Opinion

NCs statehood protest will amount to nothing; people will never forget Article 370: Altaf Bukhari

NC govt in J-K has made 25,000 backdoor appointments, alleges Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Jun 25: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday alleged that the National Conference (NC) government has made 25,000 ackdoor appointments in the union territory. There are about 25,000 backdoor entries in 25 months (of their government). I have orders, but I do not want to disclose their identities for their protection. Also, no other candidates were interviewed, Mufti told reporters here. She said these were not ordinary posts, but vacancies in the government departments across Jammu and Kashmir, which the government gave to their ministers, MLAs, alliance partners. I think the BJP also has a share, that is why they are silent and are not raising any hue and cry over it. Mehbooba, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said her party received complaints about these appointments, alleging that the government took two to three lakh rupees from the candidates. Around 200 private outsourcing agencies were used for this. For some time, a website remained open where candidates were asked to fill out forms. Once they submitted the form, the site would close, she claimed. The PDP president said the government provided its list to the outsourcing agencies, which processed their recruitment. There is one Ramzan sahib, one Ayush sahib. I do not want to disclose their designations; there are other people in several departments, whether it is their PROs or secretaries, who used to take the list from the MLAs, which was then given to the outsourcing agencies, she said. Mehbooba alleged that such appointments were made without any advertisements. She demanded an immediate stop to ackdoor appointments. Such backdoor appointments should be stopped, and there should be action if (chief minister) Omar (Abdullah) is not himself patronising it, she said. Regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley, the PDP president said certain lobbies among the Pandits were trying to weaponise their pain to run their own agenda. It is good that Kashmiri Pandits are coming here now. But there are some lobbies among the Kashmiri Pandits, some people who, to run their own agenda, want to weaponise their pain. The Kashmiri Pandits should isolate them. Also, they should stop looking into the past and look towards the future. About 99 per cent of those killed in J-K are Muslims. Only one per cent were our Pandit brothers, whose population is very small, she said.

Teachings of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta continue to illuminate India's spiritual heritage: LG Sinha

Srinagar, June 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended Rudra Abhishek ceremony on the auspicious occasion of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta Jayanti and Nirjala Ekadashi at Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan Maisuma, Srinagar, today. The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the devotees and extended his heartiest greetings. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor observed that Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan continues to occupy a cherished place in the collective consciousness of Jammu Kashmir. He offered his deepest prayers for the peace, well-being, and prosperity of all. He said the vision of great sages reminds us that our collective growth and harmony are beautifully interconnected. The life and teachings of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta, foremost exponent of Kashmir Shaivism, continue to illuminate India's spiritual heritage. From aesthetics to profound philosophy of Self-recognition, his vision remains a timeless beacon of non-dual consciousness, the Lieutenant Governor said. The members of Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Asthapan Trusts Organizing and Management Committees including Shri Omkar Nath Bhat, President; Shri Hari Krishan Koul, Vice President; Shri Hira Lal Koul, Executive Member; Shri Pushpati Nath Koul, Joint Secretary, and Shri Vijay Sas, Secretary were present. Shri VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Shri Tejinder Singh, IGP CID; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and senior officers also accompanied the Lieutenant Governor.

CM Omar Abdullah reopens Gulmarg Gondola for visitors after month-long closure

LG Sinha reviews preparations for Amarnath Yatra, says locals prepared to welcome pilgrims

Altaf Bukhari dismisses NCs statehood protest as short-term politics

Bandipora, 25 June: Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari on Thursday dismissed the National Conferences campaign for the restoration of statehood, describing it as a short-term political move that would quickly disappear. Speaking to reporters in north Kashmirs Bandipora, Bukhari stated that the National Conference has a historical pattern of shifting its core political objectives once its immediate interests are secured. The National Conference has a track record, Bukhari said. In 1953, they declared the Plebiscite Front. Twenty-two years later, they called it vagrancy. Then they demanded Autonomy. Did it come? They abandoned it. Now they make off-the-cuff remarks about Statehood. This is also just for a few days. Once their own interests are fulfilled, you will see, after a month, this will amount to nothing. Bukhari noted that his own past political efforts to seek statehood were heavily criticized by the same leadership that is now organizing protests for the cause. In 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, decrees of betrayal and treason were issued against us just because we were asking for statehood, right? Bukhari said. They used to say we were implementing Delhi's agenda. Man, we are just happy that today, you people are also saying that this is what the people need. Addressing the National Conferences invitation to other political parties to join a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Bukhari rejected the approach as informal. Look, this isn't some offer for biryani that you just tell the people of Jammu and Kashmir, 'Come, have some biryani,' Bukhari said. This requires consultation. The standard practice for political parties is to consult each other first to decide how to approach a problem. Bukhari concluded by asserting that regardless of the current focus on administrative status, the loss of special status remains a permanent issue for the public. But I will say one thing: after giving statehood, bringing it, whoever brings it, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will never forget Article 370, Bukhari said.

Mehbooba Mufti seeks relief for J&K mutton dealers

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, while welcoming party workers who recently rejoined the party, called for stronger public representation and urged the government to address pressing economic and governance concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. She specifically sought relief measures and subsidies for mutton dealers, highlighting the need to support local livelihoods. Raising broader development concerns, Mehbooba Mufti said, Why should we import meat from Rajasthan, which is a desert region, when we can produce it ourselves here? She added that the government must strengthen local agriculture and livestock systems through subsidies and infrastructure support. She also emphasized that governance issues such as employment generation and transparency in recruitment must be addressed to restore public trust and ensure fairness for the youth. Report: Mohammad Syed Nayak

QR codes now mandatory on vaccines, antimicrobials, cancer drugs

New Delhi, June 25: The government has expanded the ambit of the QR code-based track-and-trace mechanism to cover all antimicrobials, vaccines, anti-cancer medicines, and narcotic and psychotropic drugs, a move aimed at strengthening safeguards against counterfeit and substandard medicines. The Union Health Ministry has notified amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, bringing these categories of medicines under Schedule H2, which mandates the use of bar codes or Quick Response (QR) codes for product identification and verification. Under the amended provisions, manufacturers will be required to print or affix a barcode or QR code on the primary packaging label of the drug formulation, or on the secondary packaging where space constraints exist, the ministry said. The code will enable authentication and verification of medicines through software applications across the supply chain. According to the ministry, the QR code will contain key product information such as a unique product identification code, generic and brand names, manufacturer's name and address, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, manufacturing licence number, and details of excipients, wherever applicable. The ministry said the requirement was previously applicable only to the top 300 pharmaceutical brands in the country. With the latest amendment, its coverage has been significantly expanded to include all vaccines, antimicrobials, anti-cancer drugs, and narcotic and psychotropic medicines regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The enhanced traceability framework is expected to strengthen safeguards against counterfeit and substandard medicines by enabling authentication and verification of products at various stages of the supply chain, it said. The ministry noted the measure would also support efforts to curb the distribution of spurious medicines and contribute to India's fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by facilitating better identification and monitoring of counterfeit and substandard antimicrobial products. To provide adequate time for implementation, the government has prescribed phased timelines for compliance. The provisions relating to vaccines, anti-cancer medicines, and narcotic and psychotropic drugs will come into force from July 1 this year while those relating to antimicrobials will become effective from July 1, 2028, the notification said.

How a Child Plan Beats 810% Education Inflation in 2026

Every parent wants to give their child the freedom to pursue their dreams. But in 2026, the cost of quality education is rising much faster than everyday inflation. Many financial planners estimate education expenses can increase by 810% annually, especially for professional courses and private institutions. This means todays education costs could become significantly higher by the time your child reaches college. Thats where a child plan can make a difference. Instead of depending on last-minute savings or borrowing, it helps you systematically build a dedicated corpus for your childs future. Why Is Education Inflation a Bigger Challenge Today? General inflation affects groceries, transport and daily expenses. Education inflation is different because it often grows at a faster pace. For example: School fees may increase every year. Professional courses become more expensive over time. Overseas education costs continue to rise. Additional expenses such as coaching, technology and accommodation add up quickly. Even if inflation remains stable overall, education-related expenses can still outpace it, making early planning essential. How Does a Child Plan Help Beat Education Inflation? A child plan is designed to create a financial cushion for your childs future milestones. Here is how it helps: Encourages long-term investing Starting early gives your money more time to grow. Even small, consistent contributions over many years can build a meaningful education corpus. Creates a dedicated education fund A separate investment earmarked for your child reduces the temptation to use those savings for other goals. Offers financial protection Many plans include life insurance coverage. If something unexpected happens to the parent, the policy may continue to support the childs future goals, subject to policy terms. Brings discipline to savings Instead of relying on occasional investments, a structured approach keeps you on track. What Are the Child Insurance Benefits Parents Should Know? The biggest child insurance benefits go beyond investing. Some advantages include: Goal-based financial planning Protection for long-term education expenses Financial continuity for the childs future Flexible payout options in certain plans Peace of mind while planning major life milestones The exact features vary across insurers, so always read the policy documents carefully before purchasing. When Should You Start a Child Plan? The earlier, the better. Starting when your child is young gives you a longer investment horizon. Delaying by even a few years may increase the amount you need to save every month. Here is a simple rule: Longer time horizon = Smaller monthly contributions + Greater compounding potential. Waiting until your child reaches high school could put additional pressure on your finances. How to Choose the Right Child Plan in 2026 Keep these factors in mind: Define your education goal Estimate whether youre planning for: Undergraduate studies in India Professional courses Postgraduate studies Overseas education Review flexibility Choose a plan that offers flexibility for changing goals and life stages. Check insurance coverage Understand the life cover available and how benefits are paid out. Compare policy terms Review lock-in periods, premium commitments and withdrawal conditions before making a decision. Final Thoughts Education costs are unlikely to become cheaper anytime soon. A child plan can help you stay ahead of rising expenses while building a secure future for your child. Instead of reacting to inflation later, creating a long-term strategy today can make higher education goals more achievable. The earlier you begin, the easier it becomes to manage future costs and fully benefit from the long-term child insurance benefits that support your childs ambitions.

2x2 vs 2x4 Floor Tiles: A Complete Size Guide for Indian Homes

Selecting the right tile size is one of the most important decisions when designing a home, as it can influence both functionality and visual appeal. Beyond colour and finish, flooring dimensions play a key role in shaping how spacious, balanced, and seamless a room feels. For many Indian homeowners, the choice often comes down to 2 by 2 tiles or 2 by 4 tiles. While one offers versatility and proportion, the other creates openness and continuity. Understanding the strengths of each format can help you choose flooring that complements your space, lifestyle, and interior preferences. Understanding 2 by 2 Tiles and 2 by 4 Tiles Tile size has a significant impact on how a room looks and functions. While smaller tiles often create a structured and balanced appearance, larger formats help interiors feel more expansive and visually connected. 2 by 2 tiles are widely preferred for compact and medium-sized spaces because they create proportion and flexibility in design. In contrast, 2 by 4 tiles are increasingly chosen for modern homes that prioritise spacious layouts and seamless flooring aesthetics. As Indian homes continue to evolve in design, premium suppliers like Simpolo Tiles & Bathware offer diverse tile formats that suit varying room dimensions and interior preferences, helping homeowners achieve both functionality and style. Why Choose 2 by 2 Tiles? For homeowners seeking a versatile and balanced flooring option, 2 by 2 tiles remain a practical choice. Their size works particularly well in compact and medium-sized rooms, helping maintain visual proportion without overwhelming the space. Bedrooms, kitchens, balconies, and smaller living areas often benefit from this tile size because it creates a neat and organised appearance. Since these tiles adapt easily to corners and compact layouts, they are also well-suited for homes with varied room dimensions. Another advantage of 2-by-2 tiles is their design flexibility. Whether your home features traditional dcor or a contemporary setting, these tiles blend seamlessly while maintaining a timeless appeal. They also allow homeowners to experiment with textures, patterns, and finishes without making interiors feel visually crowded. Why Choose 2 by 4 Tiles? If you want flooring that feels spacious and visually refined, 2 by 4 tiles can be an excellent choice. Their larger dimensions reduce the visibility of grout lines, creating a cleaner and more seamless appearance across the floor. These tiles are especially suitable for expansive living rooms, dining spaces, hallways, and open-plan interiors where uninterrupted flooring enhances visual continuity. Larger tile formats often make rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more sophisticated. Homeowners who prefer modern and minimalist interiors often gravitate towards 2 by 4 tiles because they create a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic. In villas and premium homes, larger tile sizes also contribute to a luxurious flooring finish without compromising functionality. 2 by 2 Tiles vs 2 by 4 Tiles: A Quick Comparison Selecting between these two tile sizes depends on room dimensions, interior preferences, and practical requirements. The table below highlights the key differences to help simplify your decision. Feature 2 by 2 Tiles 2 by 4 Tiles Best For Compact and medium rooms Spacious layouts Visual Effect Balanced and structured Seamless and expansive Grout Lines More visible Minimal visibility Installation Easier for smaller spaces Better for larger layouts Interior Style Traditional and versatile Modern and premium Maintenance Slightly more grout upkeep Easier cleaning While both tile sizes offer visual appeal and functionality, the right choice often depends on how you want your interiors to feel and function. Which Tile Size Works Best for Different Indian Homes? The ideal tile size often depends on the layout, scale, and functionality of your home. Understanding where each format works best can help create interiors that feel balanced, spacious, and visually cohesive. Small Apartments and Compact Homes For smaller apartments, 2 by 2 tiles often work better because they preserve balance and proportion. Oversized flooring in compact rooms can sometimes feel overwhelming, whereas smaller formats maintain harmony without making the space feel crowded. Larger Homes and Villas In spacious homes, 2 by 4 tiles tend to create a more premium and uninterrupted flooring effect. Their larger dimensions help interiors feel open and cohesive, especially in large living rooms and hallways. Open-Plan Layouts Many modern Indian homes feature connected living and dining spaces. Larger tile formats work particularly well in these layouts because they improve continuity and reduce visual interruptions. Multi-Room Flooring Designs Some homeowners also prefer combining tile sizes based on functionality. For example, 2 by 2 tiles may suit bedrooms or balconies, while 2 by 4 tiles can enhance common areas such as living rooms or dining spaces. Conclusion Both 2 by 2 tiles and 2 by 4 tiles offer distinct advantages for Indian homes. While smaller formats suit compact and proportionate spaces, larger tiles help create seamless and expansive interiors. The right choice depends on your room dimensions, lifestyle needs, and desired aesthetic. By selecting a tile size that aligns with your space and functionality, you can create flooring that feels both stylish and practical for years to come.

How Cars Are Evolving to Match Faster-Paced Lifestyles

Modern life moves quickly. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, social engagements, and personal interests, people expect their vehicles to keep up with increasingly demanding schedules. As a result, cars today are no longer designed solely for transportationthey are being engineered to simplify daily routines, save time, and adapt to changing lifestyles. This shift is reshaping the automotive industry. Buyers increasingly look for vehicles that combine convenience, technology, flexibility, comfort, and safety in a single package. The Hyundai Venue and Nissan Gravite illustrate how modern vehicles are evolving to meet these expectations in different ways. Technology Is Helping Drivers Save Time One of the most significant changes in modern vehicles is the growing role of technology. Today's buyers expect features that make daily life easier, including: Smartphone connectivity Navigation assistance Remote vehicle functions Digital interfaces The Hyundai Venue incorporates connected technologies, over-the-air updates, wireless smartphone integration, dual digital displays, and advanced infotainment systems designed to reduce friction in everyday use. Similarly, the Gravite offers a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, and intuitive controls that help drivers stay connected while on the move. Technology is increasingly focused on saving time rather than simply adding features. Flexibility Has Become Essential Modern lifestyles are rarely predictable. A vehicle may need to accommodate: Daily commuting Family travel Shopping trips Weekend adventures Additional luggage or cargo The Nissan Gravite addresses this need through its modular seating layouts and multiple cabin configurations, allowing owners to prioritise passengers, luggage, or a combination of both depending on the situation. The Venue focuses on flexibility through versatile seating, split-folding rear seats, practical storage solutions, and a spacious cabin designed for urban lifestyles. Adaptability is becoming a key buying factor. Comfort Supports Busy Schedules People are spending more time inside their vehicles than ever before. Whether sitting in traffic or travelling long distances, comfort has become increasingly important. The Venue offers ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, spacious interiors, and a premium cabin experience. The Gravite focuses on passenger comfort with premium seating materials, generous cabin space, multiple cooled storage compartments, tropicalised air conditioning with three-row vents, and flexible seating arrangements. Comfort helps reduce fatigue and improve the overall ownership experience. Safety Is More Important Than Ever Faster-paced lifestyles often mean more time spent on the road. As a result, buyers increasingly prioritise safety technologies that provide additional confidence. The Venue offers Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 ADAS, six airbags as standard, electronic stability systems, surround-view monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and a comprehensive safety package. The Gravite includes six airbags as standard, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and more than 30 standard safety features. Safety systems now play an active role in supporting busy drivers. Ownership Convenience Matters More Modern buyers increasingly think beyond the vehicle itself. They evaluate: Service support Maintenance convenience Long-term ownership costs Reliability The Gravite highlights extended warranty options, prepaid maintenance plans, roadside assistance, and ownership-focused support programs designed to reduce long-term stress. The Venue complements this with connected services, OTA updates, and ownership support, designed to keep the vehicle up to date and easy to manage. A smoother ownership experience has become an important part of vehicle design. Cars Are Becoming Lifestyle Enablers The role of a car is expanding. Modern vehicles are expected to: Support productivity Enable travel Accommodate changing plans Provide digital convenience Rather than simply moving people from one place to another, today's cars are becoming integrated tools that support everyday lifestyles. This evolution reflects broader changes in how people live and work. The Role of Digital Research Today's buyers spend considerable time researching before making a decision. Platforms like ACKO Drive help consumers: Compare vehicles across segments Understand ownership-related considerations Evaluate technology and safety features Buy cars online This enables buyers to identify vehicles that align with their specific lifestyle requirements. Final Thoughts As lifestyles become faster and more demanding, expectations from vehicles continue to evolve. Modern buyers increasingly seek: Smart technology Flexible interiors Everyday comfort Advanced safety Hassle-free ownership Vehicles like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Gravite demonstrate how manufacturers are adapting to these changing expectations by creating products that fit seamlessly into modern life. Because in today's world, the most successful cars are not simply those that move peoplethey are the ones that help people move through life more efficiently.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: LG Manoj Sinha reviews preparations at high-level meeting in Pahalgam

BJPs Sajid Shah condemns alleged remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), seeks legal action

Srinagar, June 25: BJP Kashmir Media Incharge Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah on Thursday strongly condemned the alleged remarks made by Nazia Elahi Khan against Prophet Muhammad (SAW), describing the comments as highly objectionable and irresponsible. In a statement, Shah said such remarks were unacceptable and had no place in a diverse and pluralistic society. He said the BJP stood by the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas and believed in maintaining communal harmony and mutual respect among all communities. He alleged that provocative and derogatory comments targeting religious figures have the potential to create discord, disturb communal harmony, and undermine peace. Shah further stated that freedom of expression should not be used to insult religious beliefs or hurt the sentiments of people. The BJP leader also sought to clarify that Nazia Elahi Khan has no association with the Bharatiya Janata Party or its Minority Morcha. He said the party's position had already been clarified by BJP National Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui in a video statement. Shah said the BJP would register a formal complaint with the competent authorities in Srinagar and pursue legal action in the matter. He urged the authorities to take appropriate action in accordance with the law to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

JKAS officer serving as Joint Director Handloom dept found dead in Jammu

Jammu, June 25: A Jammu Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer was found dead at his residence in Jammu on Thursday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Romeen Sheikh, a 2005-batch KAS officer and a resident of Salian in Surankote area of Poonch district. He was serving as Joint Director, Handloom Department, Kashmir Division. Officials said Romeen Sheikh was found dead at his residence on Thursday morning. The exact cause of his death was not immediately known and is being ascertained. Official sources said the body has been taken for necessary medico-legal formalities, while the concerned authorities have initiated proceedings to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. Further details are awaited. [KNT]

Sirhama lavender project boosting rural economy: Javid Ahmad Dar

During his visit to the 620-kanal lavender farm in Sirhama, Anantnag, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar described the initiative as a major rural transformation effort, saying, It is a very big initiative. It has boosted our rural economy. He highlighted the importance of lavender cultivation in the context of climate stress, noting, the biggest focus is on this crop because global warming has already happened. Water tables have decreased a lot. Drought conditions are seen in many areas. Emphasising diversification in agriculture, he said efforts are underway to promote such crops in rain-fed and hilly regions, adding, this will change their economy, and secondly, it is also very important from a tourism point of view. On the issue of Jablipora fruit mandi allotment delays, he acknowledged procedural hurdles, stating that land allotment has not yet been completed and that the government is working on a more flexible mechanism to accommodate all stakeholders. Report: Nadeem Gulzar

Emergency gravest assault on Constitution: J-K LG

Srinagar, June 25: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Emergency was one of the gravest assaults on the Constitution and democratic ethos of the country. Emergency imposed on 25th June 1975 was one of the gravest assaults on the Constitution & democratic ethos of our Republic, the LG said in a post on X. Sinha paid tributes to those who esisted authoritarianism. On #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas, I pay tributes to all Satyagrahis who resisted authoritarianism with courage & played a vital role in restoring India's democracy, he added.

Public projects left to decay: Anantnag's water coolers, hanging garden lie defunct for over a year

PM chairs 52nd PRAGATI meeting; reviews key projects, TB elimination drive, cyber fraud grievances

New Delhi, June 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired the 52nd meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled multi-modal platform aimed at fostering Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation through the seamless integration of efforts by the Central and State Governments, at Seva Teerth earlier today, officials said. The Prime Minister reviewed four critical infrastructure projectsuring the meeting-- the Road, Power, Industrial Corridor and Metro Rail sectors-- covering four States and costing around 30,000 crore, the officials said. These projects were reviewed with focus on timelines, inter-agency coordination, issue resolution and timely completion, they added. Emphasising that delays in infrastructure projects deprive people and industries of timely benefits, the PM asked the concerned Ministries and State Governments to resolve pending issues in a mission-mode manner and ensure close monitoring at the highest level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to effectively utilise the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for timely execution of infrastructure projects, emphasizing real-time data, better coordination and proactive identification of bottlenecks. He also reviewed the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and called for the use of Artificial Intelligence and the involvement of NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers to strengthen awareness and outreach efforts. Reviewing cyber crime and digital arrest-related grievances, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the rising incidence of online fraud and called for swift, coordinated action by all stakeholders. He emphasized faster response mechanisms, stronger coordination among agencies, banks and digital platforms, enhanced public awareness, and urged States to implement e-Zero FIR systems for quicker registration and investigation of cyber fraud cases.

JK United Peoples Alliance holds Heart to Heart Dil Se Dil Tak conference in Srinagar

Srinagar, June 24: The JK United Peoples Alliance (UPA) organized the 'Heart to Heart Dil Se Dil Tak' conference at the historic Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, bringing together a diverse gathering of civil society members, religious leaders, intellectuals, social activists, youth representatives, academicians, former civil servants, legal experts, business leaders, and community representatives to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and collective understanding across Jammu and Kashmir. Nearly one hundred distinguished delegates representing different regions, faiths, and social backgrounds participated in the conference. Prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from Kashmir, Jammu, and Delhi joined Sikh leaders, Christian activists, Muslim scholars, social workers, peace advocates, and representatives of various cultural and civil society organizations, making the event a truly inclusive platform dedicated to strengthening social harmony and mutual trust. Participants collectively reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmirs centuries-old ethos of coexistence, pluralism, and mutual respect, emphasizing that sustainable peace and prosperity can emerge only through dialogue, empathy, reconciliation, and collective civic engagement. Syed Salim Geelani empathises the need for dialogue and reconciliation Addressing the gathering, Syed Salim Geelani emphasized that initiatives such as Heart to Heart Dil Se Dil Tak are vital for bridging differences and bringing communities closer together. He stressed that dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding remain the most effective instruments for building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon all sections of society to strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding that form the foundation of lasting peace. Ashok Bhan empathises truth, reconciliation and return of Kashmiri Pandits Senior Advocate and jurist Ashok Bhan highlighted the importance of establishing a time-bound and impartial Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine human rights violations committed by both state and non-state actors since the 1980s. He observed that such a process would help heal deep societal wounds and contribute towards restoring trust among communities. Bhan empathised with the immense intergenerational trauma suffered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90 and the heavy price paid by all sections of Kashmiri society during decades of violence and turmoil. He emphasized that achieving closure and addressing the sense of alienation among the younger generation are essential for lasting peace and reconciliation. He further stated that Kashmir remains incomplete without the physical presence of Kashmiri Pandits in their homeland. According to Bhan, exiled Kashmiri Pandits across the globe continue to long for their return, while the overwhelming goodwill and welcome extended by the majority community provides hope for the future. He urged the Union Government to formulate a time-bound and comprehensive plan for the safe, dignified, and sustainable return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Muzaffar Shah Empathises Unity, Confidence Building and Regional Cooperation Senior leader Muzaffar Shah described the conference as a significant civil society initiative aimed at strengthening bonds among the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He noted that despite the solemn observance of Muharram, people from diverse communities participated enthusiastically, reflecting a collective commitment to coexistence, unity, and social harmony. Shah observed that the deliberations focused on addressing regional imbalances, overcoming mistrust among communities, strengthening inter-regional understanding, and identifying practical solutions to contemporary social challenges. He emphasized that civil society, democratic institutions, and government agencies must work together to promote reconciliation, confidence-building, and social stability. Speakers empathise dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits A major focus of the conference was the safe, dignified, and sustainable return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Participants observed that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a political or administrative issue but a humanitarian and civilizational imperative. Speakers underlined the responsibility of civil society, religious leaders, democratic institutions, and the Muslim majority community in creating an atmosphere of trust, confidence, security, and reconciliation that would facilitate the honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. They stressed that the revival of Kashmirs composite culture requires active participation from all communities and sincere efforts to heal the wounds left by decades of conflict. Participants express concern over drug abuse The conference also expressed serious concern over the growing menace of drug abuse and narcotics trafficking. Participants called upon parents, teachers, educational institutions, religious scholars, civil society organizations, and government agencies to work collectively toward prevention, awareness, rehabilitation, and community-based interventions to safeguard the younger generation. UPA unveils vision document for peace and inclusive development On the occasion, the Alliance unveiled its Vision Document, outlining a comprehensive roadmap centered on peace, reconciliation, unity, inclusive development, social justice, and inter-community cooperation. The document presents the UPA as a political and social platform committed to bringing together people from different regions, faiths, and backgrounds to work towards a shared future founded on harmony, dignity, equality, and progress. The Vision Document strongly advocates interfaith harmony and religious tolerance while rejecting hatred, discrimination, extremism, and sectarian divisions. It calls for sustained initiatives that promote brotherhood, mutual respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among all communities. Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, the Alliance emphasized greater interaction, cultural exchanges, and collaboration among the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. It underscored the role of youth, students, and social organizations in preserving social cohesion and shaping a more inclusive future. The document further advocates educational reforms, economic growth, improved healthcare, enhanced employment opportunities for youth, transparent governance, and greater public participation in developmental initiatives. The Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized sections of society while promoting justice, equality, and inclusive governance. Resolution for continued dialogue and reconciliation The conference concluded with a collective resolution to continue fostering dialogue and engagement across communities and regions. Participants called for renewed efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony, bridge regional divides, facilitate the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, combat social challenges such as drug abuse, and preserve the shared cultural and civilizational heritage that has historically defined Jammu and Kashmir. Organizers announced that similar grassroots dialogue initiatives would be carried to districts across the Union Territory with active participation from local communities and youth to further strengthen peace, understanding, reconciliation, and inclusive development.

Hollywood-Style BANIHAL Sign Comes Up on NH-44 Hillside to Boost Tourism Appeal

Banihal, June 25: In a unique beautification initiative aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of the Banihal and promoting tourism, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, inaugurated a large landmark sign displaying the word BANIHAL on a mountain slope overlooking the busy National Highway-44. The giant white-lettered installation, inspired by the iconic Hollywood hillside sign, has been placed on the hill face to create a prominent identity marker for Banihal for travellers moving along the Jammu-Srinagar highway corridor. The landmark structure, measuring around 100 feet in length and nearly 20 feet in height including its base, has been designed to withstand the challenging mountain weather conditions. The sign has been fabricated using durable steel material and equipped with an automatic lighting system to ensure visibility during night hours. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sajjad Shaheen said the idea was inspired by the world-famous Hollywood sign and was developed as part of efforts to improve the aesthetic appeal and tourism potential of the Banihal-Gool area. The concept came from the Hollywood landmark, and after detailed planning, designing and execution, the project has taken shape, Shaheen said. He said such initiatives would help create a distinct identity for Banihal and add to the experience of visitors travelling through the scenic highway route. The hillside installation has drawn attention among locals and commuters, with the bold white letters standing out against the green mountain backdrop, giving Banihal a new visual landmark along NH-44.

Venezuela earthquakes: 32 dead, 700 injured, says Acting President Rodrguez

Caracas (Venezuela), Jun 25: Acting Venezuela President Rodrguez said early Thursday there are at least 32 people dead and 700 injured after back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck the country Wednesday evening. She warned the toll was expected to rise as rescuers searched collapsed buildings and emergency crews reached devastated areas after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region. La Guaria apparently was the hardest hit state, she said. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save. The state of La Guaira is facing a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone, she said. (AP)

CM Omar to assess Cable Car Operations as Gulmarg Gondola resumes today

Srinagar, June 25: MLA Gulmarg, Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, on Thursday said that the Gulmarg Gondola operations are set to resume this afternoon. The Gulmarg Gondola will resume operations this afternoon, the MLA said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also scheduled to visit the world-famous tourist resort to assess the cable car operations.

Back-to-back powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing widespread damage

Caracas, June 25: Back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region, with buildings evacuated in cities and areas spread as far as Brazil's Amazon about 1,700 kilometres (1,050 miles) away. In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodrguez said the earthquakes caused damages in several states, but she did not give any figures of homes and buildings damaged, injures or fatalities. The earthquakes damaged the country's main airport, Simn Bolvar International Airport, severely enough to lead to its closure, she said, adding that classes are being cancelled for several days. We urge our population to remain calm, Rodrguez said. We urge unity. Rodrguez also asked all health care professionals in the country to report to hospitals to assist anyone who was injured. In the state of Falcon, Gov Victor Clark said 32 people had been hospitalised and more than four hours after the earthquake there were still 15 people trapped. The US Geological Survey initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2, and its epicentre was west of the community of Morn, located along the country's Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometres (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometres. The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicentre was 16 kilometres (10 miles) southwest of Morn. The quakes, among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6 pm People evacuated swaying buildings in the capital Caracas, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seen in two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy. We all had to leave our houses' People remained on the streets for hours, even after sunset. Some sat on the ground hugging their pets as dust gathered around them. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles and debris blocked streets. Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone signal. It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together, Caracas resident Hector Ricci said. The lack of cellphone signal in parts of Venezuela deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis. May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult time, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said from exile on X. Impact felt throughout Venezuela Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states. The Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had alarming situations with collapsed homes and buildings, he said, suggesting people were injured in the earthquake and asking motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles. We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most, Cabello said on state television. Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed. He also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures. The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong, Caracas resident Roberto Gamas said. We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out. Expressions of support posted on social media Reaction pouring in swiftly on social media. Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in exile after leaving Venezuela in December, took to to X to send prayers and wish strength to Venezuelans. May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult time, she wrote on X. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele expressed solidarity with Venezuela following the earthquakes, saying his country's heart is with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times. We send you all our solidarity and our prayers. Stay strong, Venezuela, Bukele wrote. Republican Rep Mara Elvira Salazar of Florida said her thoughts and prayers were with Venezuela and expressed support for families affected, those still waiting for answers and first responders. The strength of the Venezuelan people has been tested time and again, she wrote. I have no doubt they will face this moment with the same resilience, courage, and hope that have carried them through every challenge. Earthquake impacts the region Buildings in Manaus, Belem and Macap in Brazil's Amazon were evacuated, according to reports on TV Globo. The quakes also were felt in Colombia's Caribbean and northeast regions, but there were no reports of damages or injuries. The Colombian Maritime Authority in a statement said the country's Caribbean coast is at no risk of tsunami. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for Virgin Islands. Authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued one for the island. Another alert for Puerto Rico was quickly lifted. Strong earthquakes are unusual in Venezuela. While the country sits near multiple fault lines, its position straddling the South American and Caribbean plates make earthquakes much less common than in other parts of Latin America. Along the Pacific coast in Mexico and Chile, for example earthquakes are frequent. The two countries sit along the seismically active tectonic belt known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is responsible for 90 per cent of earthquakes, according to the USGS. The quakes also were felt in Colombia's Caribbean and northeast regions, but there were no reports of damages or injuries. The Colombian Maritime Authority said in a statement that the country's Caribbean coast is at no risk of tsunami. In Brazil's Amazon, buildings in the cities of Manaus, Belem and Macap also were evacuated.

Anantnag Police launches Project Hawk Eye to ensure secure, peaceful Amarnath Yatra

Anantnag, June 25: In a major step towards ensuring the safe, secure and peaceful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY-2026), Anantnag Police has launched 'Project Hawk Eye', a comprehensive surveillance and security initiative aimed at maintaining round-the-clock vigilance from the sky to the ground along the entire yatra route to ensuring the safe, secure and peaceful Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY-2026). Under this initiative, Anantnag Police has deployed a multi-layered security and surveillance grid by integrating advanced technology with strategic manpower deployment. To maintain aerial surveillance, 5 drones detts are being deployed at key locations, providing real-time monitoring and enhanced situational awareness. The aerial surveillance network enables quick assessment of any emerging situation and facilitates prompt response by ground units, an official spokesperson said in a press statement. On the ground, 28 strategically located Machan Morchas (elevated observation posts) have been established at vulnerable and sensitive locations to strengthen observation capabilities and enhance area domination. 22 Specially trained sniper teams have also been deployed at designated points to further reinforce the security architecture and ensure effective response preparedness. To augment the surveillance framework, 416 high-resolution CCTV cameras and Facial Recognition System (FRS) infrastructure have been installed at critical locations along the yatra route. These systems provide continuous real-time monitoring and assist in the timely identification of suspicious movements or activities, thereby strengthening preventive security measures. Through Project Hawk Eye, Anantnag Police has effectively positioned its eyes in the sky and on the ground, creating a seamless surveillance network that ensures comprehensive monitoring of the pilgrimage route. The initiative reflects the commitment of Anantnag Police towards leveraging modern technology and professional policing practices to provide a secure environment for all pilgrims. Anantnag Police remains fully committed to safeguarding every aspect of the pilgrimage and ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of SANJY-2026. The public is urged to cooperate with security personnel and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police establishment for prompt action.

Air India plane comes in front of IndiGo aircraft on same taxiway at Ahmedabad airport

New Delhi, June 24: An Air India plane came in front of an IndiGo aircraft on the same taxiway at the Ahmedabad airport after the Air India plane took a wrong turn while taxiing towards the parking bay on Wednesday evening, according to sources. IndiGo said both aircraft came to a halt at a safe distance from each other. The Mumbai-bound IndiGo plane was preparing for take off when the Air India aircraft took the wrong turn, and both planes were separated by around 200 metres on the same taxiway, the sources said. We are aware of an incident where our flight AI 2493 operating from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on 24 June, after landing, inadvertently took a wrong turn during taxiing, Air India said in a statement. The airline also said there was no compromise on the safety of passengers and crew, and that the aircraft was subsequently towed back to the parking bay. The matter has been reported to the regulatory authorities and an investigation initiated, the airline said. Both planes were narrow-body A320s. IndiGo said its flight 6E 5160, scheduled to operate from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, was briefly delayed while taxiing out for departure after an aircraft of another airline inadvertently took an incorrect turn and came in the way of our aircraft. Both aircraft came to a halt at a safe distance from each other. The other aircraft was subsequently towed away, and our flight departed and landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, the airline said. According to IndiGo, the relevant authorities were immediately informed. Details about the number of passengers onboard both aircraft could not be ascertained.

Dr Jitendra Singh pitches BRICS Space Economy

Union Minister of State for PMO Dr Jitendra Singh Wednesday pitched for BRICS Space Economy as the next frontier of global growth and called for collective action among member nations to unlock new opportunities in innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Addressing the valedictory session of the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru, Dr Jitendra Singh said BRICS countries possess the scale, scientific capabilities, technological strengths and industrial capacity required to emerge as a major force in the rapidly expanding global space economy. The future of the space economy will not be shaped by nations working in isolation. It will be shaped by partnerships, shared innovation and collective ambition. BRICS countries have the potential to become one of the strongest pillars of this emerging global space ecosystem, Dr Jitendra Singh said. The minister also released the Indian Space Industry Brochure, exchanged mementoes with the Heads of Space Agencies participating in the meeting and interacted with representatives of Indias fast-growing NewSpace sector. The interaction showcased the growing capabilities of Indian space startups and private enterprises before the visiting BRICS delegations. Hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under Indias BRICS Chairship 2026, the two-day meeting brought together Heads of Space Agencies and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space Dr V. Narayanan, Chairman, IN-SPACe Dr. Pawan Goenka, senior officials from the Department of Space, representatives of Indian space industries and NewSpace startups also participated in the concluding session. The meeting reviewed progress in BRICS space cooperation and deliberated on key issues including space sustainability, debris-free missions, strengthening the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC), expanding participation of new BRICS members in existing cooperation mechanisms, and advancing discussions on the proposed BRICS Space Council. Deliberations also covered future collaboration in disaster management, Earth observation, capacity building and knowledge sharing. Dr Jitendra Singh said that space technology has emerged as one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation and societal progress, enabling countries to strengthen communication networks, navigation systems, disaster preparedness, agriculture, healthcare, education and environmental monitoring. He said challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, food and water security, environmental degradation and sustainable urbanisation increasingly require collective solutions supported by advanced space technologies. Referring to the growing role of BRICS in the global space landscape, the minister said the grouping represents a significant share of the worlds population, economic output, scientific expertise and technological capabilities. He said deeper cooperation among BRICS countries can create new opportunities for innovation, industrial partnerships, technology transfer, investment and economic growth while addressing common developmental priorities. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation has already demonstrated the value of collaborative space applications through satellite data sharing among member countries. He expressed confidence that ongoing discussions on institutional mechanisms, including the proposed BRICS Space Council, would provide greater momentum and continuity to future cooperation in the space sector. The minister said Indias space programme has consistently focused on ensuring that the benefits of space technology reach ordinary citizens. Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indias space sector has undergone transformative reforms that have opened unprecedented opportunities for private industry, startups, academia and global partnerships, resulting in one of the worlds most dynamic and rapidly expanding space ecosystems. Dr Jitendra Singh said Indias achievements such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and the continuing progress of the Gaganyaan mission have not only expanded the frontiers of science and technology but have also created new avenues for international collaboration in advanced space research and applications. Emphasising the importance of sustainability, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the long-term future of space activities depends on preserving outer space as a safe, secure and sustainable domain. He called for greater international cooperation, transparency, responsible behaviour and capacity building to address challenges arising from increasing space traffic and orbital debris. He welcomed the discussions held during the meeting on debris-free missions and sustainable space operations as important steps towards safeguarding the space environment for future generations. Calling for a more ambitious vision of cooperation, Dr Jitendra Singh said India envisions BRICS space engagement evolving from coordination to co-creation. BRICS nations must move beyond consultation and work towards co-development, co-innovation and co-creation. By bringing together our scientists, engineers, industries, startups and young innovators, we can develop solutions for global challenges, create new economic opportunities and build a stronger framework for scientific advancement and shared prosperity, he said. The minister reaffirmed Indias commitment to working closely with all BRICS partners to transform shared aspirations into concrete outcomes and to ensure that space continues to serve as a powerful force for development, resilience, innovation, sustainability and international cooperation.

Gold prices decline Rs 1,200, silver drops Rs 4,000

Gold prices declined by Rs 1,200 to Rs 1.48 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, and silver dropped by Rs 4,000, as the US dollar gained strength amid weak global trends. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity decreased by Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,48,100 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,49,300. Silver also extended its downward trend for the second straight day, falling Rs 4,000 to Rs 2,31,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). It had settled at Rs 2,35,000 per kg in the previous session after plunging Rs 10,500, its steepest fall in over two weeks. Analysts said the latest losses have pushed the white metal prices to levels last seen in early April, when the metal traded at Rs 2.37 lakh per kg, as traders continue to favour dollar-denominated assets. Gold prices extended their decline on Wednesday, as a powerful rally in the US dollar and growing expectations of tighter monetary policy continued to pressure precious metals, Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst of Commodities at HDFC Securities, said. In the overseas markets, spot gold slipped by USD 52.01, or 1.3 per cent, to USD 4,058.10 per ounce, while silver fell nearly 2 per cent at USD 60.48 per ounce. Gold prices extended their slide on Wednesday to trade around USD 4,050 per ounce as the dollar index is once again becoming stronger to breach the 101 level, the highest since May 2025, Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said. The greenback also gained after European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde downplayed the need for a forceful response to inflationary pressure after the June rate hike, he added. Analysts said the decline in precious metals in the overseas trade reflects a broader liquidity-driven adjustment across financial markets. The weakness is being driven by a broader liquidity event triggered by sharp profit-booking and sell-offs in global AI and technology stocks, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said. As investors face losses in equities, many are liquidating gold holdings to raise cash, meet margin requirements and reduce leverage, he noted. At the same time, money is flowing into the US dollar, with the greenback adding further pressure on bullion prices. This is one of those rare periods where both equities and gold are declining together as investors sell what they can rather than what they want, Trivedi said. Market participants expect gold to remain under pressure, with rallies likely to attract fresh selling until signs emerge of a softer dollar or renewed investment demand for the precious metals, analysts said.

NIT Srinagars Fatima Jalid wins Gold, Janani L. bags Silver at IEI Awards-2026

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has added another feather to its cap as two of its distinguished faculty members were honoured at the prestigious IEI J&K Women in Engineering Awards 2026, organized by The Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to engineering, research, innovation, mentorship, administration, and academic excellence. The awards were presented during the celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026, marked by a one-day seminar on the theme Engineering Intelligence at the IEI Srinagar Centre. Among the awardees from NIT Srinagar, Dr. Fatima Jalid, MIE, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, was conferred with the Gold Award Certificate, securing First Rank under the Emerging Woman Engineer Award category. She was recognized for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the field of engineering. Her dedication to academic excellence, impactful research, innovation, student mentorship, and institutional administration has earned her wide recognition and brought immense pride to the Institute. In the same category, Dr. Janani L., MIE, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, secured Second Rank and received the Silver Award Certificate. The honour was conferred in recognition of her commendable contributions to engineering education, research, and professional development in civil engineering. Dr. Janani has consistently contributed to academic growth, research initiatives, and student mentorship, inspiring young engineers to pursue excellence and innovation. The Silver Award was received on her behalf by her parents, M. Lekshmipathy and S. Santhi, who accepted the honour with pride. Congratulating the awardees, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said the achievements of Dr Fatima Jalid and Dr. Janani L. reflect the culture of excellence, innovation, and academic rigor that defines NIT Srinagar. Their accomplishments are a source of immense pride for the Institute and serve as an inspiration for aspiring engineers, especially young women entering technical fields, he said. Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, also extended his congratulations to both the faculty members. These prestigious recognitions reaffirm the growing role of women in engineering and research. NIT Srinagar remains committed to fostering talent, supporting innovation, and creating an inclusive environment where excellence thrives, he added. Earlier, the event commenced with a welcome address by Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, Chairman, IEI J&K State Centre, emphasised the growing role of women engineers in shaping a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future. Er. Irfan Ahmad Reshi, MIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI J&K State Centre, highlighted the objectives of the programme and the importance of professional engagement through IEI membership. The valedictory session was graced by Ahsan Pardesi, MLA, Lal Chowk Constituency, as the Chief Guest, and Dilafrose Qazi, Vice Chairperson, SSM College of Engineering, as the Guest of Honour. The programme brought together engineers, academicians, researchers, students, policymakers, and industry professionals to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women engineers toward technological advancement, infrastructure development, innovation, and public service.

RBI in wait and watch mode; premature to discuss rate hike: Guv Malhotra

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra has said the central bank is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and that it would be premature to talk about a rate hike at this stage. If we actually wanted to prepare them (market) for this (rate hike), then we would have changed our (stance)..., if it was so certain that we are going to hike in the coming months, then we would have changed the stance from 'neutral' to 'restrictive', right? We did not do that, he told ET Now. So, I think it will be premature to talk about a rate hike. What we have said is that we are cautious, we are aware that there could be risks, both on inflation, as well as on growth, especially inflation, because it is hitting the upper band...we are cautious, and we will continue to remain data dependent, he said. Earlier this month, the RBI kept its benchmark repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent amid growing risks to growth and inflation from the prolonged West Asia conflict, elevated energy prices and global supply-chain disruptions. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to leave the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent, and continue with its eutral stance. The RBI lowered its growth expectations for the current fiscal year, projecting real GDP growth at 6.6 per cent in 2026-27, below the 6.9 per cent April forecast. The projection is also lower than the 7.6 per cent estimated for 2025-26. It forecast inflation to rise to 5.1 per cent in 2026-27, with price pressures expected to peak at 5.9 per cent in the third quarter before easing. This compares to the previous projection of 4.6 per cent average retail inflation for the year. Core inflation is expected at 4.7 per cent, up from the earlier projection of 4.4 per cent. Observing that the de-escalation in the West Asia conflict is a big positive for the whole world and also for the Indian economy, Malhotra said it is good news both for growth and inflation. Besides, he said, crude prices have moderated, and urea prices have also plummeted, providing comfort to the Indian economy. Stressing that the Indian economy is resilient, he said, The government and the OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) together cushioned the impact of the energy shock to a great extent, and all high frequency indicators show that India has weathered the shock quite well in very uncertain times. And as we said, in our monetary policy, we are in wait-and-watch mode. Let's see how long this truce continues and better times ahead for all of us, he said. While acknowledging that risks have moderated, he cautioned that policymakers were not yet ready to draw definitive conclusions on the inflation outlook. Upside risks have certainly reduced, but we'll have to...wait and watch as to where crude prices ultimately end up, he said. On inflation, the governor said the RBI was closely monitoring whether fuel-led wholesale price pressures spread to the broader economy. We are not sure, frankly, as to whether we will have second-round effects or not. If you were sure, the monetary policy committee would have acted, he said. As of now, he said, the central bank does not see evidence of inflation becoming generalised. Apart from crude oil prices, the RBI is also tracking the progress of the monsoon, which could influence the inflation trajectory in the coming months.

Fruit fall alarms Kashmir; Govt constitutes expert committee to probe causes

Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a meeting to review the impact of recent fruit fall incidents across horticultural zones of Shopian and Anantnag districts. The Minister took stock of the damage reported from various orchard belts and reviewed the ongoing measures for assessment and mitigation. He directed the officials to undertake a comprehensive ground-level survey to accurately quantify losses and ensure the timely submission of reports. The Minister emphasised the need for a broader response and called for an immediate assessment of fruit drop across major apple-growing districts, with specific focus on identifying vulnerable varieties and high-risk locations. Stressing on quality control, he instructed the Enforcement Wing to intensify field inspections and take appropriate action against the sale of substandard or unauthorised pesticides and plant protection chemicals. The Minister also directed the constitution of a committee headed by the Director Horticulture, Kashmir, to carry out a detailed assessment of the situation. The committee has been tasked with identifying the underlying causes of the incidents and submitting its report in a time-bound manner. He further instructed the officers to ensure wide dissemination of scientific recommendations on balanced nutrient management. He asked for providing necessary handholding support to the farmers regarding scientific orchard management practices to mitigate risk of recurrence of such incidents. Senior officers including Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Enforcement J&K, Director HPMC and Director Horticulture (P&M) Jammu and Kashmir besides other stakeholders attended the meeting.

NDMA conducts disaster preparedness Table top exercise for Amarnath Yatra

As part of efforts to strengthen preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today conducted a comprehensive Table Top Exercise at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat, Ganderbal. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore presided over the session and gave a detailed overview of the district's preparedness measures and emergency response framework for the annual pilgrimage. He highlighted the importance of meticulous planning, close coordination among all stakeholders and prompt response mechanisms to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims. Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier (Retd.) P. S. Gurung, Coordinator, NDMA for the mock exercise, emphasized the significance of regular preparedness exercises in strengthening response capabilities and ensuring the safety of devotees undertaking the Yatra. He said that the exercise was designed to assess the preparedness of various agencies and review coordination mechanisms in place for handling emergencies during the pilgrimage. The initiative, he added, forms part of NDMA's efforts to enhance inter-agency coordination and build a robust response system for any unforeseen situation. During the exercise, various emergency scenarios, including fire incidents in camps, stampede situations, drowning cases and other potential emergencies, were discussed in detail. Participants deliberated on response protocols, resource mobilisation, communication systems and coordination measures required for effective management of such situations. Earlier, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Syed Faheem Bihaqi, briefed participants on the district administration's efforts to reduce disaster risks, particularly in vulnerable locations along the Yatra route. He also outlined the preparedness measures being undertaken by various departments to ensure timely response during emergencies. Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Meteorological Department (IMD), Health Department, Fire & Emergency Services, and other communication agencies and security forces also shared updates on their respective preparedness plans. The participating agencies were encouraged to clearly define their roles and responsibilities, identify gaps in existing plans, anticipate operational challenges and strengthen coordination to further improve the overall emergency response framework. The exercise witnessed the participation of Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Chief Executive Officer Sonamarg Development Authority, Assistant Commissioner Disaster Management, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, senior district officers and representatives from various security agencies and line departments.

DLSA Ganderbal organiseslegal, welfare awareness campat Mela Kheer Bhawani

Under the aegis of the J&K Legal Services Authority and under the overall guidance of ShaziaTabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Kashmir Jurists Bar Association, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and State Bank of India (SBI), Ganderbal, organized a Legal and Welfare Awareness Camp on the occasion of the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani at Tullmulla, Ganderbal. The initiative was conducted under the guidance of Abdul Nasir, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Ganderbal, and under the supervision of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Ganderbal, who personally monitored the arrangements and functioning of the Legal Aid Help Desk established for the benefit of devotees, said an official press release. A dedicated Legal Aid Help Desk was set up by DLSA Ganderbal and remained operational throughout the mela period to provide legal guidance, welfare assistance, and information regarding various legal aid schemes and services. The Help Desk was manned by the Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Ganderbal, who worked with remarkable dedication and commitment to ensure that devotees received timely assistance and support. The Para Legal Volunteers emerged as the backbone of the initiative, rendering selfless service for several days and assisting thousands of devotees visiting the holy shrine. Their tireless efforts were particularly commendable in facilitating and assisting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, and other pilgrims. Wheelchairs were provided by District Social Welfare Department, Ganderbal and provided to elderly and specially abled devotees, enabling them to participate in the pilgrimage with ease and dignity. The volunteers were seen actively guiding devotees, responding to their queries, assisting them in facilitation across the mela premises, and extending every possible support wherever required. As part of the welfare measures undertaken during the mela, the Kashmir Jurists Bar Association, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakhand State Bank of India, Ganderbal extended their full support for the smooth functioning of Help Desk. The initiative received an overwhelming response and appreciation from devotees, who lauded the efforts of the Legal Services Authority and the volunteers for their accessibility, dedication, and humanitarian approach. The camp served as an effective platform for spreading awareness regarding free legal aid and welfare services while simultaneously providing on-ground assistance to the public.

Javed Rana reviews developmental works in Dooru constituency

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana Wednesday chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the status of developmental works and public welfare initiatives being implemented in Dooru constituency. MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Bhat and district officers of Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs Departments besides other concerned departments attended the meeting. The Minister reviewed the progress of various developmental projects being executed in the constituency and directed the officers to expedite the ongoing works while ensuring quality and adherence to timelines. During the meeting, the Minister announced establishment of an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Ahlan Breng, saying the initiative would significantly enhance the access to quality education for students from tribal and other marginalized communities in the area. Noting that Anantnag district has a sizeable tribal population, Javed Rana emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure better educational facilities for tribal and underprivileged sections of society. He said that education is a key driver for socio-economic transformation and empowerment, and reiterated the Government's commitment to strengthen educational infrastructure in tribal-dominated and remote areas to ensure inclusive and equitable development. The Minister said that the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remains steadfast in its commitment towards the welfare and upliftment of tribal communities. It is taking concerted measures to provide quality education and improved learning opportunities to students belonging to these sections, he added. Reviewing the functioning of Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs Departments, Javed Rana called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and effective implementation of developmental programmes. The Minister also reviewed issues pertaining to implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), observing that certain concerns have arisen regarding its implementation. He directed the officers to adhere to the prescribed procedures while processing FRA-related cases. He stressed that due diligence and compliance with established norms are essential to ensure transparency and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders. The meeting also reviewed the status of flood protection and irrigation-related works being executed in Dooru constituency, with emphasis on timely completion of ongoing projects and strengthening infrastructure to safeguard the agricultural land and ensure efficient irrigation facilities. Javed Rana directed the officers to implement all decisions and instructions in letter and spirit and maintain transparency, accountability and efficiency in governance. The meeting also discussed various constituency-specific developmental issues and strategies for their early resolution. Senior officers apprised the Minister of the progress achieved under various schemes and programmes in Dooru constituency.

Awareness, enforcement drives held under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan in Shopian

Ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan witnessed multiple activities across Shopian district through a series of awareness, outreach, educational, and sports-based activities aimed at fostering a drug-free society. As part of the campaign, various departments, educational institutions, and community stakeholders organized programmes to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyle choices among the public, particularly the youth. Government Degree College Shopian actively participated in the campaign by organizing awareness activities, including pledge-taking ceremonies and sensitization programmes on drug abuse prevention. The institution also promoted constructive youth engagement through sports and other co-curricular activities, reinforcing the message of responsible living and social responsibility among students. The Department of Youth Services & Sports Shopian continued its efforts under the campaign by organizing sports events and competitions across the district. These activities witnessed enthusiastic participation from young athletes and highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, and positive engagement while encouraging youth to stay away from substance abuse. As part of the ongoing efforts under the Abhiyan, a special drive for the identification and destruction of wild Bhung (wild cannabis) was also carried out across various areas of Sub-Division Zainapora. The initiative aims to curb the illegal growth of narcotic plants and strengthen preventive measures against substance abuse. Awareness sessions, community outreach programmes, and interactive engagements were also conducted at various locations, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing the issue of drug abuse.

DC Budgam reviews preparedness for Pulse Polio Immunisation Drive scheduled on June 28

Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to finalise preparations for the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive scheduled to be held on June 28. The meeting was attended by the PO ICDS Budgam, CMO Budgam, CEO Budgam, DIO Budgam, all BMOs, ARTO Budgam, and other concerned district officers, health authorities, block-level teams, and officials from supporting departments who are directly involved in vaccination planning, booth management, logistics, supervision, and field execution. During the meeting, the DC reviewed in detail the district-wide micro-plan for the immunization drive, which included block-wise targets, number of Pulse Polio booths, manpower deployment, and the overall preparedness of health and field teams. Officers presented the complete structure of booth arrangements across Budgam district along with the deployment of vaccinators, supervisors, and supporting manpower to ensure the smooth functioning of the campaign. A special focus of the meeting remained on high-risk and hard-to-reach areas, with detailed block-wise presentations. The DC emphasised that all these locations must receive dedicated attention, with proper vaccination booths, field supervision, and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that no eligible child is left out. The meeting also assessed the location and functioning of transit booths, which will be established at busy mobility points such as markets, bus stands, and major travel routes to cover children who are on the move during the campaign period. Officers from the Health Department shared block-wise requirements of vaccine vials, cold chain logistics, printed material, banners, and other necessary supplies for the smooth execution of the drive. The DC reviewed the plan for door-to-door verification activities that will follow the booth day, aimed at identifying and vaccinating any missed children. A detailed schedule of training sessions and workshops for supervisors, vaccinators, ASHAs, AWWs, and other field workers was also presented during the meeting. The DC directed officials to keep track of all migratory and tribal populations, particularly families moving from one district to another, so that every child under five years of age belonging to these groups is covered under the immunization programme. He stressed that mobile teams and transit points must work in close coordination to ensure that the movement of such populations does not result in any child being missed during the drive. The DC stressed ensuring that no child is left out of the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive and directed officers to ensure 100 percent booth staffing , timely reporting, strong monitoring, and an uninterrupted vaccine supply across all blocks. The DC directed all concerned departments to work collectively for the successful and comprehensive implementation of the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive across District Budgam.

Sakeena Itoo reviews progress on SSH OPD complex, GMC Srinagar MFC

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Tuesday reviewed the progress on construction of OPD Complex of Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Srinagar and Multi Facility Centre (MFC) of Government Medical College Srinagar as well as additional 50-bedded hospital building of SDH Pahalgam here at Civil Secretariat. MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani; Principal GMC Srinagar; Director Health Services Kashmir; Director Finance/Director Planning Health and Medical Education and other senior officers of health and medical education department were also present in the meeting. During the review meeting, the Minister took stock of the progress achieved on each project. She directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to expedite the pace of work and ensure completion of all pending civil works within the stipulated timelines. Emphasising accountability in execution of public projects, the Minister said that these initiatives are being undertaken with public funds and are aimed at improving the healthcare services for the people. She asserted that any delay in completion of such projects adversely affects the public welfare and, therefore, must be avoided. Reviewing the construction of the 50-bedded additional building at Pahalgam, the Minister directed the concerned authorities to finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and commence the remaining works without delay. She observed that Pahalgam is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir and also serves as the base camp for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. She stressed the need for a well-equipped healthcare facility in the area to cater to both residents, visitors as well as devotees. The Minister set a target of March 2027 for completion of the hospital building and directed the concerned agencies to ensure that the facility is made fully functional and operational. Earlier, Director Health Services Kashmir informed the meeting that the project involves an estimated cost of Rs 19.90 crore, out of which civil works worth Rs 12.40 crore have already been tendered. He added that the hospital, once operational will provide a range of essential healthcare services and facilities to the people of the area. While reviewing the Multi-Tasking Facility Centre (MFC) of GMC Srinagar, the Minister directed that all civil works be completed by the end of July 2026. She also instructed the concerned officers to pursue necessary approvals from the Government of India for installation of additional facilities and infrastructure required for the centre. Reviewing the progress of works related to the Super Speciality Hospital and other healthcare infrastructure projects, the Minister reiterated that delays in the healthcare sector are unacceptable and called for close monitoring of all ongoing projects. She directed the Health Department to maintain regular oversight of project implementation. She asked for ensuring that infrastructure is developed strictly in accordance with healthcare requirements and approved standards. She also stressed the need for proper planning, coordination and adherence to guidelines in the execution of all health sector projects to ensure timely completion and optimal utilization of resources.

Back-to-back powerful earthquakes slam Venezuela, buildings collapse in capital Caracas

Caracas, Jun 25: Back-to-back powerful earthquakes slammed Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre was west of the community of Morn, located along the country's Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometres west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13 kilometres. The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometres and its epicentre was 16 kilometres southwest of Morn. The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami alert for Virgin Islands. Authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued one for the island. Another alert for Puerto Rico was quickly lifted. People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seen in two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states. The Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had alarming situations with collapsed homes and buildings, he said, suggesting people were injured in the earthquake and asking motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles. We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most, Cabello said on state television. Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed. He also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures. The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong, Caracas resident Roberto Damas said. We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out. (AP)

DGP Nalin Prabhat, IGP VK Birdi join Muharram procession

Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi were among the senior police officers on Wednesday who joined thousands of mourners participating in the traditional 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar. The senior police officers reviewed the elaborate security and traffic arrangements put in place along the historic procession route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal, Jahangir Chowk and Maulana Azad Road. Senior officers, including SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, remained present on the ground to monitor the smooth conduct of the event. Speaking on the occasion, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi said Jammu and Kashmir Police had implemented comprehensive multi-layered security and traffic management plans to ensure the procession was conducted peacefully while causing minimal inconvenience to the public. The police have made detailed security and traffic arrangements so that the volunteers taking part in the procession do not face any difficulties and normal traffic movement is affected as little as possible, Birdi said. Thousands of Shia mourners participated in the procession organised by the Yadgari Hussaini Committee, carrying religious banners and reciting marsiyas and nohas in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala. Under the supervision of senior police leadership, extensive deployments were made along the entire route. Security arrangements included drone surveillance, coordination with volunteers and organisers, and support from Central Armed Police Forces, including the CRPF, forming a robust security grid. Birdi said police had held extensive consultations with volunteers and organisers to ensure all arrangements were implemented effectively. He appreciated the cooperation extended by the organising committee and volunteers in maintaining discipline throughout the procession. We have held extensive discussions with volunteers and organisers to ensure all arrangements are implemented properly and the events are conducted smoothly, he said. Referring to the significance of Muharram, the IGP said the occasion commemorates the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala and carries a timeless message of humanity, duty and tolerance. We salute the message of humanity associated with Imam Hussains (AS) sacrifice and seek to imbibe those values in our lives, Birdi said, adding that the police feel honoured to serve the mourners and facilitate arrangements such as sabeels during the religious observance. Apart from security measures, civil administration agencies, emergency services and volunteers established medical aid posts, water distribution points and emergency response facilities along the route to assist participants. The successful conduct of the procession reflected close coordination between Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration and community stakeholders. The event also marked the fourth consecutive year that the historic Guru Bazar-Dalgate procession has been permitted after remaining suspended for over three decades. Authorities have also announced comprehensive arrangements for the upcoming 10th Muharram (Ashura) procession, with senior police officers reiterating their commitment to ensuring peaceful and smooth observance of the religious event across Kashmir.

Dept of Psychiatry SKIMS Bemina organises awareness program on eve of 100 day NMBA

Department of Psychiatry, (Advanced Centre for Mental & Addiction Medicine), SKIMS Medical College Bemina Srinagar as a part of Government of Jammu and Kashmir Initiative of 100 day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, held an awareness program. The first program, which is the part of pilot project funded by SKIMS Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU) with faith healers is aimed at awareness regarding mental health issues and the magnitude of drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir and importance of screening and early referral of such individuals with early indicators suggestive of such illnesses, said a press release. The sessions included group discussions and sensitization of the participants, to be able to screen such individuals who have such symptoms and refer them to nearest facility for early intervention and management. Also focus is to be laid on making these faith healers to discuss regarding the growing menace of Drug Addiction and its consequences with common people during religious congregations especially Friday sermons as historically our community is much more receptive to them. Since the faith healers are point of first contact for such patients, sensitizing them is expected to facilitate early referral and timely intervention in mental health facilities available in nearest possible healthcare settings. Prof Abdul Majid, Prof & HOD Psychiatry & Sub-Dean, SKIMS Medical College Bemina Srinagar in his opening remarks spoke about importance of such programmes being held in collaboration with relevant stake holders for making the initiative turn into a reality which not only would help in saving individual lives, but giving new lease of life to the affected families and the society and shaping the future of region to have happy, Healthy, peaceful and prosperous life. Dr. Nizam Ud Din , Associate Professor Psychiatry, in his session deliberated on the various misconception regarding the occurrence of psychiatric disorders. The participants (spiritual Healers) who are well-known in district Budgam shared their thoughts and experiences while dealing with individuals reporting with such symptoms. They also emphasized the need for bridging the gap so that referral of such patients is facilitated without wasting precious time in early phase of disease when the treatment is simple but effective. Prof Majid thanked Director SKIMS Soura for his generous support on community oriented research projects, Prof Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College and Dr Shafa A Deva, Medical superintendent for their continuous facilitation and encouragement for carrying out such activities which will help in early detection and referral for timely and better patient care.

Ahsan Pardesi announces approval of new PHC building in Khonmoh

National Conference MLA Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi, on Wednesday announced that a major electoral promise made to the people of Khonmoh has been fulfilled with the sanction of a new Primary Health Centre (PHC) building in the area. As per KNS, the new hospital building will be developed on modern lines and is expectedto significantly bolster the healthcare infrastructure in Khonmoh and its adjoining areas, Pardesi said. Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said the demand for a well-equipped healthcare facility had been pending for several decades due to the inadequate infrastructure to cater to the growing population of the constituency. Recalling his commitment during the Assembly elections, Pardesi said he had promised the people of Khonmoh that he would work tirelessly to ensure the construction of a new hospital with improved infrastructure and enhanced facilities. Today, that promise has been fulfilled. This is a historic moment for the people of Khonmoh and adjoining areas and one of the major initiatives undertaken in Lal Chowk Constituency, he said. He added that the new hospital building would go a long way in addressing the healthcare concerns of the people and would ensure better medical facilities closer to their homes. Pardesi congratulated the people of Khonmoh and adjoining localities on the approval of the new hospital building and expressed hope that the project would usher in a new era of improved healthcare services in the region. The MLA also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his dynamic vision, leadership, and continued support in addressing the developmental needs and public grievances of the constituency. He further thanked Health Minister Sakeena Itoo for her unwavering support and cooperation. Pardesi stated that the leadership of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference remains fully committed to the welfare of the people and to ensuring the provision of better healthcare and other essential public services across the constituency.

GCC to hold seminar on J&K's environmental challenges today

The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), a coalition of prominent civil society members, will host a public seminar today (June 25) to address ecological challenges threatening the region's fragile ecosystem. The event, titled Protection of Natural Environment in Jammu & Kashmir, will be held at The Institution of Engineers at Sonwar. Dr Karan Singh, the region's former Sadar-e-Riyasat, will be the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. The panel also includes retired IAS officer and wildlife conservationist MK Ranjitsinh, alongside retired Lt. Gen RS Reen, who will be the Guest of Honors. According to GCC Chairman, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai and Secretary Mohammad Rafi, the proceedings will begin at 2 pm.

Er Rashid to be released on interim bail to attend chahlum of his late father: AIP

Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi Wednesday said that as per the earlier orders of the High Court, Member of Parliament from Baramulla Er Rashid will be released today morning ( June 25) on interim bail for a period of five days to enable him to participate in the Chahlum (40th-day religious observance) of his late father. As per KNS, Inam Un Nabi said that the Chahlum of the late Khazir Mohammad Sheikh is scheduled to be observed in accordance with religious traditions and Er Rashid will be joining his family members, relatives, well-wishers and supporters during the occasion. Inam Un Nabi said that Er Rashid is expected to arrive in Srinagar on Thursday morning and will remain available in Srinagar from Friday afternoon onwards to receive people who wish to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved family. The AIP Chief Spokesperson said that while the family continues to mourn the loss of a respected elder, the occasion also carries emotional significance for Er Rashidwho has been unable to remain with his family owing to his prolonged incarceration.

EJAC President Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam calls on Chief Secretary

Senior Trade Union leader and President of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) Jammu Kashmir Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam, along with a delegation of JK Jal Shakti ITI Trained Workers today called on the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to discuss various issues concerning ITI workers, with particular focus on the long-pending matter of their regularisation. During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Chief Secretary of the challenges being faced by ITI employees and emphasized the need for an early resolution of their service-related concerns, said a press release. The delegation highlighted the valuable contribution of ITI workers towards skill development and vocational training across Jammu and Kashmir and sought consideration of their genuine demands. The worthy Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by the delegation and assured them that their concerns would be examined in accordance with the rules and regulations. He acknowledged the importance of the services being rendered by ITI employees and emphasized the Government's commitment to addressing grievances of employees. Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam expressed satisfaction over the positive and constructive interaction with the worthy Chief Secretary. He stated that the delegation is hopeful that the issue of regularization and other genuine demands of ITI employees will be resolved at the earliest. The delegation who participated in the meeting included Mansoor Ah. Bhat, Syed Rouf Andrabi, Arshid Ah. Trali and others.

IMHANS Kashmir conducts training programme for SHG members

As part of the ongoing activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26th June), the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS Kashmir), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), conducted a three-day training programme on Grassroots Intervention and Community Rehabilitation for over 70 Self-Help Group (SHG) members from various districts of the Jammu Division. The programme focused on strengthening community-based approaches for the prevention, early identification, intervention, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by substance use disorders. Resource persons from IMHANS Kashmir conducted interactive sessions highlighting that addiction is a treatable health condition and discussed its causes, risk factors, early warning signs, and available treatment options, said a press release. Special emphasis was laid on life-skills development and primordial prevention during childhood and adolescence. Participants were also sensitized to the crucial role of families and communities in supporting prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts. The SHG members were encouraged to serve as community resource persons and contribute towards creating awareness and facilitating access to treatment and rehabilitation services in their respective areas. A similar programme was conducted last month for SHG members from the Kashmir Division, reflecting the continued collaboration between IMHANS Kashmir and JKRLM in strengthening community responses to substance use disorders across Jammu and Kashmir. IMHANS Kashmir reaffirmed its commitment to promoting community mental health, substance use prevention, and rehabilitation through collaborative outreach initiatives aimed at building healthier and drug-free communities across Jammu and Kashmir.

Apni Party delegation condoles demise

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday led a delegation of party leaders to the residence of Late Ghulam Mohiuddin Shaha distinguished politician and stalwart of the National Conferenceat Magarmal Bagh in Srinagar to offer condolences on the demise of Shah's wife, who passed away recently. According to a press release issued here, Bukhari and his accompanying leaders met the bereaved family members and expressed their heartfelt condolence and sympathies with them, especially Dr. Imtiyaz Shah, Ishfaq Shah and former MLA Irfan Shahthe sons of the deceased. On this occasion, they prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and patience for the bereaved family to endure the pain of this irreparable loss. The party leaders who accompanied the party president during this condolence visit, included Chairman of the partys Parliamentary Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Chief Coordinator & District President Kulgam Abdul Majeed Paddar, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, State Youth President & Spokesperson Yawar Dilawar Mir, Secretary Organisation & Spokesperson Dr. Harbaksh Singh, District President Srinagar Mohammad Shafi Mir, Vice President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, Joint Secretary Srinagar Bilal Khan, Zonal President Central Shaltang Mehraj Din Rather, Zonal Vice President Central Shaltang Aamir Mir, Zonal President Rural Shaltang Tariq Ahmad Sheikh, Joint Secretary Central Shaltang Nazir Ahmad Lone, Coordinator Central Shaltang Nasir Ahmad Wani, and other.

JKPC accuses NC Govt of sidelining its MLAs, threatens protest

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) Wednesday accused CM Omar Abdullah-led government of undermining elected representatives and announced to stage a peaceful protest in Handwara against sidelining MLAs, thereby disregarding democratic institutions. Addressing a press conference at Sajad Gani Lone's Handwara residence, former MLA Kupwara party's Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar said they will not allow the institution of the MLA to be weakened or reduced to a ceremonial role. MLAs who represent the aspirations of masses are elected by the people so any attempt to belittle or sideline them is nothing short an insult to the public mandate, Dar said. The Chief Spokesperson alleged that the NC-led government is deliberately trying to diminish the role of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone by sending ministers to inaugurate projects that have been already completed without involving the local elected representative. Our party would welcome any new developmental projects sanctioned for Kupwara district and would fully support initiatives aimed at public welfare. However, we will object to ministers inaugurating already established projects while ignoring the concerned MLA, he added. Referring to the recent inauguration of the Drugmulla Bridge by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Dar asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that why the local MLA was not invited to the function despite being the elected representative of the area. The government instead of claiming credit for works that have already been completed should focus on bringing new projects and developmental packages to the district. We have no objection to new initiatives but sidelining the local MLA during inaugurations of completed projects will not be accepted, he said. While announcing a peaceful protest in Handwara in the coming days, he said the demonstration would highlight the government's alleged indifferent attitude towards elected representatives and developmental concerns. He said that the Peoples Conference is committed to protect democratic institutions and will ensure to respect the voice of people. The Chief Spokesperson who was joined by former DDC Member Rajwar and party senior leader Abdul Ahad Kashmiri urged administration to ensure timely execution of development works and avoid unnecessary delays.

MP Chowdry Ramzan slams 'delay' in J&K Statehood restoration

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Chowdry Muhammad Ramzan Wednesday raised concerns over the continued delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, calling it a breach of democratic mandate and constitutional assurances. Speaking at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Srinagar, Chowdry Ramzan said the prolonged delay has effectively reduced the elected setup to a subordinate administrative arrangement undermining the political agency of the people who, he noted, turned out in large numbers in support of full fledged democracy. He said that if Jammu and Kashmir is truly to be treated at par with other units of the Union then the continued downgrade of its political status is indefensible. A region that once held full statehood, with its own constitutional identity and institutional depth, is now being governed through a diluted framework that ignores its complexity, diversity, and ground realities, he said, stressing that the present arrangement is structurally inadequate to address the regions layered challenges. He further asserted that promises of restoring statehood made in Parliament and reiterated in public forums must not be reduced to political rhetoric. He urged the Centre to act without further delay, warning that continued inaction erodes trust in constitutional commitments.

Unsafe drinking water supply worries residents of Pulwama twin villages

Pulwama, Jun 24:Residents of the twin villages of Sirnoo and Babgund in south Kashmirs Pulwama district have raised serious concerns about the quality of drinking water supplied through a borewell-fed overhead water tank, alleging that the water is unfit for human consumption and poses a potential threat to public health. Residents said the water supplied to households has an unusual colour and taste, making it unsuitable for drinking as well as other domestic purposes. They said the deteriorating quality of the water has become a matter of growing concern, particularly among families with children, elderly persons and those suffering from various ailments. The water supplied through the overhead tank appears contaminated. Its colour and taste are abnormal, and people are worried about the health implications of consuming it, said Mudasir Ahmad, a resident. Ahmad alleged that water from a pit was being supplied to the overhead tank, raising questions about the quality and safety of the drinking water being distributed to households. Another resident said access to safe drinking water was a basic necessity and urged the authorities to ensure that the supply met prescribed quality standards. Residents expressed apprehension that prolonged consumption of contaminated or untreated water could lead to water-borne diseases and other health complications. The threat of water-borne diseases looms large over the area, the residents said, adding that the issue warranted immediate intervention to safeguard public health. They have called for a comprehensive assessment of the water source and the overhead storage tank to ascertain whether the water is fit for human consumption. The residents also demanded regular water quality monitoring, installation of an effective filtration system, periodic cleaning of the overhead tank and timely maintenance of the borewell infrastructure to prevent contamination. The residents said immediate corrective measures were needed to restore public confidence in the drinking water supply system and ensure uninterrupted access to clean and potable water. We are only asking for safe drinking water for our families. The authorities should act before the situation worsens, they said. Officials of the Jal Shakti Department said they would look into the issue.

Race against time: Growers seek smooth passage for fruit trucks

Baramulla, Jun 24: As the fruit season gathers momentum in Kashmir, growers have urged the administration to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, warning that delays could affect the timely delivery of produce to markets across the country. The demand comes ahead of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which is expected to increase traffic pressure on the highway during the peak fruit dispatch season. President of the Fruit Growers Association Sopore, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, appealed to the authorities to make special arrangements to facilitate the smooth movement of fruit consignments and prevent unnecessary delays during transit. We have already started dispatching early fruit varieties to markets across the country. These varieties have a limited shelf life and must reach their destinations within three to four days, Malik said. According to him, around 8 to 10 fruit-laden trucks have been leaving the Sopore fruit mandi daily over the past six days. The number is expected to rise sharply as the harvesting season progresses. During the peak season, nearly 120 to 150 fruit-laden trucks are likely to be dispatched every day. Ensuring hassle-free movement of these vehicles is therefore essential, he said. Malik also reiterated the demand for the immediate implementation of a crop insurance scheme, saying fruit growers across Kashmir have suffered significant losses due to recent adverse weather conditions. He said orchards in North, South and Central Kashmir were hit by hailstorms and heavy rainfall over the past month, causing extensive damage to fruit crops. Recent natural calamities have once again underscored the need for a crop insurance scheme. Its implementation will provide much-needed relief and safeguard the interests of fruit growers, Malik added.

Traffic restrictions on Srinagar-Baramulla highway today

Baramulla, Jun 24:Traffic movement on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway will remain regulated on Thursday in view of the 9th Muharram procession scheduled to be held in the Delina area of Baramulla district, Traffic Police Rural Kashmir said. According to a traffic advisory issued by the authorities, vehicular movement along the Srinagar-Baramulla road will be regulated from 1 pm to 7 pm to facilitate the smooth conduct of the religious procession and ensure public safety. As per the traffic diversion plan, vehicles travelling from Srinagar towards Baramulla and Uri will be routed via Sangrama, Sopore, Fruit Mandi, Ladoora, Azad Gunj and Baramulla before proceeding towards Uri. Similarly, commuters travelling from Baramulla and Uri towards Srinagar will be diverted through Khanpora Bridge/Bindass Chowk, Azad Gunj, Ladoora, Fruit Mandi, Sopore and Sangrama before joining the highway towards Srinagar. Traffic Police have appealed to commuters to cooperate with personnel deployed along the route and strictly adhere to the diversion plan during the procession hours. The public has also been advised to remain updated about the traffic arrangements and avoid unnecessary parking or stopping of vehicles along the notified routes to prevent congestion. The advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to facilitate the Muharram procession while ensuring minimal disruption to traffic movement on the busy Srinagar-Baramulla corridor.

SED, AG office locked in clarification process over ReT pension benefits

Srinagar, Jun 24:The long-pending issue of pensionary benefits for thousands of former Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers in Jammu and Kashmir has resurfaced, with the School Education Department (SED) and the Office of the Principal Accountant General (A&E), J&K, seeking clarity on the admissibility of five years of service rendered by ReTs prior to their regularisation for pension purposes. The latest developments comes after the Accountant Generals office sought a formal clarification from the J&K School Education Department (SED) regarding the interpretation of government orders and court rulings governing the counting of ReT service for pensionary benefits. According to official communications, the Accountant Generals office raised the issue following a representation from the Zonal Education Officer, Banihal, which stated that service rendered under the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme does not qualify for pension and that only service rendered after regularisation as Regular Rehbar-e-Taleem (RReT) should be considered for pensionary benefits. The Accountant Generals office, however, stated that the matter was not free from ambiguity and required administrative clarification. It pointed to Government Order No. 15-Edu of 2008, which had provided that five years of service rendered as a ReT on honorarium basis would count as qualifying service exclusively for pension, subject to continuous service and subsequent regularisation as a general line teacher. The office also referred to Government Order No. 469-Edu of 2014, issued following Cabinet Decision No. 115/09/2014, which modified the earlier provision and stipulated that five years of service rendered before regularisation would count for fixing seniority and would also be reckoned notionally for pensionary and other retirement benefits wherever applicable. However, subsequent litigation altered the legal landscape. While a Single Bench upheld the government order, a Division Bench of the High Court later struck down the provision relating to counting ReT service for fixing seniority but left intact the provisions concerning pensionary and retirement benefits. Citing the phrase wherever applicable in the 2014 order, the Accountant Generals office observed that uncertainty persists over whether the five-year ReT service should be treated as full qualifying service for pension in all cases or only for making up deficiencies in the minimum qualifying service required to earn pension. The AGs office accordingly sought clarification from J&K SED on whether the five years of service rendered as ReT qualify for pensionary benefits and whether any upper limit exists on the extent to which such service can be counted. In wake of this, the J&K SED in its official communication addressed to AGs office has stated that issue has already been settled through the 2014 Cabinet decision and the subsequent government order. In a communication issued on June 19 of 2026, SED informed the Principal Accountant General that the Cabinet decision specifically approved the reckoning of five years of service rendered by ReT teachers before regularisation for pensionary and other retirement benefits. The Cabinet approved the reckoning of the five years of service, rendered by Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers before regularization, for the purpose of fixing their seniority and counting such service, notionally, for pensionary and other retirement benefits, wherever applicable, an official communication signed by Under Secretary SED, reads. It was also decided that, after regularization, the services of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers shall be transferable within the district to which they belong. The SED communication reads that the aforementioned Cabinet decision was implemented vide Government Order No. 469-Edu of 2014 dated June 25 of 2014 by the Department. However, the said Government order has subsequently been quashed only to the extent it provides for counting such service towards seniority. The remaining provisions, including those relating to pensionary and other retirement benefits, continue to remain operative, the official document reads. It further reads that the SED may further be informed whether pension cases of similarly situated Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers have already been settled by reckoning the aforesaid five years service rendered prior to regularization. If so, the reasons necessitating the present reference on the issue may also be intimated. Alternatively, the pending cases may be settled in terms of aforementioned Cabinet Decision, as the provisions contained therein are clear and self-explanatory in nature and does not warrant any further clarification, the official communication reads.

Pandits, Muslims have bigger role than Govt in return to valley: Mehbooba

Anantnag, Jun 24:Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to the valley depends more on rebuilding trust between Muslims and Pandits than on government intervention. Speaking to reporters in Verinag after attending the Mekhal ceremony of a Kashmiri Pandit family's child at their ancestral village of Omoh, Mufti said both communities must work together to revive Kashmir's shared social fabric. I think there is less of a role for the government and more of our Muslim and Pandit brothers together. We are one, we are not different, she said. Urging Kashmiri Pandits to look ahead, Mehbooba said the focus should be on the future rather than past grievances. I request our Kashmiri Pandit brethren not to look at the past, but look towards the future, she said. Referring to Kashmiri Pandit professionals who continue to maintain ties with the Valley, she cited the examples of doctors U Koul, Sushil Razdan and Sameer Koul, saying they regularly visit Kashmir to treat patients. When a Kashmiri Muslim sees a Pandit doctor in any part of the country, he embraces him warmly. He does not tell the patient that because he is a Kashmiri Muslim, he will not treat him, Mehbooba said. The former Chief minister said young Kashmiri Pandits, including professionals, should consider returning to the Valley and contributing to its future. I think our youngsters, or young Kashmiri Pandit doctors or others, should come here. We should forget the past and look towards the future, she said. Mehbooba also called on the government to improve facilities for Kashmiri Pandits living in the Valley, including employees appointed under the Prime Ministers rehabilitation package. The members of the community were facing difficulties in the Jagti township near Jammu, she said. Expressing satisfaction over displaced families visiting their native villages for social and religious functions, Mehbooba said such visits help strengthen their connections with their roots. I am happy the way our Pandit brother came here for his son's function. I feel other Pandit brothers should also come, she said. She also advocated the construction of large Sarais near major temples in Kashmir to facilitate visits by displaced Pandit families. Kashmir, the valley of saints, should once again prosper with Kashmiri Pandits, Mehbooba added.

J&K detected over 1.27 lakh cyber threats

Srinagar, Jun 24:J&K government has identified and acted upon more than 1.27 lakh cyber threats as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strengthening exercise launched across government departments, institutions, districts and educational establishments following Operation Sindoor. In his address during the state-level consultative workshop on strengthening cybersecurity frameworks for state data at KU, Special Secretary, IT department Hafiz Ahmad Shah said the J&K UT has undertaken a major cybersecurity overhaul over the past year, resulting in the establishment of a robust governance framework covering all government departments under the Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP). About the governments response to cyber incidents during Operation Sindhur, Shah said J&K registered a smart recovery after initial breaches and the crashing of a few websites. He termed the response as a demonstration of the governments resolve and resilience in dealing with cyber threats. A key milestone was the inauguration of the J&K Security Operations Centre (SOC) on April 30, 2026. The facility enables centralised monitoring, real-time threat detection, incident response, endpoint visibility and coordinated cyber defence across UT, he said. He said over 5100 Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) licences and an equal number of Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) licences have been deployed across government infrastructure to enhance endpoint security and cyber resilience. He said security audits, vulnerability assessments, multi-factor authentication, government-wide implementation measures, geo-fencing controls and several policy and procedural safeguards have also been institutionalised. He further added that coordination with national agencies, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) besides the National Informatics Centre (NIC) was significantly strengthened. Awareness programmes and capacity-building initiatives reached thousands of government officials and stakeholders across UT to improve cybersecurity preparedness, he added. He, however, cautioned that cyber threats continue to evolve rapidly and stressed the need for continuous improvement in preparedness, stronger institutional mechanisms and the development of a culture of cyber resilience across all government departments.

J&K bolsters cyber defences amid growing digital risks

Srinagar, Jun 24:The J&K Information Technology (IT) Department on Tuesday organised a state-level consultative workshop at the University of Kashmir (KU) to formulate recommendations for Indias upcoming National Cyber Security Plan. The State Level consultative workshop on strengthening cyber security frameworks for State data was organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Information Technology and Support Systems (IT&SS), KU, to strengthen cyber resilience and protect critical digital infrastructure. Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Secretary, IT Department, Saurabh Bhagat said the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) had tasked all states and Union Territories with conducting consultations on cybersecurity challenges and preparedness. He said the recommendations would be incorporated into the national policy framework. The workshop deliberated on cybersecurity challenges, data protection mechanisms, and the resilience of digital systems safeguarding critical state infrastructure. Six thematic groups were constituted to discuss issues ranging from risk-based assessment and security monitoring to Security Operations Centres (SOC), legacy system modernisation, data protection, capacity building and state data centre security. Government is the custodian of vast volumes of public data related to citizen identity, healthcare, education, financial transactions, land records and welfare schemes, Baghat said. He said J&K has transitioned almost entirely to e-governance, with around 45,000 government users operating on the e-Office platform and millions of digital transactions being processed daily. Referring to recent cyber threats, Saurabh Bhagat said cyber attacks on government infrastructure had intensified. During Operation Sindoor, nearly one lakh cyber attack attempts were reported across various infrastructures in India, with J&K emerging as a prime target, he added. Bhagat said that critical websites and data centres, including those of the Housing and Urban Development Department and Power Development Department, faced sustained attacks. Despite the scale of threats, no major infrastructural damage occurred due to the coordinated efforts of cybersecurity teams and agencies, he said. He however stressed the need for continuous strengthening of cyber defence mechanisms. Bhagat said the government has undertaken several measures, including deployment of endpoint detection and response systems, strengthening of firewalls, sanitisation of USB access across government offices, development of a State Security Operations Centre, and preparation of departmental cybersecurity management plans. He said that security audits of 230 government websites had already been completed, resulting in multiple improvements and recommendations. Commissioner Secretary IT department also highlighted J&Ks rapid digital transformation saying that J&K UT currently offers 1,548 online services through e-governance platforms, ranking among the top states and UTs in the country. The initiatives such as DigiLocker integration, MyGov participation, J&K Samadhan, J&K Sehat, Khidmat Centres and direct benefit transfer schemes have significantly expanded the digital footprint of governance, he added. He further added that the government had secured approval for an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu and identified around 30 governance-related AI challenges across departments such as health, education, finance, police, social welfare and horticulture. He invited academic institutions, including KU to collaborate in developing AI-based solutions. He also highlighted the Chief Ministers Internship Programme, under which 100 students annually are provided internships with a monthly stipend of 15,000 for working on government IT and e-governance projects. Later, talking to Greater Kashmir, Bhagat said the recommendations formulated during the workshop would be compiled by the IT department and submitted to the Government of India (GoI) for consideration in the preparation of the National Cyber Security Plan, ahead of a national-level conference scheduled to be held in Jaipur. Later Vice Chancellor KU, Prof Nilofer Khan in her address talked about the growing significance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. She stressed the need to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality and security of public data. Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical necessity but a critical component of maintaining public trust and ensuring continuity of governance, she said. Prof. Khan said the varsitys extensive digital ecosystem, including examination and student databases besides securing sensitive information remained a top priority. She also highlighted the universitys achievements in digital governance saying that the institution operates through a fully e-governance-enabled system and possesses a state-of-the-art data centre. KUs IT&SS directorate has been providing consultancy and technological support to government departments and educational institutions, she said. She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, academia and industry experts and said universities have a vital role in promoting cybersecurity awareness, innovation and development of skilled human resources capable of addressing emerging digital threats. She said the recommendations emerging from the workshop would contribute significantly towards enhancing cybersecurity preparedness and building a secure digital ecosystem in J&K. Speaking on the occasion, Director Information Technology & Support Systems (IT&SS), KU Dr. Maroof Naieem Qadri highlighted the growing importance of secure data management in governance and institutional functioning. Data today constitutes a strategic asset and its protection is fundamental to ensuring trust, transparency and efficient service delivery, he said. During his technical presentation, Qadri outlined KUs achievements in digital transformation and technology-enabled governance. He highlighted the Universitys indigenous KU Administrative Management System (KU-AMS), a comprehensive in-house ERP platform integrating academic administration, examinations, finance, human resource management and student-centric services. Registrar KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer J&K e-Governance Agency (JaKeGA) Asha Choudhary, Controller examination Dr Majid Zamaan and others were present at the occasion.

Security forces conduct terror attack simulation drill at lodgement centre in Samba

Jammu, Jun 24: As part of the extensive security preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Samba Police, in coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive long-range patrolling exercise and a mock drill simulating a terrorist attack at the Nonath Lodgement Centre in Ghagwal. The exercise was aimed at assessing security preparedness and strengthening coordination among various security agencies tasked with ensuring the safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage. According to officials, the Long Range Patrolling (LRP) exercise commenced from Samba Chowk and concluded at Nonath in Ghagwal, covering a significant stretch of National Highway-44, the primary route used by Amarnath pilgrims. The operation focused on area domination, surveillance of vulnerable locations, and maintaining heightened vigilance along the Yatra route. The patrolling exercise was led by Additional Superintendent of Police Samba along with DySP SOG Samba and SHO Police Station Ghagwal with personnel from the CISF, SSB and CRPF also actively participated in the operation. During the exercise, security teams carried out detailed inspections of strategic locations, vulnerable stretches, lateral entry points and other critical areas along the highway. Officials said the exercise also helped enhance operational coordination and interoperability among different security agencies ahead of the pilgrimage. In a parallel preparedness measure, Samba Police organised a mock drill at the Nonath Lodgement Centre based on a simulated terrorist attack scenario. The exercise was designed to evaluate response mechanisms, operational readiness, crisis-management capabilities and inter-agency coordination in the event of any emergency during the Yatra period. Officials said the drill provided an opportunity to test security protocols and identify areas requiring further strengthening before the commencement of the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, in preparation for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)2026, SSP Samba, Anuj Kumar chaired a security coordination meeting with officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Army and various security and intelligence agencies to review and strengthen the security framework for the smooth, safe and incident-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The primary objective of the meeting was to facilitate interaction among officers of the participating CAPFs, Army and other security agencies and to familiarize them with the geographical terrain, strategic importance and security dynamics of District Samba. The participating officers were comprehensively briefed about their respective roles, responsibilities and deployment plans during the Yatra period. Detailed discussions were held regarding security arrangements, area domination measures, convoy protection, anti-sabotage checks, emergency response mechanisms, communication protocols and inter-agency coordination. Duty points and deployment locations of CAPFs and other participating security agencies were also finalised and discussed in detail to ensure seamless execution of security operations. SSP Samba stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and operational readiness in view of the sensitivity and significance of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Speaking on the occasion, SSP Samba urged all participating officers and personnel to work with utmost professionalism, dedication and coordination. He emphasised that close synergy among Police, CAPFs, Army, intelligence agencies and other stakeholders is essential for ensuring a peaceful, secure, and successful Yatra.

They stopped waiting for jobs and started creating them

Banihal, Jun 24: In an inspiring example of determination and self-reliance, many educated unemployed youth in Banihal are increasingly turning towards self-employment ventures and creating livelihood opportunities not only for themselves but also for others. Their efforts reflect a positive change in mindset and a growing spirit of entrepreneurship among the younger generation. About two kilometres from Banihal town at Halimaidaan Dooligam, a group of young entrepreneurs has established Banihal Poultry Farm, transforming their dreams into reality through hard work and dedication. Instead of waiting for government jobs, these educated youths chose to carve their own path by venturing into poultry farming, setting an example for others in the region. Established under the Central Government's Mission YUVA scheme, the farm houses dozens of varieties and breeds of poultry birds, including both indigenous and exotic species. The organic poultry farm currently rears more than 1,500 birds, which are fed natural and traditional feed and are allowed to graze freely in green surroundings, ensuring healthy and chemical-free production. Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Mohammad Danish Sohil said, Like many educated youths, we also faced uncertainty after completing our studies. Instead of remaining dependent on government jobs, we decided to start something of our own. Today, this poultry farm has become a source of livelihood and confidence for us. We want young people to understand that success comes through patience, hard work and a willingness to take risks. He added, The support available under government schemes such as Mission YUVA can help youth turn their ideas into reality. We encourage unemployed youngsters to explore opportunities in poultry farming, dairy farming, agriculture and horticulture. Ruhaan Khalid Ganie, another promoter of Banihal Poultries, said, When we started this venture, there were many challenges, but we never gave up. Every challenge became a lesson, and every small achievement motivated us to work harder. Today, seeing the farm grow and provide employment opportunities gives us immense satisfaction. Ruhaan Khalid said that the farm houses a wide range of poultry breeds, including Black Australorp, RIR (Rhode Island Red), Silkie, Turkey, Egyptian, Vanaraja, Sonali, Galvi, Rainbow Rooster, Local Desi, Aseel and Kadaknath, besides several other indigenous and exotic varieties. He said the presence of diverse breeds not only enhances the farms productivity but also provides valuable learning opportunities for aspiring poultry entrepreneurs interested in commercial and organic poultry farming. He further said, Our message to the youth is not to wait endlessly for jobs. There is tremendous potential in farming and allied sectors. With determination, proper planning and hard work, young people can become job creators and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Dr Amir Sohail Khan of the Animal Husbandry Department Banihal said that the government has introduced several schemes aimed at helping unemployed youth establish self-employment ventures and generate jobs for others. There are a number of government-sponsored schemes available under the poultry and dairy sectors for interested youth. If young people are willing to work hard and take advantage of these opportunities, they can build successful enterprises and become financially independent, he said. Dr Khan said that around six dairy farms are currently being run in Banihal by educated youth, most of whom are graduates under the age of 30. Each of these units is producing more than 100 litres of milk daily, demonstrating the immense potential of the dairy sector in the region, he added. Describing Banihal Poultry Farm at Halimaidan, Dooligam, as one of the finest poultry units in the area, Dr Khan praised the young entrepreneurs for successfully managing the venture. This farm is a shining example of what educated youth can achieve through dedication and innovation. I urge more young people to come forward and avail themselves of the benefits offered under government initiatives, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), poultry farming and other allied sectors, he said.

Parliamentary panel led by Shashi Tharoor visits Kargil

Kargil, Jun 24: A Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of External Affairs, headed by Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, arrived in Kargil district on a study tour. The delegation comprises Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP Arvind Ganpat Sawant, MP Praniti Sushil, MP Arun Govil, MP Shangreiso Zimik, Dr Smita Singh, Shivani, Jagdish Kumar, BS Mubarak, Rishi Angra, Lt. Col. Mandeep Kaur, and Manish Kumar. The delegation was received at Zero Point in Drass with a traditional welcome by Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho; Senior Superintendent of Police, Ishtiyaq Kacho; and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Drass, Vishal Atri. During their visit, the committee paid homage at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, laying floral tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation. Army officials briefed the delegation on key strategic locations and areas associated with the Kargil War. In Kargil, The committee was accorded a traditional welcome at Hotel The Kargil by Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Haji Hanifa Jan; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; and Senior Superintendent of Police, Nitin Yadav. Cultural troupes representing various ethnic communities of Kargil, along with Self Help Groups, also participated in welcoming the delegation.

3 family members killed, 2 injured after car plunges into gorge in Doda

Ramban, Jun 24: Three members of a family, including a husband, wife and their daughter, were killed while two others sustained injuries after a light motor vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in Malhori area of Doda district on Wednesday evening. Officials said the vehicle , was travelling on the Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244) when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and plunge into a several hundred feet deep gorge. Two occupants died on the spot, while three others were rescued in an injured condition and shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. However, one of the critically injured passengers later succumbed to injuries at the hospital, taking the death toll to three. Police personnel, assisted by local volunteers, local residents, immediately launched a rescue operation after the accident and evacuated the victims from the gorge. Sources said the family was returning to Jammu after performing the Mata Machail Yatra in the Paddar area of Kishtwar district when the accident occurred. Hospital authorities at GMC Doda identified the deceased as Jai Singh (46), his wife Babli Devi (44), and their daughter Sonakshi (18), all residents of Nagrota, Jammu. The injured have been identified as Aryan (13), son of Jai Singh, and Vashali (23), wife of Uttar Singh and a resident of Panjgrain, Nagrota, Jammu. Both are undergoing treatment at GMC Doda. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Further details are awaited.

Sports activities held in Shopian

Shopian, Jun 24: Ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan on Wednesday witnessed multiple activities across Shopian district through a series of awareness, outreach, educational, and sports-based activities aimed at fostering a drug-free society. As part of the campaign, as per an official statement, various departments, educational institutions, and community stakeholders organized programmes to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyle choices among the public, particularly the youth. Government Degree College Shopian actively participated in the campaign by organizing awareness activities, including pledge-taking ceremonies and sensitization programmes on drug abuse prevention. The institution also promoted constructive youth engagement through sports and other co-curricular activities, reinforcing the message of responsible living and social responsibility among students. The Department of Youth Services & Sports Shopian continued its efforts under the campaign by organizing sports events and competitions across the district. These activities witnessed enthusiastic participation from young athletes and highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, and positive engagement while encouraging youth to stay away from substance abuse. As part of the ongoing efforts under the Abhiyan, a special drive for the identification and destruction of wild Bhung (wild cannabis) was also carried out across various areas of Sub-Division Zainapora. The initiative aims to curb the illegal growth of narcotic plants and strengthen preventive measures against substance abuse.

Zone Gundna wins Kho-Kho title, Bhagwah champions Chess in Doda

Doda, Jun 24: The Inter-Zonal District Level Tournament organised by Youth Services & Sports Doda continued under the overall supervision of DYSSO Doda Ashok Kumar, with more than 180 girls from across the district competing in the U/19 Girls Kho-Kho and Chess competitions. Zone Gundna clinched the Kho-Kho championship title with a dominant display of teamwork, speed and tactical play, while Zone Ghat finished as runners-up. In Chess, Zone Bhagwah emerged champion and Zone Doda secured the runner-up position. The DYSSO, as per an official statement, appreciated the efforts of players, technical officials and organising committee members. Certificates and trophies were presented to the winning and runner-up teams at the conclusion of the competitions.

KCFL becomes sporting destination, draws national attention, enthusiastic crowds as League resumes today

The Kashmir Champions Football League (KCFL), being organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, continues to generate tremendous enthusiasm among football lovers while steadily emerging as a major sporting attraction for visitors and sports personalities from across the country. The fixtures, as per an official statement, scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, were postponed and will now be played on Thursday, June 25. The revised schedule includes Match No. 15 between Baramulla Strikers and Shopian Legends, followed by Match No. 16 featuring Srinagar United against Budgam Royals. No matches were played on Wednesday, with league action set to resume on Thursday at TRC Synthetic Ground in Srinagar. League Becomes Attraction for Visitors and Sports Personalities Since its inception, the KCFL has witnessed an encouraging response from local football enthusiasts, with spectators turning up in significant numbers to cheer their favourite teams. The league has also attracted visitors from outside Jammu & Kashmir, many of whom have taken time out of their travel itineraries to experience the electrifying atmosphere and competitive football on display. The growing stature of the tournament was further reflected by the presence of renowned sports personalities among the spectators. India's Endurance Sports Icons Attend KCFL Among the notable visitors was Dr Amit Samarth, Director of Tigerman Sports and Race Director of Race Across India. Also present was Anshu Sharma, founder of Highland Sports India, a platform dedicated to documenting athlete stories, inspiring sporting journeys and endurance sports across the country. Their presence reflects the growing recognition that the Kashmir Champions Football League is receiving beyond the Union Territory and highlights the role of sport in showcasing Kashmir's sporting potential to a wider audience. KCFL Strengthening Football Culture in J&K The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council remains committed to promoting football and creating competitive opportunities for young athletes through structured tournaments such as the KCFL. The league continues to provide a vibrant platform for local talent, community engagement and strengthening the football culture across the region. With several exciting fixtures still to come, the KCFL is expected to continue attracting passionate crowds and sports enthusiasts as teams battle for supremacy in one of Kashmir's most eagerly followed football competitions.

A Statesman and a Seeker

Title: A Statesman and a Seeker: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Dr Karan Singh Author: Harbans Singh Publisher: Speaking Tiger About the Book: The authorized biography of one of Indias most well-known and admired public figures, whose life journey is inextricably linked to that of Jammu and Kashmir, and of India since Independence. Karan Singh was just 18, and had barely recovered from a mysterious illness that left him bedridden for over a year, when he was catapulted into political life in 1949. His father, the last Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who had recently signed the Instrument of Accession to India, appointed him Regent and left the State, never to return. Over the next two decades, Karan Singh presided over J&Ks difficult transition to a modern but troubled democracyfirst as Regent, then as Head of State (Sadr-e-Riyasat) and finally as Governor. In 1967, he joined Indira Gandhis Congress government at the Centre, becoming Indias youngest cabinet minister, and served as Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Health, and Education. He was also Indias Ambassador to the USA, head of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Member of the Rajya Sabha, Chairman of the Auroville Foundation and member of the UNESCO Executive Board. Throughout, he has remained of independent mind and spirita gentleman and a consensus-builder in the fractious world of Indian politics, and a celebrated scholar of Hinduism, a philosopher and spiritual seeker who has championed interfaith understanding for over half a century. Both intimate and objective, A Statesman and a Seeker tells the story of Karan Singhs life and legacyand his fascinating encounters with, among others, Nehru, Patel, Sheikh Abdullah, Shastri, Indira Gandhi, J.R.D. Tata, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajiv Gandhi, Aldous Huxley, and the spiritual gurus Sri Krishnaprem and Sri Madhav Ashish. At 94, Karan Singh remains one of Indias most respected public personalitiesand arguably the best President India never had. This comprehensive biography examines his life and times with the rigour and nuance that has never been brought to any portrait of this remarkable figure. About the Author: Harbans Singh was born in Samba, in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. He began his career as a college professor before moving on to journalism. Over the years, he has worked for the Observer of Business and Politics, The Tribune, Chandigarh and Dainik Bhaskar. Singh has authored books in both Hindi and English. He is the author of Sufi Satta aur Samaj, written in Hindi. His books in English include a trilogy on the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Politics of Absence

The Dialect of Absence Every political order rests upon a moral fiction. It persuades itself that power speaks in the name of all, even when many remain absent from the rooms where decisions are made. Democracies are no exception. Their legitimacy derives from a powerful promise- that every citizen matters equally, that political institutions are expressions of collective will rather than instruments of exclusion. Yet democracies, perhaps more than any other political form, possess an unusual talent for disguising absence as inclusion. They often succeed in extending the language of equality without fully redistributing the experience of power. The paradox is subtle but profound. A citizen may possess the right to vote and yet remain politically invisible. One may formally belong to the republic and still remain absent from its architecture of decision-making. Equality may exist in constitutional vocabulary while exclusion quietly survives through institutional habits. This raises an unsettling democratic question: when does participation cease to be meaningful if presence itself remains unequal? Can a political order genuinely claim to represent all while repeatedly reproducing social hierarchies within the very institutions meant to transcend them? Political thought has often responded to this problem through abstraction. Liberal democratic theory traditionally comforts itself with the argument that politics concerns ideas rather than identities. Representatives, in this view, are entrusted with safeguarding interests, defending constitutional morality, and pursuing public reason irrespective of their social backgrounds. What matters is judgment, not biography; principle, not personhood. A legislature need not resemble society, we are told, so long as it acts in societys interest. There is undeniable moral appeal in this argument. Democracies cannot become prisoners of narrow identities alone. The aspiration of citizenship lies partly in transcending social difference and creating a common political language. Yet this defence begins to fray under the weight of historical experience. History repeatedly confronts us with a stubborn truth: those who remain absent from institutions of power are often those whose suffering remains least understood. Entire forms of injustice remain politically peripheral not because they are insignificant, but because those who endure them rarely possess institutional voice. The problem, therefore, is not merely one of representation; it is one of recognition. Politics is not conducted by abstract individuals suspended outside history. Human beings encounter the world through structures of privilege, humiliation, exclusion, and vulnerability. Social experiences shape moral perception. The everyday indignities of caste, the silences imposed by patriarchy, the anxieties of minority existence, or the burden of economic precarity cannot always be translated through detached sympathy alone. Experience does not monopolize truth, but neither is truth entirely separable from experience It is precisely this democratic anxiety- the distance between being spoken for and speaking- that lies at the heart of what political theorist Anne Phillips famously conceptualized as the politics of presence. Phillips challenges one of liberal democracys most enduring assumptions: that representation of ideas alone is sufficient for democratic legitimacy. Democracy, she argues, cannot remain satisfied with merely representing interests; it must also concern itself with who occupies the spaces where decisions are made. Women should not merely be represented by men speaking in their name. Marginalized castes should not remain dependent upon upper-caste benevolence. Minorities cannot perpetually exist as objects of policy while remaining absent from power. This argument is neither simplistic nor reductionist. Phillips does not suggest that social identity automatically produces moral wisdom, nor does she claim that all members of a group think alike. Rather, her intervention emerges from a modest but profound democratic insight: social experiences shape political priorities. Presence matters not because identities are politically absolute, but because exclusion creates blindness. For societies marked by deep inequalities, this question becomes impossible to ignore. And perhaps nowhere does it acquire greater urgency than in Indiaa democracy remarkable in scale, yet persistently confronted by the unfinished problem of representation. The Indian Democratic Paradox India occupies an unusual place in democratic imagination. It is celebrated as the worlds largest democracy, a political order sustained through universal adult franchise, constitutional guarantees, and extraordinary electoral participation. Few democracies have attempted inclusion on such an ambitious scale. At independence, India extended voting rights not incrementally but universally, granting equal political citizenship to millions irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or class. Yet behind this democratic achievement lies a deeper paradox. Political equality arrived in a society profoundly unequal in social life. India did not democratize after dismantling hierarchy; it democratized amidst hierarchy. The republic emerged within a social order fractured by caste oppression, patriarchy, religious exclusion, illiteracy, and economic deprivation. Democracy entered India not as the culmination of equality but as an experiment against inequality. This produced a tension that continues to define Indian democracy. Constitutional equality promised equal citizenship, but social structures ensured profoundly unequal access to institutional power. Formal participation expanded, yet representation remained uneven. For decades, Indias legislatures disproportionately reflected socially dominant groups- upper-caste, male, economically privileged elites speaking in the language of national representation while occupying narrow social locations. The democratic problem, therefore, was never merely exclusion from elections. It was exclusion from decision-making itself. Millions participated in choosing rulers without proportionate participation in rule. This contradiction troubled the constitutional imagination of B. R. Ambedkar more than perhaps any other thinker of modern India. Ambedkar recognized that political democracy could not survive indefinitely without social democracy. Equality in constitutional language meant little if social hierarchies continued to monopolize power. His concern was not abstract. He understood caste not simply as inequality but as humiliation institutionalized. Ambedkars defence of reservations emerged from this democratic realism. Historically oppressed communities could not remain dependent upon elite intermediaries claiming to represent their interests. Presence was not charity; it was justice. Equal competition in deeply unequal societies often reproduces inequality because starting points themselves remain profoundly unequal. To insist upon procedural neutrality amidst structural disadvantage risks mistaking privilege for merit. Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes reflected an institutional acknowledgment of this reality. The Indian Constitution recognized something morally significant: historical exclusion cannot be corrected merely through formal rights. Institutions must create pathways for those systematically excluded from power. The argument here was never that marginalized representatives possess moral superiority. It was simpler and more democratic: absence matters. Legislatures devoid of marginalized communities risk transforming suffering into abstraction. Caste humiliation becomes data. Social discrimination becomes policy language detached from lived experience. Women, Representation, and the Limits of Democratic Neutrality No issue illustrates the politics of presence more sharply in India than womens political representation. Women constitute nearly half of Indias population, yet for decades their legislative presence remained strikingly inadequate. Indian democracy celebrated women as voters while hesitating to meaningfully democratize institutions of governance. The resistance to womens reservation frequently relied upon the rhetoric of merit and fairness. Critics argued that politics should reward competence rather than quotas. Women, they insisted, should compete equally rather than receive institutional guarantees. But such arguments often concealed a romantic misunderstanding of political competition itself. Indian politics has never functioned as a neutral arena governed solely by merit. Access to power is shaped by dynastic capital, patronage networks, economic resources, caste influence, and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. To invoke merit without confronting structural inequality risks turning meritocracy into ideological camouflage for inherited privilege. The experience of womens reservations in Panchayati Raj institutions complicates many of these anxieties. Initial scepticism suggested women representatives would function merely as proxies for male relatives. Undoubtedly, instances of symbolic participation existed. Yet over time, women leaders altered governance priorities in meaningful ways. Concerns surrounding health, sanitation, education, water access, and domestic welfare entered political conversations with greater seriousness. This transformation does not imply that women govern better by virtue of biology or morality. Such romanticism risks essentialism. The more compelling explanation lies elsewhere: experiences shape perception. Those who encounter everyday vulnerabilities often identify political urgencies invisible to others. Presence changes institutions because it changes what institutions notice. Beyond Identity: The Ethical Case for Presence Critics of the politics of presence often worry that democracy risks fragmentation if representation becomes tied to social identities. Would politics not collapse into competing grievances? Would legislatures not become sites of endless identity assertions? These concerns deserve engagement, but they often misunderstand the argument itself. The politics of presence does not replace ideas with identities. It does not suggest that individuals are reducible to caste, religion, or gender. Rather, it recognizes that universalism often disguises privilege. Legislatures dominated overwhelmingly by elite men are not less identity-based; they merely normalize one social identity as politically neutral. The philosopher Iris Marion Young warned against precisely this illusion. Institutions claiming universality frequently end up reproducing dominant perspectives as common sense. What appears neutral often reflects the experiences of those already powerful. The question, therefore, is not whether identity enters politics-it always does. The real question is whose identity is normalized and whose remains excluded. The Unfinished Promise of Indian Democracy The politics of presence ultimately forces Indian democracy to confront an uncomfortable truth: participation alone cannot become a substitute for inclusion. A democracy where marginalized citizens enthusiastically vote but remain institutionally peripheral risks becoming procedurally vibrant yet substantively unequal. Democratic legitimacy depends not merely upon elections but recognition. Citizens must feel not only that they possess rights, but that institutions acknowledge their realities. Alienation emerges not simply when people lose elections, but when they experience themselves as permanently absent from power. Presence alone, of course, is insufficient. Representation can become tokenistic. Marginalized elites may reproduce structures of domination. Identity does not guarantee justice. Yet absence guarantees something equally dangerous: silence. For Indian democracy, therefore, the challenge is not simply electoral continuity but democratic deepening. The republics moral promise remains unfinished so long as representation remains detached from presence. Equality cannot remain confined to constitutional rhetoric while institutions quietly reproduce historical hierarchies. The deepest democratic question before India is not whether the marginalized can vote. It is whether they are visibly present when the nation decides for itself. For democracy, at its most meaningful, is not merely the right to choose rulers; it is the assurance that power itself does not remain monopolized by a narrow social imagination. Zahid Sultan, Kashmir Based Independent Researchers.

The enemy we made

On June 17, 2026, Donald Trump signed a peace agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran at the Palace of Versailles. Days earlier, the same man had been presiding over a naval blockade and airstrikes on Iranian soil. The same Iran that had, for forty-seven years, been the greatest nemesis of the Great Satan was now a reconstruction partner promised $300 billion. No facts changed about Iran between February and June. What changed was the need. Identity on loan from the enemy Umberto Ecos essay Inventing the Enemy opens with a simple provocation: a community that lacks an enemy must invent one, because without an adversary it cannot know itself. The enemy is not a problem to be solved but a mirror to be looked into. We define our freedom against their tyranny, our reason against their fanaticism, our order against their chaos. The Iran-U.S. relationship was a near-perfect demonstration of this. Death to America was not a foreign-policy position; it was an identity statement for a revolution that needed an outside corruptor to justify its inside purges. American declarations of Iranian roguery served the same function in reverse, for the theocratic monster made Washington the natural leader of a civilised world. Each side rented its self-image from the others villainy. Eco notes that the method is always the same: make the enemy different, then make the difference grotesque. Ugliness does the moral work. The more inhuman the adversary, the less one needs to examine ones own conduct. Robert McNamara learned this at great cost. Lesson Number One in his late-life reckoning, drawn from the Cuban Missile Crisis, from Vietnam, from a career spent inside the machinery of American power, was devastatingly simple: empathise with your enemy. During the Cuban crisis, Kennedys circle forced itself to see the world through Khrushchevs eyes and pulled back from the edge. In Vietnam, no such effort was made. Washington never asked what Ho Chi Minhs Vietnam actually wanted or feared; it projected a cartoon of a communist aggressor, a domino-tipper, a monster, and sent half a million men to fight that projection. The result was a catastrophe. McNamaras lesson is the precise inverse of Ecos method: where Eco describes how dehumanisation is manufactured, McNamara names what it destroys. The scapegoat mechanism Rene Girard called this the scapegoat mechanism. Rivals imitate each other until they become doubles, caught in the same cycles of grievance, the same rhetoric of injury, the same logic of retaliation. As they converge, internal tensions mount. The community resolves them by converging on a single outside figure. All-against-all becomes all-against-one. The designated villain absorbs the chaos, and order, however temporary, returns. The choice of victim is arbitrary. What counts is not guilt but unanimity. Orwell understood this before Girard theorised it. In Animal Farm, Napoleon drives Snowball out with the dogs, and the farms real work begins, not the building of the windmill but the building of a villain. Every collapsed wall, every failed harvest, every act of sabotage is attributed to Snowballs invisible hand. The absent scapegoat absorbs all disorder so that the pigs need never account for any of it. This is Girards first transference in miniature: expel the figure, then load him with every failure. But Orwell adds the second movement too, the one Girard called the double transference. Farmer Jones, the original enemy, is never allowed to be forgotten. Surely you dont want Jones to come back? is the unanswerable question, the trump card deployed whenever an animal grows restless or asks too much. The pigs do not merely use the scapegoat to explain the past; they keep the enemy perpetually alive to control the future. Power feeds on the very threat it pretends to protect against. For half a century, Iran served Americas scapegoat function, and America served Irans. The arrangement was, in its way, mutually convenient and, one must say, recognisably Orwellian. The deal and its danger Now the arrangement is suspended. Girard described the double transference thus: the scapegoat, once blamed for every disorder, is credited with the peace that follows. Yesterdays monster is todays partner. We are watching that flip in real time. Neither Girard nor Eco offers much comfort here, however. The machinery that built the enemy does not dismantle itself when the paperwork is signed. It idles, looking for a new target. Already, the predictable pattern is emerging: hardliners on both sides calling the deal a betrayal, the monster-making apparatus turning inward towards those who made peace. In Iran, the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, approved the deal with stated reservations. In Washington, critics are framing reconstruction money as a ransom paid to terrorists. The enemy is being recycled, not retired. What the peace reveals The real lesson of this moment is not that diplomacy works, though it sometimes does, but that forty-seven years of mutual demonisation were never simply a response to facts on the ground. It was an industrial process: systematic, self-serving, and now visibly reversible. The villain was real enough in the sense that real people suffered real consequences. But the figure of the enemy, the theological construction, the cartoon of pure evil, was our own work. Eco ends his essay on a quiet note: Having an enemy is important not only to define our identity but also to provide us with an obstacle against which to measure our system of values. The obstacle is temporarily removed. The question now is what both societies do with the space where the monster once stood. History suggests they will not leave it empty for long. Syed Ahfadul Mujtaba, Retired IGP, Former Member J&K Public Service Commission

Performance, placement and politicisation

The government recently organised a grand ceremony to hand over appointment orders to 120 engineers. There were photographs, speeches, smiles, applause, and enough publicity to make one wonder whether a new industry had been established in Jammu and Kashmir. Upon closer examination, however, the achievement turned out to be something far less revolutionary, candidates selected through a competitive process were formally informed that they had indeed been selected through a competitive process. In a functioning meritocracy, this should be a routine administrative exercise. Yet, in contemporary politics, even the delivery of an appointment letter risks being transformed into a victory parade. The scenes were so intense that one almost expected the Chief Minister to announce, After years of intensive research, my government has finally discovered the secret formula for producing engineers, engineering examinations. The irony is impossible to miss. These young engineers were not recruited because a minister spotted them while strolling through a park. They were not appointed because they attended a political rally, carried party flags, or mastered the delicate art of applauding speeches at the correct intervals. They succeeded because they studied, competed, qualified, and outperformed thousands of others. In short, they did something remarkably unfashionable in modern politics: they earned their positions. Governments certainly deserve credit for conducting recruitment processes, filling vacancies, and ensuring that institutions function. Nobody disputes that. A government that keeps posts vacant for years and then suddenly fills them is preferable to one that keeps them vacant forever. But there is a difference between administering recruitment and claiming ownership of merit. The distinction is similar to that between a cricket stadium and a batsman. The stadium provides the venue; it does not score the century. Unfortunately, political culture increasingly prefers photographs to principles. Every routine governmental activity must now be marketed as a historic accomplishment. Roads are inaugurated as though continents have been connected. Water pipes are celebrated as if the Indus has been rediscovered. Appointment orders are distributed as though employment itself has been invented. At this rate, one fears that future governments may organise public ceremonies to celebrate the issuance of electricity bills. The deeper problem is not the event itself but the narrative surrounding it. When politicians repeatedly claim that they are giving jobs to deserving youth, the language subtly shifts public perception. Employment begins to appear less like a right earned through merit and more like a favour bestowed by those in power. This is a dangerous idea. The entire purpose of modern recruitment boards, public service commissions, and competitive examinations is to eliminate the culture of favours. Merit-based systems were designed precisely to ensure that a candidates success depends on performance rather than proximity to political power. If appointment letters become political trophies, merit risks becoming a supporting actor in its own story. The tragedy is that merit is already under enough pressure. Young people spend years preparing for examinations amidst uncertainty, unemployment, delayed recruitments, paper leaks, litigation, and administrative bottlenecks. They invest time, money, and emotional energy in the hope that performance will eventually prevail. When success finally arrives, the spotlight should belong to them. Instead, the public is often invited to applaud the political management of a process that the candidates themselves completed through perseverance. Imagine a university vice-chancellor personally claiming credit for every students examination marks. The absurdity would be immediately obvious. Yet, when governments imply ownership over merit-based selections, a similar logic somehow becomes acceptable. Perhaps future ceremonies should be redesigned. Instead of politicians handing appointment orders to candidates, the candidates could hand certificates of appreciation to politicians saying, Thank you for not interfering with the recruitment process. Such an arrangement would be refreshingly honest. The 120 engineers deserve congratulations. Their achievement represents years of study, sacrifice, and determination. Their success belongs primarily to them and their families, not to any political party, government, minister, or administration. Dr. Ashraf Zainabi is a teacher and a researcher

India's growth story runs through water

India's ambitious industrial expansion faces a critical hurdle: water scarcity. As manufacturing's GDP contribution targets 25%, companies must prioritize water resilience. With per-capita freshwater dwindling and climate change exacerbating stress, secure and predictable water systems are paramount. Future industrial growth will hinge on regions demonstrating water security, efficient allocation, and advanced reuse, making water efficiency a key competitive proposition.

India's AI boom cannot ignore its water crunch

India's AI growth risks exacerbating severe water stress as data centers, crucial for AI infrastructure, consume vast amounts of water. Cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, already facing shortages, are becoming AI hubs. While AI promises inclusive growth, its physical demands strain local resources, necessitating urgent policy reforms and location-specific planning to balance digital ambitions with sustainable resource management.

Trade, tariffs & taste: American whiskey pushes for a fair pour in India

US trade representative Jamieson Greers recent visit to New Delhi is seen as a key step toward finalising a US-India trade framework, with American whiskey emerging as a major point of interest in the negotiations.

1 killed, 3 missing after vehicle plunges into Drass river in Ladakh

Kargil, Jun 24: A 35-year-old man died, while three others, including two women, went missing after their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into the Drass river in Ladakh, officials said on Wednesday. The accident took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday at Marpoochoo in Drass district, triggering a rescue operation to trace the missing occupants, the officials said. However, they said the chances of finding any survivors are diminishing with the passage of time, as strong river currents and challenging terrain continue to hamper search efforts. The body of Aga Syed Baqir, one of the four persons travelling in the vehicle, was recovered from the Thanda Morh area in Chowkiyal. The three other occupants -- Sajad Hussain (26), Hasina Banoo (25) and Sogra Banoo (23) -- remained untraced despite extensive search efforts, the officials said.

Ladakh admin calls for SoPs to curb unauthorised photography, videography as IAF raises concern

Leh, Jun 24: The Ladakh administration has directed agencies concerned to formulate SOPs to prevent unauthorised photography and videography of sensitive areas in Leh, including the dual-use airport, after the Indian Air Force raised concern over the increasing circulation of photographs and videos of operational areas on social media platforms. The directions were issued during a high-level interdepartmental meeting chaired by Ladakh Civil Aviation Department Administrative Secretary Nidhi Malik to review a range of operational, infrastructure, aviation safety and security issues raised by Air Force Station Leh, officials said on Wednesday. Malik directed the agencies concerned to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations, launch public awareness campaigns regarding restricted areas and frame appropriate SOPs, the officials said. The issues were highlighted in a communication addressed to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. In the meeting, Air Force representatives provided inputs on proposed second runway, obstacle limitation requirements, airspace safety, terrain constraints and the need to remove physical obstructions that could adversely affect flight operations. Air Force officials stressed the need for scientific assessment of such obstacles to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards and to meet future operational requirements. Malik directed the BRO, Revenue department and other technical agencies to survey the identified locations and submit a report containing technical assessments and recommendations for further action. The meeting also reviewed concerns related to the installation of CCTV cameras and surveillance infrastructure overlooking sensitive Air Force establishments. It was decided that surveillance infrastructure would be installed strictly in accordance with prescribed security guidelines and only after obtaining the necessary clearances from competent authorities, they said. Issues relating to unauthorised constructions, building permissions, land-use regulations around airport zones and compliance with obstacle limitation norms were also reviewed, they said. The administrative secretary underscored the need for strict adherence to regulations governing construction activities within designated aviation safety zones and directed departments to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

PM Modi stresses on coordination between ministries, lauds smooth conduct of re-NEET

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized inter-departmental coordination during a Union Cabinet meeting, highlighting the successful NEET-UG re-exam as a prime example of a whole of government approach. He stressed that seamless collaboration across ministries is key to overcoming challenges, recalling similar calls for coordinated efforts during the West Asia crisis to ensure energy security and aid for citizens.

Army Corps Commander visits J-K's Rajouri, reviews anti-terror operations

Jammu, Jun 24: General Officer Commanding of White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishra on Wednesday visited Romeo Force headquarters in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district and reviewed the ongoing anti-terror operations. The troops have been engaged in anti-terror operations at various places in the border district, including Dorimal and Gambhir Mughlan forest belt, for the past month. GOC White Knight Corps visited Headquarters Counter-Insurgency Force (Romeo) to review the prevailing security environment and assess operational preparedness. He commended all ranks for their unwavering professionalism, dedication and relentless commitment in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations, while appreciating their high morale, vigilance and steadfast efforts towards maintaining peace, stability and security in the region, the Jammu-based White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

Opposition PDP leader Para concerned over slow pace of work in J&K

Srinagar, Jun 24: Opposition PDP leader Waheed Para on Wednesday expressed concern over the slow pace of work in Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands of crores have been allocated to the R&B Department, yet the reality on the ground remains alarming. Nearly half the working season has passed, but not a single road has been taken up for macadamisation or blacktopping, Para said in a post on X. The Pulwama MLA said that while work announcements are made and tenders issued, there is no execution on the ground. Announcements continue, tenders are issued, but execution is nowhere to be seen. Projects remain stuck on paper while contractors are protesting due rate contracts, long-pending payments and unpaid liabilities. Despite steep increases in material, fuel and labour costs, rates have not been revised, he said. The MLA said unnecessary police verification requirements also delay work, while the absence of a transparent mechanism for mining source identification and royalty assessment adds further uncertainty. Contractors are being asked to work at unsustainable rates even as their dues remain unpaid, he said. Para said it was concerning that the council of ministers' meeting recently did not address this issue. These critical issues were not addressed in the recent Cabinet meeting. Every day of delay means worsening roads, wasted public funds and lost development opportunities, he said.

Australian patient undergoes robotic rectal cancer surgery at Delhi NCR hospital

New Delhi, Jun 24: A 45-year-old Australian man suffering from recurrent rectal cancer underwent an advanced robotic surgery at a Delhi NCR hospital that enabled doctors to remove the tumour without making surgical cuts on the abdomen. The procedure was performed at a Manesar hospital, using Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), a specialised organ-preserving technique used in select cases of early-stage rectal cancer. The patient had been battling rectal cancer for the past 18 months and had undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Australia. While the tumour initially responded to treatment, it later showed signs of recurrence. Doctors in Australia had advised surgery that would likely involve abdominal incisions and the use of a temporary stoma bag during recovery, said a statement from Fortis Hospital, where the robotic surgery was performed. A temporary stoma is an opening, created surgically, on the abdomen to redirect stool into an external pouch for a limited period, which could vary from weeks to months depending upon the case. The Australian patient subsequently travelled to India and consulted the colorectal cancer team at the hospital. After evaluation, doctors determined that he was a suitable candidate for Robotic TAMIS, a minimally invasive procedure performed through the natural anal opening. We identified him as an ideal candidate for Robotic TAMIS, which enabled us to remove the tumour with exceptional precision through a minimally invasive approach, avoiding abdominal cuts and the need for an external bag, Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, senior director, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said. Gaikwad said the patient recovered well and was discharged within two days of the procedure. The patient, identified as Samy, said he had been apprehensive about undergoing major surgery and using a temporary external bag. To undergo this advanced robotic surgery, have the tumour completely removed without a single cut on my abdomen, and be discharged in just two days feels like a miracle, he said.

PM Modi receives call from Qatars Amir after 12 Indians killed in Ras Laffan blast, thanks him for condolences

New Delhi, June 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call on Tuesday from the Amir of the State of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Qatar Amir expressed condolences over the loss of lives of Indian nationals in an accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar on June 21 and conveyed wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. PM Modi thanked him for his words of sympathy towards affected families and conveyed appreciation for providing prompt medical help to the injured. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the wellbeing and safety of their citizens and reiterated their support and solidarity with each other. While discussing the situation in West Asia, PM conveyed appreciation for Qatars positive contribution in the peace efforts and expressed hope that they would lead to lasting peace and stability in the region. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral cooperation in all areas. They agreed to remain in close touch.

LG Sinha chairs 36th University Council Meeting of SKUAST Kashmir

Mock emergency response drill held in Poonch to assess readiness of security forces

Jammu, Jun 24: A joint mock emergency response exercise was conducted in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Wednesday to strengthen preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season and the annual Buddha Amarnath yatra. The drill was organised near the S K Bridge area of Poonch town to assess the readiness and coordination of security forces and civil agencies in responding to emergencies such as flash floods, accidents and other disaster-related situations, officials said. The exercise simulated various emergency scenarios and tested the response capabilities of participating agencies, including rescue operations, evacuation procedures and inter-departmental coordination. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, Civil Defence, CRPF, Army and district police demonstrated rescue techniques and emergency response mechanisms during the drill. Authorities said the exercise formed part of broader preparedness measures being undertaken in view of the monsoon season and the forthcoming Buddha Amarnath Ji Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees to the border district every year. They said such joint exercises help identify gaps in response systems, improve coordination among agencies and enhance overall disaster management capabilities to deal with any eventuality effectively.

Amit Shah to chair 10th apex-level meeting of NCORD on June 26

New Delhi, June 24: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah will chair the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) on Friday, 26 June 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting, being organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) will play a crucial role in further strengthening the governments efforts to achieve PM Modis vision of a drug-free India. It will bring together key stakeholders from 44 Central Ministries and Departments, along with 108 representatives from State Governments and Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in hybrid mode. On the occasion, Union Home Minister will release the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029). Prepared through wide-ranging consultations with concerned Central Government Departments, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders, the Vision Document will provide a shared roadmap for addressing the demand-reduction, supply-reduction and harm-reduction aspects of the drug menace. The roadmap which envisages network centric enforcement approach, also includes the actions to be taken to meet the challenges of synthetic drugs, darknet-enabled trafficking, keeping youth away from drugs, expanding the reach of treatment and rehabilitation centres for drug users, among other measures in a coordinated and sustained manner over the next three years. This document clearly defines responsibilities, timelines and measurable targets for all stakeholders while integrating enforcement, demand reduction, rehabilitation, public awareness, capacity building, and inter-agency coordination. This Vision Document will serve as a guiding framework for policy formulation, implementation and institutional strengthening across the country to curb the menace of drugs. Amit Shah will also release NCB Annual Report- 2025 and inaugurate the newly built NCB Zonal offices in Jammu and Guwahati. The Drug Disposal Fortnight Campaign, a special drive to destroy narcotics. During the fortnight, approximately 2,09,500 kg of drugs worth 6,000 crore are expected to be destroyed across India, in accordance with the law, by various Central and State law-enforcement agencies. The meeting will provide a platform for a comprehensive review and assessment of the collective efforts undertaken by all concerned stakeholders in combating the drug menace in the country. The deliberations will enable the participating States, departments and agencies to move forward with renewed vigour and commitment towards achieving the goal of effective narcotics control. While underscoring the need for a whole-of-government approach to effectively combating the drug menace in the country, the high-level meeting will deliberate on key issues relating to effectively combat drug trafficking & drug abuse across the country over the next three years. This meeting is expected to reinforce the Governments Zero Tolerance Policy against drug trafficking in the country as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ukraine's latest long-range strikes on Russia hit major natural gas plant and satellite centres

Kyiv, Jun 24: Ukrainian forces struck a major natural gas processing plant and two key satellite communications centres in their latest nighttime attack on Russia, Ukraine's General Staff said Wednesday. The operation was part of Ukraine's aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries that has intensified as Kyiv builds bigger and better long-range weapons to defeat Russia's all-out invasion, now in its fifth year. The overnight attack hit the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant, which is part of a complex that also houses the only helium plant in Russia, the General Staff said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. The attack set the complex on fire, it said. Orenburg is located more than 1,200 kilometres behind the front line that snakes along eastern and southern Ukraine, it said. The plant is one of the largest gas complexes in the world, according to the General Staff. It produces helium, used in liquid-fuel rocket engines and guidance systems, and ethane, a key component in producing solid rocket fuel and gunpowder, among other things, it added. It was not possible to independently verify the General Staff's report, and Russian officials made no immediate comment. The Ukrainian statement did not say whether the military used drones or missiles in the assault, but drones have recently been used to strike Moscow and St. Petersburg. Overnight attacks also struck two satellite communication centres used by the Russian military, according to the General Staff. One was the Dubna Space Communications Centre near Moscow, which it described as the largest ground-based satellite communications complex in Russia, and the other was in the Vladimir region east of the Russian capital. Ukraine continues to hammer Crimea Ukraine has recently focused its drone and missile attacks on Crimea, aiming to cut off the vital Russian-held peninsula, and overnight drone strikes knocked out power in Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the city's Moscow-installed governor, said Wednesday. Ukraine is trying to disrupt military supply lines in Crimea and strike the peninsula's power grid at the height of the summer tourist season. Kyiv hopes the campaign will embarrass Russian President Vladimir Putin and increase public pressure on him to end the war, according to Western analysts. Crimea sits in a strategic location on the Black Sea. It has naval bases and also provides an important supply line to Russian forces inside Ukraine. Ukraine's Security Service said Wednesday it struck two military airfields and destroyed missile systems in Crimea. Russian forces shot down 323 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russia's Defence Ministry said. Ukraine's air force, meanwhile, said Russia launched 101 long-range attack drones overnight.

Optimised to death, remembered by none

When brands go after metrics and impressions, what is forgotten is getting into the minds of customers.

ADC Baramulla unveils official T-shirt, medal, website for Zoon Run 2026

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Baramulla, Pranjal J Hazarika, on Wednesday unveiled the official T-shirt and medal of the second edition of the Zoon Run and also launched the event's official website at a function here. The unveiling ceremony was attended by District Information Officer Baramulla Iftikhar Ahmad, Zonal Head J&K Bank Tanweer Ahmed Najar, sports enthusiasts, organisers and other stakeholders associated with the event. ADC Hazarika wished all the best to the organisers.

Mini bus plunges into gorge in J-Ks Kathua; 23 pilgrims injured

Jammu, June 24: At least 23 pilgrims were injured when a bus carrying them skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Wednesday, officials said. The pilgrims from Goran and Sumb villages of Samba were travelling to the Mata Sukrala Devi Temple in Billawar when the accident took place near Dingi Simbli on the Dhar Road, they said. Locals rushed to the spot and initiated rescue efforts, with police teams subsequently joining the operation. All the injured were shifted to hospital, where four of them were stated to be in a serious condition, the officials said.

How Indian Pharma Companies Are Strengthening Domestic Healthcare Access Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of resilient healthcare systems, reliable medicine supply chains, and accessible healthcare solutions. While the immediate healthcare emergency has passed, its impact continues to shape how healthcare is delivered and accessed across India. Improving access to medicines, promoting preventive care, and supporting everyday health needs have become important priorities for healthcare stakeholders across the country. Today, a pharma company in India is contributing not only to medicine manufacturing but also to strengthening healthcare accessibility through consumer healthcare products, expanded distribution networks, and greater focus on self-care and preventive health. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, pharmaceutical companies are playing an increasingly important role in supporting stronger healthcare systems and healthier communities. Against this backdrop, companies such as Piramal Pharma Limited continue to contribute to domestic healthcare access through a growing portfolio of trusted healthcare solutions that support consumers across different stages of their health journey. Understanding Healthcare Access in a Post-Pandemic Environment Healthcare access extends beyond hospitals and clinical treatment. It also includes the availability of medicines, self-care solutions, health information, and preventive healthcare products that help individuals manage their health effectively. In recent years, healthcare awareness has increased significantly as consumers have become more conscious of personal well-being, hygiene, immunity, and preventive care. This shift has created greater demand for accessible healthcare solutions that support everyday health management. As a result, improving healthcare accessibility remains a key priority for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the broader pharmaceutical industry. Why Domestic Healthcare Access Matters Strong healthcare systems depend on timely access to quality healthcare solutions. When consumers can access trusted medicines and healthcare products more easily, they are better equipped to address common health concerns, support preventive care, and manage long-term wellness. Improved healthcare access can also contribute to better health outcomes by encouraging earlier intervention and greater health awareness. This makes accessibility an important consideration for both healthcare systems and the healthcare pharmaceutical sector. For a pharma company in India, supporting domestic healthcare access represents an opportunity to contribute to both public health goals and community well-being. Key Ways Pharma Companies Are Improving Healthcare Access Pharmaceutical companies are supporting healthcare accessibility through several important initiatives that extend beyond traditional medicine manufacturing. One important area is the expansion of consumer healthcare portfolios that provide easier access to products supporting everyday health needs. These products help consumers address common health concerns while encouraging preventive care and self-management. Companies are also strengthening distribution networks to improve product availability across urban and semi-urban markets. Improved distribution helps ensure that consumers have access to trusted healthcare solutions when they need them. In addition, many organizations are increasing efforts to promote health awareness and encourage informed healthcare decisions. These initiatives contribute to greater understanding of preventive care, self-care, and overall well-being. Together, these efforts are helping the pharmaceutical industry support broader healthcare accessibility across India. The Growing Importance of Consumer Healthcare Consumer healthcare has become an increasingly important component of modern healthcare systems. As consumers take a more proactive approach to managing their health, demand for accessible healthcare and wellness solutions continues to grow. Consumer healthcare products support a wide range of needs, including personal hygiene, nutritional support, pain management, gastrointestinal health, and self-care. By making these solutions more widely available, pharmaceutical companies can help individuals play a more active role in maintaining their well-being. This growing emphasis on preventive care is creating new opportunities for the healthcare pharmaceutical sector to support healthcare outcomes beyond traditional treatment settings. How Piramal Pharma Limited is Contributing to Domestic Healthcare Access Piramal Pharma Limited continues to strengthen its Consumer Healthcare business through a portfolio of products that support everyday health and well-being. The company offers solutions across categories including pain management, gastrointestinal care, hygiene, skincare, vitamins and supplements, women's care, baby care, and kids' wellness. Through established consumer brands and broad market reach, Piramal Pharma Limited serves millions of consumers across India every month. By providing access to trusted healthcare and wellness solutions, the company continues to support consumers in managing a wide range of everyday healthcare needs. Its continued focus on quality, accessibility, and consumer trust reflects the broader role that a pharma company in India can play in strengthening healthcare access across communities. The Role of Healthcare and Wellness in Building Healthier Communities The growing focus on preventive care has reinforced the importance of maintaining long-term health and well-being. Consumers are increasingly seeking solutions that help them support their overall health rather than focusing solely on the treatment of illness. Access to quality healthcare and wellness products can help individuals make informed health decisions and take a more proactive approach to managing their well-being. This trend is expected to remain an important driver of growth across the healthcare pharmaceutical sector. As awareness continues to increase, healthcare and wellness solutions will play an increasingly important role in supporting healthier communities across India. The Future of Healthcare Accessibility in India India's healthcare landscape continues to evolve as healthcare providers, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry work together to improve access and strengthen healthcare outcomes. Advances in manufacturing, supply chain infrastructure, consumer healthcare, and digital engagement are creating new opportunities to make healthcare solutions more accessible to a larger population. Companies that combine quality, innovation, and accessibility will continue to play an important role in supporting these efforts. For every pharma company in India, improving healthcare access will remain an important priority as the country works toward stronger and more inclusive healthcare systems. Conclusion The growing focus on healthcare accessibility highlights the importance of collaboration across India's healthcare ecosystem. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, pharmaceutical companies will remain important partners in improving access to medicines, preventive care, and everyday health solutions. Through continued investments in consumer healthcare, product accessibility, and quality manufacturing, companies such as Piramal Pharma Limited are helping support the evolving healthcare needs of Indian consumers. As a trusted pharma company in India, Piramal Pharma Limited is contributing to the growth of the healthcare pharmaceutical sector while helping improve access to healthcare and wellness solutions across the country.

Aga Syed Mujtaba urges lifting restrictions on Ashura procession in Srinagar

Understand Hussaini thought and serve humanity, urges Aga Muntazir

Budgam MLA Aga Muntazir Mehdi said Muharram is a time to reaffirm the mission of Imam Hussain, which he described as standing firm against oppression and refusing to surrender principles before unjust power. Muntazir also reiterated his demand for the restoration of the traditional Ashura procession route, which has remained restricted for around 30 years, expressing hope that the authorities will fully revive it as they did for the 8th Muharram procession. He urged people to understand the message of Ashura and Hussaini thought and use it as a guide for serving both Islam and humanity.

UN nuclear agency boss says inspectors will visit Iran's nuclear sites under Iran-US interim deal

Tokyo, June 24: The head of the UN's nuclear agency signalled Wednesday that Iranian nuclear enrichment sites would be visited by his inspectors, a key component in the interim deal between the United States and Iran to reach an end to the war. The comment by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Mariano Grossi was the firmest yet from the United Nations agency, which is viewed as key in determining the status of Iran's nuclear stockpile. Since Israel launched a 12-day war on Iran in 2025, the IAEA has been blocked by Tehran from visiting enrichment sites where the Islamic Republic is believed to store enough highly enriched uranium to potentially build as many as 10 nuclear weapons, should it choose to rush for the bomb. Iran long has maintained that its programme is peaceful, though it is the only country in the world to have uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity without a weapons program. The US and Iran offered contradictory remarks Tuesday about whether those sites would be inspected. I can understand political statements, they are part of the reality, but the fundamental thing I would like to remind you and draw your attention to is that there has been a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by both presidents, Grossi told journalists at a news conference at the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The accord says explicitly that the nuclear activities that are going to be carried out with the regards to the nuclear material facilities will be supervised by the IAEA in all letters, he said. Grossi added: Obviously, to do that, we will have to inspect. Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it's important, but not essential. This is going to happen. Those inspections are key for the deal, which calls for Iran's stockpile of uranium to be downblended from highly enriched levels. There was no immediate reaction from Iran. On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that UN inspectors were not scheduled to examine nuclear sites bombed by the US last year, rejecting comments made a day before by US Vice President JD Vance. The IAEA has been allowed to visit other nuclear sites in Iran since the 12-day war in 2025, such as the Bushehr nuclear power plant. But without accessing the enrichment sites, the IAEA says it is unable to verify the status of Iran's stockpile or check the cascades of centrifuges used to enrich uranium. Both Iran and the IAEA say Tehran hasn't been enriching uranium, but nonproliferation experts worry that the Islamic Republic may be moving its stockpile to undeclared areas. The US and Iran agreed to a deal last week that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium and waives US-backed sanctions on the country while giving each side 60 days to hammer out broader agreements. But the uneasy ceasefire already has been tested by Iran saying it closed the strait again over fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. Violence again broke out in Lebanon on Tuesday, but it did not escalate.

Masroor Ansari seeks permission for traditional Ashura procession, thanks LG admin for reviving 8th Muharram route

Srinagar, June 24: Senior Shia cleric, Masroor Abbas Ansari, on Wednesday expressed hope that the administration would permit the traditional Ashura procession on its historic route, saying the government had already demonstrated courage by allowing the 8th Muharram procession after a gap of more than three decades. Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, Ansari said successive governments had failed to take such a decision for 35 years. We expect the present administration to take the next bold step. Previous governments could not do what this administration has done. We believe it has the courage and resolve to permit the traditional Ashura procession as well, he said. Ansari said the community wants the 10th Muharram procession to follow its historic route and culminate at Zadibal, as was the practice before restrictions were imposed decades ago. He said permission for the Ashura procession would allow mourners to exercise their constitutional rights while ensuring that the event remains peaceful and disciplined. We want to use the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to take out a peaceful procession in a disciplined manner, he said. The cleric also thanked the Lieutenant Governor-led administration for allowing the traditional 8th Muharram procession to resume on its historic route after remaining banned for 35 years. The administration and the Lieutenant Governor deserve appreciation for restoring this procession. We are grateful that devotees have once again been allowed to observe it peacefully, Ansari said. The traditional 8th Muharram procession, which passes through key areas of Srinagar city, was revived in 2023 after a ban of more than three decades. Since then, thousands of mourners have participated annually, with elaborate security and administrative arrangements put in place for its smooth conduct. The demand for the restoration of the traditional Ashura procession route has remained a long-standing issue for the Shia community, which has repeatedly sought permission for the 10th Muharram procession to follow its pre-ban route through the city.

IGP Kashmir says elaborate security arrangements are in place for Muharram observances

India slams Pakistan for 'unwarranted' remarks on J&K at UNSC meeting

United Nations, June 24: India slammed Pakistan for making unwarranted remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at an informal UN Security Council meeting organised by Beijing and Islamabad, asserting that the union territory is a matter strictly internal to the country. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, made the remarks on Tuesday at an Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council on 'Bridging the Implementation Gap: Security Council Resolutions and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security'. I also refer to the unwarranted remarks made by the representative of Pakistan. It is incredible that a co-chair expected to be balanced and unbiased in conduct has chosen to politicise this forum, Harish said. I would only like to stress, for brevity of time, that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a matter strictly internal to India. It has always been, is, and will remain so, he said. Harish's remarks came after Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, raised the Jammu and Kashmir issue during his intervention at the meeting, which was organised by the Permanent Missions of Pakistan and China to the United Nations. Pakistan is currently serving an elected two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2025 and 2026. India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of the country. Relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained over the Kashmir issue, with New Delhi firmly rejecting any third-party mediation and maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter. Arria-formula meetings are informal and confidential gatherings that allow Security Council members and invited participants to exchange views in a flexible setting. The format is named after former Venezuelan ambassador Diego Arria, who initiated the practice in 1992. Elaborating on the broader subject under discussion, Harish said the UN Security Council is entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security and that the UN Charter provides distinct mechanisms for addressing conflicts under Chapters VI and VII. He noted that these two Chapters are distinct in nature and their applicability varies. Harish said Chapter VII measures are aimed at maintenance or restoration of international peace and security in situations involving threats to peace, breaches of peace and acts of aggression, and their non-implementation could lead to serious consequences. Chapter VI, the envoy said, is fundamentally different and offers a wide-ranging set of options to deal with situations whose continuance is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security. The proposed tools that could be considered include negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration after taking into account any procedures that may have already been adopted bilaterally by the parties concerned. These interventions are drawn up in order to address the prevailing realities and do not have perpetual validity. They warrant a review in accordance with changing circumstances and contexts, Harish said. Multi-decadal issues on the UNSC agenda offer valuable lessons in this regard. A case in point is the Palestine issue, wherein a defining feature is the constant churn of mediation frameworks in tune with the changing circumstances of the conflict. There exists an undeniable case for reviewing outdated mediation frameworks. Any assumption of the perpetual applicability of a Chapter VI mediation intervention is erroneous to say the least, he said. India also underlined that, as member states undertake reviews of UN General Assembly mandates under the UN80 initiative to improve efficiency, there is no reason why Security Council mandates should remain outside the scope of such reviews. India has long been pressing for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded Security Council, contending that the current structure of the 15-member body is outdated and does not adequately reflect contemporary global realities. New Delhi's candidature has received backing from a growing number of countries, including several European nations, as well as the other members of the G4 grouping Brazil, Germany and Japan. UNSC comprises five permanent members -- China, France, Russia, the UK and the US -- and 10 non-permanent members, including India, elected for two-year terms.

All arrangements for Muharram, Amarnath Yatra are in place; events will be held smoothly : DC Srinagar