Opinion

ED raids multiple States in fraud NHAI toll plaza collection case

They said about 14 premises in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and West Bengal were brought under the searches

US and Iran trade strikes, and other Mideast news

Dubai, Sep 02: The United States military struck targets in Iran on Tuesday as hostilities flared after a month without military action. Iran fired missiles and drones in response, Iranian semiofficial media said. The Fars and Tasnim news agencies, seen as close to Iran's security forces, reported late Tuesday that Iran had launched such operations. One US strike hit a home hosting a wedding, killing five people and wounding dozens, local officials said. Here's a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East. Full coverage can be found here. US strikes targets in Iran US Central Command said the new strikes come after Tehran tried to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members in the region. US President Donald Trump warned in a social media post that if Iran retaliates, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings. On Sunday, the US military said it struck rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by launching missiles at US sites in Jordan, which were intercepted, while the United Arab Emirates said it stopped an Iranian drone over its waters. After the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, Iran established a chokehold on the strait, through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passed in peacetime, slowing ship traffic to a trickle. That has roiled the global economy, raising prices worldwide for energy and other goods. While Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has long favoured a negotiated end to the war, the most powerful force in Iran remains the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which is pressing for greater concessions from the US, including Iranian control over the strait and financial compensation for the war. Those conditions would likely be unacceptable to Washington. US renews regionwide Mideast travel alert The State Department renewed a regionwide travel alert for the Middle East as hostilities between the US and Iran resumed. Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation, the department said in a blanket advisory covering all countries in the region. The language is similar to that used in previous warnings that came before a lull in combat activities and said Americans in the Mideast should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential travel disruptions. Iran is working with Oman on a plan for shipping traffic Iran has been working with Oman, which sits on the south side of the Strait of Hormuz, on a framework for managing shipping traffic, though it remains unclear whether the plan would be acceptable to the US. Other Gulf nations have stressed the need to reopen the strait unconditionally. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Tuesday, according to the Saudi Press Agency, which said the two discussed ongoing efforts to maintain regional security and stability, but did not mention the strait specifically. Iran continues to deny UN inspectors access to nuclear sites The United Nations nuclear watchdog has been unable to inspect nuclear facilities in Iran affected by the 12-day war in June 2025, according to a confidential report by the UN watchdog circulated to member states and seen Tuesday by The Associated Press. The International Atomic Energy Agency said in its report that therefore it cannot provide any information on the current size, composition or whereabouts of the stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran. Israeli raid to detain Hamas militant in Gaza kills 4 people Israel said it detained a senior Hamas security official in a special forces raid in Gaza City on Tuesday. The operation killed at least four people, including two children, hospital officials said. In a joint statement, Israel's military and national security agency said the operation targeted the head of Hamas' internal security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the detainee, who he did not name, is one of the most senior Hamas leaders and that he was most recently engaged in efforts to restore Hamas's governance in Gaza. Islamic State spokesperson killed in Yemen Yemen's state security said that Islamic State spokesperson Abu Huzayfah al-Ansari was killed in Yemen in a joint operation by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Yemeni counterterrorism forces. He was killed at dawn Tuesday while he was hiding in a house in Seiyun city in the Yemeni province of Hadramout, according to a security statement published by state-run SABA news agency. A US official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was no US military involvement in the operation. (AP) 2 ships attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said it received reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, and a second report involving a nearby tanker. The UKMTO said a tanker was hit by three projectiles Monday on its way out of the Persian Gulf through the strait east of Oman. In the second attack the same day, the centre received a report involving a tanker and military forces off the coast of Oman, east of the Strait of Hormuz. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to participate in BRICS Summit in India

Guterres also reaffirms the commitment of the UN to support all diplomatic efforts aimed at a comprehensive and durable solution

Inter-Zonal Cricket: Cricketers compete across 4 cluster venues in Baramulla

Baramulla, Sep 1:The Inter-Zonal District-Level Cricket Competition for Boys commenced Tuesday across District Baramulla, organised by the Department of Youth Services & Sports, Baramulla, under the supervision of DYSSO Baramulla, Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori. The week-long competition, as per an official statement, is being held simultaneously at four cluster venues viz Singpora Kalan, Sopore, Pattan and Boniyar, providing young cricketers an opportunity to showcase their talent, teamwork and sporting spirit. At Cluster Pattan, Zone Pattan defeated Zone Kunzer in the opening match, while Zone Singpora Pattan emerged victorious against Zone Nehalpora in the second match. The competition will continue throughout the week, with teams vying for district-level honours and an opportunity to showcase their cricketing potential.

J&K Sports Council launches gymnastics academy in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has launched a new gymnastics academy at the Gindun Sports Complex in Rajbagh, opening registrations for beginners as part of efforts to expand access to the sport among children in the Valley. As per a statement issued, it is an ongoing effort to give children across the Valley access to sports that haven't had much of a foothold here. Gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, balance and, just as importantly, confidence and discipline in young athletes. We want kids in Jammu & Kashmir to have a real shot at gymnastics, something that just hasn't been available to them before, said Dilbagh Singh, who's coordinating the program for JKSC. If a few of them go on to represent J&K one day, that is exactly why we are doing this. The academy joins a growing list of grassroots programmes, and the Sports Council has been rolling out to get more young people into organised sport. Parents can reach out to Dilbagh Singh at +91 90860 86060 to registration.

Kashmir Sporting FC, Shaheen FC register wins in Srinagar A-Division League

Srinagar, Sep 1:Srinagar A-Division League witnessed two exciting encounters on Tuesday. In the first match of the day, Kashmir Sporting FC, as per the DFA statement, put up an impressive performance to defeat Safallo FC by a convincing margin of 61. In the second match, Shaheen FC secured a well-deserved 31 victory over National Dalgate FC in an entertaining contest. Both matches showcased competitive football and strong performances from the participating teams.

MLA Sajjad Shaheen lays foundation stones for 4 road projects in Banihal

Banihal, Sep 1: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Haji Sajjad Shaheen, on Tuesday, laid the foundation stones of four major road connectivity projects at Hinjhal, describing road connectivity as the lifeline of development and a basic prerequisite for improving the quality of life of people living in remote and hilly areas. As per a statement issued, the projects which fulfil long-pending demands of the local population include Link Road Hinjhal to Bajar Basti Thandishaw via Gila Basti (1.70 km) at Rs 448.53 lakh; Link Road Budgam to Khoura (1.75 km) at Rs 410.41 lakh; Link Road Hinjhal to Gujjar Basti (3.50 km) at Rs 938.30 lakh; and Footbridge at Hinjhal Eidgah at Rs 69.26 lakh. The four projects have a combined estimated cost of approximately Rs 18.66 crore and are being taken up under PMGSY and the R&B Department. Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said that people residing in remote and difficult-to-access areas of Banihal-Gool had been facing serious hardships for decades due to inadequate road connectivity. He said the absence of proper roads had adversely affected access to education, healthcare, markets and other essential services. Road connectivity is not merely an infrastructure requirement; it is a lifeline for the people and a prerequisite for balanced development. Our endeavour is to ensure that no village or habitation in Banihal-Gool remains deprived of basic connectivity, Shaheen said. He said that approximately five dozen road projects have been approved during the last two years in the Banihal-Gool constituency under PMGSY, NABARD, UT Sector and other schemes, giving a significant boost to the road infrastructure of the constituency. Shaheen said several other important road projects, including Makerkote-Dardahi Road, Livra-Chaknarwa Road and Ramsoo-Sarbagni Road, have also been taken up. He said work on these projects is expected to commence soon after obtaining the requisite forest clearances, the process for which is presently at the final stage. Taking a dig at the neglect of remote areas in the past, Shaheen said that residents of several villages had been forced to endure difficult conditions for years as their genuine connectivity demands were not accorded the priority they deserved. For decades, people in the remotest areas continued to suffer as their long-pending demands remained unattended. We are committed to correcting this imbalance and taking development to the doorstep of every household, irrespective of how remote the habitation may be, he said. Referring to the broader development initiatives undertaken in Banihal-Gool during the last two years, Shaheen said significant progress had been made in road connectivity, power infrastructure, healthcare, education, public transport, tourism and other key sectors. He said augmentation of receiving stations, strengthening of power infrastructure, improvement of healthcare facilities, new educational initiatives, expansion of public transport and several other developmental projects were being taken forward to address the long-standing needs of the constituency.

MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami backs protesting medical interns

Srinagar, Sep 1: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, has extended his support to the ongoing protest by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir and urged the government to immediately revise their monthly stipend, currently fixed merely at Rs 12,300, a figure that has remained unchanged for nearly six years. Interns at SKIMS Bemina, GMC Srinagar, GMC Jammu, GMC Anantnag and GMC Baramulla have been on an indefinite strike since August 31, demanding that the stipend be raised to Rs 30,000 a month. Tarigami, as per a statement, said the demand was neither excessive nor unreasonable but fair compensation for young doctors who are often the first to attend to patients in emergency wards and who routinely work shifts stretching to 24 or even 36 hours. These are young men and women who have spent years training to serve the sick, and today they stand on the roads instead of inside hospitals, because the system has failed to value their labour, he said. A stipend of Rs 12,300 a month, unchanged since 2019, insults the effort these interns put in every single day. He noted that a committee constituted by the Health and Medical Education Department in 2023 had itself recommended raising the stipend to around Rs 25,000, yet no formal order has followed. When your own committee tells you, the current amount is inadequate, and you still let the file gather dust for years, it stops being a matter of process and becomes a matter of will, he said. The strike also raises a larger question of equal work for equal pay, and the interns in J&K earn a fraction of what their counterparts receive in several other states despite comparable duties and training. He appealed to the Health and Medical Education Minister and the administration to treat the matter with urgency rather than assurances and to issue a formal revision order without further delay. Doctors who serve patients round the clock deserve dignity, not delay, Tarigami said, adding that continued inaction risked disrupting healthcare services across the Union Territory at the cost of ordinary patients who depend on government hospitals.

Nepals only billionaire praises India, PM Modi for swift disaster response; calls rebuilding task gigantic

Nepals only billionaire and philanthropist Binod Chaudhary on Tuesday praised India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their swift response to the devastating flash floods in the country, saying the scale of the disaster was far bigger than anyone had contemplated. Chaudhary also described the rebuilding task as gigantic, highlighting how villages, markets, schools and bridges were washed away and more than 500 megawatts of power generation capacity went out of operation. The scale of the disaster is far bigger than one would have ever contemplated. We had floods in the past in the same location even last year and thats nowhere close to what it is now, Chaudhary told PTI Videos. Weve lost about a thousand people. About 4,000 people are missing... More than the last count that Ive taken, we had lost some 40-odd bridges, he said, highlighting the scale of damages. More than 500 megawatts of power stations had gone out of circulation, out of operation and many projects which were under construction, particularly the power projects, they all had to be halted, theyre washed away, damaged. So its really a very, very painful situation, Chaudhary added. The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal crossed 1,000 on Tuesday, as rescuers struggled to trace those stranded amid intermittent rainfall and a fresh flood alert. Around 4,000 people, including 583 foreigners, remained missing, while around 12,000 people had been rescued, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. Chaudhary praised the Nepal government, security agencies and friendly neighbours, particularly India, for their response to the disaster. I must acknowledge that the government and the security agencies and also supported by our friendly neighbours, India in particular has done a great job in supporting, in coming forward with the relief material right away, he said. He particularly praised New Delhi and PM Modi for supporting Nepal, not just after the latest disaster but also recalling Indias response during the 2015 earthquake. I think we have no doubt in my mind that India is equally concerned. And Ive seen this on multiple occasions. Even during the 2015 earthquake, India was the first one, Prime Minister Modi was the first one to come up with the immediate rescue arrangement, support, infrastructure, logistics, he said. He said India had gained that prominence, gained that capacity and the ability to respond on a large scale. Given the scale at which India has been able to move, build the infrastructure. There has been a transformation in the quality of the infrastructure that India has been able to build over during the last 12 years. So the whole system is of a different level and caliber, Chaudhary said. I would hope and I would appeal to the Indian government, Prime Minister Modi and all those who matter to do everything possible. I think these are the moments when India can make a big difference, Chaudhary said. Chaudhary said financial assistance from different countries, companies, foundations and business houses remained of utmost importance, but cautioned that money is one thing and it cannot solve the problems overnight. You cant get the markets [to] start to function again. You cant rebuild the homes to house these people who are homeless, he said. Chaudhary emphasised that the task ahead was gigantic and Nepal would have to rebuild better. It is also an engineering issue. It is not only an issue which relates with one of those normal disasters, because the glacier meltdown because of global warming is really becoming a significant issue, which the whole world should be concerned about, he added.

SKUAST-K hosts 37 IFS officers from 18 states for capacity-building programme

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) has brought together 37 Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from 18 States for a three-day national capacity-building programme on Ecotourism in Forest and Wildlife Realms: Prospects & Challenges, being held from September 01to 03 at the Shalimar Campus. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, the programme brings together senior forestry professionals, university leaders, researchers and subject experts to deliberate on emerging opportunities and challenges in sustainable ecotourism, forest and wildlife management. Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, stressed that tourism in ecologically fragile regions must be guided by sustainability, conservation and community participation. He said the objective should not be to maximise tourist numbers but to maximise the positive value of tourism while minimising its ecological footprint. Emphasising the vulnerability of Himalayan ecosystems, Prof. Ganai called for a calibrated approach in which tourism becomes an instrument for conservation rather than ecological degradation. The Vice Chancellor also underlined the growing role of GIS, remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence and digital monitoring in protected-area management, biodiversity assessment, visitor management, ecosystem monitoring and evidence-based decision-making. He said SKUAST-K has an important role in generating scientific evidence, building professional capacities and providing technology-driven solutions to emerging environmental challenges. Former Chief Secretary, Ramesh Negi, Guest of Honour, emphasised the need to shift ecotourism from a tourism-centric to a conservation-centric model, keeping ecological carrying capacity, biodiversity protection, local livelihoods and responsible visitor behaviour at the centre of planning and management. Dr. Javeed Iqbal, Course Director, said the programme has been designed to go beyond conventional classroom-based training by providing participants with a field-oriented, interdisciplinary and technology-enabled learning experience. He noted that participation from 18 States would facilitate cross-state learning and exchange of experiences from diverse forest and ecological landscapes. The programme covers key themes including Himalayan biodiversity, protected-area management, ecosystem carrying capacity, legal and institutional frameworks, Eco-Development Committees, participatory planning, gender integration, overtourism mitigation, sustainable livelihoods, GIS, remote sensing and AI-based conservation monitoring. As part of the experiential component, the participating officers will visit important ecological and tourism landscapes including Wular Lake, Gulmarg, Zabarwan landscape, Chandaji Eco-Restoration Site and Hokersar Wetland. They will also be exposed to technological innovations at SKIIE and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, SKUAST-Kashmir. The programme builds upon SKUAST-Kashmirs continuing engagement with MoEFCC through capacity-building initiatives focused on smart conservation, forest landscape restoration, climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation. The University has also been advancing multidisciplinary, technology-driven solutions involving AI, IoT, CRISPR and precision systems.

1st batch of 50 students begins skill training under TCI MAX Cements scholarship programme

The first batch of 50 students supported under the Scholarship-cum-Financial Assistance Programme sponsored by Trumboo Industries Pvt Ltd (TCI MAX Cements) has commenced classes in various skill and vocational courses at Government ITI Pampore. According to a statement issued by TCI MAX Cements, the training is being conducted under the Skill Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir, with the scholarship initiative aimed at providing better educational and employment opportunities to youth from the adjoining areas. The initiative is part of the companys Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts focused on promoting skill development and creating opportunities for the youth. On the occasion, MLA Pampore and Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, along with Chairman, Trumboo Industries Pvt Ltd, Mohammad Shafi Trumboo, interacted with the students and encouraged them to make the best use of the opportunity provided to them. Addressing the students, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi and Mohammad Shafi Trumboo wished them success in their academic and professional journey. They emphasised that acquiring technical and vocational skills can play a vital role in enhancing employability and building a sustainable future. The students were encouraged to attend classes regularly, develop practical skills and make optimum use of the facilities and training being provided at the ITI, with the aim of becoming skilled, confident and self-reliant professionals. The scholarship initiative, being implemented in collaboration with Government ITI Pampore, reflects TCI MAX Cements commitment towards youth empowerment, skill development and community welfare in the region. TCI MAX Cements congratulated all 50 students on the commencement of their training and wished them success in their academic and professional journey.

J&K exports in focus as KCC&I flags decline, seeks Centres intervention

President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), Javid Ahmad Tenga, held meetings with senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), raising concerns over the decline in Jammu & Kashmirs exports and seeking measures to support exporters and revive traditional export sectors. During his meeting with Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Kapil Choudhary, Tenga highlighted the declining export trend from Jammu & Kashmir and drew attention to the challenges confronting exporters, particularly those engaged in traditional sectors. He specifically flagged concerns relating to Pashmina, handicrafts and other traditional products, calling for targeted policy interventions and greater institutional support to restore their competitiveness and expand their presence in international markets. Tenga also briefed the Joint Secretary on KCC&Is efforts to facilitate the participation of J&K exporters in national and international trade fairs and exhibitions. He said the Chamber had already applied to the DGFT for participation in several such platforms and requested favourable consideration of the applications and the necessary institutional support. He stressed that such exhibitions provide exporters with an opportunity to showcase J&Ks products, establish direct connections with international buyers, explore new markets and secure business opportunities. He said institutional support was particularly important amid the decline in the regions exports. The KCC&I President also sought closer coordination between the Ministry of Commerce, DGFT and the Chamber to expand market access, promote traditional products and create new opportunities for exporters from Jammu & Kashmir. In a separate meeting with Abhinav Gupta, Additional Director General, DGFT, Tenga raised the difficulties being faced by exporters from J&K in obtaining Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoOs). The Chamber pointed out that exporters had been facing delays and difficulties in obtaining Preferential CoOs following the India-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Since the certificates are required to avail preferential tariff benefits under trade agreements, delays can affect shipment schedules and exporters ability to secure the concessions available to them. Tenga specifically requested that the DGFT Ludhiana office remain operational for issuing Preferential CoOs for Kashmir consignments from October 2026 to March 2027, coinciding with the regions peak export season. The Additional Director General assured Tenga that the DGFT Ludhiana office would remain operational during the period to facilitate the issuance of Preferential CoOs for Kashmir consignments. The assurance is expected to provide relief to exporters, particularly during the peak season when shipment volumes typically increase. Tenga thanked the officials for their time and for considering the concerns raised by the Chamber. The KCC&I said it would continue engaging with the concerned authorities on measures to strengthen J&Ks export sector, support traditional industries such as Pashmina and handicrafts, facilitate participation in international and national trade fairs, and improve access to domestic and overseas markets.

SSI Bonafide Unit Holders seek restoration of SICOP marketing assistance

A delegation of the SSI Bonafide Group of Unit Holders Kashmir today called on Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, along with Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh, in the presence of MLA Anantnag West Abdul Majeed Larmi. During the meeting, the long-pending issue of restoration of SICOP marketing assistance and procurement support for Bonafide SSI Unit Holders of Kashmir was discussed. The delegation apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of the difficulties being faced by Bonafide SSI units due to the discontinuation of effective SICOP marketing assistance. The delegation emphasised that thousands of workers and entrepreneurs are dependent on these industrial units and that restoration of institutional marketing support is essential for the survival, growth and revival of the local SSI sector. The Deputy Chief Minister listened patiently to the delegation and passed on-the-spot directions to the Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department to extend full support and necessary intervention for the early restoration of SICOP marketing assistance to Bonafide SSI Unit Holders. The delegation expressed its sincere gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister for giving the matter due consideration and for taking an on-the-spot decision and assuring early action on the issue. The Bonafide SSI Unit Holders expressed hope that the assurance will translate into a formal policy decision at the earliest, thereby providing much-needed relief to genuine and bonafide SSI units across Kashmir. The delegation also placed on record that a strong and effective marketing mechanism through SICOP can significantly strengthen local manufacturing, increase government procurement from local SSI units, protect existing employment and create new opportunities for unemployed youth. The meeting was attended by the Administrative Council of the SSI Bonafide Group of Unit Holders Kashmir: Shabir Abdullah, Chief Coordinator; Shoaib Hakak, Vice Chief Coordinator; Showkat Sheikh, Coordinator South Bashir Ahmed Najar, Coordinator and Coordinator North besides other members.

J&K Bank bids farewell to 2 general managers

J&K Bank today accorded a warm farewell to General Managers Rakesh Koul and Syed Rais Maqbool, who superannuated today after rendering nearly 37 years of dedicated service to the institution. MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee chaired the farewell meeting at the Banks Corporate Headquarters, which was attended by Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, Chief General Managers, General Managers, Deputy General Managers, and other senior officers of the Bank. Speaking on the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee commended both the retiring executives for their long, dedicated, and valuable service to the Bank. He said, The retirement of senior leaders invariably entails a loss of accumulated experience, institutional memory, and professional wisdom. Both Rakesh Koul and Syed Rais Maqbool have contributed meaningfully to the Banks growth through their competence, integrity and commitment across the important responsibilities entrusted to them. Emphasising the importance of leadership continuity, he added, With a well-defined succession plan in place, the responsibility now rests with the emerging leadership to take up the mantle and build upon the legacy of the outgoing officers. The MD & CEO wished both the retiring executives good health, happiness, and a fulfilling post-retirement life. Known for his gentle disposition and thorough professionalism, General Manager Rakesh Koul joined the Bank on October 25, 1989. Expressing his gratitude at the farewell meet, General Manager Rakesh Koul said, I remain deeply grateful to the Banks leadership and all my colleagues for their trust, guidance, and unwavering support throughout my career. It has been an honour to serve and be part of Jammu and Kashmirs leading financial institution. Whatever I have achieved professionally, I owe in large measure to the opportunities, guidance and affection extended to me by the J&K Bank family. General Manager Syed Rais Maqbool joined the Bank on October 18, 1989, and is known for his suave personality and refined demeanour. Reflecting on his association with the Bank, General Manager Syed Rais Maqbool said, J&K Bank has been much more than a workplace for me; it has been a defining part of my life and identity. I sincerely thank the leadership and generations of colleagues whose trust, encouragement and caring companionship enriched my journey. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders, especially the Banks esteemed customers, for their enduring trust and support. I feel privileged to have witnessed and contributed, in my own measure, to this great institutional story of transformation from J&K. The attending officers recalled their professional association with the retiring executives and acknowledged their contribution to the Banks growth and institutional development.

Jio Platforms, Paras Healthcare, Bharat PET among 7 IPOs to receive SEBI nod

Jio Platforms, Paras Healthcare, Bharat PET and four other companies have received observations from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on their proposed initial public offerings (IPOs), clearing a key regulatory hurdle for their public issues. The other companies are Sadbhav Futuretech, Paramotor Digital Technology, M K Sons Fine Jewels and Pushp Brands (India). The companies had submitted their IPO documents to SEBI between March and June this year. SEBI issued observations on Paras Healthcares IPO papers on August 24, followed by Paramotor Digital Technology on August 25, Bharat PET on August 26 and Pushp Brands (India) on August 27. The regulator issued observations on the draft papers of M K Sons Fine Jewels, Sadbhav Futuretech and Jio Platforms on August 28. Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has proposed a fresh issue of up to 27 crore equity shares, with no offer-for-sale component. It plans to utilise Rs 27,500 crore of the proceeds to repay certain debt, with the balance for general corporate purposes. Paras Healthcare has proposed to raise up to Rs 1,800 crore through a combination of a Rs 500-crore fresh issue and a Rs 1,300-crore offer for sale. The company operates eight hospitals with a combined capacity of 2,211 beds. Bharat PET plans to raise up to Rs 760 crore, comprising a Rs 120-crore fresh issue and Rs 640 crore offer for sale. The company manufactures PET bottles, jars, preforms, caps and closures. Sadbhav Futuretech has proposed a fresh issue of 2.55 crore shares and an offer for sale of up to Rs 235 crore. M K Sons Fine Jewels plans a fresh issue of 1.36 crore shares and an offer for sale of 34 lakh shares. Pushp Brands (India) has proposed an offer-for-sale of 74.45 lakh shares, while Paramotor Digital Technology filed its IPO papers through SEBIs confidential route. SEBI observations are a key regulatory step that allows companies to proceed towards launching their IPOs, subject to fulfilment of applicable requirements.

Scooty rider killed in Bemina road accident

A scooty rider was killed after his two-wheeler was hit by a tipper near Government Degree College Bemina in Srinagar on Monday evening. An official told local news agency GNS that a speedy Scooty TVS Antorq bearing registration number JK01AW-9883, ridden by an unknown person, collided with an unknown tipper near Govt. Degree College Bemina, resulting in the scooty rider succumbing to his injuries on the spot. His dead body was lying on the roadside when Police Station Batamaloo reached the spot and took cognisance of the matter. The identity of the deceased is being ascertained, while the tipper driver fled from the spot, the official added.

EPG seeks protection of water bodies

The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has sought measures for protection of water bodies in Srinagar. EPG in a statement has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows filling or reclamation of a portion of Dal Lake near the office of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) at Miskeen Bagh. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, EPG urged the competent authorities to verify the video and establish the exact location and nature of the activity shown. The group said the matter required prompt examination given the ecological importance and sensitivity of Dal Lake. EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said that if the activity shown in the video involves filling of a water body, reclamation of lake area, dumping of material, alteration of a water channel or unauthorised encroachment, it could raise environmental and regulatory concerns. The group has sought a spot inspection by LCMA and other concerned departments to determine whether any portion of lake near Miskeen Bagh has been filled, reclaimed, encroached upon or otherwise altered. It has also asked the authorities to verify the ownership, land classification, revenue status and permissible land use of the area shown in the video. The EPG said the concern was not limited to Dal Lake and called for greater attention to the protection of water bodies and natural drainage systems across Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir possesses a highly interconnected network of lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams, springs, nallahs, flood channels and other natural water systems, the group said. It referred to Wular Lake, Anchar Lake, Nigeen Lake, Manasbal Lake, Khushal Sar, Gilsar and Hokersar, besides the River Jhelum and its tributaries. These water bodies are not vacant land available for gradual reclamation, the EPG said, adding that they play a role in water storage, regulating flows, supporting biodiversity, groundwater recharge and flood protection. The group also referred to Government of India documentation on encroachment pressures affecting the lacustrine systems of the Kashmir Valley and cited observations from the Comptroller and Auditor Generals report on the conservation and management of Dal Lake. The EPG said the CAG report had recorded issues including blocked nallahs, construction affecting drainage, dumping of construction material and shrinkage of drainage channels. The organisation has called for a comprehensive review of major lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams, springs, nallahs, flood channels and natural drainage systems across J&K to identify cases of encroachment, filling, reclamation and obstruction. It has proposed GIS- and satellite-based mapping of major water bodies and their buffer areas, followed by physical verification on the ground. The group has also suggested continuous monitoring of sensitive water bodies through satellite imagery, drone surveys, GIS mapping and periodic field inspections. The EPG further urged the government to ensure that any filling, reclamation, construction or alteration affecting the natural extent or drainage characteristics of a water body is subjected to environmental, hydrological and technical scrutiny by the competent authorities. It has also suggested treating natural flood channels, nallahs, wetlands and drainage corridors as important components of climate and disaster resilience. The group has called for greater transparency in the handling of encroachment cases and suggested that information on identified encroachments and action taken by the authorities be made publicly accessible. Jammu & Kashmir's water bodies are part of its natural capital, the EPG said, adding that they should be protected while development activities are undertaken. The group has requested the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to examine the video, conduct an on-ground verification and take appropriate action if any violation is established.

CM Omar Abdullah meets Group of Concerned Citizens J&K

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting with members of the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) J&K at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed a range of issues concerning governance, development, environment and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani was also present at the meeting. The civil society group was led by Khurshid Ahmed Ganai (IAS Retd.) and comprised other members of the GCC. The delegation raised several issues of public importance, including governance, environmental protection, municipal administration and waste management. Particular attention was drawn to the conservation of water bodies and wetlands and the need for effective measures to safeguard these important ecological assets. The GCC also raised issues relating to the conversion of agricultural land, traffic management, flood mitigation and management, and power development, including greater focus on renewable energy. Issues pertaining to skill development and employment generation, as well as digitisation of revenue records, were also discussed. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns and suggestions put forth by the members of the GCC. He noted the issues raised during the meeting and assured that these would be taken into consideration by the government while examining the relevant matters.

Fire guts building at Nawab Bazar Srinagar

A major fire broke out in a four-storey commercial building in the congested Nawab Bazar area of Srinagar on Tuesday morning gutting the structure and triggering panic among residents. Two firefighters suffered suffocation during the operation but were rescued and are stated to be out of danger. Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services said they received a distress call at around 10:40 am, following which multiple firefighting units and fire tenders from Maharaj Ganj, Baba Demb and the department's headquarters were rushed to the spot. They said the fire originated on the ground floor of the commercial building, which housed paint, colour, hardware and other business establishments, before rapidly spreading to the upper floors. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Our teams immediately launched firefighting operations and worked relentlessly to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining structures, a Fire and Emergency Services official said. Officials said the operations in downtown areas are particularly challenging as they are among the most congested areas of Srinagar, surrounded by closely packed commercial and residential buildings. The morning rush further complicated the movement of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Officials said firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after sustained efforts, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. During the operation, Two firefighters developed suffocation related complications while battling the flames. They were immediately evacuated, provided medical assistance, said the official. The blaze caused panic in the locality as thick smoke billowed into the sky, drawing large crowds to the scene. Eyewitnesses said people rushed out of nearby shops while many locals and traders assisted in shifting goods from adjacent establishments as a precautionary measure. There was panic because the fire spread very quickly and everyone feared it could engulf nearby shops as well, an eyewitness said. The incident comes amid a series of fire mishaps reported in Srinagar over the past few weeks. In recent years, several devastating fires, particularly in the city's downtown areas, have caused extensive damage to commercial properties. Fire officials have repeatedly urged owners of commercial establishments to install and maintain fire fighting equipment in accordance with prescribed safety norms and strictly follow standard operating procedures to minimise losses in the event of such incidents.

Another sanitation worker arrested, 7 held so far

Ramban, Sep 1:The District Hospital Kishtwar has terminated the services of another sanitation worker following her arrest in connection with the case registered at Police Station Chatroo regarding the death of a minor girl. According to an official order issued by the Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Kishtwar, Zareena Begum, wife of Shabir Ahmed and a resident of Bandereena, Kishtwar, who was engaged as an HDF sanitation worker at the hospital, was arrested by Police Station Chatroo on August 30, 2026, in connection with FIR No 34/2026. The hospital authorities stated that they received formal information about her arrest from the Station House Officer, Police Station Chatroo, through a wireless signal dated August 30. Following the receipt of the communication, the Medical Superintendent ordered the termination of Zareena Begums services with immediate effect. The order cited the extremely grave and serious nature of the allegations and offences involved, stating that her continuation in service was considered incompatible with the discipline, integrity and functioning of a public health institution. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including Sections 61(1), 65(2), 90, 91 and 92 of the BNS and Sections 4, 6, 8, 10 and 17 of the POCSO Act, as mentioned in the official record. Copies of the termination order have been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Director Health Services Jammu, SSP Kishtwar, Chief Medical Officer Kishtwar, and the Station House Officers of Police Stations Kishtwar and Chatroo for information and necessary action. The latest departmental action comes amid an ongoing investigation into the Chatroo minors death case, which has resulted in multiple arrests and triggered widespread concern across the Chenab Valley. Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the circumstances of the case and ascertain the alleged role of each person connected with the matter. Later, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch. Earlier, Farooq Ahmed, another sanitation worker posted at District Hospital Kishtwar, was also terminated from service following his arrest in connection with the same case. With the latest action against Zareena Begum, the hospital has now terminated two sanitation workers in connection with the investigation. The investigation has involved the arrest of several persons allegedly linked to the case, with investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged sexual exploitation of the minor, her subsequent medical treatment and the role of various individuals. Authorities have maintained that the investigation is being conducted on the basis of evidence and material collected during the probe. Further action is expected as the investigation into FIR No. 34/2026 progresses.

CEO iQuasar delivers lecture at CUK

Tahir Qazi, Chief Executive Officer of iQuasar, LLC, delivered an insightful lecture to the students of the Department of Management Studies (DMS), Central University of Kashmir (CU Kashmir), on the topic Use AI as Your Coach to Build Skills for Career Growth at the varsitys Green Campus. iQuasar, LLC, is a Sterling, Virginia-based firm that provides technology solutions and outsourcing services to government and commercial clients. His lecture focused on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in learning, skill development and professional growth. Qazi highlighted how AI tools can be effectively used as personal coaches to identify skill gaps, develop new competencies, improve productivity and prepare students for the evolving demands of the workplace. Qazi emphasised that students and professionals need to engage in intentional, self-directed learning to get ready to work in their desired careers. He explained how to write AALIM prompts and agents and how to write prompts in the ACT format - Actor, Context and Task - making them easy to remember and hard to get wrong. The session encouraged students to embrace AI not merely as a technological tool but as a continuous learning partner that can support them in achieving their academic and career goals. The key takeaway of the interaction was: Learn, Apply, and Master! Earlier, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Head, DMS, introduced the guest to the students of BBA and MBA. Dr Zia Ul Haq, Associate Professor, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Mir Insha Farooq and Dr Waseem Jehangir were also present.

CTTIK urges LG Sinha to initiate daily Vaishnodevi Yatra bulletin to tackle misleading information

Jammu, Sep 1:Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) on Tuesday made an earnest appeal to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to consider initiating a daily official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra bulletin. The proposed bulletin, according to CTTIK, may provide updated and authentic information regarding the current status of the Yatra, weather conditions, route accessibility, pilgrim movement, accommodation and transport facilities, health and emergency services, advisories and other important arrangements made for devotees. Appeal was made in a meeting of the office bearers and executive members of the Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) held under the chairmanship of its president, Raj Kumar Padha. The meeting was aimed at deliberating upon various important issues concerning the smooth facilitation and better management of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, as well as matters relating to the welfare and interests of the local business community and residents of Katra. During the meeting, the participants said the Chamber (CTTIK) believed that a regular official bulletin would serve as a credible and reliable source of information for pilgrims across the country and abroad, while effectively countering misinformation and unverified social media content. Such an initiative would also contribute significantly towards the better regulation, management and facilitation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, it was stated. The meeting was attended by Babu Ram senior vice president, Sushil Dubey vice president, Rajnish Purohit general secretary, Atul Sharma secretary, Karan Vaid secretary, executive members Rattan Sharma, Vivek Gupta and Neelam Singh. During the meeting, detailed and threadbare discussions were held on the role of CTTIK and other stakeholders in facilitating pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. The members emphasised the need for close coordination among the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the local administration, tourism stakeholders and business establishments to ensure that pilgrims receive accurate information, proper guidance and all necessary facilities for a smooth, safe and comfortable pilgrimage. The CTTIK members expressed serious concern over the increasing circulation of misinformation and unverified content regarding the status of the Vaishno Devi Yatra and various facilities available to pilgrims, particularly through reels and other social media platforms. It was observed that many prospective pilgrims tend to believe such unverified information often created unnecessary confusion and in some cases- led them to cancel or postpone their planned visit to Katra. The members felt that the circulation of such misleading content not only adversely affected the local tourism and business ecosystem but also did a disservice to the religious sentiments and faith of millions of devotees associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Daily bulletin would check this menace, they asserted. The meeting also discussed important issues concerning the welfare of the residents of Katra. CTTIK requested that the local residents of Katra should be provided access to subsidised healthcare facilities at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Kakryal considering the significant contribution and association of the local community with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and its supporting ecosystem. The members further sought appropriate reservation of seats and concessional or subsidized tuition fees for deserving local students of Katra at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University so that the youth of the region could get benefits from quality higher education and greater opportunities for their future. The office bearers unanimously resolved that CTTIK would continue to work closely with all concerned authorities and stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, dissemination of authentic information, welfare of the local community and sustainable development of Katra as one of the country's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Srinagar Jammu NH open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Sep 1: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Tuesday, with vehicular movement continuing along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor despite slowdowns at several vulnerable stretches due to ongoing restoration, widening and road improvement works. According to traffic authorities, traffic movement remained particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur district, where an approximately 3040-metre portion of the highway was damaged following recent rains. The affected stretch has developed an uneven surface and undulations, prompting authorities to regulate traffic through a single lane to ensure the safe movement of vehicles. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery at the affected locations and is carrying out restoration work. Officials said efforts were being made to repair the damaged portions and improve the road surface at the earliest. Restoration work is also underway on the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal, where erosion caused by recent rainfall has resulted in single-lane movement at two to three locations. Traffic is being regulated carefully at these points to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of commuters. In Ramban district, traffic remained regulated along the MaroogKishtwari Pather stretch, where vehicles were negotiating restricted single-lane portions amid ongoing construction and road improvement works. Though traffic remained largely manageable, intermittent slowdowns were reported at construction zones and other damage-affected locations. Officials at the Traffic Control Unit (TCU), Ramban, said the highway continued to remain open and traffic was being managed through the available carriageways. Traffic personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points to regulate vehicular movement and facilitate the safe passage of commuters. Authorities cautioned that the condition of NH-44 remained sensitive to weather changes, particularly in view of intermittent rainfall and extensive construction activity along the highway. Commuters have been advised to check the latest traffic status before starting their journey and strictly follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities. Passenger and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been advised to prefer daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night travel due to the possibility of shooting stones, landslides, mudslides and other weather-related hazards at vulnerable locations. Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, wrong-lane driving and unnecessary stoppages at sensitive points, as such violations can lead to congestion and further disrupt traffic movement on already restricted stretches. Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing widening work being undertaken by NHAI along the DigdolKhooni Nalla section of NH-44, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers remains restricted during daytime hours. As per the traffic advisory, such tankers are permitted to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Heavy vehicle operators have been advised to strictly adhere to prescribed loading norms and avoid overloading. They have also been asked to ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry adequate fuel, keeping in view the possibility of delays caused by traffic regulation, road repairs, construction activity and adverse weather conditions. Traffic authorities further said that the highway could be regulated, diverted or temporarily closed in case of fresh landslides, shooting stones, mudslides, road damage or any other obstruction posing a threat to vehicular movement and public safety. Commuters have been advised to remain in contact with the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar and obtain the latest status before and during their journey. Authorities reiterated that cooperation from motorists, strict adherence to traffic restrictions and lane discipline are essential for maintaining safe and smooth movement on NH-44 while restoration, widening and other infrastructure works continue at multiple locations.

CM Omar Abdullah meets newly inducted IAS officers

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several officers, deputations and other individuals at the Civil Secretariat here. A group of newly inducted IAS officers, including Babila Rakhwal, Shabnam Shah Kamili, Rachna Sharma, Leena Padha, Rajinder Singh Tara, Munir ul Islam, Sajjad Hussain Gani, Anoo Malhotra, Nitu Gupta, Prediman Krishan Bhat, Bhawani Rakhwal and Anuradha Gupta, made a courtesy call on and met the Chief Minister. The officers were recently inducted into the Indian Administrative Service. The Chief Minister congratulated the officers on their induction into the countrys premier civil service and wished them a successful tenure. He expressed hope that they would continue to serve the people with the same dedication and enthusiasm. Commissioner Secretary, Information and Planning Department, R. Alice Vaz, separately met the Chief Minister and apprised him of the preparations for the First International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026. The Chief Minister took note of the preparations and stressed the need to ensure seamless arrangements and effective coordination among all concerned departments and agencies for the successful conduct of the international film festival. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Sujit Kumar, also called on the Chief Minister following his recent assumption of charge. Omar Abdullah extended his best wishes to the officer for his new assignment and discussed matters pertaining to the security and policing environment in the Kashmir region. Managing Director, Ernst & Young (E&Y), Amit Khandelwal, and Regional Head, E&Y, Navreet Singh, also called on the Chief Minister. The delegation briefed him on the work being undertaken by the firm in Jammu & Kashmir.

8 stranded in swollen Rajouri river rescued

Rajouri, Sep 1:Eight members of two families, including five children and three women, stranded in the middle of a swollen river at Badhoon village of Rajouri following a sharp rise in water levels amid heavy rainfall, were rescued to safety on Tuesday evening. The water level in the Jamola and Khandli rivers increased rapidly after heavy rains lashed several parts of Rajouri district, leaving the eight persons trapped in the river. Soon after receiving the information, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local police, launched a rescue operation. The operation continued for several hours before all eight stranded persons were safely evacuated. The timely intervention of the rescue teams averted a major tragedy, while the heavy rainfall also led to a rise in water levels in several rivers and streams across the district. Authorities have urged people, particularly those residing near rivers and water channels, to exercise caution and avoid venturing into or crossing swollen water bodies amid the prevailing weather conditions.

Govt issues orders for faculty promotions in 5 GMCs

In a move to strengthen medical education and faculty hierarchy in the Government Medical Colleges of J&K, Government today sanctioned the promotion of 53 of faculty members across GMCs in Jammu, Rajouri, Doda, Baramulla and Anantnag. The orders were issued on August 31, 2026,after the nod of the Departmental Promotion Committee and the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission. Eligible Associate Professors have been promoted to the post of Professor and Assistant Professors to Associate Professor in various clinical and non-clinical disciplines. The promotions, as per the order, will take effect on a prospective basis. The largest list appears in Government Order No. 656-JK (HME) of 2026 for Government Medical College, Anantnag affecting promotion of 22 faculty members. This includes promotions in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Physiology, Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, ENT, Orthopaedics, Radio Diagnosis, Pathology, Paediatrics, Dentistry, General Medicine, Radiation Oncology and Microbiology. Several Assistant Professors have also been regularized/promoted to Associate Professor. Government Order No. 660-JK (HME) of 2026 covers Government Medical College, Jammu. It lists 13 faculty members, including in departments of Radiotherapy and Anesthesiology. Faculty has also been promoted in department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, Physiology and Anatomy. Government Order No. 659-JK (HME) of 2026 pertains to Government Medical College, Rajouri, where seven faculty members have been promoted. These include Dr. Syed Shuja Akhtar Qadri (Community Medicine), Dr. Suhail Banday (Anaesthesiology), Dr. Meenakshi Khajuria (Pathology), Dr. Rohni Sharma (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy) and Dr. Satish Sharma (Dentistry) to Professor. Two others move up to Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Pathology. At Government Medical College, Doda, ten faculty members have been promoted. These include promotion to Professor level for Dr. Najmus Saqib (Paediatrics), Dr. Madhu Kapoor Chib (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Dr. Garima Charak (Physiology), Dr. Khalid Muzzafer (Orthopaedics), Dr. Babar Rashid Zargar (General Surgery), Dr. Sumat-Ul-Khurshid (Pathology), Dr. Rahil Muzaffar (ENT) and Dr. Rajat Rakesh Khajuria (Dentistry). Two Assistant Professors have been promoted to Associate Professor in Orthopaedics and Biochemistry. Government Order No. 657-JK (HME) of 2026 for Government Medical College, Baramulla promotes a single Associate Professor, Dr. Mehmood Rashid of General Surgery to Professor. All the orders carry a standard caveat that the promotions and regularizations will remain subject to the outcome of any writ petition(s) pending in court.

Heavy rains lash Rajouri-Poonch, affect life

Rajouri, Sep 1: Several areas of Rajouri district received heavy to very heavy rainfall since Tuesday afternoon, affecting normal life and triggering a fresh rise in water levels in rivers and other water bodies. Reports from different parts of the district said intense showers continued for several hours, with waterlogging reported at multiple locations. The persistent rainfall has also raised apprehensions of a further increase in water levels in rivers and streams by evening. Several areas had witnessed heavy rainfall on Monday as well, with flood-like conditions reported along river bodies, particularly in Kalakote subdivision. Meanwhile, severe waterlogging was reported along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway in Rajouri town following the heavy downpour on Tuesday evening, disrupting traffic movement. At Panj Peer area of Rajouri town, a stretch of the highway was submerged under accumulated rainwater, causing difficulties for commuters and affecting the smooth movement of vehicles. With rainfall continuing, authorities and residents are keeping a close watch on rivers, streams and other vulnerable locations amid apprehensions of flash floods and further waterlogging. In neighbouring Poonch district, all schools remained closed on Tuesday amid heavy rainfall leading to surge in water level in major rivers and nullahs. The closure of schools for the day was notified by the Chief Education Officer, Poonch. The officer asserted that the situation across district was being closely monitored, with particular focus on vulnerable areas. Rain water had disrupted traffic on Poonch-Mendhar road as well.

Enhance stipend of MBBS,BDS interns: Iltija Mufti

PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to enhance the stipend of protesting MBBS and BDS interns from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month. Iltija joined the protesting medical interns at GMC Srinagar and expressed solidarity with their legitimate demand to enhance their monthly stipend. It is deeply concerning that medical interns across Jammu & Kashmir continue to receive one of the lowest stipends in the country, despite shouldering an enormous workload. Interns are routinely required to perform duties extending from 12 to 48 hours and, across J&K, are often denied even basic holidays and adequate leave, she said. She called upon the government to immediately initiate a meaningful dialogue with the protesting interns, resolve their concerns and enhance their stipend to Rs 30,000 without further delay. The government must also ensure that interns receive reasonable working conditions, adequate leave and basic protection commensurate with the demanding services they render, she said. The demand for a Rs 30,000 stipend is both reasonable and justified. Several states have already substantially revised their internship stipends upwards. Odisha and West Bengal provide around Rs 45,000, while Uttar Pradesh has increased its stipend from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000, with Bihar also having undertaken a revision, Iltija added. Young doctors serving in government hospitals cannot be expected to work 12- to 48-hour shifts without adequate holidays or benefits while being among the lowest-paid medical interns in the country. Their demand is legitimate, and the government must respond with urgency and sensitivity, she said. The government must seriously reconsider its priorities. At a time when substantial public resources are spent on lavish government programmes and activities, it is difficult to justify denying a modest and legitimate increase to young doctors who work round the clock to sustain the public healthcare system, the PDP leader added. The medical interns began their indefinite strike on Monday, seeking a higher stipend and better working conditions. Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the demand of the interns was already under consideration by the government and that they need not resort to strikes.

Census 2027 population enumeration in snow bound areas of J&K, Ladakh begins

Jammu, Sep 1:Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Amit Sharma on Tuesday declared commencement of population enumeration (phase-II) of Census 2027 across the snow-bound areas of the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with field operations formally launched from the remote and snow-bound areas of Dudu and Basantgarh in Udhampur district. The September enumeration marks a significant operational milestone in Census 2027, as the Census machinery now moves towards the enumeration of the population itself, with special arrangements in place to ensure comprehensive coverage of the region's remote, high-altitude and difficult-to-access areas. CPCO Amit Sharma said that the commencement of Population Enumeration from Dudu and Basantgarh carried particular significance as it reflected the Directorate's commitment to taking the census to every part of the Union Territories, including areas where terrain, distance and weather would present formidable field challenges. He said extensive preparations involving enumeration block demarcation, mapping, logistics, training and deployment of field functionaries were undertaken to ensure that every household and every resident was brought within the ambit of the Census. He also highlighted that during the self-enumeration phase for population enumeration in snow-bound areas, Jammu and Kashmir emerged as the top-performing UT across the country among all the snow-bound areas in states or UTs, covered under the September 2026 population enumeration schedule, recording the highest number of self-enumeration submissions. The self-enumeration exercise was conducted from August 17 to 31, 2026, which provided residents an opportunity to participate directly in the digital Census process. During the self-enumeration phase for population enumeration in the snow-bound areas, conducted from August 17 to 31, 2026, the UT of Jammu and Kashmir recorded 9,672 self-enumeration submissions highest among all states and UTs covered in this phase. The response was particularly encouraging in several districts, with Pulwama recording 3,204, Kishtwar 2,231, Doda 1,169, Ramban 629, Poonch 569 and Kulgam 554 Self-Enumerations. In Ladakh, 527 households completed self-enumeration, including 301 in Kargil and 226 in Leh. Thus, a combined 10,199 households across the two Union Territories participated through self-enumeration ahead of the field phase. Amit Sharma appreciated the strong public response and said that the participation demonstrated the growing acceptance of the digital census process and provides a strong foundation for the successful conduct of population enumeration. He urged all residents to extend the same spirit of cooperation to enumerators and supervisors and ensure that their households and eligible family members were accurately covered. During the visit he was accompanied by Prem Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Darshan Kumar, District Statistics and Evaluation Officer from Deputy Commissioner Office, Udhampur district. From the Directorate of Census Operations, Manmeet Singh Loomba Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer, Balbir Singh and Nimrat Kour, Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer and Ajit Kumar District Coordinator for Udhampur District accompanied the CPCO. Population Enumeration in the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir covers 16 districts and 95 charges, with an estimated 4,146 enumeration blocks being formed. These include Poonch, Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Reasi, Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam. In Ladakh, the entire Union Territory is being enumerated during September through an estimated 637 enumeration blocks, making it the first Union Territory to be completely enumerated during the second phase of Census 2027. A significant component of the September exercise will be the enumeration of the houseless population, which will also be covered during this phase. The Directorate has made necessary arrangements to ensure that such population groups are appropriately identified and included within the Census coverage. The exercise will also include the enumeration of special charges, including Defence and Central Armed Police Force establishments and other restricted-access locations, in coordination with the concerned authorities. Following completion of the field enumeration, a revisional round will be conducted from October 1 to 5, 2026 to review the coverage and incorporate eligible changes arising within the prescribed period. This will provide an additional layer of field verification and help ensure that the Population Enumeration is as complete and accurate as possible. The second phase was preceded by a structured training cascade covering master trainers, field trainers and subsequently enumerators and supervisors, with emphasis on census concepts, definitions, field procedures and digital tools. Nodal officers and district coordinators have also been deployed to coordinate field preparations, enumeration block demarcation, distribution of census kits and availability of manuals and other operational material. CPCO Amit Sharma said that the launch from Dudu and Basantgarh sent a clear message about the approach of Census 2027 in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh i.e., the more difficult an area is to reach, the greater the importance of ensuring that its people are counted accurately. Expressing confidence in the preparedness of the census machinery, Amit Sharma said that the Directorate would continue its efforts to ensure complete, accurate and timely population enumeration across the snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir and the entire Union Territory of Ladakh.

MBBS interns protest for stipend hike at GMC Anantnag for 2nd day

MBBS and BDS interns at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag staged a peaceful protest for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, seeking implementation of a long-pending proposal to increase their monthly stipend. Scores of interns gathered on the medical college premises and raised demands for enhancement of the stipend, which they said had remained unchanged for more than seven years despite rising inflation and living costs. Dr Mohammad Akib Javid, an intern at GMC Anantnag, told Greater Kashmir that the government had already constituted a committee to examine the issue and recommended an increase, but the revised stipend had yet to be implemented. We are currently being paid Rs 12,300 per month, he said, adding that interns were seeking implementation of the committees recommendation. The stipend was last formally revised in January 2019, when the Jammu and Kashmir government increased the monthly payment from Rs 4,800 to Rs 12,300 through Government Order No. 80-HME of 2019. Since then, the stipend has remained unchanged even as the cost of living has increased significantly. The government had constituted a committee on June 27, 2023, through Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023 to examine the enhancement of stipends for MBBS and BDS interns. The committee subsequently recommended an increase in the stipend. The J&K government later informed the Legislative Assembly that the committee had recommended a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000. While some earlier reports and representations had cited a figure of Rs 26,350, the Rs 25,000 figure was subsequently reflected in the governments Assembly response, said Javid. However, the recommendation has not translated into an increase in the stipend, he added. Following the committees recommendation, the proposal was processed by the Health and Medical Education Department and referred to the Finance Department for concurrence. The proposal remained pending amid financial and administrative queries, with the Finance Department seeking additional information and clarifications. Information was also sought from government medical colleges before the matter was processed further and resubmitted. Despite the passage of several years since the committee was constituted, the final government order implementing the revised stipend has not been issued. The interns have now renewed their demand for the government to clear the proposal and implement the enhanced stipend.

J&K health indicators outperform national averages: NITI Aayog

Jammu and Kashmir has recorded better outcomes than national benchmarks on several key health indicators, including neonatal, infant and under-five mortality, besides reporting higher immunisation coverage, life expectancy and sex ratio at birth. As per the figures presented by NITI Aayog, the comparison of health indicators shows that J&Ks neonatal mortality rate stands at 10 against the national figure of 18, while its infant mortality rate is 14 compared to 24 at the national level. As per the figures, the under-five mortality rate in J&K is also lower at 15 against the national figure of 28. The J&K UT has recorded a total fertility rate of 1.4, which is lower than the national figure of 1.9. On the demographic front, the official data reveals that the overall sex ratio in J&K is 948 females per 1,000 males against the national figure of 1,020. However, the sex ratio at birth is higher in J&K, which is recorded at 976 compared to 929 at the national level under NFHS-5. The data further shows that fully immunised children aged 1223 months stood at 93.7 per cent in J&K against 87.1 per cent nationally under NFHS-5. Under HMIS, full immunisation coverage is reported at 100 per cent in both J&K and nationally. As per the official figures, J&K has also reported a higher life expectancy at birth of 74.2 years, compared to the national figure of 69.7 years. The official document revealed that 273 hospitals have been empanelled, while approximately 88.25 lakh Golden Cards have been issued under the AB-PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. Over 21.84 lakh treatments have been provided under the scheme, with around Rs 3,984.32 crore in out-of-pocket expenditure of patients saved, it reads. The figures state that the 102-108 ambulance network has also expanded to 530 ambulances, with around 5.58 lakh patients having availed themselves of the services. As per the figures showing the Status of Health Infrastructure and Manpower in J&K, MBBS seats have increased from 500 up to 2019 to 1,725 by July 2026, which is an addition of 1,225 seats. The figure includes AIIMS Jammu, ASCOMS and 50 supernumerary seats. The expansion has also been recorded across other medical and allied health disciplines. DNB seats increased from 20 to 403, while B.Sc Nursing seats jumped from 685 to 3,240. B.Sc Paramedical seats rose from 78 to 1,898, B Pharma seats from 33 to 373 and M.Sc Nursing seats from 25 to 283. Similarly, PG and super-speciality seats have increased from 513 to 802 during the period. As per the figures, the bed capacity per 10,000 population has also increased from 13.74 to 16.63.

The politics of an endless tomorrow

Politics has a curious relationship with unfinished promises. A promise that is fulfilled ceases to be a promise; it becomes a fact. A promise that fails, however, can acquire an unexpected political afterlife. It can be repeated, refined, mourned, blamed on circumstances, and eventually presented to the electorate once againas though its previous failure were itself evidence of the sincerity of those who made it. In this peculiar economy of democratic politics, the unfulfilled promise can become more durable than the fulfilled one. The unfolding political episode involving Aga Ruhullah Mehdi appears to be approaching precisely such a moment. Mehdi is expected to resign from the National Conference and from the Lok Sabha in November, following his increasingly public disagreement with the party over its approach to Article 370. If the resignation is followed by a by-election, he is likely to return to the electorate seeking a fresh mandate. There is, of course, nothing inherently illegitimate about any of this. A politician may leave a party when he believes that it has abandoned a principle, and a citizen has every right to seek electoral vindication. But the circumstances raise a question that is considerably more important than the resignation itself: what exactly is the electorate being asked to renew? Mehdi was elected to Parliament in 2024 in a political campaign in which the restoration of Article 370 occupied a central place. He did not present the issue merely as a matter of historical sentiment. He spoke of carrying the political aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir to Parliament and of pursuing the struggle for constitutional rights. After entering Parliament, he continued to raise Article 370 and criticised the National Conference for what he regarded as its retreat from the position on which it had sought the peoples mandate. He has also spoken of a political roadmap in which restoration of Article 370 would constitute an important step towards the larger objective of autonomy. That is precisely why the present moment demands more than another declaration of commitment. Where is the roadmap? The question may sound almost offensively mundane in the presence of such a grand constitutional aspiration. But democracy is often saved from political theatre by mundane questions. What is the strategy? What are its institutional mechanisms? Who are its political allies? What constitutional route is envisaged? What parliamentary arithmetic is being pursued? What political constituencies outside Jammu and Kashmir are being cultivated? What are the stages of the campaign? What constitutes measurable progress? And after two years, how far has that strategy actually travelled? These are not questions designed to diminish Article 370. They are questions designed to take the promise seriously. There is a fundamental difference between saying that Article 370 ought to be restored and telling an electorate that one will fight to restore it. The former is a political conviction. The latter is a claim of political agency. Once agency is claimed, accountability follows almost automatically. The problem, therefore, is not that Mehdi continues to believe in the restoration of Article 370. He is perfectly entitled to that belief. Nor is the problem that he considers the National Conference insufficiently committed to it. He is entitled to leave the party if that is his considered judgment. The difficulty arises when an extraordinarily complicated constitutional objective is repeatedly presented to the electorate without a sufficiently credible account of the route by which it is supposed to be achieved. A constitutional aspiration is not a strategy. A speech is not a strategy. A protest is not a strategy. And, with due respect to the theatre of political resignation, a resignation is certainly not a strategy. This distinction becomes particularly important because restoration of Article 370 is not a conventional policy demand. The constitutional architecture of Jammu and Kashmir has changed profoundly since August 2019. The Supreme Court has also adjudicated upon the constitutional changes. The present institutional arrangement is therefore not something that can simply be rewound by political will. Anyone seeking its reversal must confront a formidable constitutional and political reality. That does not make restoration impossible in the metaphysical sense. Constitutional orders are made by politics and can, in principle, be altered by politics. But the greater the institutional distance between a political aspiration and its realisation, the greater the obligation upon the politician to explain the bridge between the two. This is where Mehdis political argument deserves to be tested rather than merely applauded or condemned. If the National Conference had a proper roadmap, as Mehdi himself suggested in 2024, what happened to it? If restoration of Article 370 was to be the first step towards autonomy, what were the subsequent steps? If the strategy depended upon building a broader national political coalition, where is that coalition? If parliamentary pressure was central to the strategy, what measurable political pressure has been generated? If the answer is that the political environment made progress impossible, then the next question is unavoidable: what precisely was the strategy designed to overcome that environment? It is not enough to say that the objective is difficult. Politics is, almost by definition, the art of pursuing objectives under conditions in which they are difficult. The BJPs presence at the Centre was not a secret in 2024. The constitutional consequences of 2019 were not unknown. The political obstacles to restoring Article 370 were not suddenly discovered after the election. They were part of the very circumstances in which the mandate was sought. The electorate was therefore not merely asked to endorse a grievance. It was asked to endorse a politician who claimed that the grievance could be politically pursued. Two years later, the burden is to explain what that pursuit has yielded. And here the proposed by-election produces an irony that should not be lost on anyone interested in democratic accountability. Imagine the electorate being approached once again with essentially the same proposition. The candidate says: Give me your vote. I will fight for Article 370. The voter may reasonably respond: You already had our vote. The candidate may then say: Yes, but the party did not fight. The voter can ask: Then what did you do? The candidate may answer: I have now left the party. And the voter may quite reasonably ask the question that political rhetoric would prefer to postpone: Why should leaving the party entitle you to another mandate when the first mandate has not yet been accounted for? This is not an argument that Mehdi had the power to restore Article 370. He did not. To demand such an outcome from an individual MP would be both politically nave and constitutionally unserious. The relevant standard is not whether he achieved the impossible. The standard is whether he can demonstrate a coherent political strategy proportionate to the promise on which he sought office. There is an important distinction between failure and non-performance. A politician may pursue a credible strategy and fail because circumstances overwhelm him. That is an ordinary feature of politics. But if there is no discernible strategy, then failure becomes almost impossible to distinguish from political inertia. And when political inertia is wrapped in increasingly emphatic rhetoric, the electorate has a right to become suspicious. This is where the promise of Article 370 risks becoming something more than a constitutional demand. It can become a form of political capital whose value depends precisely upon its remaining unresolved. An unresolved cause is remarkably convenient politically. It cannot be disproved by events because its fulfilment is always deferred. It allows the politician to say that the struggle continues, that the circumstances were unfavourable, that others betrayed the cause, and that another mandate is therefore necessary. The political calendar moves forward. The promise does not. The electorate is asked to move with it. This is the danger of perpetual political promise. It transforms the absence of an outcome into an argument for another opportunity. The politician does not necessarily have to demonstrate that the strategy worked; he only has to demonstrate that the cause remains emotionally alive. For a society with Kashmirs political history, this is particularly consequential. Constitutional questions here are not abstract matters of institutional design. They are intertwined with memory, identity, dignity, loss and competing understandings of political belonging. The language surrounding Article 370 therefore possesses a moral intensity that ordinary electoral promises rarely acquire. For that reason, politicians who invoke it should be subject to greater intellectual scrutiny, not less. There is something almost paradoxical in demanding that citizens vote again for the restoration of something that has not moved appreciably closer to restoration during the first mandate. Yet perhaps this is the point at which democratic politics must resist its own sentimental tendencies. Conviction is not competence. Persistence is not progress. And repetition is not evidence. Mehdi has been vocal. He has spoken in Parliament. He has criticised his party. He has continued to foreground Article 370. None of this should be denied. But the question is not whether he has been politically active. The question is whether that activity constitutes a strategy capable of producing political consequences. If he believes the National Conference constrained him, he should explain the precise nature of those constraints. If he believes independence will make the struggle more effective, he should explain why. If he believes a fresh mandate will strengthen his hand, he should explain what the new mandate will enable him to do that the previous one did not. Otherwise, the by-election risks becoming a curious democratic ritual in which the electorate is invited to vote twice on the same promise without being given an account of what happened between the two votes. That would be an inversion of the logic of representation. An election is not merely a mechanism for expressing hope. It is also a mechanism for remembering. The voter carries the previous mandate into the next election. Political time is cumulative. The second vote cannot simply erase the first. The politician who asks for renewal must confront the record that makes renewal necessary. This is why the impending contest, if it occurs, should not be reduced to a personal battle between Mehdi and the National Conference. It should be treated as a question about the meaning of political accountability itself. The National Conference certainly owes the people an explanation for the gap between its promises and its present conduct. If it promised to fight for Article 370, it must explain what fight meant and why its political conduct subsequently departed from that commitment. But Mehdi owes the electorate something as well. He must explain what his fight produced. Not what he believes. Not what he said. Not what he intended. What did it produce? That is a harder standard, but it is also a democratic one. There is perhaps an even more uncomfortable question. If restoration of Article 370 is neither presently achievable through any identifiable political route nor supported by a credible strategy capable of altering the existing constitutional order, then is it responsible to continue presenting its restoration as though it were an imminent electoral deliverable? A politician may say that a cause will take decades. That is legitimate. But then he should say so. He should tell the electorate that he is asking not for a mandate to deliver an outcome within a foreseeable political horizon, but for a mandate to participate in a long historical struggle whose result may lie beyond the tenure of any individual politician. There would be intellectual honesty in such an admission. What is problematic is to oscillate between the language of immediate political mandate and the temporal reality of an indefinite constitutional struggle. The people deserve to know which of the two they are being offered. Mehdi may ultimately decide that the National Conference has failed him. He may conclude that leaving the party is necessary to preserve his political integrity. He may contest a by-election and place himself once again before the people. All of that is legitimate. But legitimacy cuts both ways. The candidate has the right to ask for another vote. The voter has the right to ask for an account. And perhaps the most important question in the next election will therefore not be whether the people still believe in Article 370. They may very well continue to believe in it. The question will be whether they believe that Ruhullah Mehdi has demonstrated a credible political capacity to advance it. He cannot reasonably ask the electorate to treat 2026 as though 2024 never happened. The first mandate exists. Its promises exist. Its limitations exist. Its record exists. Before another promise is made, there must be a reckoning with the old one. Otherwise, the political bargain becomes remarkably simple: make the promise, receive the mandate, explain the failure, resign, return, and make the promise again. The electorate deserves a more demanding conception of politics. Article 370 may remain a legitimate political aspiration. But if it is to be presented as an electoral programme, then it must confront the elementary disciplines of political reasoning: What is the route? What is the strategy? What has been attempted? What has been achieved? What has failed? And why should the next mandate produce a different result? Until those questions are answered, the problem is not merely that the promise remains unfinished. The problem is that the promise itself has never been made to account for reality. Dr Zahid Sultan, Independent Researcher Based in Srinagar, India.

CS-led panel clears Rs 2,692 crore urban transformation projects

In a major step towards accelerating sustainable and investment-driven urban transformation in J&K, the Union Territory Level High Powered Steering Committee (UTHPSC), chaired by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, has approved three major urban development projects with a cumulative base cost of Rs 2,692.58 crore under the Government of Indias Urban Challenge Fund (UCF). The meeting was attended by the senior officers in the administration, including the ACS, Tourism; ACS, Finance; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Commissioner, JMC/SMC and other concerned officers. The projects identified by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) includes TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) in Jammu, Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalization in Srinagar, and KRIPA (Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities) in Reasi are designed to combine public investment with market-linked financing and private participation to create modern, sustainable and economically vibrant urban spaces. The approvals mark a significant advancement in J&Ks efforts to leverage the UCF framework for transformative urban infrastructure, while unlocking additional institutional, municipal and private capital for large-scale development. With an estimated cost of Rs 1,567.91 crore, TARANG envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and surrounding urban areas through a combination of public infrastructure and PPP-led commercial development. The project has a funding structure comprising Rs 307.05 crore each from the Government of India and UT Government, while Rs 953.81 crore is proposed to be mobilised through market and PPP financing. The PPP component will facilitate development of a high-end residential group housing project, an upscale hotel, a modern retail mall and associated Left Bank road infrastructure. The Central Island will also be activated through development of a luxury resort asset. The project further provides for extensive structural and river-protection works, including a diaphragm wall, embankment filling, retaining wall with anchor slabs and interceptor drainage infrastructure. The Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation project, with an estimated cost of 1,010.77 crore, seeks to rejuvenate Srinagars historic urban core and unlock the economic potential of its lakefront areas in the interiors of the historical city. Around 300.77 crore will be deployed towards core public infrastructure and revitalisation of the historic city, while the PPP component will support development of a Hospitality Centre, Pokribal Lakefront and a premium five-star boutique hotel. The Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities (KRIPA) project in Reasi, estimated at 113.90 crore, will focus on improving pilgrim amenities, mobility management and institutional infrastructure in Katra. A major component is the Katra Gateway Centre, envisaged as a 5+2 floor mixed-use facility over a 10.17-kanal site, with approximately 1.39 lakh sq ft of built-up area. It will include pilgrim dormitories with 480 beds across 36 dormitories, 35 guest rooms, retail outlets, a community dining hall and dedicated prayer spaces. To address parking and traffic congestion, the project also provides for a Multi-Level Car Parking facility with capacity for 365 Equivalent Car Spaces, EV charging infrastructure and dedicated bus bays near the Yatra Parchi Counter. The project additionally provides Rs 15.25 crore for institutional remodelling, including modern commercial office spaces, retail kiosks and upgraded administrative facilities for the Municipal Committee, Katra. The three projects reflect the UCFs emphasis on developing bankable, investment-ready urban projects by combining government support with market-based financing. The approach is aimed not only at creating modern urban infrastructure but also at ensuring that such assets generate sustainable economic activity and long-term revenue streams. The Committee has also laid emphasis on ensuring timely, quality and financially sustainable execution of the approved projects. The initiatives are expected to significantly enhance urban infrastructure, mobility, tourism and economic activity while creating new public spaces and investment opportunities across Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.

Heavy rain swells Pahalgam stream, roads submerged in sourth Kashmir

A sudden rise in water levels in the Maamal Nalla in Pahalgam submerged roads in parts of south Kashmir on Tuesday following heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to advise residents living near water channels to exercise caution. Water levels surged in the stream following a heavy downpour, inundating roads in the area. Authorities urged people to avoid riverbanks and remain vigilant, particularly as further spells of rain and thunderstorms have been forecast. Heavy rains were also reported from several other parts of south Kashmir, including Shopian and Awantipora. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy weather on September 1 and 2, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places. Brief spells of heavy rain are also likely in the Jammu division during the early morning and late afternoon or evening hours. Generally dry weather is expected on September 3, although brief showers may occur at a few places. On September 4, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places, accompanied by brief intense showers. From September 5 to 12, weather is expected to remain generally dry, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at isolated to scattered places, mainly during the early morning and afternoon hours. Despite the recent rainfall, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 4% surplus in seasonal precipitation. According to IMD data, the Union Territory received 444.1 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 26, against the normal of 428.8 mm. However, the overall figure masks significant regional variations. Shopian, one of Kashmirs major apple-growing districts, received only 117 mm of rainfall during the period, 48% below its normal of 224.9 mm. Kishtwar recorded a 49% deficit, with 169.3 mm against the normal of 328.9 mm. Budgam recorded a 20% deficit, while Reasi was 21% below normal. Jammu and Kathua recorded rainfall deficits of 11% and 12%, respectively. Several districts, meanwhile, received substantially above-normal rainfall. Baramulla recorded a 65% surplus, receiving 269.7 mm against the normal of 163.9 mm. Udhampur received 1,256.2 mm, 60% above its normal of 787.3 mm, while Pulwama recorded a 56% surplus. Ganderbal recorded a 50% surplus and Samba 44%. The most pronounced departures were recorded in the wider Himalayan region. Kargil received 21.6 mm against a normal of 6.4 mm, registering a surplus of 238%, while Ladakh received 60.4 mm against the normal of 18.9 mm, a 220% surplus. Among Kashmir districts, Srinagar recorded a 22% surplus, receiving 226.5 mm against a normal of 186.2 mm. Anantnag and Bandipora were both 14% above normal. The uneven rainfall distribution comes at a crucial stage for agriculture and horticulture in Kashmir, where weather conditions play an important role in crop and fruit production. While Jammu and Kashmir as a whole has not recorded a significant seasonal rainfall deficit, shortages in districts such as Shopian and Budgam underline the sharp regional disparities in precipitation. In Pahalgam, residents living near the Maamal Nalla and other water channels have been advised to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas amid the forecast for additional rain and thunderstorms.

Cant assume investigating agencys role or conduct a mini-trial: HC

Observing that it could not assume the role of an investigating agency or conduct a mini-trial, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has refused to quash an FIR registered against a 61-year-old man for alleged cheating and criminal conspiracy. A bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, while dismissing one S.S. Aryas plea, held that the allegations disclosed prima facie cognizable offences and that disputed questions of fact could not be adjudicated in proceedings under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Notably, Section 482 of CrPCnow corresponding to section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita ( BNSS) recognises and preserves the inherent powers of a High Court to quash an FIR or complaint. Arya had sought to quash the FIR registered under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, along with a notice issued to him under Section 160 of CrPC. The dispute originated from allegations that the petitioner and co-accused J Nain had induced complainant P Gandhotra to invest around Rs 77 lakh in connection with an NH-40 road-maintenance contract in Andhra Pradesh, allegedly assuring him a 10 per cent partnership. According to the complainant, only Rs 17 lakh was subsequently returned, leaving around Rs 60 lakh unpaid. In his plea, Arya, however, maintained that the dispute was essentially civil and arose from financial dealings concerning a proposed purchase of a plot in Gurugram. He relied upon agreements, bank transactions and alleged repayments to contend that approximately Rs 61.59 lakh had already been paid back. The complainant disputed this version, maintaining that the Gurugram property transaction was entirely separate from the NH-40 contract. He contended that the petitioner was attempting to club unrelated transactions to portray the criminal case as a civil dispute. The Court observed that the rival versions raised disputed questions concerning the nature of the transactions, bank transfers, agreements, the affidavit dated March 3, 2021, and the alleged repayments. Such issues required investigation and appreciation of evidence and could not be conclusively determined while exercising inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 CrPC, it said. The Court noted that the allegations in the FIR, taken at face value, contained specific assertions regarding inducement, payment of substantial amounts, the proposed 10 per cent partnership in the NH-40 contract and the alleged involvement of the accused persons. These allegations, if taken at their face value, are sufficient to require an investigation, it observed About the issues as to whether the representation was actually made, whether the complainant was induced by it, whether there was dishonest intention from the inception and whether the money was subsequently repaid, the court said these were matters requiring factual determination. In response to the challenge to the jurisdiction of the Economic Offence Wing, the Court declined to conclusively determine the issue at this stage, saying that the question of the requisite territorial or statutory nexus had to be examined based on material collected during investigation.

Beyond Transfers and Promotions

In every government, transfers, postings, promotions, selection grades, super-time scales and induction into higher services are necessary parts of the administrative system. They help maintain efficiency, recognise experience and provide career progression to employees. There is nothing wrong with these processes. The real question, however, is whether these administrative activities are being translated into better governance and improved quality of life for the people. Good governance should ultimately be judged by its outcomes, not merely by the number of administrative decisions taken. If an officer is transferred, another is posted, someone receives a promotion and another enters a higher scale, these may be important events within government. But for the ordinary citizen, the more important question is: Has anything improved because of these decisions? This is where governance needs to be examined scientifically. In science, an intervention is not considered successful simply because it has been carried out. Its success is assessed through measurable results. If a new medicine is introduced, its effectiveness is measured by the improvement in the patients condition. Similarly, if a government introduces a new policy, reorganises a department or elevates its officials, the effectiveness of that decision should be assessed through its impact on public services. The same principle can be applied to administration. If an administrative change results in faster delivery of services, better healthcare, improved schools, stronger rural infrastructure, better roads, reliable electricity, cleaner cities, more efficient offices or quicker resolution of public grievances, there is a visible public outcome. If there is no measurable improvement, then merely changing personnel or designations cannot, by itself, be described as good governance. This does not mean that transfers or promotions are unnecessary. They are essential for a functioning administration. But they should serve a larger purpose. Personnel management should be a means to achieve better public service, not an end in itself. The citizen is the ultimate stakeholder in governance. People are less concerned about which officer occupies which chair and more concerned about whether their problems are being solved. A parent wants a good school for his or her child. A patient wants timely and affordable medical treatment. A farmer needs roads, irrigation, electricity and access to markets. A young person wants education, skills and employment opportunities. A resident of a town expects clean surroundings, proper drainage, traffic management and dependable public services. These are the real indicators of governance. There is also a need for greater self-reflection among employees who receive higher responsibilities. Promotion should not be viewed only as a reward for years of service. With elevation comes greater responsibility. Before accepting a higher position, every employee should be able to ask himself or herself a simple question: Do I possess the competence, commitment and sense of public responsibility required for this position? Such self-assessment would strengthen rather than weaken the institution. A higher designation should represent greater capacity to serve, take responsibility, solve problems and deliver results. The higher the position, the greater should be the expectation of accountability. There is another important issue that deserves public discussionthe growing difference between employees working in mainstream administration and those serving in technical, professional, scientific, educational and other specialised fields. Many employees join government service with similar expectations and contribute for decades. However, different service rules, cadres and career structures can create significant differences in opportunities for advancement. Some employees working outside the traditional administrative structure may find themselves considerably behind their counterparts, despite possessing specialised qualifications, professional experience and having performed equally important public duties. This disparity deserves careful examination. A modern government cannot function only through general administration. Doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers, technologists, economists, statisticians, researchers, technicians and other professionals are equally important to development. A government that speaks of science-based decision-making, technological innovation, quality education and modern healthcare must also ensure that the people responsible for these areas receive fair career opportunities. Separate service rules may sometimes be necessary because different professions have different requirements. However, different rules should not automatically mean unequal respect, unequal opportunities or permanent career disadvantage. The principle should be simple: responsibility, competence, performance and contribution should receive appropriate recognition. A scientific approach to governance would therefore require the development of measurable indicators. Departments could periodically assess whether their policies have reduced waiting times, improved service delivery, increased school attendance, strengthened healthcare outcomes, improved road conditions, reduced power disruptions, accelerated development projects and increased citizen satisfaction. Even citizen feedback can be systematically collected. Data can tell government what is working and what is not. Such an approach would move administration from a system based largely on procedures to one increasingly based on performance and outcomes. There is also a need to distinguish between activity and achievement. Holding meetings, issuing orders, transferring officers, creating committees and announcing schemes are activities. Achievement begins when these activities produce a meaningful change on the ground. A department may hold hundreds of meetings, but if a citizen still has to visit an office repeatedly for a simple service, the system needs improvement. A hospital may have modern equipment, but if patients cannot access timely treatment, the investment has not achieved its full purpose. A school may have infrastructure, but if learning outcomes remain poor, infrastructure alone cannot be considered success. The objective, therefore, should not be to criticise officers or employees. Most government employees work under difficult circumstances and carry significant responsibilities. The purpose should instead be to create a system in which every position carries responsibility, every elevation carries accountability and every policy is ultimately judged by its public benefit. Transfers and promotions will always remain part of administration. They should continue where they are genuinely required. But they should be accompanied by a broader institutional question: What outcome do we expect from this decision? If that question becomes a normal part of governance, administration can gradually become more transparent, professional and people-oriented. In the final analysis, good governance is not about how many officers have been transferred, how many employees have been promoted or how many new designations have been created. These are internal indicators of administrative movement. The true indicator is much simpler: Do people feel that their lives are becoming easier, their services better, their opportunities greater and their future more secure? When citizens experience that change, governance becomes meaningful. When employees understand that elevation means greater responsibility rather than merely greater status, public institutions become stronger. And when every category of employee is given fair opportunity to progress according to competence, contribution and responsibility, the entire administrative system becomes more balanced. The ultimate measure of government should therefore not be movement within the system, but progress experienced by the people outside it. Dr Nasir Shah, Former Additional Director JKSTIC, DST, has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation, and educational awareness across J&K.

J&K Bank is Our Bank, Let it Remain So

Despite stupendous macro and micro advances in money, banking and finance, driven by information and communication technologies, digitisation, globalisation, financial engineering and increasingly complex financial products, banks and banking remain pivotal to any economy. Their importance cannot be overstated. This is even more relevant for an economy like Jammu and Kashmirs. Our economy continues to be an unusual mix of subsistence activity, agriculture, a large informal sector, government-dependent spending and a relatively small formal private economy struggling to expand. Add to this a landlocked geography, high logistics costs, decades of disruption, limited industrialisation, seasonal incomes and high unemployment, and access to capital becomes one of the most critical determinants of economic opportunity. In an economy like ours, J&K Bank which enjoys almost a monopoly status becomes extremely important. Its significance is not merely because it is the major bank of J&K, but because the economic, financial and overall health of J&K is deeply intertwined with the flow of credit from this institution. The Bank itself says that it commands more than 61 per cent of the banking business in J&K and Ladakh. Of its 1,017 branches as of March 2026, 841 were located in J&K. But there is an even more telling number. Of J&K Banks total deposits of about Rs.1.65 lakh crore as on March 31, 2026, nearly Rs.1.37 lakh croreor about 83 per centcame from J&K. This is the financial foundation upon which the Bank stands. In the not-too-distant past, there were negative features associated with the Bankfrom patronage in lending to poor corporate governance and allied structural issues. To some extent, it needs to be said in the Banks favour, these have been remedied. But it increasingly appears that the cost of this internal restructuring and changed external posture is being passed on to the ordinary people of J&K. Their access to capital, lending and credit is now determined by a tightening of the rule book. A difficult bureaucratic framework often makes access to capital cumbersome precisely for those small entrepreneurs who need institutional finance most. Meanwhile, the Banks own numbers reveal a dramatic shift. While nearly 83 per cent of deposits originate in J&K, only about 61 per cent of gross advances are deployed here. As of March 2026, gross advances within J&K stood at approximately Rs.76,159 crore, while advances in the Rest of India, including Ladakh, had risen to Rs.48,822 crore. More disturbing is the direction of travel. During 2025-26, advances within J&K increased by around Rs.6,465 crore. In the Rest of India they increased by approximately Rs.11,530 crore. In other words, nearly 64 per cent of the Banks incremental gross lending during the year went outside J&K. This is not political rhetoric. These are the Banks own numbers. And the Bank has itself spoken of moving, over the medium to long term, towards a 50:50 geographical split of its loan book between its traditional territory and the Rest of India. That makes one question unavoidable: Is J&K gradually becoming the deposit-gathering territory of J&K Bank while the Rest of India increasingly becomes its preferred lending territory? It appears that the Bank is changing its form, shape and remit. It is increasingly behaving like a conventional commercial bank whose customer and client focus is shifting towards larger, deep-pocket players, mostly outside J&K. Of its 48,822 crore advances outside J&K, approximately 79 per cent are corporate advances. There is nothing inherently wrong with corporate lending or geographical diversification. Prudential diversification can strengthen a bank and protect it against regional concentration risks. But diversification cannot become displacement. A Rs.500-crore or Rs.1,000-crore corporate loan outside J&K may be easier to process, monitor and manage than hundreds of small loans within J&K. It may also quickly enlarge the balance sheet and improve headline numbers. But what does it do for employment in J&K? What does it do for our factories, tourism, handicrafts, horticulture, transport and service sectors? What does it do for the thousands of educated young people desperately looking for economic opportunity? A thousand crore deployed prudently among hundreds of viable enterprises within J&K can create thousands of jobs, generate demand, build local supply chains and ultimately return to the Bank itself as deposits. That is the economic multiplier J&K desperately needs. The experience of borrowers in J&K adds another uncomfortable dimension. For years, businesses here have paid comparatively high rates of interest, often justified in the name of geographical, political or market risk. Small and medium borrowers have been required to mortgage primary assets, provide substantial collateral securitiesoften far beyond the loan amountand, in many cases, furnish personal guarantees as well. This is a reality known to generations of entrepreneurs in J&K. Contrast this with large corporate lending outside J&K, where highly rated borrowers can access enormous amounts based substantially on credit ratings, cash flows, balance sheets and corporate risk assessment, often at far more competitive rates. The ordinary entrepreneur is therefore entitled to ask: Are the people of J&K good enough to provide the Bank with nearly 83 per cent of its deposits, but too risky when they approach the same Bank for credit? Why should money raised from relatively low-cost deposits in J&K increasingly travel outside to finance large corporates at competitive rates while a small entrepreneur here struggles with high interest, excessive collateral, personal guarantees and layers of procedure? This is not an argument for reckless lending. It is an argument for equity within prudent banking. J&K Bank has undoubtedly become more profitable but profitability cannot be the sole metric of health. Its annual profit for 2025-26 reached a record Rs.2,363 crore, while its asset quality and other financial parameters have improved considerably. That deserves acknowledgement. But higher profitability, by itself, is not the sole metric of the Banks overall health. The Bank must employ metrics, ratios and policies that make it vibrant, resilient and profitable. But these must not come at the expense of the people of J&K. A bank can have a cleaner balance sheet, record profits and excellent ratios while the economy from which it gathers the overwhelming majority of its deposits remains starved of productive credit. That would be a strange definition of success. J&K Bank cannot become merely a machine for maximising return on equity while progressively weakening its social and economic embeddedness in J&K. It is not being suggested that J&K Bank become a social institution. It must remain a professional banking institutionbut one that understands and realises its social embeddedness. The unfortunate but probably inevitable listing and dilution of shareholding have understandably increased the Banks accountability to the market and its shareholders. But shareholders and stakeholders cannot be placed in opposing camps. More importantly, the Governments of J&K and Ladakh together continue to hold about 59.4 per cent of the Banks equity. The Government cannot therefore wash its hands of the Banks strategic direction by arguing that it is merely a commercial institution. Nobody is asking the Government to decide individual loans. That would be disastrous and would never be in the interest of the institution. But the majority shareholder has both the right and responsibility to ask where this institution is heading. Does its Board adequately understand J&Ks peculiar economy? Does its credit policy recognise the conditions under which local enterprises operate? Why is credit outside J&K growing at such a dramatically faster pace? And what will a proposed 50:50 geographical loan-book distribution ultimately mean when nearly 83 per cent of deposits presently come from J&K? Commercial autonomy cannot become an alibi for absence of accountability. By enjoying a dominant market share, unmatched market depth and reach, a strong deposit franchise and, above all, the trust of the people of J&K, the Bank has to be more active and responsive to the economy that created it. To improve the financial and economic health of J&K, undercut high unemployment, aid robust and clean enterprise creation, assist genuinely distressed but promising firms, make access to capital easier and more equitable and induce domestic demand, J&K Bank must rise to the occasion. Instead of a tight bureaucratic framework and excessive reliance on narrow metrics and ratios, the Bank must become a catalyst for broad-based growth and development. Let the Bank expand outside J&K. Let it diversify. Let it become stronger. Let it earn record profits. But let it not collect our savings cheaply, lend them elsewhere more enthusiastically, and then tell our own entrepreneurs that they are too risky to finance. J&K cannot become merely the deposit base of J&K Bank while the rest of the country progressively becomes its credit destination. The Banks greatest asset was never merely its balance sheet. It wasand remainsthe trust of the people who built that balance sheet. That trust must not be taken for granted. J&K Bank is our Bank. Let it remain so. S M Altaf Bukhari is former Finance Minister and President Apni Party

War on drugs: J&K ranks 1st in PIT-NDPS detentions, 3rd in property attachments

Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the leading regions in the country in enforcement against the drug trade, ranking first in detentions under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and third in property attachments. According to official figures presented as part of the administrations drug de-addiction measures during a recent meeting convened by members of the NITI Aayog, 3,072 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have been registered in Jammu and Kashmir since January 1, 2026. The cases have resulted in 3,556 arrests and 376 convictions. The authorities have also attached 421 properties valued at Rs 196 crore and detained 169 persons under the PIT-NDPS Act. As part of regulatory and enforcement action against the drug network, 160 drug hotspots have been identified, while 1,698 suspects are currently under surveillance, the official figures show. Authorities have also cancelled 22 drug-store licences and suspended 400 licences as part of measures to prevent the diversion and misuse of controlled substances. The government has simultaneously intensified its crackdown on the illicit cultivation of narcotic crops. During the period, 12 acres of poppy and 144 acres of cannabis cultivation were destroyed. A total of 247 cases were registered in connection with such cultivation, leading to the arrest of 254 persons. The official data states that illegal poppy cultivation has been nearly eliminated. The enforcement drive has also extended to transport-related documents. Authorities have suspended 781 vehicle registrations and 669 driving licences in connection with drug-related cases. The administration has issued a common Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the cancellation or suspension of documents and facilities of persons accused under the NDPS Act and those detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. The SOP covers passports, driving licences, arms licences, contractor licences, government accommodation and security. According to the framework, the objective is to restrict the mobility of accused persons, prevent misuse of identity and disrupt drug networks. Trigger events for initiating action include an FIR involving commercial quantity, detention orders, court orders, intelligence inputs and conviction, the official document states. Under the procedure, the investigating officer is required to prepare a case dossier containing the accused persons identity details, relevant documents and particulars of the offence. A Look Out Circular (LOC) is then issued to prevent foreign travel. The SOP provides for cancellation or suspension of documents and facilities, including passports, driving licences, arms licences, security and government accommodation. Post-conviction measures are to ensure continuation of the cancellation or suspension and the LOC, as applicable. In cases of acquittal, the framework provides for restoration of documents and rights, withdrawal of the LOC and unfreezing of accounts. The SOP also calls for coordinated monitoring through clearly defined roles, timelines, nodal officers and mechanisms for reporting and review. Alongside enforcement, the government has reported a substantial expansion of treatment and counselling services for people affected by substance abuse. Since January 2026, treatment has been provided to 5,321 new out-patient department (OPD) cases and 801 new in-patient department (IPD) cases. The facilities have also recorded 1.79 lakh follow-up visits. The official figures show that 799 patients were discharged, while 15,054 patients received counselling. The government has also said that awareness campaigns were conducted across all panchayats through rallies, seminars and workshops.

Harvest Hazards

Harvest is a time of joy as farmers reap the benefits of their hard work. Kashmirs harvest season is, for most of the cultivation, towards autumn. One of the fruits that is harvested these days is walnut. Know for its value in dry fruit market, Kashmir produces good amount of walnut, and it can fetch reasonable income to growers. But unlike plants like apple, plum or pear, walnut is a majestic tree. Its size and height is really huge. So climbing the tree and plucking fruit comes with its own dangers. Every year we see many cases of fall from the tree treated in different hospitals of the valley. The injuries are grave and people even face life time disabilities as a result of fall from a walnut tree. Just recently we came across a news that in South Kashmirs Qazigund area a person fell from a walnut tree and succumbed to injuries. This has brought to fore, once again, the practice of unsafe harvesting. Though we have employed new scientific techniques in our orchards, and farming is moving to another level, walnut harvesting remains the very traditional thing it used to be. It is time that safe harvesting is taken very seriously. It is a matter of human lives and nothing should be left undone to ensure safety of a person who climbs up this tall tree. As is common knowledge the height of this tree, and the kind of bark it has, contribute to the risk of falling from this tree. So a safety gear becomes a must in this case. Also, some novel methods of harvesting can be contemplated where the risk is reduced to almost nil. What can also be done to find out safer methods is a comparative study of how people in more advanced countries do this. The concerned departments can sensitise farmers on this and also bring in an element of better harvesting practices. What also needs a careful follow up is to see the potential of hybrid walnut tress; these tress are smaller in size and height, and if their produce rivals the the produce of the traditional walnut trees, we have a better alternative.

136 JKAS officers transferred, posted

Srinagar, Sep 1:The government on Tuesday ordered a major administrative reshuffle involving 136 officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), with transfers and fresh postings across several key departments and districts. The transfers have been ordered by the General Administration Department (GAD) with immediate effect through Government Order No 1463-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated September 1, 2026. Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza, presently serving as Member of the J&K Special Tribunal, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission, against an available vacancy. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Special Secretary to the Government in the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department and under orders of transfer as Additional District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, has been posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Cooperatives Department. RifatKohli, Special Secretary in the Housing and Urban Development Department, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, while Bhumesh Sharma, Secretary of the J&K Advisory Board for Development of Kisans, has been posted as Secretary, J&K Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People. Khalid Majeed, awaiting adjustment in the GAD, has been posted as Special Secretary, School Education Department, while Kanta Devi, Regional Director, Survey and Land Records, Jammu, has been transferred as Special Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department. Rajinder Singh, Special Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, has been moved to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. Sanjay Gupta, Additional Secretary, Mining Department, has been posted as Additional Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, while Amarjeet Singh, Special Secretary, Hospitality and Protocol Department, has been appointed Additional District Development Commissioner, Poonch. Pankaj Gupta, Additional Inspector General of Registration, Jammu, has been posted as Regional Director, Survey and Land Records, Doda, while Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Srinagar, has been appointed Additional District Development Commissioner, Pulwama. Namrita Dogra, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes, Jammu, has been posted as Regional Director, Survey and Land Records, Jammu. Anju Gupta, Additional Transport Commissioner, J&K, has been appointed Additional Inspector General of Registration, Jammu, while Ghulam Rasool, Special Secretary, Revenue Department, has been posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Kupwara. Jogindera Singh Rai, Special Secretary, GAD, has been appointed Managing Director, J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation. RifatAftab Qureshi, Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, has been posted as Director, Command Area Development, Kashmir, while Rajneesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, has been transferred as Special Secretary, Hospitality and Protocol Department. Fayaz Ahmad Banday, JKAS, Director, Command Area Development, Kashmir, has been posted as Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir. BasharatHussain, CEO and Secretary, J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board, has been posted as Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Rajouri. Vinod Kumar Behnal, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kishtwar, has been appointed Executive Director, J&K Rehabilitation Council, Social Welfare Department. Tahir Firdous Dutta, Additional Commissioner (Central) in the office of Financial Commissioner (Revenue), has been transferred as Special Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department. Vishal Sharma, Special Secretary, Hospitality and Protocol Department, has been posted as Regional Director, Survey and Land Records, Rajouri. Tazayun Mukhtar, CEO, Urban Development Agency, Kashmir, has been transferred as Secretary, J&K Sports Council, while Dhananter Singh, Special Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, has been posted as Additional Commissioner, State Taxes, Jammu. Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (IT, Data Analytics and Economic Intelligence), Jammu, has been posted as Special Secretary, Estates Department. Zahoor Ahmad Magray, Joint Director, Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, has been appointed Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. MasaratHashim, Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central), J&K, has been posted as Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Srinagar. GhulamNabiBhat, Additional Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (Recovery), Kashmir. Anil Salgotra, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, has been posted as Joint Director, School Education, Jammu, while Veedushi Kapoor, JKAS, Additional Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, has been moved to the Revenue Department. Raj Muhammad, has been posted as Director, Land Management, Srinagar Development Authority, while SumeraShamim, Director, Land Management, SDA, has been appointed Joint Registrar, Cooperative Societies (Special), Kashmir. Afshan Masood, Secretary, J&K Advisory Board for Development of Other Backward Classes, has been transferred as Joint Director, J&K Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD). Muhammad Aslam, Registrar-cum-Controller of Examinations, SKIMS, Soura, has been posted as General Manager, DIC, Ganderbal. Virender Kumar Manyal, CEO, Tourism Development Authority, Patnitop, has been transferred as Joint Registrar, Cooperatives (Banking and Finance), J&K, while RakeshDubey, has been appointed the new CEO of the Tourism Development Authority, Patnitop. Tariq Hussain, CEO, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg, has been transferred as Registrar-cum-Controller of Examinations, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar. Alyaz Ahmad Naisroo, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (Appeals-II), Srinagar, has been appointed CEO, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg. Fareed Ahmad Kohli, Joint Director, Geology and Mining, Jammu, has been posted as Programme Officer, ICDS Project, Poonch, and will additionally hold the charge of CEO, Tourism Development Authority, Poonch, until further orders. Sudhir Bali, Additional Secretary, Disaster Management Department, has been posted as Member, J&K Services Selection Board. The order further assigns officers to the Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, Higher Education, ICDS projects, School Education, Handlooms and Rural Development. The Government has also made extensive transfers involving Junior Scale JKAS officers, with many officers being posted to different departments or having their services placed at the disposal of other departments. Among the postings, Neha Sharma, has been appointed Administrative Officer, Government Medical College, Jammu, while Muhammad Iqbal Mir, has been posted as Under Secretary, Cooperatives Department. Waheed Ahmad has been posted as Under Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, while Junaid Amin Bhat has been placed at the disposal of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. Further transfers include officers being placed at the disposal of the Social Welfare, Finance, Tourism, Employment, Transport, Industries and Commerce, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments. Among the final batch, Shashank Padha has been posted as Under Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Hidaitullah Mir as Under Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department; and Pankaj Sharma as Under Secretary in the J&K Services Selection Board. The final portion of the order includes postings and departmental placements for officers including Kuldeep Kumar, Muhammad Irfan, ShefaliBhagat, Aamina Lateef, Sunil Kumar, and Dharam Paul. The government order states that all the officers covered by the order shall be deemed to have been relieved immediately from their respective places of posting. The order has been issued by the General Administration Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and is signed by M Raju, IAS, Commissioner Secretary to the Government. The extensive reshuffle is expected to bring changes across key administrative, developmental, revenue, taxation, tourism, education, social welfare, and rural-development assignments throughout J&K.

J&K Bank to fill 1400 posts, notification in coming weeks: Amitava Chatterjee

Srinagar, Sep 1:The Jammu and Kashmir Bank is set to begin its biggest recruitment exercise in years, with the board approving around 1400 posts for advertisement in the coming weeks. The hiring will remain locally focused, with all the positions open only to domiciles of J&K and around 40 posts to be filled by residents of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee said. While Chatterjee acknowledged that the concerns raised regarding the bank reflect the deep connect that the people of J&K have with this institution and these sentiments need to be respected, he, at the same time, stressed that the banks strategic initiatives need to be viewed from a perspective of long-term growth and sustainability. Addressing questions over the banks lending pattern, particularly the sharp difference between credit growth in J&K and its operations outside J&K, with advances in J&K growing by around 9 percent against around 30 percent growth in rest of the country during FY 2025-26, indicating that J&K Bank in increasingly directing its incremental lending towards markets outside its traditional operating area, Chatterjee rejected this interpretation and reiterated that expansion outside J&K does not in any way mean dilution of the banks commitment to its home territories of J&K and Ladakh. He said that the credit growth percentages across geographies should not be viewed in isolation but rather need to be viewed alongside the size of the respective loan books. At the beginning of FY 2025-26, more than two-thirds of the banks loan book came from J&K and Ladakh. Despite the disruption in economic activity caused by the Pahalgam attack in 2025, the bank posted a reasonable credit growth of more than 9 percent in J&K and Ladakh during the financial year. While the bank operates in 22 states and Union Territories across the country, more than 60 percent of the banks lending is concentrated in the two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. As a bank, our lending is driven by the availability of profitable opportunities. Our objective is to pursue quality credit growth wherever viable opportunities exist. However, I would like to assure our customers as well as other well-wishers of the bank in J&K and Ladakh that any growth opportunities that the bank pursues in the rest of the country will not come at the cost of our home regions of J&K and Ladakh. Our core business is in J&K, and we will continue to be a J&K-centric bank, he said. With respect to the concerns raised about taking away opportunities from the youth of J&K by opening up the banks recruitment to non-locals, he said that he had some good news for the youth of J&K and Ladakh as the bank was set to initiate its first recruitment drive in almost 5 years with plans to recruit around 1400 people. All the posts to be advertised shall be open only to local candidates, only domiciles of J&K, and around 40 posts for Ladakh residents, he said. Speaking about plans to recruit non-locals, he said that there were no plans to alter the banks core recruitment model or replace its existing workforce. However, to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, the bank has been recruiting non-locals for some of its branches in rest of the country right from its inception till 2019. On similar lines, the bank may opt for limited and strictly need-based recruitment in the future for its branches in rest of the country to supplement and support the existing staff in penetrating those markets, he said. The banks approach to stressed assets and settlement of outstanding loans was another key issue discussed in the interaction. Business chambers, associations and borrowers have been seeking a more expansive One-Time Settlement mechanism, including a 2020 SBI-style framework that could cover larger accounts in the Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 crore range. Chatterjee said J&K Bank has prepared an OTS framework, but indicated that there were limits on the concessions the bank could offer. Chatterjee pointed to the financial implications of an OTS for the lender. At the end of the day, when we give an OTS, we are giving up money. Ultimately, these are funds belonging to our depositors, and we are merely its custodians and we have a responsibility to protect their interests as well, he said. On the composition of the J&K Bank board, Chatterjee said he would favour the inclusion of a representative from Kashmir, amid concerns over the absence of such representation. I would definitely want a Kashmiri representative on the board, as he or she would have an ear to the ground on the realities here, he said. Chatterjee said that such an appointment was ultimately the prerogative of the J&K government, by virtue of being the majority shareholder. He also put to rest speculation about a possible relocation of the banks headquarters from Srinagar. There is no proposal to shift the headquarters of J&K Bank from Srinagar. Why would we do this now when the Bank has not shifted its base even during turbulent times? J&K Bank's headquarters has been in Srinagar for over 8 decades now, since its inception, and it will continue to remain here, Chatterjee said. The banks dual objectives of continuing to enhance and deepen its banking business and relationship in J&K and Ladakh while expanding in the rest of the country should be seen as complementary objectives and not competing ones. A stronger J&K Bank will ultimately be able to better support and serve the economies as well as the people of J&K and Ladakh, he said.

LOP challenges CM to resign, seek fresh mandate on statehood

Srinagar, Sep 1:Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday accused the National Conference (NC) government of using the statehood issue to divert public attention from what he described as more pressing concerns, including unemployment and alleged irregularities in the distribution of government jobs. Sharma was reacting to the NCs announcement of a peaceful gherao of BJP headquarters in Srinagar and Jammu on Wednesday. He said restoration of statehood was not the issue on which the Omar Abdullah-led government had sought votes during the Assembly elections. The government came to power on promises of free electricity, jobs, and ration, and not on the promise of restoration of statehood, Sharma said. Challenging the CM, the BJP leader said, If Omar Abdullah has the courage, he should resign and seek a fresh mandate from the people on the issue of statehood. Sharma also accused the ruling NC of attempting to shift the public discourse away from allegations surrounding the distribution of government jobs. He alleged that around 25,000 posts were being given and distributed among NC workers, and demanded that the government address concerns over employment and recruitment. The BJP leader said his partys proposed protest would be held as scheduled on Wednesday and would focus on what he described as the failure of the government to provide adequate employment opportunities to the youth of J&K. Our protest will go on as per schedule. We will protest tomorrow against the jobs that are not being given to the youth, and the NCs protest on the same day is unfortunate and an attempt to divert the attention of the people from the real issues, Sharma said. He termed the NCs decision to organise its protest against the BJP on the same day as the BJPs planned agitation unfortunate, alleging that the move was aimed at shifting the focus from employment-related issues and alleged irregularities in recruitment. The NC has announced a September 2 programme seeking accountability from the Centre over commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. The party has listed restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees among its key demands.

NC-BJP face-off set to hit streets as parties announce rival gheraos in J&K

Srinagar, Sep 1:Jammu and Kashmirs political contest between the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set for a sharper street-level confrontation on Wednesday, with the NC announcing counter-gheraos of BJP headquarters in Srinagar and Jammu hours after the BJP called for a Secretariat gherao against the Omar Abdullah-led government. The rival programmes have transformed September 2 into a political face-off, with both parties attempting to set the terms of the public debate and, crucially, decide where accountability for Jammu and Kashmirs unresolved issues should lie. The BJPs protest is aimed at the elected government, while the NC is preparing to take its counter-campaign directly to BJP offices, putting the spotlight on the Centre and its commitments towards J&K. Announcing its programme, the NC said its protests would remain peaceful and would demand accountability for commitments made by the Centre in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. The party has identified four demands: constitutional guarantees, restoration of statehood, clearance of the reservation file and justice for the people of J&K. The political messaging is unmistakable. Faced with a BJP campaign questioning the performance of the NC-led administration, the ruling party is seeking to move the debate from governance in J&K to the larger question of what the Centre has promised J&K and what remains undelivered. At the heart of the NCs counter-offensive is statehood. Restoration of statehood has been one of the partys defining demands since the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in 2019. By placing it alongside constitutional guarantees and the reservation issue, the NC is seeking to frame Wednesdays protest not as a defence of the Omar Abdullah government but as a broader political demand directed at New Delhi. The partys reference to the mandate is equally deliberate. The mandate of the people of J&K is not a blank cheque. It must be respected, not taken for granted, the NC said. The statement effectively draws a political line between the mandate received by the elected government and the authority of the Centre, while signalling that the NC does not intend to allow the BJP to monopolise the narrative on accountability. For the BJP, the counter-protest presents a different challenge. Its decision to take its agitation to the Civil Secretariat is designed to put the NC government directly under pressure over issues it says remain unresolved under the present administration. The NCs decision to respond at BJP headquarters turns that campaign into a two-way political contest. Rather than allowing the BJP protest to dominate the political conversation, the NC is seeking to force the Centre and the BJP to answer questions over statehood, constitutional safeguards, and other commitments. The confrontation also reflects the changing political dynamics after the 2024 Assembly elections, when the NC emerged as the principal force in government while the BJP retained its position as the dominant political force in Jammu. Both parties are now attempting to consolidate their respective political constituencies while expanding their narratives beyond their traditional regional strongholds. For the NC, statehood remains a particularly potent issue because it allows the party to connect the question of J&Ks political status with the electoral mandate received by the elected government. For the BJP, the emphasis on governance allows it to argue that the elected administration should be judged on its performance rather than on issues falling within the Centres domain.

KPDCL sought ToD withdrawal; JERC retained it

Srinagar, Sep 1:The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limiteds (KPDCL) decision to withdraw its own proposal for introducing a Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff for 2026-27 has assumed significance after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) went ahead with the mechanism, potentially creating a substantial financial advantage for government offices, educational institutions and industries whose electricity consumption is concentrated during daytime hours. In an additional submission dated July 1, 2026, filed while the tariff proceedings were still before the Commission, KPDCL explicitly sought withdrawal of its ToD proposal for FY 2026-27. The DISCOM told JERC that ToD should not be implemented, in any consumer category during the year and proposed that it be introduced later in phases, as adequate smart-meter penetration was achieved. The reason cited was essentially technological readiness. Without adequate smart metering, consumption during different time blocks could not be uniformly measured and billed, making immediate implementation difficult. JERC, however, did not accept KPDCLs position in its entirety. In its tariff order issued on August 20 and effective from September 1, the commission introduced ToD for consumers, other than agriculture, having sanctioned load or contract demand above 10 kW, subject to the availability of compatible metering and billing infrastructure. Under the approved structure, electricity consumed during solar hours from 9 am to 5 pm - attracts a 20 percent rebate. Consumption during peak hours attracts a surcharge of 20 percent for industrial and commercial consumers and 10 percent for other eligible categories. This leaves the DISCOM in an unusual position: having sought withdrawal of ToD for the entire financial year, KPDCL must now implement the mechanism wherever compatible metering and billing infrastructure is available. The divergence also raises a broader regulatory question. If inadequate smart-meter coverage made ToD impractical for 2026-27, why was complete withdrawal considered necessary when the mechanism could be applied selectively to consumers whose connections already have compatible infrastructure? JERC appears to have addressed precisely that concern by limiting implementation to eligible consumers with the required metering and billing systems, rather than waiting for universal smart-meter coverage. The Central Governments Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules themselves envisage ToD as a demand-management instrument. The framework provides for solar-hour tariffs to be at least 20 percent below normal tariffs and links ToD implementation to smart meters. The question, therefore, is whether incomplete smart-meter penetration was sufficient reason to withdraw ToD altogether when a phased, infrastructure-based implementation was possible. The economics of the approved tariff make the issue more significant. The government establishments could emerge as major beneficiaries. Their tariff has increased from Rs 7.90 to Rs 8.30 per unit. But the 20 percent solar-hour rebate brings the daytime energy charge down to Rs 6.64 per unit - nearly 16 percent below the old tariff. Government offices, colleges, and universities largely operate during the 9 am5 pm solar window. Where compatible meters are already available, the rebate could therefore reduce their effective electricity cost despite the increase in the base tariff. For the DISCOM, this could mean lower revenue from substantial consumers whose electricity consumption was already concentrated during daytime, without necessarily producing any significant shift in their consumption behaviour. Kashmirs predominantly daytime industries could similarly turn the tariff increase into a saving. For LT industry, the new Rs 4.60 per-unit tariff falls to Rs 3.68 during solar hours - 12.38 percent below the earlier Rs 4.20 tariff. For HT industry, the Rs 4.50 tariff falls to Rs 3.60, around 12.2 percent below the previous Rs 4.10 rate. The benefit, however, is not automatic. It depends on when electricity is consumed. Units operating substantially during peak hours will face the applicable surcharge, which could offset the saving generated by daytime consumption. That is also the central purpose of ToD: to encourage consumers to shift electricity use away from periods of peak demand and towards solar hours, when power availability from solar generation is generally higher. The J&K tariff structure, however, could reward some consumers for behaviour they were already following. Government offices and single-shift industrial units that naturally consume most of their electricity between 9 am and 5 pm may receive the 20 percent rebate without making any substantial change to their operating patterns. In such cases, ToD could reduce the DISCOMs revenue without necessarily achieving the demand-shifting objective for which the tariff was introduced. But where are the households in this framework? The overwhelming majority of ordinary domestic consumers have sanctioned loads below 10 kW and therefore remain outside the ToD benefit under the JERC order. That is significant because households collectively have considerable flexibility in when they consume electricity. Washing machines, water heating, cooling appliances, ironing, electric cooking and several other energy-intensive household activities can, to varying degrees, be shifted from morning and evening peak periods to daytime solar hours. Across hundreds of thousands of households, even modest changes in consumption patterns could potentially have a greater aggregate impact on the load curve than shifting demand among a relatively smaller pool of large consumers.

PDP and the Politics of Deception: Kashmir Cannot Be Fooled Again

For more than two decades, the Peoples Democratic Party has attempted an extraordinary political balancing act in Jammu & Kashmirspeaking one language while exercising power and another when sitting in opposition. Its politics has repeatedly moved between constitutional mainstream, soft-separatist rhetoric, reconciliation with Pakistan and aggressive criticism of New Delhi, depending upon the political circumstances of the moment. This is not ideological consistency. It is politics of convenience. The 2014 Contradiction The clearest example remains 2014. PDP sought votes in Kashmir by positioning itself strongly against BJP. Yet after the election it entered into an alliance with the very party it had opposed and formed the Government. BJP's ideological position was never concealed. Its views on nationalism, Article 370 and complete integration of J&K with India were known for decades. PDP nevertheless shared power with BJP. If BJP was politically acceptable when ministerial offices were available, how did it suddenly become ideologically unacceptable when PDP lost power? Principles cannot change according to one's distance from the Chief Minister's chair. 2016 Exposed the Contradiction The unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016 provides an even more telling example. When Mehbooba Mufti was Chief Minister and responsible for maintaining law and order, her language was very different from the rhetoric PDP frequently employs from the opposition benches. In August 2016, she said a small percentage was creating havoc and questioned those attacking police stations and security camps. Later that year, she urged security forces to exercise restraint and avoid pellet guns where possible. The important point is not to reopen the tragedy of 2016. It is to ask a question of political consistency. When responsible for government, PDP understood the compulsions of maintaining public order. Outside government, why does its political narrative so frequently sound as though those compulsions never existed? Kashmir deserves honesty about this contradiction. Jamaat-e-Islami: Why This Political Priority? The contradiction continues today. In July 2026, Mehbooba Mufti said PDP would join the proposed opposition protest in Delhi only if its agenda included restoration of Article 370, release of political prisoners and lifting the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami. BJP is entitled to ask: why should lifting the ban on Jamaat become such an important political priority? Every organisation is entitled to whatever legal remedies are available to it. But political parties seeking to govern J&K must make their priorities equally clear. At a time when young Kashmiris want jobs, investment, modern universities, technology, tourism and entrepreneurship, politics should concentrate upon connecting them with India's enormous opportunities rather than constantly returning them to old ideological battlegrounds. Pakistan Again and Again PDP's 2024 manifesto once again placed considerable emphasis upon the Kashmir issue, India-Pakistan engagement, restoration of constitutional guarantees and cross-LoC economic connectivity. Dialogue between countries is ultimately a matter for the Union Government, determined by national interest and security circumstances. But Kashmir's people must ask what decades of Pakistan-centred political discourse actually delivered to their families. Did it create jobs? Did it bring industries? Did it protect tourism from instability? Did it give Kashmir's children uninterrupted education? The ordinary Kashmiri paid the greatest price whenever terrorism, street violence and instability overwhelmed normal life. The children of Kashmir need laptops, not another generation of conflict. Article 370 and Political Convenience PDP's politics around Article 370 presents another contradiction. Its 2014 manifesto called Article 370 essential and advocated using it to restore J&K's original special status. Yet PDP subsequently governed in coalition with BJP despite knowing BJP's decades-old ideological position on Article 370. Today PDP again projects restoration of constitutional guarantees as central to its politics. It is perfectly entitled to advocate its constitutional position democratically. But voters are equally entitled to ask: If these ideological differences were so fundamental, how did they become manageable while governmental power was being shared? BJP's Position Has Never Been Hidden This is where BJP offers a fundamental contrast. One may support or oppose BJP, but its position has been consistent. BJP opposed Article 370 for decades. When it acquired the parliamentary and constitutional capacity, Article 370 was rendered inoperative. There was no separate position in Jammu, another in Srinagar and a third in Delhi. Political clarity is healthier than calculated ambiguity. Kashmir's Youth Deserve Better The biggest victims of emotional politics have always been ordinary young Kashmiris. Political families survived every turmoil. Ordinary families bore the consequences. When schools closed, ordinary children lost education. When tourism collapsed, ordinary workers lost income. When markets shut, ordinary traders suffered. When violence erupted, ordinary families lived in fear. J&K cannot afford another generation trapped in grievance politics. Its youth want careers, startups, artificial intelligence, tourism, world-class infrastructure, sports, universities and opportunities across India and the world. They should not become raw material for anybody's political revival. Politics Must Move Forward PDP must decide what it ultimately wants to represent: a modern democratic party competing on development and governance, or a political formation repeatedly returning to emotionally charged issues whenever it needs to recover electoral space. Jammu & Kashmir has changed. The old political formulas cannot indefinitely be repackaged and sold to new generations. Kashmir's pain cannot become anybody's permanent political business model. People deserve consistency. They deserve accountability. Above all, they deserve leaders who say the same thing whether they are in Government or opposition. PDP's record raises a question it cannot escape: Why do its political principles appear strongest when it is out of power and most flexible when power is within reach? The people of Jammu & Kashmir have seen this politics before. They should not be deceived by it again. (The author is Senior Advocate & Chief Spokesperson, BJP J&K)

The Himalayas need a new blueprint: Rebuilding Rasuwa with climate resilience and proactive infrastructure management

Nepal is rebuilding Rasuwa after devastating floods, shifting focus to proactive infrastructure management. Resilience and climate risk must guide all future development projects in the region. The floods demonstrated a polycrisis, necessitating interconnected risk accounting for greater resilience. AI can strengthen adaptation through robust early-warning systems for disaster preparedness. Regional countries must cooperate on cross-border mechanisms for sustainable infrastructure development.

Our city-city needs bang-bang: Indias booming cities have a governance problem

As key contributors to national economic growth, Indian cities face challenges in governance due to unfulfilled promises of devolving powers to local governments since 1992. To strengthen city management and fiscal strategies, three reforms are essential. Enhancing coordination and stabilizing state-city financial transfers are critical first steps, alongside empowering cities to independently raise funds, which is crucial for their development.

Ungraffiti speaks louder than graffiti

Graffiti aims to be seen, but its removal leaves a powerful, lasting impression. The faint outlines and paint patches whisper tales of censorship and suppressed expression. Political messages, when painted over, signal official discomfort and buried dissent. Citizens interpret these blank spaces as keenly as the original words. Walls become sites where expression and erasure engage in a constant struggle.

The lives behind words

Anna Stroud, a promising South African fiction writer, discusses her journey from journalism to crafting her award-winning debut novel, 'Who Looks Inside,' on the podcast 'The Hidden Lives of Writers.' The episode explores her creative process, including her use of an offline laptop, and delves into the unsettling themes of her novel, which critics describe as atmospheric and haunting.

Can a right to collect toll become taxable payment? The GST question

A Supreme Court case questions whether a government-granted right to collect tolls constitutes non-monetary payment for highway construction. This dispute could impact public-private partnerships across infrastructure sectors. The court must distinguish between a toll right, the actual toll paid by motorists, and deferred payments, ensuring that valuable entitlements are not automatically treated as taxable consideration for construction services, thereby preserving project bankability.

From more to meaning

The guru watched as his disciple transitioned from a life of simplicity to one of greater complexity, encapsulating the evolution of human desires. Illustrated by Maslow's hierarchy, this journey moves from fundamental needs towards self-actualization. Likewise, the timeless Panch Kosh reveals five layers that hide our true nature. These philosophies serve as guiding lights on the quest to uncover our authentic self and inner joy.

Bringing order to disorder: Wars without winners allow India to offer a safe path to economic recovery

Political aspirations in Ukraine and West Asia have become counterproductive due to prolonged warfare. Recognizing this, India is proposing an alternative economic framework that embraces compromise, leading to beneficial outcomes for Russia and Iran. This strategy not only diversifies dependencies away from China but also establishes India as a potential center of economic stability during these turbulent times.

CARA launches year-round campaign against illegal adoption

New Delhi, Sep 1 : The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has launched the theme for Adoption Awareness 2026, reinforcing its commitment to promoting legal, safe, transparent and child-centric adoption across the country. The theme for Adoption Awareness 2026 is: Legal Adoption. Safe Childhood. Secure Future. Say No to Illegal Adoption! The theme was formally launched by Bhavna Saxena, CEO, CARA, during a Live Morning Show on DD National, marking the beginning of a sustained nationwide awareness initiative to promote legal adoption and prevent illegal adoption practices. During the programme, Bhavna Saxena, CEO, CARA, emphasised the importance of following the legal adoption process and said, Adoption is not a shortcutit is a sacred responsibility. Through CARA and the legally prescribed channels, we safeguard the dignity, rights and future of every orphaned, abandoned or surrendered child. Every child deserves a safe, loving and secure familynot secrecy, uncertainty or risk. CARA has been undertaking several measures to strengthen awareness, coordination and enforcement against illegal adoption practices, including enhanced coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, sustained awareness and capacity building at the State, district and community levels remain critical to ensuring that every child is protected and every adoption is carried out through the prescribed legal process. Year-Round Outreach to Promote Legal Adoption Under the theme Legal Adoption. Safe Childhood. Secure Future. Say No to Illegal Adoption, several outreach activities will be conducted throughout the year to create widespread awareness among citizens and key stakeholders. As part of the initiative, State/UT-level Adoption Awareness Workshops are being organised from September 2026 onwards, moving beyond the earlier approach of limiting adoption awareness activities to the month of November. These workshops will provide a platform for stakeholders to understand the statutory adoption process, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, identify and address illegal adoption practices, and reinforce the principle of the best interest of the child. The campaign will involve a wide range of stakeholders, including Women and Child Development Departments, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, Specialised Adoption Agencies, Child Care Institutions, Police, Health Departments, Judiciary, Legal Services Authorities, hospitals and nursing homes, medical professionals, ASHA and ANM workers, civil society organisations, media and digital platforms, among others. Adoption Awareness Workshop in Delhi on 10 September 2026 As part of this nationwide initiative, CARA will organise an Adoption Awareness Workshop in Delhi on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the Delhi Secretariat, New Delhi in collaboration of Department of Women and Child Development, Govt. of Delhi and concerned authorities. The workshop will focus on strengthening awareness regarding the legal adoption framework and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in ensuring that children in need of care and protection receive appropriate care, protection and rehabilitation through lawful mechanisms. The workshop will also emphasise the importance of timely reporting of children found separated from their guardians, lawful surrender procedures, declaration of children as legally free for adoption, and adherence to the prescribed adoption procedure. A Collective Responsibility to Protect Every Child The campaign seeks to ensure that prospective adoptive parents and the general public understand that adoption is a legal and child-centric processnot a private arrangement between individuals. Citizens are encouraged to follow only the legally prescribed adoption process through CARA and the designated authorities/agencies and to report suspected instances of illegal adoption to the competent authorities. Through sustained, year-round awareness and coordinated action, CARA aims to build a stronger ecosystem in which every childs dignity, identity, rights, safety and future are protected.

CM Omar Abdullah revamps J&K Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor

Srinagar, Sep 1: In a major leap forward for public healthcare and social welfare, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the landmark Cancer Treatment & Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP) to ease the out-of-pocket financial burden on poor and vulnerable patients battling cancer. This major policy shift directly targets the critical gaps that previously left low-income families financially exhausted. While major inpatient operations and therapies are broadly covered under the Ayushman BharatPMJAY SEHAT ecosystem, patients historically suffered massive out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient care, routine diagnostics, and daily medication. Addressing this gap head-on, Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs modified guidelines raise the annual family income eligibility limit from 2.40 lakh per annum (20,000 per month) to 4.00 lakh per annum, extending a strong safety net to other low-income families. Furthermore, recognising that cancer recovery demands sustained assistance, the administration has replaced the old one-time grant with up to three distinct financial sanctions. The revised scheme showcases a modern transformation when evaluated against the original 2010 guidelines. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs updated initiative institutes clear assistance slabs of 75,000 for families earning up to 3 lakh annually and 50,000 for those earning between 3 lakh and 4 lakh. Further, beneficiaries are no longer confined to a short list; they can now access care at any hospital empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY-SEHAT network. The modified scheme modifies traditional approach of assistance sent to hospital accounts. Instead, direct bank transfers via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the patient shall be made. Further, once sanction is received from the Chief Ministers office, Deputy Commissioners are required to deposit sanctioned funds directly into beneficiary bank accounts within 72 hours of release from the Chief Minister's Secretariat. This modified scheme is the governments decisive move to address financial vulnerability of patients suffering from life threatening disease and to provide governmental support to the families in need.

ACB arrests two police officers for accepting Rs 15,000 bribe

Srinagar, Sep 1: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday trapped and arrested two police officers for demanding and accepting bribe in Srinagar. In a statement, the ACB said that it received a written complaint alleging that PSI Karanjeet Singh, Investigating officer (IO) of Case FIR No. 65/2026 registered at Police Station Ram Munshi Bagh Srinagar through his accomplice namely Ravi Jee Bhat, Sub-Inspector P/S Ram Munshi Bagh Srinagar, had demanded illegal gratification from the complainant for closing the case as Not Admitted between the parties. It said that on receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted verification of the allegations, which prima facie established the demand for illegal gratification. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 12/2026 under Section 7, Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 & Section 61(2)BNS was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was taken up. During the course of investigation a trap team was constituted. The team caught the accused public servant namely Ravi Jee Bhat, Sub Inspector Police Station Ram Munshi Bagh Srinagar red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs.15000 on behalf of IO of the case PSI Karanjeet Singh from the complainant. The bribe amount was recovered from the possession of the accused in the presence of independent witnesses and he was taken into custody in accordance with law, and his Co-conspirator PSI Karanjeet Singh was subsequently arrested by the Bureau. Further investigation is in progress, statement added.

Sunil Sharma challenges Omar to resign, seek fresh mandate on statehood

NIA court rejects bail to school teacher arrested for backing Hizbul terrorists in J-K

Jammu, Sep 1: A Special NIA Court in Jammu has rejected the bail application of a private school teacher who was arrested more than five years ago for allegedly providing shelter, food and logistical support to Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in the Doda-Kishtwar region. The court, presided over by Special Judge Prem Sagar, dismissed the bail plea of Tanveer Ahmad Malik, observing that the material on record prima facie indicated his alleged involvement in unlawful and terror-related activities. The court also expressed concern that his release could affect the ongoing trial, as it could create a possibility of him influencing witnesses. Malik, a resident of Tantna village in Doda district, was arrested on March 1, 2021, in connection with a terror case. He was among the seven accused, including three slain terrorists -- Osama Bin Javed, Haroon Abbass Wani and Zahid Hussain -- chargesheeted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the case on May 22, 2021. The case was initially registered at Kishtwar police station under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and Indian Penal Code. The FIR followed terrorists led by Haroon Ahmad Wani snatching the service weapon of head constable Daleep Singh, who was posted as escort in-charge of the then Kishtwar deputy commissioner, along with three magazines and 90 rounds from his rented accommodation on March 8, 2019. The NIA subsequently took over the case. The defence sought bail for Malik citing prolonged incarceration, arguing that he had spent more than five years in jail. However, the NIA argued that the accusations against Malik were serious, that prima facie material existed against the accused's role in the case, and that his release could prejudice the remaining trial. The prosecution alleged that Malik had worked as an over-ground worker for proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and had provided food, shelter and other logistical support to terrorists Haroon Abbas Wani and Tahir Ahmad Bhat from June 2019 to January 2020, until Wani was killed by security forces on January 15, 2020. The NIA informed the court that Malik had been motivated to work for the cause of jihad and had provided the terrorists shelter at his house as well as in an underground cave near his residence. The prosecution said there remained a possibility that, if released, he could again be used by terrorist handlers to provide clandestine support. The accused is a highly motivated terror associate who had repeatedly put up hectic efforts to support terror-related activities... He was about to join the Hizbul Mujahideen as an active terrorist, but fortunately he was arrested by police at the right time, it said. After considering the submissions of both sides, the Special Judge concluded that the nature and gravity of the allegations, the material available on record, the progress of the trial and the possibility of the accused influencing witnesses weighed against his release.

JKSSB invites applications for 2,863 posts across J&K departments

Srinagar, Sep 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has invited online applications for 2,863 posts in various departments of the Union Territory administration, according to an official notification issued on Tuesday. The recruitment process has been notified under Advertisement Notification No. 09 of 2026, dated September 1, covering posts across UT, divisional and district cadres. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online from October 5, while the last date for submission is November 3, the notification said. Applicants must be domiciles of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and are required to possess a valid J&K Domicile Certificate by the last date for submitting applications. The prescribed upper age limit is 40 years for candidates belonging to the Open Merit category and generally 43 years for candidates falling under reserved categories, subject to applicable age relaxations under government rules. The educational qualifications vary according to the posts. For Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Class-IV positions, candidates are required to have qualifications ranging from matriculation to 10+2. For posts of Sanitation Workers, the minimum educational qualification ranges from Class 8 pass to 10+2, depending on the specific post. The board has advised prospective applicants to carefully go through the detailed advertisement, including the post-wise eligibility criteria, vacancies, reservation provisions and other conditions, before submitting their applications. The recruitment drive is expected to provide opportunities for candidates seeking government employment across different departments and administrative cadres in Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS).

Sunil Sharma challenges Omar Abdullah to resign and seek fresh mandate on statehood

Srinagar, Sep 1: Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Tuesday challenged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resign and seek a fresh mandate if restoration of statehood was the issue on which his government wanted a public verdict. Sharma was reacting to the National Conference's announcement of a peaceful protest outside BJP offices in Srinagar and Jammu on Wednesday over the Centre's commitments on restoration of statehood and other issues. The BJP leader alleged that the National Conference was invoking the statehood issue to divert attention from matters concerning governance and employment in Jammu and Kashmir. Statehood was not the issue on which the Omar Abdullah government sought the people's mandate in the Assembly elections, Sharma said. He claimed that the NC had campaigned on issues including free electricity, employment and ration, rather than seeking votes specifically on the restoration of statehood. If Omar Abdullah has the courage, he should resign and seek a fresh mandate from the people on the issue of statehood, Sharma said. Sharma also accused the ruling party of trying to deflect attention from allegations related to the distribution of government jobs. He alleged that nearly 25,000 posts were being given and distributed among NC workers. The BJP leader said his party would hold its planned protest on Wednesday, with the focus on employment opportunities and what he described as the failure of the government to provide jobs to the youth. He termed the NC's decision to hold its protest on the same day as the BJP's agitation unfortunate and alleged that it was aimed at shifting the public discourse away from employment-related concerns. Our protest will go ahead as scheduled. We will raise the issue of jobs not being provided to the youth, Sharma said. The National Conference has announced its September 2 programme to press the Union Government for action on commitments made before Parliament and the Supreme Court. Restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards are among the issues listed by the party.(KNS).

Lieutenant Governor reviews security, calls for robust counter-terrorism strategy in J&K

Srinagar, Sep 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials and assessed the security apparatus and strategic preparedness across the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home Department; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; M.K. Sinha, ADGP, CID; Sujit Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Tejinder Singh, IGP Jammu; Sarah Rizvi, IGP, Crime Branch; Divisional Commissioners; DIGs and other senior officials. The Lieutenant Governor instructed the senior officials to maintain sustained pressure on terror networks and enhance ground-level operational synergy, calling for an aggressive area domination strategy to decisively eliminate emerging threats. Emphasizing that public trust is vital to the security apparatus, the Lieutenant Governor directed police officials to foster direct engagement with the public, designating specific hours for citizen interaction and grievance redressal. Reviewing the functioning at the police station level, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the necessity of transparent, impartial and sensitive complaint handling, directing officers to conduct investigations with absolute professionalism. The police must maintain a strong and continuous engagement with the public. Every genuine grievance must be addressed with sensitivity and every investigation must be conducted with absolute fairness, transparency and impartiality, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor commended the Jammu Kashmir Police and security agencies for their effective action against drug smugglers. He has directed officials to intensify operations against narco-terror networks and enhance monitoring of emerging digital threats. Highlighting the emerging challenges in the cyber and social media space, the Lieutenant Governor directed for close monitoring of social media platforms to counter anti-national propaganda, digital misinformation and online blackmailing. During the meeting, the DGP and Principal Secretary Home apprised the Lieutenant Governor of the overall security scenario in Jammu Kashmir. IGPs, DIGs and Divisional Commissioners briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the security situation in their respective areas, anti-terror operations, law and order, drug smuggling and other emerging challenges. The meeting also held comprehensive and detailed deliberations on a wide range of other critical issues. The Lieutenant Governor instructed all officers to maintain heightened operational vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination and a proactive approach to safeguarding peace and maintaining law and order in the UT.

PM Modi to participate in valedictory session of departmental summit on water security tomorrow

New Delhi, Sep 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the valedictory session Departmental Summit of Ministry of Jal Shakti on 2nd September 2026 at around 4:30 PM at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The two-day Departmental Summit, being held on 1-2 September 2026, is the first in a series of Departmental Summits envisioned by Prime Minister to strengthen the spirit of Team India, deepen cooperative federalism and foster collective ownership of national priorities through closer collaboration between the Centre and the States. The initiative provides a structured platform to jointly deliberate on critical sectoral priorities and accelerate implementation and outcomes. The Summit will bring together political leadership and senior officials from the Union and State Governments to deliberate on key priorities, share best practices, address implementation challenges and evolve time-bound action plans. The initiative seeks to promote shared responsibility for national goals and ensure that deliberations translate into measurable improvements in governance and service delivery. The Summit will focus on four key areas which include: Timely implementation of water infrastructure projects; Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari - Catch the Rain; Source sustainability of drinking water systems; and Operation and maintenance of rural drinking water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The consultations are expected to result in concrete and time-bound actions for accelerating water infrastructure projects, enhancing public participation in water conservation, ensuring sustainable drinking water sources and improving the reliability and accountability of rural drinking water services.

NC to gherao BJP offices in Jammu and Kashmir over unfulfilled demands

Srinagar, Sep 1: The National Conference (NC) has announced that it will stage peaceful protest outside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) offices in Srinagar and Jammu on Wednesday, demanding accountability for the promises made by the Union Government in the Parliament and before the Supreme Court of India regarding Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference will peacefully gherao the BJP headquarters in Srinagar and Jammu tomorrow, demanding accountability for the promises made by the Union Government in Parliament and before the Supreme Court of India. Our demands are clear: constitutional guarantees, restoration of statehood, clearance of the reservation file, and justice for the people of J&K, NC said on its official X handle. The party said the mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is not a blank cheque, and it must be respected, not taken for granted.

IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar calls on CM Omar Abdullah at Civil Secretariat

Srinagar, September 1: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar today paid a courtesy call on the Chief Minister at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, following his recent assumption of charge as the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir. During the meeting, the Chief Minister welcomed the senior police officer and extended his best wishes to Sujit Kumar for a successful and productive tenure. The courtesy meeting comes shortly after the IGP Kashmir took charge of the important assignment, which oversees policing and security-related matters across the Kashmir Valley.

Nepal seeks climate compensation for deadly flood; says it is 'moral liability', 'not charity'

Kathmandu, Sep 1: Nepal has launched a diplomatic push to seek climate-related compensation from greenhouse emitters for the devastation caused by the recent deadly flash floods, asserting that post-disaster assistance should be treated as a matter of moral liability, ot charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal, despite contributing virtually negligible greenhouse gas emissions, are bearing the disproportionate consequences of global warming, including rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. We are paying the ultimate price for a global crisis we did not create. The rapid melting of glaciers and these catastrophic mountain tsunamis are direct consequences of global climate change, he said in an interview with Kantipur TV, the excerpts of which were published by The Kathmandu Post newspaper on Tuesday. Khanal said Nepal is shifting its diplomatic framework from aid to justice and compensation. This is not a matter of charity; it is a matter of legal and moral liability, he said. Khanal said Nepal would raise the issue with absolute firmness and clarity at international forums and seek compensation from major emitters for climate-related losses suffered by vulnerable countries. This is a matter of civilisational survival. If our Himalayan glaciers disappear, the water security of over two billion people in South Asia dependent on rivers like the Ganges and the Trishuli will be permanently compromised. We are advocating not just for Nepal, but for the survival of South Asian civilisation, he said. Khanal said the finance ministry has officially dispatched a formal climate compensation claim letter to its international partners. The minister identified China, the US and India as the world's three largest greenhouse gas emitters and said they have a historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable nations like Nepal. India has repeatedly emphasised climate equity and highlighted its relatively low per-capita emissions. It has argued that climate obligations should take into account differences in countries' historical emissions, development needs and capacities. India maintains that Western nations, which industrialised first, occupy the majority of the global carbon budget. New Delhi has supported efforts to address loss and damage suffered by vulnerable developing countries, while maintaining that developed countries should provide the necessary financial resources to help such nations deal with climate impacts. Nepal has formally approached the board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, seeking urgent financial assistance following the catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin on August 26, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. The mechanism was established at COP27 in 2022 and operationalised at COP28. A letter jointly signed by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Forests and Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary sought an urgent response to the catastrophic flash flood, which caused widespread loss of life, displacement and destruction of homes and critical infrastructure. The full scale of economic and non-economic loss and damage has yet to be determined; however, preliminary information indicates that the consequences are extensive and exceed Nepal's immediate response capacity, the letter said. Maheshwar Dhakal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Forests and a member of the Loss and Damage Fund's board, said this was the first time Nepal had sought assistance from the mechanism. The scale of damage caused by the flood, and the search, rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction required in its aftermath, has become a major challenge for Nepal, he said. Since we are genuinely suffering from the adverse effects of climate change, we have approached the board, Dhakal said, adding that Nepal wanted an immediate response rather than waiting for the board's next scheduled meeting in December. The letter said the disaster had affected a fragile transboundary mountain river system and demonstrated how extreme events in the cryosphere could rapidly cascade from high mountains to densely populated downstream areas. It highlighted impacts on water, food, energy, health, infrastructure, ecosystems and human security. As a least developed and highly climate-vulnerable mountainous country, Nepal contributes negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions yet continues to bear disproportionate and escalating climate impacts, the letter said. It said the Bhotekoshi disaster demonstrates how extreme events in the cryosphere can rapidly cascade from high mountains to densely populated downstream areas, undermining development gains and affecting water, food, energy, health, infrastructure, ecosystems and human security. In view of the exceptional urgency and magnitude of this disaster, the Government of Nepal respectfully requests the Board to take a special decision to respond rapidly, directly, and effectively in accordance with its governing instrument, the letter said. The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage was established at the UN climate conference, COP27, in Egypt in 2022 to assist developing countries particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Its funding arrangements were further advanced, and the fund was operationalised at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. Nepal, a least developed and highly climate-vulnerable mountainous country, has increasingly made Himalayan climate risks a central part of its international diplomacy. Rapid warming in the Himalayas, glacier and snow melt, glacial lake risks, landslides and increasingly intense rainfall have heightened the country's exposure to climate-related disasters.

SC quashes all FIRs against CJP protestors, Sept 5 march called off

New Delhi, Sep 1: The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed all FIRs registered against students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests between July 20 to 25 across the country, prompting the group to call off its September 5 march in the national capital. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also directed the Centre to provide within three months compensation to families of students who ended their lives over the NEET paper leak. Closing the criminal proceedings against the protestors, the bench said, Keeping in view the future prospects of the young protestors, we invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do complete justice. Article 142 empowers the apex court to pass any orders to do complete justice. Acceding to the Centre's request, the apex court, however, permitted Delhi Police to register fresh FIRs against 2,873 individuals with serious criminal antecedents who were present in the Jantar Mantar protest. The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and widened the ambit of its order. If there is any other FIR registered with regard to same protest between July 20 to July 25 in any of the states or UTs, which are not before this court, they shall not be pursued and will be treated as closed, it said Dealing with the award compensation to the families of those who committed suicide, the court directed the Centre to formulate a pan-India policy on the issue and pay the money within three months to aggrieved families. CJP co-convenor Saurav Das appeared before the bench and read out a statement on behalf of the group. As co-convener of the CJP, I want to state that in view of the positive assurances of the Government of India and the judicial sanctity bestowed upon them today, and in view of the order being passed by this Court, the CJP deems it appropriate to withdraw the call for the march on September 5 and looks forward to compliance with today's order. I also thank the Court for this decision and the learned counsel on both sides, Ms. Vrinda Grover and the Solicitor General, for their efforts, Das said. The bench recorded the statements of the solicitor general and Das and said it has invoked its extraordinary powers keeping in mind the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case. It expressed the hope that both sides will abide by their promises. During the hearing, Mehta informed the court that the Centre is committed to honour assurances given to the CJP that the police in Delhi and other states would not pursue the FIRs registered in connection with the protests. The solicitor general also told the court that the Union of India is committed to other assurances as well, including compensation to the families. Mehta, however, sought time to work out the necessary modalities. The CJP had called for a protest march in Delhi on September 5, Teachers' Day. It had accused the Centre of failing to honour the promises made on July 25 to persuade the group to withdraw its 36-day agitation against irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak. According to the CJP, the march was to be led by families of students who committed suicide following the cancellation of the NEET exam and the subsequent re-test, as well as those who were allegedly subjected to police excesses during the July agitation. The top court had agreed to hear a plea filed by Delhi Police seeking quashing of 13 FIRs against students who participated in the protests and registering a fresh case against 2,873 individuals. The application said that according to the decision taken by the Central government on July 25, Delhi Police no longer wished to pursue the 13 FIRs. It is submitted that 2,873 individuals having serious criminal antecedents as per the National Crime Records Bureau database were prima-facie reported to be present at the protest site. The investigation is required to ascertain their role, if any, in the commission of offences relating to bodily harm or destruction of property at the said protests. The Delhi Police seeks leave to file a fresh FIR only for these 2,873 individuals. The registration and consequential investigation of this fresh, specific FIR shall be in conformity with the clarification of the expression, 'criminal antecedents', the application said. The apex court had earlier constituted a high-powered enquiry committee headed by former apex court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy to probe issues and allegations, including those of police excesses against students surrounding the nationwide protests against NEET-UG paper leaks. The CJP-led march on July 20 in Delhi saw clashes between protesters and security personnel, who used lathis and teargas shells to disperse crowds attempting to move towards Parliament. The student-led protests, which spread to several cities, were centred around the resignation of the then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The agitation, which began at Jantar Mantar on June 20, was called off on July 25 after Pradhan resigned and the government accepted the CJP's other demands.

Flash flood-like conditions hit Pahalgam as Lidder River swells after heavy rain

Three major urban development projects worth nearly Rs 2700 crore approved in J-K

SRINAGAR: The Union Territory Level High Powered Steering Committee (UTHPSC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday approved three major urban development projects worth nearly Rs 2700 crore. The projects identified by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) include TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) in Jammu, Walled City and Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation in []

Chenab swells in J&Ks Reasi as four Salal Dam gates opened to regulate reservoir flow

Reasi, Sep 01: The Chenab River witnessed a fresh rise in water level in Reasi district on Tuesday after four gates of the Salal Dam were opened to regulate increased inflow into the reservoir. The gates were opened as rainfall continued across the upper catchment areas, resulting in a substantial increase in the volume of water entering the reservoir. The excess water was released downstream in a controlled manner to regulate the reservoir level as the authorities kept a close watch on the situation. The latest rise in the Chenab comes amid ongoing rainfall activity in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with water levels in rivers and other water bodies being monitored by the concerned authorities. The controlled release from Salal Dam is aimed at managing the increased inflow and maintaining the reservoir within safe operating levels. [KNT]

J&K LG Manoj Sinha chairs security review meeting at Lok Bhawan

Altaf Bukhari urges collective action to protect J&K Banks character, interests

Srinagar, Sep 1: Apni Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir finance minister Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged political parties, civil society groups, business organisations and other stakeholders to come together to protect the character, identity and interests of Jammu and Kashmir Bank. Expressing concern over what he described as the banks gradual drift away from the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said several recent developments warranted collective attention. He alleged that the bank was reducing its credit growth within Jammu and Kashmir while expanding its operations outside the Union Territory. Bukhari also raised concerns over a proposal that, he said, could pave the way for recruitment of outsiders at the cost of employment opportunities for the youth of J&K. He further alleged that Jammu and Kashmir had inadequate representation on the banks Board of Directors and expressed concern over an alleged attempt to shift the headquarters of the premier financial institution from Srinagar. These developments cannot be dismissed as routine administrative matters. They have a direct bearing on the economic interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have a legitimate stake in the institution and its future, Bukhari said. He appealed to all political parties and social organisations to rise above partisan interests and collectively oppose any move that could, in his view, undermine the interests of the people of J&K. This is not an issue concerning any one political party or section of society. It concerns the collective social and economic interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Bukhari said the people of Jammu and Kashmir collectively hold more than 52 percent of the shares in J&K Bank, describing them as the institutions principal stakeholders. They have, therefore, a legitimate right to demand that the interests of the institution and its shareholders be protected, he said. Calling for a collective strategy, Bukhari urged the Chambers of Commerce from both Jammu and Kashmir, lawyers, intellectuals, civil society groups, business organisations and other concerned sections to discuss the issue and make their voices heard. The time has come for all of us to speak with one voice: J&K Bank must remain rooted in Jammu and Kashmir, and its policies must continue to prioritise the interests of the people who have nurtured, supported, and strengthened this institution for generations, he said. Bukhari appealed to stakeholders to come together before, what he termed, it is too late and work towards ensuring that the bank continues to prioritise serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

'New York is no courtroom for Indias Muslims': Grand Mufti J&K

Srinagar, Sep 01: Jammu and Kashmir Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Tueday said matters concerning the social harmony, citizenship and national character of India are best addressed on Indian soil, among Indians, and within the constitutional framework of the country, adding that 'New York (capital of USA) is no courtroom for Indias Muslims. The remarks of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat concerning Muslims in New York raise a fundamental question: why should the conduct and standing of Indian Muslims be discussed in New York at all? the Grand Mufti said, adding that If such questions are raised in India, we will respond with facts, dignity and full confidence. He said Muslims in India, in proportion to the population of the country, have made an equal and enduring contribution to Indias sovereignty, dignity, freedom struggle and national life. Indian Muslims do not seek certificates of patriotism from anyone, he said, Our sacrifices, service and commitment to the nation are woven into the history of India. Isalm said India belongs equally to every citizen irrespective of religion, region or language. India's strength lies not in questioning the loyalty of one community, but in recognising that the Republic was built through the collective sacrifices of all its people. We (Indian Muslims) therefore appeal to every responsible public voice to speak with restraint and wisdom. Let us debate ideas on Indian soil, uphold constitutional morality, and strengthen the fraternity that binds 1.4 billion Indians together. Nasir-ul-Islam said that the Muslim community is an integral part of Indias past, present and future and that the patriotism of Muslims is not a subject for debate abroad. Our (India's Muslims) contribution to India is a matter of history, the Grand Mufti said

Delhi HC issues notice on MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdis plea over Facebook account restriction

New Delhi, Sep 01: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a plea filed by Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi challenging restrictions imposed on his Facebook account. The matter came up before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, where Mehdis counsel submitted that the MPs access to his Facebook page had been completely restricted without any prior notice, reported Live Law. Appearing for Meta Platforms, the counsel said the page had been taken down pursuant to a notice issued by a law enforcement agency and sought time to place the notice before the court. Mehdis counsel, however, submitted that the petitioner had not been informed about the alleged violation or the basis for the restriction. The counsel further argued that Meta was required to follow the grievance redressal mechanism under the Information Technology Rules. He said Mehdi had approached the companys grievance redressal officer, but no response had been received within the stipulated 24-hour period. The petitioners counsel also told the court that no specific content on Mehdis Facebook page had been identified as objectionable. After hearing the submissions, the High Court issued notice to the respondents and directed them to file their replies. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 30.

PHE daily wagers protest in Srinagar, demand regularisation

Daily wagers forum protests in Srinagar, seeks regularisation

Srinagar, Sep 01: Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Casual Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDF) on Tuesday held a protest at Press Enclave in Srinagar, demanding regularisation. Addressing the protesters, president Sajad Ahmed Parray said they demand that the committee formed for regularisation should submit its report, as promised. The government should take the matter forward and resolve our issues. They promised regularisation and we want them to fulfil the promise, he said. He said a 16-minute film highlighting the struggles and hardships of daily wagers would be released at Tagore Hall in Srinagar this afternoon. Parray said the they will also hold a protest at SK Park in Srinagar on September 10. We will continue our peaceful struggle until the government addresses the long-pending demand of daily wagers, he said(KNO)

SCO must work unitedly to dismantle terror ecosystem: PM Modi

We must speak in one voice that there can be no place for double standards in dealing with terrorism, PM Modi said

J&K Apni Party womens wing stages protest over electricity bill hike

Fire breaks out at Jan Agency in Srinagars Nawabazar, two firefighters injured

Night Play, Reloop, Kyss among apps linked to risky APK downloads, financial fraud threat: J&K Police

Srinagar, Sep 01: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday cautioned the public against using apps operating under names such as Night Play, Reloop, Kyss, Vimo, Rivo, Nexo and Vixa along with similar variants, warning that such applications misuse accessibility permissions to take control of devices and potentially facilitate unauthorised financial transactions. Police said the applications redirect users to websites that prompt them to download APK files from outside official app stores. Once installed, such apps may misuse Accessibility permissions, take control of the device and potentially enable unauthorised financial transactions, Police stated. If you're a victim of cybercrime, call on 1930 or report on, Police added.

India achieved 7.8 % growth despite wars, instability: PM Modi

New Delhi, Sep 01: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commended the people for the 7.8 per cent GDP growth rate, noting that the feat was accomplished despite wars, instability, and supply chain disruptions. In a video message on Instagram, the prime minister said that if people continue to stress on Swadeshi and self-reliance, the country's youth will be presented with a developed India in the 100th year of Independence. He also asked people not to go for foreign holidays, host weddings abroad, or buy gold unless necessary. I want to congratulate the people of the country for 7.8 per cent GDP growth. It has been possible due to their collective resolve and efforts. India has achieved this milestone despite conflicts, wars and instability everywhere, Modi said. The prime minister said that since the 2020 COVID Pandemic, there has been no stability anywhere, but India progressed well. He said certain people in India have been trying to spread negativity and falsehood, but the country grew all the same. We have to maintain the speed of our growth. We have to grow. And for that we must become self-reliant. The youth's dreams need our hard work to be realised. Let's not be lacking in efforts, he said. Modi said his government's policies are good, its intention clear, and that is why the country is reaching new heights of progress. India's economy grew at a faster-than-expected 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter, showing resilience against concerns of an economic downturn over the war in West Asia. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter of the 2026-27 fiscal year slowed from a barnstorming 8.6 per cent in the previous quarter, but remained well above expectations when the conflict erupted and disrupted energy markets.

All government, private schools to remain closed in Poonch today amid heavy rains

Poonch, Sep 01: The Poonch administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the district on Tuesday as a precautionary measure amid heavy rainfall. Chief Education Officer Poonch Javed Gulshan said heavy rains have been lashing the district since morning, raising the possibility of a rise in water levels in rivers and streams. In view of the prevailing weather conditions and keeping the safety of students and teachers in mind, all government and private educational institutions across Poonch district will remain closed today, he said. The administration said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to avoid any risk to students and staff amid the inclement weather. Gulshan said a decision regarding the reopening of schools on Wednesday would be taken after assessing the weather conditions. He added that educational institutions would reopen only if there is sufficient improvement in the weather. The administration has also urged people to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the concerned authorities.

EOW Kashmir chargesheets man in land grabbing, forgery case

Srinagar, Sep 01: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K on Tuesday said it has filed a chargesheet against a Srinagar resident in a land grabbing case involving alleged forged documents and an attempt to obtain building permission from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). In a statement, an official spokesperson said the EOW Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 08/2016 under Sections 420/511, 167, 471 and 120-B RPC before the court of the Sub-Judge, Srinagar, against Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik, a resident of Barapather, Haft Chinar, Srinagar, and the then Patwari, who is now deceased. He said the case emanated from a complaint alleging that the accused, in conspiracy with each other, attempted to grab land bearing Khasra No. 642 and obtain building permission from the SMC using forged documents. Accordingly, a probe was ordered and, during the course of the investigation, the allegations were substantiated. The investigation revealed fraudulent documentation, misrepresentation of material facts and alleged misuse of official position. The investigation was closed as Proved, and the chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial determination. The spokesperson said the Crime Branch has advised the public to remain vigilant against such economic frauds and report any suspicious activities to the SSP, EOW Kashmir. Victims may also lodge complaints through email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.(KNO)

ITR filing for AY27 touches record 7.8 cr

New Delhi, Sep 01: A record over 7.8 crore ITRs have been filed for assessment year (AY) 2026-27 till August 31, the income tax department said on Tuesday. Last year, over 7.3 crore income tax returns (ITRs) were filed by September 16, 2025, the extended deadline for filing returns for non-audit cases for AY 2025-26. A record 7.8 crore+ ITRs have been filed for AY 2026-27 as on August 31,2026, the I-T department said in a X post. This also includes over 5.9 crore ITR-1 and ITR-2, which were filed by the due date of July 31. August 31, 2026, was the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 for taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to audit. If a taxpayer falls in the non-audit category, he/she can file the applicable ITR (ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 or ITR-7). ITR-3 is filed by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with income from a proprietary business or profession. ITR-4 is a simpler form that caters to small and medium taxpayers. ITR-5 is filed by firms and Limited Liability Partnership and Cooperative Societies. ITR-6 is filed by companies registered under Companies Act and ITR-7 by trusts and charitable institutions.

Woman Randomly Stabs 2 In NYC, Killing 1; Shot Dead By Police

A woman randomly stabbed two people in New York City's Times Square, killing one woman, and then was fatally shot by police, according to the New York Police Department. The shooting on Monday happened next to a New York Police Department

Best of BS Opinion: Durable progress depends on systems that work

Numbers, brands and ideas may all signal progress, but it's systems, these pieces tell us, that actually decide the durability of progress

Under-construction house collapses in Srinagars Saderbal, no casualties

Srinagar, Aug 31: An under-construction house collapsed onto a road while being jacked up for height enhancement in the Saderbal area of Hazratbal in Srinagar on Monday night, officials said. They said the structure collapsed during the jacking-up process, causing debris to fall onto the road and partially disrupting vehicular movement in the area. No casualties or injuries have been reported in the incident. The owner of the house resides at a separate location, an official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO). Meanwhile, CCTV footage capturing the incident has surfaced, showing the structure collapsing onto the road. Police reached the spot and initiated an investigation into the incident. The official urged people not to panic, saying necessary measures were being taken at the site.

Mount a Bid to Fix Gaspirations: Indias educated unemployed emerge as a new electoral force

India's educated youth face frustration as job opportunities lag behind rising aspirations. This growing cohort feels upward mobility is blocked despite educational achievements. Politicians may offer unemployment doles as a quick electoral fix for this group. Cash transfers to unemployed youth are already a trend in several Indian states. Future elections will focus on delivering jobs that match these increasing expectations.

Despite a strong Q1 showing, risks are on the upside, thanks to geopolitics and geo-economics

India's GDP grew 7.8% in Q1, surpassing expectations and indicating economic resilience. This growth occurred despite a challenging global economic environment and external factors. Employment-intensive sectors like manufacturing and construction showed strong performance during this period. However, risks remain due to El Nino and ongoing geopolitical conflicts impacting oil prices. The economy faces potential inflation increases from liquidity and currency pressures.

From Tech NAM to NAS: Indias case for tech sovereignty through strategic choices

It is crucial for countries to embrace a non-aligned sovereignty approach in artificial intelligence, enabling them to diversify their technological alliances and systems. Brazil's proactive AI investment strategy sets a strong example by collaborating with multiple global partners. Indias foreign policy reflects this multi-alignment ethos, crucial for its AI initiatives. To secure autonomy, nations need to oversee critical infrastructures while keeping alternative options available.

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

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

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

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