government in Legislative Assembly informed that 4249 books have been withdrawn from circulation excluding the banned books including 3996 from Kashmir and 253 from Jammu division respectively. It also said that a total of 21,81,582 books and publications have been examined till date including 9,32,941 in Jammu and 12,48,641 in Kashmir. The house was further informed that 518 copies of 19 titles formally banned under S.O 203 (dated 05/08/2025) have also been removed. The government said, the process of scrutiny of objectionable books, material to be withdrawn is under process in the Department as the same is laborious exercise and may take more time. The reason for initiation of such action is that the Higher Education Institutions constitute centres of Higher learning, research, academic excellence and are expected to foster an environment that upholds constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper, responsible citizenship and respect for the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, the government said. The house was also informed that the Higher Education Department had adopted a clear and objective criteria for identifying objectionable material for scrutiny of books available in colleges in terms of prescribed directions.(KNO)

Daily highway stoppages give sense of discrimination to Kashmiris: PDP MLA Waheed Parra

We cannot make every tourist destination Gulmarg: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Sept 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmirs tourist destinations should be developed according to their individual character and potential rather than replicating the Gulmarg model everywhere. Every tourist destination should have its own identity, Omar said in the Assembly while responding to questions on tourism development. We cannot make every tourist destination Gulmarg, he said, adding that the success of the Gulmarg Gondola did not mean similar projects would work equally well at every destination. Just because Gulmargs Gondola runs, it does not mean that gondolas will be equally successful everywhere, he said. So repeatedly saying that give us a gondola because tourism will revive through a gondola, that is not correct, Omar added. He said the government would instead develop tourism products suited to individual destinations. We should look at something different for every destination and promote it, he said. Jammu tourism push Omar said the Tourism Department was pursuing a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to develop and diversify tourism in Jammu, including pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism. The government has begun identifying new destinations and assessing their tourism potential in consultation with local stakeholders and the Revenue and Forest departments. Adventure tourism, including skiing, has been introduced at Dhopa Pathri since 2023, while a drag lift became operational in 2026. The proposed Gondola cable car project at Godda 3 is under consideration. Dood Pathri transit hub The government has identified around 25 kanals of state land near the sheep farm at Kral Pathri for a proposed tourist transit hub and 400-car parking facility at Daud Pathri. A 75-crore detailed project report has been submitted to the Union Tourism Ministry under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The government has also approved 50 lakh for wayside facilities at five locations along the Ariyam-to-Rearch stretch, with the works at the tendering stage. Omar opposes blanket power amnesty On power-bill amnesty, Omar said the government was examining the issue on merit but opposed repeatedly extending blanket waivers. I think repeatedly extending amnesty is an injustice to those people who pay their bills, he said. You are incentivising people not to pay their bills on time, Omar added. He said consumers genuinely unable to pay, particularly those below the poverty line, could be considered individually. For those for whom amnesty is really necessary, and who genuinely live below the poverty line and do not have the ability to pay these bills, we will definitely consider them on merit, he said.

Highway stoppages inconvenience students, patients, travellers: NC MLA Larmi

Srinagar, Sep 22: National Conference MLA Abdul Majid Larmi on Tuesday raised concerns over the inconvenience faced by people travelling on the national highway in south Kashmir, saying students, patients and other commuters were suffering due to frequent stoppages. Larmi was responding to PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parras remarks in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over restrictions faced by commuters on the highway. Waheed Parra did not speak on the inconveniences faced by people of Kashmir on the national highway. He didnt speak openly on it, but I will openly tell this House that students, patients suffer a lot, Larmi said. He said people travelling between Qazigund and Srinagar frequently face delays, affecting their schedules and, in some cases, causing them to miss important engagements. Those who travel from Qazigund to Srinagar face inconveniences. Students miss exams, travellers at times miss their flights, he added. Earlier, Parra had said that travelling on the national highway in south Kashmir was giving a sense of discrimination to common people and urged the government to take up the matter with the Unified Headquarters. People are stopped every day for 10 to 15 minutes, Parra said, adding that a single attack should not become a reason to give a sense of discrimination and humiliate the common people of Kashmir. The issue was raised during the ongoing autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.

Govt concerned over rise in cancer cases, screening being done widely: Sakina Itoo

J&K currently has 51000 cancer cases: Govt informs Assembly

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that J&K currently has 51000 cancer cases. This was stated by the minister for health and medical education Sakina Itoo while replying to a question raised by MLA Saifullah Mir. The government informed that the there was an increasing trend in cancer incidences globally and in J&K as well. Gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers constitute a significant proportion of reported malignancies, the House was informed. The government was replying to queries regarding establishment of a cancer hospital in Jammu and Kashmir. The rising cancer incidence in J&K is in line with the global trend. To strengthen the response to the growing burden of the disease, the government has constituted an Apex Committee to guide and formulate measures for cancer prevention, screening and treatment, minister informed the House. The House was informed that Director, SKIMS, has been designated as the Nodal Officer for the purpose. On the proposal to establish full-fledged cancer hospitals in different areas of J&K, the government said that two State Cancer Institutes have already been established including one at SKIMS, Soura, and the other at Government Medical College, Jammu. The institutes, established with financial and technical support from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), are intended to provide comprehensive and specialised cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment and allied oncology services, the minister informed the House. The government said the existing facilities are being strengthened from time to time in terms of infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialised treatment services, subject to approved norms and availability of resources. On providing free medicines and treatment to economically weaker sections, the government said it is committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and quality cancer-care services, particularly for vulnerable sections. Eligible cancer patients are being provided cashless and free treatment, as applicable, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at empanelled government and private health institutions, in accordance with prescribed eligibility criteria, treatment packages and guidelines, the minister said. The government said the scheme covers diagnostic, therapeutic and hospitalisation-related services included in the approved packages. Besides, poor and needy cancer patients requiring financial assistance are provided support under the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP) scheme, subject to prescribed eligibility criteria, applicable guidelines and availability of funds. The measures are aimed at facilitating timely access to appropriate cancer treatment and reducing the financial burden on eligible patients and their families, the House was informed.