Opinion

We hope Supreme Court will do justice, says Farooq Abdullah on WB poll results controversy

Farooq Abdullah chairs meeting of NC provincial committee

Srinagar, May 7: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday chaired a meeting of the party's provincial committee to deliberate on current issues facing Jammu and Kashmir. Chief minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the vice president of the party, is also present in the meeting, a party leader said. He said ministers and MLAs are also attending the provincial committee meeting. The meeting will discuss various issues, including party affairs, government functioning, and other public issues, the leader said. The NC leader added that party leaders and MLAs will give feedback to the party president on various issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Students, parents stage protest in Shopian, demand reopening of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom

Nasha Mukht Abhiyan: Srinagar Police conduct vehicle inspections with assistance of sniffing dogs

3-year-old dies in Sopore accident, probe launched: Police

Sopore, May 07: A three-year-old boy was killed after being allegedly hit an Army vehicle in Gund Brath area in Sopore on Thursday, officials said. A police official said that was immediately shifted to sub-district hospital Sopore for treatment where his was declared dead on arrival. The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Zain (3) son of Aamir Hussain Tantray of Gund Brath, Sopore. He said that police have registered an FIR vide no. 109 at Police Station Sopore and further investigation has been launched. (KNO)

NC provincial committee meeting begins in Srinagar

Congress, Hajj Committees demand rollback of additional airfare for pilgrims

New Delhi, May 07: Several Hajj committees and political parties, including the Congress, have urged the government to immediately roll back the additional airfare of 10,000 imposed on Hajj pilgrims. The Hajj Committee of India recently increased airfares by 10,000 per pilgrim, stating that the hike had become necessary due to a sharp rise in global Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The Maharashtra State Minorities Commission said the additional airfare would place an extra financial burden on pilgrims. Similarly, the Hyderabad Haj Committee said the eleventh-hour decision had created difficulties for pilgrims and their families. Most Indian pilgrims have already reached Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage. Asaduddin Owaisi and several community leaders described the increase as financial exploitation of ordinary citizens who save for years to perform the sacred pilgrimage. The Indian National Congress also formally demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain termed the last-minute surcharge arbitrary and unjustified, saying it imposed an undue burden on low-income and elderly pilgrims who had already paid their instalments. Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi had earlier sought relief for Haj pilgrims. In a letter addressed to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Maharashtra government, State Commission member Wasim Haji Khwajabhai Burhan raised concerns over the recent circular issued by the Haj Committee of India.

Bengal: Hours after killing of Suvendu's aide, cops say 5 BJP workers injured in bomb attack

Kolkata, May 07: Five BJP supporters have been injured allegedly in a bomb blast in Panihati in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred late on Wednesday night, hours after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants, which led to the saffron camp accusing the TMC of unleashing retaliatory violence. The bomb blast occurred near St Xavier's Institution in Panihati. Unidentified assailants hurled crude bombs at a group of BJP workers, injuring at least five people, police said, adding the injured were admitted to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. According to local sources, BJP workers were interacting with residents on Dutta Road in Panihati's Ward number 2 when a group of motorcycle-borne persons allegedly targeted them with bombs before fleeing. The BJP alleged that the attackers were backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress, an allegation denied by the Mamata Banerjee-led party. A senior police official said, We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused. A heavy police deployment has been made in the area. We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace, the officer added. Incidentally, the area where the blast occurred is located near the residence of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar Hospital rape victim.

Demonstrated precise striking power of Indian Armed Forces: Amit Shah on Op Sindoor anniversary

Srinagar, May 07: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Operation Sindoor showcased Indias military capability and sent a strong message that those involved in terror activities against the country would not be spared. In a post on X, Amit Shah said Operation Sindoor is a defining moment that reflected the coordination between the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the political leadership. He said the operation demonstrated the precise striking power of the Indian armed forces and the meticulous intelligence gathered by agencies in tracking terror infrastructure across the border. Shah said the mission would remain a reminder to adversaries that India possesses the capability to strike at terror networks wherever they operate. History will remember it as the day when the strength of the armed forces, intelligence inputs and political resolve came together to destroy terror camps operating across the border, he said. (KNO)

Vijay Says No to CM Convoy Before Swearing-in: TVK

Four convoy vehicles assigned to Vijay on May 4 after his TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly polls returned from his residence following his request

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Operation Sindoor anniversary: India remains firm against terrorism: PM Modi

New Delhi, May 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor reflected Indias firm response against terrorism and reaffirmed the countrys commitment to safeguarding national security. Marking one year of the operation, PM Modi paid tributes to the armed forces for their unparalleled courage, precision and resolve. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during Operation Sindoor. They gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam. The entire nation salutes our forces for their valour. PM Modi said the operation highlighted the professionalism, preparedness and coordinated strength of the armed forces. He also said it showcased the growing jointness among the services and underlined the benefits of Indias push for self-reliance in the defence sector. The Prime Minister asserted that India remained steadfast in its resolve to defeat terrorism and dismantle the ecosystem supporting it. Today, a year later, we remain as steadfast as ever in our resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem, PM Modi added. Pertinently, Operation Sindoor, was launched on the night of May 78 last year to avenge Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead. The operation targeted multiple terrorist training facilities and infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and beyond. The strikes, carried out with coordinated use of missiles, air power, drones and artillery, focused on camps linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Officials had described the operation as precise and intelligence-led, aimed at minimising collateral damage while signalling a zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism(KNO)

EOW Kashmir files chargesheet in HDFC bank Shopian fraud case

Srinagar, May 7: The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in connection with an alleged large-scale financial fraud at the HDFC bank branch in Shopian. According to officials, the chargesheet in FIR No. 30/2025 was presented before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Shopian, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act. The case was initially registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir following a written complaint alleging financial irregularities at the bank branch. Acting on directions from Police Headquarters J&K, the investigation was later transferred to the Crime Branch for a detailed probe. During the investigation, several bank officials and employees were identified for their alleged involvement in the fraud. Those named include Adil Ayoub Ganai and Irfan Majeed Zargar, both former branch managers of HDFC Bank Pulwama/Shopian, along with former employees Mubashir Hussain Sheikh, Zaid Manzoor, and Javaid Ahmad Bhat. Officials said the accused were arrested on February 18, 2026, and have remained in judicial custody since then. The EOW said that, upon completion of the investigation, a chargesheet against a total of 11 accused persons was filed before the court for judicial determination.

Operation Sindoor anniversary: Joint Commanders Conference begins today in Jaipur, Rajnath Singh to attend

Jammu, May 07: Marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the second edition of the two-day Joint Commanders Conference commenced in Jaipur on Wednesday, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to review the countrys evolving security challenges with the top brass of the Indian Armed Forces. The high-level conference, being held on May 7 and 8, is being attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with senior tri-services commanders. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local guide, were killed. During the operation, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes on terror camps and military infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), eliminating several terrorists and commanders. The military operation continued from May 7 to May 10 last year. Describing Operation Sindoor as a landmark tri-services mission, the Defence Ministry said the operation reflected Indias unflinching political will and military resolve characterised by surgical precision. The conference is expected to focus extensively on Indias military preparedness amid the changing regional security environment. Discussions are also likely to centre around modern warfare trends, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber warfare, space security and cognitive warfare. According to an official statement, the conference will serve as a key platform to assess emerging security threats and formulate a roadmap for building a resilient and future-ready defence force with enhanced operational capabilities. A major emphasis during the deliberations will also remain on defence indigenisation and the Governments push for Aatmanirbharta in military production through innovation and stronger civil-military integration. Meanwhile, reports from New Delhi stated that Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in Indias national security doctrine, with extensive deployment of drones, network-centric warfare systems and artificial intelligence for surveillance and target acquisition. The operation, regarded as one of Indias largest multi-domain combat missions in decades, targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoJK, including Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taibas base in Muridke. Following the operation, India accelerated several major defence procurement and modernisation programmes aimed at strengthening combat readiness and air defence capabilities. These included approval for additional S-400 missile systems, procurement of transport aircraft, Rafale fighter jets and advanced surveillance platforms for the Navy. Senior military officials said lessons learned from Operation Sindoor are being actively incorporated into future operational planning, with increased focus on advanced technologies, unmanned platforms and integrated warfare capabilities.(KNC)

Once settled, seniority cant be unsettled at instance of fence-sitters: High Court

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Wednesday ruled that once the seniority is finalised and acted upon, the same cannot be disturbed at the instance of fence-sitters. Dealing with a related plea, a Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar held that It needs no reiteration that seniority once settled and acted upon cannot be unsettled, that too, at the instance of those who are fence-sitters and approach the Court after long delay. The Court observed that the doctrine of delay and laches applies with greater vigour to matters relating to seniority and promotion, underscoring that belated challenges adversely effect on third parties' interests. Raking up old matters like seniority and promotion after a long time is likely to result in administrative complications and difficulties, the court said. The court made the observations while dismissing four judicial officers plea on the grounds of delay, saying that the seniority list issued in 2011 was challenged only in 2018 after the same had already been acted upon and promotions had been granted. The Bench, in keeping with the supreme Court judgments, held that a seniority list which remains in existence for 3 to 4 years unchallenged, should not be disturbed unless the person approaching belatedly explains the delay and laches by furnishing satisfactory explanation. In the case on hand there is no satisfactory explanation rendered for approaching the court after seven years, that too, when impugned seniority stood acted upon and promotion to the rank of Sub-Judge had been made, the Bench said. In their plea, the aggrieved judicial officers had sought to quash the 2011 seniority list with the contention that they should be ranked according to their merit (positions 16, 17, 18, and 26) in the selection conducted by the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC). However, the court noted that only 31 vacancies existed at the time of recruitment, and the petitioners were among four additional candidates selected due to a clerical error that led to the advertisement of 35 posts. The court observed that while 31 candidates were appointed in April 2011 against available vacancies, the petitioners were appointed later in September 2011 against future vacancies that arose due to promotions. As such, their appointments were not part of the original selection process, it said. On noticing the discrepancy, the High Court recommended appointments only against the 31 available vacancies and the Government accordingly appointed 31 candidates as Munsiffs on April 1, 2011, excluding the four petitioners. Following promotions in 2011where 16 Sub Judges were elevated as District Judges and 15 Munsiffs promoted as Sub Judges, fresh vacancies arose. In view of the petitioners legitimate expectation of appointment after being selected by the JKPSC, the High Court initiated a process to accommodate them against these vacancies. Subsequently full-bench of the high court made recommendation and the Government while acting upon the same sanctioned their appointment as Munsiffs on September 27, 2011, by utilising four future vacancies.

Wars bring misery, not solutions: Dr Farooq says Operation Sindoor achieved its objective

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Operation Sindoor had achieved its intended objective, but cautioned against any further escalation, asserting that wars only lead to destruction and prolonged suffering. Speaking to reporters at the National Conference headquarters in Srinagar, the former Union minister said the military operation had paid its dividends, but stressed that conflict could not provide a lasting solution to problems. Operation Sindoor has paid its dividends. I think there is no more question of wars. Wars do not bring solutions, they only bring misery, Abdullah said. Drawing parallels with ongoing global conflicts, the veteran politician pointed to the devastation caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, warning that prolonged instability in the Gulf region could have severe economic consequences across the world. Look at Ukraine and the destruction there, look at the Middle East. Even gas supplies have been affected. Qatar may take one or two years to restore supplies completely, he said. Abdullah said the world economy was already under pressure and most countries were in no position to withstand another major conflict. Economic conditions of every country are already bad and no country wants war. The Middle East has most of the oil and gas reserves, and if tensions continue, the situation globally can become extremely difficult, he said, while urging people not to panic over the evolving international situation. Responding to questions about recent political developments and election results in various states, the NC president said the outcomes reflected the prevailing political realities in different regions of the country. Referring to the political situation in West Bengal, Abdullah noted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had raised allegations of large-scale irregularities in the electoral process. The results are before everyone. Mamata Banerjee is alleging there was huge rigging in Bengal. In Tamil Nadu, a new government is coming, Congress has won in Kerala and BJP has won in Assam, he said. Asked whether the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had impacted the elections, Abdullah replied that everything had an impact. On the opposition INDIA bloc, Abdullah maintained that the alliance remained intact and strong. There is nothing lacking in the INDIA alliance. It is already strong, he said. The National Conference president also responded to questions regarding recent blast incidents in Punjab, saying such incidents were not entirely new and there was no reason for public panic. Blasts have happened earlier as well. You should not panic, he told reporters. Commenting on criticism directed at the National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the opposition was merely performing its democratic role. If the opposition does not speak, how will it survive? Let them say what they want. Our party is working the way it has to, and we will continue to do so, he added.

Fresh allegations surface against Shopian Darul Uloom, students face uncertainty

Fresh allegations of irregular land acquisition, questionable financial practices and alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have surfaced against Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom in Imam Sahib area of Shopian, even as hundreds of students face uncertainty over the continuation of their education. The institution was declared an unlawful entity on April 24 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), based on a dossier prepared by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian. The district administration subsequently barred the entry of unauthorised persons into the premises. Sources familiar with the matter alleged that the land on which the seminary was established in 1994 had been acquired through coercion and in violation of legal procedures, with suspected involvement of revenue officials who bypassed prescribed procedures. They also said the institution was operating without valid registration from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and lacked mandatory clearance certificates. In addition, it was running a Fazila College affiliated with the University of Kashmir despite what officials described as serious regulatory deficiencies. It was further flagged by what sources termed dubious financial practices, including multiple bank accounts and recent changes in authorised signatories, raising concerns over possible concealment of financial control and diversion of funds. According to sources, the institution was registered on the NGO Darpan portal under two entities Siraj-ul-Uloom Educational Society (registered in 2018) and Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation (registered in 2025). The latter was also incorporated as a company, which sources alleged was done to bypass regulatory oversight and avoid mandatory re-registration under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Sources said the management did not seek re-registration, anticipating possible rejection, and instead adopted a corporate structure to continue operations without obtaining the requisite security clearance. They alleged sustained linkages with Jamaat-e-Islami and claimed the institution had become a hub of radicalisation. Sources said at least 17 former students had been booked in terror-related cases across Kashmir and Jammu under laws including the UAPA, Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and NDPS Act. Those named include Rayees Ahmad Teli of Kadgam (Shopian), Aadil Gulzar of Kanelwan (Anantnag), Qasim Mohammad of Midoora (Tral), Shakir Ahmad Paul of Dangerpora (Shopian), Hilal Ahmad Wani of Budgam, Munib-ul-Haq of Sugan, Zubair Ahmad Nengroo of Aloora, Aijaz Ahmad Paul of Losdanew, Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Marhama, Nazim Nazir Dar of Urpara Nagbal, Muzaffer Ahmad Bhat of DK Pora, Yawar Majeed Itoo of Safanagri, Asif Ahmad Lone of Turkwangam, Showkat Ahmad Kumar of Trenz, Tariq Ahmad Sheikh of Chitragam, Javid Rashid Bhat of Ganderbal and Owais Ahmad Malik of Arwani Bijbehara. The management, however, has denied all allegations. Mohammad Shafi Lone, chairman of the institute, had told reporters that it had no links with Jamaat-e-Islami and was functioning as an educational institution serving the community, with over 800 students enrolled. Meanwhile, students and parents have expressed concern over the sudden closure, saying it has disrupted academic activity and left their future uncertain. Our studies have come to a halt after the closure. We request the authorities to ensure that our education continues, said a student, requesting anonymity. Parents said many students had been enrolled at the institution for years, and any prolonged disruption would affect their academic progress.

A year after Operation Sindoor, Bandi village in Uri recovers from shelling scars

Bandi (Uri), May 6: One year after intense cross-border shelling during Operation Sindoor left homes damaged and families traumatised, the border village of Bandi in Uri sector of north Kashmirs Baramulla district is slowly reclaiming normalcy. Located nearly 23 kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC), the village today reflects resilience and recovery, with residents rebuilding their homes and lives through community support, government assistance and help from the Indian Army. Bandi was among the worst-affected villages during the shelling last year, when mortar rounds and artillery fire from across the border damaged several houses and forced residents to flee to safer locations. Even now, scars of the shelling remain visible on damaged walls and rooftops in parts of the village, serving as reminders of the fear and uncertainty residents endured. Among those affected were brothers Muhammad Ashraf Sheikh and Muhammad Anwar Sheikh, whose homes suffered extensive damage during the shelling. Recalling the difficult days following the incident, Ashraf Sheikh said timely intervention by the administration helped families begin the process of recovery. The administration responded quickly and provided us compensation when we needed it the most. We repaired the roofs, fixed damaged portions of the house and slowly started living normally again, he said. Residents said government officials regularly visited the area after the shelling and ensured that compensation and relief reached affected families without delay. Villagers also acknowledged the role played by the Indian Army during and after the crisis. According to locals, Army personnel assisted in evacuating civilians to safer areas during the shelling and remained actively involved in relief efforts in the aftermath. The Army stood with us during those difficult nights, several residents recalled. They helped move families to safer places and supported the villagers throughout the crisis. For many young residents, the experience remains emotionally difficult, though they say the support extended by authorities and neighbours helped restore confidence. Nighat Ara, daughter of Ashraf Sheikh and a Class 12 student, said the incident deeply affected her family. We were terrified that night and remained awake till morning. But afterwards, officials and many others came to help us. We realised we were not alone, she said. Similarly, Tamna, daughter of Muhammad Anwar Sheikh, said the village gradually regained stability due to continuous support and coordination from the administration. Life is normal again. Children have returned to school and people are once again focusing on work and their future, she said. Residents said awareness regarding emergency response and safety preparedness has also increased in the village following the shelling incident. Despite the trauma, everyday life has resumed in Bandi. Farmers have returned to their fields, schools are functioning normally and community activities have gradually regained momentum. Village elders say the crisis strengthened unity among residents and reinforced trust between civilians, the administration and security forces. During those difficult times, everyone stood together villagers, officials and security forces. That support gave people courage, said an elderly resident. Residents now hope that peace along the border remains intact so future generations do not have to experience similar violence. We have suffered a lot, but we have also seen compassion and support during the crisis, Ashraf Sheikh said. Our biggest hope now is peace and a secure future for our children.

DJMC IUST marks Press Freedom Week with street theatre

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), marked World Press Freedom Week by organising a street theatre performance on campus. Through engaging storytelling, the performance highlighted the growing challenges of misinformation, sensationalism, and the rapid spread of unverified content on digital platforms. Titled News or Noise?, the play was performed by media students of IUST and directed by Dr. Haifaa Mohammad, Assistant Professor, DJMC. Dr Rabia Noor, Head, DJMC, said the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the distinction between professional journalism and sensational content. She emphasised that credible news is grounded in verification, ethics, and facts, urging audiences to critically assess information consumed on digital media. The performance drew an engaged audience including university officers, Deans, Heads, faculty members, scholars, and students, who appreciated the thought-provoking presentation. Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Afroz Bisati, highlighted the relevance of street theatre as an effective medium to reach young audiences and create lasting impact. Dean Outreach, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, said, This street play, a strong medium for the awareness, the performers has highlighted why training is essential for media professionals, Dean of Students, Dr. Monisa Qadiri, said, there are many misconceptions about journalism at present, and it is the time that we take the charge of the narrative and lead it towards a positive change. Controller of Examination, Prof. Rumaan Bashir said such events are especially important in todays social media landscape to help people distinguish between news and noise. Prof. Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Head, Department of Education, said the street theatre is a part of experiential learning under National Education Policy, 2020, and a great learning experience for the students. Finance Officer, Samer Wazir, said, at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, such creative efforts help audiences understand the value of credible news and encourage more responsible media consumption. Speaking on the occasion, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Senior Multimedia Journalist, working with Sheharbeen programme of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, said people nowadays choose noise over news, which the street play highlighted accurately. This street play is a timely and impactful initiative that shall help address the growing misconceptions surrounding journalism, he said. The play was staged twice during the day and concluded with the felicitation of the student performers and the director.

SKUAST-Kmourns demise ofProf Akhtar Ali Khan

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir today held a condolence meeting to mourn the sudden death of Prof Akhtar Ali Khan. Prof Khan, 53, breathed his last in the early hours of Tuesday in his residential quarters at SKUAST-K Shalimar campus. A distinguished scientist and academician, Prof Khan hailed from Begameer, Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. He joined SKUAST-K in 2004 and was presently serving as Head, Division of Entomology. A special condolence meeting was convened today at the Vice Chancellors Conference Hall, which was attended by the officers of the university, faculty members, SKUAST-K non-teaching staff, and students to pay tributes to Prof Akhtar and show solidarity with his family. During the meeting, speakers described Prof Khans death as an irreparable loss that has left the entire university community shell-shocked. Colleagues, including the Registrar and the Dean Students Welfare, shared emotional tributes, remembering him not only as an able teacher and prolific scientist but as a man with qualities of head and heart. He was fondly recalled for his jovial personality, his charming demeanour, and the warmth he brought to the campus. His contributions to the academic and scientific landscape of this university are etched in history and will be remembered for generations to come, a senior faculty member remarked during the assembly. Prayer meetings for the deceased were also held at various other campuses of the SKUAST-K. The university administration and the Scientists & Teachers Association (SSTA) remained in constant support of the family in this hour of grief and mourning, coordinating closely till the body of the deceased was flown to his ancestral village in Uttar Pradesh for the last rites. The participants offered collective prayers, seeking Jannat-ul-Firdous for the departed soul and strength for his family to bear this tragic loss. Prof Akhtar Ali Khan is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.

Residents protest halt in GMC work, oppose shifting to Nutnussa

The residents of Kulangam, Chogal and adjoining areas Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the halt in work on the Government Medical College (GMC), demanding immediate resumption at the original site (Chogal) or a nearby alternative. The protesters said that the report of the committee led by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir was yet to be made public which raises serious questions about transparency. We fail to understand why the report is not being made public. The people deserve transparency, said Abdul Jabbar War from Gund Chogal. The protesters appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha to intervene into this matter as the same project was e-inaugurated by Home Minister himself seven years ago. We will not accept shifting of the GMC to Nutnussa. It will deprive our area of much-needed healthcare and development and most importantly we have sacrificed for this project by donating over five hundred kanals of land without any compensation, Mohammad Amin a local from Kulangam said. When the government first approved Gund Chogal location for the construction of GMC, the entire village was filled with hope and optimism. Farmers willingly vacated their land, which had been cultivated for generations. Many even felled trees to clear the area, viewing it as a pathway to development and prosperity for the entire region, Abdul Rashid War, a local said. We have been waiting for years but instead of progress, the project has been stalled without any clear reason, leaving us in agony. If authorities have nothing to hide, they should release the report immediately and clear the confusion, he added. The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days. In light of the widespread discontent, the protesters urged the government to reconsider the relocation of GMC Handwara.

Ladakhs Hunderman mourns after return of missing childs body 40 days later

In Ladakh, a wave of grief has engulfed Hunderman village after the mortal remains of 9-year-old Zulqarnain Ali, who had gone missing following a drowning incident, were returned after nearly 40 days. A large number of mourners gathered to offer funeral prayers and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family. The incident dates back to March 20, when two children drowned. While one body was recovered shortly after, Zulqarnains body remained untraced, causing deep anguish among family members and locals. The body was eventually recovered from across the border in Gilgit-Baltistan. Owing to legal and diplomatic procedures, the handover took place at the TeetwalKeran border crossing, nearly 400 kilometers from Kargil, after a coordinated effort lasting around 48 hours. Residents of Hunderman expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, Ladakh Police, and the District Administration Kargil for their efforts, and also acknowledged the cooperation extended by Pakistani authorities on humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, social activist Sajjad Kargil has urged both countries to establish a designated exchange point along the LadakhBaltistan border to ensure timely and dignified return of such bodies. Highlighting a painful and recurring humanitarian issue along the LadakhBaltistan border, social activist Sajjad Kargili has called upon the governments of India and Pakistan to establish a mechanism for the dignified return of bodies swept across the Line of Control (LoC). In a detailed X post, Kargili wrote, Deeply heartened that the mortal remains of 9-year-old Late Zulqarnain Ali was handed over to Ladakh Police by the Pakistani authorities at the Teetwal Keran border. We appreciate the humanitarian gesture shown by the administrations on both sides. Humanity must always prevail over hostility. At the same time, both the Governments of India and Pakistan, particularly the Foreign Ministries and military authorities, must establish a formal meeting point at the KargilKharmang border. Similar incidents have occurred in the past where bodies recovered in Kharmang had to be buried there due to the absence of any return mechanism. For over seven decades, the people of Ladakh and Baltistan have lived with the pain of separation, with thousands of divided families across borders. It is tragic that not only the living remain separated, but even the deceased are often denied a dignified return to their loved ones. Establishing a humanitarian coordination point on the #Kargil border is no longer optional it is a moral and humanitarian necessity.

Zero Miles drives into Shopian with 9th outlet

Zero Miles Grill & Cafe, one of Kashmirs fastest-rising food and hospitality chains, on Wednesday launched its ninth outlet in Shopian district, marking a significant push into south Kashmirs commercial hub. The new franchise is located on the first floor of Alai Kocha, opposite Jamia Masjid in the main market. The outlet will be operated by local franchise partners Syed Saqib Yousuf and Gazenfar Bashir, signalling the brands deepening bet on local entrepreneurship. Inaugurating the facility, Zero Miles founder and CEO Jibran Khan, accompanied by co-founder Javid Ahmad Mahroo, underlined the brands twin focus on quality control and community hiring. Each new outlet is a step forward in our journey of growth and trust. Shopian holds great potential, and we are confident this outlet will become a preferred destination for food lovers, Javid Mahroo told the gathering. Jibran Khan, addressing franchise partners and customers, reiterated the brands commitment to consistency, innovation, and generating local employment a recurring promise as Zero Miles competes with both national fast-food chains and traditional street vendors in a price-sensitive market. The Shopian franchise is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for local youth, a metric the founders said would be tracked closely. Every outlet must earn its place not just in revenue, but in how it serves the community, Jibran Khan added. With nine outlets now operational across the valley, Zero Miles known for its grill platters, cafe-style beverages, and quick-service model is positioning itself as a homegrown alternative to larger franchises, banking on hyperlocal tastes and community trust.

PHDCCI Kashmir, SIDBI sign MoU to boost entrepreneur financing

In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to facilitate entrepreneur financing, capacity building and credit outreach across multiple sectors in the Valley. The agreement, described as the first of its kind between PHDCCI Kashmir and SIDBI in the region, seeks to enhance access to finance and institutional support for entrepreneurs operating in sectors such as horticulture, hospitality, handicrafts, food processing, women-led enterprises and green financing initiatives. Officials said the collaboration would also focus on recommending direct lending and credit cases, besides conducting capacity development and skill enhancement programmes for entrepreneurs and business units across Jammu and Kashmir. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of A P Vicky Shaw on behalf of PHDCCI Kashmir and Sunil S representing SIDBI. Senior SIDBI officials, including Balbir Singh, along with Himayu Wani, Dheeraj Verma and Mohd Rafiq, were present during the signing ceremony. Members of the executive committee of PHDCCI Kashmir, including Bilal Kawoosa, Pervaiz Kaiser, Er Bilal Bhat, CA Anil Sharma, Qaiser Mir, Owais Raja, Haleem Bhat, Shabir Abdullah, Shahid Khan and Deputy Director Iqbal Fayaz Jan, also attended the event. Speaking on the occasion, A P Vicky Shaw termed the agreement a landmark initiative for the regions business and startup ecosystem. This initiative will significantly ease financial outreach for entrepreneurs in the region. The commendable work SIDBI is already doing in Jammu and Kashmir will now receive added support and institutional collaboration from PHDCCI, he said. Officials said the partnership is expected to play an important role in bridging financing gaps faced by emerging entrepreneurs and MSMEs, particularly in sectors that form the backbone of Kashmirs economy. PHDCCI Kashmir also highlighted its earlier efforts in facilitating a similar agreement for the Integrated Textile and Handicrafts Park at Zakura, aimed at strengthening institutional support and capacity building for artisans and associated stakeholders. The chamber expressed gratitude to SIDBI for the collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the financial institution to ensure improved credit access, entrepreneurial training and business development support across the Valley. The agreement comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing renewed focus on entrepreneurship, MSME growth and startup development, with industry bodies increasingly seeking institutional partnerships to improve financing access and economic opportunities for local businesses.

Suzuki Motorcycle opens 1st dealership in Leh

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) on Wednesday inaugurated its first dealership in Ladakh, marking the companys entry into the Union Territory and completing its retail presence across all states and Union Territories of the country. The new dealership, established under the name Mentokling Suzuki, has been opened in Choglamsar area of Leh and will provide integrated sales, service and spare parts facilities for customers in the region. With the launch of the Leh outlet, Suzuki Motorcycle India said its nationwide network has now expanded to 1,242 outlets. The dealership was inaugurated by Deepak Mutreja in the presence of company officials, dealership representatives and customers. Company officials described the move as strategically significant given Ladakhs growing popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure riders from across the country. Speaking at the inauguration, Deepak Mutreja said Ladakh occupied a special place in Indias motorcycling landscape due to its challenging terrain and high-altitude riding conditions. Ladakh holds a special place in Indias motorcycling landscape, attracting riders from across the country. Its unique terrain and demanding riding conditions make it an important market for us, where consistent performance and reliability are critical, he said. With the inauguration of Mentokling Suzuki in Leh, customers and riders will now have easier access to our two-wheelers along with dependable after-sales support. This step brings us closer to customers in remote regions, offering them a trusted ownership experience, he added. The newly opened dealership will showcase Suzukis full domestic two-wheeler portfolio, including scooters such as the Access, Avenis, Burgman Street and the companys electric scooter e-ACCESS. The motorcycle lineup available at the outlet includes the Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF 250 and the V-Strom SX adventure motorcycle. Officials said customers visiting the dealership would also be able to avail test rides across multiple models, including the recently launched Access ABS variants. Apart from vehicle sales, the dealership houses a fully equipped service workshop with trained technical staff and advanced maintenance infrastructure aimed at strengthening after-sales support in the region. The company said the facility would also cater to long-distance riders travelling to Ladakh, particularly V-Strom owners, by providing authorised servicing and genuine spare parts support in the high-altitude region. The outlet will additionally offer Suzuki genuine accessories, riding gear, apparel and merchandise, making it a comprehensive customer service and retail centre for riders in Ladakh.

Khyber Cement backs IUST initiative to frame J&Ks 1st anti-drug policy

In a significant step towards addressing the growing menace of substance abuse in J&K, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), with support from Khyber Cement, has initiated the process of preparing the Union Territorys first dedicated anti-drug policy framework. A statement said that the policy document, which will be drafted by IUST on the basis of recommendations emerging from a two-day conclave held earlier this week, is expected to be formally submitted to the government in the coming months. The workshop, titled Drug-Free Society: Call for Collective Action, was organised by IUSTs Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis on May 4 and 5 under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo. The event brought together policymakers, medical experts, law-enforcement officials, educators, civil society members, youth representatives and students to deliberate on strategies for tackling drug addiction in the region. The initiative was aligned with the Centres Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and aimed at developing a comprehensive framework focusing on prevention, treatment, awareness, rehabilitation, enforcement and community participation. Dr G. N. Itoo, Director of the Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis at IUST, joined senior administrators and experts in leading the discussions during the conclave. Officials associated with the programme said J&K currently lacks a dedicated policy framework to comprehensively address the growing challenge of drug addiction, despite rising concerns over substance abuse among youth. The proposed document is expected to serve as a reference framework for coordinated government action and institutional response in dealing with the crisis. Speaking on the occasion, Umar Tramboo said the companys support for the initiative reflected its broader commitment towards social development in J&K. Our responsibility extends beyond building infrastructure. It is about helping build a healthier and more resilient society. Supporting IUST in this initiative is consistent with our values, and we are proud that it will deliver a concrete roadmap the government can act on, he said. Wasim Ahmed Khan said combating substance abuse required collective participation from all sections of society. Our youth are the foundation of the Valleys future, and tackling substance abuse takes a community working in lockstep. By partnering with IUST and other stakeholders, we are supporting grassroots awareness and an environment where young people can thrive free from addiction, he said. Khyber Cement said its association with the initiative was part of its broader engagement in social and community development activities across Jammu and Kashmir, including education, healthcare, youth empowerment and sports programmes. Participants at the conclave stressed the need for a coordinated and sustained approach involving educational institutions, families, healthcare systems, law-enforcement agencies and community organisations to address the growing threat posed by narcotics and substance abuse in the region.

CM Omar pushes for timely completion of tourism infrastructure projects

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Convention Center, Gulmarg. During the meeting, the Managing Director, JK Cable Car Corporation, presented a detailed agenda and gave a comprehensive presentation on key projects and initiatives of the Corporation. The agenda items were discussed threadbare. The Board deliberated on the upgradation of the Gulmarg Gondola Project aimed at enhancing its carrying capacity, operational efficiency and safety standards through modernisation of critical infrastructure. The Chief Minister emphasised the timely execution of projects, adoption of modern technology and adherence to high safety standards to meet the growing tourist inflow. He underlined the importance of strengthening tourism infrastructure to further boost the local economy. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma; Managing Director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, Shreya Singhal; Director Tourism Kashmir/Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Syed Sajad Qamar; Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other concerned officers.

Six missing after boat capsizes in Yamuna in UP's Hamirpur, search underway

Six people, including children, remain missing after a boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh. Three individuals were rescued by the boatman after the vessel lost balance and overturned on Wednesday evening. Search operations are currently underway by NDRF and SDRF teams.

CM Omar in waiting mode, political storm brewing

Srinagar, May 6:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at launching a sharp political offensive in the coming days, declaring that he was currently holding himself back from making political remarks but would speak openly soon. Speaking at a public function in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, Abdullah said the present occasion did not permit a detailed political address, even as he indicated that he was preparing to make a forceful intervention on political developments in Jammu and Kashmir and the country. I want to burst like a cloudburst, Abdullah remarked while addressing the gathering, a statement widely seen as signalling an impending political response on key issues. Though he stopped short of elaborating on the exact nature of the message, the Chief Minister suggested that he was consciously avoiding political commentary for the moment and would address matters in detail later. The remarks came amid heightened political speculation triggered by claims from PDP leader Waheed Para that discontent was brewing within the ruling National Conference and that some of its legislators were allegedly in touch with PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. Reacting strongly to the allegations, Abdullah later spoke to mediamen, dismissing the claims as baseless reports and accusing the PDP of indulging in rumour-mongering for political relevance. Do you think I would be attending these functions if some MLAs were preparing to leave? These are baseless reports, Abdullah told reporters after the event. In a sharp counterattack on the PDP, the Chief Minister alleged that the party had indirectly facilitated the BJPs victory in the Rajya Sabha elections held last year in Jammu and Kashmir. These are the same people who helped the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. It is not that we are saying this; it was revealed by RTI, Abdullah said. The Chief Minister was referring to disclosures made through the Right to Information Act which reportedly showed that the PDP had not appointed a chief polling agent during the Rajya Sabha elections, a development that allegedly benefited the BJP candidate despite the party lacking adequate numbers on its own. There is no such MLA in the National Conference who will leave the party to support the BJP, Abdullah asserted, firmly rejecting the possibility of defections from his party ranks. PDP's Waheed Para, in his social media post earlier, had also questioned Abdullahs silence over the Jammu and Kashmir administrations decision to declare JamiaSiraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Responding to the criticism, Abdullah said he does not function according to the political line dictated by opposition parties and maintained that both the government and the National Conference speak whenever necessary. I do not work according to what some other party says. When I have to say something, I say it. Neither my government nor I is silent, he said. Wherever issues come up on which we have to talk, we talk either on behalf of the government or the party, the Chief Minister added. CM Abdullah also weighed in on the controversy surrounding deletion of voters from electoral rolls and the debate over the Special Intensive Revision process, while referring to recent electoral developments in West Bengal. So many voters were deleted from the voter list, and the court said they will hear the matter after the elections. What will the hearing now achieve? Elections are over and those people did not get an opportunity to vote, he said. If the BJP had to do it for winning, then be it, they have won now. We will have to see what impact it will have in the rest of the country, he added. On the issue of cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah chose not to reveal any timeline but hinted that a decision would be taken when required. Why are you people so concerned about it? When we have to do it, we will do it, he said in a brief response to reporters. The Chief Minister also addressed concerns related to tourism and security restrictions at several destinations that continue to remain closed after last years Pahalgam attack. He said the government had already reopened a number of tourist spots and that the remaining destinations would also be reopened in a phased manner. This was raised in the Assembly as well. Many places have been reopened, some remain, and they will also be reopened gradually, Abdullah said.

Ventilator shortfall strains Kashmir hospitals

Srinagar, May 6:Critical care in Kashmir is on a ventilator. For decades, the number of functional ventilators has struggled to suffice the deployment capacity relative to hospital bed strength. The inadequate availability of ventilators in Kashmir is costing lives. Patients who could survive with proper life support are being left without access, as the available life-support system is severely short in strength. The specialty hospitals in Kashmir - SKIMS Soura, SMHS Hospital, and the Super Specialty Hospital heavily rely on ventilators as the backbone of critical care for trauma, post-surgical recovery, respiratory failure, cardiac events, and complex neurosurgeries. The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS 2022) and NABH-aligned norms mandate ICU beds to be 5 to 10 percent of total hospital beds in general tertiary settings. It must be 8 to 10 percent ideal for high-acuity referral centres. Ventilators required are roughly one per ICU bed plus 10 to 20 percent reserves for emergencies, OT recovery, and transport as per these standards. In J&K, some medical norms cited suggest a baseline of 5 ventilators per 100 beds. When assessed against these standards, the gap in Kashmirs major hospitals is stark. The functional ventilators fall well short of what bed strength and patient load demand. Even before providing discounts on the basis of chronic manpower shortages and limited physical ICU space, the sheer deployment is low. At this Institute which has 1050 beds, at least 50 to 100 functional ventilators must be available. Only 40 are. Last week, Director SKIMS , and Ex-Officio Secretary to Government (EOSG) Prof Muhammad Ashraf Ganaie said at least 40 more ICU beds would be added to the institute, one each in a ward. The move is aimed at providing critical care to more patients, and save more lives. SKIMS Soura is Kashmirs apex referral institute as a high-acuity tertiary centre with dedicated cancer, cardiac, neuro, and paediatric ICUs. A 2025 RTI data revealed gross shortfalls with the Pediatrics and Neonatology Department requires 20 ventilators, while only 10 are functional. In CVTS there is a shortfall of 12 ventilators while similar shortages persist in Neuro ICU, Cancer Care ICU, and Critical Care Units. In February 2026 this year, the data revealed in the Legislative Assembly showed 53 total ventilators across SKIMS and associated units. Of these, only 40 are functional. A procurement of 150 new ICU beds was announced recently. However, whether these ICU beds will be deployed or not would depend on much more than mere procurement. The poor availability of human resource creates hurdles in making ventilators functional and life saving. At SKIMS, 1222 of 2262 sanctioned posts are vacant. The nurse-patient ratio in the current staff availability is usually two nurses for 10 ventilators. At SMHS Hospital, the strength of 1038 beds must have around 100 ventilators. This is one of the largest general specialty hospital in Kashmir, with 68 working ventilators. The hospitals role as the primary and only referral center for emergencies and routine tertiary cases must have been strengthened. However, the hospital operates with just around 17 ICU beds on medical and surgical side combined. The shortfall of ventilators translates directly to delayed surgeries, prolonged emergency waits, preventable deterioration. For families, it often means watching the loved ones sink deeper into the non-reversible deterioration, and sometimes even death. In Kashmir, even with robust public healthcare network, critical care readiness, experts believe, is rudimentary.

Deputy CM inspects ongoing infrastructure works at GMC Srinagar

Srinagar, May 6: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inspected the ongoing construction of a new building for upgradation of the Surgery, Medicine and Radiology departments at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar. During the inspection, he emphasized the importance of timely completion of the project and strict adherence to quality standards. He stated that the upgradation of these key departments will significantly strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and enhance patient care services in Srinagar. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is committed to ensure seamless delivery of healthcare services and is focused on creating equitable health related infrastructure in both Srinagar and Jammu. The administration is prioritizing development of healthcare facilities, ensuring quality and timely completion to dedicate such facilities across all districts , he said. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister met various public delegations at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The delegations projected a range of issues and demands concerning public welfare and development. The Deputy Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised and resolved several issues on the spot. He assured the delegations that all other genuine matters would be actively taken up with the concerned departments for their prompt and smooth redressal. Reiterating the governments commitment to responsive governance, he said that addressing public grievances and ensuring efficient service delivery remains a top priority. He asked for tightening the noose around the defaulting drivers and vehicle owners involved in unscrupulous activities or found driving under the influence of alcohol and other narcotic substances. Reviewing the healthcare and rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts, the meeting was informed by the Principal, Government Medical College Kathua that a 22-bedded Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) with IPD and OPD services is fully functional in the district. It was informed that a dedicated team of four psychiatrists, along with other doctors and paramedical staff, is providing treatment and counselling to addicted patients. Anil Kumar called for taking local NGOs on board to further strengthen the healthcare support and rehabilitation services for affected patients. He also stressed for exploring the scope for establishing a state-of-the-art health facility dedicated to treatment and recovery of drug addicts in the district. The meeting also held detailed discussions on awareness generation in schools and colleges, sports-based engagement activities, mass pledge campaigns and onboarding of NCC and NSS volunteers in anti-drug campaigns to build stronger youth participation against substance abuse. The ACS further called for adoption of certification for drug-free government offices and institutions, saying that such initiatives would help build a culture of accountability and social responsibility. He urged all the departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination and play their assigned role with dedication to eradicate the drug menace from Kathua. He emphasized that only united and sustained efforts with active public participation can ensure the success of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and help build a healthier and safer society. SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, ADDC Surinder Mohan, CEO BDDA Atul Gupta, ADC Vishavjeet Singh, IAS Probationer Nidhi and other district officers were also present.

CJ inaugurates Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at District Court Jammu

Jammu, May 6: In a significant step towards ensuring child-friendly and victim-sensitive justice delivery, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, ArunPalli, today inaugurated Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at District Court Complex, Jammu. Present on the occasion were Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. YousufWani, Justice Shahzad Azeem Judges of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Yash Paul Bourney Member, J&K Special Tribunal, Jammu, Registrar General Mohinder Kumar Sharma of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Ravinder Nath Watal Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu, Registrar Vigilance Rajiv Gupta, Officers of the registry, Nirmal Kishore Kotwal Bar President along with Bar members, Judicial officers of District Court Complex, Jammu, Monika Kohli Additional Advocate General and Anil Sharma, Chief LADC Jammu. The facility aims to prevent the secondary victimization and ensure fair, sensitive recording of evidence. This marks a significant step towards victim-centric justice delivery in the Union Territory. The Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre has been established to provide a safe, non-intimidating and conducive environment for vulnerable witnesses, including children, victims of sexual offences and persons with disabilities, to depose before the court. The center is equipped with modern facilities including separate waiting areas, live-link video conferencing, one-way mirrors, and child-friendly infrastructure to prevent secondary victimization during trial proceedings, in line with Supreme Court guidelines. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice emphasized that establishment of VWDC reflects the judiciarys commitment towards upholding the rights and dignity of vulnerable witnesses and ensuring fair trial without fear or trauma.

Centre, Ladakh sign MoU to boost rural water supply under JJM 2.0

New Delhi, May 6: Continuing the nationwide rollout of reform linked implementation under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0; Mizoram and Ladakh signed MoUs with the Union Government on Wednesday, committing to a structured reform framework for sustainable, transparent and community-led rural drinking water service delivery. The reformlinked MoU, as per a PIB statement, mandates a Gram Panchayatled, servicebased and communitycentred model of rural water governance, aligned with the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The reformlinked MoU seeks to ensure that every rural household has access to drinking water supply in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on a regular basis through strengthened community participation (Jan Bhagidari) and bringing in structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems, thereby enhancing the living standards of rural communities contributing to longterm water security aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The MoUs were signed in the virtual presence of the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil. Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna was also present during the MoU signing at the DDWS office. Senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), including Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS, Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) were also present during the MoU signing. Marking a key step in Centre-UT collaboration, the MoU with Ladakh was formally signed on the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena; Shashanka Ala, IAS, Secretary, UT, Ladakh; Dr Mohammad Usman Khan, JKAS, Add. Secretary, PHE/I&FC department, Ladakh and other senior officials from the State. The MoU was signed and exchanged between Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS, and Shurbir Singh, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, PHE/I&FC Department, UT, Ladakh. The MoU with Mizoram was signed in the presence of the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma who joined the event virtually along with senior officials from the state. The MoU was signed and exchanged between Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS, and Zodingpuii- Secretary PHED, Government of Mizoram & MD JJM, Mizoram. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil highlighted that the reform-linked MoUs mark a pivotal step in achieving 'Har Ghar Jal' for all rural households by 2028. He commended Mizoram's near-100% reported physical progress under JJM and urged timely reforms in operation, maintenance, and community participation to ensure and claim Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) certified status. The Minister assured full central support, including expedited fund releases, to maintain implementation momentum for the state. In his address Ladakh, C. R. Patil congratulated Vinai Kumar Saxena for his commendable efforts in ensuring 98.18% FHTC in the UT. He also urged for a rapid execution of the mission as per the JJM 2.0 guidelines to get a 100% HGJ certified UT. He also stated that JJM 2.0, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on accountability, water quality, and long-term sustainability. In order to fulfill this, he urged the officials to conduct District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings on timely basis and adhere to the MoU. He also urged both Mizoram and Ladakh to prioritize Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari through convergence with schemes like MGNREGA to ensure the long-term viability of the water supply systems. Patil informed that in September 2025, the Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) wrote a D.O. letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding issues related to Operation & Maintenance (O&M) in the Union Territories. In this regard he requested Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to coordinate with MHA and work for O&M. He also mentioned the suggestions given by the Additional Secretary & Mission Director (AS&MD), NJJM after discussion with the Chief Secretary of Ladakh during his visit to the UT in September 2025 and asked to take actions in this regard. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted the significance of Jal Jeevan Mission in ensuring access to safe drinking water in the challenging terrain of Ladakh. He termed the signing of MoU as a historic occasion. He pointed out that substantial progress has been achieved, with works completed in a significant number of villages, and emphasized that JJM is translating the vision of providing tap water to every household into reality. He highlighted the unique feature of JJM as it has community-led verification, wherein local villagers certify the functionality and delivery of water supply systems, thereby ensuring accountability and effectiveness on the ground. Aligning to the missions key points, Shri Saxena expressed confidence that the reform-linked framework will further strengthen implementation and assured full cooperation of the UT administration in achieving the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission.

Integrate ancient vedic wisdom with modern education: LG Sinha

Jammu, May 6:The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul at the ancient Shri Narsingh Dev Temple in Ghagwal. He also dedicated a Nakshatra Park and Yoga Dhyan Kendra to the public and laid foundation stone for Shri Narsingh Dev Public Library and Open Air Amphitheatre. Addressing a gathering of scholars, students and prominent citizens, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, emphasised that the establishment of Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul is a meaningful reconnection with Indias civilizational roots. It is a significant step towards cultural renaissance and the strengthening of the ancient Indian knowledge tradition, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the land of Ghagwal has historically been a vibrant center of learning where Vedic teachings flourished and the Guru-Shishya tradition thrived, providing students with guidance in the art of living, critical thinking, and the courage to seek the truth. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted Indias rapid advancement in science, innovation and technology. He further emphasised that the nation's true strength lies in its cultural consciousness, with Sanskrit playing a vital role in providing a balanced perspective rooted in ethics and duty. The Lieutenant Governor said that Sanskrit has been a source of essential values and knowledge systems for humanity for centuries. He also recalled the monumental contributions of ancient scholars such as Kautilya, Charaka, Sushruta, Bhaskracharya, Brahmagupta, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira, in shaping the global traditions in mathematics, medicine and philosophy. He stressed the urgent need to make this vast repository of knowledge accessible in simple, modern language to ensure its relevance for the contemporary world. The Lieutenant Governor urged the Gurukul management to maintain the highest standards of education by integrating the depth of tradition with the breadth of modernity. He emphasized that the institution must go beyond providing degrees to nurture sensitive, ethical and courageous personalities who can lead the society. I believe Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul will evolve into a centre of excellence by integrating traditional values with modern education, the Lieutenant Governor said.

Border villages now first villages under PM Modis leadership: LG Sinha

Jammu, May 6:Our border villages are the inheritors of a rich tradition of courage and resilience. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have shifted the narrative. These are no longer the last villages of India; they are our First Villages', the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday. The Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, was addressing a public rally during his visit to the border village of Regal in the Samba district, where he initiated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects. These include establishment of Digital Library at Government Primary School Regal, Construction of Community Hall cum Recreation Centre at Regal, development of Amrit Sarovar at Regal alongwith Drainage Channel, Installation of 03 Open Gyms and Installation of Solar Street Lights. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that the Administration is resolute to elevate the border settlements from the periphery of neglect to the forefront of national progress. Border villages like Regal are the backbone of India. Our glorious history was forged in the arduous paths of these border villages. We are committed to safeguarding the dignity of every border village family, ensuring that those who have faced the greatest neglect are now accorded the highest priority in the new era of Jammu Kashmirs progress, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the Government of India is implementing a comprehensive strategy under the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to integrate border populations into the national mainstream with focus on Livelihood Generation, Infrastructure and Connectivity. He said that the programme also aims to saturate all villages in 4 thematic areas- all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms. Every effort is being made to ensure that the aspirations of every single citizen are fulfilled, that the development demands of border residents are met. Furthermore, by adopting a Whole-of-Government Approach, we aim to ensure that every target set under the Vibrant Villages Programme is achieved, he said. The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials to ensure that every household in the border villages has access to electricity, mobile connectivity, and economic independence. We must ensure that by 2030, not a single family in the border villages of Samba remains below the poverty line, the Lieutenant Governor said. Responding the demands raised by Member of Legislative Assembly Ramgarh, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the administration is committed to providing land ownership rights to displaced persons from PoJK and WPRs. He also stated that the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam would provide a massive boost to the region's agricultural productivity. The Lieutenant Governor lauded Regal for becoming a TB-free village and urged continued vigilance regarding clean drinking water and the collective fight against drug abuse. The Lieutenant Governor also handed over appointment orders to SPOs and sanction letters to various youth of the village and beneficiaries under HADP, Mission Yuva and other schemes. During his visit to the Regal Border Out Post (BoP), the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the Jawans and lauded their unwavering determination in guarding the nations frontiers and commended their exemplary role in Operation Sindoor. Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Member of Legislative Assembly from Ramgarh; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department;Anil Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department; Bhim Sen Tuti; IGP Jammu; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Ms R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Ayushi Sudan Deputy Commissioner Samba; Anuj Kumar, SSP Samba, senior officials of army, police and civil administration and people in large number were present.

BEI hosts cross country run to promote healthy living

Srinagar, May 6: Bilaliya Educational Institute conducted Cross Country Run 2026 under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, reinforcing the call for a healthier and drug free future. A total of 345 students participated with energy and purpose. The event stood as more than a race. It reflected a clear commitment towards channelling youth into sports, discipline, and constructive engagement, key factors in preventing substance abuse and promoting overall wellbeing Said Manzoor Wangnoo noted environmentalist and chairman of the school. The run, as per a statement, was flagged off by Aijaz Ahmad, SSP Traffic Srinagar city who appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in guiding youth away from drugs. Dr Mudassir Nabi, Medical Officer PHC Zadibal, attended as Guest of Honour and encouraged students to adopt healthy lifestyles. The event witnessed strong support from parents and administration. The chairman of BEI, the school organisers expressed gratitude for the trust of parents and the permission and facilitation extended by the authorities. The role of the medical team and Jammu and Kashmir Police was acknowledged for ensuring smooth and safe conduct of the programme. The successful execution of the run is credited to the dedicated efforts of the sports team and faculty members including Tajamul Ahad, Suhail Nisar, Adil Raheem, and Javaid Ahmad. I extend my appreciation to Principal Nisar Ahmad and Coordinator Adil Mirza for their leadership and coordination. Wangnoo added

Hands-on workshop on early GI Cancer detection conducted

Srinagar, May 6: The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), in collaboration with GK Labs, organised a specialised workshop on Early Detection of Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers under its ongoing Moul Mouj Cancer Care Project at Kashmir Clinics Central. The workshop was conducted under the guidance of renowned radiation oncologist Prof. M. Ashraf Teli, Advisor to the project, with the objective of strengthening early screening and recognition of gastrointestinal cancers in Jammu & Kashmir, where stomach and colon cancers remain among the most frequently reported malignancies. The programme was attended by doctors, paramedics, healthcare professionals, and allied medical staff. It featured expert-led sessions, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training modules focusing on early symptom recognition, screening approaches, referral pathways, and community-level awareness strategies for GI cancers. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant and Founder Chairman MMF, emphasized that many gastrointestinal cancers are detected late because people ignore persistent symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, altered bowel habits, prolonged acidity, or blood in stool. Dr Shakeel Ur Rehman, Secretary General MMF, stated that, GI cancers do not become dangerous overnight; they become dangerous when early warning signs are repeatedly ignored. The workshop highlighted the importance of timely endoscopy, colonoscopy, risk assessment, and early intervention in improving survival and reducing disease burden. Participants were also trained on practical screening protocols and patient counselling techniques aimed at promoting early healthcare-seeking behaviour. The organisers reiterated their commitment to expanding awareness and capacity-building initiatives under the Moul Mouj Cancer Care Project across Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in outreach and underserved areas.

Police demolish illegal structure of drug peddler at Noor Bagh

Srinagar, May 6: Continuing its intensified crackdown against narcotics under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police demolished an illegally constructed residential structure belonging to a habitual drug peddler in the Palpora NoorBagh area of the city. Police identified the accused as Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, son of Feroz Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Zahidpora Hawal presently residing at Pamposh Colony, Palpora Noorbagh. According to police officials, the accused had encroached upon state land and raised the structure illegally without obtaining any lawful permission from the concerned authorities. Police said Hilal Ahmad Sheikh is involved in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These include FIR No. 06/2025 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Khanyar and FIR No. 47/2026 under Sections 8/20 and 22 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Safakadal. During the course of investigation, authorities found that the structure had been constructed using proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking. Officials further said that the building was raised on illegally occupied land in violation of revenue laws and other established legal procedures. During verification, it surfaced that the structure was illegally constructed on encroached state land and was linked to proceeds generated from drug trafficking activities, a police official said. Investigators have also found that close associates and some family members of the accused are involved in several NDPS-related cases across the Kashmir Valley, indicating the existence of a wider narcotics network. After completion of all legal formalities, the demolition drive was carried out jointly by police and the concerned civil authorities in accordance with law. Meanwhile, Srinagar Police has also intensified inspection drives of medical shops across various parts of the district as part of its broader anti-drug campaign. The inspections were conducted by jurisdictional police teams in coordination with concerned departments to ensure strict implementation of laws regulating the sale and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs. Officials said special focus was laid on verifying stock registers, sale records and prescription compliance, particularly for medicines that have high potential for misuse. During the inspections, pharmacists and shopkeepers were sensitized about the provisions of the NDPS Act and advised against over-the-counter sale of restricted drugs without valid prescriptions. They were directed to maintain proper documentation and immediately report any suspicious transactions or misuse of pharmaceutical substances, police said.

Dr Farooq addresses NCs Working Committee meeting of district Srinagar

Srinagar, May 6: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Wednesday asked party cadres to stay vigilant and alert the public about Delhi-made parties attempting to undermine and obstruct the functioning of the popularly elected government led by Omar Abdullah. He made these remarks while chairing a one-day Working Committee meeting of District Srinagar at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha. The meeting was organized by District President Srinagar Peer Afaq Ahmad and was attended by Party General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar; Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Mubarak Gul, Ali Muhammad Dar, Tanvir Sadiq, Ahsan Pardesi, Shameema Firdous, Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, and Salman Ali Sagar; Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir; Womens Wing Provincial President Er. Sabiya Qadri; Minority Wing Organiser JS Azad; Provincial Secretary Syed Tawqeer; Trade Union Convenor Ghulam Muhammad Hamdard; besides District Srinagar block presidents and office bearers. The meeting held detailed deliberations on pressing public issues and key organisational matters, with participants discussing challenges facing the party and possible ways forward. Dr Farooq in his address said the NC government led by Omar Abdullah is acting as a bulwark to safeguard the regions interests and protect the rights of its people, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. He said that this has become a concern for certain forces in New Delhi and within Jammu and Kashmir that seek to erode the regions unique cultural and political identity. He asserted that the party will continue to defend the interests of the people from Lakhanpur to Kupwara and will not allow such forces to succeed. These forces may change faces and names, but their agenda remains the same, he said, adding that their aim is to weaken the regions distinct identity. He urged party functionaries to take the governments governance record to the grassroots and educate people about attempts to create divisions along religious, regional, sectarian, and ideological lines. He also called on the cadre to work closely with the public and actively help resolve their grievances.

WTO at a crossroads: Can global trade rules keep up with change?

The World Trade Organization's role as a global commerce pillar is weakening. Imbalances and unfair practices are challenging its principles. Trade is now seen as strategic power, not just economic exchange. India advocates for balanced reforms to ensure WTO's relevance in a changing world. This includes integrating plurilateral agreements and addressing developmental needs.

Security tightened in Jammu ahead of Operation Sindoor anniversary

Jammu, May 06: Security has been beefed up along the International Border and in Jammu region ahead of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, with security forces conducting extensive search operations, officials said on Wednesday. The Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out searches in various areas of Jammu, while police teams intensified frisking and checking of vehicles at multiple places, they said. Search operations have also been conducted in several districts as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the officials added. In the early hours of May 7 last year, India had launched Operation Sindoor a precision air and missile strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. Security along the border with Pakistan has been further strengthened, with heightened vigilance through both manual patrolling and surveillance equipment, the officials said.

Urdu: Ministry, Mohalla and Market

While outrage over removing Urdu knowledge as a mandatory requirement for revenue administrators is completely justified, it appears misplaced -- the change has not been notified. However, the issuance of a stakeholder consultation notice is enough to raise suspicions and spark insecurity. Especially after the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, ended Urdus status as the sole official language by adding Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, and English alongside it. Also, the Central Administrative Tribunals directive to the Service Selection Board allowing candidates proficient in any of the five official languages has further accelerated this shift. The issue is not only about a job. It is making the lingua franca of administration redundant in one of the most important areas of governance: land ownership. The issue becomes emotive when framed as an assault on identity, though there are strong administrative reasons to retain Urdu as a mandatory qualification for revenue administration jobs. Across J&K, be it Jammu, Pir Panchjal, Chenab, or the Valley, all land records remain in Urdu Nastaliq script. The entire revenue system, including the Record of Rights ( Jamabandi ), crop inspection ( Girdawari), and mutations ( Intiqal ), operates in Urdu. However, over the years, there have been technological advances and efficiency-driven reforms, that carry deeper structural consequences for the Urdu language. The systemic change that has already marginalised Urdu is the digitalisation of land records. While the benefits of digitisation are undeniable -- improves transparency, reduces corruption, speeds up mutations, and enables online access it effectively eliminates Urdu from day-to-day administrative use. Launched nationally in 1996, digitisation gained momentum in J&K only after the abrogation of Article 370. By early 2025, Jamabandi records had been digitised in 6,838 of 6,850 revenue villages. The new system and software are primarily in English (with some Hindi elements), offering minimal or no support for Nastaliq script. Old handwritten Urdu records have been scanned as images, but new entries, searches, mutations, and extracts are generated in English. The revenue administrative operating system of J&K, where Urdu was deeply embedded, has been rewired making its marginalisation an inevitable byproduct of modernisation. The fact is that digitisation is not culturally neutral. Considering such transformative developments, the larger question Kashmir must confront is far deeper: how does Urdu survive as a living tongue in the Valley. Languages do not live or die by government orders, notifications, or recruitment circulars. They survive or perish through the daily choices of societies and the utilitarian spirit of the markets. The life of a language is not in government circulars, but through the civil society and the market of commerce. History offers a stark lesson. Persian was the court language of Kashmir for centuries under the Mughals, Afghans, and early Dogras. It shaped administration, poetry, and elite discourse. Yet quickly disappeared once Urdu took over as the practical link language in the late 19th century. Persian survives today only in classical scholarship, the Sufi recitations at shrines and scattered loanwords in Kashmiri. No royal administrative decree could keep it alive once society stopped using it at home and in the bazaar. Ironically, the Kashmiri civil society has, in a perverse twist, helped Urdu at the direct expense of Kashmiri. In countless urban and semi-urban homes parents consciously shifted to Urdu believing it elevated their social standing and offered better prospects for their children. The result is painful but clear: Kashmiri became the language of grandparents and villages, while Urdu got into currency in domestic usage. Urdu gained ground, but at the cost of the Valleys own linguistic soul. This is the real cultural blow. The market question is even more unforgiving. Urdu was once the language of commerce in Kashmir. All trade accounts were maintained in Urdu. For instance, wataks , the invoices and account notes that ran the apple trade and horticulture economy, were written in Urdu until recently. Local mandis, commission agents, and exporters conducted business in it. But liberalisation, computerisation, banking reforms, and national supply chains changed everything. Contracts, phytosanitary certificates, payment and export invoices and even banking apps operate in English. Urdu lost its utility in the very sector that still drives rural Kashmirs livelihood. Nor does socialisation happen in Urdu. Today, the market for Urdu is largely cultural and marginally administrative, confined to the revenue records. There too, with the digitalisation of land records, it has lost primacy, if not relevance as a bridge language. Urdu serves as a language of archival record and functions as a bridge language, not a growth language. Urdu should certainly be given due prominence. It is part of our shared civilisational inheritance. But its revival and propagation cannot be outsourced to the secretariat. What is most important to realise is that official status and recruitment rules cannot, nor have ever saved a language that people themselves have stopped speaking at home or stopped needing in the marketplace. Between Kashmiri as the intimate language of the Valley and English as the language of the world, Urdu can occupy a natural middle ground as the language of specialised scholarship. A substantial body of Kashmir-specific historical material from the late 19th century onward exists primarily, and sometimes exclusively, in Urdu. The Dogra-era shift in 1889, when Maharaja Pratap Singh replaced Persian with Urdu as the court language, triggered an explosion of Urdu historiography, journalism, and scholarship. Works such as Tareekh-e-Kashmir by authors like Maulvi Shad or Hargopal Kaul Khasta, Tarikh Nigaristaan-e-Kashmir , and similar texts preserved local narratives that later English-language histories often summarise or reinterpret. The political awakening from the 1920s to the 1970s was documented and shaped through Urdu newspapers. Historians studying the freedom movement, rely heavily on those primary sources. English secondary literature frequently cites them, but the originals, and the nuance they carry, are in Urdu. This approach avoids the usual trap of reducing language to symbolic identity politics. Done right, it strengthens both Urdus survival and Kashmirs own historical self-understanding. The only risk is if we treat the exercise as ritual rather than rigorous scholarship. The niche could usefully extend to related fields, but it must remain anchored in historiography to retain its intellectual credibility and economic logic. From a purely administrative standpoint, there is need for a series of countermeasures starting with full Urdu digital support to prevent linguistic erasure. The government must build safeguards of bilingual records, and Nastaliq integration to prevent an irreversible tilt toward English. The national Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme mandates local-language support. To be fair, the J&K government in 2021-2022 did well to introduce Trilingual Digital Land Passbooks. Every landowner can get a digital passbook with land details (ownership, mutations, etc.) in Urdu, Hindi, and English. This was explicitly designed to make records accessible while preserving Urdus historical role in revenue documentation. A key feature that needs to be actively propagated is the automatic transliteration of Records of Rights into Kashmiri, which is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Ultimately, Urdus future in Kashmir will not be decided in the Revenue department or the information department of the Secretariat. It will be decided in homes that choose what language children speak at dinner, in publishers who print new Kashmiri-Urdu literature that people buy, in digital creators who produce content young Kashmiris consume, and in local markets that find fresh economic reasons to use it. The real issue, then, is not only confined to whether Urdu is mandatory in a recruitment rule. It is whether we, as a society, continue to value it for what it uniquely offers: a rich, irreplaceable archive of our modern history and literature. Give it that space, seriously and unapologetically, and Urdu will not merely survive; it will contribute meaningfully to Kashmirs intellectual life. Ignore that space, and no circular will save it. The mohalla and the market, not the ministry, will deliver the verdict. The author is a Contributing Editor of Greater Kashmir.

Kashmir transporters threaten to go on indefinite strike from May 12

Srinagar, May 06: Days after a Valley-wide chakka jam over the Smart City bus row, transporters in Kashmir on Wednesday announced an indefinite strike from May 12, warning of a complete halt in public transport if the government fails to address their demands. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Transport Association Kashmir President Shabir Matta, as per the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said the decision follows continued inaction by the authorities despite repeated outreach by transport bodies after the April 20 shutdown. We have given the government time till May 11. If our genuine demands are not met, the entire Kashmir will observe a chakka jam from May 12, Matta said. He said transporters from South, North and Central Kashmir had attempted to engage with the administration through visits and public outreach but received no response. Had the government called us for talks earlier, this situation would not have arisen, he said. Matta said the protest is driven by survival concerns of thousands associated with the sector. We are not against the government or development. But our employment is being snatched. First save our livelihood, then we can discuss other issues, he added. Referring to the April 20 strike, he acknowledged the hardship caused to the public, particularly students and patients. We understand people suffered; students missed exams and patients faced difficulties. We dont want to repeat that, but we are being forced, he said. The transport leader reiterated concerns over the expansion of Smart City bus services into routes traditionally operated by private transporters, alleging that local stakeholders are being sidelined in the process. He urged the government to initiate dialogue, stating that the sector supports thousands of drivers, conductors and vehicle owners across the Valley. We want to work with the government, not against it. But if ignored, we will be compelled to intensify agitation, he said. Transport bodies have further appealed to operators across Kashmir to support the proposed strike, which, if implemented, is likely to severely disrupt daily life, affecting commuters, students and patients across the Valley. Notably, as already reported by KNO, a Valley-wide chakka jam on April 20 had paralysed public transport across Kashmir, leaving commuters stranded and forcing authorities, including Kashmir University, to make alternate arrangements for affected students.

What Bengal thinks today: Pan-India-wise, May 4 signals more regional parties moving into existential crises

The Bharatiya Janata Party's significant win in West Bengal marks a major shift. This victory, alongside other state election results, has weakened the opposition INDIA alliance. The BJP now holds a stronger position in Parliament and is focusing on eastern India's development. This trend suggests a stable pathway for national policy and the BJP's continued political dominance.

A wake-up call for parents and society

Kashmir is known for its beauty, its culture, and its strong social fabric. But behind this picture, a troubling reality is quietly growing; drug addiction, especially among our youth. What was once rare and hidden is now becoming visible in our streets, our institutions, and, in some cases, our own homes. The increasing involvement of school and college-going students makes the situation deeply concerning and calls for immediate attention. In many cases, the journey does not begin with hard drugs. It starts small with a cigarette. For a young person, smoking often appears harmless, even fashionable. It is easily accepted in social settings, rarely questioned, and sometimes even ignored within families. But this small beginning often opens the door to more dangerous habits. Over time, it lowers resistance and makes experimenting with stronger substances easier. In Kashmir, smoking has become so common that it hardly raises concern. Many young boys and girls are exposed to it at home or among peers, and gradually begin to accept it as normal. This environment not only affects their health but also shapes their mindset. What should be discouraged is instead silently tolerated. Doctors and health experts have already raised alarms. There is a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and other long-term health problems linked to smoking. More importantly, smoking often becomes a gateway leading young individuals toward the misuse of medicines such as tramadol, anti-anxiety drugs, and codeine-based syrups. In many cases, this is followed by substances like cannabis and eventually even more harmful drugs. What begins as curiosity slowly turns into dependence. But addiction is not only about substances, it is also about circumstances. Todays youth are under pressure like never before. Academic competition, fear of failure, and high expectations often leave them stressed and anxious. Many struggle silently, without proper guidance or emotional support. In such moments, drugs may appear as an escape. Peer pressure adds to this challenge, as the need to fit in often makes it difficult to say NO. When access to such substances is easy, risk becomes even greater. At the same time, changes within families are also playing a role. Communication between parents and children is gradually weakening. Busy routine, lack of supervision, and giving children too much freedom without accountability can create gaps. Many students who move away from home for studies suddenly find themselves with independence; but without guidance. Another growing concern is the closed-room culture. Young people today spend long hours alone with their phones, disconnected from family interactions. Parents often remain unaware of what their children are exposed to, whether it is harmful content, bad influences, or risky behaviors. Slowly, this isolation can push them further away from support systems. The government has taken steps to address this issue. Campaigns like Nasha Mukta Abhiyan aim to spread awareness and take action against drug networks. Law enforcement agencies have also intensified their efforts, and some positive changes are visible on the ground. At the same time, important regulatory measures have been strengthened in the recent times by Smita Sethi , JKAS Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, strict monitoring of pharmaceutical drugs has been prioritized to prevent misuse. CCTV cameras have been installed in medical shops to ensure transparency in the sale of medicines, and this initiative has been largely achieved. Efforts to control tobacco use have also been stepped up. Smoking in public places is being discouraged, the sale of tobacco near educational institutions is prohibited, and selling such products to minors is strictly banned. Hookah bars have also been closed to prevent the spread of smoking culture among youth. Yet, laws and enforcement alone are not enough. The real change must begin at home and within society. Parents need to be more involved in their childrens lives, not just as providers, but as guides and listeners. A simple conversation, timely attention, and emotional support can prevent many problems before they begin. Knowing your childs friends, their routine, and their online world is no longer optional, it is necessary. Schools and colleges must also step forward by strengthening counseling systems and creating safe spaces where students can speak openly. Society, too, must stop normalizing smoking and start taking responsibility for protecting its youth. Community and religious leaders can play an important role in spreading awareness and guiding young minds. Drug addiction is not just an individual problem, it is a collective challenge. If ignored, it can affect an entire generation. But with awareness, responsibility, and joint effort, it can be controlled. The time to act is now, for the sake of our children and the future of Kashmir.

Unacceptable Descent

A recent social media exchange between a National Conference spokesperson and a PDP legislator has plumbed unacceptable depths. What began as a routine disagreement over the Rajya Sabha polls degenerated into personal barbs, innuendo, and undignified rhetoric. Both participants must be held accountable. Such language demeans not just the individuals involved but the very idea of public service in Kashmir. The PDP legislators lengthy post on X, couched as political critique, slipped quickly into sarcasm and accusation charging opponents with diversion, incompetence, and covert disloyalty. The NC spokespersons rejoinder was worse: invoking insulting metaphors, branding a sitting legislator juvenile, and accusing the PDP of a criminal sell out. This is not political debate; it is street invective. The language is unworthy of decent citizens, let alone representatives of people and parties. The spectacle worsened when another NC legislator demanded that PDP members swear on the Holy Quran to prove the veracity of their claims. Invoking sacred texts to settle political rivalries is not only crass but deeply perilous. The return of elected governance was meant to restore maturity and issue based discourse. Instead, senior leaders are corroding the dignity of institutions and modelling contempt for civility. In a region already scarred by division, such rhetoric fuels cynicism, deters serious engagement, and distracts from real imperatives: good governance, economic recovery, restoration of statehood, and renewed public confidence. Kashmiris did not elect their representatives to trade insults or oaths on social media. The leadership of the two biggest parties must set an example and not display visceral hate that they seem to have for each other. They see each other as enemies when they are just adversaries. Political rivalry is healthy; incivility is not. Leadership requires restraint, especially when the stakes are this high. Decency and a sense of remorse demand that these posts be withdrawn. That would be the bare minimum gesture of accountability. The people of Kashmir deserve far better.

Strait mess: Trumps Iran war drifts into week 10 with no end in sight

Global powers navigate a delicate situation as a ceasefire weakens and US war aims remain unclear. Both sides avoid direct confrontation, seeking a path forward amidst ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, China's Xi Jinping anticipates a summit with a pressured US President Trump. The world observes as diplomatic maneuvers continue, with the outcome of the conflict uncertain.

What my grandmother taught me about language

It began in the most unremarkable way, like many things in childhood do, without any sense that what I was seeing would stay with me for years, and yet, looking back now, I realize that what seemed ordinary at the time was quietly teaching me something I would only understand much later. My grandmother, my dadi amma, was a deeply conversational person, someone who carried within her a natural warmth, an ease with people that did not depend on shared backgrounds or formal introductions. She had a way of sitting with someone and, within minutes, dissolving the distance that usually exists between strangers. And yet, she knew only one language, Kashmiri, and that was the world she inhabited, the world she carried with her wherever she went. In our neighborhood, there lived an elderly Hindu couple, known to everyone for their simplicity and quiet dignity. The husband, Bhagat Lal Chand, was a respected and sincere man, someone who spoke both Kashmiri and Sarazi, a local colloquial language, and who moved through life with a kind of grounded gentleness. His wife, however, spoke only Sarazi; she did not know Kashmiri at all, not even in fragments. And yet, over time, a quiet but deeply meaningful friendship formed between her and my grandmother. After my fathers passing, my grandmother came to live with us, and from that point on, my childhood unfolded largely in her presence, shaped in quiet but lasting ways by her personality, her stories, and her way of being with the world. She was not just someone who lived with us; she became, in many ways, the emotional and cultural center of that phase of my life. She was a natural storyteller, and much of my childhood was carried along by those nightly moments when I would sleep beside her, waiting for what felt like the most anticipated part of the day. She seemed to carry within her memory hundreds of stories, and they flowed effortlessly, without pause or hesitation. There were stories of Shala Kaak, of Aziz Joo, of Himal Nagrai, and of many other characters whose names I may not fully remember now, but whose presence shaped my imagination in ways that have stayed with me. She did not read from a book, nor did she ever seem to search for the next line; the stories simply emerged, alive and complete, albeit with the added spice of her made-up humour, as though they had always been a part of her. In many ways, she was the keeper of our familys memory, a living archive of its past, its struggles, its peculiar characters, and its quiet inheritances. At the same time, she was a deeply strong and courageous woman, someone who had endured more than she ever chose to speak about openly, and yet carried herself with a quiet dignity and resilience that left a lasting impression on me. After my fathers passing, her health did begin to change, and she developed problems with her heart, but even then, there was something in her spirit that remained untouched, something that refused to be defined by illness or loss. It was during those same years that her bond with that neighbor, the elderly woman who spoke only Sarazi, became something I began to notice more closely. They would sit together in the lawn for long stretches of time, often in the soft light of the afternoon or as evening quietly settled in, and they would talk, or at least, that is what it appeared to be. My grandmother would speak in Kashmiri, and the other woman would respond in Sarazi, and neither of them understood the others language in any formal or structured sense. There was no shared vocabulary, no grammar that connected them, no linguistic bridge as we ordinarily understand it. And yet, they would sit for hours, exchanging words, gestures, expressions, pauses, as if no such barrier existed at all. Sometimes they would laugh together, in a way that suggested something deeply understood, and at other times, they would grow quiet, their voices softening, and they would begin to cry. As a child, I found this both fascinating and confusing. I remember asking my grandmother, with the kind of insistence that children have when something does not make immediate sense, how she could possibly understand what the other woman was saying. I told her quite plainly that she did not know Sarazi, and therefore, she could not understand her. And she responded in a way that seemed almost effortless, as if the question itself was unnecessary. She said, no, no, she was telling me about her son, about her life, about the difficulties she has faced, and there was no hesitation in her voice, no sense that she was guessing or imagining. She spoke with the quiet certainty of someone who had truly understood. That stayed with me. Years later, when my grandmother passed away, that same woman came to our home, and she wept for hours, not as someone fulfilling a social obligation, but as someone grieving a deeply personal loss, a connection that had been real, intimate, and meaningful, despite the absence of a shared language in the conventional sense. For a long time, I did not have the words to understand what I had witnessed in those moments, but much later, I came across a reflection attributed toHazrat Inayat Khan, and something in it immediately brought me back to those afternoons in the lawn: There is the story of the Apostles who instantly knew many languages. This does not mean they knew French, English, German, or Spanish. Rather, they knew the language of every soul, that every soul began to speak to them, and they began to communicate with every person. The meaning of revelation is the understanding of the language of the soul. And when I read this, I began to realize that perhaps what I had witnessed was not something extraordinary in the sense of being rare, but something fundamental that we often fail to recognize, because we are too accustomed to thinking of language only in terms of words, grammar, and formal understanding. There is a verse of Holy Quran that has stayed with me as well, one that seems to echo this idea from another direction: And He taught Adam the names of all things This Quranic verse is often read as a religious statement, but it points to something far deeper, something that touches the very origin of human consciousness. To be human is not simply to exist, but to name, to relate, to bring order to what would otherwise remain chaotic through the act of meaning-making. Language, then, begins to appear not merely as an invention of mankind, but as a kind of revelation, a way through which we participate in the ongoing process of becoming. In every act of naming, something within us also takes shape. I was reminded of this again in a different context when a friend of mine, who now lives in Europe but has roots in the Indian subcontinent, shared a thought that lingered with me long after the conversation ended. He said that nowhere else in the world carries the kind of diversity that the subcontinent does, not only in terms of languages, but in terms of philosophies, sensibilities, and ways of life, all blending together with a unique intensity. And as I listened to him, I realized that this was not something I had merely observed from a distance, but something I had lived through, in ways that were both subtle and profound. At home, I spoke Urdu and Kas hmiri, each carrying its own emotional texture, its own way of holding memory and belonging. In school, I learned English and Hindi, each offering a different structure of thought, a different rhythm of expression. Over time, I found myself drawn toward Punjabi, not through formal study, but through the verses of Bulleh Shah, Shah Hussain, and Waris Shah, whose poetry seemed to resonate at a level that did not require translation, as if it was speaking to something already present within me. Later, I encountered the qawwalis ofNusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and there, language seemed to dissolve into something more expansive, something that moved beyond words and entered directly into feeling. His music did not ask to be translated; it asked to be experienced. That experience, in turn, led me into the world of Farsi literature, where I found myself in the company of Ferdowsi, Rumi, Saadi, and Hafez, whose works did not feel like distant literary artifacts, but like living companions, offering metaphors for lifes deepest wounds and consolations, shaping ways of thinking, feeling, and even praying. Similarly, during my university years, when I spent time in Tamil Nadu, walking along Marina Beach, speaking to locals, and absorbing the atmosphere around me, I encountered the writings of Periyar and the poetry of Mahakavi Bharati, and through them, I began to see how language is not only culture, but also conscience, carrying within it a moral and philosophical force that shapes how we understand the world. Over the years, I have studied Arabic, learned fragments of Spanish, and engaged with other languages in different ways, but I have never approached them with the intention of mastering them completely. The goal has always been something more intimate, more attentive, to listen deeply, to connect, to understand the rhythm of another mind, another world. Each time I encounter a new language, I feel as though I am stepping through a doorway into the human soul, entering a different way of being, even if only briefly. Through all of these experiences, this is what I have come to understand: language is not merely a tool that we use, but a world that we inhabit. Every language carries within it its own metaphysics, shaping how a people grieve, celebrate, remember, and dream. The unconscious of a culture speaks through its language, through its metaphors, its silences, its laughter, and there are dimensions of meaning embedded within linguistic memory that cannot be translated without some degree of loss. When we speak in our mother tongue, we are not simply communicating, we are inhabiting a history of gestures, emotions, and ways of seeing that have been passed down through generations. Our instincts themselves carry the rhythms of the words that shaped us. From a psychoanalytic perspective, language also forms the structure of the unconscious. It is through language that we come to desire, to relate, and even to suffer. To lose ones language, then, is not merely to lose a means of communication, but to lose access to a part of ones own psyche. The deepest forms of trauma often emerge not only from material loss, but from the erosion of ones symbolic world. When a language is taken away, something far more intimate is disrupted, and we are, in a sense, left spiritually unanchored. There is, therefore, a subtle but profound violence in the idea that one language should replace another. Language is deeply personal, and it cannot, and should not, be imposed. Learning must arise from curiosity, from affection, from a genuine desire to connect, never from coercion. We must remain rooted in the languages that have shaped us, because language is not simply grammar or vocabulary. It is memory, worldview, an unconscious structure that underlies our conscious thought. It is the music of childhood, the idiom through which we mourn, the architecture through which we imagine. Often, the imposition of a dominant language is presented as progress, as unification, as administrative necessity, but beneath these justifications lies a tendency to simplify what is complex, to flatten what is alive, to impose uniformity where there was once plurality. When one language overtakes another, it is not merely words that disappear, but entire ways of being, ways of thinking, ways of imagining the world. It is, in many ways, an erasure of memory. And yet, the response to this cannot simply be resentment, because resentment often conceals a deeper sense of helplessness. What is required instead is affirmation, not a retreat into nostalgia, but a return to vitality. To speak ones language is to reclaim ones inheritance, not as a relic of the past, but as a living continuity. It is a conscious choice to exist authentically, in alignment with ones origins, ones textures, ones inner voice. Preserving language, then, is not merely an act of cultural conservation, but an ethical and psychological commitment, a quiet resistance against the gradual erasure of meaning. To defend ones mother tongue is not simply to protect a mode of speech, but to safeguard a way of life, a continuity of thought and feeling that cannot be replicated elsewhere. This is not nostalgia. It is fidelity. To forget a language is to lose a way of being, and to allow it to disappear is to let an entire cosmos fade with it. The struggle for language, therefore, is not about exclusion, but about survival, about the freedom to exist fully, without fragmentation. Because when a language disappears, it is not only words that vanish, but metaphors, dreams, humour, lullabies, prayers, and ways of naming the world that cannot be replaced. Language, in the end, transcends borders, not by erasing them, but by opening them. Each language unlocks a different door into the architecture of the human soul, and to truly speak, to truly listen, is to ensure that these doors remain open, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. (Dr. Mirza Jahanzeb Beg is a psychologist and author and heads the Center for Advanced Behavioral Policy Innovation and Leadership (CABPIL), KI, Coimbatore. He is a professor of psychology with research interests in behavioural science, AI, technology, public policy, geopolitics, and philosophy. The views expressed are personal.

Authorities ban Tops Soya Sauce batch over excessive sorbic acid preservative in Anantnag

Anantnag, May 06: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district banned the sale of a specific batch of Tops brand Soya Sauce after laboratory tests found it unsafe for consumption, officials said Wednesday. The order, issued by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer for Food Safety in Anantnag, applies to SOYA SAUCE under the Tops brand, bearing Lot No. 6A1617AK. According to the official order, a sample of the product was collected by a Food Safety Officer in Qazigund and sent for testing to the National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad. Food Analyst, National Food Laboratory Ghaziabad vide report No. JK-146/APR/26/154, dated 20-04-2026 confirmed the sample of SOYA SAUCE as unsafe quality due to sorbic acid content exceeding the maximum prescribed limit, the order read. Sorbic acid is commonly used as a preservative, but officials warned that levels exceeding prescribed limits could pose health risks. Consumption of SOYA SAUCE containing sorbic acid content above the maximum prescribed limit may pose a threat to consumers health, the order said. The product is manufactured and marketed by G.D. Foods Manufacturing (India) Pvt. Ltd., with facilities listed in Punjab and New Delhi. Citing provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, the authority stated that manufacturing and selling unsafe food is prohibited by law. Manufacturing/sale of unsafe foods defined under Section 3 (1) (zz)(xi) is prohibited under FSSA, 2006, the order read. Invoking powers under Section 36(3)(b) of the Act, Designated Officer Sheikh Zameer Ahmad announced an immediate ban on the products sale within the district. Now in exercise of powers conferred under Section 36(3)(b) and in the interest of general public health, I hereby prohibit the sale of the food product under reference in the district of Anantnag until further orders, the order added. Officials did not immediately say whether a wider recall would be initiated beyond the district. The order was issued under reference number DO/ANG/2026/1651-54 and dated May 6, 2026.

SIA Kashmir attaches property of PoJK-based LeT operative in narco-terror case

Srinagar, May 06: In a significant action against narco-terror networks operating in Jammu & Kashmir, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir today attached immovable property belonging to a Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK)-based operative of the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who is involved in a major narco-terror case being investigated by the agency. As per the statement, the action pertains to Case FIR No. 03/2023 of Police Station ANTF, initially registered by the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and subsequently transferred to SIA Kashmir for specialised investigation in view of the larger terror financing and cross-border narco-terror ramifications emerging during investigation. Investigations conducted by SIA Kashmir revealed that accused Zameer Ahmad Lone S/o Ahmad Gul Lone R/o Mandiyan Keran, Kupwara, presently operating from PoJK and affiliated with the banned terrorist organisation LeT, was actively engaged in narco-terror activities aimed at destabilising peace and security in the Union Territory. The accused had earlier been declared a proclaimed offender by the competent court for evading arrest and continuing anti-national activities from across the border. Pursuant to a detailed application filed by SIA Kashmir before the Competent Court, the Court, after examining the material placed on record, passed ordered for attachment of the property belonging to the absconding accused. In compliance to the court orders, SIA Kashmir today attached immovable property measuring 01 Kanal and 14.37 Marlas falling under Khasra No. 113 situated at Mandiyan Keran, Kupwara. The attachment proceedings were executed by a specialised SIA team in the presence of the Executive Magistrate and local revenue officials strictly in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure. Earlier, SIA Kashmir had also filed a comprehensive charge sheet before the competent court in the case after uncovering substantial evidence relating to narco-smuggling, terror financing and cross-border terror links. The action underscores the firm resolve of SIA Kashmir to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, including terror financing and narco-terror networks operating from across the border. SIA remains committed to identifying, investigating and taking stringent legal action against individuals and entities involved in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the nation. Moreover, in line with the broader national mission of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the Jammu & Kashmir UT continues to intensify its efforts to combat drug abuse and dismantle narcotics networks that fuel terrorism. SIA Kashmir, in coordination with other law enforcement and civil agencies, remains committed not only in investigation of narco- terror cases but also to supporting preventive and awareness initiatives aimed at building a drug-free society.

CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Multi-Purpose Sports Complex At GDC Tangmarg

TANGMARG/GULMARG, May 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor sports complex at Government Degree College (GDC) Tangmarg, developed at a cost of 2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget, reaffirming the governments commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir. The newly established facility, located within the college premises, is equipped with modern indoor sports infrastructure, including arenas for badminton, table tennis, carrom, and billiards. The complex aims to promote a vibrant sports [] The post CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Multi-Purpose Sports Complex At GDC Tangmarg appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

US and Iran close to finalising peace deal

New Delhi, May 06: After protracted and tough negotiations, the United States and Iran are close to finalising a deal to end the conflict. The two sides have held marathon talks for weeks to iron out their differences and arrive at a mutually acceptable framework that could pave the way for a formal agreement and long-term peace. We will close this very soon. We are getting close, the US source said. Washington believes it is close to reaching an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, US news outlet Axios reported Wednesday, citing two US officials. The two sides are close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. It is reported that the two sides have virtually reached an understanding on the most contentious issues, particularly Irans nuclear programme and the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route. However, a key sticking point still remains over the duration of restrictions on Irans nuclear activities. While Washington is insisting on a long-term freeze of around 20 years to ensure that Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons, Iran is reportedly willing to accept a shorter timeline of 12 to 15 years. This gap, though narrower than before, continues to be the main hurdle in finalising the agreement, even as both sides show flexibility on other aspects such as sanctions relief, release of frozen assets, and restoration of maritime movement in the region. According to Axios, the two sides are close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. It said the deal would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment and the United States agreeing to release billions of dollars of frozen Iranian funds. Washington is reportedly awaiting a response from Tehran on several key points in the next 48 hours. Nothing has been agreed yet, but the sources said this was the closest the parties had been to an agreement since the war began, Axios said. Meanwhile,President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a pause in the program, dubbed Project Freedom, while noting that the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect. The president attributed the move to requests from other countries, including Pakistan, whose leadership has been moderating negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The post addressed the peace talks, as well, with Trump stating that great progress had been made toward a final agreement with Iranian leadership. He said the decision to put Project Freedom on hold would allow time to see if a permanent deal could be reached. Report says that Washington is of the belief that an agreement is within reach as they are moving close to a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war.

Gold, silver soar as US-Iran deal hopes lift bullion demand

New Delhi, May 06: Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,900 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, while silver climbed to Rs 2.54 lakh per kilogram as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a pullback in oil rates, boosting demand for precious metals. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,900, or nearly 2 per cent, to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams. Traders attributed the surge in bullion prices to reports that Washington and Tehran are close to finalising a framework agreement to end months of conflict, raising the prospects of smoother flows through the Strait of Hormuz and easing inflation concerns tied to energy markets. Gold rallied strongly on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp reversal in key macro drivers that had recently pressured precious metals, Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said. Silver prices also advanced for the third straight session by rising Rs 3,500, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 2,54,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). The metal had settled at Rs 2,51,000 per kg in the previous session, as per the Association. The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough triggered a steep decline in oil prices and the US dollar, easing concerns about inflation while boosting demand for precious metals, Gandhi said. Globally, spot gold increased by USD 106.15, or 2.33 per cent, to USD 4,663.70 per ounce while silver gained USD 3.40, or 4.68 per cent, to USD 76.24 per ounce. Gold witnessed a sharp rally as markets reacted positively to reports that the US and Iran are moving closer to a one-page agreement framework aimed at ending the conflict, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said. Despite strong international gains, rupee strength limited the upside in domestic gold prices. The market is now highly focused on final confirmation and execution of the proposed deal, he added. Any negative surprise or breakdown in negotiations could trigger a sharp sell-off in gold, while a successful agreement and sustained ceasefire could push the bullion prices higher in the near-term, Trivedi said.

J-K LG inaugurates Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul at Ghagwal

Jammu, May 06: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul at the ancient Shri Narsingh Dev Temple in Ghagwal. He also dedicated a Nakshatra Park and Yoga Dhyan Kendra to the public and laid foundation stone for Shri Narsingh Dev Public Library and Open Air Amphitheatre. Addressing a gathering of scholars, students and prominent citizens, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the establishment of Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul is a meaningful reconnection with Indias civilizational roots. It is a significant step towards cultural renaissance and the strengthening of the ancient Indian knowledge tradition, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the land of Ghagwal has historically been a vibrant center of learning where Vedic teachings flourished and the Guru-Shishya tradition thrived, providing students with guidance in the art of living, critical thinking, and the courage to seek the truth. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted Indias rapid advancement in science, innovation and technology. He further emphasised that the nation's true strength lies in its cultural consciousness, with Sanskrit playing a vital role in providing a balanced perspective rooted in ethics and duty. The Lieutenant Governor said that Sanskrit has been a source of essential values and knowledge systems for humanity for centuries. He also recalled the monumental contributions of ancient scholars such as Kautilya, Charaka, Sushruta, Bhaskracharya, Brahmagupta, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira, in shaping the global traditions in mathematics, medicine and philosophy. He stressed the urgent need to make this vast repository of knowledge accessible in simple, modern language to ensure its relevance for the contemporary world. The Lieutenant Governor urged the Gurukul management to maintain the highest standards of education by integrating the depth of tradition with the breadth of modernity. He emphasized that the institution must go beyond providing degrees to nurture sensitive, ethical and courageous personalities who can lead the society. I believe Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul will evolve into a centre of excellence by integrating traditional values with modern education, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Shri Narsingh Dev Temple Management Committee, district administration Samba and congratulated them for their vision, dedication and commitment in establishing the Gurukul. Surjit Singh Slathia, Member of Legislative Assembly from Samba; Shakti Pathak, Director ACB and President of Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shridhar Patil, DIG JSK Range; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Samba; and other senior officials, and Vedic scholars attended the inaugural ceremony.

PM Modi to address 45th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living

New Delhi, May 06: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the landmark celebrations marking 45 years of The Art of Living and the 70th birthday of its founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on 10 May 2026, at The Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru. The event, which draws participants from every walk of life Government Leaders and civil servants, farmers and engineers, homemakers and CEOs, students and senior citizens, and thousands of international delegates is a unique gathering in celebration of Gurudevs leadership and the organisations reach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address at the celebrations and will also inaugurate the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir, a dedicated meditation hall, along with landmark nation-wide service initiatives including year-long projects in mental well-being, rural development, nature conservation and social transformation. A global meditation for World Peace, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and open to all, will be held on 13 May 2026 and live-streamed worldwide. Founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living has grown into a global, volunteer-driven humanitarian and educational organisation present in 182 countries, touching over a billion lives through transformative breathing techniques such as Sudarshan Kriya and pioneering grassroots initiatives in well-being and sustainable development. The other main events which will be held as part of month long celebrations include: Global Leadership Dialogues & Summits on ethics in governance, business, media, education, art & culture and civil society. Cultural festivals showcasing music, dance and artistic expressions from across the diverse cultures of the 182 countries where The Art of Living is present. Recognition ceremonies honouring Unsung Everyday Heroes in over 450 districts across India. Policy and thematic roundtables on more humane, sustainable approaches to systems and institutions across industries and public services. A policy roundtable on Prisoner Welfare and Policy Reforms on May 2526, highlighting best practices and the impact of The Art of Living Program for Prison Inmates. BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange, held in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, brought together youth leaders from all seven BIMSTEC countries for a focused leadership immersion at The Art of Living International Center. As India asserts itself on the global stage, events of this nature carry significance beyond ceremony. The Art of Living has long served as a carrier of India's soft power translating ancient wisdom into lived experience for millions who may have had no prior connection to Indian culture or philosophy. In this sense, the Art of Livings 45-year journey is inseparable from the story of India's growing influence and confidence in the world.

Want to Burst Like a Cloudburst: CM Omar Hints at Big Message After Eid

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at a strong political message he plans to deliver after Eid, saying he was holding himself back as the occasion did not permit a political address. Speaking at a function in Tangmarg, CM Omar said the academic setting was not appropriate for political remarks. []

What happened in West Bengal elections is wrong: Omar Abdullah on SIR voter deletions

Oath-taking ceremony of new BJP govt in Bengal to be held on May 9: Party state unit chief

Kolkata, May 06: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Wednesday announced that the oath-taking ceremony of the new government in the state will be held on May 9. Bhattacharya told reporters that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata from 10 am. The new BJP government will take oath on May 9 at 10 am, he said. The BJP secured a landslide victory in the recently concluded West Bengal assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress in the state.

'Do not expect any expansion': Farooq Abdullah on J&K cabinet

Srinagar, May 06: JKNC president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed speculation over a possible expansion of the Council of Ministers in Jammu and Kashmir amid rumours over the past several days. Do not expect any expansion in the J&K government, he said, as per KNS, in response to a question on whether the government was planning to expand its Council of Ministers. His remarks come amid rumours over the past several days that the Omar Abdullah-led government was likely to induct more ministers. The Jammu and Kashmir government currently has five cabinet members, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The council comprises the Chief Minister, one Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and three other ministers. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) formed the current government on October 16, 2024, when Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory. Omar Abdullah heads a coalition government with the support of independent MLAs, Aam Aadmi Party, and Communist Party of India (Marxist). This followed the 2024 Assembly elections, in which the National Conference emerged as the single largest party with 42 seats.

Drug Addicts: Criminals or Patients? | Doctors Mic | Ep 16

As the campaign against drug abuse gathers momentum across Kashmir, Dr. Zubair Saleem speaks with Dr. Nizam ud Din in todays episode of Doctors Mic, exploring various dimensions of addiction in J&K and ways to effectively tackle the crisis Dr. Nizam, Assistant Professor at the Psychiatry Department in SKIMS Bemina, emphasises the need to treat individuals struggling with addiction as patients deserving care and support, rather than isolating or stigmatising them. He also calls for stronger action to curb the trafficking of drugs into the region at its source

NC trying to divert attention from its 'failures': Mehbooba

She said the NC is welcome to fight her party politically but the ruling party should spare religious scriptures while doing so

Tangmarg boys Sufi song 'Deedar'as Praran Chuss' released at INOX Srinagar

Srinagar, May 5: A young boy from Kunzer in Tangmarg on Tuesday marked his entry into the Kashmiri music platform with the release of his Sufi song titled Deedaras Praran Chuss, at INOX Srinagar. The devotional Kashmiri folk composition reflects spiritual depth and the regions rich cultural heritage. Penned by noted lyricist Sheikh Shabaan, the song captures the essence of traditional Kashmiri Sufi expression, resonating with themes of devotion and inner awakening. Originally created and performed by Rashid Jahangir, the latest version has been reimagined by emerging artist Rehaan Farooq, featuring vocals by Mehreen Malik. The new rendition aims to retain the soul of the original composition while introducing a contemporary musical appeal, RJ Umar Nisar, who has directed and produced the song, told Greater Kashmir. The video portrays a narrative of self-discovery, tracing the journey of a young dreamer who nurtures a vision, hones his craft, and ultimately returns with a distinct identity and purpose as an artist. The releasing event at INOX Srinagar was attended by local artists and music enthusiasts. Besides live performances by Rehaan and Mehreen, local artists including Rasik Bhat and Mehmeet Syed also performed at the event to enthrall the audiences. Rehaan Farooq is a class 8th student of Muhammadiya High School Kunzer. Talking to Greater Kashmir, his father Farooq Ahmad said Rehaan used to participate in school functions and his video was uploaded on social media where he was seen singing. He also performed at SKICC last year with Singer Gulzar Ahmad Ganai (he is maternal uncle of his mother). After that RJ Umar Nisar came to our home and worked on his talent and his first song was released on big screen, Farooq Ahmad told Greater Kashmir. We are supporting him in this journey, he said. The screening event was attended by educationist and owner of INOX Srinagar Vijay Dhar. Besides, MLA Lal Chowk Ehsan Pardesi and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and Deputy Director Directorate of Information and Public Relations Shahnawaz Bukhari were also present at the occasion. In his address at the occasion, Vijay Dhar congratulated the production team and appreciated them for finding the young talent. Rehaan has such a beautiful voice. He will achieve new heights if he gets proper guidance, Dhar said. Vijay Dhar said Kashmir was full of talent but people are unaware about it. Most of us have forgotten our own language. The poetry in our Kashmiri language is fantastic, he said. He further said that Delhi Public School (DPS) was reviving Kashmiri language by bringing out Kashmir music and songs. We proudly say that we are reviving Kashmiri language in our school, he said. He further invited local Kashmiri film makers to feature their films at INOX Srinagar. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo said the song has beautifully picturised village life. The production team has done a commendable job. Rehaan and Mehreen have sung it well and I hope this song goes well, he said. He said that some of the songs sung by local singers have got popularity across the country. Our singing got popularity with the fame earned by our local singers. I hope Rehaan Farooq also gets popularity across, he said. MLA Ahsan Pardesi said that corporate houses and businessmen should come forward to help our budding artists. Kashmir is full of talent, we need to identify them, nurture them and provide them proper platforms, he said.

Altaf Bukhari rejects family rule, calls for people-centric politics in J&K

Srinagar, May 06: Altaf Bukhari, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, on Tuesday said his party stands for people-centric politics and rejects family rule and deceptive narratives in Jammu and Kashmir. Talking to media, Bukhari asserted that the Apni Party was founded on inclusive principles, where any committed worker can rise to leadership, emphasizing that neither his family nor relatives are part of politics. He said the partys primary objective is to represent the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Delhi rather than act as an agent of Delhi in the region. Criticising rival parties, Bukhari alleged that politics in recent elections, particularly in 2024, was driven by misleading narratives and emotional polarization. He expressed concern over the growing trend of elections being fought on religious lines, calling it harmful for the democratic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, which he said traditionally remained above such divisions. Commenting on national developments, Bukhari referred to the electoral situation in West Bengal, stating that while allegations and counter-allegations are common, the voice of the people must be respected in a democracy. He also raised apprehensions about certain electoral processes, suggesting that any move leading to disenfranchisement of communities must be resisted. On social issues, Bukhari reiterated his partys demand for a ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that if prohibition can be implemented in states like Gujarat and Bihar, it should be considered in J&K as well. He extended support to ongoing anti-drug campaigns, describing substance abuse as a serious threat to society and future generations. Referring to the security situation, Bukhari said that despite the passage of time since the Pahalgam attack April 2025, several tourist destinations such as Yusmarg and Doodhpathri remain restricted. He urged authorities to ensure adequate security so that tourism and normalcy are fully restored. Taking a dig at parties like the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, Bukhari accused them of double standards in their political engagements, particularly in relation to alliances and legislative decisions. He said such parties mislead the public while pursuing their own political interests. Bukhari maintained that his party will continue to focus on governance, transparency, and public welfare, urging people not to lose hope and to remain engaged in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)

Mehbooba criticises NC for invoking Quran in RS election controversy

470 honour killings reported in Pakistan last year: HRCP

New Delhi, May 06: At least 470 cases of so-called honour killings were reported in Pakistan last year, according to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which described the crime as an endemic problem amid rising gender-based violence. The report said women were killed by family members and close relatives in the name of honour. Human rights activists, however, estimate that nearly 1,000 women are murdered annually in such crimes. The commission termed the trend alarming, noting an increase in cases despite stricter laws introduced to curb the practice. More than one-third of the reported cases were from Punjab, where conservative social structures often prevail. The report also documented 1,332 murders linked to domestic violence, 3,815 rape cases, and 2,586 instances of cyber harassment against women. Overall, incidents of gender-based violence rose by 25 per cent during the year. Additionally, the report highlighted overcrowding in prisons, with occupancy reaching 171 per cent of capacity, and noted that over 21,600 Pakistani citizens are imprisoned abroad. Despite legislative measures introduced in 2016, weak enforcement and entrenched social norms continue to hinder efforts to eliminate honour-based violence, the report said.

Apni Party will advocate for the rights of J&K residents in Delhi, not the other way around: Altaf Bukhari

Woman mauled by bear in Ganderbal, shifted to SKIMS Soura

Srinagar, May 6: A woman was injured after being attacked by a wild bear in the forest area of Gund Aku in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Tuesday, officials said. The injured woman has been identified as Zahida Begum, 32, wife of Mumtaz Ahmad Chechi, a resident of Gund Aku. Officials said the woman came under attack from a wild bear in the nearby forest area, resulting in injuries. She was immediately shifted to Primary Health Center (PHC) Gund for treatment. However, after initial medical examination, doctors referred her to SKIMS Soura Srinagar for specialized treatment due to the nature of her injuries. The incident has triggered concern among local residents, with repeated incidents of man-animal conflict being reported from several forest-adjacent areas of Kashmir in recent years. [KNT]

Kokernag Magistrate speaks out on Govt Hospital Locking Row

Mediflux launches awareness initiative to support 'Nasha Mukt J&K' campaign

Farooq Abdullah on Punjab explosions: 'no country wants war amid worsening economic conditions'

Article 370 stand non-negotiable, Opposition can 'lie to survive': Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, May 06: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said his party's position on Article 370 is on-negotiable and accused opposition parties of lying to survive politically. Reacting to criticism over his party's silence on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister said, Why they criticise? That is their job. If they don't do their job, how will they survive? They can lie, they can say anything. Dr Farooq Abdullah asserted that his party would not back down from its stand on the repealed constitutional provision. Our party is running the way we want to run it. And we won't back down. We will not bow down. We will not retreat from our position on Article 370, he said. When asked about the twin blasts in Punjab, the National Conference president downplayed the incidents. There are always blasts in India. It's nothing new. Don't worry, he said. (KNS)

NC accuses PDP of criminal sellout in Rajya Sabha polls

Srinagar, May 06: The National Conference on Tuesday said that the Peoples Democratic Party is attempting to weave a fake narrative after being asked to explain what it termed a criminal sellout in the Rajya Sabha elections. In a post on X, NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar alleged that the PDP has shown its loyalty remains with the BJP. The PDPs juvenile MLA and his coterie continue to hallucinate and fabricate false narratives when asked to explain their betrayal in the RS polls. To dismiss this as just one seat is an insult to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That seat was a test of loyalty, and the PDP has shown where its allegiance lies - with the BJP, Dar said. He added that diversionary tactics would not succeed, stressing that the people of J&K demand accountability for the PDPs actions in the Rajya Sabha elections. Your diversionary tactics will not work. People of J&K demand an answer for why you did what you did in the RS polls, he said. Information revealed by the Assembly Secretariat, in response to an application filed under the Right to Information Act (2005), showed that the PDP had not appointed authorized agents to verify whom its MLAs had voted for. Rajya Sabha elections are conducted through an open ballot, where authorized agents of political parties verify the votes cast by their MLAs(KNO)

Supreme Court surprised as rats destroy evidence claim leads to bail in Bihar graft case

New Delhi, May 06: The Supreme Court has granted bail to a former Bihar government official accused in a corruption case, expressing surprise over claims that crucial evidence seized currency notes was destroyed by rats in a police evidence room, reported Bar and Bench. A Bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan suspended the four-year sentence of former Child Development Programme Officer Aruna Kumari, noting that the key evidence in the case was no longer available. We are taken by surprise that the currency notes got destroyed by rodents, the Bench observed while granting bail. The Court also flagged the incident as a serious lapse, pointing to possible revenue loss for the State. We wonder how many such currency notes get destroyed as they are not kept at a safe place. Its a huge revenue loss, it remarked. The case dates back to 2019, when Bihars Economic Offences Unit conducted a trap operation, alleging Kumari had accepted a bribe of 10,000. The money was seized, sealed and deposited in the police malkhana as primary evidence. However, during trial, the prosecution said the cash could not be produced because rodents had infested the storage room and destroyed the envelope containing the notes. While a trial court had earlier acquitted Kumari, the Patna High Court in 2025 overturned the acquittal and convicted her, holding that the absence of physical evidence did not weaken the case, citing records and circumstantial proof. The Supreme Court, however, found the explanation unconvincing, stating that the claim of destruction by rodents does not inspire any confidence. It has indicated that the issue will be examined further. The ruling has raised fresh questions over evidence preservation in police malkhanas and the integrity of criminal investigations.

Ten civilian sailors dead amid Strait of Hormuz conflict, says Rubio

New Delhi, May 06: At least ten civilian sailors have died amid the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, underscoring the growing humanitarian toll on maritime workers in one of the worlds most critical shipping lanes. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Rubio said the victims were civilian seafarers, though he declined to disclose their nationalities or further details about the circumstances of their deaths. They're isolated, they're starving, they're vulnerable, and at least 10 sailors have died as a resultcivilian sailors, Rubio said, without elaborating. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, where the United States has been enforcing what it described as a defensive posture, including actions linked to a blockade of Iranian ports. Rubio maintained that Washingtons actions were not offensive in nature. We are only responding if attacked first. This is a defensive operation, he said, adding that US forces would refrain from firing unless provoked. If no shots are fired at these ships and no shots are fired at us, were not firing shotsbut if were fired on, we will respond. Rubio also urged Tehran to accept the reality of the situation, while confirming that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were continuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Describing the negotiations as highly complex and highly technical, Rubio said any potential agreement would require clarity on the scope of negotiations and concessions from both sides, though he declined to provide specifics on progress. Meanwhile, he confirmed that US authorities had been in contact with several vessels in the region, advising them on movement out of the strait as security concerns escalate. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy supplies, and any disruption there has significant implications for international trade and security.

Jawan found dead in CRPF camp in J-K's Shopian

Srinagar, May 06: A CRPF jawan died inside a camp in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday. Head constable Surinder Singh, who hails form Hyderabad, fell unconscious late Tuesday night at the Zainapora Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Shopian, the officials said. Singh was shifted to Zainapora hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Police has taken cognizance of the incident and started proceeding to ascertain cause of Singh's death.

RS polls Controversy: Blaming PDP wont save NC failures and party imploding, says MLA Waheed Para

Srinagar, May 06: The controversy over cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls refuses to die down, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slamming the National Conference (NC) on Tuesday. The PDP said the ruling partys outrage over the polls was misplaced and aimed at creating a political distraction. In a detailed post on X, PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para accused the NC of diverting attention from real issues such as the Siraj-ul-Aloom controversy and the alleged removal of Urdu from official records. He said the NCs outrage over the Rajya Sabha outcome was misplaced and intended to distract from substantive concerns. This is not fundamentally about the Rajya Sabha. It serves as a diversion from substantive concerns, notably the Siraj-ul-Aloom controversy and the erasure of Urdu from official records, Para stated. Para also referred to recent political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the NC had disintegrated the PAGD alliance and ensured the PDPs exclusion from the INDIA alliance arrangement during the Assembly elections. Against this backdrop, it is clear that the PDP did not owe cooperation to the NC. Yet, we extended unconditional support, he said, adding that blaming the PDP for the Rajya Sabha outcome was inaccurate and counterproductive. The failure, Omar Sahab must realise, lies close to Nawai Subh, Para remarked. The PDP leader further said Mehbooba Mufti had neither abstained from the voting process nor imposed conditions, despite being aware of internal dissent within the NC. He also questioned the NCs criticism regarding polling agents during the Rajya Sabha election, noting that key decisions in the process were the responsibility of the NC itself. Para accused the NC of weakening opposition unity and indirectly helping the BJP by targeting the PDP. Targeting the PDP risks playing directly into a broader BJP agenda to fracture electoral unity in J&K, he said. He urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to focus on governance and delivery instead of engaging in political blame games over the Rajya Sabha seat. Paras statement came a day after the NC asked PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and her party MLAs to swear publicly that they did not vote for the BJP. In the Rajya Sabha polls held last year, eight MLAs who had pledged support to the ruling NC voted in a manner that helped the BJP secure a seat. (KNO)

Punjab: Blast Near Army Cantt Area In Amritsar, Hours After Explosion In Jalandhar

CHANDIGARH, May 6: An explosion occurred near the army cantonment area in Khasa late Tuesday night in Punjabs Amritsar, the second such incident which took place around three hours after a blast outside the headquarters of the Border Security Forces Punjab Frontier in Jalandhar. According to the police, an investigation into both blast incidents is currently underway, and no injuries have been reported. The first explosion happened around 8 pm in Jalandhar, while the second blast occurred at approximately 11 [] The post Punjab: Blast Near Army Cantt Area In Amritsar, Hours After Explosion In Jalandhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Five Injured After Two Vehicles Collide In J&Ks Poonch

Poonch, May 6: At least five people were injured after an Alto car collided with a Canter vehicle in the Sathra area of Mandi tehsil in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district on Wednesday. According to reports, the accident took place in Nadi Sathra, following which police and local residents rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to the Sub-District Hospital Mandi for treatment. Doctors said that three of the injured are in stable condition, while two sustained serious injuries. [] The post Five Injured After Two Vehicles Collide In J&Ks Poonch appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

China's top envoy meets with Iran's in Beijing as Trump pauses US effort in Strait of Hormuz

Dubai, May 06: US President Donald Trump said Tuesday evening he was pausing the US effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz to allow time for a deal to end the Iran war, but that the American forces' blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Wednesday morning, the official Xinhua news agency reported, without providing further details. It was the first time since the start of the war that Araghchi has travelled to China, whose close economic and political ties to Tehran give it a unique position of influence. Earlier in Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had expressed hope that Beijing would reiterate to Tehran the need to release its chokehold on the strait, which is a vital waterway for global energy. Iran's effective closure of the strait, through which major oil and gas supplies passed before the war, along with fertilizer and other petroleum products, has sent fuel prices skyrocketing and rattled the global economy. Breaking Iran's grip would deny its main source of leverage as Trump demands a major rollback of Tehran's disputed nuclear program. US to pause latest efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz Trump announced the decision in a social media post, saying the latest effort which started Monday would pause for a short period to see whether an agreement with Tehran on ending the war in the Middle East could be finalised. Trump said the move was based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran. The White House did not respond to a request for comment or further detail on the progress in negotiations that Trump mentioned. They had appeared to have largely stalled in the conflict that started February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. US officials say ceasefire is holding, despite attacks on UAE The United Arab Emirates, a key US ally in the Persian Gulf, said it came under attack from Iranian drones and missiles for a second day Tuesday. But US military leaders and Rubio insisted the nearly month-old ceasefire was still holding and that while the conflict is not resolved the initial major US military operation against Iran has concluded. Before the Trump announcement, Rubio told a White House press briefing that for peace to be achieved, Iran must agree to Trump's demands on its nuclear program and also agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We would prefer the path of peace, Rubio said. Rubio also described the day-old US push to reopen the strait to maritime traffic as a defensive operation, aimed at helping thousands of civilian sailors stranded there by the war. They're sitting ducks, they're isolated, they're starving, they're vulnerable, Rubio said. At least 10 sailors have already died as a result. On Monday, the US said it had opened a lane and sunk six small Iranian boats that had threatened commercial ships. So far, only two merchant ships are known to have passed through the new US-guarded route, with hundreds more bottled up in the Persian Gulf. Iran says the new US effort violates ceasefire US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the US military's top officer, told a news conference that Iran's renewed attacks had not reached the threshold of what Caine called major combat operations. He said Tuesday was a quieter day in the strait. At the White House, Rubio said clashes with Iran related to American efforts to reopen the straight were defensive in nature. There's no shooting unless we're shot at first, OK? Rubio said. We're not attacking them. Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, signalled that Iran has yet to fully respond to the US attempt to reopen the waterway. We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet, he said in a post on X. His statement did not mention negotiations with the US that are now in the form of passing messages via Pakistan. Disputing Washington's claim of sinking six Iranian boats, an Iranian military commander said two small civilian cargo boats were hit Monday, killing five civilians, Iran's state TV reported. Caine, the top US general who serves as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said more than 100 US military aircraft are patrolling the skies over the strait. The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, depriving Tehran of oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy. The Trump administration has cited the April 8 ceasefire in asserting that the president does not have to give a formal update to Congress on the war under the War Powers Resolution. That law typically requires presidents to seek formal approval from Congress for war activities 60 days after beginning military action. Shippers remain wary So far, just two civilian vessels, both US-flagged merchant ships, are known to have passed through the strait as part of the lane the US says it has created. Shipping company Maersk said one of them, a vehicle carrier that it operates, exited the strait safely Monday with US military assistance. Former military officers who have served on the strait have said opening the waterway that is just 21 miles (34 kilometres) wide would be dangerous and highly challenging, even with military escorts, which the US is not providing now. Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the world's largest container shipping companies, said in a statement that its risk assessment remains unchanged and that transits through the strait are for the moment not possible for our ships. Iran has attacked ships that try to transit without going through its own route in the northern part of the strait along the Iranian coastline. That involves being vetted by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and in some cases making a payment. The US-approved route goes through territorial waters of Oman to the south. The UAE bore the brunt of Iran's retaliation The UAE's Defence Ministry said it was responding to another Iranian drone and missile attack on Tuesday, though there were no reports of damage or casualties. A day earlier, it said Emirati air defences had engaged 15 missiles and four drones from Iran, one of which sparked a fire at a key oil facility, wounding three Indian nationals. The British military reported two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE, also on Monday. On Tuesday, it reported that a cargo vessel in the strait had been struck by an unknown projectile, without further details. Iran denied striking the UAE in recent days, according to a statement by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for Iran's joint military command, that was read Tuesday on state TV.

J&K: FIR against wife, son of Anantnag MLA for locking up govt hospital

Srinagar, May 06: Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered a case against the wife and son of MLA Anantnag Peerzada Mohammad Syed for allegedly locking a government-run hospital, officials said on Wednesday. An FIR was registered at Achabal police station, in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, on Tuesday against Syed's wife and son after they allegedly locked a health facility in the Damhal Khosipora area of the district, the officials said. The building housing the health facility reportedly belongs to the MLA's family and was provided for establishing a primary health centre in 2008. However, the family claims that earlier this year, the MLA had written to the Anantnag chief medical officer seeking relocation of the health centre, claiming the building was in dilapidated condition.

Red lines redrawn; need for stronger air, cyber warfare capabilities: Experts on Op Sindoor lessons

Operation Sindoor, launched a year ago, has provided crucial military insights. Experts highlight the importance of combined air power and advanced drone technology. The operation also underscored the need for resilient communication systems in future multi-domain conflicts. India's response to terrorism has been redefined, with a proactive stance now evident.

Congress to support Vijay's TVK for govt formation in Tamil Nadu: Sources

New Delhi, May 06: The Tamil Nadu Congress has decided to support TVK leader Vijay in forming a secular government in the state, sources said. The decision to support the TVK was taken at an urgent meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of Tamil Nadu Congress late on Tuesday night. AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu Affairs of the party Girish Chodankar had called the meeting of the Committee to decide on extending support to TVK. The meeting, the sources said, was convened on Zoom and senior members expressed their views in favour of supporting the actor-turned-politician. The PAC of Tamil Nadu Congress unanimously decided to support TVK leader Thiru Vijay to form a secular government in Tamil Nadu, the sources confirmed. Earlier during the day, the Congress claimed that Vijay had sought its support for government formation in the state and informed that its leadership has directed the state unit to take a final decision on the matter, keeping in view the state's sentiments. The party, which fought the assembly election in alliance with the DMK, asserted that the mandate in the southern state is for a secular government and that it is determined ot to have the BJP and its proxies run the government of Tamil Nadu in any manner. Top Congress leaders held a meeting at party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Tuesday evening that was attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar, among others. Addressing the media after the meeting, Congress general secretary, Organisation, K C Venugopal had said the party leadership discussed the post-election scenario in the southern state. TVK President Thiru Vijay has requested the Indian National Congress for support to form a Government in Tamil Nadu, he said. The INC is clear that the mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular government that is committed to protecting the Constitution in letter and spirit. The INC is determined not to have the BJP and its proxies run the Government of Tamil Nadu in any manner, he said. Venugopal said the Congress leadership has directed the TNCC to take a final decision on Thiru Vijay's request, keeping in view the sentiments of the state reflected in the electoral verdict. Vijay's TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, falling short of the halfway mark. He needs the support of 10 MLAs to form a government with a simple majority. The results were declared only on Monday. The Congress has won five seats, while the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has bagged four seats. The CPI and CPI-M have two seats each. The outgoing ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has won 59 seats while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has won 47 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won only one seat, and so have the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and the Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK), while the VCK has won two seats. The Congress had fought the assembly polls in a pre-poll alliance with the DMK, while the BJP had a tie-up with the AIADMK.

NIA chargesheets doctor, 2 others in ISIS-linked bioterror plot to carry out mass poisoning

New Delhi, May 06: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three people, including a doctor, for their alleged involvement in an ISIS-linked conspiracy to carry out mass poisoning in public spaces using a biological toxin, an official statement said. The accused -- Hyderabad-based Dr Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin and co-accused Azad and Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh -- have been chargesheeted before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the statement, issued on Tuesday, said. Working under the guidance of their respective Islamic State-linked foreign-based handlers, the accused had operated in a coordinated manner to recruit vulnerable youth radicalised by the handlers to support jihad and spread terror through prohibited weapons and bioterrorism, said the NIA statement. They had planned to use ricin, a highly toxic substance derived from castor seeds and classified under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to carry out the efarious agenda of ISIS, it said. The case was originally registered by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) following the arrest of Dr Mohiuddin, an MBBS from China, after he was caught at a toll plaza carrying illegal weapons, a bottle containing four litres of castor oil, and other incriminatory articles in his car in November 2025. Investigation by the ATS had led to the arrest of the other two accused the same day. Azad and Suhel were found to have earlier picked up parcels of money and prohibited weapons from a dead-drop site in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and dropped them at a location in Chhatral, Gujarat, for Moinuddin to pick up, the probe agency said. After taking over the investigation in January 2026, the NIA found that Moinuddin had been promised the position of ISIS Amir of South Asia by his handler. He had allegedly converted his Hyderabad residence into a clandestine laboratory for preparing ricin, the statement said. The agency further said that Azad and Suhel had knowingly participated in the conspiracy. Their roles included maintaining communication with handlers, receiving and utilising proceeds of terror, conducting reconnaissance, and handling illegal arms and ammunition. Suhel acted as a crucial link between the handler and other co-accused for recruitment, coordination, and handling of funds and weapons consignments. He also conducted reconnaissance, recorded Bay'ah (oath of allegiance) videos, and prepared ISIS flags, it said.

West Asia conflict: Govt announces credit line guarantee scheme for airlines, MSMEs

The government on Tuesday announced an Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to provide relief for MSMEs and airlines impacted by the West Asia conflict. The scheme -- expected to help in providing additional credit flow of Rs 2.55 lakh crore, including Rs 5,000 crore for airlines -- was approved by the Union Cabinet on Tuesday. Briefing the media on the Cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the ECLGS 5.0, having an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore, would help airlines as well as MSMEs impacted by the West Asia crisis. The scheme has been brought to address the stress in MSME and airline sectors due to the West Asia conflict, he said. According to the minister, passenger airlines would be eligible for up to 100 per cent of peak credit up to Rs 1,500 crore while institutions can access up to 20 per cent of fund-based working capital up to Rs 100 crore. In an official release, the government said the scheme aims to enable businesses to tide over the challenges arising from the West Asia conflict. Additionally, this is expected to help businesses maintain their operations, protect jobs, and sustain supply chains. The proposed credit guarantee scheme is a major step to help businesses, particularly MSMEs and airline sector, to ensure their additional working capital needs are catered by the banks and financial institutions, it said. By providing timely liquidity, the government said the scheme would sustain the businesses and prevent job losses. It will also promote uninterrupted domestic production and maintain the resilience of the ecosystem.

Harness local resources to build self-reliant J&K: Altaf Bukhari

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir should strengthen its business environment by using local talent and promoting local products. He said, There is a pressing need to harness the growth potential of businesses and industries in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the most effective way to ensure sustained prosperity, drive economic development, and address the rising unemployment here. He made these remarks at Cold Chain Asia and Kashmir food Expo which was organised today at Fun Fair Mela Goround Parimpora Srinagar. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated this event. He said, tapping into the potential of business, industry, and allied sectorsbeyond horticulture and agriculturewill accelerate economic growth, support long-term development, and generate greater employment opportunities. He further said, I see great potential in Jammu and Kashmir and its people. The region has the ability and resources to expand its businesses, industries, and related sectors. If used properly, this potential can help Kashmir become strong and self-reliant in economic growth. The best way to address rising unemployment in Kashmir is by focusing on business opportunities, he added. He urged established businesses to create more jobs and support young and new entrepreneurs by guiding and assisting them.

Cold Chain Asia & Kashmir Food Expo 2026 opens in Srinagar

The Cold Chain Asia & Kashmir Food Expo 2026 was formally inaugurated in Srinagar on Tuesday, bringing together stakeholders from the food processing, cold storage, packaging and hospitality sectors under one platform. The event was inaugurated by President, Apni Party Altaf Bukhari in the presence of several industry representatives and dignitaries, including KCCI President, Javid Ahmed Tenga, Tariq Ghani, Babar Choudhary, Sheikh Feroz Ahmed, Bashir Ahmed Bashir, Dr. Mehboob, A.B. Rashid Hanjuri, Mujeeb Masood Khan, Meraj Din Ganai, Peer Imtiaz, Umar Bhat, Shahid Hussain, Mustafa Masoodi, Imran, Imtiaz Malik, Irfan Gujju, Faheem Ahmed, S.K. Tripathi, Farooq Ahmed, Shamim Magrey, War Sahib, Nazim Nazir, Bilal Furqani, Muzaffar Ahmed, Umar Sahib and Lokesh. Addressing the gathering, Bukhari said the expo would serve as a significant boost for Kashmirs cold chain infrastructure, warehousing systems and food processing sector. He urged entrepreneurs, business stakeholders and youth to participate actively and explore emerging technologies and investment opportunities showcased at the exhibition. The expo features a wide range of exhibits linked to food processing, packaging solutions, cold storage systems, spices and hospitality services, offering a comprehensive platform for industry networking and business expansion. The three-day exhibition is being held from May 5 to May 7 at the Fun Fair Mela Ground, located near Ansari Toyota on the Bypass in Srinagar. The event will remain open to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

J&K Bank posts its highest-ever annual profit of Rs 2363 Cr

Continuing its stellar streak of record profits for the fourth consecutive financial year, J&K Bank has posted its highest ever annual profit of Rs 2363.47 Cr for the FY 2025-26. The Bank registered a year-on-year growth of over 13% in its annual profit when compared to Rs 2082.46 Cr reported for FY 202425, despite a one-time impairment provision of Rs 179 Cr on its investment in J&K Grameen Bank during the first half of the financial year. The Bank also ended the financial year on a high with a record quarterly performance, posting a net profit of almost Rs.800 crores when compared to Rs 584.54 Cr recorded for the corresponding period last year. The Bank declared its annual and Q4 results today after its Board of Directors approved the figures at a meeting held here at the Banks Corporate Headquarters. The Banks net interest margin (NIM) for the financial year stood at 3.60%. The Return on Assets (RoA) witnessed increase of 34 bps YoY to 1.78% for the quarter as against 1.44% recorded last year with RoA for the year recorded at 1.37%. Cost-to-Income ratio of the Bank also improved for the fourth year running, being recorded at 56.18% for the year. The Banks Return on Equity (RoE) was recorded at 16.85% for the FY 25-26. Affected by the reduction in repo rates by the regulator, the Banks net interest income for the financial year grew marginally to Rs 5875.77 Cr. Commenting on the growth numbers, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, Even against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and a demanding local environment, the Bank delivered record profits for the fourth consecutive year - alongside sustained improvement in asset quality and strong capital adequacy underscoring its resilience and disciplined execution. Significantly, the Bank has also been able to rationalise its operating expenses even as the business scales up, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening overall productivity. With historic profits of Rs 2363.47 Cr, a GNPA at 2.5%, PCR exceeding 90% and CRAR over 16.50%, our Bank stands well-positioned to accelerate the next phase of growth journey. This remarkable performance is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the unwavering trust of our customers, and the steadfast support of our promoters - Governments of J&K and Ladakh, MD & CEO added. Regarding the muted growth in overall earnings of the Bank, MD & CEO said, Despite healthy growth in our loan book, the increase in interest income was relatively muted. This was largely on account of the cumulative 125 basis points reduction in policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India during the calendar year 2025, which resulted in lower lending rates across our repo- and MCLR-linked portfolios, impacting overall earnings. Additionally, intense competition among the banks for deposit mobilization exerted pressure on funding costs, further moderating the growth in net interest income. Sustaining its healthy growth trajectory during FY 2025-26, the Banks total business surged 13.61% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 290341 Cr as on March 31, 2026. Total deposits were up 11.30% YoY to Rs 165354 Cr, while net advances expanded sharply by 18% YoY to Rs 122641 Cr from Rs 104198 Cr recorded last year. CASA deposits also grew steadily by 8.07% YoY to Rs 75478 Cr, with CASA Ratio increasing to 45.65% from 44.10% recorded last quarter. In his remarks on the business growth and outlook, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, Our performance for the year reflects the strength of our fundamentals and the consistency in our execution strategy. We have been able to scale our advances book at a healthy pace while maintaining stability in our liability franchise, which remains central to our growth approach. Going forward, we remain focused on leveraging emerging opportunities across geographies in rest of the country while deepening our presence in the core markets of J&K and Ladakh. The strategic thrust continues to be on expanding retail lending, supporting MSMEs and enhancing credit flow to the agriculture sector, he added. Asset Quality: The Banks Gross NPA ratio declined sharply by 50 bps QoQ to 2.5% from 3% and 87 bps YoY from 3.37% recorded a year ago, while the Net NPA ratio stood at 0.64%. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) also remains strong at over 90%, underscoring the Banks focus on prudential provisioning. Commenting upon the improved asset-quality, MD & CEO said, Our consistent improvement in asset quality reflects the discipline embedded in our credit processes and the robustness of our risk management framework. We remain committed to improving our asset quality while we support business growth. Capital Adequacy: The Banks CRAR stood at 16.55% as on March 31, 2026. While the Bank continues to maintain a comfortable capital position, however in view of the ECL implementation with effect from 1st April 2027, the Bank will consider raising capital during the current year, MD stated. In his special mention on the Banks CSR Program, MD & CEO said, This time, our CSR program merits a special recognition. Over the past three financial years, the Bank has deployed close to Rs 100 Cr (Rs 96 Cr) towards effective interventions across healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, skill enhancement, and community development - touching lives and creating meaningful impact in line with our larger commitment to contribute towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In his concluding remarks, MD & CEO thanked all the stakeholders including customers, promoters and shareholders for their continued trust and support. The trust and confidence of our stakeholders continue to inspire us as we are on course to accelerate the next phase of our growth journey with renewed focus and commitment, he said.

A Sweet Season: Kashmirs strawberries aim for bigger markets

Tucked into the lush plains of Srinagar, Gassu wears its nickname with quiet pride. Locals call it Kashmir's Strawberry Village not merely as a tourist branding exercise, but as a statement of identity rooted in generations of cultivation. Nearly every strawberry that makes its way to a market stall, a roadside stall, or a hotel breakfast plate across the Kashmir Valley traces its origin to this small, industrious community. The fruit is Gassu's signature, its livelihood, and increasingly, its most fragile inheritance. This season, after a bruising 2025, the village is breathing easier but not without reservation. This village is called Strawberry Village because the strawberries grown in Kashmir Valley are from this village, said Manzoor Ahmad, a veteran strawberry grower who has spent decades tending these fields. This year, thanks to Allah, the situation is normal. Because of this, the compensation will be done we will make up for what we lost last year. Standing amid rows of plants heavy with ripening red fruit, Ahmad's relief was palpable, though his words carried the careful optimism of a man who knows how quickly a season can turn. The shadow of 2025 still falls long over Gassu. The Pahalgam terror attack that year sent shockwaves through the valley's tourism and agricultural economy alike, disrupting supply chains, unsettling buyers, and severing the informal trade networks that small-scale strawberry farmers depend on to move their produce quickly. The psychological toll on the community was equally heavy tourism, a crucial supplementary income stream for many farming families, nearly collapsed overnight. The weather compounded the misery. An unusually severe heat wave struck during a critical phase of the growing season, parching crops, accelerating fruit spoilage, and dramatically shortening the harvestable window. Last year there was a little heat wave. This year, there was a heat wave first, but then the rains continued which is better for this crop, Ahmad recalled. So this year, thanks to Allah, the fruit is good. The alternating warmth and sustained rainfall this season created near-ideal growing conditions, encouraging healthy fruit development, improving berry size, and deepening the sweetness that Gassu strawberries are prized for. Farmers say this season's produce is noticeably superior to last year's in both quality and volume, raising genuine hopes for stronger market prices and a return to financial stability after two difficult years. Yet even as the harvest brightens, a more structural worry runs quietly through Gassu's farming community. Strawberry cultivation, Ahmad is frank to acknowledge, is among the most labour-intensive forms of agriculture practised anywhere in the valley. Unlike apple or walnut orchards, which require relatively little daily intervention through the growing season, strawberry fields demand relentless hands-on attention careful planting, precise irrigation, vigilant pest management, and delicate hand-picking at harvest to avoid bruising the fragile fruit. There is a little more effort in this. And the next generation of youth are not taking the initiative to stay with it, said Ahmad, his concern unmistakable. The numbers tell the story plainly. Last year, we had a maximum of five canals under cultivation. This year, I think we have two and a half canals. We have reduced it because it requires more manpower. The contraction is striking cultivated area nearly halved in a single season, not due to lack of demand or poor soil, but simply because there are not enough willing hands to tend the fields. Young people from Gassu, like young people across rural Kashmir, are increasingly drawn toward urban employment, government jobs, and trades that promise more predictable returns with less physical toil. The fields that once absorbed entire families through the growing season now go partially untended. Farmers in Gassu have a clear, specific demand from the government: a dedicated goods train service to transport their produce efficiently to markets in other Indian states. The appeal gained fresh momentum this year after authorities successfully ran a trial freight service for cherry transportation from the valley a move that proved rail logistics for perishable Kashmiri horticultural produce is not only feasible but commercially promising. If we talk about the goods train, this is a good initiative, said Ahmad. Because if this year they did it for the cherries, then next year we will try to do it for the strawberries so that the fruit can be exported. The case is straightforward and urgent. Strawberries are among the most time-sensitive of all commercial fruits, spoiling within 48 hours of harvest if not kept cool and moved swiftly. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the primary road artery connecting the valley to the rest of India, is notoriously unreliable prone to landslides, traffic congestion, and seasonal closures that can strand perishable cargo for hours or even days. Road transport, in short, is a gamble that farmers increasingly cannot afford to take. A dedicated rail link, Ahmad and his fellow growers argue, would transform their economics. Faster, more reliable transit would slash spoilage rates, reduce dependence on expensive cold-chain logistics, and open access to high-value urban markets in Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and beyond markets where premium Kashmiri strawberries could command prices that make the trade genuinely attractive to a younger generation weighing their options.

US pauses Hormuz escort mission Poject Freedom; Marco Rubio says Operation Epic Fury concluded

US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause in the US operation to escort stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in negotiations with Iran. Trump said the initiative, named Project Freedom and launched earlier this week, would be halted for a short period while maintaining the broader blockade. Great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement with representatives of Iran, he said as reported by BBC and International media. In a post on Truth Social, Trump added, Based on the request of Pakistan and other countries, the tremendous military success that we have had and the fact that great progress has been made we have mutually agreed that Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the agreement can be finalised and signed. Iranian state media, however, described the move as a retreat by Washington, claiming it reflected failures in reopening the key global shipping route. The development came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the initial US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, had concluded after meeting its objectives. We would prefer the path of peace. What the president would prefer is a deal, Rubio said, adding that the new maritime initiative was the first step towards fully reopening the crucial waterway. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated since Monday, raising concerns over the durability of the ceasefire between the two countries. The US had been attempting to guide commercial vessels through the largely disrupted route, a vital corridor for global oil and gas supplies. Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf struck a defiant note, saying the current situation was intolerable for the US and warning that Tehran was just getting started. He accused Washington and its allies of jeopardising shipping security and energy transit through ceasefire violations and blockade. Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo vessel was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait late Tuesday. Regional tensions also remained high, with the United Arab Emirates reporting that its air defences intercepted missiles and drones for a second consecutive day. Abu Dhabi earlier accused Iran of targeting an oil facility in Fujairah, calling it a dangerous escalation, an allegation denied by Tehran. Trump maintained that a negotiated settlement remained possible and said he was engaging with global leaders to restore stability in the vital maritime corridor.

All India Inter-University Wushu Championship picks up pace in Srinagar

The All India Inter-University Wushu Championship (Men & Women) is currently underway in Srinagar, drawing participation from universities across the country and highlighting the growing appeal of the sport at the university level. The championship, as per a KU statement issued on Tuesday, is being organised by the University of Kashmir under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. The event was declared open by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Monday. The championship features competitions in both mens and womens categories, with bouts being conducted in an indoor sports complex in Srinagar. The event has attracted a large number of athletes, reflecting increasing enthusiasm and competitive spirit among participants. Serving as a platform for young athletes, the tournament is witnessing intense and competitive bouts, with participants demonstrating skill, strength, agility, and tactical ability throughout the event. In the mens Sanda division, competitions are being held across 12 weight categories: below 48 kg, 52 kg, 56 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 90 kg, 100 kg, and above 100 kg. The matches have been marked by closely contested bouts and strong performances across categories. The championship is progressing through multiple rounds, maintaining a high level of competition and engagement among athletes. The scale of participation and quality of performances underline the steady rise of Wushu in university sports. The womens division is set to commence on Wednesday, further adding to the momentum of the championship, while the mens events will continue into subsequent rounds. Overall, the event reflects the expanding sports culture at the University of Kashmir and provides athletes with an important platform to compete at the national level.