Opinion

J&K Must Move Beyond Filming Location, Tell Its Own Stories: CM Omar

NC still stuck in 1931, out of touch with what people want today: Naeem Akhtar

IGP Kashmir reviews security landscape, counter-terrorism grid in Kulgam and Shopian

Srinagar, Sep 10: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar today visited twin districts of South Kashmir including Kulgam and Shopian to comprehensively assess the security landscape, counter terrorism grid, crime mitigation efforts, and general law & order scenario. On his visit, IGP Kashmir was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range Javed Iqbal Mattoo. During the visit, IGP Kashmir chaired security and crime review meetings in both districts, attended by respective Senior Superintendents of Police along with other senior and jurisdictional gazetted police officers. The SSsP of Kulgam and Shopian presented comprehensive briefings outlining the prevailing security situation, status of anti terror operations, counter insurgency grids, crime prevention strategies, and steps taken to uphold public order. Reviewing operational preparedness, Sujit Kumar emphasized the imperative need for robust, proactive intelligence gathering, close inter agency coordination, and swift, decisive responses to neutralize emerging security challenges. Sujit Kumar instructed field formations to sustain pressure on terrorist ecosystems and maintain zero tolerance against inimical elements attempting to disturb peace and public order. As part of the tour, IGP Kashmir also visited rural Sub-Division D.H. Pora in district Kulgam, where he held an interactive session with local jurisdictional supervisory officers, station house officers, and jawans of Special Operations Group.

Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project head meets Director NHPC, briefs him on key developments

Srinagar, Sep 10: Head of Project (HOP), Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project, Satnam Singh met Director (Personnel), NHPC, Paresh Rasiklal Ranpara, in Jammu on Thursday and briefed him on significant developments in the progress of flagship project. The Sawalkot HE Project, set to become the largest hydropower utility in Jammu & Kashmir, took a major step forward with the opening of the much-awaited technical bid for its main construction works, worth Rs 5,129 crore, on September 9, 2026. Ranpara, who concluded his three-day visit to the Jammu region on Thursday, reviewed several projects being executed by NHPC on standalone basis and with NHPC-led joint venture, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL). In a meeting held at NHPC's Regional Office in Jammu, the HOP briefed Ranpara on key developments and progress made on the project, while flagging pertinent issues requiring consideration of NHPC management and redressal on priority. Ranpara assured full support on the merits and cooperation of higher management for the progress of project going forward. A brief one-on-one meeting followed, during which Singh discussed the broader energy landscape as well as project-specific matters, in a cordial and constructive exchange. On behalf of the project, Singh felicitated Ranpara with a specially designed Sawalkot Project memento and extended his invitation to visit the Sawalkot project headquarters.

Amit Shah chairs 3rd Governing Body meeting of NIDM, calls for disaster-resilient villages and cities amid climate change

New Delhi, Sep 10: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today chaired the third meeting of the Governing Body of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, Member and Head of Department of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Executive Director of NIDM, and senior officials from several Central Ministries and State Governments. Addressing the meeting, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi there has been a comprehensive transformation in both the approach and methodology of disaster management over the last 12 years. The Modi Government has completely transformed the entire disaster management system, set the goal of Zero Casualty and taken the country towards achieving this objective. We have also successfully faced several disasters with Zero Casualty, which is a major achievement. Shah said that earlier disasters were viewed only from the perspective of relief and rehabilitation. Today, we have entered a new era based on three pillars - risk reduction, early warning systems and Zero Casualty. This is a matter of pride for all of us. He said that in this direction, the Whole of Government approach is increasingly becoming an integral part of our work culture. Whenever a disaster occurs, all government departments actively respond. Now, with the strength of new research, we should take this process forward with greater speed and ensure continuous monitoring. Just as a Whole of Government approach has been adopted in dealing with disasters, we must also move forward with a Whole of Government approach to further strengthen the disaster management system. Union Home Minister said that along with the transformation in the approach to disaster management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also laid special emphasis on environmental protection. He said that ultimately environmental protection is the most effective means of preventing disasters. Environmental protection, risk reduction, resilience and a broad national vision are enabling India to gradually emerge as a model for the world. Initiatives such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), Pro-Planet People and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) are making an important contribution to disaster prevention. Shri Shah said that the Zero Casualty approach should not be applied only at the site of a disaster. Zero Casualty can also be achieved by preventing disasters from occurring in the first place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a safe and balanced world, going beyond the conventional approach of world leaders. Amit Shah said that there was a time when the predecessor of NIDM, the National Centre for Disaster Management was lying almost inactive in a corner of Krishi Bhawan. However, in 2003, the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took the historic decision to give it a new lease of life. Keeping in view the wide scope of the subject and the need for coordination among various agencies, it was decided to bring the institution under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has played a significant role in revitalizing the institution. NIDM has emerged in its present form with a transformed and strengthened role before the country. Union Home Minister said that the relevance and significance of both NIDM and NDMA are going to increase further in the coming days. The number of disasters is likely to increase due to global warming and climate change. At the same time, new types of disasters may also emerge due to new applications of science and their expanding areas of use. Keeping all these aspects in mind, the two institutions share responsibilities ranging from policy-making to training and implementation. In some areas, both institutions are also working together. Amit Shah directed all stakeholders to constitute a dedicated cell in their respective departments for implementation of the agenda. He said that departmental heads should conduct a review meeting of the cell at least once every three months and accord priority to this subject. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that NDMA and NIDM should study research being undertaken across the world in the field of disaster management and make efforts to implement its findings in India in accordance with local requirements. The Department of Agriculture should focus on permanent preparedness to deal with locust swarm attacks originating from the Pakistan side. He said that the best practices being adopted in other countries to deal with such attacks should be implemented in India. Shah added that seriousness should be ensured in disaster management training and priority should be given to those who are genuinely committed to the subject in disaster management training programmes. Union Home Minister said that NIDM and NDMA should jointly issue guidelines for the entire country. These guidelines should clearly specify what should and should not be done in the event of each type of disaster and how it should be done. NIDM should undertake the training component while the NDRF, State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) and other concerned agencies should work together to implement these guidelines on the ground. Amit Shah said that it is extremely important to prepare a document, through research, identifying the causes of disasters. Effective prevention and rescue measures can be developed on this basis. After every disaster, a joint team of NDMA and NIDM should be constituted, including the NDRF and SDRF. These four institutions should jointly study the causes of the damage and prepare a detailed report. Amit Shah said that NIDM has emerged as a national centre for research, innovation, policy support, training and departmental cooperation. We need to further strengthen these four pillars and explore new horizons. There are still unexplored areas in research, innovation, training, policy support and departmental cooperation that we should seek to address in the coming days. He said that NIDM has already taken steps in this direction. There is a need to take knowledge and best practices beyond departmental silos. In the coming days we must develop the habit of working in a coordinated manner, rising above departmental boundaries. Union Home Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that the distribution of disaster funds should also be carried out through a scientific process. The allocation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has increased nearly fourfold, while the allocation under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) has increased nearly threefold. Around 2.5 lakh crore has been spent in this sector over the last 11 years, which is a major achievement. The Disaster Management Act was amended after 20 years. The concept of Urban Disaster Management Authorities was introduced and such authorities have also been established. The process of creating digital disaster databases at the national and state levels has begun. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) has been accorded statutory status. In addition, the 16th Finance Commission has provided for 2 lakh crore for this period. Amit Shah said that the mobile application that has been developed needs to be widely promoted through primary, secondary and higher education. The Government is making every possible effort to strengthen NIDM. Recently, four acres of land have also been allocated for the institution. NIDM is working towards developing itself as a world-class model institution, and both its campuses are functioning smoothly. Shri Shah said that while enhancing international cooperation is undoubtedly commendable, our priority must continue to focus on the five lakh villages of the country. Keeping this priority in mind, there should be no objection to learning as much as possible from the world and enabling the world to learn as much as possible from us. He stated that the Modi government's goal is to create disaster-resilient villages and cities, and we must move forward by prioritizing this objective. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that a provision should be made for at least one top-level meeting of NIDM to be held every year so that the meetings are meaningful and outcome-oriented and effective implementation of the decisions taken is ensured. He said that through this institution, we must transform knowledge into capacity, capacity into preparedness and preparedness into outcomes, so that together we can achieve the goal of Zero Casualty.

IIPA J&K Holds Annual Inter-College Debate in KU on Food Adulteration as Public Health Challenge

Union Minister reviews preparations for Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 with States, UTs

New Delhi, Sep 10: The meeting reviewed preparations for the nationwide campaign, which will be observed from 17th September to 17th October 2026. This years theme, Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat, underlines the role of cUnion Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal, today chaired a high-level meeting with State Urban Development Ministers, Principal Secretaries, Urban Development and State Mission Directors to review the preparedness of States and Union Territories for Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026.ollective participation and shared responsibility in advancing the vision of a Swachh and Viksit Bharat. The key focus areas of SHS 2026 include transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and high-footfall public places; Swachh Paathshala -Yuva for Swachhata; SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs; Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata; and Swachhata se Samriddhi, with a focus on circular economy and Waste-to-Wealth initiatives. During the meeting, States/UTs were briefed on the key focus areas of the campaign and the need to undertake coordinated action across the nation. Emphasis was laid on ensuring extensive citizen participation, effective implementation at the local level and visible cleanliness outcomes during the campaign period. States Departments should take a lead in ensuring cleanliness drives across each office premises, tourist spots and water bodies. In his remarks, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, called upon Citizens to begin the Swachchata hi Seva campaign from their own homes on 17th September. He urged citizens to clean their homes themselves, and thereafter light a Diya in their homes in the evening, symbolising a clean home, healthy family and positive energy; while also representing a commitment to sustain the cleanliness achieved. He said that the campaign should be taken forward in the spirit of Seva Sankalp, with the objective of making cleanliness a sustained people-led commitment rather than a month-long activity. Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister said that the campaign begins on 17 September, the Prime Ministers birthday, and seeks to connect his spirit of service and resolve with the cause of cleanliness. Recalling the Prime Ministers message in Mann Ki Baat, Manohar Lal said that when keeping a place clean becomes the resolve of its people, the change goes beyond cleanliness and transforms the very identity of that place. He emphasised that the endeavour should therefore be to make Swachhata a collective resolve of citizens. The Minister emphasized that 25th September, the birthday of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, should mark cleanliness drives across all segments of society, with particular focus on inclusivity and social welfare. In particular, States were urged to undertake extensive planning and advocacy activities leading up to 1st October, for nation-wide Shramdaan for Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath, where State Education and Sports Departments were asked to engage youth and sportspersons for Swachchata activities at scale. The Minister appealed to all Ministers, MPs/MLAs, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Ward Councillors, Commissioners, Eminent personalities of each State to lead this nation-wide Shramdaan from their respective areas/constituencies and ensure mass mobilisation for the same. He also urged all municipalities to engage Residential Societies and RWAs by organising inter-ward and inter- RWA Swachchata Competitions to further bolster their efforts, and promote key Swachchata messaging in prominent RWA locations. On 2nd October, or Swachch Bharat Diwas, Special Council meetings and special cleanliness drives would be organised by the ULBs at Public places to share the message of Mahatma Gandhi, and conduct advocacy drives on Solid Waste Management Rules. In addition, tree plantation activities would be conducted under Ek Ped Maa ke Naam. The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring the welfare, safety and recognition of sanitation workers through SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs, including linkages with eligible welfare schemes, preventive health check-ups and provision of safety gear. It was emphasized that these Shivirs be organised recurrently across the year for maximum impact. The Minister further urged States to organise Special Swachchata Programmes on 7th October, to mark the completion of Honble PMs 25 years of Public Service. States/UTs were also advised to undertake effective and innovative advocacy and outreach with Jan Bhaagidaari, sports events, playing spiritual/soulful songs and Swachchata Anthems, around SHS 2026 and ensure regular reporting of activities undertaken during the campaign; and take pro-active measures to ensure that the Campaign translates to measurable outcomes on the ground and strong behaviour change in every citizen of the Nation. While the campaign officially ends on 17Th October, States were urged to carry the Swachchata momentum forward throughout the year.

Tourist vehicle crashes into oil tanker on Jammu-Srinagar highway, rescue underway

ACB arrests ASI for accepting bribe in Reasi

Jammu, Sep 10: The Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully trapped and arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Talib Hussain, stationed at Police Post Talwara in District Reasi, in a bribery case, officials said. They said a case under FIR No. 08/2026, Section 07 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered against the accused public servant at the ACB Police Station in Udhampur. ASI Hussain, acting as the Investigating Officer (I.O.), demanded illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for presenting a charge sheet (challan) against accused individuals in a court of law. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB to seek legal action. Upon receiving the complaint, the Bureau conducted a discreet verification that corroborated the officer's demand for a bribe. Subsequently, a specialized trap team led by an officer of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP) rank was constituted. During the operation, the ACB team successfully caught ASI Talib Hussain red-handed while he was demanding and accepting a bribe amount of Rs. 5,000 from the complainant. The arrest was executed on the spot in accordance with due legal process. The bribe money was recovered directly from the accused's possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team.. Further investigation into the case is currently ongoing, officials said and added, The incident marks the second successful trap operation laid by the ACB at Police Post Talwara, District Reasi, in the year 2026.

CM Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah attend IFFJK concluding event

PM Modi lauds ISRO, its scientists for India's space success and global recognition

New Delhi, Sep 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday heaped praise on the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its contribution to the country's space journey, saying the global trust in the agency is the result of the dedication and hard work of generations of scientists, engineers and technicians. The prime minister's commendation of ISRO and its scientists came days after nine employee associations of the agency wrote to its chairman seeking an official clarification on the proposed transfer of its manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. The associations, in the letter dated September 4, also raised questions about ISRO's future role and the consequences for serving employees and future recruitment. Virtually addressing the first International Space Summit, being held in Paris, PM Modi said ISRO, which stands at the heart of India's space research journey, has earned global admiration for its excellence and cost-effective missions. He said ISRO's capabilities serve farmers and fishermen, weather forecasting, disaster management and navigation, and more than 430 satellites from 34 countries have travelled to space aboard Indian rockets. ISRO's technologies and partnerships serve not only India, but the wider world. Behind this global trust is the dedication and hard work of generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians. Working day and night, they have built ISRO's global reputation mission by mission, success by success, and given India a place of pride among spacefaring nations, he said. Modi said Chandrayaan-3 made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole and the Aditya-L1 is unlocking the secrets of the Sun. Last year, an Indian visited the International Space Station. Looking ahead, we aim to establish an Indian space station by 2035 and send an Indian to the Moon by 2040. In all these efforts, our guiding principle has been clear: their benefits must reach all humanity, he said. The prime minister also said that alongside ISRO, India's private space sector is also surging in a big way. The energy of enterprise is joining the excellence of ISRO, he said.

J&K International Film Festival preview committee reviews 135 films ahead of first edition

SC seeks response of Centre on PIL seeking safeguards for minors accessing social media

New Delhi, Sep 10: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought responses from the Union ministries of electronics and information technology as well as law and justice on a plea seeking safeguards for minors accessing social media and to ensure no such platform enters into a contract with a child below 18 years of age. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to the two ministries on the plea filed by NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance. We need some safeguards in India, the bench said after taking note of brief submissions by senior advocate HS Phoolka, who appeared for the NGO. The plea seeking directions to the Centre to take appropriate steps to inform the digital platforms including social media intermediaries that any contract entered into by them with any child below the age of eighteen years is void ab-initio (invalid from the moment of creation) and that any steps taken in furtherance thereof shall be immediately suspended. The plea sought enforcement and protection of the fundamental rights of children below 18, who, despite their statutory incapacity to contract under Section 11 of the Indian Contract Act are currently permitted to independently create and maintain accounts and access social media and other digital platforms without an effective, uniform and enforceable mechanism to safeguard their legal incapacity and constitutional rights in the digital environment. The plea said it is a settled principle of law that a minor lacks contractual capacity and that a contract entered into by a minor is invalid at the outset. The continued exposure of children to contractual and data-driven digital ecosystems without meaningful age-assurance and parental safeguards is not a mere regulatory deficiency, but raises grave constitutional concerns, exposing a particularly vulnerable class to foreseeable and serious harms, including online grooming, sexual exploitation, trafficking, behavioural manipulation and profiling, misuse of personal data, cyberbullying and exposure to age-inappropriate content, it said. Such unregulated exposure threatens the childs right to life, dignity, privacy, safety, healthy development and overall well-being, and consequently calls for an urgent judicial intervention to ensure that the digital environment does not become a domain where the statutory and constitutional protection accorded to children is rendered illusory, it said. The petition contended that despite strict penal provisions prohibiting the dissemination and storage of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material, internet platforms have failed to deploy automated content-filtering tools and age-verification mechanisms. The plea contended that platforms such as Facebook and Snapchat (India) permit users to create accounts from the age of 13 while Indian law treats persons below 18 as minors. The PIL, filed through advocate-on record Sakthom Meheshwari, sought directions to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, or frame specific guidelines, to ensure that no digital platform enters into a contract with a child below 18 without the consent of the parent or lawful guardian, subject to identity verification/e-KYC of the parent or guardian. Issue a writ, order or direction, directing respondent to issue guideline/advisories to digital platform(s) including social media intermediaries mandating that, wherever a minor is permitted to access or use any digital platform(s), such access or use shall be subject to a legally recognised mechanism of parental or lawful guardian involvement, including verification/e-KYC of the identity and authority of the parent or guardian, commensurate with the nature and risk of the service, it said.

Omar on Vande Mataram row: We have to fulfil our legal and statutory obligations

Omar defends Tanvir, says Vande Mataram compliance is statutory

Srinagar, Sep 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday defended his party colleague and chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq over his remarks on poverty in Kashmir, while saying that the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at government functions was now a statutory obligation. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah also said he hoped the festival would pave the way for more film shoots in the region and create new employment opportunities for local youth. On the prospects of films being shot in Kashmir, Abdullah said the development would boost tourism while opening up jobs for young people. Hopefully, films will be shot here. It will certainly give a boost to tourism, but it can also start a new process of employment here, he said. Abdullah said the government wanted local youth to acquire skills that could help them find work in the film industry. I said on the very first day that our effort is that our local boys and girls should take courses in camera work, production and other such areas, so that when films are shot here, they get an opportunity to work in them, he said. The Chief Minister was also asked about a protest by Kashmiri Pandit employees over accommodation. Which Kashmiri Pandit is without accommodation? Abdullah asked, asserting that not a single one of them is homeless. Wherever accommodation has been made available, it has been allotted to them. So which Kashmiri Pandit employee is without accommodation? he said. If there is even one or two people who need accommodation, tell us. Everyone else has been allotted accommodation, Abdullah added. On the controversy over the singing of the complete version of Vande Mataram at the film festival, amid objections from Congress leaders, Abdullah said the government was bound by law. Either they should have stopped this in Parliament. But the law has been made, he said. He argued that the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, governors and the Acting Chief Justice at a government function meant that the national anthem would necessarily be played, and said the legal framework now also covered the national song. This is not just for Jammu and Kashmir; it is across the country. Wherever there are Congress governments, this will also happen at government functions, Abdullah said. If it does not happen, those who do not stand can face legal action. So what does Congress want? That Kashmiris should be put in jail on this pretext? he asked. Abdullah, however, made it clear that the National Conference's position on Vande Mataram as a party remained unchanged. As a party, we have never adopted Vande Mataram and we will not adopt it in the future either. But we have to fulfil our legal and statutory obligations, he said. He added that if the Congress disagreed with the law, it could repeal it if it returned to power at the Centre. Turning to the controversy over remarks by Tanvir Sadiq on poverty among Kashmiris in the past, Abdullah rejected calls for an apology or clarification. What did Tanvir say that was historically incorrect? Walter Lawrence wrote about it in his book, Abdullah said. He said several historians had written about the poverty and exploitation prevalent in Kashmir under the old agrarian system. And this is not the first time Tanvir has said this. Hardly any senior National Conference leader, from our president to the general secretary and others, has not spoken about a time when Kashmiris were so poor that they had to borrow a pajama from the mosque to come into the city, he said. This is not Tanvir's own thinking. It is a historical fact, Abdullah said. He said Sadiq's intention had been to highlight how Kashmir had emerged from that poverty and progressed to a point where families could educate their children and produce doctors and engineers. So the BJP and PDP are playing the same game together. They take up one common issue and run with it. They have a common agenda, Abdullah alleged. Tanvir does not need to apologise for this. Nor does he need to give any clarification. There is no need for anyone in my party to apologise over this. Tanvir has said nothing wrong, he said. On the BRICS summit scheduled in Delhi, Abdullah said he would wait to see how the meeting develops, while noting the participation of countries including Russia, China, South Africa and Brazil. On the J&K Cabinet meeting, Abdullah said the government would continue its regular business. We hold at least one Cabinet meeting every month. The governance agenda cannot stop, he said, adding that there would be nothing earth-shattering in the meeting.

Omar Abdullah says Kashmir film festival could open new employment opportunities through film shoots

Coxon's kill us all warning joined by six more AI insiders over four days

Srinagar, Sep 10: Former Anthropic and OpenAI researcher Jacob Coxon's warning that people building advanced artificial intelligence earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade has been joined by six other current and former researchers from leading AI laboratories, with seven people in all voicing serious concerns about the risks of AI over the past four days. Coxon, who announced his resignation from Anthropic two days ago after three years of pretraining research at OpenAI and Anthropic, warned that the companies developing increasingly powerful AI systems were racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives. Since then, or around the same four-day period, researchers and former researchers from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google DeepMind have made their own stark assessments, ranging from the possibility of human extinction to fears that AI development is advancing at a pace that leaves humanity little room for error. Evan Hubinger, Anthropic's alignment science lead, directly endorsed Coxon's warning. Jacob is correct herewe really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans! Hubinger wrote. Samuel Marks, Anthropic's scalable oversight lead, offered another stark assessment of the risks perceived by people working in AI. AI developers believe their technology could cause human extinction (or similarly bad outcomes), Marks wrote. This could happen in the next few years. Former Google DeepMind research scientist Alex Turner also backed Coxon's assessment. I left Google DeepMind in June. Jacob is right: many researchers believe they are building something that could kill everyone on the planet, Turner wrote. It was literally my day job to think about how to stop that. The warnings are not confined to former employees or researchers who have left the companies. OpenAI chief scientist Jakub Pachocki called for extreme caution as machine intelligence continues to advance. This is a time that calls for extreme caution, Pachocki wrote. I am concerned no one is prepared for the consequences of a continued rapid rise in machine intelligence. OpenAI researcher Jason Wolfe similarly warned of a range of potentially disastrous outcomes, while stopping short of assigning a probability to extinction. I don't know what my probabilities are on literal extinction, but I think there are a number of ways AI could go poorly for humanity, Wolfe wrote. At the current frankly terrifying pace humanity will be quite lucky if we manage to find and stay on the narrow path between all the bad outcomes. Former Google DeepMind senior research scientist Jonathan Richard Schwarz raised concerns about another consequence of the AI race the concentration of technological power. I left DeepMind after 7 years (and since rejected offers to join the other two) due to severe concerns about the concentration of power these labs represent, Schwarz wrote. What is currently happening in this field is deeply unhealthy for society. The seven warnings, including Coxon's, have emerged over a period of just four days from people with direct experience of some of the world's leading frontier AI laboratories. Their concerns are not identical. Coxon has focused on the possibility of self-improving superintelligence and an AI race that he believes is moving too quickly. Hubinger and Marks have explicitly raised the prospect of extinction, while Pachocki and Wolfe have warned about the consequences of rapid advances in machine intelligence. Schwarz has highlighted the concentration of power within the industry.

Suspense Over: Chinese President Xi to Visit India for BRICS Summit

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said

Iran-backed Houthis seize Al-Makha, close in on strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait in Red Sea

Srinagar, Sep 10: The situation in the war-torn Middle East continues to deteriorate as Iran-backed Houthis, in the latest development, have taken control of the strategic Red Sea city of Al-Makha and, making matters even worse, are closing in on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the most important straits in the world, Reuters news agency reported, citing three unnamed Yemeni government sources. There was no official confirmation from the internationally recognised government, the news agenecy reported. Citing unnamed sources, Reuters reported that t he Houthis are nearing complete control of other coastal cities that sit directly along the strait as they push to take over the whole Yemeni Red Sea coast. Pertinantly, over the past week, fighting has escalated across Yemen, spilling beyond the countrys border into Saudi Arabia, where the Iran-backed group has targeted oil installations and wounded dozens of people.

Assets worth over Rs 6.22 crore attached in six NDPS cases: Srinagar Police

Srinagar, Sep 10: Intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking and the financial networks of narcotics offenders, Srinagar Police has attached and frozen immovable assets worth Rs 6.22 crore acquired from the proceeds of illicit narcotics activities in six separate NDPS cases, officials said on Thursday. In a press statement, an official spokesperson said that t he properties, attached or frozen under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, 1985, include residential houses and land located in different parts of Srinagar, police said. In the latest action, Police Station Nigeen attached an immovable property comprising a double-storeyed residential house along with land, valued at approximately Rs 1.10 crore, at Danihama, Hazratbal, the statement said. The property belongs to Mubashir Ashiq Teeli, son of Ashiq Hussain Teeli, a resident of Saderbal, Hazratbal, presently at Danihama, Hazratbal, and was attached under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act in connection with FIR No. 24/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Nigeen, it said. During investigation, the spokesperson said, the property was identified as illegally acquired and linked to proceeds of drug trafficking activities, following which the competent authority ordered its attachment in accordance with law. In another action, Police Station Zakura attached an immovable property comprising a residential house and land, valued at approximately Rs 1.14 crore, at Mulphaq Abu Baker Colony, Hazratbal. The property belongs to Zubair Ahmad Rather, son of Mohd Shaban Rather, a resident of Lariyal, Tral, presently residing at Abu Baker Colony, Mulphaq, and is linked to FIR No. 44/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Zakura. Police said the property was identified during investigation as illegally acquired and linked to proceeds of drug trafficking. The attachment was carried out under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Earlier, Police Station Shalteng froze an immovable property valued at approximately Rs 1 crore belonging to accused Mohd Altaf Dar, son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dilawar Colony, Mujgund, Srinagar, during investigation of FIR No. 76/2025 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act. The property comprises a single-storey residential house along with 11.5 marlas of land and was frozen under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act after being found to have been acquired from the proceeds of illicit drug trafficking. In another major action, Police Station Ahmad Nagar attached an immovable property valued at approximately Rs 2.2 crore belonging to accused Owais Ahmad Mir, son of Ghulam Hassan Mir, a resident of Baghaat Shoora, Srinagar. The property comprises a double-storey residential house, including a hall on the second floor, along with approximately 10 marlas of land at Baghaat Shoora. It was attached under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act following confirmation by the Competent Authority, SAFEMA, Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, New Delhi. Police said investigation established that the property had been acquired through proceeds of illicit narcotics trafficking. Meanwhile, Police Station Lal Bazar attached a drug-linked immovable property comprising a double-storey residential house along with 3.5 marlas of land, having an estimated market value of more than Rs 35 lakh. The property belongs to Waseem Ahmad Langoo, son of Farooq Ahmad Langoo, a resident of Sheikh Colony, Lal Bazar, and is linked to FIR No. 52/2023 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act. The property was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act after investigation established that it was liable for attachment under the relevant provisions of law, police said. Police Station Shalteng also froze another immovable property belonging to accused Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Panzinara, Srinagar, during investigation of FIR No. 87/2025 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act. The property comprises a single-storey residential house along with six marlas of land, valued at approximately Rs 43 lakh. It was frozen under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act after being found to have been acquired from the proceeds of illicit drug trafficking. Police said that the latest actions---carried out by Police Stations Nigeen and Zakura, along with earlier property attachment/freezing proceedings by Police Stations Shalteng, Ahmad Nagar and Lal Bazar--- reaffirm Srinagar Polices commitment to dismantling not only the operational networks of drug traffickers but also the financial infrastructure that sustains the illicit narcotics trade. With these actions, Srinagar Police has attached or frozen immovable properties collectively valued at over Rs 6.22 crore in six separate NDPS cases. The sustained action reflects the zero-tolerance approach of Srinagar Police towards drug trafficking and its efforts to target the financial networks supporting narcotics activities, police said. Srinagar Police reiterated that stringent legal action will continue against drug peddlers, traffickers and their associates, including identification, attachment and freezing of movable and immovable properties acquired from the proceeds of illicit narcotics activities, strictly in accordance with law.

Civil Society Shopian demands upgradation of District Hospital, warns of indefinite hunger strike

NHM employees begin 72-hour strike; talks with govt remain inconclusive

Security forces launch cordon-and-search operation in Batamaloo, Srinagar

SC notice to Centre on PIL seeking uniform, time-bound probe for child kidnapping cases

New Delhi, Sep 10: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought a response from the Centre and the states on a PIL seeking a uniform nationwide mechanism for the investigation of kidnapping and abduction cases involving children, including time-bound probes, specialised investigating procedures and dedicated courts for speedy trials. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to the Centre, the states, Union Territories, Union ministries of Education, Law and Justice and Home Affairs, and the Law Commission on the plea filed by advocate and petitioner Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay. The petition, filed through advocate-on-record Ashwani Kumar Dubey, referred to systemic failures in the handling of cases involving missing, kidnapped and abducted children and seeks judicial intervention to ensure prompt and coordinated action by investigating agencies.

JMC demolishes 20 shops at Satwari Chowk, shopkeepers allege no prior notice

Jammu, Sep 10: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Thursday demolished around 20 shops at Satwari Chowk, triggering anger among shopkeepers who alleged that the decades-old commercial establishments were demolished without any prior information or notification. The shops, according to the affected shopkeepers, had been operating at the location for around 50 years, with the occupants claiming that they had been regularly paying monthly rent to the municipal authorities. Angry shopkeepers alleged that the demolition was carried out without giving them adequate notice or information, leaving them with little opportunity to remove their belongings or make alternative arrangements. The action comes against the backdrop of the long-pending issue of rehabilitation of shopkeepers affected by development works in the Satwari area. The UT Cabinet had earlier approved a rehabilitation and resettlement scheme for shopkeepers and open-space kiosks affected by road widening at Nai Basti, Satwari Chowk. A JMC official, however, said that the affected shopkeepers would be relocated to another site within six months. The assurance has failed to convince the affected traders, who termed the claim a white lie, saying they had heard assurances of rehabilitation earlier as well but continued to face uncertainty over their livelihood. The issue of rehabilitation of Satwari shopkeepers has been raised repeatedly by traders' bodies. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has previously stated that affected shopkeepers had been paying rent to the municipal authorities and had sought alternate sites and rehabilitation. [KNT]

Bus driver found dead inside vehicle in Budgams Magam

Magam, Sep 10: A 47-year-old bus driver was found dead inside his bus near Jamkash Vehicles in the Chichlora area of Magam in Budgam district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that the driver was found unconscious inside his bus near Jamkash Vehicles at Chichlora along the Narbal-Tangmarg Road. The official said he was soon shifted to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead on arrival. The deceased was later identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh (47), a resident of Gamroo, Bandipora. Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated in the matter. (KNO)

Jammu NCB tracks down, re-arrests escaped drug peddler from Punjab

Jammu, Sept 10: The Jammu unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau has re-arrested a drug peddler who had escaped from its custody three days ago, an official said on Thursday. The accused was arrested in Punjab's Jalandhar in a coordinated operation by the agency, J-K Police and Punjab Police, an NCB spokesperson said. Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama district, escaped from NCBs custody in Narwal on the intervening night of September 6-7. The NCB had earlier arrested him with 522 grams of heroin from a passenger bus in Samba district on September 3. The NCB, in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, has successfully traced and re-arrested Bashir, a notorious drug trafficker who had fled from the NCBs custody in Jammu, the spokesman said. After fleeing from Jammu, he said the accused reached Jalandhar via Pathankot. He initially hid in a forest area near the Narwal fruit mandi. To conceal his identity, he clean-shaved, changed his clothes and altered his appearance, he said. The accused used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Intelligence inputs and field efforts helped the agencies track his location. Bashir was arrested when he was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state, the spokesman said. Bashirs arrest was part of a month-long operation by the NCB in the Jammu division, which exposed two distinct routes used by narcotic smugglers to push heroin into J-K from Pakistan through the Uri sector and indirectly via Punjab. In four interceptions carried out over the past month, along with a linked recovery in Punjab, the NCB has seized 6.920 kg of heroin and arrested six accused.

Apples first foldable iPhone, iPhone Duo, to be available for Rs 2.99 lakh from Oct 23

New Delhi, Sep 10: US smart devices major Apple on Wednesday unveiled its first-ever foldable smartphone iPhone Duo -- the most expensive mobile phone from the company's stable, which will be available in India from October 23 at a starting price of around Rs 3 lakh apiece, according to the company statement. iPhone Duo is available in star white and night sky, and starts at Rs 2,99,900 in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities. Customers in more than 70 countries and regions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India...will be able to pre-order iPhone Duo beginning at 5 a.m. PT on Friday, October 16, with availability beginning Friday, October 23, the statement said. The new edition of ultra premium iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in India from September 18 at starting price of Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,79,900 respectively, according to the statement. Phone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in four colours- black, silver, glacier, and an all-new burgundy. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities. Available in burgundy, glacier, silver, and black, iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900 and iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900, the company said in a statement. The pre-booking of iPhone 18 series will start from September 12 across 65 countries including India. Customers in more than 65 countries and regions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India...will be able to pre-order iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max beginning at 5 a.m. PT this Saturday, September 12, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, the statement said. Apple has been posting record performance in India. Apples revenue in India is estimated to have crossed USD 10 billion due to record shipments of iPhone in FY26. In Indian rupee terms, it was somewhere close to the Rs 1 lakh crore revenue mark. According to Counterpoint research, Apple's iPhone shipments for FY26 grew to 14 million units, up 24 per cent year-on-year. The iPhone accounts for the majority of Apple's revenue in India.

16 sheep killed, 17 injured in leopard attack in Chadoora Budgam

Budgam, Sep 10: Sixteen sheep were killed and 17 others injured after a leopard attacked a flock in the Chadoora area of Budgam district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Imtiyaz Ahmad Chopan, owner of the flock, said that he believed a leopard had attacked his sheep, though the animals identity is yet to be confirmed. He said the animal entered the livestock enclosure in Badipora village of Chadoora during the night and attacked the flock. We depend on livestock for our livelihood, and the incident has caused significant financial losses for us, he said. Chopan appealed to the government and concerned departments to provide immediate assistance and compensation for the loss of livestock. Meanwhile, locals also urged the Wildlife Department to inspect the site and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks in the area.(KNO)

Flight carrying Zelenskyy to Norway delayed in Moldova because of drone incursion

Moldova, Sep 10: A flight scheduled to carry Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Moldova to Norway was delayed when authorities closed Moldova's airspace because of a drone incursion, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday. Moldovan police said a Russian drone crashed on Tuesday in a sunflower field on the outskirts of a village in Riscani district, which caused four fires to break out but no injuries. On Wednesday, government spokesperson Dumitru Ciorici said Moldova had closed its airspace on Tuesday afternoon to protect aircraft flying over the country at the time, delaying three departures, including the one carrying Zelenskyy. Moldovan authorities confirmed the drone came down and exploded 160 km from Chisinau International Airport. The airspace restrictions were lifted and Zelenskyy's plane took off later than scheduled. The drone that entered Moldovan airspace on Tuesday crossed into neighbouring Romania, a NATO member, where it was tracked through several northeastern counties. The ministry said two F-18 aircraft of the Spanish Air and Space Forces were raised to track its trajectory before it reentered Moldovan airspace. On Wednesday, Moldova's police said explosives experts discovered fragments of the drone that featured a propulsion system and characteristics similar to a Geran-type drone, which Moscow has used extensively in its full-scale war in Ukraine. Investigations identified the point of impact, where an explosion occurred and a crater of considerable size was formed, police said, adding that specialists are continuing investigations to determine the type and mass of the explosive payload. Ukraine neighbours both Romania and Moldova, and since Russia's full invasion in 2022, both countries have reported dozens of drone incidents.

India sends fresh tranche of relief material, equipment aboard C-17 to flood-ravaged Nepal

India on Wednesday sent a fresh tranche of humanitarian aid comprising 35 tonnes of relief material and equipment onboard a C-17 transport aircraft to flood-ravaged Nepal, officials said. The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal climbed to 1,365 on Wednesday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas, according to authorities. The first tranche of relief material was sent by India hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah on August 26, the day flash floods struck the Himalayan nation. Since then, New Delhi has sent multiple consignments, including relief supplies and essential medicines, besides deploying an Indian tunnel rescue team, who are continuing to work alongside the Nepalese Army, and a forensic team to aid in the identification of mortal remains of the victims. India on September 3 night had dispatched its sixth tranche of over 21 tonnes of essential relief supplies on board two military transport aircraft to flood-ravaged Nepal. In continuance of the efforts from India for helping Nepal in HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) work, a C-17 transport aircraft of the IAF departed today, carrying 35 tonnes of relief material and equipment, a defence official said. On Wednesday, rescue teams continued to search for 5,326 people, including at least 589 foreign nationals, who remain missing, according to a Nepal Police news bulletin. Rescue teams recovered 363 bodies from Chitwan district, 226 from Nawalparasi East, 222 from Nawalparasi West and 197 from Nuwakot. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka on Wednesday handed over USD 1 million to Nepal for the ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts following the devastating floods in the Himalayan Nation. The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, met Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Wednesday and handed over the contribution. Ambassador Delpitiya reiterated, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, deep sympathy and solidarity with the people of Nepal and extended heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the disaster, according to an official statement. The financial assistance is intended to support the ongoing humanitarian, relief and recovery efforts of the Government of Nepal and assist communities affected by the floods and landslides, the statement added. The handing over of the contribution further reflects the close and longstanding bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal. Sri Lanka remains committed to standing with Nepal and its people in times of need and strengthening the enduring relations between the two countries. The USD 1 million contribution will support ongoing humanitarian assistance and relief operations for people affected by the floods. The Government of Sri Lanka will continue to remain engaged with the Government of Nepal and explore appropriate avenues to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts. The massive flash flood originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal on August 26, devastating several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects, as it gushed downstream, affecting multiple districts. The Bhotekoshi River, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried the floodwaters downstream, sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.

Sanjay Aggarwal re-elected FADA J&K Chairperson

Sanjay Aggarwal has been unanimously re-elected as Chairperson of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), J&K, for the 2026-28 term at the federations 62nd Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi. His re-election marks an unprecedented fourth consecutive term and reflects the confidence of the automobile dealer fraternity in his leadership. Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director of Jammu Motors Pvt Ltd, has around three decades of experience in the automobile sector. He has also served as Co-Chair of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Jammu Chapter and is associated with CII, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Jammu Automobile Dealers Association. During his previous terms, FADA J&K took up several issues affecting automobile dealers, including vehicle scrappage policy, used-car regulation, taxation, road tax exemptions for hybrid and CNG vehicles, green tax, trade certificates, EV charging infrastructure, parking, banking and finance, regulatory compliance and ease of doing business. Under Aggarwals leadership, the association has also sought stronger coordination between automobile dealers, government departments, financial institutions and automobile manufacturers. Speaking after his re-election, Aggarwal thanked members for their continued trust and support. I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence placed in me by the automobile dealer fraternity of J&K. This responsibility is not merely recognition of the work done in the past, but a renewed commitment to work even harder for the growth and welfare of the entire dealer community, he said. During his fourth term, he said FADA J&K would focus on ease of doing business, reducing regulatory challenges, digitalisation and transparency in government processes, and creating a sustainable business environment for automobile dealerships.

LMD intensifies enforcement drive across J&K

The Legal Metrology Department (LMD) has intensified enforcement and compliance activities across Jammu and Kashmir under the supervision of Controller Legal Metrology, J&K, Shiv Kumar Gupta, with the department reporting revenue realisation of around Rs 44.55 lakh during August 2026. According to the departments consolidated progress report for August, another Rs 9.10 lakh was realised through composition of offences. As part of a shift towards compliance-oriented enforcement under Jan Vishwas 2.0, the department has introduced the Improvement Notice mechanism for minor or rectifiable violations. Under the system, establishments are given a specified period to correct deficiencies before further penal action is considered, where required. The department said the mechanism is intended to encourage voluntary compliance while ensuring that serious and repeated violations continue to attract action under the law. So far, more than 50 Improvement Notices have been served to establishments for minor or rectifiable deficiencies. The enforcement framework has also been strengthened through the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Metrology Enforcement Rules, 2026, along with a revised fee structure aimed at bringing greater uniformity and transparency to regulatory services, enforcement procedures and statutory fees. According to the department, the reforms are intended to simplify compliance, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden and promote a business-friendly environment while protecting consumer interests. During September, the Legal Metrology Unit Kulgam took action against two sellers on the Amazon e-commerce platform over a violation initially detected in July. The sellers had earlier been served Improvement Notices but failed to address the matter to the satisfaction of the department. Both sellers were penalised through a compounding fee of Rs 25,000 each, taking the total recovery to Rs 50,000. In another consumer-protection action, the Consumer Protection wing of Legal Metrology, Jammu, imposed a penalty of Rs 75,000 on a spare-parts establishment for violation of applicable provisions. A separate enforcement action by the Legal Metrology Unit Kupwara followed a consumer complaint against a gas agency in August. During the inspection, officials detected domestic LPG cylinders that were short-filled beyond the permissible limits. The matter was subsequently taken up with the manufacturer/packer, after which the bottling plant opted for compounding of the offence. The department recovered a penalty of Rs 2 lakh in the case. The bottling plant also furnished a written assurance to ensure future compliance with the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and the rules framed under it. The Controller has directed all field formations to maintain sustained market surveillance and ensure effective implementation of the new enforcement framework across the Union Territory.

DC Anantnag visits medicinal, aromatic plants germplasm bank at Verinag

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Wednesday visited the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Germplasm Bank established by the Agriculture Department under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) at Verinag and reviewed the facilities and activities being undertaken there. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Muzammil Maqbool, Chief Planning Officer Tawseef Ahmad, Chief Agriculture Officer Syed Shahnawaz and other concerned officers and field functionaries. During the visit, Bhat inspected various facilities and demonstration plots at the germplasm bank, including those dedicated to lavender, rosemary, lemongrass and other medicinal and aromatic plants. He took stock of the cultivation and preservation of different plant varieties and reviewed the overall progress of the project. The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the Controlled Conditions Mushroom Unit and the Mushroom Compost Making Unit established at the facility. He appreciated the Agriculture Departments efforts in establishing and developing the germplasm bank and stressed the importance of promoting medicinal and aromatic plants as a means of supporting sustainable agriculture and generating livelihoods. Briefing the Deputy Commissioner, Chief Agriculture Officer Syed Shahnawaz provided an overview of the facilities, activities and initiatives being undertaken at the germplasm bank. He said all the facilities had been developed under HADP and described the project as an example of the programmes implementation. Bhat called for more innovative agricultural initiatives and directed the concerned officers to explore the possibility of establishing similar projects under HADP and JKCIP at other suitable locations across the district. He said Anantnag has significant potential for diverse crops and modern farming practices, which could contribute to bioconservation while also creating self-employment opportunities for local youth. The Deputy Commissioner urged the Agriculture Department to encourage farmers and unemployed youth to establish modern and sustainable units focused on plants with high market demand and commercial value.

Mission YUVA accelerates youth enterprise push across J&K

The Apex Committee of Mission YUVA (Youth Upliftment and Vibrant Advancement) met under Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, and reviewed the milestones achieved since the last Committee meeting held in May 2026, with particular focus on the four broad dimensions of the Mission including Culture, Capital, Capacity, and Connectivity through digital commerce and market access. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Managing Director, J&K Bank; Commissioner Secretary, Planning; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Director, IIM Jammu; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Managing Director, JKRLM; representatives from Universities, SKUAST, NABARD and other key stakeholders. Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated in the deliberations through video conferencing. Reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the Missions performance across its various components and underscored the importance of sustaining the momentum generated on the ground. He emphasised the need for close coordination among departments, financial institutions, training institutions and field-level functionaries to ensure that the expanding application base translates into viable and sustainable enterprises, meaningful employment opportunities and long-term economic empowerment of the youth. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the district-wise progress through the Deputy Commissioners and stressed the importance of continued field mobilisation, effective handholding of applicants, timely processing of cases and stronger convergence among the institutions associated with Mission YUVA. He called for maintaining the focus on women and youth participation, strengthening the training and mentorship ecosystem and leveraging digital platforms to expand market access for locally created products and services. The Apex Committee also reviewed the institutional mechanisms put in place for field-level implementation and took stock of the emerging requirements for further strengthening the Missions delivery architecture. The Chief Secretary appreciated the progress achieved since the May review and called for continued efforts to convert the Missions growing outreach into sustainable enterprises, stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems and wider livelihood opportunities for the youth across Jammu and Kashmir. Presenting the latest progress, Secretary, Skill Development Department, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, highlighted the substantial expansion of the Missions footprint since the previous review, noting that the programme has continued to gain traction at both the institutional and grassroots levels. He apprised the meeting that under the mission youth mobilisation continued gaining momentum with female participation rising sharply. He revealed that under the Cultural Mobilisation and Public Awareness component, the average daily application intake has increased by 39 per cent over the last three months, rising from 280 to 390 applications per day. A particularly significant feature has been the growing participation of women with female-led applications increasing by 76 per cent, from 91 to 160 applications per day, while 78 per cent of all female applications are being driven by Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Sustained field-level awareness has consequently increased the overall female share of applications from 27 per cent to 31 per cent. The Missions mass youth mobilisation campaign (Yuva Jagriti 5.0) has so far reached 88,300 individuals, marking a 42 per cent increase since the last Apex review. It was also divulged that the ongoing Business Hackathons, launched on August 15, 2026, have also emerged as a major platform for entrepreneurial mobilisation, reaching 18,000 students across more than 255 educational institutions. More than 1,300 innovative business ideas have already been generated, with the campaign continuing until September 16, 2026. Additionally it was highlighted that the total application intake has increased by 37 per cent, rising from 1,04,067 on May 15 to 1,42,196 as on September 7, 2026. SBDU verifications have risen by 34 per cent to 80,965, while DLIC approvals have increased by 39 per cent to 75,791. Moreover the loan sanctions have grown by 53 per cent, reaching 1,992 crore across 37,171 sanctioned accounts, while disbursements have reached 1,826 crore across 32,665 accounts, also registering 53 per cent growth. The meeting was informed that commercial banks are presently processing around 2,800 applications every month, while the final sanction rate has recovered strongly from 23 per cent in July to 40 per cent in August, indicating improved processing efficiency and conversion across the financial funnel. The programme has simultaneously translated financial support into actual enterprise creation, with 13,597 new enterprises now fully operational across J&K, representing a 58 per cent surge since May. Another 6,777 enterprises are currently in the Work-In-Progress (WIP) stage, with WIP report submissions increasing by 70 per cent. The Mission has also witnessed a substantial expansion in its Capacity Building and Business Mentorship component as the trained individuals has increased by 73 per cent since the last review, with 36,474 student/entrepreneur certifications completed so far. The mentorship framework has recorded an especially notable expansion, with enterprise mentorship completion increasing seven-fold (700 per cent) since the previous review. As many as 2,645 entrepreneurs have been mentored by 482 onboarded mentors, strengthening the handholding ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs beyond the initial stages of enterprise establishment. The number of J&K merchant storefronts onboarded on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has grown by an extraordinary 329 per cent since May, reaching 9,266 digital stores. Significantly, 2,067 dedicated Mission YUVA youth stores have now been fully onboarded on ONDC, providing young entrepreneurs, including those from rural and semi-urban areas, direct access to the national digital marketplace. It is needless to say that the Mission YUVA, through its integrated approach to mobilisation, finance, skills, mentorship and market connectivity, is emerging as a comprehensive platform for enabling young people of J&K to move from aspiration to enterprise and from enterprise to sustainable livelihood.

Floating cinema draws huge crowds as IFFJK brings cinema to Dal Lake

Cinema has found an extraordinary setting in Kashmir, as the tranquil waters of world-famous Dal Lake have been transformed into a floating theatre during the first International Film Festival of J&K (IFFJK). In a setting where the lake, mountains and city lights come together, audiences are experiencing films on a large floating screen, with the banks of Dal Lake serving as an open-air auditorium. The initiative has emerged as one of the most distinctive attractions of the four-day festival that began on September 07, giving the celebration of cinema a setting deeply connected with Kashmirs visual and cinematic heritage. The Floating Cinema opened on the first day of the festival with the screening of the evergreen 1961 film Junglee. The screening drew audiences to the lakefront, creating a memorable spectacle as a classic Hindi film played out against the waters of Dal Lake. As the screen lights up over the waters of Dal Lake, families, visitors, film enthusiasts from different parts of the country and abroad and curious onlookers have been turning up along the banks, making the screenings a lively public experience. The experience goes beyond conventional film viewing, allowing audiences to watch cinema while surrounded by the very landscapes that have inspired filmmakers for generations. The initiative also reflects IFFJKs effort to take cinema beyond traditional theatre spaces and bring it into public and culturally significant settings. On Wednesday, the Floating Cinema featured the timeless Kashmir Ki Kali, bringing to the waters of Dal Lake the infectious energy and charisma of Shammi Kapoor at his energetic best, alongside the effortlessly graceful and captivating Sharmila Tagore. The film, remembered for its romance, music and vibrant performances, offered audiences an opportunity to revisit one of Hindi cinemas most beloved classics in a setting that feels naturally connected to its story. The nostalgia will continue on the concluding day on September 10 with the screening of Yash Chopras Kabhi Kabhie (1976), another celebrated classic associated with the cinematic tradition of Kashmir. With films being projected over the waters and audiences gathered along the lakefront, Dal Lake has become more than a backdrop to the festivalit has become a part of the cinematic experience itself. The Floating Cinema brings together three enduring elements of Kashmirits landscapes, its association with Hindi cinema and its love for storytellingcreating an experience that is as much about the place as it is about the films being screened.

J&K veterinary interns strike enters 3rd day

Protest demonstrations staged by veterinary interns in Jammu and Kashmir entered their third consecutive day on Wednesday, with protesting students boycotting non-essential services to press for an immediate revision of their monthly internship stipends. Organised under the banner of the Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), interns from the Sher-e-Kashmir Universities of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir assembled outside main campus blocks clad in uniforms, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding parity and financial justice. Protesters highlighted a severe pay gap compared to veterinary interns across other premier institutions in India. Currently, veterinary interns at SKUAST receive a monthly allowance of 6,000. Protesting students pointed out that the current figure fails to cover basic transportation, living and field posting expenses. In contrast, peer institutions offer significantly higher monthly stipends. We are required to carry out 24/7 emergency duties, clinical rotations and livestock field visits in remote districts, paying travel costs out of our own pockets, said JKVSA President Saqlain Rashid. How can we manage basic survival on a Rs 6,000 allowance when interns in other states draw up to Rs 23,500? Student representatives noted that university leadership submitted a formal proposal for a stipend enhancement to the Finance Department as early as 2023. However, despite multiple assurances and official communications from the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), the file remains unapproved. Demonstrating interns warned that unless the government issues a formal, written order approving a stipend hike, they will escalate their agitation into an indefinite strike, halting emergency clinical services and ambulatory livestock duty across university facilities. The protesting students urged the Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar to look into the grievance for redressal.

Salvatore International School receives PSAJK recognition for educational excellence

Srinagar, Sep 9: Salvatore International School (SIS), Sumbal, Shilvat, Bandipora, was felicitated on Wednesday at a prestigious event organised by the Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) at the University of Kashmir, under the leadership of PSAJK President Nazrul Islam Baba. The school was honoured for its exemplary contribution to education as a woman-led institution. The event, as per a statement, was graced by Sakina Itoo, Cabinet Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and MLA from D.H. Pora, who attended as the Chief Guest. She was joined by MLA Saifudin Bhat, MLA Salman Sagar, Prof. Neelofer Khan, and Director School Education Kashmir Mr Nasir Wani, along with several other dignitaries from the education and administrative fraternity. The award was received on behalf of Salvatore International School by its Chairperson, Ms Haya Qazi. In a short span since its establishment, SIS has carved a distinct niche for itself, earning recognition for consistent excellence in academics, sports, participation and achievement in Olympiads, and a strong focus on life-skills education for its students. Speaking on the occasion, dignitaries lauded the role of women-led educational institutions in shaping the future of the region, and commended SIS for setting a benchmark in quality education in North Kashmir.

Srinagar Film Festival can open new doors for J&K women: Poonam Gupta

Jammu, Sep 9:J&K BJP Mahila Morcha State General Secretary Poonam Gupta said that the International Film Festival being held in Kashmir is a welcome initiative that can open new doors of dreams, creativity and opportunities for the daughters and women of Jammu and Kashmir. Poonam Gupta, as per a party statement, said that Jammu and Kashmir has immense talent among its women and girls, who have the ability to excel in different fields of art, culture, cinema, music, photography, writing and other creative activities. Such talent needs platforms where it can be recognized, encouraged and connected with wider opportunities. She said that the Film Festival can serve as an important platform for local women to interact with filmmakers, artists and other creative professionals from different parts of the country and the world. It can help them learn new skills, understand the changing opportunities in the film and entertainment industry and gain confidence to pursue their dreams. Poonam Gupta said that women of Jammu and Kashmir have always shown courage, talent and determination in every field. From education and sports to entrepreneurship, art and public service, the daughters of J&K are making their presence felt. The growing cultural activities in the region can further encourage them to come forward and showcase their talent. She added that women also need opportunities beyond traditional career choices. The film and creative industries offer possibilities in acting, direction, filmmaking, editing, photography, music, writing, animation, costume designing, technical work and many other areas. Events like the Film Festival can help create awareness among women about these emerging avenues. Poonam said that the Film Festival is also important for Kashmir's tourism and local economy. Such events can attract visitors, promote local culture and provide business opportunities to women working in hotels, restaurants, transport services, handicrafts, artisan activities and other local enterprises. She said that Jammu Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage and extraordinary natural beauty, along with a talented and energetic community of women. Combining these strengths can give Jammu and Kashmir a greater place on India's cultural and creative map. Poonam welcomed the International Film Festival and expressed hope that it would become a regular platform for discovering and promoting local womens talent. She said that when the daughters and women of J&K get opportunities to dream, create and thrive, the entire society moves forward. The Film Festival, she added, can become one such meaningful step towards a more confident, creative and opportunity-filled Jammu and Kashmir.

NHM employees stage 72-hour protest at SDH Sopore

Hundreds of employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM), including doctors and paramedic staff, staged a 72-hour-long protest at the premises of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore, which commenced on Wednesday, pressing for the resolution of their long-pending demands, including job security, salary revision and social security benefits. The protesting employees raised slogans in support of their demands and expressed disappointment over what they described as the prolonged delay in addressing issues concerning their service conditions and welfare. The employees said they have been rendering their services in the health sector for years and have played an important role in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level. Despite their continued contribution, they alleged that their concerns regarding employment security, remuneration and social protection remain unresolved. During the protest, the employees demanded a concrete policy for their job security, revision of their salaries in accordance with their responsibilities and experience, and extension of appropriate social security benefits. The protesters urged the concerned authorities to initiate meaningful dialogue with their representatives and take immediate steps to address their grievances. They warned that failure to consider their demands seriously could lead to further agitation. However, the ongoing strike by NHM employees at SDH Sopore has adversely affected healthcare services, leaving patients and attendants to face considerable inconvenience. With a number of employees participating in the protest over their long-pending demands, routine hospital work has been disrupted, resulting in delays in services and difficulties for patients seeking medical care. The employees appealed to the administration and health authorities to intervene at the earliest, saying that a satisfactory resolution of their long-pending issues would not only provide relief to the workforce but also help ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the public. BMO Sopore, Dr. Zulfikar, said that on the first day of the 72-hour-long protest by NRHM employees, which began today, healthcare services at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore were managed smoothly. He said that the hospital administration made necessary arrangements to ensure that patients did not face major inconvenience. However, the BMO cautioned that if the protest continues for a longer period, it may have an impact on healthcare services at the hospital.

Small gestures can make meaningful difference to peoples lives: MLA Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, Sep 9: The J&K National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Wednesday distributed two electric scooters, computers, laptops, hearing machines and an electric wheelchair among deserving and needy individuals of his constituency at a function held in Doonipora, Zadibal. Speaking on the occasion, Tanvir, as per a party statement, said that it has always been his endeavour to stand by people who need support, particularly educated girls, the elderly, persons with disabilities and families facing difficulties. Sharing the thought behind the initiative, he said, One of our daughters needed an electric scooter because of her physical disability, which was making it difficult for her to travel to university. I had promised her that I would help, and today I am happy that I could keep that promise. Similarly, a student in need of a computer for her studies was provided one, while another family was supported with an electric scooter to help with the daily commute of their children to school. A hearing machine was provided to an elderly person, while an electric wheelchair was given to a young child to help him move around with greater independence and dignity. Tanvir said such initiatives were close to his heart and that he would continue to extend support wherever possible. Sometimes, we have to step forward with our own resources so that people do not have to remain dependent on government schemes or wait for assistance. Even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference to someones life, he said. He wished all the beneficiaries well and urged them to make the best possible use of the assistance provided to them. He further said that another such public assistance programme would be held next week in the Rainawari-Dargah Block. Several prominent members of the party and local residents were present on the occasion.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls for greater support for youth facing mental, emotional stress

Srinagar, Sep 9:A one-day Seerah seminar on The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Challenges Facing Todays Youth was held on Wednesday at the Auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar, under the auspices of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam. Students from various private educational institutions participated in the programme and presented their views on contemporary challenges confronting the younger generation. Presiding over the seminar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, as per a statement, congratulated the participating students, teachers and organisers, saying that encouraging young people to think, research and speak on serious issues was essential for building a confident, responsible and socially conscious generation. Mirwaiz said that todays youth face unprecedented pressures arising from social media, constant digital distraction, materialism, instant gratification, moral confusion and growing mental and emotional stress. He cautioned against allowing influencers, trends and algorithms to determine ones identity, ambitions and understanding of success. Material achievement, he said, cannot be the only measure of a successful life. Young people should recognise their own abilities and purpose rather than blindly imitate lifestyles projected on screens. True success, he said, must also be measured by character, knowledge, meaningful relationships, service and the good one contributes to society. Mirwaiz placed special emphasis on the disturbing rise in suicides, particularly among young people, saying that every such loss should deeply concern society. He said no examination, failed relationship, rejection, unemployment, financial difficulty or temporary setback should ever lead a young person to believe that life has lost its value. He stressed that mental and emotional distress must be approached with compassion rather than stigma. Families, schools, religious institutions and society at large must create spaces where young people can speak openly about anxiety, loneliness and despair, and receive timely counselling, medical support or other professional help where required. Mirwaiz further said that the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir (MMU), which is scheduled to meet on September 15, will also take up the growing concern over suicides, particularly among young people. Mirwaiz said the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) provides young people with enduring lessons of patience, resilience, moral clarity, self-discipline, purpose and hope. He urged them to use technology without becoming controlled by it, to think independently, remain rooted in their values and become a source of positivity and service in society. He also appreciated the students who presented papers at the seminar, saying that their willingness to research, reflect and speak publicly on important issues was itself an encouraging sign for the future. In the competition, Farhan Khan of Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, secured the first position. The second position was jointly secured by Zainab Hameed of Motherland School, Nowhatta, and Mohammad Kamil of Green Valley Educational Institute, Illahi Bagh. The third position was jointly secured by Sheikh Mohammad Usman of R.P. School, Alamdar Colony; Aiman of Greend Land School, Hawal; and Tayyiba Jan of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal. On the occasion, a special Seerah edition of the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam magazine was also released by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir in the presence of teachers, students and other participants. The programme concluded with prayers for the protection, guidance and well-being of the younger generation and for their growth into people of knowledge, character, confidence and service to society.

Delhi Public School Budgam celebrates 18th Founders Day

Delhi Public School, Budgam celebrated its 18th Founders Day on 7th September, 2026, with great fervour and grandeur. The theme was From Vision to Legacy, marking eighteen glorious years of educational excellence. The celebration was graced by eminent statesman and academician Professor Saifuddin Soz as Guest of Honour, along with Founder Chairperson Mrs. Mumtaz-un-nisa Soz, Director Salman Soz, Principal Mrs. Glory George, and other dignitaries, PTA members, parents, staff and students. The programme commenced with a Welcome Address by Principal Mrs. Glory George, followed by Diya Lighting Ceremony and felicitation of dignitaries. A documentary chronicling the 18-year journey of DPS Budgam was screened. The cultural programme featured Kashmiri Rouf, a soulful Qawwali by Class 9th, delightful dance performances by junior school students, and a speech on 'Vision' by a student representative. The highlight was the play The Halogen Family, conceptualized by Dean Mehfooz Aslam, where elements of the periodic table came alive to convey a message on environmental conservation. The school felicitated staff for 10 and 15 years of service and meritorious students for their achievements. Prof. Soz and Mrs. Mumtazunnisa Soz shared memories of the school's journey, while Director Salman Soz lauded the entire DPS family and reaffirmed his commitment to excellence. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks.

Dr Farooq Abdullah hails J&Ks 98.43% literacy rate

Srinagar, Sep 9: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, in his message on the occasion of International Literacy Day, said that education and literacy are the foundations of any civilized, progressive and dignified society. As per a party statement issued, he said that only an educated society can better understand its rights and responsibilities and, while meeting the challenges of a changing world, achieve the goals of progress and prosperity. Dr Farooq Abdullah said it is highly encouraging and a matter of pride that Jammu and Kashmir, just last week, achieved the target of full literacy by attaining a literacy rate of 98.43 percent under ULLASNBSK. He said this achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, teachers, students and all institutions working towards the promotion of literacy. The educational awareness and literacy success we are witnessing today has its foundations in the pioneering efforts of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah decades ago. Today, the light of education kindled by him has spread far and wide and the fruits of his struggle and efforts are visible to all, he said. He accorded special importance to the establishment of educational institutions and promotion of education in Jammu and Kashmir, recognising education as a fundamental means of social transformation, empowerment and eradication of backwardness. He said that since its inception, the National Conference has regarded education as a fundamental pillar of social and economic development. The steps taken during the tenure of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to establish educational institutions, create opportunities for the common people and eradicate educational backwardness ushered in a new era of awareness in the society of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference has always maintained that education should not remain confined to privileged sections of society; rather, every child, including those from poor, middle-class, remote and backward areas must have equal access to quality educational opportunities. Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the present government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is also taking several measures to strengthen the education sector and provide better educational opportunities to the younger generation. The government is focused on improving the infrastructure of government educational institutions, enhancing educational facilities, promoting quality education, strengthening skill development and vocational education, and creating better opportunities for students. The National Conference President also described the passage of the Private Universities Bill during the last Assembly session as an important development in the education sector. He said the legislation would help expand the higher education sector in Jammu and Kashmir, create new educational opportunities, promote healthy competition in education and provide students with greater choices.

GDC Ganderbal organises awareness programmeon World Literacy Day

The Department of Education and Sociology, Government Degree College (GDC) Ganderbal, organised an awareness programme to mark World Literacy Day on Tuesday in the College Conference Hall. The programme was organised with the objective of sensitising students about the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity, while highlighting its crucial role in building an educated, empowered and sustainable society. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Shaheena Akhter, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Education, who highlighted the significance of education in empowering individuals and bringing about positive social transformation. She stressed that education not only enhances knowledge and skills but also enables individuals to become responsible and active members of society. The keynote address was delivered by Principal GDC Ganderbal, Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, who highlighted the importance of learning and knowledge in human life. Referring to the first revelation of Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he cited the word Iqra, meaning to read, emphasising the profound importance attached to knowledge and learning. Dr. Rafiq Ahmad also spoke about the challenges faced by individuals deprived of educational opportunities. He observed that illiteracy can limit a person's ability to access information, employment opportunities and essential services, thereby affecting individual dignity as well as social and economic development. As part of the programme, around 18 students delivered speeches highlighting different dimensions of literacy and its relevance in contemporary society. The students emphasised that literacy is not merely confined to the ability to read and write; rather, it equips individuals with the ability to understand information, make informed decisions, access opportunities and participate meaningfully in social and civic life. The speakers also underlined the need to create a culture that values lifelong learning. They encouraged students to contribute towards educational awareness and support initiatives aimed at extending the benefits of education to disadvantaged sections of society. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Soubiya Yousuf, who expressed gratitude to the Principal, faculty members, students and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the event.

Woodlands House school celebrates 60-years of excellence

Woodlands House School celebrated 60 years of excellence and a glorious legacy of education on the eve of Founders Day. The occasion was marked by a series of vibrant programmes showcasing the schools rich heritage, achievements and cultural spirit. The celebrations were graced by Former Chief Minister & National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Advisor to CM, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani & Director Education, Mr Naseer Ahmad Wani, along with other distinguished guests. The event was also attended by the schools Management Mr. Riki Singh, Chairman; Mrs. Amteshwari Singh, Chairperson; and Directors, Mr. Farid Singh and Mr. Viraj Singh. A special highlight was the presence of several alumni, who returned to their alma mater and shared cherished memories of their school days. The landmark celebration paid tribute to the vision of the Founder, Mrs Rup SP Singh, and reaffirmed the schools commitment to nurturing generations of students with knowledge, values and excellence.

6th Gateball Coaching Camp concludes in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 9: The 6th Gateball Coaching Camp 2026 concluded at New R.P. School, Zakura, with more than 70 boys and girls participating in the camp, which also featured selection trials for the XII International Open Gateball Tournament 2026 scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in November. As per a statement issued, athletes from DPMS Gasoo, V.B. Higher Secondary School Rainawari, Legends Schools and New R.P. School took part in the camp organised by the J&K Gateball Union under the aegis of the Indian Gateball Union (IGU). Bashir Ahmad, Principal, New R.P. School, was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony and distributed medals and appreciation certificates among the participants. Members of the association, Muskan Naseer, Miftah Qayoom, Rizwana, Anjum Nisa, Insha Nazir and Arfa Reyaz, were also present on the occasion.

Women leaders have shaped Kashmirs cultural, educational fabric: VC KU

Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Wednesday said women leaders, particularly in Kashmir, have played a foundational role in shaping the regions cultural, educational and social fabric. Addressing the Women Edupreneurs Connect 2026, organised by the Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) at the MERC Auditorium, Prof. Khan called for greater opportunities for women to lead and innovate in the education sector. She said the initiatives like Women Edupreneurs Connect 2026 are aimed at empowering women and are vital for building progressive, inclusive and future-ready educational institutions across J&K. These visionary women have not only enlightened society through their leadership, but their dedication has played a transformative role in shaping generations, she said, She further added that women in Kashmir have historically contributed significantly to the development of society. Referring to the legacy of 14th-century mystic poet and spiritual reformer Lal Ded (Lalleshwari), Prof. Khan said the wisdom of women had helped take Kashmiri society from an earlier era to an enlightened present. She said Lal Deds Vakhs played a foundational role in shaping Kashmiri literature and cultural consciousness while promoting spiritual and moral values, self-realisation and interfaith harmony. Prof. Khan highlighted the contribution of women at KU and said that women including teaching and non-teaching faculty, scholars and students had played a pivotal role in taking the institution to its present position. She said that the university recently achieved NAAC A++ accreditation and attained UGC Category-I status, which, she said, placed it among Indias leading higher educational institutions with enhanced academic, administrative and financial autonomy. Prof. Khan said the varsity was committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs by supporting them through different stages, from idea development and pre-incubation to incubation. She also said the universitys Directorate of Lifelong Learning, NewGen and the Centre of Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship were providing training, mentorship and support to women seeking to establish entrepreneurial ventures. 3,380 women have been empowered through women empowerment programmes conducted by the Directorate of Lifelong Learning during the last five years, she said. She added that 261 women had been trained through certificate programmes in community health, with several subsequently working at the mid-level in the health sector. She added that the varsity recently incubated women innovators and provided them seed funding to establish startups. Prof. Khan also recalled the contributions of women educators and social reformers, including Padmashree Mehmooda Ali Shah, Begum Zafar Ali, Atika Bano and Professor Neerja Mattu, for advancing girls education, social reform and womens empowerment. She further added that minister for education Sakina Itoo, who was present at the event, was a perfect role model and inspiration for women seeking to bring positive change to society, citing her contribution in social welfare, healthcare, school education, higher education and other priority sectors. The VC congratulated PSAJK for recognising women education leaders of J&K and called for a collective effort to create an educational and social environment where women could dream, innovate and lead with confidence. She stressed that the development of both government and private educational institutions was essential for preparing the younger generation to meet future challenges. Earlier in his address, president Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) Nazrul Islam Baba said the initiative was conceived as the beginning of a broader movement to recognise the contribution of women in education. Women Edupreneurs Connect is our humble attempt to celebrate their success, recognise their leadership and provide them with a platform where they can connect, learn, collaborate and inspire one another, he said.

JU Kabaddi Tournament advances to knockout stage

Jammu, Sep 9: The Inter-Collegiate Kabaddi (Men) Tournament 20262027, being organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, at the Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu, witnessed another action-packed day of intense competition as the tournament entered its fourth day. The day, as per a statement, featured high-energy and closely fought encounters, with participating teams putting up an impressive display of strength, speed, agility, endurance and tactical execution. The players showcased excellent teamwork, coordination and determination while maintaining the true spirit of discipline, fair play and sportsmanship throughout the matches. The competitive nature of the encounters kept the spectators thoroughly engaged. The tournament is being conducted under the supervision of Dr Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, whose guidance continues to strengthen the organisation of sporting activities at the University level. The championship provides a valuable platform for talented players from affiliated colleges to compete at a higher level and demonstrate their sporting potential. The tournament has now reached a crucial stage, with the participating teams competing for a place in the final stages of the championship. The Quarterfinal and Semifinal matches are scheduled to be conducted tomorrow, promising further exciting and competitive Kabaddi action.

41 NoCs not fair: Government moves to ease approval process for private schools

Srinagar, Sep 9:The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to rationalise the approval process for private schools, with Education Minister Sakina Itoo saying the requirement of as many as 41 No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) is cumbersome and unfair. Speaking at the Women Edupreneurs Connect 2026, organised by the Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) at the MERC Auditorium of the University of Kashmir, Itoo said the government had decided to reduce the number of approvals required for opening or extending private schools. When I was a minister in 2008, two to four NOCs were required to open a school or seek an extension. Today, I found that 41 NoCs are being sought, she said. The minister said the existing system requires applicants to approach numerous government offices and can take six months or even longer, creating difficulties for private school operators, particularly in matters relating to land and regulatory approvals. Imagine how many offices you have to go to. It is not a small thing to take 41 NOCs, Itoo said. She said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had decided that the existing arrangement needed to be changed and that only essential and mandatory approvals would be retained. Earlier, we had to take three NOCs, which were more necessary and mandatory. We will take those, but remove the rest, she said. According to Itoo, the proposal has already been approved and is now at the final stage. The file is already approved. The order will have to be brought to the Assembly first, where it will be passed, and then the order will come, she said. The proposed changes are aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on private educational institutions and making the approval process less time-consuming. At the event, Itoo also spoke about the role of women in education and entrepreneurship, saying women in Jammu and Kashmir were increasingly occupying important positions despite facing social and professional challenges. Our sisters are very intelligent. They have so much talent, but they also have a lot of difficulties, she said, referring to criticism and social restrictions faced by women pursuing professional careers. The minister said women continued to face disproportionate scrutiny over their work and professional choices. We still live in a male-dominated society. Even today, we are criticised and our work is targeted, Itoo said. Urging women not to be discouraged by criticism, she said, We should never be afraid. We should not back down. It is okay if we are criticised, but we have to move forward. Itoo also cautioned against the misuse of social media, saying mobile phones had made it possible to damage a persons reputation within a very short time. If you want to defame someone, you can do it in two minutes. People are ready to do it, she said, while urging women to remain focused on their work despite online criticism. The minister assured women entrepreneurs and educationists of government support and said she would be available to intervene on issues requiring attention at her level. She also called upon private educators and women working in the education sector to take a more active role in addressing substance abuse among young people. Itoo said teachers and school administrators were in regular contact with large numbers of children and were therefore well placed to identify early signs of addiction and provide counselling. Today, in Indian society, a disease of addiction has spread which is destroying our generations, she said. Urging educators to focus on prevention and early intervention, she said, If you see anything like this in a child, you should definitely check it. The minister stressed that timely counselling could play an important role in protecting young people and said women educators had a significant role in shaping the future of children. Itoo also urged organisers of similar programmes to provide more opportunities to women participants to speak about their experiences and concerns rather than limiting discussions to ministers and senior officials. Some of you are very capable and can speak better than us. You should also get a chance to come here and tell us those things so that we can listen and work on them in the future, she said. The event was attended by MLAs Said Ud Din Bhat and Salman Ali Sagar, University of Kashmir Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan, PSAJK chairman Baba Nazrul Islam, Director School Education Kashmir, CEO Srinagar and other officials, besides representatives of private schools.

Own goal hands Athwas India XI 1-0 win over New JK United

Srinagar, Sep 9: Athwas India XI FC secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over New JK United FC in their Kashmir Super League Season 2 encounter on Wednesday, with the decisive goal coming through a own goal by New JK United defender Talib during the end moment of the game. The match, as per a statement, remained closely contested for most of the game, with both sides creating opportunities and battling hard for control. However, neither team could find the breakthrough in regulation time as the contest appeared headed for a draw. In the final minutes, New JK Uniteds Talib inadvertently put the ball into his own net, handing Athwas India XI FC a crucial 1-0 victory. The late setback was a tough result for New JK United FC, who had competed strongly throughout the match. Athwas India XI, meanwhile, held their composure in the closing stages. The victory will provide Athwas India XI FC with valuable momentum as the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League Season 2 progresses. The league continues on Thursday with United Elegant FC taking on Swift Strikers FC in another eagerly awaited fixture.

In Defence of the Cluster University

There is understandable affection for Kashmirs historic colleges. S.P. College, Amar Singh College and Government College for Women are part of the Valleys educational history and have shaped generations of students. But that affection should not force us into a false choice between preserving our colleges and retaining the Cluster University. We need both. The criticism of the Cluster model raises legitimate questions about administration, autonomy and academic performance. But these concerns do not, by themselves, establish that the University is an unnecessary layer. The more important question is: what has the Cluster University added to higher education in Srinagar that individual colleges could not easily provide on their own? The answer is significant. Created in 2016 by bringing together five existing colleges, Cluster University Srinagar was intended to pool their resources and create a larger, multidisciplinary academic institution. Its mandate went beyond conventional undergraduate teaching to include postgraduate, integrated, professional and research programmes. Today, the University offers programmes across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, management, technology, education and other emerging fields. The Cluster University did not simply create another office. It created another level of education. That distinction is at the heart of the debate. A college may provide excellent undergraduate education. A university can provide something more: postgraduate study, doctoral research, specialised teaching, interdisciplinary programmes and the institutional scale needed to sustain research and new disciplines. Cluster University Srinagar has steadily moved in that direction, including the development of research and doctoral programmes. For students, this is not a minor administrative change. It means a wider academic horizon: more subjects, more pathways and more opportunities to move from undergraduate study towards advanced learning and research within one broader academic ecosystem. The suggestion that becoming part of a university necessarily destroys a colleges identity is equally questionable. St. Stephens College and Lady Shri Ram College remain distinctive and highly regarded institutions within the University of Delhi. They have retained their names, traditions, academic cultures and internal structures while operating within a larger university framework. Being part of a university does not mean ceasing to be a college. The same principle can apply in Jammu and Kashmir. Our constituent colleges can retain their identities while developing distinctive academic strengths within the Cluster University. S.P. College can build on its scientific tradition; Amar Singh College can strengthen its humanities and liberal-arts profile; other constituent institutions can develop their own areas of excellence. That is not institutional dilution. It is specialisation within a larger academic ecosystem. There is another misconception worth challenging. Autonomy and university membership are not opposites. The Cluster Universities Act itself envisages constituent colleges as important institutional units and provides for their participation in university governance. The answer, therefore, is not to assume that college autonomy requires dismantling the University. It is to ensure that the university structure actually allows meaningful participation and decision- making at the college level. The larger question is what kind of higher education Jammu and Kashmir needs. The answer cannot be a return to a system in which colleges are largely confined to traditional undergraduate education. Young people today need access to postgraduate study, professional programmes, technology, interdisciplinary learning, research and new fields of knowledge. The Cluster model was created precisely to widen that academic horizon. This is also consistent with the broader direction of higher-education policy. The National Education Policy 2020 calls for multidisciplinary universities and higher-education clusters while also emphasising institutional autonomy and stronger research. Scale and autonomy are not contradictory goals. The case against the Cluster University therefore needs to demonstrate more than administrative inconvenience. It needs to demonstrate that the academic gains created by the University could be achieved better through fragmentation into separate institutions. That case has not yet been made. Of course, the University should be judged honestly. Student services, infrastructure, faculty strength, research output and administration all matter. But there is a crucial distinction between saying the Cluster University has problems and saying the Cluster University has no purpose. The first may be true. The second does not follow. We should not measure the success of a university by the number of offices it has created, but by the opportunities it creates for students. On that measure, Cluster University Srinagar has already expanded the educational landscape beyond what the earlier college structure offered. The debate, therefore, should be reframed. The choice is not between historic colleges and the Cluster University. It is between a fragmented higher-education system and one in which our existing institutions can grow together. Our historic colleges should retain their identity, character and traditions. But they should also be part of a larger academic enterprise capable of taking students from undergraduate education to postgraduate study, research and new fields of knowledge. The Cluster University was conceived to expand the possibilities of our colleges, not to diminish them. Its real test is not whether it has replaced the old institutions, but whether it has enabled them to do more. On that measure, the story is far from over. We do not need fewer academic ambitions. We need a university system large enough to realise them. That is the idea worth defending. Jammu and Kashmir does not have to choose between preserving its educational legacy and building its academic future; the Cluster University gives us an opportunity to do both. Dr. Rutba Peerzada teaches in P.G Department of Political Science, Cluster University of Srinagar.

NGT issues notice toJ&K government over STP construction at Allochi Bagh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Jammu and Kashmir government over the construction of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Khadi Mill Ground in Allochi Bagh, Srinagar, following objections raised by residents over its location and alleged violations of environmental norms. The petition has been filed by residents of the locality, led by Bhupender Singh and others, who have alleged that the proposed STP is being constructed in proximity to residential houses in Friends Colony and that the project violates prescribed environmental and siting requirements. Senior counsel and environmental lawyer Advocate Saurabh Sharma appeared before a bench comprising NGT Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Alam and argued that the proposed STP is being set up at a distance of only around 5 to 10 metres from the houses of the applicants. The applicants also placed before the Tribunal an inspection report of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&K PCC), which, according to them, found the proposed STP to be located only around 25 metres from residential houses. They submitted that the applicable norms require a minimum distance of 500 metres. The petitioners also relied on a communication dated January 29, 2026, issued by the Regional Director, J&K Pollution Control Committee, Kashmir, to the Superintending Engineer, Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), Srinagar, in support of their contention regarding violation of the siting criteria. Another issue raised before the Tribunal concerns the consent issued by the Pollution Control Committee for establishment of the plant. According to the proceedings, the J&K PCC had issued Consent to Establish (CTE) for the STP on March 20, 2026, which was subsequently rescinded on May 21, 2026. The applicants have also raised concerns over the location of the proposed plant, describing the Khadi Mill Ground as a low-lying and flood-prone area located adjacent to the Flood Spill Channel. They submitted that the area was completely flooded during the 2014 floods and argued that constructing an STP at the location could create health and environmental risks for nearby residents. The petitioners have also contended that the proposed facility would create a health hazard and violate their right to life. During the proceedings, counsel for the applicants also referred to an order of the Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar dated July 1, 2026, in LPA No. 129/2026 in the case of Residents of Allochi Bagh and others versus UT of Jammu and Kashmir and others. The applicants submitted before the NGT that they were not members of the association involved in that case and argued that, in any event, the High Court had directed that the STP be established at the proposed site strictly in accordance with applicable norms and regulations. The NGT, while considering the matter, recorded that the Original Application raised a substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms. The Tribunal has accordingly issued notice to the respondents and directed them to file their response or reply by way of affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing through e-filing. The NGT further directed the applicant to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next hearing. The matter has been listed for hearing before the Principal Bench of the NGT on November 25, 2026. The Alouchibagh project is part of a larger effort to address sewage entering the Doodhganga stream. Two Sewage Treatment Plants are to be established at an estimated combined cost of Rs 140 crore following the NGTs directions in the matter of Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat versus the J&K government and others in OA No. 241/2021. One of the plants is coming up at Kralpora, Chadoora, while the other is being established at Allouhi Bagh in Srinagar. According to the information placed before the Tribunal, work on the Kralpora STP is proceeding smoothly. The Allochi Bagh project, however, has faced opposition from local residents over its location in a low-lying area and its proximity to residential houses in Friends Colony. The latest proceedings before the NGT are centred on the environmental and regulatory concerns raised by the applicants regarding the Alouchibagh site. The Tribunal has not, in the present order, given a final finding on the allegations raised by the petitioners. It has sought responses from the concerned respondents before proceeding further with the matter. The case will now come up before the NGT Principal Bench on November 25, when the responses of the government and other respondents are expected to be considered.

Kashmirs vanishing waters

Kashmir is a land shaped by water. Its rivers, lakes, springs, wetlands, and glaciers are not merely elements of its landscape; they are the foundation of its ecology, economy, and way of life. From the Jhelum to Dal and Wular, and from the springs of Verinag to the glaciers of the Himalayas, water is woven into Kashmirs identity. Yet the valley is increasingly struggling to protect this wealth. Pollution, unregulated construction, waste dumping, unsustainable extraction, tourism pressure, and climate change are placing immense stress on this ecosystem. Development, when guided by sustainability, can coexist with nature. But when the balance is disturbed, the consequences can be severe. Nowhere is this balance more important than in Kashmirs relationship with water. Kashmirs freshwater wealth is extraordinary. Wular Lake, Dal Lake, Hokersar wetlands, alpine lakes of Ganderbal, Kausarnag, and the twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar define the regions geography. Its springsVerinag, Achabal, and Chashma Shahiare historically significant sources of water. Above these lie glaciers like Kolhoi and Thajiwas, which act as vital freshwater reservoirs. Their condition is directly connected to Kashmirs water security. Yet this system is not insulated from change. Rising temperatures, warmer summers, and increasing heat extremes are placing additional pressure on glaciers and water resources. Kashmirs vulnerability to water-related disasters is not new. The devastating floods of 2014 serve as a painful reminder. But the crisis is also visible in the gradual disappearance of water bodies. According to a CAG report, of the 697 natural lakes identified in 1967, 315 have disappeared and 203 have shrunk518 lakes in total, with a decline of around 2,800 hectares. Dal Lakes water area declined from 15.40 sq km in 2007 to 12.91 sq km in 2020. This erosion weakens ecological balance and reduces the natural systems that store water, recharge groundwater, and moderate floods. Climate change adds uncertainty, but pollution is turning a natural vulnerability into one of human negligence. Charity begins at home. Before blaming tourism, we must clear our own backyards. The valley generates substantial waste, yet waste management systems and civic sense have not evolved. One visible consequence is the dumping of waste into rivers. A river cannot be treated as a drainwhat disappears from our sight does not disappear from the environment. It eventually enters the water systems on which communities and agriculture depend. Unsustainable extraction is another concern. Excessive sand mining from riverbeds, without ecological consideration, disturbs natural river systems. Development must be measured not just by what we build, but by what we leave for the next generation. Tourism is a double-edged sword. It is an important pillar of Kashmirs economy, supporting hotels, transporters, guides, handicraft workers, and countless families. Yet tourism-driven pollution is a reality. The problem is not tourism itself, but an unchecked footprint in ecologically sensitive areas. Plastic waste, inadequate sanitation, and unplanned commercial activity can turn fragile destinations into victims of their own popularity. Kashmir has not escaped the consequences of its own inhabitants and visitors. Unchecked commercial construction in fragile ecosystems sacrifices long-term sustainability for short-term gains. Wetlands, riverbanks, and forests cannot be treated as empty spaces waiting to be exploited. The question is not whether Kashmir should developof course it should. The question is what kind of development we want. It must mean learning to coexist with nature, not conquering it. What can we do individually? The answer is simple, though putting it into practice requires collective discipline. One small act of properly disposing waste may seem insignificant, but when repeated by thousands, its impact becomes enormous. Environmental protection is the collective result of individual choices. In a society where religious and community institutions command moral influence, environmental stewardship must be part of the message from the pulpit. Religious leaders can spread environmental responsibility to even the farthest villages. Many institutions have already engaged in conservation efforts, but much more is needed. Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan must be incorporated into peoples lifestyles at the grassroots level. Cleanliness and environmental responsibility must become habits, not activities undertaken only during official campaigns. Local administration must also actinnovative campaigns, strong legal action against unchecked construction, and penalties coupled with awareness and community participation are essential. Tourism in fragile areas must be regulated according to carrying capacity, rather than treating every location as capable of absorbing unlimited visitors. Religious functions held in sensitive areas must be conducted with proper sanitation and care for the ecosystemenvironmental protection must be treated with the same seriousness as crowd management and security. Kashmir does not have to look far for warnings. Nepal, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmirs own history provide examples of what happens when environmental vulnerability is ignored. Nature gives warnings long before it gives disasters. The question is whether we are willing to listen. Kashmirs water bodies cannot be protected by the government alone. It begins with the waste we choose not to throw into a stream, the construction we choose to question, the tourism practices we choose to regulate, and the responsibility we choose to teach our children. If we fail to learn and act, we may find ourselves only a step away from another catastrophic disasterone that may strip us of our homes, our livelihoods, our landscape, and most painfully, the lives of those we love.

Delhi was good enough for Bukhari. Why not Omar?

The article titled Where is the Omar Abdullah-led NC Government? asks a legitimate question about governance, but then proceeds to answer it with political insinuation rather than facts. If Altaf Bukhari wants to scrutinise the government, he is perfectly entitled to do so. But scrutiny must begin with facts, not selective memory. Because before Altaf Bukhari lectures anyone on the politics of Delhi, perhaps he should be reminded of his own words. When Altaf Bukhari went to Delhi, it was political engagement. When Omar Abdullah goes to Delhi, it is supposedly a photo opportunity. That is not a difference of political philosophy. It is a difference of political convenience. Let us begin with Altaf Bukharis own words. On 24 June 2021, Bukhari attended Prime Minister Narendra Modis all-party meeting with J&K political leaders at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. After the meeting, he said the Prime Minister had assured leaders that the Centre was committed to restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. Just weeks later, in an interview published by The Indian Express on 1 August 2021, Bukhari defended his own meetings with the Prime Minister and his visits to Delhi. His words were: Just because I went to Delhi and met the prime minister... why are they crying on that. He explained that his Delhi outreach was intended to raise issues concerning the people of J&K, including the release of detainees and protection of jobs and land. So, Mr Bukhari, what changed? When you went to Delhi, it was advocacy. When you met the Prime Minister, it was engagement. When you raised J&Ks concerns with the Centre, it was politics. But when an elected Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir does the same, it becomes a photo op? The people of J&K deserve an explanation for that contradiction. Then came the most revealing statement On 18 July 2023, in a PTI video interview, Bukhari made his political approach towards New Delhi remarkably clear. He said: We have to stand with Delhi. That is in the national interest. That is in the interest of my people. He further said: We are with New Delhi. We are neither with BJP nor with the opposition. And then came the statement that perhaps deserves to be remembered most carefully: Anybody who sits in New Delhi tomorrow, we are with him. Bukhari also argued that any government in J&K would need the support of the Centre. These are not words attributed to him by the National Conference. They are Altaf Bukharis own words. So when he now mocks Omar Abdullah for travelling to Delhi, the obvious question is: does Altaf Bukhari now disagree with Altaf Bukhari of 2023? The BJP question makes the contradiction even harder to ignore. On 8 January 2023, The Indian Express reported Bukharis willingness to work with the BJP. Asked whether he was ready to join hands with the BJP, his response was: Why not? Does the BJP suffer from any disease... that we cant join hands with them? He further said: Except the PDP we are ready to form the government with anyone. There is nothing inherently wrong with considering political alliances. Parties are entitled to make their choices. But one cannot simultaneously keep every political door open and then question another partys political engagement with Delhi as though it were somehow illegitimate. If engagement with Delhi was pragmatism when Altaf Bukhari did it, it remains pragmatism when Omar Abdullah does it. And what has that engagement actually delivered? The article dismisses the governments engagement with the Centre while conveniently overlooking what such engagement can produce. In April 2026, the Union Government approved `3,566 crore in road projects under PMGSY-IV for Jammu & Kashmir, alongside significant allocations for rural development, womens livelihoods and agriculture. The 202627 J&K Budget projects the Gross State Domestic Product at `3.16 lakh crore, with projected growth of 9.5% over the revised 202526 estimate. The Budget also provides for crop insurance covering major crops, fee waivers for eligible students from Antyodaya families and six free LPG cylinders annually for AAY families. These are not arguments that every problem has been solved. Far from it. Jammu & Kashmir continues to face serious challenges in employment, electricity, administrative powers, tourism infrastructure and economic opportunity. The government must be held accountable for these issues and must deliver more. But a government should be criticised for what it has failed to do, not for meetings that the critic chooses to misrepresent. If meeting Union Ministers helps secure roads, infrastructure, financial support or policy interventions for J&K, what exactly is the objection? Should the Chief Minister stop going to Delhi simply because Altaf Bukhari has decided that his meetings are politically inconvenient to acknowledge? Delhi is not a destination for photo opportunities. It is where many of the decisions affecting Jammu & Kashmir are made. An elected Chief Minister has both the right and the responsibility to take J&Ks case there. The statehood charge is particularly weak Bukharis attempt to suggest that the National Conference has abandoned the issue of statehood is equally difficult to reconcile with the record. On 17 October 2024, at its very first Cabinet meeting, the Omar Abdullah government unanimously adopted a resolution seeking restoration of Jammu & Kashmirs statehood. The Chief Minister was subsequently authorised to take the matter up with the Prime Minister and the Government of India. That is not a government that kept mum. One can argue that the government should have achieved more. One can demand faster results. One can question its strategy. But one cannot erase an actual Cabinet resolution simply because it does not fit a convenient political narrative. And the issue has not disappeared from the governments political agenda. Omar Abdullah has continued to raise statehood with the Centre, including in his meetings with the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. The irony of Bukharis own recent position The contradiction becomes even more striking when one looks at Bukharis recent statements. On 17 June 2026, Bukhari dismissed the proposed NC mobilisation in Delhi for restoration of statehood as a political gimmick and described it as a new political drama. Yet on 16 July 2026, while addressing an Apni Party workers meeting at Dak Bungalow in Poonch, he argued that meaningful dialogue and sustained engagement with the Centre were essential for restoring statehood. He said: Protests and confrontation is not the way forward. Only a dialogue can bring our rights including statehood back. Again, the question is obvious. If dialogue with Delhi is the way forward, why is an elected government engaging Delhi on statehood a political gimmick? If the government does not raise the issue, it can be accused of silence. If it raises the issue in Delhi, it is accused of doing a photo op. If it protests, it is called confrontational. If it chooses dialogue, it is apparently compromising. It seems the only acceptable strategy, in Altaf Bukharis politics, is one in which Omar Abdullah does nothing. The electorate has already answered one question. The article asks: Where is the Omar Abdullah government? The answer is simple: It is where the people of Jammu & Kashmir put it. In the 2024 Assembly elections, the National Conference won 42 of the 90 Assembly seats, while its alliance partners helped take the coalition beyond the majority mark. Apni Party did not win a single Assembly seat. That does not make the NC government immune from criticism. An elected government must be questioned relentlessly on employment, electricity, infrastructure, tourism, administration, prices and public services. But there is a difference between holding a government accountable and pretending the electorate never gave it a mandate in the first place. Perhaps the real question is: Where is Altaf Bukharis consistency? In 2021, he went to Delhi and defended his meeting with the Prime Minister. In 2021, again, he supported engagement with the Centre on J&Ks political future. In January 2023, he said he was willing to form a government with almost anyone except the PDP, including the BJP. In July 2023, he said: Anybody who sits in New Delhi tomorrow, we are with him. In June 2026, he dismissed an NC statehood mobilisation in Delhi as a political gimmick. In July 2026, he said dialogue with the Centre was the way to restore statehood. The issue is not that Altaf Bukhari has changed his position. Politicians are allowed to change positions. The issue is that he appears to apply one standard to himself and another to Omar Abdullah. When Bukhari goes to Delhi, it is outreach. When Bukhari meets the Prime Minister, it is advocacy. When Bukhari seeks engagement with the Centre, it is pragmatism. But when an elected Chief Minister does precisely the same thing, it is supposedly a photo opportunity. That is not accountability. That is selective outrage. Jammu & Kashmir deserves a political opposition that remembers its own words, respects the peoples mandate and debates the government on facts. Altaf Bukhari is perfectly entitled to oppose Omar Abdullah. He is perfectly entitled to question the NC government. But before asking Where is the government?, perhaps he should answer the more uncomfortable question: Where is the consistency in his own politics? Adv. Shriya Handoo, Research Head & Spokesperson, J&K National Conference (JKNC)

All is not lost yet

Environmental pollution poses a grave threat to the survival of humanity in modern times. For centuries, man has remained dependent on his surrounding environment for food, water, air, and shelter. The relationship between man and his environment is of utmost significance, characterized by a free exchange between the ecosystem and human systems. However, in recent decades, this balance has been disturbed, primarily due to the increasing wants and interests of man. Scientific success and technological advancements have made man materially prosperous but have severely damaged his most important companionthe environment. Environmental pollution is increasing with societal growth and development. While progress is essential, it should not come at the cost of life, health, and nature. It is the duty of every civilized person to keep surroundings cleannot only for human beings but also for animals, birds, plants, and trees. The Holy Quran emphasizes this balance. Allah states in Surah Ankaboot (44): Allah created the heavens and the earth in true proportions. In Surah Qamar (49), He declares: Verily, all things have been created in proportion and measure. We take pride in advances in agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, energy, and industry. However, these advances have created problems of pollution, overpopulation, new diseases, imbalance of natural resources, global warming, and destruction of wildlife. The beautiful valley of Kashmir has been richly endowed with nature and environment, sustaining its people for generations. But it is an unpleasant fact that as the people of Kashmir have become more civilized, they have increasingly infested their environment. We have plundered its beauty to such an extent that we are now anxiously concerned about our own survival. The pollution we have inflicted is not confined to our surroundings, rivers, trees, and animalsit has also spread socially, politically, and morally. The unchecked progress of industrialization and consequent urbanization and modernization have stabilized our economy but at the cost of our nature. We have converted farms into shopping complexes and industries. Rice fields and orchards have been replaced by residential colonies without considering the impact on our land. Even tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam have not been spared. Gulmarg, once world-renowned for its scenic beauty, has been turned into a hub of adventure tourism and concrete structures. It no longer retains the naked, natural environs for which it was once prominent. While we may earn money from these ventures, the crowded gatherings and encroachments are becoming sources of pollution. Modern man, full of fret and fever, seeks respite from turbulent lifewhich he could certainly find in Gulmargbut we have perhaps deprived him of this blessing. Pahalgam, with its gushing Lidder stream and picturesque meadows, was once abundant in forests, shrubs, and pure water. It is dismaying that this place is also losing its charm due to concrete structures and unnecessary amusement launches, which have now become sources of pollution. Ecologists have been warning of the total extinction of rare wild animal species in the Kashmir Himalayas, particularly around Pahalgam, unless pollution is checked. Species at risk include the Hangul, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Ibex. Avian species such as the Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle, Gurkakav, and Koklas are also in danger. We have also destroyed the environment of our lakes, particularly Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, which once possessed absolute allure and natural charisma. For Gods sake, let politically motivated individuals act reasonably and safeguard these graceful lakes, restoring their lost charm. Unnecessary tourist infrastructure, coupled with vested political interests, has dangerously disturbed these mesmerizing water bodies. Our riversmost importantly, the Jhelum, which irrigates our fields and provides water for lifehave turned poisonous due to enormous quantities of waste, oils, and chemicals from industries and factories that flow into it. The Jhelum has lost its purity, signaling disease and death. Kashmir was once a cool place where refreshing breezes would blow. Today, we need air purifiers and disinfectants to escape atmospheric pollution. The fragrance and freshness of winter, which existed twenty years ago, have been lost. This change is the result of the devastation of our forestsour green gold. For construction, we plundered and smuggled this wealth for financial gain. We have left our forests naked, and the day is not far when we will lose the natural beauty of our land. We have hastened our own destruction, sacrificing ecological balance for so-called development. All is not lost yet. Much can be salvaged if we restrict our materialistic pursuits. We must abandon our selfishness, set aside narrow interests, and save our landbecause we are its sentinels.

Beyond One-Time Relaxation

Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe crisis of educated unemployment. The worst affected are the youth, many of whom are slipping into depression for want of timely job opportunities. Through this Op-Ed, I wish to bring some genuine concerns to the notice of the Honble Lieutenant Governor-led UT Administration. Since Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory, the youth have more expectations from the Raj Bhavan than anywhere else. The issue of age limit in JKAS As per SRO 103 of 2018, which governs the J&K Combined Competitive Examination, the upper age limit for Open Merit (OM) candidates is 32 years, 34 years for reserved and in-service candidates, and 35 years for physically challenged candidates. This is arguably the lowest upper age limit for any State Civil Services Examination in the country. For comparison, the upper age limit is 42 years in Haryana, 40 years in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and 37 years in Punjab. The UT Government itself gave one-time relaxation up to 37 years in the past, which shows the need for a permanent solution. Recently, in February 2026, the Government informed the Legislative Assembly that the proposal to enhance the upper age limit is under examination. To end this annual distress and uncertainty, there is a need for a permanent solution under Article 309 of the Constitution. I humbly request the LG Administration to enhance the upper age limit for JKAS (OM) to 40 years, at par with other states. An officer selected at 40 will be more mature, knowledgeable and dedicated. While his service tenure will be shorter, his commitment to the system will be far greater. Need for yearly recruitment in education sector The problem is more acute for science stream students. In J&K, there is virtually no private sector for them. The only viable career option is in the education sector as 10+2 Lecturer or Assistant Professor. However, these posts are advertised almost once in ten years. By the time they are advertised, a student who completed post-graduation between 2016 and 2020 has already become overage and cannot even compete. This is how an entire generation has become overage without getting a single fair chance. As per Article 320 of the Constitution and Section 93 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, JKPSC is mandated to conduct recruitment. The General Administration Department has also instructed all departments to refer vacancies to PSC/SSB by January 15 every year, but the instruction is not being followed in letter and spirit. The JKPSC should adopt a yearly recruitment calendar on the directions of the LG Administration. Even if there are only two vacancies in a subject, the posts of Lecturer and Assistant Professor should be advertised every year. This will give hope to the youth, keep them engaged with academics, help the UT get quality academicians and protect youth from depression. Need to Amend SRO 481 At present, under the J&K School Education (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2010 issued vide SRO 481, posts of Headmaster, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Principal and Chief Education Officer (CEO) are filled 100% by promotion. This has resulted in a culture of in-charge arrangements, with hundreds of schools and zones remaining headless for years. The LG Administration should amend SRO 481 and earmark at least 25% quota for direct recruitment through JKPSC for these posts. This would involve no financial burden but will help create a dedicated and qualified J&K Education Service cadre for the largest department of J&K, besides creating employment opportunities for highly qualified youth. These reforms involve no additional financial burden on the exchequer, but they will go a long way in securing the future of thousands of educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir. I humbly request the Honble Lieutenant Governor to kindly consider these suggestions in the larger interest of the educated youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Arhan Bagati brings Mirzapur stars to Srinagar for special IFFJK screening

The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) received a major Bollywood touch as Arhan Bagati, founder of KYARI, brought actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu to the Valley for a special screening of Mirzapur in Srinagar. The screening, held during the four-day festival from September 7 to 10, brought the cast of the popular Mirzapur franchise and the Excel Entertainment team before audiences in Srinagar, adding a high-profile Hindi cinema event to the festivals programme. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the screening and interacted with Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu and members of the Excel Entertainment team. Bagatis role in bringing the Mirzapur team to Kashmir gives the event a distinct local connection, with his initiative helping link a major Bollywood production with the Valley during the first edition of IFFJK. The special screening allowed local audiences to watch the much-awaited Mirzapur film while also seeing members of its cast in Srinagar. The event added to the festivals broader effort to bring established names from the Indian film industry to Jammu and Kashmir. The visit also extended beyond the screening. After the event, Team Mirzapur explored Srinagar city and experienced some of the Valleys cultural and scenic attractions. The presence of the Mirzapur cast at the festival has also added visibility to Jammu and Kashmir at a time when efforts are being made to strengthen the regions association with cinema and attract filmmakers and film-related events to the Valley.

The Emerging Violence of Himalayan Hazards

The sudden flash flood in Rasuwa, Bagmati Province, Nepal, in August 26, 2026 has highlighted the emerging and unpredictable nature of cryospheric hazards in the Himalaya. It demonstrates how sudden glacier- and ice-related processes, combined with weak geological foundations, can rapidly generate destructive floods, posing serious risks to communities and critical infrastructure. The Himalaya is changing, and so is the nature of its disasters. In recent years, landslides, debris flows, flash floods, cloudbursts and cryosphere-related hazards have become more frequent, intense and complex. Since around 2020, the Himalaya has experienced repeated extreme events. The South Lhonak GLOF in Sikkim (2023), Thame GLOF in Nepal (2024), and recent disasters in Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir etc., clearly show this changing Himalayan hazard environment. The concern is not only the increasing number of disasters, but also their changing and difficult-to-predict behaviour. Every major event generates scientific studies/literature to understand its causes and mechanisms, yet each event can follow a different pathway. The Himalaya has highly variable geology, land use land cover, steep terrain, glaciers, snow, permafrost, unstable slopes and river systems. These interacting conditions make disaster prediction increasingly challenging and highlight the need for better monitoring, risk assessment and adaptation. Cryosphere is no longer only a water resource For decades, glaciers and snow have mainly been viewed as important water resources and indicators of climate change. Glacial lakes, meanwhile, were recognised as potential sources of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). But this understanding is now expanding. The glacier/snow itself can become the source of a disaster. Earlier, the 2021 Chamoli disaster was also triggered by the collapse of a large rock-ice mass from Ronti Peak, transforming rapidly into a destructive debris flow and flash flood. The August 2026 Nepal event provides a striking example of this emerging hazard. A large glacier/ice-rock mass collapsed and generated a powerful avalanche, followed by debris mobilisation and flash flooding. The event propagated rapidly downstream, damaging settlements, roads, bridges and infrastructure and killing hundreds. These events demonstrate the cascading nature of glacier-related hazards. Their occurrence without intense rainfall also highlights the limitations of relying solely on rainfall-based warning systems. More importantly, they send a clear message that glaciers should now be assessed not only as water resources but also as potential sources of catastrophic disasters. From glacier to flash flood in minutes A glacier situated on a steep slope, hanging valley or ice cliff may appear stable for years. However, warming can alter the structure and stability of ice and surrounding rock. Glacier thinning, increased meltwater generation, crevassing, changing ice conditions, and associated permafrost degradation may further contribute to glacier instability. When a large mass of ice and rock suddenly detaches, gravity takes over. The material can accelerate rapidly down a steep slope. As it moves, it may entrain water, ice, rock and loose sediment. Once the mass enters a river valley, it can rapidly transform into a highly destructive debris flow or flash flood. The enormous energy and changing lapse-rate conditions can accelerate melting of the entrained ice, generating additional meltwater and increasing the volume and destructive power of the downstream flood. The most concerning aspect is the speed/velocity of the process. A disaster may begin high in the mountains and reach downstream settlements within minutes. There may be little or no time for communities to react. Bridges, roads, hydropower projects and houses located in the flow path can be destroyed almost instantaneously. These are not simply floods. They are cascading disasters-one process triggering another like glacier instability, ice-rock avalanche, water release, sediment mobilisation, debris flow and finally a destructive flood. Given the steep Himalayan terrain, active tectonics, complex geology and rapidly changing cryosphere, these hazards are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. Several parts of the region have experienced repeated cloudbursts, flash floods, debris flows and landslides in recent years, particularly during 2026. In Jammu & Kashmir, for example, heavy rainfall events have affected districts such as Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri etc. These events demonstrate that hazards cannot always be treated as separate processes. A cloudburst may trigger a landslide; a landslide may block a river; the failure of such a blockage, sometimes combined with an ice avalanche, may generate a flash flood; and the resulting flood can rapidly mobilise large quantities of sediment downstream. The hazard is therefore no longer a single event-it is a chain of interconnected processes. Towards better adaptation and resilience Our planning needs to change: We cannot stop the Himalaya from being an active mountain system. We cannot prevent every landslide, glacier collapse or flash flood. But we can reduce the number of people and assets exposed to these hazards. The first step is to reconsider where and how we build. Settlements and infrastructure located on floodplains, alluvial fans, river corridors, debris-flow channels, confluences and other active landforms require careful reassessment. Future planning must consider changing rainfall, glacier and snow conditions, sediment availability and cascading processes. The question should no longer be only Where can we build? It should also be Where should we not build? Communities must be at the centre: Scientific monitoring is essential, but technology alone cannot save lives. The people living in mountain valleys are the first to experience these disasters and often have only minutes to respond. Community-based monitoring, local warning systems, evacuation routes, hazard awareness and regular preparedness exercises must therefore become an integral part of Himalayan disaster management. Scientific information must reach people in a form that is simple, clear and actionable. Climate change is changing the risk: Climate change is an important part of this emerging picture. Glaciers are among the most sensitive indicators of climate change, but their response to warming may also create new hazards. Glacier thinning, retreat, changing meltwater pathways and instability of hanging glaciers can increase the potential for sudden ice and ice-rock failures. This means that the role of glaciers must be understood in two ways 1) as water reservoirs and 2) as potential hazard sources. A new generation of glacier-risk assessment is therefore needed. Monitoring should consider not only glacier area and retreat, but also slope, ice thickness, surface velocity, crevassing, hanging-glacier geometry, meltwater pathways, surrounding rock stability and the population and infrastructure located downstream. We need to learn from every disaster: The biggest weakness in disaster management is not always the lack of scientific knowledge. Often, it is the failure to convert knowledge from one disaster into preparedness for the next. Every disaster should therefore become a learning event. When a glacier collapses, we should ask which other glaciers have similar characteristics. When a debris flow destroys a settlement, we should identify other settlements located on similar fans. When a flood damages infrastructure, we should examine whether similar infrastructure exists elsewhere in the same hazard zone. The Himalaya is repeatedly showing us where our vulnerabilities lie. We need to listen. The Himalaya does not recognise borders: Himalayan hazards do not respect political boundaries. Rivers, glaciers, mountains and atmospheric systems connect communities across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and China. A disaster originating in one part of the mountains can rapidly affect people and infrastructure far downstream and across borders. The recent Rasuwa-disaster is a powerful reminder that disasters do not recognise nationality, religion or political boundaries. Effective risk reduction therefore requires regional scientific cooperation, shared monitoring systems, common data platforms and coordinated early-warning mechanisms. Understand the mountain before building on it: The future of Himalayan disaster management must be interdisciplinary. Geology, geomorphology, hydrology, cryosphere science, meteorology and ecology cannot work in isolation. The strength or weakness of one component can influence the behaviour of the entire mountain system. The geological foundation is particularly important. Weak rocks, faults, fractured slopes and unstable terrain can amplify the effects of rainfall, glacier melt and earthquakes. Understanding this interconnected system is essential for developing safer infrastructure and better risk-management strategies. Learning to live with the Himalaya: The Himalaya is an active and dynamic mountain system. Its hazards cannot be completely eliminated. Climate change is further increasing the complexity and uncertainty of these processes. Therefore, our goal should not be to control the Himalaya. Our goal should be to understand it, respect its limits and adapt our way of living to its behaviour. Every disaster leaves destruction behind, but it also leaves knowledge. The real failure occurs when we experience one disaster and continue planning as if the next one will behave in exactly the same way. Every passing disaster is a wake-up call. We must learn from it before the next warning arrives. The future of the Himalaya will depend not only on how the mountains change, but on how intelligently we respond to those changes. The choice is before us; either continue reacting after every disaster, or learn from the past and prepare for the next one. Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Mir, Former Sr. Geologist- GSI, Scientist-In-Charge, National Institute of Hydrology, Western Himalayan Regional Centre, Jammu, J&K.

Srinagars roads in crisis: Potholes, open manholes turn commute into daily hazard

Pothole-ridden roads, uneven surfaces and open manholes have made daily travel increasingly difficult for commuters across Srinagar, with residents complaining that poor road conditions are affecting traffic movement, damaging vehicles and creating safety risks. From the congested downtown areas to busy uptown roads and newly developed residential colonies on the citys outskirts, several stretches are in need of urgent repairs, according to residents. In downtown Srinagar, roads in and around Nowhatta, Hawal, Gojwara and adjoining areas continue to have uneven surfaces, with residents attributing parts of the deterioration to drainage and utility works carried out in recent months. While underground works were completed, many roads were left inadequately restored, making driving difficult and slowing traffic movement, said Fayaz Ahmad, a commuter. Similar complaints have been reported from Maisuma and nearby areas, where motorists said uneven road patches force vehicles to slow down and contribute to traffic bottlenecks, particularly during office and school hours. The condition of the Bemina-Qamarwari road has also come under criticism, with commuters pointing to potholes that have widened over time along the busy corridor. Residents said the Noor Bagh stretch is similarly affected, with damaged road surfaces making movement difficult and increasing vehicle wear and tear. In Hazratbal and its surrounding areas, residents said the rapid expansion of residential colonies has not been matched by improvement in road infrastructure. Roads leading towards Batapora and Gosiya Colony, besides several interior roads serving newer residential areas, have multiple damaged stretches, residents said. Our colony and nearby residential areas have expanded over the years, but the roads remain in a miserable condition. We keep hearing that tenders are being processed, but people want to know when the actual macadamisation will begin, a resident of Gosiya Colony said. Open and uneven manholes have added another layer of risk. In Batapora, an uncovered manhole on a road curve has been marked only with a wooden stick and a piece of cloth to alert motorists. It is shocking that such a dangerous spot has been left like this, said Bilal Ahmad, a daily commuter. Residents said open manholes can become particularly dangerous during rainfall when they are covered by water and become difficult to identify. They said pedestrians, cyclists and motorists unfamiliar with the affected stretches face the greatest risk. Beyond safety concerns, commuters said deteriorating roads are increasing vehicle maintenance costs. Every few months I have to spend money on suspension repairs, wheel alignment and tyre maintenance because of these roads. The wear and tear on vehicles has increased considerably, said Mohammad Yasin, a commuter from Bemina. Residents also said several link roads in Gojwara and other downtown localities remain in poor condition despite repeated complaints to the concerned authorities. The issue is not limited to major roads. Residents said many smaller link roads and interior streets are being overlooked even as work progresses on some prominent city roads. An official said macadamisation work was underway on several stretches and that additional roads had been identified for improvement. We have already completed macadamisation on some important road stretches, while additional roads have been identified and are being taken up in phases depending on available resources and priority, the official said. Officials have also maintained that road works are being carried out in phases, with priority given to important routes and areas requiring immediate attention. Residents, however, said the condition of several interior roads remains poor and urged the authorities to speed up repairs and restoration. They also stressed the need for proper restoration after underground utility and drainage works, arguing that freshly repaired roads should not be left with uneven patches or unfinished surfaces. With winter approaching, residents said timely repairs have become more urgent. Rain, snowfall, freezing temperatures and repeated traffic movement can further damage already weakened road surfaces, they said. For commuters, the problem extends beyond traffic delays. Potholes, damaged road edges and open manholes can result in accidents while also increasing the cost of maintaining vehicles. As Srinagar continues to expand, residents said road maintenance needs to keep pace with the citys growth. They have called for faster macadamisation, proper restoration following utility works, and immediate covering or securing of dangerous manholes. The condition of the roads, residents said, has made what should be an ordinary daily commute a recurring test of patience and safety.

Direct from Sun

We need enough electricity. We need affordable electricity. We need non-hazardous electricity. We need environment-friendly electricity. We need electricity for every household, everywhere in J&K365 days a year, 30 days a month, 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day. No outage, no drop in voltage, no pilferage, no transmission losses. Is that wishful thinking? No, it is a wish that the sun in the sky grants to the people living under a roof on the earth. The demand for electricity is ever increasing, and there is always a gap between supply and demand. In J&K, we have enough water resources to produce as muchin fact, moreelectricity than we need. But there are structural, financial, and administrative problems that come in the way. The result is that when the Kashmir region needs more power during the winter season, there is a sharp dip in supply. The same is the case in hot zones. When Jammu and such regions need electricity in summers, there isnt enough to be supplied. Like our capital cities, the suffering on account of electricity shortage also shifts its space. Now comes the element of environmental sensitivity. Hydropower has its own downside. The way we have seen landslides and flash floods, the danger of a dam burst is real. If we keep playing with our mountains and rivers the way we are, by undertaking massive developmental projects while compromising environmental safety, we are inviting a catastrophe of immense magnitude. So hydropower generation has a limit, and crossing that limit is not a wise option. The option currently available to us is solar electricity. The government is already putting lots of emphasis on this, and that needs to be further prioritised. There is a subsidy offered by the government on individual solar units. The government is also mapping rooftop space on its own buildings to utilise it for solar electricity generation. In addition to making the two efficient, we need to find more ways to generate solar electricity. Perhaps the government can incentivise solar electricity generation in more attractive ways than merely offering a subsidy.

Lot-I tender first step towards Rs 35,000 Cr project: MLA Ramban

Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju on Wednesday said the opening of the technical bid for Lot-I of the much-awaited project would mark an important first step towards its implementation, while clarifying that the Lot-I tender should not be confused with the main project. Speaking to reporters, Raju said the technical bid for Lot-I, involving works worth around Rs 5,000 Cr, was expected to be opened on Wednesday. He said the financial bid would be processed after completion of the technical evaluation, following which the work under Stage-I, Lot-I, would be allotted and taken up. The MLA said the project had witnessed repeated delays over the past several years due to a number of pending issues, including matters related to land possession. He said these issues had also affected the progress of the Lot-I tender. According to Raju, the overall project is estimated to cost around Rs 35,000 Cr, with the government having approved subordinate debt of approximately Rs 18,000 Cr for NHPC at a relatively low rate of interest. He further said the proposal for the main project was presently awaiting consideration by the Public Investment Board, which examines major projects of the Central Government and public sector undertakings on various parameters, including financial viability and cost-effectiveness. I expect the Public Investment Board to clear the proposal by the end of October, Raju said, adding that after the required approvals, including Cabinet approval, the main project tenders would be floated and work on the main project could commence. The MLA also urged people not to link the Lot-I tender with the entire project, saying that Lot-I represented an initial stage and would enable work worth more than Rs 5,000 Cr to begin. He said the development was a positive step after years of uncertainty and would provide momentum to the overall project. Lot-I is an important beginning, but the main project will still require some more time and the necessary approvals, Raju said.

Sub-Committee meeting on Ladakh issues held in New Delhi

Srinagar, Sep 9:The crucial sub-committee meeting convened by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to address the political and constitutional future of Ladakh ended late Wednesday without any major breakthrough, according to representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The meeting in the national capital brought together senior officials from the Home Ministry, representatives of the Ladakh administration, and a joint delegation of the LAB and KDA. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the leadership from Ladakh arrived at a consensus that the Union Territory, which was carved out following the 2019 reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, is set to receive a customised constitutional framework under Article 371, complete with its own elected legislative body. Those who attended the Sub-Committee meeting in New Delhi included senior MHA officers, senior officials of the Ladakh administration, including Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra, besides three members each from LAB and KDA, LokSabha member from LadakhMohdHanifa Jan, former MP ThupstanChhewang, Kargil Hill Council Chairman MohdJaffarAkhoon and former Leh Hill Council chief TashiGyalson, sources said. They said that the Centre reiterated the proposal for a unique, sui generis governance structure under Article 371. This special framework is designed to legally insulate the fragile cold-desert region from external demographic and environmental pressures. Attended the sub-committee meeting with leaders of Ladakh at MHA in Delhi today. A general air of positivity prevailed as the broad contours of a sui generis model of governance under Article 371 of the Constitution were discussed. Deepening democracy is the goal, Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra said. Sources said it was noted that the next logical step would be to further empower the Union Territory through a democratic institutional framework that provides a political voice. After detailed deliberations, it was unanimously decided that while statehood would remain the long-term aspiration of Ladakh, in the present situation, as a first step, an appropriate customised model of governance by establishing a UT-level elected body with executive, financial and legislative powers would be established. During the meeting, the model of constitutional safeguards under Article 371 was also discussed. There have been instances of invoking Articles 371(A) to (J), and it was agreed that a customised sui generis model most suitable for Ladakh would be adopted. It was decided that a draft proposal covering the powers and functions executive, financial and legislative of this UT-level elected body in harmonious relations with the PRIs would be prepared for further discussion and fine-tuning. Speaking to Greater Kashmir about the overall atmosphere of the meeting, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Muhammad Jaffar, said that most of their reservations regarding constitutional safeguards, legislative powers and administrative issues were addressed during the discussions. He said the government agreed in principle that all bureaucrats in Ladakh would function under an elected executive authority once the proposed governance framework is established. The meeting also witnessed discussions on the withdrawal of cases registered against more than 83 individuals detained during the protests of September 24. The government assured them that the cases will be studied and assured withdrawal of the cases in a phased manner, Jaffar said. Sources said that the next meeting will be held in October, for which the dates will be announced later. Notably, two previous meetings of the Sub-Committee were held in Leh on July 3 and August 19. They were attended by representatives of the MHA, senior officers of the UT administration, including the Chief Secretary, Sub-Committee members from the LAB and KDA, among others. Meanwhile, a statement was issued by the Ladakh leaders after the sub-committee meeting concluded. LAB and KDA met with representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs today in furtherance of the in-principle understanding arrived at in the meetings dated May 22 and July 3 on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards by way of special provision under Article 371. The MHA stated that the intended UT-level body would be elected by direct election and would have legislative powers with respect to land, culture and language, forest, environment, natural resources, and any other subject matter reserved for the UT under Article 240. The elected body at the UT level would also have executive, budgetary, planning and financial powers. However, LAB and KDA observed that there is no clarity on overall areas, including law and order, as seen in the UT of Puducherry, which is necessary for proper governance, the statement said. The MHA also assured that a compensation package for those who lost their lives and were injured in the September 2025 agitation would be given. LAB and KDA sought that all cases registered against persons in respect of the September 2025 incident be withdrawn at once and not be done in phases. MHA assured that the same was being looked into. The MHA has assured that further talks will be held in the first week of October, during which a draft Article would be discussed. The MHA is expected to seek further comments on some broader issues from LAB and KDA shortly. The LAB and KDA unanimously stated that no major irreversible restructuring should be done in governance mechanisms, land transfers, etc., before an elected body at the Union Territory level is in place. LAB and KDA have unanimously declared that in the event of any such irreversible changes being made to the administrative and political setup of Ladakh before the UT-level democratic body is constituted, they would be compelled to call upon a public protest against such moves, it said.

Magisterial probe ordered after youth dies in Police custody in Jammu

A magisterial probe was ordered on Wednesday after a youth died in Police custody in the Border Police Post (BPP) Chakroi of R S Pura in Jammu, where he was called for questioning in a complaint. After the family and relatives of the deceased youth, identified as Uttam Chand, held a protest demonstration seeking impartial probe into the incident and action against the guilty Police officials, the Superintendent of Police (SP) Headquarters Anna Sinha maintained that a magisterial inquiry was ordered into the custodial death and full justice would be served to the bereaved family as no guilty would be spared. Before completion of the inquiry, we cannot term anyone accused or guilty. We have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death. The statements of the victim's family, witnesses will be recorded during the investigation. After culmination inquiry, whosoever found guilty whether from Police or the other side, will be punished as per established procedure of law, SP Sinha asserted, while responding to media queries. She stated that she along with senior Police officers had come to meet the family which lost its son and assure it that full justice would be served to them. Protesting locals stated that the youth (deceased) was taken into Police custody after he confronted a person, who allegedly tried to molest his (deceaseds) sister on September 8, 2026. However, the Police maintained that the (deceased) youth was called for questioning in a case of physical scuffle while the runaway accused in an alleged molestation case was arrested on Wednesday. Earlier during the day, the Police in its brief statement said that on September 9, 2026, Uttam Chand of Rakh, Chakroi was called for questioning at BPP Chakroi on a complaint. He suddenly became unconscious and was admitted to SDH R S Pura, then referred to GMC Jammu, where he died during treatment, Police said. After receiving the news of his death, the deceaseds family, relatives joined by inhabitants of the area held a dharna at Chakroi Chowk, raising slogans against the Police. They demanded dismissal of the Chowki (Police Post) in-charge and other (Police) personnel responsible for the incident. Seeking an independent probe, they also demanded a government job for the Next of Kin of the deceased youth and a compensation of Rs 1 Cr for the aggrieved family. With regard to demands for an SPOs job to a member of the deceased youths family and compensation, SP Sinha said, These demands do not pertain to me. But they will be taken up with the higher authorities after completion of inquiry. Local MLA Gharu Ram, MLA and former minister Sham Lal Sharma, former Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area along with the locals joined the protesting family and relatives. The protesters took exception to the Police claim that the deceased was in an inebriated condition and was not able to properly walk even when he was brought in to the Police Post; his medical test was conducted yet he died during treatment. Why was the family not intimated about his condition if he was so critical? They got to know about his death in the morning not from the Police but from some other source, one of the protesters posed a query to SP Sinha. Yesterday an attempt to rape was made on a girl but instead of taking action against the accused, her brother (deceased) was taken into custody, the protesters alleged. SP headquarters Anna Sinha, while trying to pacify the protesting family and relatives of the deceased, stated that the Police Post Chakroi incharge and all other police personnel deployed there were removed with immediate effect. Asserting that she could well understand the pain of mother (of the deceased), she assured that a committee to probe into the death of Uttam Chand in Police custody, would be constituted. A request for holding a magisterial enquiry has already been sent to the Deputy Commissioner. Proper departmental action would be taken against the officers found guilty in the probe. Rest assured that no guilty will be spared. If people face some problem, they suffer on any account, Police share their problem and try everything to resolve it. The person, who had molested the girl, too has been arrested. Action will be taken against him, she maintained. The person concerned (deceased) was in inebriated condition and was not able to walk even properly, when he was brought in the Police Chowki. He was immediately taken up for medical check-up by the Police officer, without any delay. During the medical check-up, he was given CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation). Despite CPR, he was in such an inebriated condition that his oxygen saturation level had reached 52 percent. He was taken for medical check-up for the second time and again given CPR. Yet he could not be saved and he collapsed, SP Sinha stated. She, however, assured the protesting family and others that all desired legal actions in the case, as were being demanded, would be taken. We will also enquire into the public complaints of irregularities in the functioning of the Police Post and action will be taken, she said. With regard to molestation case, SP Sinha clarified that after the complainant approached the Police alleging attempt to rape, the wrongdoer, who had fled after the incident, was arrested. Since morning, the Police team was after him as he fled to escape arrest. Just minutes ago, he was arrested. He too will be taken to task as per law. None will be spared. From whichever side, any wrong has been committed, be it Police, proper legal action will be taken after enquiring into all aspects. CCTV footage will be scrutinised. Post-mortem will be conducted. The Medical Board, comprising 5-6 doctors, will be constituted for the purpose. I assure that the Police will ensure full transparency in this case, SP Anna Sinha reaffirmed.

Best of BS Opinion: India must again prepare for higher oil prices

Today's opinions examine rising oil risks, the balance between pharmaceutical innovation and affordability, Karnataka's uneven growth, women-focused welfare and misinformation

HC directs fresh passport for minor after correcting DOB error

Srinagar, Sep 9:Observing that refusal to correct the error had caused grave injustice to him and affected his right to pursue medical education abroad, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed the passport authorities to consider a minor students application for issuance of a fresh passport reflecting his correct date of birth. A bench of Justice Sanjay Parihar ordered the authorities to consider issuance of the fresh travel document while allowing the minors plea through his father. The petitioner had approached the High Court after the passport authorities retained an incorrect date of birth that is July 12, 2004, in his passport despite the correction made in his school records and other official documents. The grievance projected by the minor in his plea was that he was in dire need of a fresh passport reflecting his correct date of birth. His further contention was that his plea involved urgency as he had qualified the NEET 2025 and had to pursue MBBS studies abroad for which a valid passport reflecting his correct date of birth was an indispensable requirement. As per the pleadings, the petitioners actual date of birth is May 25, 2008. An inadvertent error at the time of his school admission had resulted in his date of birth being recorded incorrectly as July 12, 2004. The same error subsequently found its way into his birth certificate and first passport. In its decision in response to the plea, the court noted that the error was discovered in 2018, when the minor approached the Zonal Education Officer, Kakapora, Pulwama and got his school records corrected after following the prescribed procedure. Following the correction of the records, the academic records, including Class 10, 11, and 12 certificates of the minor reflected May 25, 2008, as his date of birth. His Aadhaar card also carried the same date. A fresh birth certificate issued by the competent authority in January 2026 likewise certified May 25, 2008 as his date of birth. Apart from carrying out the necessary corrections of the records, the earlier birth certificate issued in 2011, on the basis of which the incorrect date had been recorded, was later cancelled by the competent authority after verification of the corrected records. Despite these developments, the passport authorities issued a fresh passport to the petitioner while retaining the old and incorrect date of birth. His subsequent representations seeking correction were not acted upon, compelling him to approach the High Court. Opposing the plea, the passport authorities had contended that the petitioner had obtained his earlier passport on the basis of the birth certificate then available and had sought correction after a considerable period. Rejecting the contention, the court pointed out that the Ministry of External Affairs' Circular dated November 26, 2015, specifically provides an exemption for persons who were minors when a passport containing an incorrect date of birth was issued. The Passport Officer, the court said, had failed to properly consider this special concession and had also overlooked the fact that the petitioner was only a minor when his first passport was issued. It noted that the Passport Officer could not rely upon a birth certificate which had subsequently been cancelled by the competent authority, particularly when the petitioner had produced consistent and valid documentary evidence supporting his corrected date of birth. Furthermore, the court observed that denial of a passport carrying the correct date of birth would affect the petitioners right to free movement, particularly when he had secured admission to the International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, for the 202627 academic session. The court observed the passport authorities inaction as arbitrary and unreasonable holding the same as contrary to the principles of natural justice and the applicable provisions governing passports. Consequently, it directed the said authorities to consider the petitioner's application for issuance of a fresh passport reflecting his correct date of birth on the basis of his matriculation certificate and the court order.

Springs vanish, streams choke

Anantnag, Sep 9:On a humid September Wednesday afternoon, a group of young men sat along the banks of the Arpaeth nullah behind a playfield in south Kashmirs Anantnag town, sipping soft drinks and eating chips. When they finished, they tossed the empty bottles and wrappers onto the riverbank and walked away. They were hardly alone. Plastic bags, bottles, food wrappers, and other discarded material lay strewn along both sides of the nullah, turning its banks into a makeshift dumping ground. For 47-year-old Nazir Ahmad of Anantnag town, the scene is a stark reminder of how much the area has changed. Some 30 years ago, our school used to organise picnics near this waterbody. The area now paints a dismal picture. And it is not only about this waterbody. Many streams, springs and rivers have met with the same fate, Ahmad said. Tributaries of the gurgling Lidder river are increasingly choked by household waste, while springs in areas such as Kokernag, Achabal and Kaipora have either depleted, disappeared or come under pressure from encroachment. The larger question, however, is not merely how much water has been lost, but why so little is being done to protect what remains. Former IAS officer Khurshid Ahmad Ganai said solid waste management does not appear to be on the priority list of the J&K government and despite repeated appeals and memoranda from community and environmental groups, there has been no major initiative in this direction. While people elsewhere have moved from the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - to the four Rs, including Recover, and are discussing segregation through four bins for food waste, other biodegradable waste, non-biodegradable waste and e-waste, Jammu and Kashmir appears to be lagging behind, he said. Ganai said there was little visible action on implementing the ban on single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility and the polluter-pays principle. The UT-level Pollution Control Committee is also conspicuous by its absence from any visible action. It appears that the government is following a laissez-faire approach, as though these problems will resolve themselves. They will not, he said. We are damaging our environment, ecology and biodiversity through inaction, and this is not sustainable. If we do not act now, the consequences will soon become much more difficult, if not impossible, to reverse, Ganai said. He also linked poor civic infrastructure to the pressure on the environment, particularly in tourist areas. International film festivals are welcome, but where are the decent wayside public toilets for tourists? Visitors are often left with no option but to relieve themselves in the open. The UT government could easily have asked hotels and other tourism establishments to help create such facilities, including through corporate social responsibility in appropriate cases, Ganai said. He said the problem was not a lack of ideas but a lack of political and administrative will. The government is not short of ideas. It knows what needs to be done, but there appears to be a reluctance to act, perhaps because action is considered politically risky or simply because of an attitude that things will somehow continue as they are, Ganai said. He warned that neglecting Kashmirs springs, streams and rivers could have long-term consequences for its water resources and ecology. Failure to give adequate attention to springs, lakes and rivers will have serious consequences for Jammu and Kashmirs water resources, wetlands and ecology. The government should also be encouraging people not to pollute or encroach upon these waterbodies, Ganai said. It is increasingly being left to environmental groups and the media to create awareness among people and warn them about the water crisis that could emerge if corrective measures are not taken now, he said. Anantnag, historically known as the land of countless springs, is particularly vulnerable to the decline of these water sources. Kokernag, Achabal, and Verinag are among its best-known springs and have been developed as tourist destinations over the years. But Ganai said even these iconic springs needed greater protection, particularly as climate change adds to existing pressures. Hundreds of springs have depleted or disappeared over the past three to four decades across Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama, which broadly constituted the erstwhile Anantnag district and are now referred to as south Kashmir. Yet there appears to be little concern, including among communities living around these springs, he said. A few decades from now, people could be searching for the springs that are disappearing today. Streams and rivers will also face increasing pressure from climate change, compounded by waste pollution, encroachments, illegal mining and siltation. We need to act before the damage becomes irreversible, Ganai said. He suggested that the responsibility for protecting and reviving springs should be decentralised and placed with local institutions. The most effective way to revive and restore springs in both rural and urban areas would be to assign responsibility to local institutions - panchayats in rural areas and municipal authorities in urban areas - backed by dedicated funding from the government, he said.

One strike ends, another starts

Srinagar, Sep 9:With the suspension of strike and protest of MBBS interns in GMCs of J&K, a workforce has re-entered the strained pool of healthcare workers in hospitals. However, with the limited time, yet significant strike of NHM employees, patient services are on the brink again. J&Ks public healthcare system is under disruption once more. The National Health Mission (NHM) employees across J&K, their numbers running into at least 11,000 in Kashmir division, have begun a 72-hour strike from September 9. NHM staff forms one of the largest pools of healthcare workforce in J&K. Their portfolio includes immunisation, mother and child health services and other disease control programs. Their concentration in peripheral areas keeps the healthcare delivery smooth, and healthcare schemes available to masses. The health sector in J&K continues to face a striking gap between sanctioned manpower and actual staffing. By governments own figures, nearly 16,000 posts are lying vacant across the Health and Medical Education Department. The shortage is not limited to doctors: thousands of paramedical and non-gazetted posts are also unfilled. In the absence of timely regular recruitment, the system leans heavily on NHM and academic and contractual arrangements to keep hospitals functioning. Young medical and paramedical professionals are pushed towards contractual NHM appointments or other relatively less secure positions. They continue to wait for advertisements of sanctioned government posts lying vacant, and cross the age of eligibility in waiting. The NHM association has said the government had failed to respond to a final ultimatum set for September 5. The committee said the strike would cover all district, block and field-level NHM staff, and across health facilities, across the J&K. Spokesperson of J&K NHM Employees Association (JKNHMEA), Abdul Rauoof said that many of the NHM employees were serving for nearly 18 years without a comprehensive regularisation or job-security framework. He said the workforce had contributed significantly to J&K healthcare delivery and their demands were most genuine. The demands of the association include a time-bound process for regularisation and long-term job security of eligible NHM employees. They have also demanded equal pay for equal work, in addition to the extension of 7th Pay Commission benefits to eligible NHM staff. Furthermore, a financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the family of an NHM employee who dies in service also features in the list of demands. In April this year, NHM employees went on strike, but called off the stir only after a day following assurances from the government. They told us our demands are genuine, and that these will be addressed within two months. However, five months have passed, and we dont see any progress, a representative of NHM employees told Greater Kashmir. We are not left with any option but to strike, he said. Earlier, the MBBS and BDS interns across J&K's government medical colleges began an indefinite strike around August 31. They demanded that their monthly stipend be raised from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. Interns said the stipend has not been revised in nearly seven years and is far less than what their counterparts are paid in medical colleges in other states of India. A committee formed by the Health and Medical Education Department in 2023 had recommended raising the stipend to around Rs 25,000. However, no order has been issued to implement it. Interns have been alleging that they are being redirected between the Chief Minister's office and the Finance Department. However, on Tuesday the Health and Medical Education Department promised a solution within 30 days, prompting an end to the strike by interns.

Swiss Alps inspire J&Ks plan for high-altitude revolving restaurant

Srinagar, Sep 9:The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning an iconic high-altitude revolving restaurant at Gulmargs Apharwat Top Station, inspired by a famous revolving restaurant in Saas-Fee, a mountain resort in Switzerlands Swiss Alps. Saas-Fee is a mountain tourism town in Switzerland, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. At the nearby Mittelallalin mountain station, about 11,500 feet above sea level, is the Revolving Restaurant Allalin, where the dining area slowly turns 360 degrees, giving visitors changing views of the mountains while they eat. The J&K Cable Car Corporation Limited (JKCCC) cited this concept in its tender to develop a new revolving restaurant at Apharwat. The corporation has invited consultants to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR), architectural and engineering designs and tender documents for the proposed Iconic High-Altitude Revolving Restaurant. According to the Saas-Fee tourism authority, the Revolving Restaurant Allalin at Mittelallalin completes one full rotation in an hour and has around 200 indoor seats. Visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding Swiss Alps from different directions without moving from their tables. The Gulmarg project is based on the same broad idea of combining dining with panoramic mountain views. However, JKCCCs tender says the proposed facility should have its own identity for Gulmarg and must be designed according to local climatic, seismic and operational conditions. The proposal is planned at Apharwat Top Station, where JKCCC says an existing foundation structure has remained unutilised for several years. The corporation wants the consultant to determine whether the structure can be safely used for the proposed facility. Before it can be reused, the structure will undergo a detailed structural audit, non-destructive testing, material testing and assessment of its remaining strength. The consultant will then recommend whether it can be reused as it is, needs strengthening or retrofitting, or requires reconstruction. The difficult mountain conditions at Apharwat are a major part of the project planning. The consultant will have to assess the impact of heavy snow, strong winds, earthquakes and extreme temperature changes. Detailed topographical, geotechnical and sub-soil studies will also be carried out to determine whether the site can support a large revolving structure. The planned facility will be more than a restaurant. The design brief includes panoramic seating and dining areas, visitor circulation, toilets, changing facilities, cloakrooms and visitor information facilities. Accessibility for persons with disabilities is also part of the requirements. The building will require specialised systems because of the severe cold at Apharwat. JKCCC has asked for passive-heating measures, suitable solar orientation, an insulated building envelope and energy-efficient systems. Electrical, heating and ventilation, plumbing, firefighting, drainage, sewerage and water-supply systems will also form part of the engineering design. Environmental considerations have also been included in the project. The consultant will assess the possible impact on Gulmargs alpine ecosystem, visual landscape and cultural heritage. Water requirements and the feasibility of renewable-energy systems, including solar power, will also be examined. The government has not yet fixed the final construction cost of the proposed restaurant. The consultant will prepare estimates covering the building, engineering systems, specialised revolving equipment, fit-out and external works. It will also assess operating and maintenance costs, possible revenue from the restaurant and related tourism activities, and the projects financial and economic viability. The consultant will be selected through Quality and Cost Based Selection, with 70 percent weightage for technical capability and 30 percent for the financial proposal. Only bidders scoring at least 60 marks out of 100 in the technical evaluation will qualify for financial evaluation. The consultancy is expected to be completed within 45 days of the Letter of Award. During this period, the selected consultant will conduct the structural and site studies and prepare the architectural concept, DPR, engineering drawings, cost estimates and tender documents. The project comes months after a revolving restaurant-cum-multipurpose facility was inaugurated at Apharwat in December 2025. The new tender does not describe itself as a re-tender and does not state that the earlier facility will be replaced or discontinued. Instead, it seeks a fresh DPR and design for an iconic high-altitude revolving restaurant and refers to an older foundation structure at the site. The Swiss model offers a simple tourism idea: take visitors to a high mountain, give them a meal and allow them to enjoy changing views of the surrounding peaks as the restaurant slowly rotates. JKCCC now wants to adapt that idea for Apharwat, combining panoramic dining with a structure capable of operating in Kashmirs heavy snow, strong winds, seismic conditions and extreme cold. The project will first have to pass through the DPR, structural, environmental and financial assessment stages before construction begins.

Testing a double harvest: Saffron fields, solar yields

Srinagar, Sep 9:Jammu and Kashmir could begin testing whether its agricultural land can produce both crops and electricity, with a small proposed saffron agrivoltaics project at Pampore offering a possible starting point for combining farming with solar power. Agrivoltaics, also known as Agri-PV, involves installing solar panels above or between crops so that the same piece of land can continue to be cultivated while also generating electricity. The approach is gaining attention in India as policymakers look for ways to expand renewable energy without taking productive agricultural land out of farming. For Jammu and Kashmir, the idea could be particularly relevant because land is under pressure from agriculture, horticulture, settlements, infrastructure and other competing uses. Instead of permanently converting farmland into conventional solar parks, agrivoltaics offers a model in which agricultural production could continue alongside power generation. A small experiment proposed at the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices (ARSSSS), SKUAST-K, Pampore, seeks to examine whether the concept can work in Kashmirs saffron-growing areas. A Detailed Project Report titled Detailed Project Report for Saffron-Based Agrivoltaics System has been prepared for a research project involving ARSSSS, SKUAST-K, NIT Srinagar and JK Green Technologies. The proposal envisages an approximately 16.74-kilowatt pilot installation in saffron fields. The experiment proposes testing three different solar-panel arrangements, each involving around 5 kW of capacity. One would use vertically installed bifacial panels oriented towards the east, another would use vertical bifacial panels facing west, while the third would use conventional panels tilted 30 degrees towards the south. The comparison is intended to establish how different panel designs affect both electricity generation and saffron cultivation. According to the project proposal, the south-facing panels could generate around 8.1 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, substantially higher than the approximately 3.2 MWh expected from each of the east- and west-facing vertical arrangements. However, the project is not designed simply to identify which panel produces the most electricity. Its larger purpose is to determine which arrangement offers the best combined outcome for agriculture and power generation. A vertical panel system could produce less electricity but may take up less agricultural space and allow greater access to sunlight, rain and snow on the soil. It could also interfere less with regular farm operations. A partially elevated or tilted system, meanwhile, could provide shade and potentially influence soil moisture and temperature, but could also reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the saffron crop. The proposed research is therefore intended to provide evidence on whether saffron production and solar generation can practically coexist under Kashmirs conditions. The project could have wider importance because saffron cultivation in Kashmir faces challenges linked to climate variability, water availability and productivity, while valuable saffron-growing land is also under pressure from changing land use. If farmers can generate additional income from solar electricity without significantly reducing saffron production, agrivoltaics could potentially strengthen the economic case for retaining agricultural land under saffron cultivation. The DPR makes a much larger theoretical calculation by considering around 3200 hectares of saffron land and assuming a solar potential of 0.5 MW per hectare. On that basis, it estimates a theoretical potential of around 1600 MW. However, the figure remains a projection rather than an established resource potential. The proposed 16.74-kW pilot cannot by itself demonstrate that 1600 MW of solar capacity can be installed across saffron fields while maintaining commercially viable cultivation. The assumed 0.5 MW per hectare density would also need to be tested under actual Kashmiri conditions. The proposed pilot is estimated to cost around Rs 10.42 lakh, making it a relatively small investment for generating evidence that could guide much larger agricultural and renewable-energy programmes. Researchers could strengthen the experiment by comparing the solar plots with a nearby saffron plot without panels. Such a control plot would allow researchers to assess whether changes in crop performance are actually linked to the solar installation. The study could also examine results over several crop cycles and record flower production, stigma yield and quality, corm health and multiplication, soil moisture and temperature, irrigation requirements, disease incidence, snowfall behaviour and changes in the local microclimate. From an economic perspective, the most important measure would be the total income generated from the same piece of land income from saffron combined with revenue from electricity, after accounting for additional investment, maintenance and agricultural costs. The proposed research comes as the Centre is also exploring a wider role for agrivoltaics. ICAR-IARI has established a 100-kWp Agri-PV research facility in New Delhi with MNRE, NISE and GIZ to study different crop and solar configurations. The union government is also preparing PM-KUSUM 2.0 with a proposed dedicated 10-GW Agri-PV component. The policy direction could provide an opportunity for J&K to develop its own crop-specific research before larger schemes are rolled out. Experts involved in such work would need to consider that different crops require different designs. Panel height, spacing, orientation and density suitable for saffron may not be appropriate for apple orchards, vegetables, floriculture or medicinal and aromatic plants. For J&K, the proposed Pampore pilot could therefore serve as a first research platform for studying how solar generation can be integrated with agriculture without compromising crop production. The central proposition is simple: rather than choosing between agricultural land and solar power, Jammu and Kashmir could explore whether the same land can support both. The answer will depend on scientific evidence, crop performance, economics, and careful site-specific design.

Arkhe Adelaide

Arkhe in Adelaides Norwood suburb puts live fire at the heart of a modern Australian dining experience. Chef Jake Kellie, formerly of Singapores Burnt Ends, combines flame-kissed vegetables, seafood and fermented elements with standout dishes including scallop toast with caviar, Mayura Station intercostal skewers and a signature dry-aged tomahawk.

Subhash Chandras Zee pledge saga: How promoter leverage turned growth ambition into a debt trap

Subhash Chandras Essel Group expansion was fuelled partly by borrowing against pledged Zee shares, with personal guarantees adding to the promoters obligations. When the IL&FS crisis tightened liquidity and Zees share price fell, lenders enforced pledges, eroding Chandras stake. The episode offers lessons on promoter leverage, collateral risk and investing.

Vi, index to measure the truly rich

A new formula redefines wealth for high-net-worth individuals based on view quality. This index prioritizes aesthetic delights over financial earnings for true affluence. A college teacher with a balcony view scores higher than a hedge fund titan. The formula considers window and balcony view scores, and a floor multiplier. Prosperity is measured in daily, everyday delights, not just ownership.

Centre extends LTC facility by two more years for employees to visit J&K, northeast

New Delhi, Sep 9: The Centre on Wednesday extended by two more years, a scheme to allow its employees to visit Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the northeast region on leave travel concession (LTC). In an order, the Personnel Ministry warned of appropriate action for any misuse of the LTC facility. Eligible central government employees get reimbursement of tickets for to and fro journeys, besides paid leave, when they avail LTC. The scheme allowing government servants to travel by air to northeast region, Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands is extended for a further period of two years, with effect from September 25, 2026 till September 25, 2028, the order said. All eligible government servants may avail LTC to visit any place in these regions against the conversion of their one home town LTC in a four-year block period, it said. Government servants not entitled to travel by air are also allowed to travel by air in economy class by any airlines to these areas, according to the order. Fresh recruits are also allowed conversion of one of the three home town LTCs in a block of four years, applicable to them to visit NER/A&N/J&K/Ladakh. In addition, they are allowed one additional conversion of home town LTC to visit UT of J&K/UT of Ladakh in a block of four years, said the order issued to the secretaries of all central government ministries. All the ministries and departments are advised to bring it to the notice of all their employees that any misuse of LTC will be viewed seriously and the employees will be liable for appropriate action under the rules, it said. In order to keep a check on any kind of misuse of LTC, ministries/departments are advised to randomly get some of the air tickets submitted by the officials verified from the airlines concerned with regard to the actual cost of air travel vis-a-vis the cost indicated on the air tickets submitted by the officials, the Personnel Ministry said.

NSE IPO is selling a monopoly. Investors should watch the referee

NSE's upcoming listing presents investors with a dual business model. The exchange operates as a profit-generating toll booth and a regulatory referee. Global evidence suggests demutualisation creates conflicts, especially in weaker regulatory environments. Sebi's strength will determine if NSE can effectively police itself post-listing. The price band remains the critical factor for investors to consider.

Man's search for God

The 20th century witnessed a perceived eclipse of Gods presence, often attributed to scientific progress and material concerns. Nevertheless, the essence of faith in God has endured, perhaps stronger than ever. Although the ways that people worship and connect with the divine have transformed, the intrinsic desire to encounter God remains.

Part 'cream' from Dalit quota mix: Why Chirag Paswan & Jitan Ram Manjhi are clashing over SC reservations

A lively discussion among Dalit leaders is underway regarding the sub-classification of Dalits and the implementation of a creamy layer principle for reservations. Recent data highlights notable disparities in job quotas among various Dalit sub-castes. In a significant move, the Supreme Court has authorized states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes, aiming to funnel resources to those Dalit communities facing the most challenges.

UPI can do more tricks among BRICS

India is championing the integration of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for cross-border digital transactions within BRICS countries. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to cut down the hefty costs associated with traditional international money transfers. Preliminary discussions with nations like Brazil indicate promising potential for adoption. However, technical challenges such as backend system compatibility and data flow management present hurdles that need to be addressed.

Div Com Kashmir chairs meeting to address issues related to Medicity project

Srinagar, Sep 9: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting to review and resolve issues related to the Medicity project. Besides Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior officers from the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, SIDCO, Industries & Commerce Deptt and Project Coordinator Sajad Nazir Shah attended the meeting. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the demarcation of land earmarked for the Medicity project, as well as 15-metre Right of Way/the buffer area between new Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Highcourt complex & Medicity. The Divisional Commissioner took note of the issues raised by the concerned departments and the executing agency and directed the officers to undertake a joint inspection of the site to resolve the matter of demarcation of allocated land. He further directed that revenue officers from the concerned departments be associated with the demarcation process to ensure that the land is demarcated strictly in accordance with the approved plan of 2021. Anshul Garg also stressed the need to ensure the requisite right of way to the Medicity project so that the implementation of the project proceeds smoothly and without further impediments. Meanwhile, DC Srinagar assured suppprt to facilitate the resolution of the issue at the earliest. Earlier, project coordinator apprised the chair regarding the approved plan of Medicity and Right of Way.

Kashmirs cinema needs workshops, film school to nurture local talent, says Imtiaz Ali

Two arrested for raping of Class 7 student in J-Ks Poonch

Mendhar, Sep 9: A Class 7 student was allegedly raped by a cab driver and his friend in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Wednesday. Both accused were arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those pertaining to gangrape, kidnapping and wrongful confinement, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the officials said. They said a man lodged a complaint at Gursai police station late Wednesday afternoon, claiming that his daughter, a Class 7 student, while returning home boarded a cab driven by Zahoor Mushtaq alias Sonu who took her to his house along with his friend Mohd Irfan on September 6. The accused allegedly kept the girl in captivity for three days and raped her repeatedly, the officials said, quoting the complainant. Acting swiftly, the police arrested both the accused and further investigation is on, the officials said.

UIDAI launches Aadhaar face authentication tools for banks, fintechs to meet multi-factor authentication needs

New Delhi, Sep 9: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK (Software Development Kit) and Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, enabling ecosystem partners to integrate, test and deploy Aadhaar Face Authentication more seamlessly within their digital applications. The Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK brings UIDAIs Face Authentication capability directly into native Android and iOS applications. It eliminates the need for users to switch between applications, enabling a smoother, single-app authentication experience. The ready-to-use SDK simplifies integration for ecosystem partners while incorporating AI/ML-based liveness and anti-spoofing capabilities. It also supports secure handling and encryption of authentication data and is designed to work across consumer smartphones. The SDK is expected to help government departments, banks, fintechs and other organisations deploy Face Authentication-enabled services more efficiently. Alongside the SDK, UIDAI also launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox, a secure and controlled environment that allows organisations to integrate, test and validate the complete Face Authentication journey before production onboarding. The Sandbox enables developers and quality assurance teams to test key stages, including user provisioning and consent, face capture, liveness checks, authentication, error handling, and response validation-- without requiring external biometric hardware. It also allows testing of failure scenarios such as invalid digital signatures, network interruptions, timeouts and spoofing attempts. The launch of the SDK and Sandbox fulfills a long-standing demand of the Fintech and banking ecosystem to build a seamless, and secure user onboarding journey from within the user bank/fintech organisations mobile application. It simplifies the journey. The user downloads only one app, say a banking/ insurance/ broking app and does Aadhaar authentication from within the app. Earlier, for a similar experience, a background app called FaceRD app was needed. This made the user onboarding journey longer and dependent on the presence of the Aadhaar FaceRD app. With this launch, it reduces the need for multiple apps for Aadhaar Face Authentication UIDAIs indigenously engineered AI/ML-driven Face Authentication solution, which was launched in 2021, has processed over 500 crore transactions and been adopted by nearly 200 entities, including Union Government ministries and departments, State Governments, Banks, NBFCs, telecom operators, brokerage firms and certifying authorities among others. The technology received the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 under the Innovation category. Face Authentication is widely used across services like submission of Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) by pensioners, Ayushman Bharat beneficiary onboarding, DBT schemes, Aadhaar-enabled payments, SIM activation through e-KYC, beneficiary authentication for schemes like PM e-Drive, PM Awas Yojana and PM Kisan etc. UIDAI also unveiled a Playbook on ease of Onboarding which will work as a guide for BFSI entities to get onboarded in the UIDAI authentication ecosystem for ID verification of its customers, staff, and other business partners.

Srinagar Smart City: A decade later, what has really changed? | Ep 1

More than a decade after the Smart City vision was launched, Srinagar has seen a dramatic transformationfrom walking plazas and underground wiring to e-buses and a revamped riverfront. But on the ground, broken pavements, waterlogging and questions over maintenance continue to frustrate traders and residents. In Episode 1 of our Srinagar Smart City series, we ask a simple question: Has the Smart City project truly made life smarter for people or is there still a long way to go? Report: Saqib Malik Camera: Mubashir Khan Edit: Afnan Habib

In conversation: Asif Ali Haider Khan on theatre, playwriting and adapting stories for the stage

Kashmir ideal destination for filmmaking: Spanish filmmaker at IFFJK

Srinagar, Sep 9: Spanish filmmaker and producer Anna Saura Ramon on Wednesday described Kashmir as an ideal destination for filmmaking, praising its scenic landscapes, lakes, natural light and hospitality while calling for stronger cinematic ties between India and Spain. Speaking to reporters on the third day of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) at SKICC Srinagar, Saura, according to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said film festivals play an important role in promoting cinema and creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to discover films from different parts of the world. This is my vist to Kashmir and India. I hope to come again, Saura said, adding that she was looking forward to exploring Srinagar and experiencing the local culture. On the scope for collaboration between Indian and Spanish cinema, she said there were differences between the two industries, but language should not become a barrier to stronger artistic relationships. I think we can push for better relationships between India and Spain, she said, adding that there were opportunities for filmmakers from both countries to connect and work together. Talking about Kashmir as a filming destination, Saura said the Valley had immense potential for filmmakers because of its landscapes, lakes and quality of natural light. Of course, you have to promote Kashmir. There are great locations, good light for shooting and beautiful lakes, she said. Saura also said she had already shared pictures of Kashmir with a friend, who suggested that the Valley could be explored as a potential location for filmmaking. Asked whether she would consider casting Indian actors in a future India-Spain production, she said there was no reason why filmmakers could not work with actors from India. There are lots of Indian-Spanish films that you will like, she said. On the possibility of international studios and filmmakers coming to Kashmir, Saura said greater cooperation between governments and the film industry could help attract productions to the region. I am sure they will come and shoot here and make a movie, she said. Reacting to IFFJK, Saura described it as a major initiative and expressed hope that the festival would have a long life. It is important for everyone, she said, adding that such festivals provide an opportunity to bring films and filmmakers from outside and expose local audiences to international cinema. Saura also praised the atmosphere and hospitality in Kashmir, saying her first visit to India, particularly to Kashmir, had been a positive experience. Saura is known for her work as a producer and director, including the documentary The Kid in the Photo.

Terror funding case: Delhi HC asks NIA if Er Rashid can be released on bail with stringent conditions

New Delhi, Sep 9: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the National Investigation Agency whether Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, who is in jail in a terror funding case, could be released on bail with stringent conditions. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan asked the NIA counsel to get instructions on the issue and listed the matter on November 3. The bench said there was no doubt that Rashid was an influential person as he has become a member of Parliament. The court is putting to you -- the biggest threat from him is his physical presence in Kashmir because he has a lot of local influence. Suppose there is stringent condition that he will remain only in Delhi, what is your (NIA) response? That he will find a place of residence and remain only in Delhi, the court said. NIA counsel to take instructions on whether the applicant (Rashid) can be released on bail under stringent conditions, including the condition to remain in Delhi, the bench added. It noted that he has been in custody for almost seven years and there are a total of 240 witnesses in the case and the trial would take a long time to conclude. The court was hearing arguments on Rashids plea seeking bail in the terror case lodged under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. During the hearing, NIAs counsel opposed the bail contending that there was sufficient evidence on record to show that Rashid was prima facie guilty. He argued that the allegations made against Rashid were serious in nature and he has allegedly engaged in anti-national activities, funded stone-pelters after receiving funds from Pakistan and also engaged in hate speech. Rashid was earlier granted interim bail to attend the ceremonies related to his fathers demise. Rashid is facing trial in the terror-funding case. He faces allegations that he funded separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after the NIA arrested him in the 2017 case. After he was named in a chargesheet in October 2019, a special NIA court framed charges against Rashid and others in March 2022 under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code and under relevant provisions of the stringent UAPA.

Labourer dies in wall collapse at crusher unit in Mendhar

Mendhar, Sep 9: A 50-year-old labourer died after sustaining serious injuries in a wall collapse incident at a crusher unit in Uchhad area of Mendhar in Poonch district on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Tasaduq Hussain, son of Said Mohammad, resident of Chatral village of Rajouri, who was working as a labourer at the crusher unit. According to reports, a cemented wall at the crusher unit suddenly collapsed, leaving Hussain injured. He was immediately shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Mendhar for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. After completion of necessary medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to the legal heirs for last rites. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further proceedings are underway.

Rotten chicken, fish seized in Ladakh's Nubra, shopkeepers warned of strict action

Nubra, Sep 9: The Ladakh administration on Wednesday warned traders against selling rotten or otherwise unfit non-vegetarian food items, after a large quantity of rotten chicken and fish was seized from a shop in Diskit market of Nubra district. An official said that acting on a report regarding the sale of rotten chicken and fish in Diskit Market, Tehsildar Diskit, Tashi Jorgais, issued an order under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing the immediate removal and disposal of the unfit food items. As per the order, a shopkeeper, Bilal Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed Bhat, resident of Kulgam, Srinagar, was found engaged in the sale and supply of rotten chicken and fish at his shop, Bilal Chicken Shop, located at Diskit, Nubra. The food items were found unfit for human consumption and posed a serious threat to public health. The order directed that the rotten chicken and fish stored or displayed for sale be removed and disposed of immediately in accordance with the prescribed procedure. It further directed that no rotten, stale or otherwise unfit food items shall be stored, displayed or sold in the market in future. The official said the seized food items were subsequently disposed of safely and in accordance with the prescribed procedure, ensuring that they posed no risk or danger to human beings or animals. The disposal was carried out in the presence of the TSO Diskit, Chhering Tundup, FCS&CA Department, a Patwari from the Revenue Department, police personnel and sanitary inspectors. The Tehsildar also warned that any failure to comply with the order or any recurrence of such violations would invite appropriate action under the relevant provisions of law, official added.

Freedom of navigation and respect for international law should remain pivotal priorities: Rajnath Singh

Colombo, Sep 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade should remain pivotal priorities as they are crucial for the growth and prosperity of South Asia. Singh made the remarks at a public event after he held an extremely productive meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during which they reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka would continue to work jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. Speaking on 'India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region-Civilisational Partners with intertwined destinies in Colombo, Singh also said that Indian and Sri Lankan ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while their maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity of the region. Together, India and Sri Lanka are well positioned to serve as the closest partners in safeguarding peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region, he said. Singh, who arrived in Colombo on Tuesday for a three-day visit, becoming the first Indian defence minister to visit Sri Lanka in 38 years, said that freedom of navigation and ensuring open trade routes are crucial for the growth and prosperity of the region. Therefore, secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, unhindered maritime trade and commerce should remain our pivotal priorities, he said. It is essential that we work together towards shaping a favourable, secure maritime environment, remaining ready to address emerging maritime challenges in the first instance, before they become a serious threat to our developmental interests and the bright future of our region, he said. Singh said that Sri Lanka occupies a salient strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region, overlooking a vast ocean characterised by crisscrossing busy trade routes. These routes are not only the arteries for global trade, but also determine the trajectory of our growth and development as well as the safety and security of our region, he said. Today, the Indian Ocean is not merely a waterway, but the stage on which the economic and strategic future of our region will be written, he said. For India and Sri Lanka, both maritime nations bound by this shared ocean, this is not a matter of abstract theory but of lived, everyday reality one that shapes our trade, our security and our destinies alike, he said. Sri Lanka, like India, is undoubtedly central to any strategic discourse on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the minister said. In Sri Lanka, India sees a friendly neighbour, a longstanding friend and a reliable partner. India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation is thus not only mutually beneficial but quintessential to our collective safety and security, Singh said. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Indian Ocean has come to occupy a place of immense contemporary relevance. As emerging economies and fellow democracies, we have a shared future, he said. Singh said India would be delighted to share its experience and work closely with Sri Lanka for the continued growth and prosperity of the region. Our development projects in Sri Lanka are always focused on the requirements of the people of Sri Lanka and the priorities set by the Sri Lankan Government. As the Indian Ocean is entering into a period of profound strategic and economic transformation, India and Sri Lanka must synergise their efforts and build upon our collective competencies to tackle the emerging challenges, the minister said. Our ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while our maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity not only of our own people but our region as well. The future of IndiaSri Lanka relations should therefore be based on a simple premise that proximity creates interdependence, which in turn creates immense opportunities for a shared evolution, he said, terming Sri Lanka a trusted global friend. On the fishermen issue, Singh said the two countries need to work together to address fisheries disputes in a mutually beneficial manner, keeping in view the relevant laws and geographic jurisdictions. We need to work together to strengthen our systems to avoid fisheries disputes, handle them with due care and concern as this is a livelihood issue, while at the same time ensure maritime law enforcement, he said. I foresee a future where our two countries move forward as joint stakeholders in developing a mutually beneficial and integrated maritime domain awareness system to provide comprehensive maritime information on a real-time basis. This would entail systematic cooperation and interaction amongst concerned agencies, navies and Coast Guards of the two countries with a view to addressing the challenges of illegal fishing, suspicious vessel tracking, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other security threats, he said. India is always willing to join hands with Sri Lanka in areas like capacity building and exercises, Singh said, adding that India is also committed to assisting Sri Lanka in whichever way possible to further enhance such cooperation. He said that going beyond the traditional template, the two countries need to build upon the existing complementarities and develop new paradigms for a closer and stronger maritime partnership. This is the basis of MAHASAGAR, Prime Minister Modis vision for the Indian Ocean Region. Mutual and Holistic are key words in this concept, underscoring the importance of synergy, cooperation and collaboration, he said. Our two countries can establish a joint maritime HADR system by involving all concerned agencies, disaster management and scientific organisations to cooperate and provide rapid response in cases of natural calamities and man-made disasters, he said. Singh said maritime cooperation should include, in addition to the security framework, an institutionalised structure for deepening and strengthening an economic framework in areas including fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, maritime environment protection and preservation and maritime tourism.

J&K HC bins discharge order, says secessionist slogans alongside separatist leader attract UAPA

Srinagar, Sep 9: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has set aside the discharge of an accused in a UAPA case stating that secessionist sloganeering in a mob in the presence of the head of a banned separatist organisation prima facie falls under the definition of unlawful activity. A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar set aside the discharge of Mohammad Yousuf Lone in a 2013 UAPA case by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (Designated Special Court under NIA Act) Kupwara. The sloganeering for secession, raised by an accused leading a mob in the company of the head of a proscribed separatist organisation, coupled with incitement of the public and violence against security forces, is capable, on a prima facie appreciation, of falling squarely within this definition, the bench observed in its order. According to the case, a mob headed by Mohammad Yousuf Lone and Late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the banned Hurriyat Conference, came out of Jamia Masjid in Kupwara on November 8, 2013, raised anti-national slogans against the Government of India, and pelted stones at police and security forces. The separatist leaders also allegedly instigated the general public against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union of India, according to the chargesheet. The trial court has recorded, in a single sentence in paragraph 6 of the order impugned, that the facts 'do not fulfil the ingredients of Sections 2(o) of ULA(P) Act' without setting out the reasoning by which the specific statements or conduct attributed to the respondent in the chargesheet were tested against the statutory definition. This amounts to a bare conclusion rather than a reasoned finding, the high court said. It said the material with chargesheet -- including the recorded slogans, the leadership role attributed to the respondent, and the resultant violence -- discloses a strong suspicion sufficient to put the respondent on trial, leaving the question of whether the charges are ultimately proved to be examined at trial and not foreclosed at the threshold. It is trite that an order of discharge must reflect application of judicial mind to the material on record, and that the findings at the charge stage, though summary, cannot be conclusory. However, it is abundantly clear from perusal of the order impugned that the same does not indicate that the specific contents of the chargesheet, the statements of the witnesses to the procession, the site plan, and the material, alleged to link the respondent to the incitement and the resultant violence, were tested against the ingredients of Section 13 read with Section 2(o) of the UAPA before the conclusion of non-applicability was recorded. On this ground, the order impugned is unsustainable and calls for interference, it added. The court said it is neither making any definitive finding on the guilt or innocence of the respondent, nor expressing any opinion on the ultimate merits of the case. However, when specific material is brought on record that, on the face of it, discloses the commission of an offence and the complicity of the respondent, the trial court cannot act as a mute spectator and shut the doors of trial without assigning valid legal reasons, it added. Allowing the criminal appeal filed by the state, the high court directed that the chargesheet be restored and the trial court proceed with the framing of charge against the respondent afresh after considering the material placed on record by the appellant.