Opinion

DC Srinagar inaugurates five ICT labs under a CSR initiative by Alpha International and NTT Data

EPG seeks judicial scrutiny of proposed Rs 104.02-crore Nowgam Industrial Park, cites Master Plan flood-basin protection

Srinagar, Aug18: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has called for immediate judicial and statutory scrutiny of the proposed Rs 104.02-crore Plug-and-Play Industrial Park at Nowgam, stating that the project raises a fundamental question of conformity with the approved Srinagar Master Plan2035 and a specific restriction imposed by the State Administrative Council (SAC) to protect a flood-absorption basin. The proposed industrial park, spread over approximately 50 acres, envisages industrial plots, roads, utilities, warehouses, factory sheds, worker facilities and associated infrastructure. EPG said such intensive development could potentially convert permeable and low-lying land into a built-up environment and alter the flood-storage, flood-conveyance and drainage functions of the wider Pantha ChowkNowgam landscape. Flood basins are not vacant land. They are natural public infrastructure, and their storage capacity cannot be treated as surplus land available for urbanisation, the group said. EPG said the issue assumes particular significance because the restriction on development along the Pantha ChowkNowgam NH Bypass corridor is not a new environmental objection but forms part of the approved statutory planning framework. The Draft Master Plan Srinagar, along with the recommendations of the committee constituted for its examination, was placed before the SAC for approval under Section 9 of the J&K Development Act, 1970. The Master Plan2035 was approved by the SAC along with the committees recommendations vide Decision No. 40/5/2019 at its meeting held on February 13, 2019, at Raj Bhavan, Jammu, except for the committees recommendation concerning development along the NH Bypass from Pantha Chowk to Nowgam. EPG said the SAC approved the departmental proposal with a specific modification that: NO DEVELOPMENT/CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY BE PERMITTED ALONG THE NH BYPASS FROM PANTHA CHOWK TO NOWGAM WHICH FORMS A PART OF FLOOD ABSORPTION BASIN. According to EPG, this makes the immediate question not whether engineering mitigation can be designed for the industrial park, but whether the proposed site falls within the area to which the SAC-imposed restriction applies and, if so, under what lawful authority development can now be contemplated. The group said the matter cannot be approached merely as a question of obtaining a subsequent hydrological or drainage clearance. The statutory land-use status and hydrological function of the site must first be established, followed by a determination of whether development is legally and technically permissible. EPG has called for the complete project footprint, cadastral boundaries and coordinates to be overlaid on a single GIS platform with Master Plan2035 zoning, the SAC-protected Pantha ChowkNowgam corridor, September 2014 inundation data, notified or proposed flood-basin areas, Nowgam Jheel, the Jhelum floodplain, natural drainage channels and wetland areas. An independent hydrological and hydraulic assessment should, EPG said, establish the sites historical inundation, existing flood-storage volume, natural overland flow paths, relationship with Nowgam Jheel and adjoining wetlands, connection with the Jhelum and flood-spill system, existing drainage channels, pre- and post-development runoff, potential loss of flood-storage capacity and obstruction or diversion of flood flows. The assessment should also examine cumulative impacts of surrounding development and extreme rainfall and climate-change scenarios. EPG said the guiding principle should be No Net Loss of Flood Storage. No development should be permitted if it results in a net reduction in flood-storage or flood-conveyance capacity. Where an intervention is otherwise legally permissible, compensatory storage should be demonstrated on the basis of hydraulic equivalence rather than merely equivalent area. The group has called for status quo at the proposed site until its conformity with Master Plan2035 and the SAC decision is established. It has also sought disclosure of the statutory basis, if any, under which development is being proposed within an area subject to the SAC-approved restriction. If the site is confirmed to fall within the protected flood-absorption area, EPG said the Government should examine an alternative, hydrologically safer location for the industrial park rather than attempting to engineer away the areas natural flood function. EPG said the Nowgam case should also lead to broader measures for the Jhelum basin, including statutory floodplain zoning, protection of critical flood-storage areas from filling and permanent development, mandatory flood-risk assessment for major projects, and integrated storm-water and drainage planning before urban expansion or major infrastructure is sanctioned. Floodplain, wetland and drainage layers should also be incorporated into Master Plans, zoning regulations, building byelaws and online building-permission systems, it said. EPG further stated that it had prevailed upon the then Governor, Satya Pal Malik, at the final stage of the Master Plan2035 process to ensure that the specific flood-absorption restriction was incorporated. Development must follow hydrologynot hydrology be engineered to accommodate development, EPG said, stressing that floodplains and wetlands must be treated as essential public infrastructure rather than vacant land available for development. Faiz Bakshi Convenor- Environmental Policy Group( EPG)

UIDAI completes over 2 crore mandatory biometric updates for school children across the country

Srinagar, Aug 18: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has achieved a significant milestone in its nationwide mission-mode drive for Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU), completing over 20 million (over 2 crore) MBUs for school children across the country. The initiative was enabled by UIDAIs technological integration with the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), which provides visibility of the MBU status of children at schools. The special drive, initiated in September 2025, has by now covered over 1.56 lakh schools, enabling school children to complete their Aadhaar biometric updates conveniently through dedicated school-level camps and coordinated outreach by UIDAI and State/UT education departments. This has helped MBU service to reach children directly at their schools, making the process more accessible and convenient for crores of students. Aadhaar enrolment for children below five years captures demographic information and photograph, while fingerprints and iris biometrics are not captured at that age as these biometrics are still developing. MBU helps ensure that the childs Aadhaar continues to have updated biometric information. MBU is required when a child attains the age of 5 years and again at 15 years. Timely completion helps ensure a smoother Aadhaar authentication experience as children progress through school and higher education and access various services and benefits where Aadhaar authentication may be required. To encourage timely completion and make the service more accessible, UIDAI had waived the charges for MBU for children in the 715 years age group from 1 October 2025 for a period of one year. MBU for children in the 57 years and 1517 years age groups continue to be free of charge. So, technically MBU is now free between the ages of 5-17 years till 30 Sept 2026. Lack of MBU in Aadhaar may lead to difficulties while carrying out authentication for receiving benefits under various Government schemes, registering in competitive and university examinations like NEET, JEE, CUET etc. UIDAI has been urging parents and guardians to complete the MBU in Aadhaar for their children.

SC to set up high-powered panel to probe allegations of police excesses during NEET protest

The court said that it would direct the handing over of video footage and CCTV recordings of the violence during the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi to the high-powered committee for examination

Pakistan SC orders Imran Khans transfer to hospital amid health concerns

Pakistans Supreme Court has directed that former prime minister Imran Khan be shifted from prison to a hospital for medical treatment, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The court has ordered that Khan, 73, be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16, Khans spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha said in a post on X. The order follows repeated calls from Khans family and party for him to receive specialised medical care amid concerns over his health. His lawyers have previously claimed that he suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye while in custody, while his sons had also raised concerns about his deteriorating health, Reuters reported. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari welcomed the courts decision, saying the order should have come earlier to prevent further deterioration of Khans eye and overall health. He should remain in hospital until all doctors are satisfied, Bukhari said. Khan has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. He has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly alleged that the cases against him are politically motivated. Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, the former premier has faced multiple legal cases, including those involving state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, while several appeals remain pending. Khans PTI won the 2018 general election and continues to command significant support in several parts of Pakistan. However, the party was stripped of its election symbol ahead of the 2024 elections, forcing many of its candidates to contest as independents.

Forest Rights Act was not applicable in J&K before August 5, 2019: MP Mian Altaf

Srinagar, Aug 18: Senior tribal leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, who also served as Forest Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2014, on Tuesday said the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, was not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir before the constitutional changes of August 2019. Speaking to Greater Kashmir amid ongoing discussions over land and forest rights in the region, Mian Altaf said the Act became applicable to Jammu and Kashmir following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which extended central laws to the Union Territory from October 31, 2019. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is fully applicable in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir now. It became applicable following the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which extended central laws to the region starting October 31, 2019, he told Greater Kashmir . Mian Altaf said that despite the absence of the FRA before 2019, tribal communities, including Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, had traditionally been protected and did not face systematic harassment or arbitrary evictions. The narrative being pushed around forest rights requires historical context, he said, adding that any legal framework extended to Jammu and Kashmir should prioritise genuine forest dwellers and protect vulnerable nomadic families rather than burdening them with bureaucracy or ground-level difficulties. Recalling his tenure as Forest Minister, he said, I was Forest Minister in 2014 and no such FRA was applicable to J&K then. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions in Jammu and Kashmir over land rights, forest conservation and the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, which provides a legal framework for recognising the rights of eligible forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. Mian Altaf expressed concern over what he described as the difficulties currently being faced by traditional forest dwellers. He said that instead of receiving recognition of their rights, some vulnerable families were facing eviction notices and administrative pressure. He said nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities and other traditional forest dwellers had protected forest resources for generations and maintained a longstanding relationship with the forest ecosystem. Before August 5, 2019, the Central Forest Rights Act was not applicable here, yet nobody harassed these vulnerable communities or rendered them homeless, he said. Mian Altaf urged the administration to ensure that the implementation and assessment of the Forest Rights Act remain transparent and fair, with the focus on safeguarding the legitimate rights and livelihoods of traditional forest dwellers. He called for genuine implementation of the law on the ground so that the rights of tribal and forest-dwelling communities are protected and the process does not create unnecessary hardship for vulnerable families.

SC Issues Notice to Centre on PIL for Restraining Police from Revealing Identity of Accused Online

The petition, filed through advocate-on-record Shrutanjaya Bhardwaj, sought directions to states to remove forthwith from their police social media handles posts that reveal the faces or identities of accused persons or depict them in a dehumanising manner

Man killed after scooty collides with truck in Srinagars Parimpora

Srinagar, Aug 18: A 50-year-old man was killed after the scooty he was riding collided with a truck at Fruit Mandi in Parimpora area of Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred at Fruit Mandi, Parimpora, when the mans scooty collided with a truck bearing registration number JK13C-9806. He said the man sustained injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The man was later identified as Mohd Anwar Magray (50), son of Mohd Abdullah Magray, a resident of Kilwar Tangmarg. Police have taken cognisance of the incident.(KNO)

Students may call off protest after Jharkhand job exams cancelled over 'anomalies'

Ranchi, Aug 18: Students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations may take a call on withdrawing the demonstration on Tuesday after the state government cancelled all recruitment tests, including the JSSC-CGL exam, conducted by an outsourced agency since 2014. The announcement came after Chief Minister Hemant Soren chaired a marathon cabinet meeting at the state secretariat here on Monday. He also said an exam reforms committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal would recommend measures to strengthen the process of recruitment tests. The government has decided to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) exam, which was one of the major demands of the protesting students. We have also decided to cancel all tests conducted by outsourced agency TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL) and the results published by it, Soren told reporters after the meeting. The decision came as six protesters continued their hunger strike and a government panel was preparing for another round of talks with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which has been spearheading the agitation since July 25. Today, our protest enters its 25th day. We may decide whether we continue or call the agitation off after the government's announcement, a protesting student said. Student leader Devendra Mahto, who had been on hunger strike for 16 days over the alleged exam irregularities, ended the fast around Monday midnight. Two protesters, Prem Nayak and Umme Habiba, also called off their hunger strike, while three others, Rahul Kranti, Sabita Kumari and Rupesh Pal, are continuing their fast. Students were seen celebrating and waving the Tricolour after the announcement. Activist Sonam Wangchuk congratulated Mahto over a video call, describing the government's decision as a victory for everyone. It seems that this victory is one in which no one loses. You have won, and the government has won too, because they also intend to do good. So, this is a victory where the other side does not have to face defeat. It is a victory for everyone -- a victory for India, for the people, and for Jharkhand, he said. However, the decision failed to end the protest on Monday night as the agitators maintained that their key demand for a CBI probe into alleged examination irregularities had not been accepted. Rahul Kranti, one of the protesters undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital, said the agitation would continue unless the government accepted the demand for a CBI probe. Soren said the government was concerned about the agitation and had already enacted the Jharkhand Competitive Examination Prevention and Redressal of Unfair Means in Recruitment Act, which would be implemented strictly. Several surprising factors emerged during the probe into exam irregularities by the CID and special investigation team. These cannot be disclosed at this juncture, Soren said, adding that several companies operating in Jharkhand appeared to be involved in a huge exam racket. The agitators had announced plans to gherao the chief minister's residence on August 20 and appealed to students from across the state to assemble in Ranchi. They had also sought Soren's resignation and accused the ruling JMM-Congress alliance of failing to take concrete action on their demands. The cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, however, triggered a counter-protest by candidates who had cleared the examination and secured government jobs. A group of successful candidates gathered outside the state secretariat and appealed to Soren not to cancel the examination, claiming that the move would render around 2,000 people jobless. The opposition BJP backed the protesters' demand for a CBI probe. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi urged Soren to accept the students' demands and questioned why the government should fear a CBI probe if it was confident about the recruitment process. Marandi said continued government inaction could push more youth and students onto the streets and extended moral support to the proposed August 20 demonstration. With the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL and TDPL-conducted examinations, the government has accepted one of the agitation's most prominent demands. The government, meanwhile, asserted that it is prepared to overhaul the examination system through the new reforms committee and stricter enforcement of the anti-unfair-means law. Meanwhile, the CID continued raids to nab culprits involved in exam irregularities. We are conducting raids at the JSSC office in connection with alleged irregularities in various examinations, CID ADG Manoj Kaushik told PTI.

Search operations underway in J-K's Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua

Jammu, Aug 18: Security forces launched search operations at several locations following reports of the movement of suspected persons in Udhampur, Reasi and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. The police, in collaboration with the CRPF, began a cordon-and-search operation after receiving information about the movement of two suspected individuals. These individuals allegedly knocked on the door of Prakash Chand in Udhampur's Talot village late Monday night and asked for food, officials said. They said that the residents did not respond to the repeated knocks for several minutes. Concerned, they alerted the security forces after the suspected individuals, who were wearing shawls, left the area heading towards the Khuban side. Responding quickly to the information, joint teams from the police and CRPF arrived at the village and initiated the operation, the officials added. Additionally, security forces conducted search operations in the Sadini forests in Reasi and in several villages near the International Border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua. These operations are ongoing in all areas where recent reports have been received, according to the officials.

Qazigund road accident leaves five CRPF personnel injured

At least five CRPF personnel were injured after a truck collided with a CRPF bunker vehicle at Levdora area of Qazigund in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Tuesday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the accident occurred at Levdora, Qazigund, involving a truck bearing registration number JK02DU-4386 and a CRPF bunker vehicle bearing registration number JK02CG-5795. Following the collision, the CRPF bunker vehicle turned turtle, leaving five personnel with minor injuries. They were shifted to the MI Room of 163 Battalion CRPF, Qazigund, for treatment. Police have reached the spot and initiated an investigation into the incident. Further details are awaited

Trump threatens Oman as it works with Iran on Strait of Hormuz deal

US President Donald Trump has again threatened Oman as Iran says it is working with the Gulf Arab country on a plan to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the 60-day negotiating period to find a peace deal between the US and Iran is expiring, with no word of an extension and both sides seemingly as far apart as they were at the start. Here's a look at the latest developments in the Iran war: Finalising deal with Oman on Strait of Hormuz: Iran ------------------------------------------------------------- Iran said it has reached an agreement with Oman over a plan for ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, which runs between the two countries, and they are now working to finalise details for a joint statement. Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that an understanding has been reached regarding the map of the transit route. He did not elaborate, but details that have previously emerged suggest the deal would reopen the s

Navy to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for Rs 1,943 crore

The Ministry of Defence on Monday signed a contract with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems for the Indian Navy. The 30-month leasing contract, worth approximately Rs 1,943 crore, was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A. Anbarasu. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones are equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors and sophisticated payloads designed to strengthen the Navys Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities. According to the Defence Ministry, the systems will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) coverage over vast areas of the maritime domain. The induction of the two remotely piloted aircraft is expected to enhance the Navys ability to monitor developments across the Indian Ocean Region and respond more effectively to emerging maritime security challenges. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a long-endurance unmanned aerial system designed for sustained surveillance missions over large maritime areas.

Zero Miles founder seeks single-window food licensing system for Kashmir

The eighth anniversary of Zero Miles Grill and Cafe passed without any celebration at its headquarters here, as founder Jibran Khan used the occasion to advocate for a unified licensing framework for food business operators in the Valley during a review meeting convened by the FSSAI chief. There was no cake-cutting or formal address to mark the milestone. Instead, Jibran Khan walked into Conference Room-3 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) carrying a folder containing a presentation that focused largely on regulatory reforms rather than on his own business achievements. The meeting was called by the Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani, who is on a four-day visit to the Valley to assess the challenges faced by Food Business Operators (FBOs). Participants described the hours-long interaction as a rare instance of convergence between the regulator and the regulated. Jibran Khan, who runs the Zero Miles Grill and Cafe chain, highlighted what he termed as compliance hurdles that discourage expansion in the region. The system demands separate licences for every branch, duplicate filings, and independent audits for each unit. This is not red tape but a barrier to expansion and a disincentive for entrepreneurs looking to scale up in Kashmir, he said. Khan advocated for a unified single-window licensing system with a digital dashboardone registration and one compliance framework governing all outlets under a single brand. The regulator must transition from being a strict enforcer to a facilitator, especially for startups and MSMEs. Kashmirs terrain is uniquely difficult, with supply chains collapsing during harsh winters and infrastructure deficits making compliance disproportionately harder than in the plains. These are ground realities, not excuses, he added. The restaurateur also criticised the existing grievance redressal mechanism, describing it as a labyrinth that leaves small players helpless. If a small food business owner faces a field-level issue, most do not even know which door to knock on. We need a mechanism where small players can flag issues without being lost in bureaucratic labyrinths, he said. Jibran said the Jammu and Kashmir Food Commissioner gave a positive response and addressed his question, in which he had urged for a roadmap for restaurants, cafes, and highway businesses. Is there any roadmap for the future? Do you have any proposal for that? The J&K Food Commissioner provided a detailed roadmap, explaining how they plan to establish a database within the next six months and that they are definitely moving forward in that direction.

Directorate of Horticulture urges fruit growers to utilise dedicated Rail Parcel Services

In a major initiative aimed at facilitating efficient, reliable and cost-effective transportation of Kashmirs horticultural produce, the Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir has urged fruit growers, traders and other agricultural stakeholders across the Valley to actively utilise the dedicated Rail Parcel Services operated by Northern Railway. The dedicated service, JPP-RCS, has been operating successfully since September 2025 and connects Badgam (BDGM) with Adarsh Nagar Delhi (ANDI) via Jammu, with an intermediate stoppage at Bari Brahmana. The availability of this cost-effective, time-efficient and all-weather rail transportation facility assumes considerable importance for the horticulture sector, particularly during the fruit harvesting and marketing season. The service provides reliable and timely connectivity to major markets across the country, thereby facilitating smoother movement and marketing of Kashmirs horticultural produce. It is pertinent to mention that Train No. 00462, Ex-Badgam to Adarsh Nagar Delhi, has so far successfully transported 332 VPs carrying approximately 7,400 tonnes of produce, including apples, e-commerce and mixed goods. On the return journey, 786 VPs carrying approximately 17,450 tonnes, mainly comprising e-commerce and mixed goods, have also been transported, reflecting the growing utility and operational efficiency of the rail parcel service. The Directorate has accordingly called upon fruit growers, traders and other stakeholders to make optimum use of the dedicated rail facility for transportation of horticultural produce, particularly during the peak harvesting season. For commercial inquiries and booking details, stakeholders may contact the Office of the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, Jammu Tawi, at Mobile/CUG: 9596732950 or through email at srdcmjat@gmail.com.

J&K Bank teams up with HDFC Life to expand customers insurance choices

Reinforcing its customer-centric approach to expand access to financial protection, J&K Bank has entered into a Corporate Agency Agreement (CAA) with HDFC Life - one of Indias leading life insurance companies. The strategic partnership will enable the Banks customers to access HDFC Lifes comprehensive suite of products designed for various life stages, ranging from Protection, Savings and Investment, Retirement Planning, etc. The partnership was formally announced in the presence of the Banks MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee, HDFC Lifes MD & CEO Vibha Padalkar, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer Vineet Arora, Chief Operating Officer Sameer Yogishwar, Chief Bancassurance Officer Lavneesh Gupta, Group Head Strategic & Key Alliances Anita Peshkar, SVP Bancassurance Subrata Biswas and VP Strategic Alliances Rohit Khatri. The Banks Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, alongside Chief General Managers Sunit Kumar, Imtiyaz Ahmad and Rajesh Malla Tikoo, General Manager Anita Nehru, and other senior officials from both organisations were also present on the occasion. Commenting on the collaboration, the Banks MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, At J&K Bank, customer centricity means enabling our customers to make informed financial choices from a diverse range of credible and competitive solutions. The addition of HDFC Life to our growing portfolio of insurance partners significantly widens that choice and strengthens our ability to offer need-based protection and long-term financial solutions suited to different life stages and aspirations. Highlighting the strategic rationale behind the Banks expanding insurance ecosystem, he added, We believe that greater choice creates greater value. By bringing multiple reputed insurers onto our platform, we seek to create a competitive marketplace that benefits customers through product diversity, competitive pricing and greater flexibility in choosing solutions best aligned with their individual requirements. MD & CEO further added that expanding the reach of insurance through the Banks extensive distribution network across the country complements the larger national objective of deepening insurance penetration and contributes to IRDAIs vision of Insurance for All by 2047. Speaking on the partnership, MD & CEO, HDFC Life, Vibha Padalkar said, Life insurance is an important pillar of long-term financial resilience. It offers families the confidence that their financial aspirations can remain protected even in the face of uncertainties. We are delighted to enter this strategic partnership with J&K Bank and offer our simple insurance solutions comprising of individual and group insurance plans backed by tech-empowered services to ensure customers can fulfil their goals with peace and pride. Our partnership reflects our strong commitment to serving customers across the country. With HDFC Life joining its existing panel of insurance partners, J&K Bank continues to strengthen its bancassurance proposition by offering customers access to products from multiple leading insurers. The banks multi-partner approach is designed to provide greater choice and facilitate need-based selection rather than a one-size-fits-all offering, while enhancing the overall value proposition available through the Banks distribution network. Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 75 products (individual and group products) including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs. HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touch-points through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 500, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants.

Prof. Mobin bags B.P. Verma Memorial Award

Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin, has been conferred the Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award for 2025 by the Indian Chemical Society (ICS) for his contributions to research, development and innovation in Chemical Sciences and Engineering. As part of the honour, Prof. Mobin has been invited to deliver the Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award Endowment Lecture at the 63rd Annual Convention of Chemists (ACC 2026) of the ICS. The convention will be held from Dec. 14-16 at Graphic Era University, Dehradun. In a communication dated Aug. 14, ICS President Prof. G.D. Yadav said the Society was honouring Mobin for his distinguished professional accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of chemical and allied industries and society. Prof. Mobin is serving as Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Srinagar on deputation from Aligarh Muslim University. His research focuses on Chemical Sciences and Engineering, particularly materials, corrosion, innovation and technological development. The award adds to his academic and research achievements and brings recognition to Cluster University of Srinagar.

Mian Altaf inaugurates eco-friendly camping resort in Sonamarg

Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Monday inaugurated an eco-friendly camping resort at Sonamarg, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in the alpine destination. The Sounsar Camping Resort, set against snow-capped peaks and pine forests, seeks to offer visitors a nature-based experience while following zero-carbon principles. Speaking at the inauguration, Mian Altaf stressed the need to balance tourism growth with ecological conservation. Sonamarg is one of our most fragile alpine ecosystems. As tourism expands across Jammu and Kashmir, our primary focus must shift towards responsible, low-impact development, he said. He said the valley had been blessed with immense natural beauty and resources, and preserving them was a collective responsibility to ensure their sustainability for future generations. Facilities like this eco-resort demonstrate that high-quality tourist experiences can coexist with nature without degrading our meadows or rivers, he said. Local hospitality representatives welcomed the initiative, saying sustainable adventure tourism, including glamping and eco-camping, could attract environmentally conscious travellers while helping reduce pressure on conventional hotel hubs. The resort is now open for bookings and will offer eco-tours and guided alpine treks.

Ethnobotany Museum inaugurated at GDC Ganderbal, showcases J&Ks rich heritage

The Department of Botany at Government Degree College (GDC), Ganderbal, on Monday inaugurated its newly established Ethnobotany Museum at a ceremony showcasing J&Ks rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. Principal Prof. Fouzia Fatima, who inaugurated the museum, congratulated the Department of Botany for the initiative and described it as a living learning space. She said the museum would help students connect with their cultural heritage and traditional practices. Sharing various traditional practices followed in the region, Prof. Fatima encouraged students to explore the rich indigenous knowledge reflected in the exhibits. Prof. Irfana Amin Qureshi, Head, Department of Botany, described the occasion as a proud moment for the department. She said the museum would provide a unique platform for teaching Botany through the lens of tradition, culture and everyday life. She also thanked the principal for her support in making the initiative a reality. The initiative was spearheaded and coordinated by Dr. Shabana Aslam, Programme Coordinator, who played a key role in its conceptualisation, planning, development and execution. Special invitees included Dr. Sheikh Tanveer Salam, Associate Professor of Zoology and Convenor, College Development Committee, and Dr. Muzamil Ashraf Makhdoomi, Head, Department of Biochemistry. Through sustained coordination and voluntary contributions, the museum was developed as a shared institutional effort to preserve and showcase Kashmirs botanical and cultural heritage. A distinctive feature is that it was established on a zero-expenditure basis through contributions and donations from students and faculty members of the Department of Botany. Students Faheem Mir, Taufiq Fayaz, Kamran Ali and Mehver Bashir also made significant contributions to the museum and assisted throughout the project. Prof. Tabasum Habib and Dr. Afreen Rehman managed the programme protocol and contributed to the smooth conduct of the inauguration ceremony. The museum showcases the traditional relationship between plants, people and culture, with special emphasis on Kashmirs traditional life. Its exhibits include plant-based artefacts, traditional tools, agricultural implements, handicrafts, medicinal and aromatic plants, seeds, fibres, timber and other forest products, highlighting the diverse traditional uses of plant resources. The museum marks an important academic and cultural initiative by GDC Ganderbal. It seeks to preserve, document and celebrate Kashmirs traditional plant knowledge while offering students an opportunity to learn through direct engagement with local heritage and indigenous practices. The event was attended by Heads of various departments, faculty members, non-teaching staff and students.

PEC flags flood risks over proposed Nowgam industrial park

The Peoples Environmental Council (PEC) has raised environmental and hydrological concerns over the proposed 50-acre Plug-and-Play Industrial Park at Nowgam, urging the government to establish its relationship with the Jhelums flood-absorption system before construction or land filling. In a rapid assessment, PEC said the proposed Rs 104-crore park under the Centres BHAVYA programme requires site-specific and cumulative assessment due to the flood-sensitive nature of southern Srinagar. PEC cited the Srinagar Metropolitan Region Master Plan 2035, approved by the State Administrative Council (SAC) in February 2019. It said the SAC had specified that no development/construction activity be allowed along the NH Bypass between Pantha Chowk and Nowgam as the area forms part of a flood-absorption basin. The council sought clarification on whether the proposed site falls within, overlaps or adjoins the protected basin. It also sought the sites exact cadastral boundaries, khasra numbers, coordinates, elevations and land-use classification. The report cited the Governments post-2014 flood assessment under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. It identified Bonpora, Nowgam, Padshahi Bagh and adjoining areas as a Jhelum floodplain and detention basin. Parts of the area recorded flood depths of 2-5 metres during the 2014 floods. PEC said the issue gained further significance after the September 2025 floods, when breaches along the Jhelum system threatened several low-lying areas across the Nowgam-Lasjan-Soiteng-Summerbugh belt. Filling one site can displace floodwater elsewhere, PEC said, stressing that water excluded from one location must be accommodated elsewhere. The council sought a detailed assessment of the projects impact on flood depths, duration, flow paths, water velocities, drainage and pumping requirements in Nowgam, Bonpora, Padshahi Bagh, Lasjan and adjoining areas. It also called for a cumulative assessment of land filling, roads, railway embankments, built-up expansion and drainage infrastructure across the wider landscape. PEC said construction or site filling should not begin until the sites spatial and hydrological relationship with the flood-absorption basin is established through transparent technical analysis. It recommended a site-specific hydraulic assessment using accurate topographic, cadastral and flood-inundation data, along with examination of safer alternative locations. The council clarified that its assessment was not against industrialisation or employment generation but sought policy coherence between development, flood protection, drainage, wetland conservation and climate resilience. It urged the government to reconsider the location if it is found to fall within or materially affect the Nowgam flood-storage and detention system.

Dilapidated roads in Pulwama, Shopian cause hardships for commuters

Commuters and residents in south Kashmirs Pulwama and Shopian districts are facing considerable inconvenience as several key roads have deteriorated, with potholes and water-logging making daily travel difficult and raising concerns over road safety. In Pulwama, residents said several important roads, including the Payar-Pulwama Road, Circular Road and the Pulwama-Srinagar road via Kakapora, are in poor condition. They said stretches from Pinglena to Pampore and from Kakapora to the National Highway-44 near Kandizal have developed multiple potholes. According to residents, rainwater frequently accumulates in the potholes, making them difficult to spot and increasing the risk of accidents. The damaged stretches have also slowed traffic and added to commuting time. Potholes cause back pain to commuters. Many elderly patients have to take extra care while travelling along these roads, said Arjumand Hussain, a commuter from Pulwama. He said two-wheeler riders were particularly vulnerable on the damaged stretches, as potholes and uneven surfaces could easily throw them off balance. Bikers bear brunt of these battered roads. They have to constantly manoeuvre around potholes to avoid accidents, he said. Residents said the deteriorating road conditions had also increased travel time between villages and major towns, causing inconvenience to people travelling for work, education, healthcare and other essential services. In Shopian district, residents of Thoker Mohalla in Karewa Shadab also complained about the poor condition of the road in their area. They said the locality is situated in a hilly terrain, making the damaged road particularly difficult to navigate. The road is in a hilly area and residents face tremendous hardships, particularly women, said a woman resident. She said pregnant women and elderly residents were among those who faced the greatest difficulty while travelling on the road, particularly when seeking medical care. Residents said the condition of the road becomes worse during rainfall, when potholes fill with water and the surface becomes slippery, further complicating movement. People in both districts urged the authorities concerned to undertake repairs at the earliest and ensure proper maintenance of the roads. They said temporary patchwork would not be enough and called for durable repairs to prevent the roads from deteriorating again, particularly ahead of the winter months. Residents also urged the authorities to inspect the affected stretches and prioritise repairs on roads connecting villages with hospitals, markets and major highways.

Baramullas Nambalnar residents seek staff at AAM, say centre often locked

Residents of Nambalnar village near Baba Reshi have raised concern over the frequent closure of the local Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM), saying the absence of health staff has deprived them of basic healthcare. Residents said the centre often remains locked, forcing patients to travel to distant health facilities even for routine treatment. This locked gate shows how serious the government is about providing basic healthcare to people living in rural areas, said a resident. Where will we go if there is an emergency in the area? asked a woman resident. Residents said a health official used to visit the centre and provide basic services, including blood pressure checks, treatment for cough and fever, and injections. But now we have been deprived of that facility as well, she said. The villagers said they had willingly contributed land for the facility in the hope of getting healthcare closer to home. For residents with chronic ailments, the lack of staff has added to their difficulties. I am diabetic and have a stent implanted. I need to get my blood pressure checked from time to time, but the non-availability of health officials here is a major issue, said Fahmeeda, a resident. Residents urged health authorities to ensure regular staffing and functioning of the AAM during working hours.

Sports Quota Appointments | ACB seeks factual verification report from Secretary J&K Sports Council

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jammu has asked the Secretary Sports Council (DYO), J&K, Srinagar to provide it with the factual report vis--vis allegations relating to the S O 12, provisional merit list, sports recognition and allocation of benefits and appointments under sports quota framework in the Union Territory. In a communique addressed to the Secretary, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) ACB, Jammu, report has been sought along with comments and relevant record, at an earliest for further course of action, in connection with the probe into a complaint levelling a string of allegations.

Work on Katra trip shed extension project underway at swift pace

The work on the trip shed extension project at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station of the Jammu Railway Division to improve passenger amenities and further strengthen rail operations, is progressing rapidly. The main objective of this expansion, according to railway officials, is to augment the existing maintenance facilities and increase the locomotive handling capacity at Katra Railway Station. Publicity Relations Inspector (PRI) of Jammu Railway Division, while highlighting key features of the project, stated that under this expansion, two additional bays and 2 pit lines were being constructed in the trip shed. Once completed, a total of 6 locomotives will be able to simultaneously undergo maintenance and technical inspections in this trip shed. Construction work at the project site is going on swiftly. As per the latest progress report, the work is moving forward within the stipulated time frame, PRI mentioned. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, Vivek Kumar, while highlighting the significance of this project, said, The expansion of the Katra trip shed is a significant step towards enhancing the operational capacity of Jammu (Railway) Division. The project is being closely monitored to ensure its timely completion and seamless integration with the existing infrastructure. DRM reiterated that the expansion would strengthen the Railway's maintenance infrastructure. It will also enable more efficient inspection and servicing of engines, leading to major improvements in train punctuality and operational safety. Upon completion of the project, maintenance of trains originating from Katra will become faster, and devotees and passengers visiting Mata Vaishno Devi will get a more reliable and safer travel experience. As a result, the millions of passengers coming to Katra (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi) will be assured of smooth, safe, and modern rail services without any technical delays, he assured.

Army Commander visits Poonch forward locations

Army Commander Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Monday asked army troops deployed on Line of Control (LoC) forward locations to remain vigilant, foster synergy and continue adopting innovative approaches to effectively meet emerging security challenges. He made these remarks while interacting with troops during visit of forward locations in Poonch where he reviewed the operational preparedness of the formation. During the visit, Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma was briefed on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness and the challenges of deployment in the rugged terrain. The Army further informed that Army Commander, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma interacted with troops serving in forward areas and appreciated their resilience in maintaining mission-readiness despite the demanding terrain and weather conditions. The Army Commander emphasised the need to remain vigilant, foster Synergy and continue adopting innovative approaches to effectively meet emerging security challenges. army said.

Woman dies, husband injured in Kathua accident

A woman died while her husband was injured when a car hit the two-wheeler the couple was riding on, near a petrol pump at Hiranagar Morh in Kathua district on Monday. Police identified the deceased as Reena Devi, 42, wife of Ranjeet Kumar, who, too, sustained injuries in the accident and was rushed to hospital. The couple belonged to Ghagwal in Samba district. Police registered a case in this connection and initiated investigation.

CM Omar Abdullah meets delegations, individuals to discuss public, tourism and trade-related issues

Srinagar, Aug 17:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations and individuals at Raabita here and discussed a range of issues concerning public welfare, tourism, sports, labour, trade and industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister met MLA Beerwah Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, who apprised him of various matters concerning his constituency. A delegation from the constituency, also accompanied the Legislator during the meeting. The Chief Minister also met emerging professional MMA fighter from Pulwama, OwaisYaqoob, and congratulated him on his achievements in the field of mixed martial arts. He felicitated Yaqoob with a cash award of Rs 1 lakh in recognition of his impressive performances on the international stage. Yaqoob recently secured a first-round TKO victory over Bulgarias Delian Georgiev. A delegation of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), led by its Secretary General Sajad Ahmad Kralyari, also called on the Chief Minister and discussed various issues concerning the tourism sector. The Chief Minister further met a delegation of the Kashmir Labour Unions Federation, led by its President Mohammad Ashraf Ganai. The delegation apprised him of its concerns and suggestions regarding the Draft Code on Social Security (Jammu and Kashmir) Rules, 2026. Senior Vice President of the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, Tarun Singla, also called on the Chief Minister and discussed various issues related to trade and industry in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani were also present. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegations and individuals and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.

Teen killed, 12 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Rajouri

An eighteen-year-old was killed and twelve others injured after a scooter collided with a taxi and an autorickshaw on the Jammu Rajouri highway at Tandwal near Rajouri town on Monday. The collision triggered a chain reaction in which the taxi rammed into five cars parked along the roadside, damaging a total of seven vehicles. According to officials, three boys travelling on the scooter and eight passengers travelling in the autorickshaw sustained injuries in the accident. All the injured were shifted to the GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri for treatment. At the hospital, one of the injured teenagers, identified as Manish Kumar (18), son of Madan Singh, resident of Dhanidhar, was declared brought dead. The remaining injured are undergoing treatment, with the condition of two of them stated to be critical. Deputy Medical Superintendent of GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri, Dr Javed Iqbal, confirmed that an injured teenage boy was brought to the hospital in a dead condition, while the other injured persons were admitted for treatment. He said one of the injured was in critical condition. The injured have been identified as Parveen Akhter (40), wife of Shabir Ahmed; Tanveer Hussain (11), son of Shabir Ahmed, residents of Mubarakhpura; Parvez Ahmed (40), son of Maqbool Hussain; Shamim Akhter (34), wife of Mohammad Jamil; Koser Bi (29), wife of Parvez Ahmed; Yasir Ahmed (26), son of Kadir Hussain; Nazira Bi (24), wife of Yasir Ahmed; and Gultaj Hussain (66), son of Raj Mohammad, all residents of Tunditrar; Farida Kouser (24), wife of Mohammad Yasir, resident of Thandikassi; Rajveer Singh (18), son of Balvir Singh; and Faisal Ahmed (18), son of Mohammad Faizan, residents of Dhanidhar. Police have seized the vehicles involved in the accident and registered a case under relevant sections of law at the concerned police station. Further investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash is underway.

28,139 samples tested in 3 years, J&K plans wider food testing network

Srinagar, Aug 17:The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reviewed the food-testing infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Union Territory administration seeking financial and technical support to expand laboratory capacity and strengthen testing facilities. FSSAI Chief Executive Officer RajitPunhani visited the Food Laboratory, Kashmir, in Srinagar on Monday and assessed its infrastructure, equipment, testing capacity and manpower requirements. He also inspected the microbiological, chemical and HEE sections and interacted with technical staff. During a subsequent review meeting, officials flagged inadequate infrastructure and shortage of technical manpower as major constraints affecting the laboratorys ability to handle higher testing volumes. The meeting was informed that the FSSAI-notified and NABL-accredited laboratory currently has an accredited scope covering 354 parameters77 quality and 277 safety parameters. It is equipped with advanced instruments, including GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS. The laboratory tested 11,479 samples in 2023-24, 9,938 in 2024-25 and 6,722 in 2025-26. Of these, 440, 266 and 381 samples, respectively, were found to be non-conforming. Officials said work has been initiated to expand the laboratorys testing scope to 3,500 parameters by March 31, 2027, covering commodities such as milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, cereals, oils and fats, and Indian sweets. The long-term target is to reach 5,000 parameters. The J&K administration sought FSSAIs intervention in securing approval for additional technical manpower, chemicals, certified reference materials and consumables. It also sought financial and technical assistance for construction of new food laboratory buildings in Srinagar and Jammu. The Food Laboratory, Kashmir, is currently housed in an old shared Drug and Food Laboratory complex, limiting space for modern equipment and dedicated instrument sections. The administration also proposed an integrated food-testing network by leveraging facilities at institutions such as SKUAST and IUST, with additional technical and manpower support. Punhani expressed satisfaction with the laboratorys functioning and called for continued efforts to strengthen its testing capabilities. The review is expected to accelerate the modernisation and expansion of food-testing infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

Apple harvest brings spike in bear attacks across Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 17:Three people were injured in separate bear attacks in Khonmoh on Srinagars outskirts in the past 24 hours as the apple harvest draws bears towards orchards and nearby villages. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat was injured in an attack at Shiv Dakri, Khonmoh, on Sunday and is undergoing treatment. Early Monday, a 57-year-old woman was injured near her home in Shah Mohalla. Soon after, 30-year-old Muzafar Ahmad Bhat was attacked in nearby Sarhandi Colony and shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. By evening, another bear attack was reported from Vasaknag, Kund, in south Kashmirs Kulgam district. Mohammad YousufHajam was injured and shifted to a hospital. The incidents come amid increased bear and leopard sightings across Kashmir. An official said bear traps have been set up in the affected area. People have been advised to avoid venturing out late in the evening or early in the morning and contact the designated control room if they spot any wild animal, he said. Last Thursday, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, 55, a flour mill worker from Jawbehara, Awantipora, was critically injured in a bear attack. Earlier this week, three people were grievously injured in separate wildlife attacks in Tral and Shopian. The Wildlife Protection Department has established control rooms across its wildlife divisions in Jammu and Kashmir. It has advised people to remain cautious near forests and avoid approaching wild animals. Experts say bear attacks increase during the apple harvest as fallen and rotting fruit attracts animals to orchards and villages. Bears are often drawn by fallen or rotting fruit left on the ground. Bear attacks peak during fruit harvesting, said SuhailWagay, Wildlife Warden, Pulwama-Shopian range. Fallen apples and food waste must be properly cleared to prevent wild animals from being attracted to orchards, he said. Wagay said orchards along forest fringes are particularly vulnerable. Unharvested fruit and stray dogs also attract bears and leopards near homes, he said. Khurshid Ahmad Shah, head of the Department of Wildlife Sciences at SKUAST-K, said habitat changes have brought wildlife closer to settlements. Many leopards now live and breed within urbanised populations, Shah said. They rely on stray dogs as prey, and apple orchards offer year-round food. The conversion of paddy fields and grazing lands has reduced natural buffers between forests and settlements, he said. Shah said black bears have also adapted to human-dominated areas. Except for those in Dachigam National Park, most bears have made human-dominated areas their habitat, he said. He said studies show bears in Dachigam do not come down in search of food, highlighting the importance of secure habitats. The loss of paddy fields, maize crops and grazing lands has further reduced buffers between forests and settlements, Shah said. When food and shelter are easily available near villages, animals no longer need to return to forests, he said. The attacks have renewed fears among villagers. Last year, also during the apple harvest season, we lived in constant fear of wildlife attacks, and this year is no different, said Muhammad Shafi, an orchardist from Zainapora, Shopian. Last autumn, dozens of people were injured, and several were killed in wildlife encounters across Kashmir.

PM Modis leadership has opened new opportunities for J&K: LG Sinha

Anantnag, Aug 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for preserving Jammu and Kashmirs cultural and spiritual heritage and strengthening service, unity and compassion. He was speaking at the Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram at Nagdandi, Achabal, where he laid the foundation stone for heritage initiatives. Preservation of heritage is not merely about protecting physical structures and historical sites, but also about safeguarding the values, traditions and cultural consciousness passed down through generations, Sinha said. J&Ks diverse cultural traditions reflect its long-standing ethos of peaceful coexistence, he said. The projects include a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex and expansion of the Yajnashala. Sinha visited the Ashram on the occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav and Purnahuti of the Yajna. May the timeless values of service, unity and Sanatana traditions continue to guide our path towards harmony and compassion, Sinha said. Paying homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, Sinha recalled his efforts in 1937 to develop the Ashram as a spiritual centre. His legacy of service, discipline and dedication continues to inspire generations, he said. Sinha recalled that Ashokanand died in 1971, leaving behind a tradition of service, discipline, sadhana and dedication. We are the makers of our own destiny, Sinha said. While our past karmas have a role in what we are today, what we become tomorrow will largely be determined by our present karmas. He urged youth to embrace selfless service, courage, compassion, discipline and unity and called for equal respect for all religions under Sarva Dharma Samabhava. Referring to the Isha Upanishad, Sinha said the Divine pervades all creation and urged youth to protect rivers, forests, animals and all living beings. Spirituality in Indian culture is fundamentally connected with responsibility towards society and the world through selfless service, he said. Referring to the Bhagavad Gita, Sinha said, When action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work can become sadhana. Sinha highlighted the Ashrams association with Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, and its guiding principle, AtmanoMoksharthamJagadHitaya Chafor ones own liberation and the welfare of the world. He urged youth to follow Swami Vivekanandas message of self-confidence, fearlessness and selfless service. True strength lies within every individual, Sinha said. Our saints, in different languages, different traditions and through different methods of sadhana, gave humanity the same fundamental message: work to bring human beings closer to human beings, he said. Sinha said new opportunities had been created in J&K and across the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He urged people to respond with courage, hard work and self-confidence. We have to fulfil our responsibilities towards society, and complete our duties towards family and nation, he said. He called for collective efforts by communities, institutions and civil society organisations to preserve J&Ks cultural identity and strengthen social harmony. Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo, SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Shivanand Rohit Raina, Ashram members, officials, prominent citizens and devotees attended.

DYSS launches selection trials in table tennis, chess, badminton, taekwondo in Baramulla

The Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS), District Baramulla kick-started on Monday, the Inter-Zonal District Level Selection Trials-cum-Competitions across multiple venues in the district, witnessing enthusiastic participation of hundreds of young sportspersons. The Under-14 Boys Table Tennis selection trials, as per an official statement, were held at the Indoor Stadium, Khawaja Bagh, while Under-14 Boys Chess trials were conducted at Budding Bloom School, Khawaja Bagh. The Under-14 Boys Badminton trials were organised at Bipin Rawat Indoor Stadium, Baramulla, whereas Under-14 and Under-17 Boys Taekwondo competitions were held at the Indoor Stadium, Khawaja Bagh. Speaking on the sidelines of the events, Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, DYSSO Baramulla, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students and said that such competitions provide young athletes with a valuable platform to showcase their talent, gain competitive exposure and progress towards higher-level sporting opportunities. He also emphasised the departments commitment to promoting a strong sporting culture and nurturing emerging talent at the grassroots level.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Multi-discipline sports tournaments inaugurated in Kulgam

Multi-discipline sports tournaments for girls were inaugurated on Monday at the Sports Stadium, Kulgam, in a major step towards women empowerment. The tournaments, as per an official statement, were inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vikar Ahmad Giri, District Information Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, and other officers and officials alongwith participating sports persons. The tournaments are being organised by Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Kulgam, under the flagship Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (BBBP) scheme. The month-long tournaments feature competitions in cricket, football, volleyball, badminton and basketball. Block-level teams from across the district are participating with the objective to identify and nourish the sports talent of young girl sportspersons and provide them a platform to showcase their skills at district level.

5 teams to compete in Soul.Fit Premier League in Jammu

Soul.Fit Gym has announced the launch of the Soul.Fit Premier League (SPL), a cricket tournament aimed at promoting fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle among the youth. The announcement, as per a statement, was made during a press conference held at Terrace on 3, Jammu, where representatives of all five participating teams, along with their captains and vice-captains, were present. The press conference was addressed by Shivang Gupta, MD Soul.Fit Gym, Om Tower, Rail Head Complex, Bahu Plaza, Jammu who briefed the media about the upcoming tournament and the vision behind the initiative. The initiative draws inspiration from the 100 Days Nasha Mukt J&K mission of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, with the objective of encouraging young people to choose fitness, sports and positive activities over substance abuse. Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Langer said that Soul.Fit Gym believes that sports can play a powerful role in building discipline, confidence and a healthier society. The Soul.Fit Premier League is an effort to bring people together through cricket while spreading a strong message of fitness and a drug-free lifestyle. Five Teams to Compete in SPL The tournament will feature five team. All the captains and vice-captains participated in the press interaction expressed their enthusiasm for the tournament and its larger social message. The Soul.Fit Premier League will be held from August 20 to August 23, 2026. Three matches will be played each day, with one match scheduled in the morning and two matches in the evening. The tournament will culminate on August 23 at 6:00 PM at Green Field Ground, Green Belt, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. On this occasion Gupta said the league is not merely a cricket competition but an initiative to create a positive sporting environment where fitness, camaraderie, discipline and healthy living take centre stage. Through the Soul.Fit Premier League, Soul.Fit Gym aims to encourage more peopleparticularly young athletes and fitness enthusiaststo embrace sport as a constructive and empowering way of life. The tournament is proudly supported by a strong group of sponsors and partners who have come forward to support the initiative and its message of fitness and a healthier society.

Jammu District Judo Championship begins at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu

The two-day Jammu District Judo Championship commenced at Bhagwati Nagar Stadium here on Monday, with around 250 boys and girls competing in Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior categories. The event, as per a statement, was conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign to spread awareness against drugs among youth through sports. Suraj Sharma General Secretary Judo Association Jammu & Kashmir declared the championship in the presence of Senior Judo Coaches Arshi Nad, Vikas Dogra, Ritika Slathia & Jughal Kishore. Bouts were officiated by Rohit Sadhotra, Rajeev Sharma, Avinash Sharmal, Nirali Sharma. The championship was held under the banner of Judo Association Jammu & Kashmir under the aegis of J&K Sports Council with Manish Chatwal as the organising Secretary.

AGs Office XI secures win over FC Ganderbal in Srinagar Premier League

AGS Office XI secured a valuable three points after defeating FC Ganderbal 10 in a tightly contested encounter of the Srinagar Premier League 2026 at the TRC Turf, Srinagar. The match lived up to expectations as both sides displayed determination, discipline and competitive spirit throughout the 90 minutes. With important league points at stake, both teams, as per DFA statement, entered the contest with a clear objective. AGS Office XI looked to establish control from the opening stages, while FC Ganderbal were equally determined to make their presence felt and put pressure on their opponents. The opening minutes saw both teams settle into the game cautiously. AGS Office XI attempted to build their attacks through controlled possession and quick movement, while FC Ganderbal focused on maintaining their defensive structure and looking for opportunities to move forward. The midfield became an important area of the contest as players from both sides competed for possession. Neither team was willing to give their opponents an easy route towards goal, resulting in a physical and closely fought battle across the pitch. As the first half progressed, AGS Office XI began creating more attacking pressure. Their movement in the final third tested the FC Ganderbal defence, which responded with determination and remained organised. AGS Office XI Break the Deadlock The breakthrough eventually arrived for AGS Office XI as they managed to find the back of the net and take a 10 lead. The goal provided AGS Office XI with an important advantage and changed the dynamics of the contest. FC Ganderbal immediately looked to respond, but AGS Office XI remained composed and protected their lead effectively. FC Ganderbal continued to push forward in search of an equaliser before the interval. However, AGS Office XIs defensive organisation prevented their opponents from finding the decisive final pass or finishing opportunity. At the end of an intense opening 45 minutes, AGS Office XI went into half-time with a 10 advantage. FC Ganderbal Push for an Equaliser The second half began with FC Ganderbal showing greater attacking intent. Knowing that they needed a goal to bring themselves back into the contest, the side increased the pressure and attempted to play higher up the pitch. Their efforts resulted in several promising attacking movements, but AGS Office XI remained disciplined at the back. The defenders worked collectively to close down spaces and prevent FC Ganderbal from getting clear opportunities inside the penalty area. AGS Office XI, meanwhile, looked to make use of the spaces created by FC Ganderbals attacking approach. They attempted to create counter-attacking opportunities and searched for a second goal that could potentially put the game beyond reach. The match became increasingly intense as the clock continued to run down. FC Ganderbal refused to give up and continued searching for an equaliser, while AGS Office XI focused on maintaining their narrow advantage. Determination Until the Final Whistle The closing stages produced a tense atmosphere as every challenge, pass and attacking movement carried greater importance. FC Ganderbal continued to press forward, hoping to produce a late breakthrough. AGS Office XI, however, remained resolute. Their defensive discipline and collective effort helped them withstand the pressure and keep their opponents away from finding the decisive equaliser. Despite FC Ganderbals efforts, the scoreline remained unchanged. AGS Office XI managed the final stages of the contest with composure and ensured that their early advantage was not surrendered. When the referee brought the match to an end, the scoreboard read AGS Office XI 10 FC Ganderbal. Important Three Points for AGS Office XI The victory represents an important result for AGS Office XI in the Srinagar Premier League 2026. More than just the narrow scoreline, the performance demonstrated the teams ability to remain organised, disciplined and focused under pressure. Taking an early lead and then protecting it for the remainder of the match required strong defensive coordination and concentration. AGS Office XI successfully managed the challenge and walked away with all three points. For FC Ganderbal, the result will be disappointing after a spirited performance. The team showed determination, particularly in the second half, and continued to fight for an equaliser until the final whistle. Their inability to convert their attacking pressure into a goal ultimately proved decisive. The encounter also highlighted the competitive character of the Srinagar Premier League, where small margins can determine the outcome of a match. With both sides refusing to surrender and battling for every ball, the fixture provided an entertaining contest for football supporters at the TRC Turf. Looking Ahead AGS Office XI will take confidence from the victory as they prepare for their upcoming league assignments. The clean sheet and ability to protect a one-goal advantage will provide further encouragement to the team and coaching staff. FC Ganderbal, meanwhile, will look to analyse the result, learn from the encounter and return stronger in their next fixture. Despite the defeat, their determination and fighting spirit throughout the match remain positives they can build upon. As the Srinagar Premier League 2026 continues, every point becomes increasingly important in the race for a strong position in the competition. AGS Office XI have taken a significant step forward with their narrow victory, while FC Ganderbal will be determined to respond in their next outing. The TRC Turf once again witnessed a competitive display of football, with both teams demonstrating the passion and commitment that continue to make the Srinagar Premier League an important platform for football in Jammu and Kashmir.

Thousands of devotees offer Khoja Digar at NaqshbandSahab (RA) shrine

Srinagar, Aug 17:Thousands of devotees from across Kashmir converged at the revered Naqshband Sahib (RA) Shrine in Srinagars Downtown on Monday to offer Khoja Digar, congregational Asar prayers a centuries-old spiritual tradition that continues to hold a special place in the Valleys religious and cultural life. Despite scorching heat, devotees of all ages began arriving at the shrine well before the Asar prayers. The occasion marks the 730th Urs of Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband (RA). Khwaja Khawand Mahmood (RA) introduced this distinctive observance of Khoja Digar in Kashmirremembering the great saint through prayers and Zikr of Almighty Allah, without any pomp and show, following the tradition of special Zikr after Asr until Maghrib as a routine by Khwaja Naqshband (RA). This is not merely a yearly gathering; it is a spiritual bond that connects us with our ancestors and our faith. We wait for this day every year and make it a point to attend regardless of the weather, said Ghulam Mohammad, a devotee from Downtown. Many elderly worshippers described the annual congregation as an inseparable part of their lives, saying they have rarely missed the occasion for decades. Several families were also seen bringing along younger members so they could witness and understand the significance of the centuries-old practice. Our elders brought us here when we were children, and today we have brought our own children. Traditions like Khoja Digar keep our spiritual and cultural heritage alive, said Bashir Ahmad, who attended the prayers with his family. The shrine and adjoining roads wore a festive look as vendors selling snacks, refreshments and traditional delicacies lined the approach roads, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The bustling markets remained crowded throughout the afternoon as devotees continued to pour in from different districts. Authorities had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of the congregation. Personnel from the traffic police, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), health department and other civic agencies were deployed around the shrine. Cleanliness drives were carried out around the shrine premises, while traffic diversions were enforced to regulate the heavy movement of vehicles and pedestrians, officials said. However, the massive turnout also resulted in traffic congestion on roads leading to the shrine. Long queues of vehicles were witnessed in the surrounding areas, with traffic remaining slow-moving for several hours as worshippers made their way to and from the shrine. The increasing number of devotees every year highlights the need for better traffic management and improved road infrastructure around the historic shrine, said a commuter in Nowhatta.

Facade of normalcy can not substitute for peace

The administrative order circulating in Anantnag directing government employees to participate in a Tiranga Rally is not an isolated instance. It is symptomatic of a style of governance that has increasingly come to define Jammu and Kashmir since the Government of India took direct control of the region following the illegal abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. What is most striking about the order is not the national flag itself, but its coercive tone. When participation in a government-sponsored event becomes an administrative obligation, are we witnessing genuine public enthusiasm or merely another carefully choreographed display of normalcy? Since 2019, Kashmiris have lived under an extraordinary degree of security and administrative suppression. Raids and investigations by multiple agencies have become a recurring feature of life in the Valley. Government employees have been dismissed over alleged links with militancy or militant sympathisers, leaving families devastated. Thousands have been detained in the aftermath of militant incidents, at times under broad allegations of being overground workers. Educational and charitable institutions have faced closure or restrictions over alleged links with banned organisations, while properties worth hundreds of crores have been attached under various laws. On the one hand, the government repeatedly tells the rest of India that Kashmir has entered a new era of peace and normalcy. On the other, extraordinary security measures, raids, detentions, dismissals and restrictions continue to shape the everyday lives of ordinary people. And then comes another painful reminder that the problem is far from over. On August 12, reports emerged of a purported threat letter attributed to the United Liberation Council, described by authorities and sections of the media as an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The letter reportedly named several Kashmiri Pandit government employees and carried their phone numbers. For Kashmiri Pandits, such threats inevitably revive painful memories. Since 2019, 25 members of the community have once again been targeted and killed, including Ajay Pandita Bharti, Rakesh Pandita, Makhan Lal Bindroo, Rahul Bhat, Rajni Bala, Puran Krishan Bhat and Sanjay Sharma. A tourist arriving in Srinagar may see busy markets, hotels filled with visitors, traffic on the roads and an impressive display of security. Everything may appear normal. But normalcy cannot be measured by what a visitor sees during a few days in the Valley. It must be measured by whether ordinary people feel secure enough to speak freely, whether families believe that the law will protect rather than intimidate them, whether young people see a future for themselves, and whether communities that have suffered displacement and violence genuinely feel safe enough to return and rebuild their lives. The crackdowns that have followed militant attacks, including large-scale detentions and other punitive measures, have only deepened anxieties about collective punishment. Recently, after the killing of a police constable in south Kashmir, thousands were reportedly detained. When another militant attack resulted in the killing of migrant workers, the familiar cycle of raids, detentions and suspicion followed once again. Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Kashmir were not responsible for the violence of the 1990s. They were born decades after the worst years of the conflict. They should have been able to grow up without inheriting the baggage of an earlier conflict. Instead, many are growing up watching fathers, brothers, relatives and neighbours being summoned, detained or questioned. They see homes demolished when a member of a family is accused of militancy. They see fear and humiliation become part of everyday life. They see a system in which one section of society is repeatedly assured that everything is normal, while another is continually asked to prove that it is not a threat. What does that do to a young mind? It does not create reconciliation. It creates bruised memories. And bruised memories do not disappear because officials are instructed to display flags. A government that genuinely wants Kashmiri Pandits to return must create an environment in which they return because they feel safe, not because they are asked to participate in official ceremonies designed to demonstrate that everything is normal. The same principle applies to Kashmiri Muslims. The state must distinguish between a militant and an ordinary citizen; between an accused person and a convicted person; and between a family member and the person accused of committing a crime. Kashmir needs healing, not another performance of normalcy. That healing will come only through dignity, justice, security, dialogue and a genuinely human approach. Brute force may silence a street for a while. It cannot silence a generations memory. A facade of normalcy may impress visitors. It cannot substitute for real peace. The writer is former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir (A version of this article appeared in Indian Express)

The Future Belongs to the Reflective Mind

In an age of speed, screens and instant gratification, we risk mistaking information for wisdom and human growth has never been driven by technology alone but by reflection, relationships, curiosity and the courage to learn from failure. As schools, workplaces and communities rush to digitize and optimize, we must insist that education remains a human practice, one where quiet thought, conversation and mentorship turn facts into meaning. Around the world, educators who once equated more devices with better learning are pausing to reassess. Classrooms are not factories for test scores, they are communities where young people learn through explanation, disagreement, observation and shared effort. Screens give access to facts, they rarely create understanding on their own. Learning deepens when students argue a position, explain a mistake to a peer or sit with a puzzling problem long enough to notice patterns. Those human moments questioning, listening, debating are where information is woven into sense and judgment. Central to that transformation is reflection. Experience, by itself, does not guarantee learning, reflection converts events into insight. Two deceptively simple questions What did I love? and What did I learn? Open a practice of noticing that refines experience into usable knowledge. In a culture that prizes constant activity, pausing to reflect is a radical act. Without it, moments slip through our hands like water; with it, they become stepping stones toward skill, wisdom and moral clarity. Our relationship with failure is equally important. Many imagine success and failure as opposite poles separated by an enormous gulf. In truth, the distance is often small. Success rarely arrives without setbacks, it arrives when people persist and learn. The great discoveries across science, sport, business and the arts were seldom straight-line trajectories. Failure is not a final verdict; it is feedback. Every mistake carries data; every disappointment gestures toward a better approach. The key question is not whether we will fail, but whether we will listen to what failure is trying to teach us. At the heart of lasting growth is the power of choice. Life is shaped less by isolated events than by thousands of small decisions made every day. Choices form habits; habits become character; character shapes destiny. The liberating truth is that choices can be revised. No one is permanently defined by yesterdays errors. Change begins the moment we decide that past limitations will not dictate tomorrows possibilities. This truth holds special urgency for leadership. Leadership is too often reduced to authority or influence; real leadership begins with clarity of purpose and the capacity to convey intention. People cannot follow what they do not understand. The most effective leaders listen more than they speak, they communicate with precision and compassion so that meaning travels intact. Bridges between intention and understanding are built through empathy, simple language and active listening skills that matter as much as strategy or vision. Learning itself follows a pattern, exposure must be transformed into retention, practice, preparation, visualization, mastery and disciplined execution. Talent may open doors, but discipline keeps them open. Discipline operates independently of mood; motivation waxes and wanes, but habitual commitments sustain progress long after enthusiasm fades. The patient, day-by-day work of practice is often less glamorous than inspiration, yet it is what converts promise into performance. We should also reconsider our measures of success. Modern life habitually equates success with wealth, status and public recognition, yet those metrics often fail to deliver lasting fulfilment. Meaningful work and meaningful relationships are the deeper sources of wellbeing. When our worth is tied to applause, we become performers, shaping ourselves to fit expectations rather than living according to our values. True freedom comes when we stop measuring ourselves by external approval and start acting from inner commitment. Recognition may follow, but it should not become the aim. Knowing oneself is one of the most consequential achievements. Self-knowledge, clarity about ones strengths, limits, values and purpose permit wiser choices about work, relationships and contribution. When people align daily practice with what matters to them, achievement shifts from accumulation to contribution. Purpose becomes the lens that gives otherwise ordinary activity coherence and joy. Shared experiences accelerate this transformation. Experiences create memories; shared experiences create connection and collective meaning. The most meaningful moments often begin with curiosity, deepen through listening and flourish through mutual care. These encounters expand perspectives, reveal hidden possibilities and forge bonds that sustain individuals through hardship and uncertainty. For all the promise of technology, the qualities that make us human will become more valuable, not less. Reflection, curiosity, empathy, resilience and disciplined practice cannot be automated. Machines can store, sort and compute; only humans can sit with ambiguity, interpret failure as feedback and forge moral and aesthetic judgments. The future will favour not simply those who consume information, but those who convert it into wisdom; not those who avoid failure, but those who learn from it; not those who seek validation, but those who live with purpose. There is always an until in every life story misunderstood until understood, overlooked until recognized, rejected until accepted, underestimated until unstoppable. The critical test is perseverance, not quitting before the moment of breakthrough arrives. Growth is not a destination but a practice, an ongoing cycle of learning, reflection, choosing and becoming. If intelligence measures more than accumulated facts, it is measured by who we become through the experiences that shape us. Practically, this means investing in the conditions that cultivate reflective minds. Schools and workplaces should carve out unhurried time for discussion, assign work that demands explanation rather than mere recall, and model how to fail constructively. Teachers and leaders must ask students and teams not only what they did, but what they noticed, what surprised them and how they would change course. Reward systems should value persistence, humility and learning as much as immediate performance. Technology will remain a powerful enabler, extending reach, providing tools and amplifying access. But tools alone cannot substitute for the internal work of meaning-making. The reflective mind is the human instrument that turns data into discernment, moments into meaning, failure into forward motion. Those who cultivate it will not only navigate a complex future; they will shape it. The future belongs to the reflective mind. Dr. Farooq A. Wasil is a published author, educationist, and currently serves as the CAO of the Vasal Education Group and Founding Director of Thinksite Services Private Limited. With over four decades of experience in education managementspecializing in setting up, operating, and managing schoolshe also holds strategic advisory roles for several educational and business entities.

Best of BS Opinon: Policy credibility needs coherence, not action alone

Institutions build trust, these pieces show, not by doing more, but by making their actions add up

Rhetoric and reality

Geopolitics is rarely a single-lens issue. Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs speech on the 80th Independence Day at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, reflected on some of the hard-hitting realities of the entire Jammu and Kashmir divided by Line of Control or LoC. The LoC in itself a contradiction --- an artificial, de facto border, or merely as a line on the map. Omars emphasis that these fault lines can only be corrected through reunification aligns with Indias core national stance. When a prominent Kashmiri leader articulates the reality, it carries a unique geopolitical weight. As the democratically elected head of J&K, he is well within his rights to address the issues concerning the territory and people across the LoC, which officially figures on the Indian map of as part of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir following the 2019 Reorganization. His pitch for restoring statehood and pre-August 5, 2019, constitutional guarantees has a clear backdrop. He argued that PoK residents might seek to join Jammu and Kashmir had those decisions not upended the region seven years ago. Naturally, Kashmiri politics is at play. Interpretations of the August 5 revocationwhich split the erstwhile state into two Union Territoriesremain divided. Yet, the promise of restoring statehood at an appropriate time remains central. The Centre maintains this commitment. It is waiting for the right time. Recent upheavals on the other side of the LoC, where Pakistani forces have unleashed all sorts of atrocities killing people in the streets, mass arrests, clampdown on internet and media - have shattered the illusion of security in the regions named as Azad Kashmir. The foundations of Pakistan were laid on the basis of the religion claiming that Hindus and Muslims were two different nations. Now that theory has gone terribly wrong. This is what Omar emphasized in his I-day speech. The people in PoK have risen against military oppression, sacrificing lives to demand freedom from the Pakistani control. And when Omar, grandson of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah reflects on these systemic failures, the message resonates far beyond the boundaries. We must decode his speech fairly, separating the political flair from his core stance: the return of statehood. His appeal to those across the LoC will fall flat unless he is convincing on this very issue. Ultimately, the situation presents both a complex political dilemma and an urgent demand for the restoration of statehood. The dimensions of geopolitics in South Asia have changed in recent years, particularly with regard to Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the LoC. PoJK has been the epicentre of what Pakistan claims is the Kashmiri struggle for the right to self-determination. Over the decades, Pakistan has sought to limit the definition of the UN resolutions on Kashmirenvisaging a plebisciteto this side of the Valley alone. Now, the very people of so-called Azad Kashmir have risen in revolt against Pakistan. The myth of a Muslim nation being the sole protector of Muslims in the region has crashed Today , the people in PoJK are sacrificing their lives to regain their freedom, which often translates into a desire to re-join Jammu and Kashmir in its totalitymeaning the entire region as it existed under Maharaja Hari Singhs rule. Technically and legally, the last Dogra king made the final decision to accede to India. However, it is significant that Kashmiris rose against Pakistani tribesmen and the army even before the Instrument of Accession (IoA) was signed. At the risk of their lives, the Muslim-majority Valley had already signalled its choice to be with India, a fact that should not be overlooked. During that crucial time, the Kashmiri leadership guided the people to declare where they stood, which served as an unequivocal declaration of accession before the formal IoA took shape. This ground reality needs to be reaffirmed, to tell Pakistan that Kashmiris had given their verdict in favour of India when it invaded the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir: the people of Kashmir chose India when tribal raiders invaded the erstwhile princely state in 1947. Thats the way India can counter Pakistan and all others questioning it on Jammu and Kashmir, more effectively. This is the message that needs to be grasped and broadcast with all the authority. Who else could have reflected on this historic reality than grandson of Sheikh Abdullah who was in the frontline for leading the masses against the Pakistani invaders. This fact needs to eb appreciated . The people in PoJk, which were enslaved by Pakistani military , must have been regretting why did they miss the bus in 1947- and fell into the trap of Pakistan . History offers a telling example of how deeply the legacy worries Pakistan. In September 2001, as the world reeled from the 9/11 attacks in the US, Pakistans President Pervez Musharraf was visibly rattled. Why? Because Omar Abdullah, then serving as Indias Minister of State for External Affairs, had visited Dushanbe on September 13, 2001. Days later, in his September 19 address justifying Pakistans alliance with the US-led war on terror, Musharraf anxiously referenced that very visit to the Tajik capital. He wondered: What was India doing in Dushanbe.. Musharrafs frustration stemmed from the possibility of India stepping in and snatching the geopolitical and geostrategic advantages that Pakistan had because of its location. That was his way of saying but the man who represented India and discussed the regional security in the wake of 9/11 was Omar Abdullah. The then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had recognized national asset in Omar Abdullah, a Kashmiri Muslim, in the international affairs. The point here is what he says about Pakistan and the affairs in the Pakistan occupied territories across the LoC, carries more weight than others saying the same thing. The Chief Minister has already spoken against the atrocities being committed on the people in PoK, and asserted and re-asserted that the people across are our people . This is a loud echo of what Home Minister Amit Shah has said time and again that not only the territory but also the people of PoJK are ours- whether Muslims or Hindus.

Becoming more vulnerable?

There was a time when rain in Kashmir felt like poetrysoft, unhurried, carrying the scent of wet earth through old wooden windows. People watched from verandahs, cups of Nun Chai in hand, as children splashed through puddles and the Jhelum moved like a keeper of valley secrets. But that rain has changed. Now, it often comes as a warning. A cloud gathers over a mountain. Within minutes, the sky turns black. Water descends with brutal force, turning streams into rivers, roads into channels, and quiet villages into disaster zones. A cloudburst is not just heavy rainin Kashmirs fragile terrain, it triggers landslides, swollen torrents, collapsed bridges, and homes swept away in moments. The urgent question is: Are these events becoming more frequent, or are we simply more vulnerable? The answer lies in both. Climate change has disrupted weather patternserratic rainfall, warmer temperatures, and shifting snowfall are now the norm. The mountains our grandparents knew are no longer the same. But climate change alone does not explain our plight. We have also altered the landbuilding too close to streams, cutting forests, paving over natural drainage, and treating wetlands as vacant plots. Nature remembers. Remove trees, disturb slopes, block water channels, and the mountain will answer. Yet we call that answer a natural disaster. How natural is a flood when a stream has been encroached upon? How natural is urban flooding when wetlands are buried under concrete? The rain may be natural; the vulnerability is man-made. Traditionally, Kashmiri villages lived in harmony with water. Every spring had a name, every stream a place in collective memory. People knew the paths water took during heavy rains, and homes were built with landscape awareness. But modern Kashmir is losing that wisdom. Hurried construction, concrete sprawl, and shrinking forests have replaced local knowledge. When water returns through blocked paths, we call it an act of God. There is also a painful social dimension. The poorest suffer first and worst. A wealthy family may rebuild; a poor farmer may lose everything. A washed-out road can cut off a village from hospitals, schools, and markets. Children stop learning, patients go untreated, and families drain their savings to recoveruntil the next cloudburst erases their progress. We must stop treating disaster management as a post-crisis response. It must begin before the first cloud forms. That means early-warning systems, scientific mapping of vulnerable zones, protection of forests and wetlands, restoration of natural drainage, and strict building regulations in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Mountain roads must be built with ecological care, not just engineering speed. Most importantly, we must listen to the land. The elders of Kashmir knew, without climate jargon, where water flowed, which slopes were dangerous, and which springs must never be disturbed. Development does not always mean knowing more; sometimes it means remembering what we have forgotten. Kashmir cannot stop every cloudburst. No government or scientist can command the sky. But we can decide how vulnerable we choose to be when the sky breaks open. The deeper question is not just Why is the rain so violent? but Why have we made ourselves so fragile? A cloudburst lasts for minutes. Its consequences can span generations. The choice is simple, though not easy: we can keep building over the memory of rivers and streams, or we can rebuild our relationship with the land. The mountains are not mere scenerythey are our first line of protection. When they speak through torrents and falling earth, the real disaster is not that we did not hear them. It is that we heard themand kept building. Khursheed Dar writes on Kashmiri Sufism, society, and culture.

Not a synchronised republic

There is a seduction in tidiness. A country of 1.4 billion people, holding some election or the other in almost every season, does look, on paper, like an administrative embarrassment a nation perpetually interrupted by its own democracy. One Nation, One Election (ONOE) offers the promise of an India that votes once, governs for five years, and gets on with the business of being a serious, orderly power. It is a seductive picture. It is also, I would argue, a fundamentally mistaken one mistaken not in its arithmetic but in its understanding of what elections are for in a democratic life. Democracies do not hold frequent, staggered elections because they are disorganised. They hold them because the staggering is the safeguard. To collapse every electoral calendar in a continental, plural, federal country into a single five-year heartbeat is to mistake the rhythm of democracy for its inefficiency, and to risk trading away the very asynchrony that keeps power accountable, minorities visible, and regions audible. The wisdom of the stagger Consider a document Indians rarely invoke in this debate: the American constitutional design of 1787. The framers of the US Constitution could easily have made every part of the federal government turn over at once. They chose not to. The Senate was deliberately built so that only a third of its members face election every two years, while the House is entirely renewed and the presidency follows its own separate cycle. James Madison, defending this design in the Federalist Papers, argued that a body wholly refreshed all at once was dangerously exposed to every sudden breeze of passion that a nation needed some institutions to change gradually, precisely so the whole government could not be swept in a single direction by a single mood, however genuine that mood might be. That is a strikingly unfashionable idea in our present moment, but it is a sound one: a republic is healthier when its constituent elections do not all answer to the same question, asked on the same day, under the same emotional weather. Manufactured synchrony does not create political maturity; it creates political monopoly for whichever wave happens to be cresting on polling day. France offers the opposite lesson, and a cautionary one. In 2000, the French republic altered its presidential term from seven years to five and aligned it with the legislative calendar, so that presidential and parliamentary elections would fall within weeks of each other. The stated aim was efficiency an end to the awkward cohabitation periods when a president of one political family had to govern alongside a prime minister of another. The result, as French political scientists have long noted, was the opposite of pluralism: the legislature became an echo chamber of whoever won the presidency, since the same national mood now decided both races almost simultaneously. France did not become more efficient in any way that improved its democratic health; it became more presidential, and its parliament a weaker check on executive power than at any point in the Fifth Republics history. Synchronising elections did not tame politics it simply handed more of it to one office. India has run this experiment before It is often forgotten that India itself began with something close to ONOE. From 1951-52 until 1967, Lok Sabha and most state Assembly elections were indeed held together. It did not last because it could not last not because of some conspiracy, but because democratic politics is not an administrative fixture; it is a living, quarrelsome, defection-prone thing. Governments fell mid-term. Assemblies were dissolved early. Coalitions splintered. The most famous illustration remains Haryanas Gaya Lal, whose party-hopping in 1967 thrice in a fortnight gave the Hindi language its enduring phrase for opportunistic defection, Aaya Ram Gaya Ram. The synchronised calendar broke not because Indians were insufficiently disciplined, but because a genuine federal democracy, with genuine regional contestation, cannot be permanently strapped to a single national clock without either suppressing that contestation or periodically shattering the clock itself. To restore ONOE today is not to return to some lost golden age of efficiency. It is to attempt, by constitutional engineering, what history already showed cannot be sustained by consent alone which raises the uncomfortable question of what would be required to sustain it this time. The answer, uncomfortably, tends to be less tolerance for mid-term dissent, less room for an Assembly to fall on its own logic, and stronger central mechanisms to prevent the inconvenience of a state government collapsing out of cycle. Every one of those mechanisms shifts the weight of the federal bargain toward the centre. The lesson from centralising democracies It is worth remembering, too, that the historical instinct to align and manage electoral calendars from the top has not always come from benign motives. Pakistans Basic Democracies system, introduced by Ayub Khan in 1962, layered and synchronised local, provincial and national mandates into a single controlled structure explicitly to insulate the centre from the unpredictability of direct, staggered, competitive politics. Indonesias Guided Democracy under Sukarno pursued something similar a single, unified political calendar administered from Jakarta, justified in the name of order and national unity, that steadily hollowed out provincial and local political life. These are not identical to Indias proposal, and no fair reading suggests Indian proponents of ONOE intend anything so stark. But the historical pattern is instructive: when states have sought to compress plural, staggered electoral rhythms into one manageable national event, the stated justification has almost always been efficiency and cost, and the actual, longer-run effect has almost always been the diminishment of subnational and minority political voice. Why the periphery should worry most This is precisely why a synchronised calendar should worry Jammu & Kashmir and other regions with their own distinct political grammar more than it worries the political mainstream of the Hindi heartland. When a state election is fought on its own separate footing, local issues land, jobs, water, identity, grievance, the specific texture of a regions relationship with Delhi have room to breathe and to decide outcomes. Fold that election into a single all-India moment dominated by a presidential-style national campaign, and the wave effect research on Indian voting behaviour has already shown what tends to happen: voters increasingly vote the same way for state and centre when the two coincide, and regional or local concerns are swept aside by the national headline of the day. For a region like ours, where the relationship between the local ballot and Delhis mood has always been fraught and consequential, that is not an abstract worry. It is the loss of the one moment every few years when the specific voice of Jammu, Kashmir, or Ladakh gets to speak in a register the whole country is compelled to listen to, undiluted by a simultaneous national referendum on the Prime Minister. The framers of Indias 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments understood this instinct well when they placed Panchayats and municipalities under independent, protected electoral cycles administered by State Election Commissions rather than folding them into the general election schedule. They did so because grassroots democracy needs its own unhurried tempo, insulated from the gravitational pull of the national contest. A genuinely federal republic needs the same logic applied upward, not just downward: state elections deserve their own weather, their own timing, their own capacity to punish or reward a state government on its own record, at its own hour. What efficiency actually costs None of this is to romanticise Indias undeniably exhausting election calendar. The Model Code of Conducts periodic freeze on government announcements is genuinely disruptive; the expense of repeated mobilisations is real; election fatigue is not a myth. But administrative inconvenience is a poor reason to re-engineer the basic structure of representative federalism. A democracys job is not to be efficient in the manner of a factory; it is to be answerable in the manner of a conscience repeatedly, irregularly, uncomfortably, to whichever public happens to be aggrieved at whichever moment. Efficiency is a value for railways and refineries. Staggered accountability is a value for republics. If India wants to fix what genuinely ails its elections the unchecked flow of money, the criminalisation of candidacies, the abuse of incumbency, the misuse of official machinery during campaigns those are real and solvable problems, and they can be solved without touching the calendar at all. What cannot be solved, and should not be attempted, is the deeper ambition beneath ONOE: to make Indias elections behave like a single national event rather than a continuous, staggered, quarrelsome conversation between the citizen and the state. That conversations untidiness is not Indias weakness. It is, historically and philosophically, its constitutions most quietly radical achievement and it is worth defending precisely because it is inconvenient. The writer is a retired Indian Army officer and strategic analyst.

Food safety failing

First it was rotten meat, chicken and fish, seized in bulk across districts, some of it already processed into kebabs, ristas and goshtabas and served to unsuspecting customers. Now it is the turn of anonymous, brightly wrapped snacks and drinks such as chips, candies, chocolates and coloured water in flimsy pouches and tetra-packs, sold from carts and shacks in Kashmirs towns, villages and even the city, very often just outside school gates. The food supply chain that consumers cannot verify and a regulatory system that cannot, or will not, keep pace with it. What makes the latest wave of unbranded snacks so troubling is not simply that they are cheap. As our recent story reveals, it is that they are untraceable. No manufacturers name, no address, no ingredient list, no batch number, no date of manufacture or expiry, precisely the information the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations require every packaged food item to carry. The Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety in Srinagar has told this paper that surveillance is ongoing and that cases have been detected and acted upon, and has called for more inspections in rural and semi-urban areas along with greater public awareness. This is good. But this is also something that was being said a year ago, when the rotten meat scandal broke and shook public confidence in the Valleys restaurants and food delivery businesses. That crisis produced raids, seizures and headlines. It is far less clear that it produced a lasting system of enforcement, What we need is routine inspections of the informal markets and roadside vends where most of this trade happens, consistent checks on the supply chains feeding both restaurants and school-gate vendors, and consequences that are certain rather than occasional.

Sungal Tunnel partially opened

Rajouri, Aug 17: Amid growing public demand, the newly constructed Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway has been partially thrown open by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), bringing relief and triggering celebrations among residents of the region. The tunnel has been opened for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs) with a maximum width of three metres. However, traffic movement through the tunnel has presently been restricted to daytime hours from 8 am to 8 pm. The opening comes amid strong public pressure and a massive protest held recently by people and various organisations over the delay in making the vital tunnel operational. Protesters had alleged that the completion of the tunnel had already been delayed by nearly one-and-a-half years and that no clear schedule for its opening had been announced. The protesters had also alleged that the tunnel had virtually become a VIP tunnel, with its use largely restricted to the movement of VIPs from the bureaucratic and political spheres while the general public continued to face difficulties on the highway. Following the protest, the BRO had pacified the protesters and announced that the tunnel would be opened on August 22.

Health Ministry backs NMC action on work-hour violations

Srinagar, Aug 17:The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed Parliament that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has the power to take action against medical colleges and institutions violating reasonable working hour rules. The statement came in a written reply by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in the Lok Sabha. In response to questions linked to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) case and reports of excessive duty hours, Patel said under the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, NMC can take action against the medical colleges not adhering to work and rest hour rules. In her reply, the Minister stated: Case No 441/90/0/2025 of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was referred to Ministry to submit the action taken report on a complaint dated March 17, 2025. The matter was examined in the Ministry in consultation with National Medical Commission (NMC) and submitted the report to NHRC. It was stated that as per regulation 5.2 (ii) of the PGMER, 2023, All post-graduate students will work as full time resident doctors. They will work for reasonable working hours and will be provided reasonable time for rest in a day. The NMC is empowered to take action against the concerned medical college or institution, as per specified under Regulation 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023. Patel has also clarified the constitutional position, stating that public health and hospitals is a state subject and that the respective state governments or UT administrations prescribe norms for doctors working hours. They are also responsible for setting service conditions and the duty rosters in the concerned institutions. The parliamentary response also addressed the situation at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The minister said, The incident at R G Kar Medical College, West Bengal was taken up by the Honble Supreme Court of India in SMW (Crl) No 2 of 2024, wherein the court had constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to formulate recommendations for redressal of the issues regarding safety, well-being and working conditions of medical professionals. The report of NTF had been submitted to the court in November 2024. She said that the NMC Anti-Ragging Committee had met on August 14, 2024, to discuss the various aspects of safety and working conditions of medical students and resident doctors. As an immediate step, the NMC issued an Advisory dated August 13, 2024, to all medical colleges and institutions. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate General of Health Services had also directed all Central Government hospitals and institutes, includinbg AIIMS to ensure filing of institutional FIRs within a maximum of six hours in cases of violence against doctors and healthcare personnel. Advisories had also been issued to states and UTs on August 23, 2024, and September 3, 2024, urging a ramp-up of security to medicos, and safer working environments, especially females. The ministers reply is significant in view of the rising incidents of persistent complaints that postgraduate residents in several medical colleges. The medicos have alleged that they are being made to work 80-100 hours a week. This is far beyond what many consider reasonable. A Public Interest Litigation filed by the United Doctors Front in the Supreme Court seeks enforcement of the Ministrys own 1992 directive limiting resident doctors duty to 12 hours a day, and not more than 48 hours a week. The petition had cited the National Task Force report on the mental health of medical students. It recorded over 150 suicides in 5 years. These, as per the PIL were largely linked to work-related stress and sleep deprivation. The Supreme Court had recently adjourned the hearing after the Centres counter-affidavit was not placed on record. The case is listed for 17 September. In J&K, resident doctors at Government Medical College Jammu, Government Medical College Srinagar and other medical colleges have welcomed the ministrys clear restatement. Several postgraduate students described the ministers written reply as an important official acknowledgment. Reasonable working hours and reasonable time for rest, they said, are obligations on the institutions, they said. A resident from GMC Srinagar said, We welcome this statement. What we need now is a transparent, independent audit of actual duty hours, duty rosters and rest periods across all medical colleges in J&K. Only an audit will show how far the ground reality has drifted from the regulations. He urged both the NMC and the J&K Health and Medical Education Department must invoke the penal provisions under Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023 against non-complying institutions.

India, maybe enter the Bronze age?

A statue in Korba, Chhattisgarh, revealed as cement painted bronze, not solid metal. Heavy rains exposed this discrepancy, leading to an official's accountability. This incident questions the superficial presentation of development progress in India. It suggests that underlying foundations of progress may be quite fragile. The event highlights a need for genuine advancement over mere appearances.

Closing auction gets off to a rocky start, but Indias markets will adapt

India's stock markets are adopting a closing auction session, impacting passive fund investing. Initial trading days showed price divergence and lower participation rates. Sebi noted no manipulation, attributing early issues to market circumspection. Improved broker interfaces and price visibility are now needed for better arbitrage. The market reform requires adaptation, but aims for greater efficiency and transparency.

FCNR(B), nothing magical about it

The Reserve Bank of India is prematurely closing a special window for FCNR(B) bank deposits from the Indian diaspora, originally set to end September 30, now shutting on August 31. This move comes as the facility, which offered sweetened interest rates and shielded banks from currency risk and liquidity requirements, proved highly successful. The early closure is a precautionary measure due to liquidity considerations and potential adjustments to monetary policy.

Snap out of third world-weariness

A recent CAG report found E. coli in railway station drinking water, indicating serious contamination issues. This audit revealed widespread failures in water purification and testing protocols across many stations. Separately, a building collapse in Saket was attributed to illegal construction and substandard materials. These incidents expose a significant gap between India's economic growth and its infrastructure execution. Such systemic failures threaten the nation's progress towards sustainable development goals.

Plant an idea

One student researched extensively, while another student acted and learned through mistakes. The analytical student presented a paper, but the active student showed a living tree. This highlights the difference between knowledge and enterprise in practical application. True entrepreneurs learn from errors, which become valuable data for future endeavors. Clarity in leadership and entrepreneurship often emerges after taking action.

Indias closing auction needs funds to show up

India introduced a closing auction session mechanism for market reform. This new system requires broad participation to achieve its intended benefits. Studies show closing auctions improve price discovery and lower trading costs. Various fund categories can actively participate within their legal frameworks. Active participation is crucial for the success of this global standard.

The dangers of smoking in bed

The grandmother had an aversion to rain, often burying bottles as a talisman against storms. During heavy downpours, she'd lock the windows and crank up the television to drown out nature's clamor. Immersed in her beloved show, Combat!, the sound of the rain was a mere backdrop. In contrast, the narrator cherished the rain, appreciating its ability to soften the earth, enabling a child's joyous digging adventure in the soil.

Youth must move from protest to the polling booth

Young individuals frequently express a sense of being overlooked, resulting in discontent and turmoil. The digital landscape breeds a shared anxiety among the youth, yet political unity is still lacking. Elections serve as a vital means for youth to voice their concerns and impact policy. Although the voting age has been reduced, young voters still fall short in participating in elections, unlike their female counterparts.

Nitin Nabins team does a fine balancing act between the old and the new

BJP President Nitin Nabin has formed a new team of office-bearers. This team balances experienced leaders and new faces for party strategy. Several defectors from other parties have been included in key positions. Veteran leaders like Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal have been retained. Smriti Irani and Biplab Kumar Deb are now general secretaries.

SC asks J-K to compensate for land forcibly taken in 1953 for police station

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to pay compensation and rents to one of the descendants of farmers whose land was forcibly taken more than 73 years ago for setting up a police station at Kangan in Ganderbal without any acquisition proceedings. Land measuring seven kanals and 18 marlas at Kangan was forcibly taken over for constructing a police station way back in 1953 without acquiring it and without paying the compensation. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the plea of one Abdul Rashid Wani who approached the top court through lawyer Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki to challenge the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Courts 2022 decision. The high court had dismissed a writ petition seeking possession of land taken over for a police station in Ganderbal district in 1953, holding that the claim suffered from gross and unexplained delay of 68 years. On Monday, the top court considered the fervent pleas of Wani that though there was a delay, he should not suffer on account of state action which was illegal. The apex court said it cannot direct fresh land acquisition proceedings as on date due to the delay of nearly seven decades. The bench, however, said that it will direct the land acquisition officer to commence the land acquisition proceedings from the date Wani approached the high court in 2021. Coming to the rescue of Wani, the bench directed the land acquisition officer to calculate and award the rentals to Wani from 1953 when the land was forcibly taken over for setting up of the police station. The amount on account of land acquisition and the rentals will be finally decided by the high court, the bench said. On June 28, 2022, a division bench of the high court had declined to exercise its extraordinary jurisdiction in the matter, saying that the petitioner could not be permitted to revive what had effectively become a dead cause of action after such a prolonged period. Wani had claimed that his predecessors were owners of 7 kanals and 18 marlas of land bearing survey no. 525 at Mouza Kangan in Ganderbal district. According to the petition, the land was taken over for a police station in 1953 without formal acquisition or payment of compensation. He sought either restoration of possession or initiation of acquisition proceedings and payment of compensation or rental compensation for the use and occupation of the land since 1953. The high court noted that the alleged takeover had occurred about 68 years before the filing of the petition and that the petitioner, around 42 years old, had not explained why the matter was brought before the court after such an inordinate delay. The petitioner had argued that his father was illiterate and therefore could not approach the court earlier. The high court, however, did not accept the explanation, noting that the petitioner himself had attained maturity more than two decades earlier but had still failed to seek legal redress. The high court had also noted that the petitioner claimed to have approached the authorities during the preceding 20 years but was unable to produce any supporting documents, citing the destruction of government records during the 2014 floods. The UT administration had opposed the petition as highly belated, stating that the police department had remained in peaceful possession of the land since 1953 and that, after such a long period, it was difficult to produce records relating to the property. Every cause of action should come to an end within a time bound period and should not be allowed to remain alive infinitely, the high court had said.

CIC launches upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System 2.0

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Central Information Commission (CIC) launched its upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System (AppCoMS 2.0) today, 17th August 2026. The upgraded portal was launched by Raj Kumar Goyal, Chief Information Commissioner. The upgraded portal has been developed and implemented as per the prescribed project timeline, with the objective of strengthening the digital infrastructure of the Commission and streamlining the workflow for processing Second Appeals and Complaints under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Appeal and Complaint Management System (AppCoMS) is an online web application portal, initially introduced by the Central Information Commission in September 2016. It enables citizens to file Second Appeals and Complaints online and facilitates end-to-end digital processing of cases, including registration, scheduling of hearings, issuance and uploading of decisions and other related processes. The AppCoMS 2.0 has been developed as a technologically upgraded platform with enhanced security standards, improved functionalities and streamlined workflows. It will facilitate smoother processing of Second Appeals and Complaints and provide a more user-friendly experience to applicants and other stakeholders. A key feature of AppCoMS 2.0 is the introduction of user accounts for Applicants, Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) of the Public Authorities and other stakeholders, linked with their e-mail ID and mobile number. In the upgraded system, Applicants will be able to submit Second Appeals and Complaints through their user accounts. Under the upgraded system, applicants will have access to a number of additional functionalities. Applicants can view case timelines, access documents, download hearing notices and decisions/ orders. Another important feature of AppCoMS 2.0 is the facility for use of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for digitally signing and issuing notices/orders by the Commission. The upgraded portal also provides enhanced facilities for Public Authorities and their designated officers, including the creation of user accounts for CPIOs to enable them to access Second Appeals and Complaints details and submit case-related documents through the portal. The decisions issued during the transition period (from 1st August onwards) and dispatched by post will be uploaded on the upgraded portal/ website in the coming days. The launch of AppCoMS 2.0 is in line with the Government of Indias continuing efforts to promote transparent and citizen-centric governance through technology and digital transformation.

Vehicle catches fire on NH-44 near Shalgadi Nallah in Banihal

Banihal, Aug 17: A light motor vehicle caught fire on National Highway-44 near Shalgadi Nallah in Banihal on Monday evening. Soon after the incident, police personnel, local volunteers, Fire and Emergency Services and an ambulance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reached the spot and initiated necessary measures. All passengers travelling in the vehicle were reported safe. However, the vehicle was completely damaged in the fire. SHO Banihal Aashiq Hussain Lone told Greater Kashmir that both occupants of the vehicle are safe.He said the Toyota Hyryder bearing registration number JK05Q-7666, was on way to Jammu from travelling from Baramulla when it met with an accident at Shalgari and subsequently caught fire. Soon after the accident, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, prompting police and fire tenders to rush to the spot and control the blaze. The occupants were identified as Rafiq Ahmed, son of Habibullah Khan, a resident of Baramulla, and Bashir Ahmed, son of Mohammad Kamal Mir, a resident of Kupwara. Both occupants managed to escape safely. Police have initiated further proceedings to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident and the subsequent fire.

ACB chargesheets 10 including 7 SMC officers over unauthorised construction in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 17: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau produced Chargesheet in case FIR No. 06/2023 of P/S ACB Srinagar for the commission of offences U/S 5 (1) (d) r/w 5 (2) J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 120-B, RPC, Section 4(A) RD Act, Section 9-A r/w section 20 of Evacuees (Administration of Property) 1949 AD before the Honble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar against 10 accused persons including 07 officers of the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC) and 03 private individuals in connection with abuse of official position, criminal conspiracy, and conferring undue benefit to private beneficiaries. Officials said the instant case was registered following allegations that officers/officials of Ward No.28 Batamalloo of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, have abused their official position by hatching conspiracy with the beneficiary namely Reyaz Ahmad Dar S/O Abdul Rahim Dar R/O Tengpora Batamalloo Srinagar facilitated /allowed him to raise illegal and unauthorized construction in the said ward near Tiny Hearts School Tengpora. They said the investigation conducted by Police Station ACB Srinagar, on the basis of oral and documentary evidence, has fully substantiated the charges levelled against the accused officers and private beneficiaries. The conspiracy between the accused government functionaries and the beneficiary was proved beyond any doubt. After obtaining the requisite sanction for prosecution of public servants from the Govt. the chargesheet against 10 accused persons including 03 private beneficiaries was produced before the of Honble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar for Judicial determination, officials added.

Army's Northern commander visits forward areas in J-K's Poonch

Jammu, Aug 17: Army's Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Monday visited forward areas along the Line of Control in the Poonch district, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and adopting innovative approaches to address emerging security challenges. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief reviewed the operational preparedness of the formations and also interacted with the troops guarding the borders, the Army said. Lt Gen Sharma visited forward locations in Poonch and reviewed the operational preparedness of the formation. During the visit, he was briefed on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness and the challenges of deployment in the rugged terrain, the Army's Udhampur-based Northern Command said in a post on X. The Army said the Northern Commander interacted with troops serving in forward areas and appreciated their resilience in maintaining mission-readiness despite the demanding terrain and weather conditions. He emphasised the need to remain vigilant and foster synergy. Meanwhile, in another post, the northern command said students of the Higher Defence Management course visited the command headquarters at Udhampur. The scholar-warriors were briefed on the prevailing security environment, operational imperatives, Counter Terrorism dynamics, operational logistics, technology absorption and capability development in the Command, the army said.

Police seize 10 vehicles involved in illegal mining in Anantnag and Shopian

Srinagar, Aug 17: Continuing its sustained crackdown against illegal mining and the unauthorized transportation of minor minerals, Police have seized 10 vehicles and registered four FIRs in separate actions carried out across Anantnag and Shopian districts. Officials said that in Anantnag, police during routine patrolling at Mattigund, Chittergul, intercepted three tractors bearing registration numbers JK03A-7973, JK03Q-3136 and JK03Q-2867. The vehicles were found carrying illegally extracted bajri and boulders. The drivers failed to produce valid documents authorizing the extraction or transportation of the material. The seized vehicles and their drivers were taken into custody as per law, and FIR No. 83/2026 was registered at the concerned Police Station under relevant provisions of law. Further investigation is underway. In Shopian, police carried out similar enforcement actions at different locations and seized six tractors and one tipper involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals. During patrolling, a police party from Police Station Shopian seized a tractor and a tipper found engaged in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without mandatory permission. In this connection, FIR No. 163/2026 was registered under relevant provisions of law and investigation initiated, officials said. In another action, a police party from Police Station Heerpora intercepted and seized two tractors carrying mining material without valid royalty documents. FIR No. 80/2026 was registered under relevant provisions of law, and further investigation is underway. Similarly, a police party from Police Station Imamsahib intercepted and seized three tractors found involved in illegal mining activities without mandatory permissions. FIR No. 54/2026 was registered under relevant provisions of law, and investigation has been initiated. J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to protecting the regions natural resources and curbing illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals. Police warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found violating mining laws and other applicable regulations. The general public has been urged to cooperate with the police and report any unlawful mining or transportation activities.

SIA Kashmir arrests absconding narco-terror operative in Jammu

Srinagar, Aug 17: State Investigating Agency (SIA) Kashmir has achieved a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem operating in Jammu & Kashmir with the arrest of an absconding operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years. A statement issued by the agency said that in a major success, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu, S/o P.K. Bhat, R/o Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, in a special operation conducted in Jammu. The accused is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 of SIA Kashmir, registered on 03.06.2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the LOC and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorist activities. The arrest is an important development in the investigation of a wider narcoterror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan/PoK-based operatives of the terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The investigation has brought to light a sinister nexus in which narcotics are allegedly trafficked into J&K, distributed through an established network, and the proceeds generated from their sale are subsequently pumped into activities intended to sustain and further the terrorist ecosystem. Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu was evading arrest for almost 04 years since the registration of the case. His apprehension is the result of sustained and strenuous efforts by SIA Kashmir, involving continuous technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures. The statement said the arrested accused is alleged to have played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution network of narcotics in the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial pipeline of the larger narco-terror network. The investigation has also established linkages with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo @ Kandoo, S/o Ab. Khaliq Kandoo, R/o Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, S/o Late Ab. Majeed Khan, R/o Braman Panzala, Baramulla. These individuals have arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through the network operating within J&K. The investigation assumes particular significance in view of the established pattern of narco-terror financing, wherein proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking are allegedly diverted towards sustaining terrorist activities. The case demonstrates the manner in which the terror ecosystem seeks to exploit the narcotics trade as an alternative and covert source of funding. By targeting the entire chainfrom cross-LoC narcotics trafficking and local distribution to the financial proceeds generated therefromSIA Kashmir is pursuing the broader objective of financially strangulating and dismantling the support structures that sustain terrorism. The case was initially registered following the recovery of 01 Kg of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of 07 Kg of poppy straw and 04 Kg of poppy seeds. Earlier, 15 grams of heroin had also been recovered from the residential premises of Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu by SIA. One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are presently under forensic/technical examination. During the course of investigation, SIA Kashmir has filed multiple chargesheets before the competent Court against the following accused for judicial determination: (1) Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, S/o Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, R/o Muqdam Mohalla, Radbugh Drugmulla, Kupwara; (2) Waseem Ahmad Khan, S/o Mohammad Saleem Khan, R/o Rangai, Uri, Baramulla; (3) Bashir Ahmad Koli, S/o Late Matu Koli, R/o Churanda, Uri, Baramulla; (4) Mohammad Ashraf Lone, S/o Mohammad Subhan Lone, R/o Saidpora Rohama, Baramulla; (5) Mohammad Saleem Khan, S/o Mohammad Shareef, R/o Kalgai Ramgai, Uri, Baramulla; and (6) Zafraan Khan, S/o Shafi Ullah Khan, R/o Dawran, Uri, Baramulla. The investigation has further revealed the involvement of a broader network associated with terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/ PoK-based handlers. The arrest of Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu is particularly significant as it demonstrates SIA Kashmirs continued pursuit of absconders, facilitators, financiers and handlers, irrespective of the passage of time, statement said. Notably, SIA Kashmir has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror kingpin Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case. The action reflects the Agencys sustained efforts to pursue Pakistan-based handlers and other fugitives involved in directing and financing terrorist activities in J&K. The latest arrest is expected to assist the investigating agency in unraveling further layers of the conspiracy, identifying additional linkages, tracing the financial trail and establishing the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing. SIA Kashmir reiterates its resolve to continue its relentless campaign against the terror ecosystem, its facilitators, financiers and sources of sustenance. The investigation in the present case remains ongoing and will continue until all persons found involved in the conspiracy are brought before the law and the complete network responsible for facilitating the narco-terror financing pipeline is dismantled, statement added.

CPI(M) demands scrapping of NTA, NEP after errors in NET-UGC papers

New Delhi, Aug 17: The CPI(M) demanded on Monday that the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, be scrapped, saying errors in three UGC-NET papers have once again exposed the entrenched rot in the country's education system. In a statement issued here, the party's Politburo said the latest errors have exposed the NTA's abject incompetence in conducting examinations and reiterated its demand for scrapping the agency as well as the NEP, which it described as the oot cause of the decay in the education system. This disgraceful episode has once again exposed the entrenched rot in India's education system and lays bare the NTA's abject incompetence to hold these examinations, the CPI(M) said. The party alleged that instead of addressing the consequences of the NEP, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates are targeting those who question the education system. Deplorably, instead of remedying the NEP's disastrous consequences, the BJP and its affiliates target those who question the system, it said, while condemning the killing of Janab Mafik, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal. Mafik died after he was allegedly assaulted at his residence after his son visited a school to record infrastructural gaps. The NTA on Sunday announced a retest for three papers -- English, Commerce and Sociology -- of the UGC-NET that was held in June following complaints of several errors in these papers. The English paper will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on September 9, while the Commerce paper will be conducted the same day from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Sociology re-test will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on September 10. The NTA conducted the UGC-NET 2026 from June 22 to June 30 across 87 subjects for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), eligibility for assistant professor and admission to PhD programmes. In a public notice, the agency said it had received several complaints about multiple errors in the question papers of the three subjects and formed a committee to look into these issues.

Omar Abdullah: Let us do our work, let the Centre do theirs

Omar Abdullah dismisses BJP protest, says Centres interference in states cost Dharmendra Pradhan his job

Srinagar, Aug 17: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday played down the BJPs protest against his government in Jammu, saying political parties were entitled to express their differences, while sharply criticising what he described as the Centres growing interference in matters belonging to the states. Asked about the BJPs protest in Jammu against the National Conference-led government, Abdullah said there was little for him to respond to. They have a difference of opinion. This is what they have to do, he said. Okay? They did it. What else? Abdullah, however, used the discussion to make a broader argument for greater space for states, saying issues such as education and health fall within the states domain and should not be increasingly centralised. This is not just about Jharkhand, he said, referring to the ongoing student protests there. These matters, whether it is education or health, in the devolution of powers, these are State issues. They feature in the State List. The Chief Minister said the weakening of states could not be attributed to the BJP alone, arguing that successive governments at the Centre, including the Congress-led UPA, had contributed to the trend. This fault is not just the BJPs, Abdullah said. Different central governments have played a role in weakening the states. He cited the centralisation of the NEET examination system as an example, arguing that greater central control had also altered the chain of accountability. So, if NEET had not been centralised, Dharmendra Pradhan would not have had to resign,Abdullah said. Because examinations would have been conducted at the state level. If there had been a scam in a state, the minister of that state would have been responsible. He said the Centre should confine itself to matters falling within its jurisdiction and leave state subjects to elected state governments. Leave matters that belong to the states with the states. Let the Centre handle matters that belong to the Centre, Abdullah said. This habit the Centre has developed of interfering in the states is the reason Dharmendra Pradhan had to lose his job. Let us do our work; let them do theirs. The remarks come amid renewed political friction between the J&K government and the BJP, which has stepped up its criticism of the National Conference-led administration in Jammu. On the controversy over Vande Mataram at the Independence Day ceremony, Abdullah sought to play down the issue, saying the change in the ceremonys sequence was new even to him. This was my eighth Independence Day parade. But this was the first time Vande Mataram was included, he said. Abdullah said it took him some time to understand the revised sequence, under which Vande Mataram preceded the flag unfurling and the national anthem. It took me some time too to understand that first I would stand there, then Vande Mataram would be played, then I would unfurl the flag, and then there would be the national anthem, he said. Perhaps Congress also needed some time to adjust. Asked about criticism over a statement supporting Article 370 that was described as reflecting a Naxalite mindset, Abdullah refused to comment on the social-media posts. Why are you asking me to explain and speak about what she tweets? he said. It is her Twitter account; her daughter runs it. Let her tweet whatever she likes. On the protests in Jharkhand, Abdullah backed the continuation of talks with the students, saying legitimate grievances should be addressed through dialogue. If the students demands are legitimate, if they are valid, then somewhere or the other, they should sit down with them and talk, he said. He added that if the government believed the demands were baseless, it should say so clearly. If they are not, then say directly that there is no weight or truth in their demands and that there will be no talks with them, he said. But the decision to hold a second round of talks, he argued, indicated that the protesters concerns could not simply be dismissed. If you have already held one round of talks and are saying there will be a second round, then somewhere their demands must have some truth in them, Abdullah said.

Mirwaiz says placed under house arrest, denied permission to address Khawaja Digar gathering

Srinagar, Aug 17: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, who was placed under house arrest today and denied permission to address the time-honoured Khawaja Digar religious gathering at Khanqah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA), in a post on X said: Once again I have been denied permission to address the time honoured religious gathering of Khawaja diger in Naqshband sahab today,with tens of thousands of people eagerly waiting there to participate in this spiritually uplifting religious congregation observed on the 3rd of Rabi-Ul-Awwal each year, and have been put under house arrest! Preventing me from addressing congregational religious occasions as the Mirwaiz, to punish me for my political outlook and for raising social and religious concerns of people, while a reflection of the now familiar repressive mindset of rulers, is still unfortunate and shameful to say the least. What is worse is the continued insensitivity and disrespect for the religious rights and practices of Muslims by the authorities by denying them the right to hear the sermon and participate in a spiritual experience. Continued silence on it, will only lead to normalisation of repression of religious rights of Muslims. It is the duty of all, especially the elected Government to safeguard the religious rights of Muslims of the valley as well as Jammu and stand up to the powers and make them relent.

Gold-Plated Jewellery vs Real Gold: What Every Smart Indian Buyer Needs to Know in 2026

Gold jewellery has always been a favourite in India, but with gold prices feeling increasingly expensive, buying solid gold is not always practical for everyone. If you love the warm, rich look of gold but don't want to pay the price of solid gold, then gold plated jewellery can be a smart choice. At GIVA , you can get 925 sterling silver with gold plating which has a beautiful gold-tone appearance and is less expensive than real gold jewellery. Its a fantastic way to get the gold look, try out different styles and add more pieces to your collection without a big investment. But how does gold plated silver jewellery compare to real gold, and which makes more sense for you? Both have their appeal, so lets take a look at the key differences and help you pick the option that best fits your style, budget and everyday needs. What Is Gold Plated Silver Jewellery? Gold plated jewellery is made by plating a layer of gold over another metal. If the base metal is sterling silver, the jewellery is made of 925 silver and then covered with a layer of gold. This gives you the warm classic look of gold while maintaining the beauty and versatility of sterling silver. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, plus other metals that give it the strength needed for everyday jewellery. Once the piece is finished in gold it possesses a rich golden look that looks just as beautiful with everyday outfits as it does with festive wear. At GIVA, you can find gold plated and rose gold plated 925 sterling silver jewellery in different styles. Gold plating gives your jewellery that timeless finish, rose gold plating adds a soft pinkish tone for a more contemporary feel With options ranging from earrings and necklaces to rings and bracelets, there are plenty of choices to fit different personal styles. So, whether youre naturally drawn to classic gold or prefer the softer appeal of rose gold, plated sterling silver gives you plenty of scope to experiment. You can mix and match and find pieces that feel like they really belong in your jewellery collection. What Is Real Gold Jewellery? Real gold jewellery is made of gold mixed with other metals to make the jewellery strong and durable. Its measured in karats for its purity, which tells you how much gold is actually in it. When you're shopping for contemporary jewellery you'll often see 18K, 14K and 9K gold. Each of these contains a different percentage of pure gold. Understanding Karats 18K, 14K and 9K Gold Purity 18K gold is 75% pure gold and has a deep, warm look, which makes it popular in fine jewellery and special pieces. 14K gold is 58.5 % pure gold , the rest being other metals . Its a nice compromise between gold content and strength, making it perfect for jewellery you intend to wear everyday. 9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold mixed with other metals. Its another option for people who want real gold jewellery at a different price point. Think about how youll wear the piece and whats most important to you when picking from the three. Everyday rings and bracelets you may want a purity that gives you more strength, but necklaces and earrings can offer you more flexibility. Your style, budget and occasion can all help you find the right fit. Gold-Plated Jewellery vs Real Gold: Key Differences Feature Gold Plated 925 Silver Real Gold Base material 925 sterling silver Gold combined with other metals Gold content A layer of gold over sterling silver Gold content runs throughout the alloy Price More Affordable Depends on purity and weight Appearance Gold-toned finish Natural gold appearance Durability Depends on plating and care Depends on gold purity and alloy Maintenance Requires mindful care Generally easy to maintain Gold-Plated Silver vs Real Gold: Which Is More Affordable? The price of jewellery can differ depending on the materials used, the amount of gold in it, and the craftsmanship that goes into making each piece. Silver jewellery with gold plating is based on 925 sterling silver, then finished with a layer of gold to give that warm golden look. Theres plenty of space to explore gold-toned earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets in a variety of styles. The price of real gold jewellery depends mostly on the purity and weight of the gold used. The final price may also be affected by factors like craftsmanship, making charges and applicable taxes. So which one is more logical? It is all a matter of what you want from your jewellery. If you like to experiment with different styles and you like the look of gold then you are spoilt for choice with gold-plated over sterling silver jewellery. Real gold allows you to have that option if you want something made in a specific purity of gold. Or if you want to gift a stylish gold plated jewellery piece under 1999, GIVA has a lot of options to explore. If you are searching for everyday earrings and rings or necklaces and bracelets, you can discover gold plated designs that comfortably fit your budget. How to Care For Gold Plated Silver Jewellery Gold plated silver jewellery maintenance is easier than you think. You dont need a complicated routine, a few simple habits will help keep your favourite pieces looking beautiful for longer. Remove before bathing or swimming. Keep jewellery out of prolonged contact with water and moisture. End with jewellery: Apply your perfume, moisturiser and skincare first and allow them to settle before adding your jewellery. Remove before a workout : Sweat and constant movement can affect the gold finish so best to leave your jewellery safely at home. Stay away from harsh chemicals: Try to keep the products clean and other strong chemicals away from the item as they can damage the finish. Give each piece its space: Keep your jewellery in a soft dry pouch or jewellery box to stop pieces rubbing or scratching each other. Wipe After Wear: A quick swipe with a soft, clean cloth usually removes everyday residue, and keeps it looking fresh. These small habits don't take a lot of effort, but they can make a big difference. With proper care, your gold plated silver jewellery can be a beautiful addition to your collection for years to come. How to Choose Gold Plated Silver Jewellery If youre going to buy gold plated silver jewellery, its always a good idea to check the product details before you make your choice. Check for clear information about the base material and ensure that it is 925 sterling silver. You can also see the details about the gold finish, care instructions and other product specifications. It is also a popular choice for people who prefer hypoallergenic jewellery . Sterling silver is comfortable to wear and is a good option for everyday wear . If you are looking for good quality sterling silver jewellery, GIVA has a variety of designs to choose from. Once youve looked at the material, think about what suits your personal style. If you're into jewellery you can wear every day, a classic pendant, simple earrings or a slick bracelet could be just the thing. If you want to make more of a statement then try layered necklaces, chunkier bracelets or eye-catching rings. GIVA has a great collection of gold plated 925 sterling silver jewellery in a variety of styles, meaning youll find pieces to wear with everything from your everyday outfits to special occasions. We also provide a lifetime free plating service so you can keep your favourite gold plated items looking their best for longer. Find Your Perfect Gold Plated Jewellery at GIVA Choosing jewellery is all about what feels right for you. Gold plated silver jewellery gives you the warm look of gold on a 925 sterling silver base, while real gold allows you to choose a piece based on your preferred purity. If you are looking for a wedding anniversary gift for your wife then a gold plated necklace, bracelet, ring or pair of earrings can be a good way to celebrate the occasion and especially if she likes to experiment with different styles. Shop now from GIVAs collection today. Enjoy complimentary lifetime plating service (T&C) to keep your favourite plated pieces looking beautiful for longer. Whether you're shopping for yourself or choosing a gift for someone special, pick the right jewellery that feels personal, suits the occasion and is something you'll love wearing or gifting.

MoD inks pact with General Atomics to lease 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aircraft

The ministry said it signed a contract with the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the remotely-piloted aircraft for a period of 30 months

J&K police officer arrested in bribery case in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 17: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Sub-Inspector of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a bribery case here, officials said on Monday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Sub-Inspector of Police Station Janipur in Jammu, identified as SI Danish Habib, a 2024-batch officer, in a bribery case, the CBI statement said. The CBI said the accused allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a complainant for not registering an FIR against him over a marital dispute. Following negotiations, the accused agreed to accept Rs 10,000 from the complainant, it said. The CBI registered a case on August 16 and laid a trap the same day. During the trap, the police officer was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant, it said. The agency said further investigation is underway.

GoC 14 corps reviews operational preparedness of troops in Siachen sector in Ladakh

Leh, Aug 17: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps, Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande, on Monday visited the Siachen Glacier sector to review the operational preparedness of troops deployed at the world's highest battlefield, the Army said. During his visit, Lt Gen Pande interacted with troops deployed in the sector and appreciated their high morale, professionalism and resilience while operating under extreme terrain and weather conditions, it said. Lt Gen Madanraj Pande, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, visited Siachen to review operational preparedness and interact with troops deployed on the world's highest battlefield, the Leh-based 14 Corps, also known as the Fire and Fury Corps, said on X. The Corps Commander exhorted all ranks to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline and excellence, the Army said. The visit was aimed at assessing the preparedness of troops deployed in the challenging Siachen sector and reinforcing their commitment to maintaining operational effectiveness in the high-altitude battlefield, it said.

Khalid Jehangir congratulates Ram Madhav on appointment as BJP National Vice-President

Srinagar, Aug 17: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Jammu and Kashmir, Khalid Jehangir has extended his heartiest congratulations to Ram Madhav on his appointment as National Vice-President of the party for Delhi. In a statement issued here, Jehangir said that Ram Madhavs vast experience, vision and commitment to the nation would prove to be a great asset to the organisation. As a BJP leader from Jammu & Kashmir, I extend my warmest wishes to him for this new responsibility and continued success, Jehangir said. He expressed confidence that Ram Madhav would discharge his new responsibility with dedication and contribute towards further strengthening the party organisation.

Govt destroyed ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti network; 200 arrested ahead of Independence Day: Amit Shah

Indian security forces made a bold move by arresting more than 200 individuals affiliated with the Shahzad Bhatti Network, thwarting intended subversive attacks ahead of Independence Day festivities. The extensive operation spanned fourteen states, leading to the recovery of a considerable amount of explosives and arms. This network, linked to Pakistan, was known for its involvement in grenade and IED attacks, showcasing India's unwavering commitment to countering cross-border terrorism.

Two more Air India Pilots test non-negative for psychoactive substances

BJP announces major organisational reshuffle; Ram Madhav, Tariq Mansoor among new National Vice Presidents

NEW DELHI, AUG 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced a major reorganisation of its national organisational structure, with BJP National President Nitin Nabin approving a series of key appointments with immediate effect. According to a press release issued by the BJP Central Office, the party has appointed 13 National Vice Presidents as part of the organisational revamp. The newly appointed National Vice Presidents include former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, Ram Madhav, Baijayant Jay Panda, D. Purandeshwari, Rekha Verma, Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi, Bharti Pravin Pawar, Manpreet Singh Badal, Lal Singh Arya, M. Nagaraja, Tariq Mansoor and Madhuchandra Kar. In a significant organisational decision, B.L. Santhosh has been retained as National General Secretary (Organisation). Shivprakash and Saudan Singh have been appointed as National Joint General Secretaries (Organisation). The party has also appointed Vinod Tawde, Sunil Bansal, Biplab Kumar Deb, Smriti Irani, Satish Poonia, Gajendra Patel, Harish Dwivedi and Sanjay Bhatia as National General Secretaries. New National Secretaries Appointed The BJP has appointed Pradip Varma, Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel, Sandeep Pathak, Phangnon Konyak, Kavita Patidar, K. Surendran, Bhola Singh, Sangeeta Yadav, Anil Antony, M. Venkateshan, Manoj Tigga, Siddharth Shambhu, Swadesh Singh, Mriganka Deo Barman, Rohan Gupta and Jal Prakash as National Secretaries. In another key financial appointment, Piyush Goyal has been named the partys National Treasurer, while Rajesh Mangal has been appointed National Joint Treasurer. Key Organisational Assignments The party has also announced several important organisational responsibilities. Tarun Chugh has been appointed Central Office In-charge, while Mahendra Pandey will serve as Central Office Secretary. For the North-East region, Sambit Patra has been appointed North-East Coordinator, with Rajiv Babbar named as North-East Joint Coordinator. Vishnu Datt Sharma has been appointed All Cells Coordinator, while Rituraj Sinha and Vishnu Vardhan Reddy will serve as Joint Coordinators. New Morcha Presidents Announced As part of the organisational restructuring, the BJP has also announced new presidents for its various Morchas. Dr. Hemang Joshi will head the Yuva Morcha, while Roop Kumari Choudhary will lead the Mahila Morcha. Amarpal Maurya has been appointed President of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Morcha, Bansilal Gurjar will head the Kisan Morcha, and Shivesh Kumar Ram will lead the Scheduled Castes (SC) Morcha. The Scheduled Tribes (ST) Morcha will be headed by Dr. Mannalal Rawat, while Kunwar Basit Ali has been appointed President of the Minority Morcha. Media and Digital Communication Teams Reconstituted The BJP has also revamped its media and digital communication teams as part of efforts to strengthen the partys public outreach. Anil Baluni has been appointed Media Convenor, while Ashish Usha Agrawal, Pradeep Bhandari and Siddharth Yadav have been appointed Media Co-Convenors. For the partys digital outreach and social media operations, Deepak Mhaskey has been appointed Social Media Convenor, with Priti Gandhi and Shivanand Dwivedi appointed as Social Media Co-Convenors. The BJP said that all the appointments approved by National President Nitin Nabin will take effect immediately. The latest organisational reshuffle is aimed at assigning fresh responsibilities to senior leaders and strengthening the partys organisational machinery, coordination and outreach across different states and key regions of the country. The appointments also bring several experienced political leaders into important organisational positions as the BJP seeks to further consolidate its organisational network and strengthen its presence at the national and state levels. (KNC)

President Murmu Gives Assent To Bill to Renaming Kerala As Keralam

President Murmu referred the Bill to the state legislature for its views, following which the Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution agreeing with the Bill

Two years have passed, where is statehood?: Tanvir Sadiq hits out at BJP

Jammu, Aug 17: National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday hit out at the BJP over its protest in Jammu, saying the party had every democratic right to demonstrate but should first answer questions over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, pending reservation issues and alleged backdoor appointments. Reacting to the BJP's protest against the Omar Abdullah-led government, Sadiq said there was nothing wrong with political parties holding demonstrations, but accused the BJP of resorting to drama and theatrics to remain politically relevant. It is the democratic right of any political party to protest. The BJP has the same right. Absolutely, let them protest, Sadiq said. But the kind of drama and theatrics that the BJP leaders and their president are carrying out todaytwo years have passed. Sadiq said the BJP should instead explain why the commitments of delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood had not been followed through. They should first look within themselves and ask: we were promised delimitation, elections and then statehood. Even after two years, statehood has not come, he said. He alleged that the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir had been destroyed and divided into two parts and accused the BJP of making the region dependent on the Centre. They have made us dependent on them for everything, Sadiq said, arguing that the economic and administrative situation would have been different had the changes not been made. He also targeted the Centre over the absence of an Advocate General and the pending reservation file, saying the BJP should explain why, in his view, it is creating obstacles in everything. Sadiq also challenged the BJP over its opposition to alleged backdoor appointments, referring to a recent government press conference on the issue and reports that the BJP planned to gherao the SPSC. My simple question is this: every agency in this country is with the BJP. It would take them just a minute to order an investigation into this, he said. He called for a full investigation, saying, Let there be a proper investigation. The truth will come out. Sadiq further accused the BJP of deliberately misleading people over the issue. If the National Conference or anyone else had made backdoor appointments, they would have investigated it from day one, he said. They deliberately want to mislead the people, and that is the same drama they staged in Jammu today. Taking a swipe at former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Sadiq also revived the National Conference's criticism of the PDP-BJP alliance. Wasn't Mehbooba Mufti the same person who brought the BJP here? he asked, recalling that the National Conference had opposed the alliance. We pleaded with her, saying, for God's sake, don't bring the BJP here; this state will be destroyed, he said. Sadiq said Omar Abdullah had even offered unconditional support at the time to prevent the BJP from entering government in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, all this crying from a distance looks like crocodile tears, he said. Sadiq concluded by positioning the National Conference as the principal political force fighting for Jammu and Kashmir's rights. Today, there is only one political partythe National Conferencethat is fighting both inside the Assembly and outside it for its rights and constitutional rights, he said.

BJP should look within before protesting against Omar Abdullah government: Tanvir Sadiq

Two Air India Group pilots fail initial drug test

New Delhi, Aug 17: Two pilots of the Air India Group have failed the initial drug test as their results came on-negative and their samples have been sent for confirmatory tests, according to a source. On August 13, Air India and Air India Express started mandatory psychoactive substance testing of all their pilots, expanding checks beyond regulatory requirements. These tests were made mandatory following the August 4 incident, when the captain of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, that suddenly lost altitude, tested positive for marijuana. The source on Monday said psychoactive substance tests have been completed for around 400 pilots of the Air India Group so far. Of them, the initial screening test results have come on-negative for two pilots, the source said. Specific details could not be immediately ascertained. There was no official comment from Air India. The two Tata Group-owned airlines have more than 5,000 pilots. The comprehensive screening covers substances and medications prohibited under prevailing aviation regulations. On August 4 Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly lost about 300 feet (91 metres) in altitude during cruise amid turbulence. The aircraft was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers and eight crew members. At least 24 people were injured in the incident. The flight's pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. The pilot had initially tested on-negative for a psychoactive substance, with the confirmatory test subsequently identifying marijuana, sources had said.

Bear attacks continue in Khonmoh Srinagar, man injured in third incident in 24 hours

Srinagar, Aug 17: A 30-year-old man was injured after being attacked by a bear in the Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man was attacked and injured in Sarhandi Colony, Khonmoh. He said the injured was shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, where his condition is stated to be stable. The injured was identified as Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat (30), son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat, a resident of Sarhandi Colony, Khonmoh. Notably, this is the third bear attack reported in Khonmoh within the past 24 hours, following an attack on a man earlier this morning and a 57-year-old woman on Sunday in the area.(KNO)

Sunil Sharma says BJPs Jammu rally targets government injustices

Tariq Karra calls BJPs Vande Mataram protest a diversionary tactic

BJP mounts major protest against NC govt in Jammu, accuses it of failing on promises

Jammu, Aug 17: Hundreds of BJP workers, led by Jammu and Kashmir party president Sat Sharma, took to the streets here on Monday to protest against the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to fulfil its election promises and address unemployment and development issues. Carrying placards and party flags, the BJP activists gathered at Dogra Chowk, Maheshpura, and Panjtirthi before marching separately toward the Civil Secretariat via Shalimar Road under the leadership of Sharma, Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, and Leader of Opposition in the J-K Assembly Sunil Sharma, raising slogans against the NC-Congress alliance. Several senior party leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging large-scale corruption and complete failure of governance. Protesters also set ablaze effigies of the NC-Congress government, while police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers along the march routes and the Civil Secretariat. Women workers of the BJP Mahila Morcha also participated in the demonstration. Thousands of BJP workers, MPs, legislators and common people are on the roads to express their anger against the NC-led government. The elections were held after a long gap, and the National Conference came to power after making several promises before the elections. But now, when it is time to actually work, they keep raising the issue of statehood to mislead the public, the J-K BJP president said. He claimed that since the government has failed to meet the public's expectations, it's using the statehood issue merely to distract people. They know that people will question them. They have already seen the results in Nagrota and Budgam (by polls), and they know what their situation is going to be. National Conference is a completely failed political party. Unfortunately, our misfortune is that their alliance is with a political party (Congress) which has no respect for the national anthem or the national song, he said. He assured that the BJP wants the government to work effectively and would play the role of a constructive opposition. Sharma warned that the BJP would escalate its agitation if the government did not address public concerns, planning future protests at district, town, and local levels. BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma claimed that the National Conference-led government had failed to tackle basic issues facing the public. He alleged that the government had been unable to ensure adequate civic amenities, including proper roads, electricity and drinking water, despite repeated assurances. He accused the NC government of losing the public's confidence and demanded that it take responsibility for its failures and resign. The leader of opposition also launched a scathing attack on the National Conference government, accusing it of large-scale corruption, administrative failure and poor governance. He said the BJP had initially sought to play the role of a constructive opposition, but alleged that the government's continued failures had left the party with no option but to take its fight to the streets. MLA Sham Lal Sharma said the government would be held accountable from the floor of the Assembly to the streets and alleged discrimination against the people of the Jammu region. MLA Vikram Randhawa also targeted Chief Minister Abdullah, alleging that the government was more focused on protocol and political posturing than addressing the pressing concerns of the people. BJP Mahila Morcha president Neha Mahajan said she specifically raised questions regarding employment opportunities for youth, measures to tackle unemployment, and commitments made towards women. The BJP leaders also said the Centre had already indicated that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time and questioned the NC government over its alleged failure to deliver on the promises made to voters.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha flags off Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra

AI manager fires human worker in real-world experiment

New Delhi, Aug 17: An artificial intelligence system powered by Anthropics Claude has reportedly fired a human worker while managing an experimental retail store in San Francisco, highlighting the emerging possibilitiesand risksof AI taking on managerial roles. The Indian Express, citing a report by Time, said the AI system, named Luna, was put in charge of a real-world retail store operated as an experiment by AI research startup Andon Labs. According to the report, Luna was tasked with running various aspects of the store, including hiring and managing employees, selecting products and handling day-to-day operations. The AI reportedly decided to terminate a worker over repeated attendance issues. The employee had allegedly been late for a significant number of scheduled shifts. However, the decision was not entirely autonomous. Time reported that human researchers intervened and prompted the AI to reconsider the employee's performance before the termination decision was ultimately carried out. The experiment was designed to examine how AI agents perform when given responsibility for running a real-world business and interacting with human employees. Andon Labs has said the experiment is controlled and that the workers remain formally employed by the company, rather than by the AI system itself. The company also maintains that no employee's livelihood depends solely on an AI's judgment. The experiment comes amid growing debate over whether AI systems could eventually take on managerial roles traditionally performed by humans. While AI is increasingly being deployed to automate individual tasks, the San Francisco experiment presents a different scenarioan AI making decisions about human workers themselves. The development also raises questions about accountability, transparency and the safeguards that should be in place when AI systems are entrusted with consequential workplace decisions.

Short: Rescuers dig through rubble in quake-hit Indonesia; death toll at 53

Rahul Seeks Accountability over UGC-NET Exam Cancellation by NTA

Gandhi said thousands of candidates who prepared for years, filled forms, paid the fees, travelled to distant centres, must now do it all again in September

Former Member Parliament Dharampal Sharma passes away

Jammu, Aug 16: Veteran Congress leader from Jammu and Kashmir and former Member Parliament (MP) Dharampal Sharma passed away at his residence in Jammu on Sunday. Being nonagenarian, he was not keeping good health for the past some time, due to age-related ailments. Dharampal Sharma also served as an MLA in J&K Legislative Assembly from Akhnoor segment for four terms. He represented Congress in Rajya Sabha from 1988 to 1994. His last rites will take place today at Shastri Nagar cremation ground at 1 pm. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, on behalf of the party, expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran Congress leader and prayed for courage to the bereaved family to bear an irreparable loss. Entire rank and file of the Congress party deeply condoles the sad demise and prays for peace to the departed soul, Ravinder Sharma said, in a condolence message.

Six dead, several injured in stampede at Bihar temple

Lakhisarai: At least six people were killed, and several others were injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Bihars Lakhisarai district on Monday, officials said. The incident occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at the temple to offer water to lord Shiva in the holy month of Shravan. #WATCH | Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Trump terms Saudi-Turkey-Pak defence agreement 'big, bold' step

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement holds any armed offensive against any of the three countries an attack against all of them

Rescuers dig through rubble in quake-hit Indonesia; death toll at 53

Ruteng, Aug 17: A day after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake jolted eastern Indonesia, rescue teams recovered six more bodies Sunday, raising the death toll to 53, while many of the thousands displaced spent the night outdoors in fear of aftershocks. Rescuers dug through debris looking for anyone buried beneath landslides triggered by the quake across six regencies on Flores, a predominantly Catholic island in the Muslim-majority country. They focused on three regencies that remained inaccessible -- hardest-hit Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo. We have cleared most landslides and reopened roads to previously isolated villages, although communication disruptions and power outages continue to hamper search efforts, said Fathur Rahman, head of the search-and-rescue office in Maumere, the capital of Sikka regency. More than 900 homes were destroyed and 450 more damaged in East Nusa Tenggara province, forcing about 5,000 people into temporary shelters. At least 241 homes were damaged in the Flores region alone, said Abdul Muhari, the National Disaster Management Agency's chief for disaster prevention. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km shortly before 6 am local time Saturday, the US Geological Survey said. Residents fled in panic as tsunami warnings were issued and later lifted. Authorities have since recorded at least 995 aftershocks, but only 46 were felt by residents, Muhari said, adding that 135 people were injured. Many residents at Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, one of Indonesia's best-known tourist destinations, spent the night outside because of the aftershocks. The shaking was terrifying, so intense that my house nearly collapsed, said farmer Anastasia Imad, speaking from a makeshift tent beside her damaged home. We feared the aftershocks would bring it down on us while we slept. Landslides blocked sections of the Trans-Flores Highway, a roughly 700-km road linking communities across the mountainous island. Relief workers distributed rice, ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, blankets and medicine, while emergency shelters were set up for displaced residents. Authorities said restoring electricity and communications, as well as delivering aid to remote villages isolated by landslides, were among the biggest challenges. Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of seismic faults and volcanoes. Flores has experienced some of the country's deadliest disasters. A powerful earthquake and tsunami in 1992 killed about 2,500 people on the island. In 2018, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake triggered a tsunami on the island of Sulawesi that killed more than 4,400 people. In 2004, a magnitude 9.1 quake off Sumatra unleashed a tsunami that killed about 230,000 people in a dozen countries.